[English subtitles are available.]
Winter Begonia
Episode 21
Keep your hands like this.
Is it right?
Like this.
[Script]
The tune you made
is much better than the lyrics you modified.
It's just that I didn't go to school.
Otherwise, my lyrics wouldn’t be that bad.
Save it.
Perform your operas well.
Don’t do my job.
What are these symbols?
Are they drawn by Mr. Shang?
Don’t you understand?
This is Chinese musical notation,
namely the Chinese stave.
Leader.
Come here, everyone.
Quickly.
Go.
Hurry.
Shijiu. You go first.
OK.
♫ I’m favored by Your Majesty ♫
♫ You put all your love on me ♫
♫ However, I’m unlucky ♫
Stop. Stop.
You’re playing a chaste and fierce lady.
How come it makes me shiver?
Ronglan. Your turn.
Didn’t I sing well?
♫ I’m favored by Your Majesty ♫
♫ You put all your love ♫
Stop, sis.
Cut it out.
How is it going?
Hasn’t he chosen a concubine yet?
You’ve heard their voices.
Not good.
The strength is the key.
The strength isn’t right.
Leader, what do you mean the strength?
Make it clear.
Well...
I can't explain it to you.
How should we perform then?
If it can’t do,
-we may invite someone from other troupes. -Mr. Cheng.
We may pay more
to pick a good performer.
Let’s have an All-star Show.
Leader of opera circle will be voted next mouth.
All troupes will try their best to win.
How come they have time to support me?
How about you play the female role?
Your strength is good enough.
Yes, leader.
Rob Peter to pay Paul?
If I play the female role,
who would play the male role?
You? Or you?
I’m unable to do that.
At this moment,
no opera performer
is willing to support other performers.
How about
we look for an outsider?
Outsider?
You said this.
If moves are not considered,
some outsiders
even sing better than leaders.
We have an outsider here.
Mr. Du.
-He is one of the best in Peking. -Mr. Du?
Don’t. Don’t.
Don't make fun of me.
My skills
can only fool laymen.
If I can be a star,
how come
I humbly follow your leader
and write scripts for him?
Hi, guys.
Mr. Niu.
Hello, Mr. Niu.
Hello, Mr. Cheng, Mr. Du.
Xiao Lai. Serve tea.
No. No.
No, thanks. Xiao Lai.
I’ll leave after my words.
What’s wrong with the Opera Association this time?
Mr. Du.
Please don't joke about me.
Mr. Shang and you
made a scene in the Opera Association.
My gosh.
Who dares to
mess with you now?
It’s just that
Mr. Yuan Xiaodi will retire.
He invites you for a banquet
in the Opera Association next week.
What?
Will Mr. Yuan retire?
Yes, he meant to quit long ago.
He hasn’t performed much these years.
His wife is pregnant
and his satin shop opens,
so it’s put off until now.
Mr. Du, Mr. Cheng, would you go together?
[Mr. Shang Xirui]
I won’t.
Yuan Xiaodi is phony.
I don’t like him.
Well, Mr. Du.
Alright. Mr. Shang.
I have to visit others.
Mr. Cheng. Mr. Du. Goodbye.
Mr. Niu, take care.
Take care, Mr. Niu.
What a pity.
What a pity it is.
Who is Yuan Xiaodi?
I’ve never heard of him.
I only watched
two operas of Mr. Yuan.
That’s amazing.
Since I came to Peking,
the most regrettable thing is
that Hou Yukui retires.
Mr. Hou is old indeed,
but Yuan Xiaodi isn’t.
I’ve been looking forward to
performing with him someday.
I wish I’d have come to Peking earlier.
You’re too young to understand.
You'll understand it in the future.
You’re back.
Your brother hasn't seen you for days.
Go talk to him.
Why did you lie to me?
Chacha’er.
What did I just tell you?
Did I lie to you?
You sent Ge to pick up Zheng Laihong and me
so as to take him hostage.
You mean the young master of Zheng family?
I didn’t hurt him at all.
You threatened his grandfather
with him,
so, his grandfather was arrested.
I’ve told you
it’s not your brother's fault.
Darling, go to your room first.
I'd like to talk with Chacha’er alone.
Talk properly. Don’t get mad.
Be seated.
Let me ask you.
