Flourished Peony (2025) s01e05 Episode Script

Fortunately, the Jade Terrace is still a seedling and wasn't been dug up.
When we return home, I'll transplant you into the courtyard.
You've only had one family since you were married, that's the Liu residence.
The Princess has already left.
Whether you nurture those flowers of yours in the garden or in pots
it's all up to you. No one else will touch them again.
You've had too much to drink. What are you doing here?
Shouldn't you be preparing bridal gifts with Master and Madam?
All right.
Since you are here, let's sign the divorce agreement.
I'll leave early tomorrow morning, I definitely won't disturb you and the Princess's wedding.
My old affections with the Princess disappeared a long time ago.
Today, she was overwhelmed with grief and couldn't stop crying.
That led to what you saw.
Things wouldn't have turned out this way if you hadn't brought the guests there.
Although the Princess can ensure the Liu family's glory,
and the He family can't benefit my career,
He Wei Fang, I still want to give us a chance.
Enough, stop it.
I'll be nicer to you from now on.
Then thank you for the compliment, Young Master.
But you're complimenting the wrong person.
Do you think what I care about is your old affections with the Princess?
That I'm trying to win your love by crying and asking for a divorce?
You're overthinking it.
The reason I want a divorce
is because I despise everyone in the Liu residence.
The divorce is already settled. Don't waste any more words.
Just sign this today.
What are you doing?
You were crying today on purpose.
You wanted to make a big deal out of it so I'd be forced to marry her.
So what?
It's a good thing for everyone.
Wouldn't it be a happy event?
My parents scheme against me. So do you.
I won't let you have what you want!
Shu'er. Prepare a hot bath for me!
Tonight, I'll spend the night in Young Madam's room.
Don't even think about it!
Help! Help!
Want to run?
- Even after our wedding, you still call me Young Master.
- Help!
Listen, you should've changed your way of addressing me long ago!
Either tonight call me Zi Shu, or call me husband!
Don't even think about it. You can't defy your parents!
Nor can you resist the Princess.
You target someone as powerless as me to showcase your illusion of freedom!
- Let go of me!
- He Wei Fang, you married into an official's family, enjoy the honor!
I'm full of talent, I'll succeed sooner or later.
Such a good marriage, you should cherish it!
Why do you avoid me?!
A family of officials?
You're no different from a thug or thief!
Even if you were royalty, I'd still look down on you!
Listen up! I'll be the thug tonight!
Once everything is settled, I'll see how you leave.
Someone!
Keep shouting! Let's see if this residence is surnamed Liu or He!
Someone!
Someone!
- He Wei Fang, come back here.
- Someone!
- Want to run?
- Someone!
I'll help you up.
Don't come any closer!
Get lost! Out!
I don't want you to leave. Nor will I let you go.
I'll explain everything to the Princess.
I won't let you be wronged.
He Wei Fang
think it over. Don't be ungrateful.
Get lost!
The Integrity Society is composed of stray people and tax dodgers.
They are the ones who tried to assassinate me?
That's right. Those people had their land taken.
When they were left homeless, they were taken in by the leader of the Integrity Society.
In the society, masters teach them literacy and martial arts.
Their original hometowns are around this area.
Who's the leader of the Integrity Society?
We haven't figured it out yet.
However, we found his hideout isn't in Luoyang, but in Chang'an.
He didn't dare take action in Chang'an and had to travel a thousand miles to kill me.
There's no one else around.
Don't you feel dizzy talking upside down like that?
The Integrity Society claims to remove evil officials, assassinating corrupt officials and sycophants outside of Chang'an.
Even though the imperial court has repeatedly sent people to suppress them, they've still grown stronger.
Never taking action in their own territory.
No wonder they've remained so well hidden. Quite clever.
Can those who attempted to assassinate me go on the journey with us?
I'll personally interrogate them on the way back. I believe we'll get something from them.
They were interrogated without severe punishment. They can go on the journey with us,
with strength enough to still curse you.
I'm sure it'll be quite interesting.
I'd actually like to hear it.
Right, regarding the matter of Fuyun Temple, you must handle it properly before leaving.
At this late hour, you come bearing injuries.
I don't think you came to ask for medicine?
Young Master Jiang is wise.
