All carriages stop here. Ladies from nine states shall get off. Queue up!
Come into the palace! In you go. Nothing from outside the Palace can be brought in.
Girls, please hand over your belongings. [Identity Document] [Yang Momo, the chief wet nurse] (*"Momo" means "wet nurse") [Liu Momo, the principal wet nurse] What are these? [Ruan Sisi, a concubine candidate from Ying State] They can't be brought in.
In you go. Your Grace, you're a noble. [Shangguan Jing, Princess of Dan State] His Lordship allows you to carry your spear.
But you can't take this parcel with you. [Ministry of Rites of Ji State] I'm from a poor family and I haven't brought anything. In you go.
How dare you hide food! Frisk her! I'm not hiding anything.
Momo. . .
Frisk her! Nothing more. Stop.
Her back. Leave one, please. Momo.
She even brought this rotten apple. Stop. Search carefully.
That's all. How ridiculous! Where do you think you are?
How could you bring such stuff? If everybody brings random things like you do, the rules set will be pointless! Momo, don't get angry.
She knows she was wrong. Please let her go. [Hao Jia, a concubine candidate from Yan State] What are these?
And Momo, look. So many girls are waiting. How about we finish early and call it a day?
Fine, then. In you go. Take it away.
Here's my Identity Document. What are these? The perfume I made of orange zest and osmanthus.
And liquid rouge made from rose juice. I can't bring them in, right? Then, I'll give them to you.
I always carry this book, Lessons for Women. May I bring it in? Sure.
Bring it in. Miss, you look elegant. You'll have a bright future, I'm sure.
Hope you'll promote us later. You flatter me. Hope you can help me in the future.
In you go. Wei. Hao Jia, it's really you.
Yes. It's been many years since my parents last took me to Yan State to visit you, huh? More than five years.
You're as cute and beautiful as before. So are you. When you're in trouble again, don't be scared.
You have me. I'll protect you. These wet nurses just look strict.
They won't hurt us actually. And they just confiscated your snacks. We'll be given some later.
It doesn't matter. They didn't confiscate everything. Oh, dear.
You still have some? It tastes so good. [Zhongyi Hall] The Selection starts!
Princess Shangguan, please come up. [Lord of Xin State, Lady of Xin State] What does your family do? You just called me Princess, don't you know about my family?
[Head Momo, Head of Imperial Household Department] Greetings, My Lord, My Lady. I'm Hao Jia from Yan State. My parents are both well and healthy.
My father and brothers are officials. My sisters married honorable men. Li Wei from Ji State, do you have etiquette teachers?
Three generations of my family are farmers Only my father passed the imperial exam. But he's such a minor official that he can't even work in Ji Palace. My family is mediocre with a small field and few properties.
My Lady, what did you just ask me? Your Grace, what books did you read? Books on the art of war.
Those are books for men. I never know that certain books are only meant for men or women. In my opinion, a girl reads books to better take care of her husband.
We are not marrying some ordinary men, but the honorable young lords of Xin State. They are bound to deal with some external affairs, such as people's livelihood and politics. Women shouldn't interfere with them.
While household affairs include necessities of life for young lords, education for children, contacts with superiors and inferiors, and family accounts, etc. When I was at home, I read some books about them. I won't let you down.
Arts, literature, as well as needlework, I know little about them. I'm only good at tasting delicacies. I asked what you learned about serving your husband.
Actually, in our state, a man has only one wife. There's no such thing as serving anyone. If a man and a woman fall in love, they make an oath in the Matchmaker Temple and then register in the government office.
If anyone breaks the oath, all neighbors will criticize him. What plan do you have for your future? I wish I could travel around all nine states and help people.
In the future, I wish I could see my husband smile every day. For the future? I haven't thought too much about that.
We'll have a peaceful and tranquil backyard. I want three children. When my husband and I are old, we can still bathe in the sun in our backyard.
But I'm the Princess. I have my responsibility to fulfill. So, I must practice my spear skills and protect those who I should protect.
I just think the future consists of every present day. A couple should respect each other, understand and tolerate each other, try their best to make the best of every day, and take each of their meals seriously. That's the most important.
You may leave. All concubine candidates, [Liang Shi, Head Eunuch] please wait outside the hall. The girl from Ji State isn't elegant.
I quite favor Hao Jia. Qi also told me about her. Qi is a good-for-nothing son.
If he can marry Hao Jia, he may become more mature. I didn't think of those questions before. Do you think they would pick me?
Considering your answers, you wouldn't be picked just like you wished. I'm relieved then. Wei, can you get to the Young Lords' Mansion over there?
