Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki
The Story of Ming Lan
Episode 60
Your daughter-in-law tried to talk in all ways .
But my sister is just so bent on it.
And she just wouldn't listen to me no matter what.
Forget it. I didn't expect you to put this honestly to your mind anyway.
So forget it. You stay out of this matter then.
I will surely in the future . . .
Minglan isn't birthed by you.
You don't regard her seriously and I can't force you to.
A woman being mindful of her maiden home is common so I can let that go.
But the way your elbow bends towards her is extreme by miles.
You're even lavishing the Kang House.
How did I?
Stand up.
Stand over there.
I won't exhaust myself to explain other principles.
Since you won't understand anyway.
I've said to you over and over already.
Not to acquaint Kang House.
And disallow her to come to our home no matter what.
But you let her come behind my back.
You defy your elder like this.
You disregard me. Kneel.
What?
Kneel here?
Kneel.
Back when Lin was still around,
you were indeed compromised.
So no matter what offense you commit,
I would only say a few words and never did I really go severe.
But now I see that I spoiled you too much.
You kneel here for a day.
If she dares to come again, you go and kneel in the yard.
Mother. Mother. I concede to punishment.
But this, isn't it too harsh?
I am the main wife in charge of the house!
If you won't concede, go find your husband.
If you still don't concede, go back to your maiden home.
Big Madam.
Get lost!
Don't think I don't know you're laughing at me.
Get lost!
They really just sent her away?
[ Gu House Shrine ]
They just sent her out.
Our people followed and saw Sheng House rush to send the woman out of the city in a carriage in the rain.
Neither did they wait for a clear weather nor the daylight.
Sheng House's brat.
She looks so petite and delicate. An illegitimate born.
But she's actually an opponent.
Yes. She suddenly makes this act of pulling the carpet under us.
Even if we expose her, that Kang Zhao'er is already sent away.
The one from Kang House is an useless thing.
Putting all my tongue waging to vain.
Other than having a loud voice, she's trash.
I never thought that Madam Sheng is so young,
yet she makes her moves with so much weight and astuteness.
Not half a loophole and had us fooled completely.
And just like that she's finished the deal.
Big Madam. I think this brat isn't an easy opponent.
Maybe we should just quit.
There are only two paths no matter what.
Either I let Second boil me with fire.
Or I choose my own way of an ending.
Big Madam.
I have a Buddhist figure in my room. The Maitreya.
It was actually begged from a high monk by the old marquis.
He would pray to this figure daily in the room.
Do you know?
What was he praying for?
It must be for the family's rise of glory.
You're wrong.
Maitreya is the future bodhisattva.
He was praying
that he meet my big sister again in the next life.
That . . . isn't for sure.
Actually the old marquis knew very clearly.
Big Sister wasn't actually a great mate.
She wasn't endowed for birth and child-rearing.
She wasn't gifted in managing house.
And her life as short.
But he just loved her.
No matter how great others were, no matter how virtuous.
That's all useless.
That's all in the past.
Old Marquis doted on you too.
Old Marquis really loved Big Sister.
After Big Sister died,
he just became
an empty shell in this house.
Easily swayed by tides.
These days,
seeing Second and his bride, that passion.
It's exactly the same as his old man.
Both are born as pig heads.
If this Sheng Minglan dies,
that Second will be crippled.
It's true. He would be crippled for real.
So this time, I don't want anything else.
I only want Sheng Minglan's life!
Big Madam!
This is the shrine, and you can't say that.
Am I supposed to be scared of these useless wood?
Big Madam.
Big Madam. Best to be careful.
If you really did that,
there's no way to retreat unharmed.
How about we just keep waiting.
And she might be met with some mishap on her own.
Wait? When will I ever get this great opportunity again?
So many are trying to kill Second in the south.
He thought he was so thorough in self-defense.
But as long as those around him,
if they show just a slight crevice,
you watch! You watch in whose hands he will die!
Even if he doesn't die on the road,
it's fine. He can come back.