Zheng Laihong and I,
whose life is more important?
Yours, of course.
That’s it.
I was surrounded
by a dozen armed men.
I almost didn’t make it to see you alive.
Hadn’t I used him,
how could I get back in one piece?
Of course.
I shouldn’t have lied to you.
I won’t do it again.
Alright?
You told me
his grandfather’s matter wouldn’t implicate him.
His grandfather was arrested.
He will go to hometown with his parents.
It's none of my business.
But...
Chacha’er.
When father died,
debtors came to collect money.
The three of us
led a terrifying life. You remember?
At that time,
no one came to tell us
father’s debt shouldn’t implicate children.
Zheng enjoyed benefits from his grandfather.
His grandfather falls from power.
He must suffer the equivalent pain.
It’s unquestionable.
Fengtai.
What?
You've changed.
You’re not the same as you were in Shanghai.
If I were still the same,
how could I support this family
and protect you?
Fengtai.
You will also get changed
when you grow up.
Morning, Mr. Cheng.
Mr. Shang, you’re well dressed.
This dress
suits you well.
When we eat in a while,
be elegant.
Change the way when eating.
Don’t frighten Yuan Xiaodi.
I’m very elegant to outsiders usually.
Look at my fan.
It’s drawn by Mr. Du's father.
You can’t buy it with money.
Save it. Stop showing off.
Let's go now.
I just need a little.
It smells good.
I’m scared to death.
I thought someone threw a bomb.
His hands are good.
Really good.
Gentlemen.
Mr. Shang.
Long time no see. Long time no see.
Cheng.
Do you come with an invitation?
No seat for you later.
I’m here to serve Mr. Shang.
Cheng.
If you could be kind to me
as much as to my little finger,
I would be satisfied.
Look.
Mr. Shang is having chat
with other leaders.
He has no time for you.
Mr. Sixi’er comes.
So many people here.
All the opera stars are here.
It’s rare to see.
[Sixi’er]
Who is
this annoying guy?
He is
Sixi’er from Yunxi Theater.
A buffoon.
Gentlemen.
How is your business going?
Will you participate in the election of leader?
Mr. Shang.
Your royal theater is really gorgeous.
[Zhouzi]
Will you invite us to perform together?
That will be my honor.
Isn’t this the famous Mr. Shang?
It’s said you’re of good looking and temperament.
I never thought you’d be plain off stage.
Guess what.
In the crowd,
I didn’t even see you.
That’s my fault.
That voice still isn’t good.
Don’t use the Flower-selling Tune.
When I go back,
I’ll discuss with Mr. Du.
Don’t worry.
OK. OK.
Mr. Shang, you ignored me.
It's understandable.
Mr. Shang
lives off Commander Cao’s brother-in-law,
and sees a high-ranking official as godfather.
A sparrow becomes a phoenix.
Serve him in a careful way.
Mr. Shang
even looks down on Mr. Jiang.
Not to mention humble guys like us.
If we offend him with any word,
he may take soldiers to bring down the troupes.
What's wrong with this guy?
Cheng. Cheng.
Don’t mess with these performers.
It’d get worse.
What are you guys talking about?
So lively.
[Yu Qing]
I wondered who it was.
It is Ms. Yu Qing.
Yu Qing?
The fan
who was unwilling to be General Zhao’s concubine?
Impressive, Cheng.
You even know Yu Qing?
It was reported in newspaper.
A talented woman.
Ms. Yu, the journey must be tiring.
You’re too kind.
You’re elder than me over 20 years.
I should pay respects to you.
Ms. Yu, you’re polite.
I dare not be your senior.
Ms. Yu comes to Peking.
It does grace the imperial capital.
In my opinion,
Ms. Yu’s beauty and temperament
are unparalleled.
No wonder General Zhao only wants to marry you.
It has passed.
Don’t talk about it anymore.
You are from a wealthy family,
so you remain unchanged in poverty.
If someone else
met a powerful general,
they’d definitely marry him.
I am
hot-tempered and sharp-tongued.
I like satirizing people for no reason.
I’m also jealous of those who are better than me.
As they said, you’re kind of like me.
You know,
with a temper like this,
when we deal with the powerful nobles
long,
they will slap me for sure.
[Master]
Zhouzi.
You shameless good-for-nothing.
