American Perspectives: Bewitched Pt. 1 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 17)

 

 

“Love and Redemption” can be viewed on Viki or Youtube . Dialogue adapted from English subtitle translations by "Destined Love Team at Viki.com." "Love and Redemption," is based on the novel "Liu Li Mei Ren Sha," by Shi Si Lang. The writings presented here are based on observations from the television series.

 

Sifeng is in his room, studying the green jar of wine he gave to Dongfang and Madam Dongfang.

His concentration is shattered by a knock on the door.  "Please come in," says Sifeng.

Steward Ouyang slides the door open. He bows to Sifeng.  "Hero Yu, Madam needs to see you.  Please proceed to her chamber."

"Now?" asks Sifeng.  He really doesn't have time to get caught up in Madam Dongfang's need for daily drama.

"Yes.  Madam is sincere about this. She says she needs to discuss something with you."

"Okay."

Madam Dongfang is playing the zither and singing in her chamber.  Sifeng and Steward Ouyang enter.

"A true gentleman always strives to improve his knowledge," sings Madam Dongfang, "and his moral standards.  With a solemn posture and generous heart, it shows his high rank.  A true gentleman will never be forgotten."

"Madam, Hero Yu is here," says Steward Ouyang.

She stops playing the zither.  "You may go now."

"Yes," Steward Ouyang bows.

Madam Dongfang stands up and picks a white flower.

"Greetings, Madam." Sifeng bows.  "I wonder what the matter is?"  Whatever the issue is, he wants to get it done and over with fast, so he can get back to what he was doing earlier.

"Was my song beautiful?"

Sifeng doesn't answer.

"Why are you staring at the ground?" asks Madam Dongfang.  "Everyone said that I'm the most beautiful woman in the world," she purrs seductively.  "Look, the flower and I, which one is more beautiful?"

"The scent..." says Sifeng.  "It's the scent and perfume of the Zitong Cult?"

Madam Dongfang laughs.  "What cult?  I don't know anything."

"Madam, where did you get this?" asks Sifeng.

"Do you want to know?" she asks suggestively.  "You must promise me one thing, then.  The wine that you brought has a potent aftertaste.  But I can't manage to recreate the same taste, no matter what I do.  Can you tell me the secret behind that?"  She moves closer to him.

Dongfang appears in the doorway, and Madam Dongfang roughly pushes Sifeng away.  "Let me go!"

"Qing Rong!" says Dongfang.

She quickly runs to him.  "Qing Qi!"

"Qing Rong!  What happened?" asks Dongfang.

Sifeng looks at them incredulously.  So much for staying out of Madam Dongfang's daily drama...

"Qing Qi, you came just in time.  I originally wanted him to teach me how to brew wine, but he was trying to violate me.  Kill him for me.  If not, I'll be too ashamed to live."

"Madam, you're framing me," Sifeng says calmly.

"You animal!" shouts Dongfang.  "How dare you try to violate my wife!"

Sifeng bows.  "My Lord, I will never do such an outrageous act."

"I saw it for myself!  How dare you deny it!"  He throws a spell at Sifeng, but misses.

Dongfang maneuvers his hands, ready to make another spell to throw, but as he's getting ready, Xuanji squarely plants herself in his way. 

"That's impossible!" Xuanji interjects.  "Sifeng wouldn't do that!"

"Don't try to find excuses for him!  Qing Rong is gorgeous.  Every one of them has been eyeing her.  He was staring at Qing Rong during the feast.  I knew he was eyeing her, but I didn't expect him to commit such an audacious act!"

"Uncle Dongfang, calm down!" Xuanji insists.

"My Lord," Sifeng steps forward.  "I'm not willing to argue.  Please think about this in a calm manner.  Many disciples of yours were chased out because they disrespected Madam.  Who do you think is the problem here?  My Lord, you are always upright and honest.  But why are you so muddle headed and letting someone manipulate you when it comes to this?"

Madame Dongfang steps forward.

"Qing Rong," says Dongfang.

"You believe in him instead of me?"

"No."