Come back and he will only see Sheng Minglan's corpse!
Big Madam.
At that time, Gu Tingye's heart will be completely broken.
Then he can just marry some useless chit.
And she won't be as difficult to deal with as Sheng Minglan.
Even if he garners another legitimate heir.
Who can know when that will be!
This husband who longs for his deceased wife.
A step wife who can never grasp her husband's heart.
And that can never be a harmonious family!
At that time, we just stir up the muddy water for fish. And that's much easier than now.
Even if . . .
Even if Sheng Minglan's child in her womb . . .
If that child doesn't die.
Then he will be stuck with a stepmother.
And that's a great show to watch as well.
At that time, this house.
This family! This family will be so bustling.
Second's bride. How is she now?
How's her complexion?
Though the matter is finished,
according to Fengxian, when she went to pay her respect,
she saw that her complexion wasn't refreshed.- Great.
Fengxian also said she's not eating much lately.- Great!
Saying she's queasy. And earlier she was queasy too.
But she still ate more than now so it must be the stress of things.
Great!
More troubles and less eating. Neither is a sign of longevity.
Luck and peace.
I'm old.
But this pair of husband and wife. They are in their prime.
If I really
just take in my last breath,
I . . .
I can't be content!
Alright. Alright.
Alright.
Big Miss, please talk to her.
Big Madam lost face really harshly.
Get lost!
You just want me to die! You all get lost!
Mother.
You heartless deadbeat brat!
Where have you been? - Mother.
You . . . your mother's about to be forced dead.
And you still didn't come, you would be cleaning up my bones.
Mother.
Mother, stop crying.
Others will laugh at it and you'd lose face.
Face?
What face?
I've married into the Sheng House for decades.
I've endured until today.
And I have you three siblings.
One's an official and the others are married.
Now I'm all alone in this inner courtyard.
And I get to be wasted by others to their like.
Your aunt's full of big ideas and I can't persuade her so what else can I do?
I can't live.
Mother. Grandmother isn't blaming you for not being able to persuade aunt.
She blames you for not recognizing right and wrong, good and bad.
Think. The way Aunt used to scold and berate Minglan.
Why should Minglan respect and honor her?
Even you think of her and you don't go to Gu House to ask for favor out of respect to shunning.
You didn't want to trouble her and have her belittled by her husband's family.
But here comes Aunt.
Going there with full fanfare to put up air and wield authority.
That's the fox exploiting the tiger's might.
Using our Sheng honor to add superiority for Kang House.
What do you know?
That Ming brat isn't blood-related to me.
She reached high and isn't obedient anymore.
That Zhao'er is much more docile than Ming brat.
She will be easy to use later on.
You're muddled. You speak like a child.
Minglan isn't a blood relation to you.
But no matter what, she's a biological sister to us siblings.
If something happens, on the account of the Sheng House,
on the account of the old madam, Minglan would help us.
Can't be that this Kang Zhao'er is closer to us than Minglan.
Your aunt isn't without fault.
But what do you guys know?
Since your younger brother became an official.
He is just getting busier and busier and now he's out.
You and Ru'er have your own families to take care of.
With your father and your grandmother,
I have never been on the same page.
In this grand courtyard, everyone finds me a pest.
Except for your aunt who is willing to hear me out.
And she and I can converse easily.
Other than her, who is willing to pay attention to me?
But it's alright.
In a couple of months, my Wang House is coming.
My mother.
My older brother. They're all coming.
In this capital city, I will have a backer too.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki
Old Sister, we haven't seen each other in years!
Let's eat a family meal together. Come on.
Come. Come.
Mother-in-law, big brother-in-law isn't here.
It'll take a few more days.
The matters in hand must be taken care of thoroughly before he leaves that job.
You are the best child.
And you've been promoted lately?
It's all thanks to your high regard of me back then and your willingness to consent the marriage that I have today.
He kept saying once you come,
and once my big brother comes, we have to welcome you well.
What welcome or not?