Why? You haven't had your fill at lunch, right? They cook great food in the kitchen of Young Lords' Mansion.
Don't try to fool me. Tell me. What do you want?
I don't mean to fool you. When I stayed just now, I heard His Lordship say that he wanted me to marry Yin Qi. I don't want that.
I want to marry Yin Song. Who is Yin Qi? And who is Yin Song?
Why are you still unable to distinguish them? He has ten sons. How can I distinguish them?
Yin Qi is the Fifth Young Lord. Yin Song is the Crown Young Lord. Yin Song is the Crown.
. . So, you can only be his concubine.
I know. My mother told me that women could only live in the haram. That is what we fight for all our lives.
It's not different from running a store. My husband is the landlord. His wife will only be an intractable mistress.
Now that I want a job, I'll certainly work in Xin State, the best state. And now that I'm here in Xin state, I want the most promising landlord. That will be the Crown Young Lord, right?
You can't think this way. You're such a nice woman. You deserve a man who loves you and takes care of you.
Wei, I'm unlike you. Your father has only one wife, your mother. So, you have expectations for marriage.
But I. . .
My father isn't a good landlord. My mother has been with him all her life. Because of his legal wife's order, I was taken as his lineal daughter and sent here for marriage.
I have no one to rely on. So, I need a careful plan for my future. So the dishes from Young Lords' Mansion.
. . Are they really delicious?
Let's go. Can we really do this? We've got no choice now.
There they are. Nice to meet you again. You.
. . It's hard to deliver food in the middle of the day.
Let me help you. Who are you? I'm Wei from Sixth Young Lord's Mansion.
Don't you remember? We just met the other day. What poor memories you have!
What's for today's lunch? Potatoes and sweet potatoes can't be put together. Potatoes like coolness while sweet potatoes like warmth.
When put together, the potatoes will sprout or the sweet potatoes will be rotten. You seldom work in the kitchen, right? Let me tell you about it.
You. . .
We come together. Uncooked food and cooked food can't be put together either. Or their tastes will be mixed.
In this case, you should. . .
I'm starving. Why isn't Hao Jia back yet? So hungry.
This is the last dish. Lunchtime is over. But so many dishes are left.
If I don't eat them, they'll be wasted. Baoquan. Liu Baoquan.
Liu Baoquan! Are you in? Are the dishes ready?
Hurry. Young Lord is back. And he's got a stomach ache because of hunger.
The dishes. . .
Look what situation we're in! Forget about the sense of ceremony! I.
. . Superintendent Su.
You're right in time. Sixth Young Lord has a stomach ache. Serve him the dishes.
Then he needs the medicine. Follow the old prescription and decoct it. Okay?
Hurry. I said, hurry. Just run.
Liu Baoquan, I'm cooperating here. Why didn't you tell me when the dish was served? Steamed Egg with Pumpkin.
Serve the following dishes quickly! Here it is. Steamed Egg with Pumpkin.
Your Lordship, have something hot first. Where's the egg? They must have got it wrong.
Please wait a minute. [Boiled Broccoli, Boiled Asparagus, White Gourd with Minced Pork, Boiled Pork Ribs] Here, Your Lordship. Osmanthus Cake.
Boiled Broccoli. Broad Bean with Bulbus Lilli. Boiled Asparagus.
Oh, no. Nothing to be used. Liu Baoquan!
How about this? Liu Baoquan, you have one last chance. It's no use avoiding me.
If anything goes wrong again, I won't let you off! Darn the rules! Boiled Pork Ribs.
I'll get even with you later. Boiled. .
. Pork Ribs. I guess I opened it wrongly.
Please do it yourself. Come on. It's the jade pendant of a concubine candidate.
Why is it here? Your Lordship. .
. It looks better now. Still tilted, I guess.
You don't understand. Oh, no. (This man's well dressed) (and he's here in the Young Lord's Mansion.
) (He's a young lord I guess. ) Who are you? I'm the poison tester.
I test all dishes for young lords before they're served. These dishes are clear. I should go.
I've never seen anyone test the poison with her own mouth. Which young lord do you work for? Which young lord?
I hear the Sixth Young Lord is in poor health and can hardly achieve anything great. Lord of Xinchuan doesn't pay much attention to him. People in the palace are snobbish.
Naturally, they don't care much about Sixth Young Lord. Sounds like he's quite invisible. Six Young Lord.
Six Young Lord? Then tell me what he looks like. He.
. . He is.
. . Kind of obscure.
Obscure? Be more specific. You can barely sense his presence.
One will hardly see him among a crowd. Even if he stands in front of you, you may not recognize him. He's kind of invisible in the palace.
