[English subtitles are available.]
Winter Begonia
Episode 3
Did Shang Xirui find that erhu player back?
Well...
I... I think so.
We have so many guests today.
If Shang Xirui dares to lose my face,
I will shoot him.
Dad.
If Shang Xirui can’t find the player back
and Mr. Jin shoots him...
That's your wish, isn’t it?
I am not that cruel, father.
Which opera will Xirui perform today?
All his operas are good.
Whichever opera he performs,
[Fundraising for Military by Peking Operatic Circle]
I believe it will be a hit.
Yes.
He comes.
Will he
play erhu himself?
Can he?
It takes years
to play instruments well.
Erhu even takes more than ten years to practice.
Let’s hear it first.
Hear it.
♫ Swarms of bees and butterflies dance ♫
-Bravo! -Bravo!
♫ Red and white flowers blossom ♫
Not bad.
♫ Rosy clouds float above the trails♫
Xirui is versatile indeed.
Fengtai.
♫ It’s the late spring of Wuling ♫
It’s lucky of you.
It’s my first time to see him sing as he plays.
He is a hero.
Bravo!
-Bravo! -Wonderful.
Bravo!
Bravo! Bravo!
But...
I wished him to lose face.
Now he is more popular.
After joy comes sadness.
You know this word?
Do you have any idea?
His distinct temper and personality
will cause him trouble.
Wait and see.
Send the money to Mr. Jin’s mansion.
Don’t let others find out.
You’ll be held accountable if any mistake.
Where is the money from?
None of your business.
Is it from the donation?
I told you not to ask.
Get out of my way.
Get away.
What’s wrong, Xirui?
You dare to take the money donated?
You have no conscience.
It isn’t money donated.
It’s my private gift to Mr. Jin.
You are meddlesome, busybody.
Go. Go.
What the heck...
Father.
I don't understand.
Why did we act?
Shang Xirui
is young and impulsive,
and also meddlesome.
Alright then.
Let him take a bullet.
Everybody.
It’s a charity performance today.
We’re delighted.
No rules and restrictions.
You know
I debut as the role Sheng,
and then changed to the role Dan.
Let me give you an extra show.
OK. OK.
Thank you.
Let’s continue watching the show.
Sit.
♫ Edicts are from the emperor abruptly ♫
♫ Happily go to the court ♫
♫ Wear the embroidery rope ♫
His performance of Sheng is also good.
♫ The official acts beyond his authority ♫
♫ Although the bastard Yan Song protects him ♫
♫ Zhou is ungrateful ♫
♫ Standing and watching at the golden step ♫
♫ Emperor Jia Jing is sitting at the throne ♫
♫ Treacherous Yan sits at one side ♫
♫ He deceives the Emperor ♫
♫ And suppresses the subjects ♫
♫ The traitor Yan Song usurps the power ♫
♫ My companions are furious in vain ♫
Bravo.
♫ We need a hero who is courageous and righteous ♫
Fengtai. You are a layman.
♫ To protect the country ♫
He is cursing someone.
♫ I will get rid of the traitor for the country ♫
Xirui’s cursing Jin for embezzling the donations.
Look.
♫ Uphold justice for the people ♫
All the audiences figure it out.
He’s singing about Jin.
-It’s about Jin. -Yes.
♫ Seek revenge for the patriots ♫
Mr. Shang does have balls.
♫ Fight for all the officials ♫
♫ In the court♫
Impressive, Mr. Shang.
You have a backbone.
♫ Forget it ♫
♫ Resist the hatred in my heart ♫
♫ See His Majesty in the palace ♫
You bastard, Shang Xirui.
Take some men
and capture him here in a while.
Yes.
Stop! Don’t run!
Freeze!
Get away!
Freeze!
Don’t run!
Where is he?
Mr. Shang.
Get in the car.
What’s going on?
Couldn’t you capture an actor?
Good-for-nothing.
How about...
How about I go to his troupe to capture him?
Forget it.
He is just an actor.
Intimidate him and he will behave.
A small loach
won’t do anything big.
Awesome, Mr. Shang.
Your marital arts are good.
You beat soldiers
and eluded the lackeys.
You have my admiration.
Of course.
My martial arts are as good as my singing.
Did you enjoy yourself just now?
Yes, it’s fun.
And then you were being hunted.
Mr. Shang.
All the big shots present today know opera.
You revealed the cripple Jin’s embezzlement.
He won’t let you off easily.
Although you escape now,
you’ll be still in trouble in the future.