Seeing all you children,
I feel happier than if I had taken the divine pill.
Come, come.
Everyone's here today.
But I don't see Sixth Miss with the girl from your home.
There's an extra seat outside for the children's table.
Isn't her child in her womb?
And it's here too.
Mother. The fifth girl in my house.
She's gone to the old homestead with the husband to pay tribute today so she can't make it here.
She said she wants you to save some sesame cakes she loves.
Alright, alright. We'll save it for her.
I mean the illegitimate daughter from outside.
Her name is Rong'er or Feng'er, right?
You ought to be good to her and bring her to see this kind of sight.
So she can praise you as a virtuous main mother.
Mother-in-law, that child's got a bit of a chill.
So we won't have her come and risk spreading the illness.
The child is more urgent. She needs to nurse her illness.
Yes. Girls are not like boisterous boys.
Their bodies are more delicate.
How precious is she? Who isn't precious?
I think you just . . .
Which family's child isn't precious?
A girl of 9 or 10 years of age is so delicate.
You don't even understand that?
Hurry and eat.
Try this now.
Come.
Mother-in-law, allow me to toast to you.
Come.
General of Weibei's manor has someone here.
Saying Madam Zhang is in difficult labor and wants to see me.
Dear Buddha.
You are close friend of hers so you better go see.
This is the lady's trip to hell's gate.
Ming'er. You have to watch your own body.
Yes.
Come, come. Eat. - Mother-in-law.
My good son-in-law.
This Old Wang Madam.
She's lived far out for years and she knows my Rong'er's age.
She also knows I'm good friends with Sister Zhang.
She's so up to date in news.
Who knows what that Madam Kang says behind you.
I think this illness of yours is much better.
Don't rush to tend to those official documents. Recuperate first.
I told your maternal grandmother already. After you're done filing this post,
we'll have your maternal uncle find a post for you outside the capital.
Mother. Stop asking uncle for favors.
Sister sent me a letter not long ago saying aunt-in-law's mother-in-law's very strict.
If you go ask uncle for favors again, it will be hard on him.
Forget it.
You don't need to worry about it.
As long as your maternal grandmother is alive, this Wang House isn't your aunt-in-law's turn to be in charge.
Mother, you can't ask favors forever.
Also, I will work hard myself and I can still achieve it.
I already made the arrangements for you.
Father.
I will talk to you mother so you go first.
Yes.
What a rare guest.
You've dealt with the outside.
And you can actually think of coming here?
I suppose you saw my mother,
and you found out my brother is coming to the capital too.
And so you're putting some hope in our Wang House?
Everyone in the family knows you sold my daughter.
Except for me!
I found a great future like Gu House for Zhao'er.
Isn't that for our Kang House's sake too?
You belittled Sheng House before.
Saying my sister's husband curries favor and loses the honor of scholars.
Now we're currying favor too.
What a fart!
Brother Sheng just got promoted to 4th rank a few days ago.
And he's gone to the grain route.
Do you know what grain route is?
It's a fatty job. An important job!
Now his son-in-law's prestigious and his son is successful.
The whole house is favored.
How are they willing to share a cup of stew with others?
And you've thought of sending a daughter to snatch his daughter's position?
What you did was trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice.
You didn't get to eat any goat meat but got yourself covered in goat stench!
Since I've offended them already,
then we don't quit and we finish the matter.
Before,
us and that Gu House were distant relatives.
And I have to be watchful of my sister and brother-in-law's moods.
But now, if Gu House takes in Zhao'er.
Yes. The reputation isn't so nice to hear but we got the real stuff.
So we can acquaint Gu House directly in the future.
You thought it was going to succeed?
Zhao'er been sent to Youyang already!
What? What did you just say?
Brother Sheng took me to the side earlier.
He said he couldn't bear to watch my daughter become a concubine.
So they will find a good match for her in Youyang.
And he said, not to be so harsh with Zhao'er real mother anymore.
Saying it should be considered buildling up merit with good deeds.
Upon hearing that, I had no place to put my face from that shame.