This is quite an accurate description. When I meet him someday, I'll ask him to reward you. Don't bother.
I'm a mere poison tester. Well, everything is done here. I should go.
What. . .
What's wrong with you? Old problem. -Stomach ache.
-Stomach ache? Stomach ache. Then go see an imperial physician.
Go see an imperial physician. Come on. Get up.
Hurry. Let's go see an imperial physician. Are you all right?
One. Two. Three.
-I'll get up by myself. -No. Let me help you.
Your sleeve. Now, I'm suffering more than a stomach ache. Turn left.
I don't remember which room he lives in. I don't know who he is. I don't know if he's getting any better either.
I meant to take him to the Imperial Hospital. But he said he had business to do and asked me to get him back to Young Lords' Mansion. When he had a terrible stomach ache, why did he still go back there?
Was he trying to tell on me? Will I be beheaded? You won't.
You won't. Don't be scared. You don't know him.
He doesn't know you either. Today is the Selection Day. There are so many girls in the palace.
Even if he wants to investigate, he may not get to us. It's getting dark soon. Before it gets dark, the sedan will come and get you out of the palace.
When you're in Ji State which is so far away from here, how can they catch you? If I can make it back home, it's the season to eat lotus roots. I wonder if I can eat any.
Miss Li. Miss Li, the sedan is waiting for you at the gate. So quickly?
I didn't really expect that. This is great. It's hard to live in Xin Palace.
You'll be on your own. Be very cautious. I should go.
Okay. I'm leaving. When I'm home, I'll send you the lotus roots.
I'll use a big bag and send many lotus roots to you. Hurry. Everyone's waiting.
The sedan. . .
Why is it red? Of course, it's red. You're the first girl to have a marriage with a young lord by the order of His Lordship.
Marriage by His Majesty's order? I knew back then that you got a bright future as Sixth Young Lord's Concubine. Sixth Young Lord's Concubine?
Concubine of Sixth Young Lord? Yes, Sixth Young Lord. What Lord?
Get in the palanquin. We can't be late. Momo, you must be mistaken.
Not at all. I am also shocked. I thought you wouldn't get chosen.
Let's go. [Chengjing Temple] (*"Chengjing" means "worship") The bride worships the ancestors of the family. [Maid, Yuping] Madam?
Madam? [Maid, Yuzhan] -Greetings, Madam. -Greetings, Madam.
Me? You can get up now. Yes.
I would like to know why the Lord of Xin State wants me to marry Sixth Young Lord? Does the Lord of Xin State not like this son of his? I heard that Sixth Young Lord asked to marry you himself.
[Two hours ago] The Selection is over. I've already made marriage plans for the ladies from all states. But there's still one left.
Would you two solve this problem for me? Father, I'm too young to get married now. Yes, yeah.
Han is too young. I'm old enough. I can marry a lot of ladies, Father.
Good. How about you marry Li Wei from Ji State? The one from Ji State?
But. . .
That one. . .
She is. . .
I don't think it's a good idea. She is too much. My Lord, I'm sure you understand that it's inappropriate to have that lady marry anyone.
Why don't you let her marry. . .
? Sixth Young Lord is here. Greetings, My Lord.
She is the only one from Ji State. If she isn't chosen, the current balance will be broken. I'm turning twenty soon.
It's time for me to get married. I wonder if it's possible for me to marry her. In that case, let's let Li Wei marry Zheng'er.
But don't worry. She will only be your concubine. I will find another good woman to be your wife.
Your Lordship, it's time to have the Nymphoides Peltatum Soup. Here, here. Why did you pour off the soup again?
It's good for your stomach. I've been drinking it for so many years. It's useless.
Persistence is the key. It's better than not drinking at all. Here, drink this.
Please. It's breaking my heart, seeing you being so sick but still having to ask for marriage. I will have to marry her no matter if I ask or not.
I might as well give them what they want. The Lord never cares about you. It pains me to think about that.
What if the Lord forgets to find you a good wife? That'll be a great loss. What can that concubine from Ji State do for you?
Never mind. I've never planned to have my wife or her family do anything for me. Your Lordship, you are so kind and broad-minded.
You are also very smart, making them believe that even when you are sick, you still try to solve problems for the Lord. You earned all their sympathy. Get me an imperial physician, otherwise, I'd really die trying to help the Lord.
Hurry. I'm on it now. Madam, everyone says that Sixth Young Lord is not well-liked, but I've asked around.
They rarely punish servants here. This is a nice place. Madam, you don't need to worry.
Rarely punish servants. Is that nice enough? I know you're resourceful, but stop talking.
Physician Zhang, this way. The Young Lord is doing terrible. You guys, hurry up.
