Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at Viki
The Story of Ming Lan
Episode 48
[ Kaifeng Precinct ]
What are you looking at? What are you looking at?
What did you say?
I said, what are you looking at?
Let me tell you, my family has worked in the imperial army.
Brother Bing, stop talking.
You guys are just little fish and shrimp!
Don't hit him, Sir.
Sirs, please.
Don't beat him, Sir.
Sirs. No.
Be good now.
Brother Tingbing.
I'll hit you.
Hit him.
No, no. Don't hit him.
Beat him to death.
No, no. - What you looking at!
I won't look. I won't.
Spare me, Sir.
Spare me.
Rabbit bastard. Be good now.
Did you hear?
Go.
First. Please save your brothers.
Mother.
Please let him finish his medicine first.
We sent men to find news in the prison today.
Tingbing's beaten up so wretchedly inside.
He's lost so many teeth even.
Tingdi's so scared he's urinated on himself.
He can't even talk anymore.
And Tingwei. He's suddenly gravely ill.
He's only got one breath left. Isn't that right?
You know that brother of yours.
Since he was little, he was raised so preciously.
Usually, just a stroll around this yard,
and he's got three to five people serving him for that.
This is going to take his life.
I know our Tingdi isn't a success.
But he's your family brother and blood is thicker than water.
If you continue this,
forget a sentence or interrogation, he'll be beaten to death.
Yu, if not for others,
at least on the account of this old fifth uncle. You got to care.
I didn't say I didn't care.
But now, I'm sparring patience with Second.
As long as Tingwei and them can hold on a bit more,
Second won't just sit and watch his clan falling in calamity.
You can bear it but I can't!
That's my own son!
Yes.
It seems Fourth Uncle forgot.
Those three scoundrels. Why were they imprisoned?
Their plight now is their own seeking.
I never spoiled them to go and indulge in liquor and brothels.
And I never gave my consent to go and social climb and collude in alliances.
But how is it suddenly all my fault?
What the hell are you saying?
Sister-in-law, look at him.
First. Tingwei is immature.
It's my fault as his mother.
But now, only you can save them.
Yes.
I know, you're pressing yourself to hold on and you have no son.
Pulling this big Gu House along.
It's really not an easy task.
Today, if you are willing to lend a hand to help.
With your Fourth and Fifth uncles ans my witness, I'm leaving these words here,
that we'll find a few children in the clan to be adopted as your child
and will inherit your noble title.
You are indirectly scolding me...
... that just because I didn't want my noble title to end up with other people,
I'd rather watch your biological son, my own brother to die.
You're falsely accusing me! You're overthinking!
You also should try to understand
the feelings of parents like us.
Sister-in-law.
- This... - Yu'er.
An upright person will never beat around the bush.
Did you really didn't think about this?
That Tingbing and Tingdi are very close with your third younger brother.
I fear that you hated that for a long time.
- You... - Yu'er.
If you don't have such an intention,
what's wrong with lowering down your head and giving in this time?
That's what I 'm driving at.
That's splashing dirty water on my deceased parents.
They were also your older brother and sister-in-law.
Just for this family, they suffered all kinds of grievances,
and have lost their lives.
Well said!
Our older brother, your deceased father,
is watching you from heaven.
I would like to know.
If he's still alive
and he sees you just watching and not saving those three, would he agree with it?!
That's right.
- Husband! - Tingyu!
Quickly look for a doctor!
Why are you still standing there?! Call the doctor!
- Call the doctor! - Quickly call the doctor!
- Quickly! - Quickly call a doctor!
Call someone now!
It's also not easy for the Marquis Gu to have lasted until now.
Big Madam, you should be prepared.
Is there really no hope?
I have already tried my best.
How about you go ask the Imperial Academy of Medicine to have him check again?
The imperial doctors have all come, and they all say that there's no hope.
I've hidden this from the marquis for half a year, for I was hoping to seek other famous doctors.
That's why, I was able to find you.
Haven't you cured a lot of incurable diseases?
Please spend efforts and try again.
A doctor has the heart of a parent. Which doctor doesn't wish that his medicines can eliminate his patient's illness?
But after all, in curing and saving people,
will still depend on fate and heaven's will. If the heaven doesn't bless it,
even if Hua Tuo of Zhong Jing are still alive, (famous ancient physicians)
it will be of no use.