I . . . if it hadn't been
your devotion to my father's mourning of three years,
I would give you the repudiating papers now.
Repudiate me? Go ahead and do it now if you dare.
You think I am afraid to repudiate you?
I think you can't spare the assistance from my Wang House!
You thought I was willing to live this Kang life?
You keep getting a concubine incessantly.
And if you could spare me from worrying about your son's future and the money at home.
I wouldn't make a sound even if you got yourself a few hundred women.
But you're just a tough mouth outside.
And hallow inside.
Today, I have to beg my brother.
Tomorrow, I have to ask my brother-in-law and I have to fill the coffer deficit with my dowry.
Kang Haifeng. You little loser of a cuckold.
How was I so blind back then to pick you to marry?
I . . .
If you dare to yak more I will report you as having gone mad.
And I will nail shut your room and lock you in.
You . . .
I . . . I will never let those guys off.
You just watch.
How is it?
It's not good. My madam said this.
She can only be assured once Sheng Madam is here.
So we had to invite you suddenly.
Last time I came, the doctor said another ten days or more.
How is she suddenly . . - This morning that whore Little Zou insisted on curtsy.
My miss said she didn't want to see her.
But she said before the general left for camp patrol, he told her she had to come.
So the two sides pulled and pushed and she knocked into my miss.
Mother Fan, don't fret.
The more the situation like this, the more you have to be calm.
Or if we get ourselves fretting in ruckus, who will your big madam depend on?
Yes.
Is the midwife here? And the doctor?- We found two midwives in a rush.
And we invited the doctor from the imperial palace who specializes in women care, Doctor Zhao.
Careful.
Bear it.
How is she? - You hold on for me.
Don't call my parents.
They had me at old age and they are elderly now.
They can't bear it.
But by myself won't do either.
We need your father and mother to come.
If they come and see me like this, they will only be heart-broken.
You . . . you . . .
You're muddled. Half a life.
You're halfway in the hell's gate so why do you think of that?
You bear it through for me.
Don't be scared. Everyone who delivers a baby needs to do this.
I will hold things up for you outside and you listen to the midwife.
Big Madam, continue to bear it. It's not lowered yet.
Yes, bear it more.
Is the midwife reliable? - They are all seasoned help for the duchess.
Their maiden home or children's contracts are all in the ducal house.
Where is the Duke of the State?- Dute of the State is at camp patrol.
Hurry and send someone to invite both the Duke and the Duchess back.
But our miss said no.
I said to invite them earlier and she threw a huge temper.
It's alright. After she's birthed the child, she can vent her anger at me. You just send someone to go now.
Yes.
I was told the general is at camp patrol. Is he with the duke?
Is he on official duty or personal patrol?
General left from our yard this morning.
He said he was afraid the subordinates will languish so he had to go see.
I didn't hear him say it was official matter or that he was with the duke of the state.
Since it's not offical matter, invite the general back too.
On fast horse. Hurry.
Hurry, hurry. Go invite the general.
Tell the doctor to come talk to me.
Imperial Doctor Zhao's been detained by Concubine Zou's men.
What? Detained?
Earlier the doctor went out to the lavatory and on the way back,
he ran into Concubine Zou and she asked to have her pulse checked.
But who knew that Concubine Zou's older brother and wife were there to.
They heard the imperial doctor came from the palace.
So they forced him to go to their room.
Lancao is still waiting there.
Those wretched turds.
Summon the male servant to invite him back.
Hurry.
Big Madam's birthed a few before so you're experienced?
I've never been in labor. But I've seen someone lose her life in labor.
You all hear me. You must secure Big Madam Zhang's life.
Big Madam Zhang's suffered a knock into her and the child's gone horizontal.
I understand. This matter is very hard?
If the doctor can put in needles, it might improve.
I know some doctors have the special skill.
And they can bring back a fainted woman in labor back with just a needle of acupuncture.
And some are even more skilled and with just one needle, they can secure the position of the fetus.