"You're useless to me.  Never find me again."

"Qing Rong!  All of you, scram!  Qing Rong, wait for me!"

Xuanji pulls back Sifeng's hair, and notices a scratch on his neck.  "How did this happen?  Sifeng, I'll dress your wound."

"I'm fine."

"Let's go," says Xuanji.

 

Xuanji is dressing Sifeng's neck wound in her room.  "Does it hurt?  You would've been framed if I didn't pass by.  Madam Dongfang is really something.  Why was she acting like that?"

"You never saw what happened," says Sifeng, "yet you said I was framed?  Do you believe in me that much?"

"Of course!  I know your character the best.  Even if Madam Dongfang is really gorgeous, and you do have feelings for her, you'd handle it accordingly.  You wouldn't commit such an audacious act."

Sifeng holds her hand.  "Have feelings for her? Chu Xuanji, it's meaningless to me, no matter how beautiful other women are.  Don't you understand?"

"Is it because the disciples from Lize Palace can't marry?" asks Xuanji.

Sifeng tilts his head.  "You still don't understand?  You removed my mask.  From now on, I don't need to wear my mask anymore.  I've broken the rules.  That means I've forsaken Lize Palace.  So, it's okay for me to marry someone."

Xuanji is confused.  "But you said Lize Palace wanted to disown you because you broke the rules.  You should return to Mount Shaoyang with me."

"Why can't you understand what I'm trying to say?  If I do return to Mount Shaoyang with you, what identity will I hold?"

Xuanji claps her hands together.  "You'll be my friend!  Since young, my father told me that we must help our friends out as much as possible.  So, he'll let you stay there."

"Wrong," says Sifeng.

"We'll be peers, then," says Xuanji.  She plays with his hair.

"You're still wrong."

"I'm still wrong?  What is it then?"  She claps her hands together.  "I know now."  She grabs his arms, and he smiles.  "You'll join the Shaoyang Sect, and become one of us.  As long as you can join our sect, you can stay with us officially.  But you'll become my junior if you do so."  She brushes his shoulder.

Clearly, she doesn't understand what a relationship is.  But why was she the only person who could remove my mask? "Never mind," says Sifeng.  "Let's get down to business.  Sit down.  Xuanji, seems like we need to stay here for some days.  We need to solve Master Dongfang's problem.  After that, we can find Minyan and Linglong.  Because, Master Dongfang has been bewitched by his wife."

"So, it's true that Uncle Dongfang was bewitched?"

"Yes.  During tonight's feast, I gave Master Dongfang the antidote with the Tasteless Wine.  Xuanji, your family is close to Master Dongfang.  Have you heard any news regarding his wife?"

"Umm...I remember when I was young, my father told me that there was a cult on Mount Zitong.  They always captured young women in order to brew their concoctions.  That time, Uncle Dongfang went to destroy the cult, and he saved the only surviving girl in the cave.  He brought her back and made her his wife."

"If they captured young women, it's impossible for the cult to leave them alive.  How could a young and weak woman manage to survive the ordeal?"

"You're saying that..."

"Madam Dongfang belongs to the cult," says Sifeng.

Xuanji gasps.

"If not," Sifeng continues, "how would she know how to use the Gu Poison of a cult?  When someone is bewitched, they'll become hot tempered.  In the end, they'll lose all control, and they'll be manipulated.  The condition will become worse during a full moon night.  In the end, if Madam casts the last spell, Master Dongfang will become her puppet.  Fuyu Island is in danger."

"When will the next full moon appear?" asks Xuanji. She counts on her fingers.

"The day after tomorrow," says Sifeng.

"The day after

tomorrow?"

 

 

Dongfang is holding Madame Dongfang in his arms.  He's smiling, she's apathetic.

"You're finally willing to see me," he says.  "Why are you only willing to meet me during a full moon night?"

She doesn't answer.

"Listen," says Dongfang, "you mustn't drink with someone else next time.  Tell me if you want to drink.  I can accompany you."

"I can drink with anyone I wish.  If you're not willing to accompany me, I can leave right now."  She throws his hands aside.