You’re rude at home while coward outside.
Do what you should do.
Mr. Hong is waiting for you.
Yes, leader. I’m going right away.
Go.
Cheng.
These guys are even worse than those in Shuiyun.
Mr. Shang is a good manager.
Shuiyun Theater is in harmony.
No one else is comparable.
Mr. Shang.
Nice to meet you.
Ms. Yu, you know me?
You’re well-known, Mr. Shang.
I plan to watch your shows
for one month
in Peking.
I’ve specially prepared
a large sum of money for tickets.
You’re too kind.
I should offer you tickets for free.
Right.
Whenever you come to watch operas,
I’ll get the best box ready for you.
This is Mr. Cheng Fengtai,
the investor of Shuiyun Theater.
This is...
Fan Lian, the manager of Shuiyun Theater.
Mr. Yuan.
Hello, gentlemen.
Long time no see.
Mr. Yuan.
Long time no see, Mr. Zhang.
[Yuan Xiaodi]
Mr. Yuan.
It’s been a while, Mr. Li.
Cheng, I drank too much water.
I’m going to the toilet.
Lazy guys go to toilets frequently.
You may chat first.
Mr. Yuan. All the leaders have arrived.
They’re waiting.
♫ When I was 16 years old, I met the noble ♫
Thank you
for coming to my banquet.
I’ve been in the opera circle most of my lifetime.
I made a living
under your help.
Now I want to start a new life.
I feel panicked.
So, I still count on you
to take care of me in the future.
Although I’ve left the opera circle,
we’re still good friends.
Please.
My toast to you.
To Mr. Yuan.
Mr. Shang.
This is your favorite pork joint.
Break it with chopsticks.
You must be Mr. Shang.
Mr. Yuan. Do you know me?
Yes.
Your performance is really amazing.
Other than Peking Opera,
even your Kun opera is excellent.
I was lucky to watch your Peony Pavilion.
I didn’t dare to sing when I got back.
It's very kind of you.
I'm far away from that.
You’re too modest, Mr. Shang.
For example,
this spoken line:
If I don’t come to the garden,
how can I know the spring is so beautiful?
You did speak out the bright spring.
I think the Black Rope after it
was redundant.
I’m flattered.
After all, I'm still young.
My skills are not good enough.
Besides,
The Black Rope
has good lyrics.
How come they’re redundant?
Right.
Not redundant really.
Spoken lines
come before the lyrics.
If you read the spoken lines well,
the artistic mood
would be shown without singing.
You have a point.
I toast you.
Everyone.
It’s lively today.
We come here for Mr. Yuan.
So, Mr. Yuan should make a show. Right?
After
Mr. Yuan retires,
you can no longer watch his shows.
Good.
Make a show!
Make a show! Make a show!
Mr. Yuan, make a show.
Alright.
I’ll perform then.
What would you watch?
We’re tired of Peking Opera.
Mr. Shang had a hot talk
about Peony Pavilion.
How about you two perform Awakened Dream?
-What’s going on? -What’s wrong with Mr. Shang?
Mr. Shang.
Tell me. Would you sing or not?
I’m drunk. I’m Drunk.
I can’t sing.
I drank too much.
I’m afraid I’d sing Du Li’niang into Yang Paifeng
and beat Mr. Xi.
Sheng is rude indeed,
even if he plays female roles.
Mr. Shang would slap me
to death.
Everyone.
Since Mr. Shang is drunk,
don’t let him sing.
I’ll take him to sober up.
Excuse me.
Are they leaving?
Don’t leave. Mr. Shang.
Mr. Shang. Mr. Shang.
Everyone.
Let Mr. Xi
perform for us. Alright?
Sure!
Make a show!
I can’t.
My voice
is no match to Mr. Yuan’s.
Let Ms. Yu perform.
Ms. Yu is Mr. Yuan’s favorite apprentice.
She became a performer for Mr. Yuan.
Ms. Yu is best
at matching with Mr. Yuan.
Ms. Yu had a tiring journey.
She is too tired to perform.
Taking car is tiring?
We still performed
even when parents died.
I forget Ms. Yu’s identity.
She plays opera for fun.
Anyway,
she’s nobler than performers.
Mr. Xi.
You are drunk.
Go. Go.