Liu Chang's affair has been exposed and he took his anger out on me,
even resorted to physical violence against me.
I wish to file a report and divorce,
but the officials in Luoyang cover up one another.
I have no choice but to ask you to stand up for me.
Good try. But you aren't careful enough,
you used scissors in your right hand to get this wound,
hence the angle of the cut is downward to the left.
Furthermore, the blood on your sleeve is all flawed.
With this, there would be no flaw at all.
Thank you for the reminder.
You seek freedom without fear, it's admirable.
But this fan was a gift from His Majesty, it's very expensive.
If you don't help me, this fan proves you hurt me.
I hope you can think it through again.
You set me up.
Not really. Just taking what we each need.
You've seen my flaws.
And I've also seen yours.
With just a copper coin, you claim it as my flaw.
It's the first time I've ever had a threat this light.
I know.
With your wisdom, you surely won't let me keep anything on you.
But a person with no way out
must give it a shot, even if the chances are slim.
Moreover, if you help me, there would be benefits for you.
What benefits can I get by helping you?
If I leave the Liu residence,
the Princess will surely be Liu Chang's legitimate wife.
The two of them will become a couple.
Isn't that what you hope for too?
In the past, I wanted to help you. Yet you rejected it, finding it too expensive.
Now you're seeking help here.
There's a reason it's expensive, right?
All right, I'll do you a favor once.
Thank you.
However, I have another favor to ask.
I'm afraid they'll cover for each other and shirk responsibility.
Could you rally some people to gather at the government office entrance to support me tomorrow?
You're quite clever, knowing how to use public opinion to pressure people.
Fine. I'll hire some people for you to watch this play.
However, whether to watch a play or to do you a favor,
you must still pay me.
Young Master Liu has just made out with the newly widowed Princess, and then he beat his wife!
So shameless!
Indeed, look at her, covered with blood. He beat her too harshly!
- Exactly.
- So shameless.
Cold-blooded!
Silence! Silence!
Magistrate, the injuries have been examined and confirmed.
Magistrate, last night we just had a few arguments, and there was a bit of shoving.
How come I don't remember hurting your shoulder?
You were that drunk that you can't remember anymore?
What do you remember then?
Do you remember the bruises on my hands?
How about the wound on my forehead?
My back, my limbs, and the large areas of bruising and abrasions.
Have you forgotten all that?
I didn't mean to hurt you.
- With so many injuries on her body, yet you still deny it!
- Exactly!
Shut up!
I'm handling my own family affairs, what does it have to do with you?
You've hurt her and still are so arrogant?!
In this court, you reek of alcohol. It's simply lawless!
- You!
- Magistrate.
Recently, there has been unrest in my family. So my son was drowning his sorrows in liquor.
And now he has spent the night sleepless,
he's so confused he can't speak clearly now.
Please take him to the back room and call a physician to sober him up.
Father.
Nonsense really gets in the way of judging the case.
After Young Master Liu sobers up, then we shall continue.
Yes, Magistrate.
Young Master Liu, please.
Sorry for that.
- It's quite normal for a young couple to argue and quarrel.
- Yes.
It's a domestic affair, after all.
Family shame shouldn't be aired in public.
We should shut this government office for now, so we can discuss it appropriately.
Listen, she's been injured like this. Yet he says it's a family affair!
Fellows, once the gate is shut, they'll shield one another and turn the big issue into a small one!
We can't let them shut the gate!
You're making trouble,
disturbing the court and even slandering court officials.
Do you want to come in to be punished?
- Shut the gate.
- Shut the gate!
- Why shut the gate?
- Why shut the gate?
- Wait!
- Do you want to cover up for each other?!
Magistrate, the reason the government office holds court sessions is to gain the people's trust.
Yet my husband had an affair first and beat me thereafter.
If the Liu Family is upright, then why shut the gate?
Mu Dan, Zi Shu is gentle and kind, he could never commit such acts of violence.
The Liu family has always been lenient. Since you married into the Liu family,
we cherish you like a treasure and provide you a wealthy life.
Now, you're complaining about us, as if we would bully you.
It makes me so sad.
It's not that I want to complain to you,
but what you say is too partial and unfair.
I come from a merchant family and married someone noble.