What should I do?
I listen to you.
I can’t handle it either.
You need someone’s help.
Who?
You know why Mr. Jin embezzles the money?
Doesn’t he just want the money?
You underestimate him.
For him, that money
is negligible.
He doesn’t have to embarrass himself.
Forget it.
Don’t say anything.
I’ll take care of it.
Here. Mr. Jin.
This way.
Mr. Jin. Here, please.
-Mr. Jin. -Mr. Jin.
-Protect Mr. Jin! -Mr. Jin.
Money!
Hurry!
Check the money!
Hurry!
Mr. Cheng.
What to do with the money?
Donate all to the Northeast Anti-Japanese Union.
Yes.
-Go. -Go.
[Peking Times Minister Jin steps down due to embezzlement, Commander Cao is in power.]
Extra! Extra!
Mr. Jin steps down due to embezzlement.
Commander Cao is in power.
I want one.
Extra! Extra!
Give me one.
Father.
I am furious whenever Shang Xirui
is brought up.
He eluded from
such a great trouble.
He even settles in a new theater.
Yahong Theater has a long history.
Many famous actors
ever performed there.
Its status is no ordinary.
[Ancient]
It’s out of my control.
He got it through easily.
We can’t punish him,
but someone can.
This time
Shang Xirui was hoist with his own petard.
How so?
I heard of an old story.
Father.
This is big news.
You didn't lie to me, did you?
Don’t you trust me?
I... I...
This man
is Shang Xirui’s countryman.
I also asked several locals.
This matter
has spread all over Pingyang.
His gossip
is supposed to spread all over the world,
not just in Pingyang.
Right, father?
Let me grind ink for you.
How come Spring Theater is here?
Aren’t they from Shuiyun Theater?
-What’s going on? -What are you doing here?
-Get away. -This is our Spring Theater’s place.
What are you doing? Get out!
-Call your manager here. -What’s wrong?
None of your business. Shut up.
Get out. What are you doing here?
Get out.
Mr. Dengbao.
Why do you occupy our place?
Can you be reasonable?
Mr. Shang.
I’m sorry.
This place belongs to our Spring Theater now.
Why? What nonsense are you talking about?
Everyone.
-Listen to me. -Leave here.
Everyone.
-Stop nagging. -Everyone. Listen to me.
Mr. Shang.
I'm so sorry.
What's going on?
Didn’t we have an agreement the other day?
From today on,
Shuiyun Theater will perform here.
Mr. Shang.
I have an unspeakable reason.
How about you
perform in the morning on Tuesday and Thursday?
- Why? - What are you talking about?
Silence! Silence!
Mr. Shang.
Liu Yunxin is sick.
You may perform on his shift.
But you can’t stay long.
When he is recovered,
you
have to leave.
You let our leader sing in the morning?
Are you out of mind?
Ridiculous.
Sir.
Let's go to
ask other theaters.
They are bullying us.
Let's go. Go.
It’s in vain.
What do you mean?
Mr. Shang.
You should read the newspaper.
Commander Cao will take over Mr. Jin’s position.
In the future, Peking
is under Commander’s control.
Your feud with Commander Cao
is spreading all over Peking.
Now
no theater dares to take you in.
Believe me.
I have no feud with Commander Cao.
Cao wanted to take Shuiyun as his private troupe,
but I
wanted to perform in the theater.
I didn’t agree.
♫ Take a walk and relax outside the tent ♫
Hounds die in the hunt ground.
Commanders die in the battleground.
♫ Step forward leisurely and stop in the field ♫
Xiang Yu died with Concubine Yu Ji companied.
I have
many women around.
If they are all loyal to me until death,
I have no regret
in this life.
Leader. Leader.
Hurry up.
Next play, Kill the Fishing Despot.
Commander is urging you.
Enough.
I only perform these operas.
I am not a gramophone.
It’s boring.
Well.
Are we leaving?
Yes.
My performance is for audiences,
not only for Commander Cao alone.
Are you really leaving?
Do you believe I’ll shoot you?
I appreciate your kindness, Commander.
But
I’m afraid to be spoiled by you.
My performance
may get worse and worse.
I’d like to perform on the stage.
Even if no one applauses,
and all the audiences boo,
I won’t regret.
Ask you the last time.
Your stage or your life?
My stage.
He tried to frighten me by the gun.
That’s all?
Nothing else.
They made it up.
Only you two were in the room.
No one knew what happened.
People can gossip around
whatever they want.