Hurry, hurry. Bring it inside. Don't follow me.
[Wenxin Hall] Is the water warm enough? Hurry up. Su.
Fifth Young Lord. Su, how is Zheng? What did the physician say?
The doctor said that it's worse than imagined. Sixth Young Lord is so unlucky. He's always been sick.
Now it's gotten even worse. What should I do? He has only half a month left.
What was he thinking, running around like that? Only half a month left? I'll check on him.
Yes, yes. Please go on. You guys, hurry up.
Come here. Did you already know that Sixth Young Lord only has half a month left? Madam, don't spout nonsense.
Yes. If anyone hears us talking about it, we'll be beheaded. Here, we should never talk about the Lord's and young lords' health.
Yes. Everyone knows that Sixth Young Lord has stomach disease, but except for his private servants, no one can talk about it. Madam, please do not say such scary things again.
Right. I see. No wonder no one else wanted me, but Sixth Young Lord chose me himself.
So it was to bring him good luck. Madam. Okay, I know.
No one can know about this. You guys can leave. Yes, madam.
Why is it so bad this time? Here, here. Let me.
Thank you. This way, please. There is only half a month left before the next Knowledge Exam.
You should skip it. Father will be judging the exam personally. I can't miss it.
Don't worry. I'll survive. You'll survive?
Look how sick you are now. Even the wedding was ordered to be simplified. The bride paid respect at the ancestral temple and that was all.
Look at you now. . .
Can you even bed the bride tonight? I need to rest. Fine, fine.
Rest. It's okay. I'll be here.
See you. I'll stay. I can stay.
I'll stay with you. [The eighth day of the sixth month] [Become a widow] [The twenty-fourth day of the sixth month] [Funeral] Plus the funeral, in at most one month, I will be going home. (Father, Mother,) (my husband will be dead soon.
) (How joyous it is) (and I will be home soon. ) (Please prepare some food for me. ) (Stir-fried beef is a must.
) I'm sorry that you'll die so young. Dear Heaven, please let Sixth Young Lord live a long healthy life in his next life. For the rest of his life, I will take good care of him (and be there for him.
) (What does he look like? ) (I've never met him. ) Why do I smell medicine?
I'm Li Wei from Ji State, Sixth Young Lord. Why is there so much blood? Is he dead?
Sixth Young Lord? Sixth Young Lord? Sixth Young Lord?
Stop yelling. (So he is Sixth Young Lord. ) (I'm doomed.
) Why are you so nervous? We have already met before. Since you're here to test the medicine, maybe you can try this soup for me.
Why? I am sorry. Please forgive me.
Alright, my concubine. I won't scare you anymore. Get up.
We haven't got to know each other well. How is your family doing? We have always been farmers, except for my father.
But he is too petty an official to enter the Ji Palace. Tell me something I don't know. You don't know?
My father can cook and he loves my mother a lot. I have a little brother called Li Cang. He always argues with me.
Can you read? In terms of manners, knowledge, and needlework, I know nothing about them. But for admiring food, I'm quite good at it.
I can read menus well. So you're a gourmet. But my little brother is ignorant and incompetent.
When I try to talk some sense into him. . .
Is there anything you don't like? Copying books. Whenever I do something wrong, my mother would have me copy books.
My handwriting is bad. Stealing food from the kitchen isn't a big fault. But rules are rules.
You still have to be punished. What's the punishment? Copying books.
You shall copy our menu by hand one hundred times. Okay. (My grandfather was like this when he was dying.
) (He coughed up blood,) (but he hid it from us,) (so we wouldn't be worried. ) (He is also a kind poor guy. ) Why are you looking at me like that?
Your Lordship, don't worry. For the rest of your life, I will take good care of you. How was your day at Inner Court School?
I'm sorry. Your allowance got deducted? Never mind.
I didn't expect you to study well, to begin with. Let's eat. When eating with the Young Lord, you mustn't eat before he starts eating.
Before he starts eating, you should just wait. (Do you understand? ) The Young Lord isn't feeling well lately.
Tell Liu Baoquan to stop preparing such greasy food. (You can't eat) any served dishes before the Young Lord tries them. You can't go for any dishes more than three times.
I'm full. Enjoy. Sixth Young Lord doesn't care about these rules.
Just enjoy. [Duxing Hall] (*scrupulous) Done eating? The medicine will taste awful when it gets cold.
I don't think it tastes better when it's warm. There are only a few days left. You're still working so hard.
Exactly because there are few days left, I need to work harder. So hard working. Your Lordship, don't worry.
When you are gone, I'll make sure to send you some books. No need to send me any books. I've memorized them all.