I'm taking my leave now.
Husband! Husband!
Husband.
You shouldn't hide this from me.
I was afraid that if you knew,
your illness will become worse.
You were wrong. You were so wrong.
I thought that,
at most, I could live for another seven or eight years.
hence, I came up with my current plan.
If I knew that I only has these remaining days,
I can't do it like this anymore...
Any plans for me isn't important.
Husband, I only want you to be safe.
Even if I have to eat wild vegetables for the rest of my life (have a hard life), I'll accept it.
We can't wait anymore.
Go and get some paper and black ink now.
Go now. Go now.
Go.
Father, don't leave. I'm afraid. Don't leave.
Don't leave me, Father.
Good child.
Your father...
... can't decide on that.
Whatever I say next,
you must remember every single word.
You are the most intelligent child.
If I'm no longer around,
I fear that your mother won't last long.
You must take good care of her.
Father.
What are you doing?
This current situation is really laughable.
People who's own children are imprisoned
are not personally begging people,
but instead are forcing me to bear the punishment and to talk in their behalf,
to bear the humiliation...
This isn't about other families.
That's right.
Eldest Brother, you suddenly have changed your attitude.
Could it be that you want to agree to a condition of mine?
Eldest, just promise his condition. It's no big deal.
That's right, Eldest.
Look at this.
If you want a people that you've aggrieved to turn around and help you,
then you must lower down the bearing you've put out for so many years.
Don't even think of bluffing your way out.
Tell him what should be said.
Lower down your head to admit your mistake and repenting on your sins then make up for it is the proper way to go.
Eldest son is right.
If Second Son is willing to help his brothers,
even if I have to kneel and admit my mistakes, I will do it.
It's just that Second, I want you to promise me one thing.
Give it to Second Brother.
Eldest Son, what are you doing?
How come you still haven't...
This letter was written by father before he died,
which he handed to the elders of the Gu Clan.
Inside, it's written that
that your birth mother, Madam Bai,
has a dowry when she was married into the Gu Family.
Once he dies,
whether you'll separate from our family or not,
the dowry must be given back to Gu Tingye,
amounting to 115,000 taels of silver.
In the letter, Father even said,
that the elders of the clan
must read it in front of the clan members
and other close family friends while at his funeral.
Did Father write this,
or did you write this?
That time, father was already in the final radiance of a setting sun (dying).
Don't you recognize his handwriting?
Then, what Father wrote,
are these really what he meant in his heart?
Yes.
Before Father left,
he instructed his last will.
Most are similar to the ones before.
Only your matter
was written by him.
Then during his funeral,
did you people read father's letter?
Of course, we didn't.
I said that we can't do such a thing.
After all, it was the last will of marquis,
how could we disobey it? But you all...
Brother Ye, don't misunderstand.
These elders only want
to help you manage the wealth and assets.
They are afraid that you would spend them all.
Aren't you thinking too much about this?
Eldest Brother and elders trampled on me like this.
You even want me to save your sons.
Eldest Son!
What are you doing?
This list
contains the details of
the marquis assets since I inherited the noble title.
All the farmlands, banks, and shops,
and all the valuables passed down by our ancestors,
the book and painting collection for generations.
These documents
is a contract written by our ancestors
around 30 years ago if ever the different famlies will separate.
It is clearly recorded in here the division of the assets
among the legitimate lines main house, third house, fourth house, and fifth house,
Eldest Son! You...
and how much the other illegitimate houses will get.
Houses, silvers, farmlands, each were all written in there.
No one can report that it's a fake.
Elder brother.
Are you handing me all the assets
of the Gu family?
Whether I hand it to you or not,
it's enough that you know about it.
Come with me. I have something to say to you alone.
Go light the candles.
I don't have the strength.
Talking about this ancestral hall,
I fear that among us brothers,
no one knows it better than you.
Of course.
I used to get punished every three to five days.
I would always be asked to kneel in the ancestral hall.
If it's dark, I still wouldn't be released.
A child whose afraid of the dark, can only look for fire by himself.
Since I started to understand things,
there were already people telling me
that my birth mother, the first Madam Qin,
died because of your mother.
Not only that,
my sickly body
was also a consequence of that disaster.
Whatever bad things happened to the House of Gu,
all would be blamed on me and my mother.