Those who believe it must be nuts.
How could they believe a rumor?
There are
full of fools in this world.
They should think about it carefully.
If it were true,
Commander Cao would
have settled scores with you straightly.
If he wants an actor die,
it’s a piece of cake.
The rumor is unnecessary.
You have a point.
Mr. Cheng.
You are a wise man.
But those fools do believe it.
What should I do then?
Commander won’t clarify it for me in newspaper.
I have an idea.
It will be
my son’s first birthday in two days.
My brother-in-law will also come.
Could you make a performance for me?
OK.
You can count on me.
Even if no the matter about Commander Cao,
I will do my best to perform for your son.
Deal.
Go out?
How are you, bro?
Mind the steps.
The environment is good.
Sir.
He comes.
Cousin.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
You clean it up for us in person.
I’m not a strange.
When we were in Pingyang,
you took care of me a lot.
Don’t be so pilot.
Thank you, anyway.
[Jiang Mengping]
[Chang Zhixin]
I need your help
in Peking.
Don’t feel annoyed.
No problem.
Come.
Let me introduce her.
This is my wife, Jiang Mengping.
Nice to meet you.
I know Mengping.
When we were in Shuiyun Theater...
Cousin.
Don’t bring up the past.
No, I won’t.
I talked so much nonsense.
I’ve cleaned up the room.
After you get prepared,
I’ll take you to my sister.
They are
waiting to give you a reception.
She is considerate.
We are supposed to thank her.
You may get prepared then.
OK.
Let me.
Shake
and sway.
Shake
and sway.
He loves baby so much.
You may try to have your own baby.
Shake
and sway.
Are you alright?
I’m fine.
Little mouse goes to the lamp stand
to eat oil.
He can’t get down...
It’s hard for me
to have
my won baby
What do you mean?
My physical problem.
See a doctor.
I did.
I tried many ways.
None worked.
Mengping. What's wrong?
I’m fine.
Tell me if you feel unwell.
I’m going to find a doctor.
I’m fine.
I just think
you love kids,
but I can’t have any baby for you.
I feel sorry.
Come. Carry her.
Take it.
Mengping.
I don’t like kids.
I don’t want babies.
I only want you,
nothing else.
It’s all my fault.
I shouldn’t talk about this.
Ms. Zhang.
Take the kid back.
He annoyed us.
I have many siblings in my family.
They are noisy.
I don’t like kids.
I was absent when you were married.
I prepared the gift long ago.
You come here today.
You may wear them.
They suit your clothes well.
They are precious.
Thank you.
We are families.
You’re welcome.
I said the wrong words
and made you feel sad.
Don't take it to heart.
Then I will feel at ease.
It’s not your fault.
May I come in?
Come in.
Mengping.
You are here.
I was worried.
You...
How come you come here?
You’re a guest. You shouldn’t come into
hostess’s room.
We are families.
Never mind.
I haven’t seen you for long.
How long?
Just half an hour.
Really?
But I feel
it has been half a day.
Cousin is here.
Don’t you feel ashamed?
Your earrings look good.
How do you get them?
They were given
by cousin just now.
You have keen eyes.
The earrings are small.
You can still see them.
Cousin.
Frankly speaking,
any change on my wife
can’t escape my eyes.
I see her hundreds of times a day.
I keep her look in my mind each time.
Stop.
Cut it out.
Are they beautiful?
Yes.
You’re back.
Are you tired?
A little bit.
I told you
not to go to bed with your clothes on.
Come.
Let me help you get changed.
Mr. Cheng.
Look at me.
Do I
have any change today?
You are as beautiful as ever.
No other changes?
You get weight.
Do it yourself.
Sweetheart.
Why are you mad again?
I’m too tired
to care for you.
Fine.
I’m going to take a bath first.
I’ll be right back
and help you relax yourself.
By the way,
it’ll be our son's first birthday next week.
Commander Cao will also take office in the city.
I’m wondering
to do these two things together.
It’s more convenient.
You may
help me deal with it.
I am like a housekeeper.
What did you say?
Nothing.
I will do it properly.
It's important.
Only you can make me feel at ease.
[Cheng Mansion]
Put these stools in order.
And also the tableware.
This is the host table.
Mr. Cheng will sit here with Commander.
Move other tables away from it.
Don’t disturb their talk.
Mrs. Cao.
The things for Fortune Telling are all ready.
Take a look.
Mrs. Cao.
Mr. Han.
Don’t put the money far away.
Baby can’t reach it.