Good. I will find the doctor.
Mother Hu, you ladies take care of her.
If we can get pass this, the duke and the duchess of state.
The entire house of imperial uncle will be grateful to you.
You ladies focus on the work without worry of others.
We will surely look after her well.
What? Where's Doctor Zhao?
I went to Concubine Zou's with two male servants.
We told her we're waiting to birth the child here and asked them to bring the doctor out.
But who knew, that Uncle Zou slapped me.
And he said he's not seen any imperial doctors.
I told Xiaoli and Xiaomu to go in and find him but they out-numbered and out-powered us.
They kept those confined and beat them.
Did you see Imperial Doctor Zhao?
No. I never even saw him.
I don't know if he's really left their yard.
He was invited here to help your big madam in labor.
If he's left, he would be coming this way.
You personally saw them take Doctor Zhao away?
Yes. I saw it personally. Even if I have to testify at Keifeng Precicnt, that is what I will still say.
Is there any national law left?
Our miss is a noble lady, the legitimate main wife.
And she's having to endure such sinister and filthy wrong?
Big Madam.
Big Madam, right up front.
Right turn up front and we're there.
Up front here?
Royal Physician Zhao!
Why are you shouting?
What is a woman like you doing? Royal Physician Zhao has long gone.
Indeed. After Royal Physician Zhao checked my pulses,
we then sent him away in a proper manner.
- Search the courtyard!- Stop right there!- Where do you think you are?!
- Stop them!- How dare you!
- Search!- Get lost!
You dare to search the general manor?!
- You don't want to live anymore, is that it?! - Mother!
Don't move!
Sister-in-law...
Royal Physician Zhao!
- Stop him!- Where's Royal Physician Zhao?
Big Madam, they brought Royal Physician Zhao
to the back courtyard to drink tea. When I arrived, royal physician is so anxious that he's stomping his foot.
Is Big Madam in labor?
Yes. Royal Physician, let's not waste time. Take him away.
Okay. Okay.
Who do you think you are?! You dare to drag people out of my little sister's courtyard?!
I'm gravely ill and you dare to drag away the doctor?!
Do you want to kill me?!
Are you alright?
You...are you alright?
I've seen this trick when I was still a child, but I'm not a child anymore!
[ Shen Manor ]
How come Big Madam Zhang isn't making any sound?
This is a job that require a lot of strength. If you put all your strength in shouting,
you won't have any energy to give birth to the child later.
- Who do you think your family is?!- Big Madam, you know so much.
Tell me. Tell me.
Yes. Yes. Calm down first.
My daughter with such hard fate.
I got this daughter when I was already quite old.
She's a blessing from the deities above.
How may people laughed at me for being an old clam bearing a pearl?
I wasn't afraid of their laughs.
I just want this daughter.
You think my daughter was stuffed into your house?
You think my daughter can't be married off,
that she must make a connection with your family, is that it?
Later, she might be escalating her lecture to Her Highness Empress.
Let's bring these tea and fruits to deliver to Duchess of State
to interrupt them and save General Shen.
Duchess and General, are you hungry?
Forgive me for being rude. It's about to be midnight soon.
I asked someone to prepare me some fruits. Taste them.
Fill your stomach with these first. It will take a long time to deliver a child.
Good child. What Duchess?
Just call me auntie.
You even are pregnant, yet you did all of that for my daughter.
Child, I'll remember you.
My daughter really has a hard life.
She's now even struggling at the palace of the God of Hell. I really don't know
what sin have I committed!
You... I...
If anything bad happens to my daughter, you...
Auntie. Auntie. Calm down a little.
Calm down. Sister is now inside giving birth.
This house is depending on you.
You mustn't panic.
Oh, no! Oh, no, Madam! Miss...
Miss is dying...
- My daughter!- What's going on?
- How is that possible?- Daughter! Daughter!
- Mother!- Hold on!- Here! Here!
- Mother!- Mother is here!
Child, hold on.
Your father will be here soon.
Endure it a little, my child!