Memorize them and take them. You have an amazing memory. Admirable.
You asked me to copy the menu a hundred times. I've finished it. You have a really nice menu here.
But you aren't very healthy, so you can't eat the food. But don't give up. Even if you don't have much time left, you should enjoy your every meal and every minute.
We aren't really a couple now. It's quite awkward to live in your mansion like this. How about you tell me your wishes?
I'll fulfill them for you. You can't fulfill my wishes. You can go now.
I'll go back to reading. Just tell me one wish and we'll see. I wish you to leave.
I can ask other people about it. (Father, Mother,) (my husband is dying. ) (So I will be back soon.
) (When making lotus root starch,) (don't forget to add some sophora flowers. ) (I will join you soon. ) Could you please send this letter for me?
Yes. Madam, the Young Lord is sick and can't sleep in your room. But you should try to bond with him now.
If he forgets about you, what do you do then? Don't say that. If he still remembers me after he goes to the other world, that would be scary.
The only thing I can do now is to try to fulfill some wishes for him. Your Lordship, [Wenxin Hall] your concubine is acting weird lately. She keeps asking about your preferences.
It's fine if she asks Ninth Young Lord, but she went to Eleventh Young Lord as well. If she is up to something, we need to be careful. Among all the ladies sent by those states, she is the simplest.
What can she be up to? But Mother doesn't want Zai to talk to people from my mansion. (*a cute way to address a boy) I'll tell her about that.
But you and Eleventh Young Lord have the same mother. Maybe your mother would want you two to be close. Your concubine is from the rural area of Ji State.
Her life is not very easy here. I think she specially left these flowers here to cheer you up. Are you sure this is to cheer me up?
Your concubine is really weird. Your Lordship, you're back. Madam.
Your Lordship, do you like these flowers? Because no one knows what you like, I prepared something traditional. Chrysanthemum is independent and alienated, but also interesting.
I think it suits your characteristics pretty well. That makes sense. Li Wei, have I offended you somehow?
Or maybe you think you should marry into another mansion instead of mine? I just wanted you to be happy, but you don't look very happy now. What about this?
Do you like this? [The brilliant and brave Sixth Young Lord] Your Lordship, you are brilliant and brave. I want everyone to remember you like this.
This is so vivid. Madam, can I have one? Of course.
The painting is actually good. I know, right? When I get one later, may I put it up in my room?
Look where she is putting it. I hope that whenever people see this painting, they will remember how you used to look like. Used to look like?
Mind your words, will you? You don't seem to like this either. It's fine.
I prepared another gift. -Oh, no. Don't.
-Don't. I see your sincerity, but no need to prepare any gift. Heaven, please help me.
Yuping. It's. .
. It's been a long time since I last saw him smiling this happily. I asked Zai and found out that the Young Lord had a dog before.
There's something Eleventh Young Lord doesn't know. The Crown Young Lord is allergic to dog hair. So he had the dog sent away.
Our Young Lord begged otherwise the whole day. But the Lord didn't even see him. Whenever I think of it, it makes me.
. . Your Lordship, give him a name.
Don't worry. No one can take him away. I'm very strong.
I will protect him. Don't take Su Shen's words too seriously. What should I call him?
How about Baifu? (*a hundred blessings) Li Baifu. What a lame name.
Besides, why does he have my last name? You brought him back. So I won't fight over him with you.
Li Baifu. Li Baifu. Your Lordship, both the chrysanthemum and lily symbolize everlasting love.
Hopefully, you can understand where our lady is coming from. She went to Palace Affairs Ministry and tried so hard to get Baifu just to make you happy. She may not say it, but she really likes you.
(Shangguan Jing is so inhuman. ) The Lady summoned me several times and told me to be nicer to her. But when I went to her.
. . When I went to her, she broke my arm.
If I come closer to her again, she'll make sure I won't ever be able to have children. What are those things? They look scary, like I'm dead or something.
What's wrong? Li Wei has been so nice to me lately. She reminds me to have my medicine and prepares gifts for me.
What is she. . .
What does she want? What kind of a person are you? If you want to show off that your concubine is nice to you and that she likes you, you don't have to do it in front of me.
Am I not miserable enough? I'll get going. She likes me?
Your Lordship, take a look at these. They are letters that your concubine sent home. You didn't tell her that these letters won't be sent?
Sent? What she wrote is unbearable. It makes me bristle with anger.
Let me read them for you. Let me. Father, Mother, my husband will be dead soon.
How joyous it is and I will be home soon. Here. There's another one.
Father, Mother, my husband is dying. So I will be back soon. What is this nonsense?