"Wait!  Qing Rong, don't joke around.  Why would I do so?  I'll be very happy whenever you want to see me.  Stop acting like this, okay?"

Madam Dongfang smiles.  "I've prepared some wine for you." She pours the wine, and very stealthily slips in the poison with a flick of her fingernail.

Little does she know, Dongfang is watching.  She smiles at him.  

"Come, drink it," says Madam Dongfang.

He slowly takes the cup.  "Thank you."

"Let me play a song for you." 

"No," says Dongfang.

"I feel like playing it right now."

He carefully examines his cup.  He puts it to his lips, and takes a drink.  "I didn't know you were in to playing songs."

"There are many things you do not know about me," says Madam Dongfang.

Dongfang nods.  "That's right.  We've been a couple for so many years, yet you still remain mysterious.  I first met you in that cave.  After one glance, I knew I couldn't forget you.  From that day onward, I swore to the heavens.  You'll be my most precious in the world.  What a joke.  I almost gave up on becoming a cultivator.  Even becoming an immortal can't compare to the times when we're together.  I really think that I'm the happiest man in the world.  Because I got to be together with you.  What about you, Qing Rong?"

She plays her zither at increased speed, and an insect is flying close to Dongfang.  She smiles wickedly, her disdain for him loudly evident.

Before the insect can reach his face, Dongfang grabs it, crushing it in his fist.

Madam Dongfang stops playing her zither.  Sifeng rushes through the entrance, followed by Xuanji, Yu Ning, and Pian Pian.

Dongfang unclenches his fist, revealing the dead bug.  Madam Dongfang's hands are shaking, her facial expression neutral.  Dongfang looks at her and stands up.  He walks up to her table.

"We have been married for more than a decade," says Dongfang.  "How I wish you wouldn't play your song tonight."

Madam Dongfang rises.  "So, you knew everything."

"Uncle Dongfang was so kind towards you," Xuanji pipes up.  "Why are you trying to harm him?"

Dongfang throws the bug on the floor.  "Tell me.  Tell me, why you're doing this?"

"If I'm not mistaken," Sifeng interjects, "you weren't captured by the cult, you're the leader of the cult.  After your cult was destroyed, you had no way to escape.  That's why you pretended to be pitiful in order to save yourself.  Master Dongfang is intelligent.  Maybe he knew the truth all along, but he still tolerated you. Why are you trying to harm him?"

"Qing Rong, I've put down the past," says Dongfang.  "Why can't you just forget?"

Madam Dongfang laughs bitterly.  "What a joke!  You eliminated my entire cult!  How could I forget that?  And you all," she points to Sifeng, Xuanji, Yu Ning, and Pian Pian.  "Your so called righteous sects have slain many people, as well.  Why can't we do the same thing when you are doing it?"

Dongfang begins to cry.

"You are just bullying the weak by using righteousness as an excuse!"  Madam Dongfang shouts. She looks at Dongfang.  "Not only that, you even locked me up on this island.   I can't go anywhere.  You treat me as your pet, and you want me to feel grateful for that?  I wanted you to know what it felt like to have a fate worse than death.  It's a pity that you discovered my plot.  But it's fine.  I've had enough of living like this.  You can do anything you want."

Pian Pian pulls out his sword.  "Master, let me kill her on your behalf in order to appease your hatred."

"Just let her go," Dongfang sighs.  "Qing Rong, no matter if you believe it or not, I've been keeping you on Fuyu Island in order to protect you.  I didn't expect you to misunderstand me this badly.  Just leave."

"I've lost today," says Madam Dongfang.  "You can take my life." She smiles.

He turns around and sees Madam Dongfang has a dagger in her hand.  Dongfang grabs it, and throws it on the floor.  "Qing Rong, what are you doing?"

"You asked me to leave?  I'm homeless now.  Where else can I go?  It's better if you kill me."

"Qing Rong, of course I'm not willing to let you leave," says Dongfang. 

Xuanji and Sifeng exchange glances.