I'm used to it.
Eldest Brother, did you ask me to come here just to tell me these?
I don't have the time to reminisce with you here.
I can see that
your relationship with your wife is really not bad.
You kept defending her.
You fear that she'll be aggrieved by your Gu Family.
What you mean is...
Let me ask you,
if today, our clan is facing a great danger
and you must divorce your wife to marry another one, what would you do?
You're saying that I'll divorce Minglan just for Gu people like you?
What do you think?
I'm talking about your own family!
Your daughter, your son, your Shitou,
that nanny who saw you grow up,
your friends, like that Second from the Sheng family
or Prince Huan,
those comrades you've fought with in the battlefield.
If for example just to preserve these people's life,
you have to give up your legal wife,
what will you do?
I never think of any 'what if's'.
Even if I will lose all my family assets one day,
I will never use a wife to be the scapegoat.
Even if I end up with nothing
and my reputation completely destroyed,
I will rely on myself to make a comeback.
You've avoided my question.
You didn't answer me.
Fine. This is a very difficult question.
Our mother chose one. Father chose one.
You are unable to choose. It's fine if you don't answer me.
You come look.
An iron book written with cinnabar.
Read the words written on the back.
Founding of the state and assisting its progress.
I know your plans.
Father indeed married your birth mother for the sake of the marquis manor
and you were born.
Afterwards,
he caused your mother's death and was even harsh on you.
You developed grudges and hatred. You wanted to see the marquis manor fall,
for it to lose its noble title and the related documents be destroyed.
Let those that should be imprisoned, be imprisoned. Those that should be exiled, be exiled.
Express all those years of accumulated hatred
you have, am I right?
But the emperor
can't directly take away my noble title and give it to you.
When the new emperor just ascended to the throne,
you only brought a small troop to take over your post.
Several huge military camps submissively listened to your command.
There are so many imperial relatives around the emperor's side,
who also were decreed and given a military seal to take over military affairs.
But other than the emperor's brother-in-law, who was given some respect,
who among them was able to smoothly take office?
It's because your surname is Gu.
Since I joined the army,
I've long changed my name and surname.
That time, my surname was Bai.
Look at your face.
Look again
at your different style with the whole Yuzhou.
You think that by just changing your name, people in the military won't recognize you?
They just didn't say it so you won't get embarrassed.
Several generations of the Gu Family have been buried in the army.
Joining the battlefield to kill the enemies is a task that can cause you your life.
It was because your surname is Gu
that's why, they handed their life in your hands.
Your current fame and position,
this official robe you're wearing,
were obtained by through fighting and killing.
But you won't be able to throw away, get rid of, or sever
the blood and fate of being a member of the Gu Clan.
Eldest Brother, you're really something.
The words you said drew blood on first prick.
You're doing this
just to provoke me.
You want me to develop at least some pity towards the Gu Clan.
You...
Are you willing or not?
What about my condition?
Last night, I've already written and submitted a memorial.
In behalf of our deceased father, I requested that your mother be conferred a posthumous title.
I've also written her life accounts in our ancestral book.
I'm sure that in a few days, an imperial decree will arrive.
Your wish has been granted.
Since you've agreed,
of course, I will save them in behalf of the House of Gu.
Why must you still make such pretentious act?
Thinking about it...
... I don't have much days left.
I also have no descendants to pass my title to.
You can then justifiably
inherit this noble title.
You decide on how to deal with those people outside.
Eldest Brother, you're handing everyone in the Gu Family to me?
In the future, here in the House of Gu,
you will have the final say.
I'm entrusting you my wife
and daughter.
Eldest Brother, you really gave a lot of thought in this.
If parents love their children, they should plan their future.
Father has planned mine, so did he planned yours.
Of course, I must plan for my...
... Xian'er too.
Okay. I promise you.
That Eldest Brother of mine
is indeed the most skilled person in this world.
All his calculations were always so accurate.
If he's not this sickly, I fear that
I've longed been a person who can never make a comeback.
I won't be involved in any of the Gu Family matters anymore.
Even if he was so sickly, you also almost didn't have a chance to make a comeback.
Isn't it all thanks to you?
If not because you told me those words by the river,
I might still be a pirate right now.
The heaven is good towards me and made me meet you.
You're my benefactor.