For some reason, she thought that the day of the Knowledge Exam would be the day you die. She is counting the days and waiting for you to die, so she can be a widow and claim the pension to have a comfortable life in Ji State. Your Lordship, don't worry.
For the rest of your life, I will take good care of you. When you are gone, I will make sure to send you some books. Whenever people see this painting, they will remember how you used to look like.
Your Lordship, previously she was flattering you, and I thought she indeed liked you. It turns out that she is never sincere with you. All she wants is to get back home and be a widow.
All the acts of kindness she showed you are like terminal care for her. She never truly cared about you. I'm so angry about it.
How about this? Let's detain her here. Right here.
Let's beat her up and get even with her for you. Never mind. Just let her be.
What? We can talk about it after the Knowledge Exam. You.
. . She.
. . You're dismissed.
Seriously? I'm mad. [The 30th day of the 5th month] [The 1st day of the 6th month] Let's go.
[The 1st day of the 6th month] [The 2nd day of the 6th month] Poor needlework. You bring shame to the womanly virtue. 50 wen of your monthly pay is deducted.
[The 3rd day of the 6th month] [The 4th day of the 6th month] [The 5th day of the 6th month] [The 6th day of the 6th month] [The 7th day of the 6th month] Being bad at weiqi will fail to please your husband. 50 wen of your monthly pay is deducted. No musicality at all.
It's intolerable to the ear. Deducted. Deducted.
Deducted. 50 wen of your monthly pay is deducted. [The 8th day of the 6th month] All the dishes are ready, right?
Don't forget to avoid certain food. Okay. There are a lot of them.
Madam. Madam. Today is the big day for Young Lord.
[Chef, Liu Baoquan] It's about time. You should get ready. It's today?
(Last time I sent the medicine was our final meeting. ) Madam? Why are you standing there?
Hurry up. She is acting weird. What.
. . When Young Lord is back, no matter how the Knowledge Exam goes, we need to prepare a hearty meal for him to celebrate.
Of course. Yan, what's the key point Mr Dai mentioned last time? I couldn't find it.
This one. Anything else? And this one.
Qi. What did Father say? Are you going to rank last for us?
How is Father going to punish you this time? I will try my best to rank last. Go.
Get prepared. Hurry. Time for Sixth Young Lord to attend the exam.
Greetings, My Lord. Knowledge Exam starts. The topic you chose is tax relief.
However, you didn't cover the tax revenue of every state but only mentioned Mo, Dan, and Jin. May I ask for the reason? The reason is that only these three states have a similar scale and can be compared with Xin State.
Especially Mo State. It's a special circumstance. Mo State is guarding the pass of Xin State, while Xin State is protecting Mo State's back.
If tax relief is to be implemented in Xin State, Mo State should be taken into account too. That's why in the article, the main discussion is about tax reliefs in these three states as references. Jin State focuses on commerce while Xin State on agriculture.
What's the comparison between them? In Xin State, its cities and markets have reached a certain scale. Rather than making rules later when people start to engage in commerce, it would be better to plan in advance.
Dai State produces minerals and it's essential to our state. Why didn't you talk about it? The case of Dai State is special.
If the Lord of Dai State wants to adjust its tax policy, he needs to negotiate with the mine owners. It's not an issue in Xin State, so it's unnecessary to learn from it. My Lord, there's no further question.
Wait. Dai Di has presented me with your article. You intend to cancel excessive taxes and only collect taxes in summer and autumn.
For each household, you also suggest taxation according to the number of laborers. The elder, the sick, the disabled, widows, and widowers can be exempted. It is bold.
The elder, the sick, the disabled, widows, and widowers are unable to work, so they should not pay taxes. In spring, every household needs to purchase seeds for production and there will hardly be any assets left. Production is paused to keep the land fertile in winter, and money is saved for the new year.
That's why taxation should only be implemented in summer and autumn. Knowledge Exam ends. [The brilliant and brave Sixth Young Lord] Young Lord did so well in the exam.
What a talented man he is! Madam! What are you doing?
Take it off! Why are you dressing like this? Take it off!
Young Lord passed away today. What? What are you talking about?
Take this off as well! You are dressing too brightly. If Young Lord sees you.
. . Help!
Your Lordship! Madam! Why do you have my letters?
I'm sorry. The stomachache is not going to kill me. But I heard.
. . What did you hear?
Only half a month left? That was referring to the Knowledge Exam. So you are done with it?
Yes. How did it go? I rank first.
Congratulations, Your Lordship! You are brilliant and brave. Alright, the rest of you are dismissed.
I want to talk to her alone. You as well. (Oh, no.
) (What is he going to do? ) Do I look weak? What?