Let me take you to sober up.
Mr. Niu.
Don’t you understand?
Mr. Xi
wants to keep me here.
If I don’t sing,
all the leaders here will lose face.
Mr. Yuan.
We haven’t performed together for long.
We won't have a chance you retire.
Today,
let’s have a show together.
OK. Ms. Yu.
I’ll support you as Sheng.
You’re heavy.
Sober up. Sober up.
Open your eyes. Stop acting.
You should be more sincere.
Is Sixi’er nuts?
I wanted to curse him
and slap him.
If we were not
at Mr. Yuan’s banquet,
I wouldn’t have spared him.
-I would... -Fine. Fine.
I know.
You’re aware of occasion and manners.
You even pretended drunk to avoid troubles.
Good. You’ve grown up.
I’m relieved.
Cheng.
You act to be my senior
and take advantage of me again.
♫ Afraid to see the lonely boat ♫
♫ There’s unspeakable pain at departure ♫
♫ Hate to be parted instantly ♫
♫ My heart and eyes bleed ♫
♫ Get pinched due to sorrow ♫
What are you doing?
That’s my question.
You seemed bewitched
and didn’t answer me.
Cheng.
I want to invite Yu Qing for the Tale of Dragon.
It must be her.
I don’t want anyone else.
Ms. Yu is a lady
from a famous family.
You’re pretty,
and talk pretty words,
and you’re educated and well-mannered.
-What... -Cheng.
Look.
Someone seduces you
and you also lick shoes.
How come you believe the groundless rumor?
[Mrs. Yuan]
Mrs. Yuan. You mistook it.
I come Peking
not for Ms. Yuan.
Right. Ms. Yuan.
It’s my fault.
I have a big mouth.
Don’t take it to heart.
They just performed.
How come they quarreled all of a sudden?
With whom?
It’s Sixi’er who stirred things up.
He asked Yuan and Yu Qing to perform together.
Mrs. Yuan knew Yu Qing was here
and ran into
that they were performing together.
She flipped.
She's pregnant,
and still hot-tempered.
What?
I got it right.
Hadn’t I come,
would you
let them drink like a couple?
What are you talking about?
We just performed.
Her operas were all taught by me.
So, you are her master.
Then I’m her mistress.
Why do you still call me Mrs. Yuan?
Call me mistress.
I want to hear it.
Why don’t you call me?
Yuan Xiaodi is so coward.
I’ll go to help.
You can help him,
but be aware of your manners in public.
I'm a man of letters.
Only one thing Mr. Xi said is right.
You
do have a big mouth.
Ms. Yu is invited by me
to perform my new opera with me.
Although Yuan is the host today,
you shouldn’t let them perform together
without my consent.
Mr. Shang, you sober up so soon.
Is that true?
I didn’t hear of that.
Hear of my things?
You don’t deserve it.
Alright. Alright.
Leaders.
In this case,
I have an advice.
Let’s
ask Mr. Shang and Mr. Yuan
to perform for us. How about it?
Sure. Sure.
It’s up to Mr. Yuan.
Ms. Yu and I are both guests.
We shouldn’t steal the show.
Mr. Shang. You’re too kind.
That’s my honor.
If so, Mr. Yu and I may perform.
Mrs. Yuan. Please.
Don’t stand.
Sit and watch the show.
Come. Come.
Sit.
Sit. Cheng.
Sit. Sit.
Ms. Yu.
Jade Hairpin was performed.
Should we perform another show?
Yes.
We should both know it.
We may perform...
Perform...
Lady Thirteen.
♫ I admire your beauty and temperament ♫
♫ Would you be my sworn sister ♫
♫ I’m willing to be your sworn sister ♫
♫ I’m 17 years old ♫
♫ Zhang Jinfeng is 16 years old ♫
♫ Oh, you’re one year younger than me ♫
♫ You’re my elder sister ♫
♫ I’m your elder sister, of course ♫
♫ Let’s kowtow to father and mother ♫
Mr. Shang. Thanks for helping me.
It's very kind of you.
I dislike Sixi’er.
But I do want to
invite you to perform a new opera with me.
That’s a big deal.
I need to think about it.
You may think fast.
If you can come,
your salary will be the highest,
no less than me.
I don’t care about money.
It’s rare for performers
to have a good opera of our own.