Actually, even if your eldest brother won't meddle in these matters anymore
or if he's gone,
I also will be kind towards sister-in-law and their daughter.
The mistakes of a man shouldn't be blamed on the wife and children.
You now know what kind of people my Gu family is made up of, right?
They kept calculating everything.
You would be facing them frequently from now on, so you better be on guard.
Don't I still have you?
My health is still very good.
At least finish your medicine.
With this health of mine, what's the difference of taking those in or not?
What did mother tell you when she asked to see you earlier?
Was she complaining that I shouldn't have told him everything about the Gu assets?
Xian'er, go get...
She should know about these now.
There's nothing that she can't hear.
Let her stay. Say it.
- Mother, say it. - Say it.
Mother-in-law urged me to adopt a son. She said that those from other houses aren't close to us and would be hard to disicpline.
Xian'er, the illegitimate son of Third Brother is quite a nice choice.
She wants to use you after I've died.
You mustn't listen to her.
What?
Mother asked you to adopt the son of Third so she can easily control you.
I've offended the whole clan by being good the Second,
because I want to save you and my daughter.
You must remember
to not deliberately create new problems.
I never believed in those afterlife things.
The only thing that I'm worried about...
... the only thing that I'm worrried about is...
... you two.
By following me, you've destroyed the rest of your life.
Don't say that.
You are the best person in this world.
Even in the next life, I want to marry you.
You both must remember
the words that I will say next.
Okay.
First,
after I died, no matter who would come to instigate,
you mustn't mention the adoption mater again. This is an iron rule.
Second,
from now on, if Second Sister-in law and Big Madam
will be in conflict,
you mustn't get involved.
Especially when Big Madam asks you to do anything,
you must always be cautious.
It's only these past years that I've fully understood her.
She's very good in making other people the target.
- No way. - Remember it.
Father, I remember.
Good child.
I can see that Second Sister-in-law
isn't arrogant and harsh.
As long as you do these two rules,
and be more polite with her,
you and Xian'er then won't need to worry about your future anymore.
Father.
Mother.
I'm coming.
Don't rush.
You must be very happy.
Second now is so successful.
Mother, look.
I've brought you shame again.
I'm not good as Second in anything.
Husband!
- Father... - Husband...
I'm coming.
Regarding the case of the rebel prince, all involved criminals have been arrested and interrogated.
More than ten of them are actually from families of officials or nobility.
The degree of their crimes are also very different.
We're currently verifying them.
In a few days, we'll be able to hand the final report. May Your Majesty decide on their punishment.
Regarding the rebellion, we mustn't tolerate it and punish lightly.
You all must do your investigation strictly and not miss anyone out.
I will abide.
My favored subjects, do you still have anything you want to report?
Informing Your Majesty, I have something to report.
Say it.
Three male descendants from our House of Gu were found socializing with the rebel prince and were imprisoned for it.
But they were not mastermind of the rebellion and they've also repented their wrong act.
Hope Your Majesty can be lenient and punish them lightly.
This case hasn't been completely tried, hence, it's still not time to give any judgement.
Your Majesty, my Gu Clan
has been joining war expedition to the east and west,
and completely devoted to the emperor since the start of our dynasty.
My father Gu Yuankai has been garrisoned in the borders for several years and achieved great military merits.
My older brother Gu Tingyu inherited the marquis title,
but he has been sickly since young, and recently, unfortunately passed away.
Only old people and young children are left in my Gu Clan.
My stepmother and the women in my family came to implore me.
I then have no choice but to say these words.
Hope Your Majesty can pity us.
Official Gu, what you're doing is so improper.
The state has its laws, the miltiary has its rules.
If anyone commits mistakes in your army, can you also be lenient in punishing him?
Their crimes are of course unpardonable.
It's just that those three brothers of mine
have sickly body. I fear that they can't endure the hardship of the prison.
I'm willing to get punished in their behalf.
If they'll get caned for 50, I'll bear the 30.
If they'll get exiled, I'm willing to get demoted in place of it.
Okay already. Get up.
You harboring benevolence and filial piety towards the Gu Clan and even repaying their harsh treatment on you with kindness
is indeed a good thing.
Once the investigation of this case has been concluded, I'll consider that
when I think about the punishments to be given.
Thank you for your graces, Your Majesty!
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? ♫