Is it because I look weak that you think I'm going to die soon? Be honest. People around me don't tell me the truth, but I want to know the truth.
Alright. Get to your feet and tell me. Then.
. . I'm going to be honest.
Go ahead. You do seem rather weak. And I heard that you fall sick very often since you were a kid.
Therefore. . .
Therefore? Therefore, you will not be able to take on the responsibility. You are not favored by your parents and are considered the weakest among the young lords.
And? That's all. What are you going to do with me?
Just behave yourself. (Father, Mother,) (I'm going to die. ) (When the flowers bloom,) (my coffin will be arriving home.
) (Don't forget to prepare food for me,) (especially stir-fried beef. ) Your Lordship, she didn't speak nonsense last night, did she? She told a lot of truth that you won't tell me.
It also confirms that people really believe what I want them to believe. Your Lordship, what makes you think that way? How could I ever lie to you?
I swear to Heaven that ever since you saved me from Second Young Lord, I have been loyal and faithful to you. Heaven and Earth bear witness. So tell me, in the eyes of others, am I weak?
No. You are brave and brilliant. In my mind, you are as strong as a god in heaven.
You are capable of everything. I admire you so much that. .
. Alright. Ask Liu Baoquan to learn some dishes from Ji State, and that.
. . stir-fried beef.
My honorable Sixth Young Lord, I have no excuse. No excuse. You are back, Madam.
That's great. Young Lord got well from his stomachache. The Lady has given the order.
Tonight is going to be the consummation for Young Lord and you. What did you say? Follow me.
What? Hurry. Whose wedding night?
Tonight, you are going to spend the night with Young Lord. I'm here to tell you the rules. After you bathe and get changed, Young Lord will come to your room.
[Censored] Madam, you've kept in mind what momo just said, right? Madam, please keep those in mind. It would be the best that Sixth Young Lord is pleased tonight, and you two can.
. . You people in Xin State are ridiculous.
I'm going to die, and I still have to complete the consummation. Wait, Madam. Madam, since the Lady ordered to make up the consummation for Young Lord and you, it means that Young Lord didn't take your offense to heart.
Otherwise, he would have reported it and you would be punished. You are not going to die. That's right.
I'm not going to die? But I still have to complete the consummation. Madam, don't worry.
I think Sixth Young Lord will be good at it. I don't want to find out. You should think about the future.
Yes. You are only a concubine now, but here in Xin State, the status of a woman depends on her child. If you give birth to a boy earlier, you will have a voice here.
So you have to work on it. If you can't have a baby, you are likely to be abandoned. What?
There used to be a concubine of Fourth Young Lord. She couldn't conceive for a long time, and then she was disowned and expelled back home. We are worried that it would happen to you as well.
Expelled back home? That's terrible. Alright.
Zheng, you've had the Passing the Gate ceremony, but the wedding night is also essential. That's right. It's a must.
You are so lucky to have such a sweet and thoughtful lady. She would not arm wrestling with you for sure. It's a day for celebration.
You don't have to show your dirty linen today. Zheng, I prepared a gift for your wedding. I'm good.
Take it. No, thanks. Young Lords, it's quite late now.
Shall we call it a day? See you later. See you.
Goodbye. Take it. Learn from it.
Wish you success! Bye. Please take care.
Why did you eat so much? I just had a little bit more. What's going on?
Your Lordship, it's a bad time today. A bad time? Your Lordship, it is a bad time indeed.
Your Lordship, my face got disfigured by accident. We can't meet now. Please forgive me and head back for now.
Disfigured? Step aside. I.
. . I suddenly really wanted to have spicy mutton, so I couldn't control myself and got some from the kitchen.
Momo said that when I'm disfigured, I can't be seen by you. It's disrespectful. So, tonight, please head back.
I'm having a stomach ache all of a sudden. If the Lady asked about it, tell her the truth. Got it.
Your Lordship, if you are indeed keen, you should find someone else. You are so brave and brilliant, so there must be someone willing to do it. I'm suffering from excessive internal heat.
It's not appropriate. Since you are suffering from excessive internal heat, you shouldn't have mutton. Tell Liu Baoquan to keep my concubine away from the kitchen.
Yes. Finally, no more consummation. Young Lords, you have completed your task in Dan State.
I've also prepared a farewell feast for all of you. Thank you, Your Ladyship. I've been observing the water flow in Dan State these days, and I've come up with eight strategies to control the flood.
I hope these can help Dan State. Use the fishermen as the main force for observation. Use the people to prevent the flood.
These are indeed excellent strategies. Prevention is better than cure. If Dan State needs any help, Xin State will definitely lend a hand.