Therefore, I've been careful and submissive in everything.
But what about Liu Chang?
Not only did he openly consort with someone else, but he also committed violence against me.
Under such circumstances, you still claim to treat me like a treasure.
Magistrate, I'm here today
to seek a way to survive!
Madam He, this matter concerns the regal family.
How dare you make false accusations?
A husband having an affair is due to the wife's incompetence and negligence.
You still haven't given birth.
Then, it's reasonable for Young Master Liu to have an affair.
I think you're childless, prone to jealousy, and disobedient to your in-laws.
If you two must part, you should be dismissed!
If you keep obstructing the court officials, you will face an added charge of disrupting court proceedings.
According to the law, you'll receive twenty heavy beatings.
- What? You're just killing her!
- Twenty heavy beatings?
Madam He is covered in injuries and still has to endure twenty heavy beatings?!
- Is this justice or are they trying to kill her?
- Exactly!
Shut up and leave!
- Ridiculous.
- You treat human lives with utter disregard!
Magistrate, I've been married into the Liu family for less than a year.
How could I have a child?
No matter how Liu Chang treats me,
whenever the Liu family needed money, my parental family would help them.
Even my own dowry contributed quite a bit.
I serve my in-laws every day,
have been attentive to them from morning to night.
I've been kind and dutiful to the Liu family.
Why should I be beaten? And why should I be dismissed?
I refuse to accept this.
How dare you speak so boldly here!
Guards! Just…
Young Master Jiang, it's all her fault for ruining your sweet dream.
Sorry about that.
Magistrate, I laughed because of you.
Me?
If your wife cheated behind your back, was beaten bloody out of your shame from being exposed,
and then divorces you, claiming you're incompetent. Isn't that funny?
Well…
There's a human life involved, yet you want to close the gate and claim it's a family affair.
You can't even do a puppet show like that.
Young Master Jiang. Since ancient times, the husband has always been prioritized.
- The matter between a couple is a family affair, right?
- Yes, yes.
Moreover, no one has been killed.
Young Master Jiang, you're busy and also have to serve His Majesty.
These trivial matters of our Liu family should not further occupy your time.
Here, I'll have someone come take you back to the residence.
This time of mine is for His Majesty.
His Majesty has long been living deep in the palace. Compared to these rare treasures,
what he cherishes more are strange tales and odd events.
Since moving into the Liu residence, amusing incidents have occurred one after another.
His Majesty will surely ask me more out of curiosity.
I wonder which event I should tell him about.
At the floral banquet, assassins infiltrated.
Within your jurisdiction, such a grave mistake has been made.
Young Master Jiang. Fortunately, you're brave.
The assassination attempt failed.
I've already prepared you an apology gift.
There's no need to tell His Majesty about this.
Well said. We're all serving His Majesty.
Yes.
Since you came, you've been staying at the Liu residence.
You must have heard something about what happened to Madam He.
I would like to hear your opinion.
That day, at the Water Jade Pavilion…
Young Master Jiang.
The matter at the Water Jade Pavilion is also quite a romantic tale.
The two are mutually in love and I believe will marry soon.
Right, Master Liu?
Yes, yes.
Then congratulations to your son and the Princess in advance.
However, it's true that Madam He has been injured.
Let's deal with it one by one.
Yes, yes.
Just now, you mentioned the law. So judge it as what's written in the law.
I'm not very familiar with these things.
Chuan Yu.
According to the law, those who beat their wives must at least divorce them and return the dowry.
At worst, sever ties, provide compensation, and face imprisonment for intentional injury.
- Is what he said correct?
- Yes, yes.
- That's great!
- Good.
Thanks to the Floral Envoy for speaking out and helping!
- Good!
- Thank you!
- Good, well said!
- Thank you, thank you.
- Good.
- It's fair!
Magistrate, I'm here today
not seeking wealth, nor revenge, but a way out.
I hope you permit me to divorce Liu Chang,
to sign the agreement today, settle accounts, and leave the Liu residence tomorrow.
From then on, I'll part ways with the Liu family, and no longer be involved.
Mu Dan, being from a merchant family, you may not fully grasp the complexities of divorce.
Both the couple and their parents must all consent and stamp their seals.
The government has to redraft official documents and household registrations.