Exert a bit more! Exert a bit more!
- Exert a bit more.- My child...
Push!
Look! She's hemorrhaging!
Hurry. Hurry.
- General, get more cloth!- Father! Mother!
I'm doing my filial duties one last time!
My wife!
- She's given birth! She's given birth!- The child is out!
Kick Little Lady Zhou out of your house.
She...
She committed a grave mistake. I surely will cruelly punish her.
But I beg father-in-law...
I really can't do it for her older sister's sake.
Pitying one's servant because of considering past affection.
Also giving out one's wealth because of a dream.
Remembering one's wife shows how deep your love and loyalty is.
I'm a man, so I understand.
Since that's the case, State Uncle, just write us a separation letter.
Our two houses will divide and just strive for each future separately.
You... What are you saying?
I've told you that my daughter didn't beg you to marry her.
It's also not as if she can't be married off that we must stuff her into your house.
It's good that you didn't forget your past wife.
But keeping a snake in your house who will create future trouble
is deliberately wanting the life of my daughter.
Today, she's able to preserve half of her life.
That is because she had the good fate of meeting Marquess Gu.
If not, the one we're seeing now is her corpse.
State Uncle, let our families just part in an amicable manner.
After you write a separation letter, we'll still be able to act in a civil manner
when we see each other here in the capital.
Or else, if we shed all pretenses in front of the emperor, it would be hard for all of us to still maintain a good relationship.
I won't separate.
No...
You won't amicably separate?
Are you still planning to divorce her?!
No! No! I'm not divorcing her.
From now on, I surely will treat her well and carefully cherish her.
I won't let anything bad happening to her again.
Enough! Saying all these now
is worth nothing anymore.
- Nanny Fan!- Here!
Has the carriage been prepared?
Replying to Madam, we're done customizing the carriage.
We've placed a thick layer of bedding inside.
We've also painted cow oil inside, ensuring that no wind will get in.
Miss will surely not suffer any cold.
Let's go.
Father-in-law!
Mother-in-law!
Good child, thank you for today.
It's a bit chaotic right now. We'll surely visit the marquis manor next time
to thank you for doing your best to help us.
You're welcome. As long as sister will recuperate well,
no need to put anything else to heart.
Father-in-law, let's discuss this further. Don't let my wife get exposed to the cold wind.
The child hasn't been born that long yet.
Every step you stop me, I would be walking a step slower.
Every time I slow down my step, Fen'er will then suffer a step more of jolting and pain.
If you still have a conscience, then get lost.
Father-in-law! Wife!
Since flooding has abated in the western main camp,
the personnel and horses there should have settled down by now.
A few days ago, subject Shen went to check on them.
Subject Shen.
Informing Your Majesty, General Shen is absent today.
Duke Ying of the State went to the east to organize the troops there.
What about the situation in the east?
Duke Ying of the State sent there letter to ask for a leave of absence to the Ministry of Personnel last night.
He's also absent today.
What's going on?
Informing Your Majesty, Duke Ying of the State has been organizing the troops in the eastern military camp for the past days.
Last night, he suddenly rushed back with his horse into the capital
and went to General Shen's house.
Not long after he returned home, he suddenly developed an acute illness and is now bedridden.
They had to ask for a doctor overnight and he was eventually saved. The doctor said that it was because of getting exhausted for several days and then hearing bad news,
hence, his blood didn't circulate properly and harmed his insides.
What bad news?
General Shen's wife had a difficult labor and almost died,
before she was able to give birth to a son.
Old Duke of the State fetched his daughter and grandson
back to their home to be cared for. He said...
What did he say?
He said that he wants an amicable separation with the Shen Family.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki
T/N In the following song, "Don't You Know, Don't You Know?", Lines 5 to the end are the poem by Li Qingzhao, a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty, the poem is titled "Spring Ends".
♫One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord♫
♫Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely♫
♫In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow♫
♫Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me, not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫
♫Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫
♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫
♫Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫
♫Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫
♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫
♫Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