"But you're suffering here," Dongfang continues, "so how could I force you to stay by my side?"

Madam Dongfang puts her arms around his shoulders.  "Actually, I'm just worried that you only care for my appearance.  I'm afraid that one day when I grow ugly and old, you'll be reminded of my true identity."

"Don't you understand my love for you?  Even if you want me to die, you can just tell me to do so.  I'm willing to die for you."

Xuanji looks over at Sifeng.

"I don't want you to die," says Madam Dongfang.  "Do you believe this?  I'll give you the antidote, even if they're not around."

"Of course, I do."

Madam Dongfang slips the antidote in his mouth, and caresses his face.

He touches her hand.  "Qing Rong, I know you still love me.  Am I right?"

"Of course," says Madam Dongfang.  She touches her abdomen.  "How could I bear to kill the father of our child?"

"Are you speaking the truth?"

"Yes."

"I always thought you didn't like children."

"Silly boy," Madam Dongfang whispers before they embrace.

"Qing Rong," says Dongfang.

"I don't wish to see them."  Madam Dongfang looks directly at Sifeng, Xuanji, Yu Ning, and Pian Pian.  "I only want to be with you alone."

"Okay.  All of you, leave."

Xuanji looks at Sifeng.  "But..."

 

The four meet up with Dongfang later.

"Everyone, I hope you can keep that a secret," says Dongfang.

"Uncle Dongfang, I..." interjects Xuanji.

"I've gotten to the bottom of this," says Dongfang.  "My wife was just pranking me.  It's not a good thing if people know about this.  Hero Yu, it was a misunderstanding.  Here, I'll apologize to you on behalf of my wife."

"Master, Madam almost killed you," says Yu Ning.  "Are you really going to let her off?"

"I've taken the antidote.  I'm fine now.  She's very pitiful, as well.  Moreover, a couple shouldn't have any overnight feuds.  You will understand this soon."  He looks at Sifeng and Xuanji.  "You two, just treat it as if you haven't been here."

"Master Dongfang, don't worry," says Sifeng.  "We won't tell anyone."

"Thank you," Dongfang bows to them.  The four return the bow.

 

Xuanji and Sifeng are walking back to their rooms.  

"Master Dongfang is still very confused," says Sifeng.  "Tomorrow, when he feels better, we'll ask for permission to leave the Island.  We'll find Minyan and Linglong after that, okay?"

"But do you think Madam was really pranking him?"  Xuanji asks.  "I don't think she's pranking him."

"You don't know anything, yet you're not as ignorant as I think," says Sifeng.

"I don't understand what she's trying to do.  Does she love or hate Uncle Dongfang?  She wants him to live, yet she wants him to die.  Uncle Dongfang is pretty weird, as well.  He wants her to leave, yet he wants her to come back."

"A relationship is between two people," says Sifeng.  "It's hard for outsiders to understand what's going on.  If you get into a relationship, you'll experience both good and bad.  Sometimes it's sweet.  Sometimes it's bitter.  It's unpredictable."

"I think Uncle Dongfang is quite pitiful. Madam Dongfang is evil, but he's still trying to protect her."

"Even the kindest person will be disliked by someone," says Sifeng.  "Even the evilest person will be loved by someone.  As long as they're willing, they won't think they're pitiful.  Instead, they'll feel satisfied."

Xuanji scratches her head, and continues walking.  "Anything that has to do with feelings is difficult.  It's more difficult than my training.  I don't want to encounter anything as troublesome as that."  She turns around.  "Hmm? Sifeng?"  She runs back to him.  "Sifeng, why are you standing here?"

"I was thinking that the night scenery is beautiful.  I heard that Master Dongfang has hidden some top grade Flower Wine.  Why don't we steal some of it?"

"Steal?" Xuanji asks with horror.  "It's not good to steal."

"But why not?" Sifeng smiles.  "We did him a huge favor.  Stealing some wine isn't a big deal."

"You have a point.  Let's go!"  She grabs his hand while running ahead, ready to taste some of this famous flower wine.

 

 

....To be Continued....