Mr. Han.
Mr. Cao.
The troupe is here.
How to arrange them?
Take them to the rear rooms.
You are supposed to know it.
Bring them some food.
All the things are on me.
We haven’t held a party before.
I know few about it.
I’m going now. I’m going.
Go.
Come back.
Tell the maids in the mansion
to stay away from the actors.
They may be badly influenced by them.
Yes. Yes.
Where is Mrs. Cheng?
She...
She is still sleeping.
It shouldn't be.
She always gets up most early.
Today is a big day. How come she sleeps in?
Any change on my wife
can’t escape my eyes.
I see her huntress of times a day.
I keep her look in my mind each time.
Mrs. Cheng.
You’ve dressed up. Why don’t you go there?
I’m busting around.
Let’s go.
Sis.
What do you think
of love?
You don’t have a fever.
What nonsense is that?
I watched many operas the other day.
If a woman never loves anyone,
and is never loved by anyone,
her life is pointless, isn’t it?
The operas are all fake stories
to coax little girls.
Fine.
Today is your son's first birthday.
A big day for you.
Come with me.
All the stories in operas are true.
My cousin does love his wife.
Your brother doesn't love me.
Why do you think so?
Let me ask you.
Does Fengtai offend you?
No.
I think
he is different from others.
That’s it.
Men
are different from each other.
Look.
Some men
tend to speak love out.
Some men
tend to hide love in the heart.
You know some men
have affairs with many women,
while some men
don’t understand love at all.
As for you,
my brother is
a clever man and you still complain about it.
I marry the Commander,
a muscle-headed boor.
Should I kill myself?
Really?
Doesn’t he
understand love?
He doesn’t.
Alright.
We may study operas later.
Hurry up and come with me.
Commander is coming soon.
You’re the hostess.
Don’t lose my face.
Mr. Cheng. Congratulations.
Congratulations. Congratulations.
Congratulations, Mr. Cheng.
Help yourself, everyone.
Enjoy yourself.
Congratulations. Congratulations.
-Let’s go and sit there. -OK.
Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Cheng, You may wait at the door.
Cao is arriving as we speak.
Not so soon.
He is a commander.
He’ll be late to show his identity.
Does Shuiyun Theater come here?
Yes, from the northeastern gate.
Mrs. Cao has arranged it.
I’m going to see them.
Hey. How could it be?
It was sung by me.
How come?
Isn’t it obvious?
Leader decided it long ago.
Why didn’t you say it earlier?
Do you think of it now?
No way.
Leader.
I will sing this part.
Don’t let her sing.
Mr. Cheng.
Stop arguing.
-You may have a fight. -Leader.
I’m going to the toilet.
Don’t go to the toilet.
- Talk about it. - Leader. Don’t go.
- You should decide it. - What to do? Tell me.
Greetings, Mr. Cheng.
I come to see
if your performance is ready.
It doesn’t seem
a right time.
Sorry.
Oh, right.
Listen to me.
When you perform on the stage,
I’ll let reporters take photos under the stage.
When it’s reported tomorrow that
Mr. Shang’s excellent performance
makes Commander Cao pleased,
your problem will be solved.
The debt I owe you is too much to repay.
Mr. Cheng.
The commander has arrived.
Officers and soldiers already lined up.
Mr. Shang.
Success or failure,
you have to show your best.
You will see.
Cao.
Finally, you’re here.
I’ve been waiting for you.
Waiting?
I saw you running out from inside.
Please forgive me.
It’s cold and windy
outside.
I went in to avoid from wind.
You came as soon as I got in.
The wind in Peking can melt you down?
You are so week.
Can you handle the business well
of your family?
I am lucky.
I have you to help me with my business.
I don’t have to do it myself.
You want to rely on me all the time?
Come.
Take the gifts in.
So many things.
People may think they’re betrothal presents.
I don’t have another sister to marry you.
There is
a train toy which can run on the ground.
It can hoot.
I’m sure you have never seen it.
Is it so fun?
I will play it before giving it to my son.
You brat.
Let’s go
and talk inside.
Tell them the Commander comes.
Start the banquet.
OK.
No hurry.
Let’s have a talk first.
Slowly.
Greetings.
Ma’am.
Greetings.
What are you doing?
Put it down.
What are you doing here?
It’s fine.
I come to help.
You...
It’s your big day.
You don’t have enough men.
So, we come to give you a hand.
You shouldn’t.
You’re guests.
We are not.
We're families.
You and your wife are kind to us.