The dowry must also be retrieved from storage and thoroughly inventoried.
How can it be done so quickly?
Besides, you're still injured.
Let us handle it slowly.
I'm afraid I don't understand the procedures,
therefore, before reporting to the officials, I made preparations and got clarity.
I've already written and stamped the divorce agreement, the dowry list is also in order.
The dowry I voluntarily offered to you has already been deducted,
consider it as a filial tribute to the in-laws.
But the money you made from secretly selling
my goods and shops, I hope you can return in full.
- Well
- Wait.
- Young Madam, you're—
- Now that the divorce is settled,
I'm no longer the Young Madam of the Liu family.
My name is Mu Dan.
Miss Mu Dan, you're quite smart.
It's a shame you're confined within the walls of the household.
If you want to manage my accounts, I'll reward you handsomely.
I'm being sincere.
Thank you for your appreciation.
I'm more than willing.
But Chang'an is too far away. It's really a pity.
We are okay with everything else. But the peony flowers are already deeply rooted in the courtyard,
if you wish to dig it up, then the courtyard will be a mess.
They're just some flowers after all. Just let it go.
At the banquet a few days ago, Master Liu boasted to the guests that the famous peonies are worth a fortune.
I can't let it go.
Young Master Jiang was present at the time. You still remember, right?
A golden nugget. How could I forget it?
Magistrate, Master Liu. Please stamp it.
[Divorce Document]
The Liu family has long been established in officialdom, enjoying a generous salary.
You have this little money, right?
I have my seal at home.
Also, this is the account for the whole year. I can't even calculate it.
I need to get the accounting office to go over everything. It'll take quite an effort.
Moreover, we have had many tasks at hand recently.
Even if we were to rush it, it would take until next month at least.
How many days will it take for the accounting office to clear and check the accounts, as Master Liu mentioned?
Three days will be sufficient.
After three days, come here to sign and stamp the documents.
After exchanging the official documents, the divorce will be settled.
- Good!
- Excellent!
- The Floral Envoy is really impressive.
- Excellent.
Parting ways brings relief to both sides.
It's also quite a good story.
Let's call it a day then. What are you waiting for?
The matter is settled. Court is adjourned.
Jiang, you dog! Just kill me! Why bother with all this?
No matter where you take us, we'll stay united and curse you!
I don't care. Yell what you want.
When we reach Chang'an, I'll have plenty of ways to punish you.
We have a long future ahead.
Heaven is blind, corrupt officials hold power. If you dare, kill me now!
I'll turn into a vengeful ghost! I'll ruin your ancestral grave and make you restless day and night!
Bah! Jiang, you dog!
Just the same old cliché. Boring.
Young Master, we can set off now as well.
Who are you waiting for?
I put on such a big show and did a great deed of kindness.
If I can't get any fame, I can at least get some money.
Young Master Jiang, please wait.
Young Master, you really are amazing.
You've helped me fulfill my wish.
I'm here to see you off and repay the kindness.
This is for you.
I care about the people and uphold justice.
It's all for the justice, not for the money.
Not bad, it's not too light.
Money is cold, how can it compare to warm roasted pancakes?
A full three jins. You can have them to stave off hunger on the road.
This gift is heavy enough, right?
I'm just joking.
The Liu family hasn't returned my dowry to me.
I'm also short of money.
Consider it a debt I owe you.
Chuan Yu. The first person in the world who dares to owe me money has appeared.
I charge a high interest. You won't be able to pay it back.
In my opinion, you should go with me to Chang'an to work as an accountant.
You can make a fortune, for real.
Only the bold can make a fortune, but I'm afraid of dying.
Wishing you a smooth journey.
Till we meet again, I will repay your kindness then.
Well, the pancakes really are tasty.
I brushed them with two layers of nectar. This is a secret recipe from the He family.
Try some.
Eat it while it's warm. While it's warm.
Young Master, it really is tasty!
Indeed, it's better than money.
- Set off.
- Set off!
[Liu Residence]
These days, I've been so busy.
I didn't even have the chance to apply spring fertilizer for you.
I didn't expect you to be so great and even sprout flower buds.
Once Liu Chang stamps the divorce agreement, we'll go home together.