I wasn't wrong about you, Sixth Young Lord. Let's begin the feast. Fifth Young Lord, my sister may be willing to return to Xin State with you, but I hope that you don't forget about the pledge you wrote.
If you dare take a concubine while being married to my sister, I'll castrate you so you can never have children. Your Ladyship, please rest assured. If Fifth Young Lord mistreats Jingjing, you can make him a matrilocal husband in Dan State.
That'll depend if Fifth Young Lord does well. I'll do well. I'll definitely do well.
I hope you have a safe journey. Fifth Young Lord, use more strength. Watch the threshold.
Put more strength into it. Be careful. Lift his legs!
Be careful. That's it. Put him here.
Just put him on this bed. Put him on the bed. Push a little more.
One, two, lift! Superintendent Su, be careful. Thank you, everyone.
You can get back now. I'll take care of him tonight. Superintendent Su, Madam can take care of him.
You don't have to worry about it. You're right about that. Help me walk.
Superintendent Su, here. Shangguan, we're going back tomorrow. Can we just sleep in the same chamber tonight?
You can sleep on the table. Come on, Shangguan. Can I sleep on the floor?
The table is too small. I'll fall if I turn over. It's not wide enough for me to turn in my sleep.
Shangguan. Why did you get up? Lie down.
It was a cup of liquor. It only took one cup to make you drunk. Yet, you insisted on drinking.
You can't even hold your drinks, but you kept on drinking. Do you really hate me? No.
We married because of a decree. There wasn't any affection at all. You don't like me at all.
That was what you told Her Ladyship. It was in the beginning. We were forced to get married in the beginning.
What about now? You told me to know my place for these several days. When you hold an official position, you would send me home.
You're my master, and I'm your servant. No servants like their masters. You still hate me.
I never hate you. If you don't hate me, does that mean you like me a little bit? I-I'm not sure.
Good morning. So did you get a good rest? You drank too much last night.
Don't you remember? I do. You do?
I know I can't hold my drinks. But I have a good drinking habit. After Qi and Su Shen carried me back here, I fell asleep right away.
That's it? Yes. What else could there be?
All right, then. I need to wash up. Get out.
You can wash. You won't be in my way. You're the one in my way.
Get out. What's wrong? What are you doing?
Did he kiss me or not? Could it be a dream? I'm sure he kissed me.
I think you were dreaming. How could it be a dream? I remember every detail vividly.
It can't be a dream. You drank liquor too, right? How are you so sure?
He did kiss me. I'm sure he didn't kiss you. He did.
He didn't. He did kiss me. I'm sure he didn't.
He did kiss me. It's impossible. He did kiss me.
But I have no evidence. Subtract three from five, remove two. Subtract four from five, remove one.
Add five to five. . .
Add five to five. . .
Advance one. This one. .
. Add five to five, advance one. Five.
. . Advance one.
Six. . .
Six. . .
Abacus is just too difficult. I finally learned how to read a ledger, but I just can't get an abacus at all. You don't use an abacus back home?
I can do the accounting with my mind back home. Add five to five, advance one. Add one.
. . Come on.
Show me the calculation. Add one to six. .
. Like this? Add one to six, remove five, advance one.
Add two to seven. . .
♪The southern wind meets the dew♪ You're so smart. You know everything. It's just an abacus.
It's nothing. Not nothing. You're the smartest person I know.
♪But why is my mind in a trance? ♪ Since you're so smart, why don't you help me with the rest of the questions? Sure.
Let me see. Don't you try to weasel out with sweet words. ♪I try hard to remain calm♪ His Lordship has changed.
He was a calm person. You don't get it. Men change all the time.
I didn't know that before, but now I do. Love will change someone. Not bad, you two.
♪There's no need for words if the feeling is mutual♪ ♪I got lost in my emotions♪ ♪Love is nowhere to be found, there are no more distractions♪ ♪I only wish we could enjoy three meals and four seasons together♪ I prepared the enoki mushroom you grew according to your recipe. Delicious. After we part ways.
. . Give it back.
We are. . .
What is this character? I can't even discern the form of your character. You're worse than Zai.
Bad typography here. Practice harder. I already have a lot of homework and you still want me to practice more.
Yes, I know my handwriting is ugly. It's not ugly per se. It's quite cute.
Better than Qi's handwriting, at least. It's not easy to have worse handwriting than his. I said you were like a cat.
Now, you even have a whisker. I'll wipe it off. I didn't do it on purpose.
I didn't do it on purpose. Oops, my bad. What are you doing?
You did that on purpose. I am the Sixth Young Lord. You did that on purpose.
I didn't. Come here. I didn't do it on purpose.
Come here!