Performance is one aspect,
the script is the other.
My new opera
will be a classic, too.
The Tale of Dragon you told me
was wonderful indeed.
Alright.
I'm grateful for your kindness.
I agree.
You know I'm strict.
When you perform with me,
I’ll nitpick.
Just do it.
You’re so happy.
Yu Qing must have agreed.
She agreed.
What’s going on
between Yu Qing and Yuan Xiaodi?
Isn’t it normal for her to perform with master?
Why did Mrs. Yuan get mad?
You don’t know.
Yu Qing
is a lady from a literary family.
She was obsessed with Yuan Xiaodi,
so she learnt operas .
She even broke up with her family.
Her skills
were taught by Yuan Xiaodi himself.
Then Yuan Xiaodi got married.
She was reluctant to be his concubine.
So, they didn't get together.
But I don’t know
about their situation now.
Now you should know.
Know what?
From the way Yuan Xiaodi
looked at Yu Qing
when they performed,
he loved Yu Qing.
But Mrs. Yuan made such a scene,
and he refused it right away.
What does it mean?
What?
It means they failed to be together.
Did you see this?
Your eyes are keen indeed.
Mr. Shang,
you must perform this opera well.
Or else,
you’ll feel sorry for I’ve worked so hard.
Many performers will be on the stage.
I can’t make it alone.
You have Yu Qing now.
Only the two of us can’t make it.
Among the performers in Shuiyun Theater,
Liuyue left,
and no one performs the role of young ladies well.
Shang. Cheng.
You want performer who plays young ladies?
I know someone.
I knew this talented child not long ago.
Are you serious?
Although Mr. Fan’s capability is limited,
he’s good at appreciating operas.
Of course.
I’m good at appreciating operas.
There’s no doubt.
Xirui. Did you notice
the boy brought by Sixi’er
in blue rope?
I ever listened to his voice.
His voice is good, also good-looking.
If he is good,
he should have debuted.
Cheng. Sixi’er doesn’t like him.
He beats or scolds him every day.
How come he debuts easily?
If it’s Sixi’er, it’s not surprising.
He gets old,
and is jealous
of good-looking young apprentices.
Will you be like this when you get old?
I won’t be old.
When I’m in my forties,
I’ll hang myself.
Both you and I can be relieved.
Where does he perform? Let’s go to watch.
Sixi’er doesn’t allow him to perform.
We can’t see him.
Let’s go to Yunxi Theater to see him.
Here we are.
His master Sixi’er
is fierce and mean.
I dare not offend him.
You... You may go inside.
I don't know Zhouzi.
It doesn’t matter.
He is working in the yard.
Could you
keep watch at the door for us?
OK. I’ll keep watch here for you.
Thank you.
Listen, Cheng.
♫ So I just pick up reed catkins at the wilderness ♫
What a pity.
Mr. Shang.
Are you Zhouzi?
Someone advised me to listen to your opera.
What happened to your face?
Nothing.
I fell down.
You got fingerprints by falling?
That's too much.
He’s beaten too hard.
Mr. Shang. You said it’s a pity.
Do you mean I didn't sing well?
Not like that.
Your timbre is like Sixi’er’s a lot,
but he didn’t teach you well.
Listen to my voice.
♫ I can’t put up with the torture from stepmother ♫
♫ So I just pick up reed catkins at the wilderness ♫
Mr. Shang. How come you're singing?
Sixi’er may hear you.
It’s fine. I won’t make trouble. I’m leaving.
Cheng. Let's go.
Mr. Shang.
-I beg you. -Rise.
Please help me. Please save me.
Get up.
Mr. Shang. Please buy me out.
I can earn money for you.
Mr. Shang. Only if I follow you,
can I perform.
Follow me and perform?
You’ll never perform.
You have no backbone.
How can you be a star on stage?
Get up.
If you want,
sneak out and come to me in the future.
I’ll teach you.
Mr. Shang.
Get up.
Why do you kneel again?
Mr. Shang. Leave now.
If Sixi’er sees this,
he’ll have a row with you
-Rest assured. -and make a scene.
I’ll take care of it.
He’s talented. I’m reluctant
to see him suffer in Yunxi Theater.
Go.
Fine. Hurry.
Go to wash clothes now.