We mean to repay you.
No.
Don’t.
If my sister knows this,
she will scold me.
Go and get changed now.
Go to have food and wine at the hall.
What are you waiting for?
Cousin.
Commander Cao is here.
You work in the government.
Go to meet him
now.
It’s helpful
for your career.
No.
I don’t want to have connections with officials.
Go ahead.
I’ll stay and help here.
Rest assured.
Go ahead for your cousin’s sake.
Ma’am.
It’s OK.
Cheng family is wealthy.
Look,
some many people are working.
You are not needed.
I will be angry.
Hurry up. Go.
Hey.
Go and get changed.
Take it off.
Alright.
Go.
The hazelnuts are bought from the north by my men.
They’re good for health.
Try them.
Don’t eat them
too much.
You’ll fart a lot.
I’ll keep them if you don't like.
I’m kind to you,
while you are not kind to me.
Oh, right.
Why doesn’t Young Master come here?
Young Master?
Don’t mention him.
Cao Guixiu is a bastard.
What’s wrong with you?
Commander.
Don’t say that.
He’s your son.
You are scolding yourself.
You know him.
I ask him
to study abroad
and hope he can help me someday
when he’s back.
But after he
comes back from abroad,
he always behaves against me.
He even met some
strange guys days ago.
Strange guys?
Who are they?
I have no idea.
But they look suspicious and dangerous.
Maybe
they deserve bullets.
He is my only son.
otherwise, I could have shot him.
How about this?
Let my sister
have another baby for you.
See if it’s OK.
If it’s OK,
you may shoot Cao Guixiu.
I’ll slap you.
Only you dare to talk to me like this.
I tell you.
Cao.
You are so kind to me,
while you are mean to Young Master.
What is
the unsettled grudge between you and your son?
Why not
have a talk with him?
Damn it.
I am furious when he's mentioned.
Don’t mention him.
Feng’er.
May I see your son?
Cao.
Don’t call me Feng’er.
It’s a girl’s name.
People will make fun of me
if they hear it.
Feng’er.
As you please.
He is just a baby. Don’t see him.
Cao.
Would you like
to see something interesting?
What is it?
Let’s make a deal first.
I don’t mean to anger you.
Don’t get mad.
I won’t let him come
if you will get mad.
Him?
Who?
I ask Shang Xirui
to perform operas for us.
Shang Xirui?
That boy from Pingyang?
Now
Shang Xirui is rumored to be your foe.
Theaters in Peking don’t allow him to perform.
He is excluded and can’t even survive.
He is just an actor.
He doesn’t deserve to be my foe.
As I expected.
But I don’t know if it’s true.
Cao.
If it's true,
I will let him leave right away.
If it’s a rumor,
I’ll let him perform operas
and kowtow to you to apologize.
Forget it.
I know
that boy.
He is tough.
No need to let him kowtow and apologize.
If he will argue with me,
I may shoot him.
That’s ominous.
Listen.
I haven’t watched operas
for a long time.
No other operas.
Qinqiang Opera first.
As your wish.
Mr. Cheng.
Tell Mr. Shang
to eat some food
and get ready to perform
Qinqiang Opera.
Perform Qinqiang Opera now?
I don’t prepare the outfits.
How can I perform with the wrong outfits?
That will be a joke.
It’s unexpected.
Command Cao ordered the opera himself.
Mr. Cheng can’t reject it.
Mr. Shang.
Please try to
satisfy him.
Mr. Han.
Come here quickly.
You need to make the decision.
OK.
Coming.
Fine.
Go ahead.
No big deal.
Thank you.
Please
enjoy the dishes.
Excuse me.
After all, he is a commander.
He gets what he wants right away.
An unavailable opera is ordered.
Ridiculous.
Can I have a drumstick?
Yes, you can.
What to do then?
Perform without outfits?
That’s a way out.
The... The dishes aren’t good.
Get some good food to me.
OK.
Sure.
May I have all of it?
Eat up.
Remember it?
It wasn’t brought here.
Mrs. Cao.
What’s wrong?
Mrs. Cao.
Commander Cao has arrived.
He is talking with Mr. Cheng.
OK.
I’m going to the kitchen first.
Tell him I will go soon.
OK.
Who is that girl?
Look familiar.
Who is in that room?
Troupe invited by Mr. Cheng.
Which troupe?
Shuiyun Theater.
Let me ask you.
Are Mrs. Cheng’s cousin and his wife invited?
Yes.
Crap.
Well...