Mu Dan. I like Mu Dan.
Shuai Shuai, too. Let's go home together, okay?
Let's go. I'll make something tasty for you.
The Floral Envoy and others have left Luoyang.
We can take action now.
[Divorce Agreement]
After He Wei Fang married into the family, she has been diligent.
Why are you being so ruthless?
I originally wanted to just dismiss her,
but she was too greedy, insisting on taking her dowry with her.
And stirred up a lawsuit, ruining the reputation of my Liu family.
Forming a marriage alliance with Prince Ning is the Liu family's only chance for a comeback.
We must have money at hand.
We can't let her live.
It's my father who agreed to divorce, not me!
Where's He Wei Fang? What is she doing right now?
Young Master, she has prepared the carriage, is busy packing personal belongings,
and taking inventory of the storage. Shu'er has loaded the packed bags onto the carriage already.
After you stamp the divorce agreement, then she can return to her parental home.
Young Master, at this point, nothing can be saved now.
The Princess demands that the Liu family quickly make a marriage proposal, as she wishes to be the legitimate wife.
If the agreement is broken, then it would be a calamity.
Young Master?
What, Young Master?
I'm merely an object in this family, arranged at their disposal.
My marriage and my divorce aren't within my own control.
I can't keep the person I wish to keep, I can't get over the affection I don't want.
I understand. Previously, you've missed the Princess day and night.
But unexpectedly, upon meeting again, she's much different from before.
You're upset.
You Zhen says it's all for me, but it's just using power to oppress me.
The youthful affections of the past have all been erased by power.
People will change.
Madam He is different from before as well.
I had though
He Wei Fang was a weak and commonplace woman.
But unexpectedly, she could be happy, angry, could resist and strive.
If I had been sincere to her back then,
perhaps everything would be different now.
I did something I didn't mean to before,
and now, I definitely can't make the same mistake again.
Just find that divorce agreement and burn it.
Just burn it.
[Divorce Agreement]
The zixi pills my parents gave Madam He were fake.
If Mu Dan knew, she might end up hating the Liu family even more.
Young Master, did you hear anything just now?
- No. What's the matter?
- The Master entrusted me to deliver some things to Young Madam.
She seemed a bit unhappy and argued with me loudly. Before I could finish speaking, she ran off.
Young Master, did you see where she went?
She went that way in a panic. It should be towards the Water Jade Pavilion.
Thank you, Young Master.
Come out.
Careful.
- Why did you save me?
- You're my legitimate wife, I've never thought of harming you.
Mu Dan, as long as you're willing to stay, I'll surely protect you.
You're a man who can't even marry and have children at will.
What do you have to protect me?
Liu Chang, our divorce is already settled.
- Now what's lacking is just an official document stamp.
- He Wei Fang, it was I who just saved you.
And who wants to take my life?
- Have you thought it through?
- Crystal clear.
The carriage you prepared is at the side gate.
- But what about the divorce agreement?
- Look at the situation! If you want to live, hurry up and leave.
Madam He is too cunning, she ran away.
I can't find her anywhere in the residence.
Useless! How did you let a weak woman run away?
Where could she have run off to?
She must've gone to her father.
Take some skilled servants with you and go to the He family.
After seeing her father, you know what to say.
Do not fail again.
Yes, Master.
'Fragrance Recital' - Zhang Zining
♫ On the endless road to Chang'an,
the zither and lute's melody echoes from afar ♫
♫ Plum and willow trees greet the Spring,
as splendor returns this year ♫
♫ Copper battlements shine atop the palace
as songs and dances fill the air and glasses are raised ♫
♫ Idle clouds and drifting duckweed, with a thousand flowers blooming ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫
♫ The distant night sky, scattered with stars, reflects the gentle moon ♫
♫ The peony's exquisite beauty fills the fragrant garden ♫
♫ With my heart as a lantern, I fear not the journey through distant mountain paths ♫
♫ The jade flute's music fills a fleeting life with meaning ♫
♫ Time flows gracefully, with moments gathering in the fading mist ♫
♫ Let the years pass, carried by the wind toward long-held desires ♫
♫ If the heart remains as still as water, youth becomes eternal ♫
♫ Still cherishing the moon of my hometown, yearning to meet again ♫