American Perspectives: Young Master Yi Pt. 2 ("Love and Redemption" Ep. 50)

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

A'Lan is excitedly walking down the path to Sifeng's house with the jar of osmanthus wine in hand.  

 

It's a large, but modest, bamboo home in a secluded area.

 

"Young Master Yi," A'Lan walks through the entry way.  "Young Master Yi, I've brought you some wine."

 

Sifeng coughs.  "No rewards come without merit.  How can I take your wine for free?"

 

"What merit?  I don't care.  I just want to give you some wine."

 

"Take it back," says Sifeng.

 

"No," says A'Lan.  "You've taught me so much about medicine and spells.  I've never paid you.  Take this wine as payment, please?"

 

Sifeng coughs.  She places the wine on his table.  "Young Master Yi, listen.  Lately, there are two wandering cultivators in town.  They're annoying.  They just won't leave now, and everyone's been seeking their help instead of yours.  They're stealing your business.  You should show them a thing or two.  Let them know you came here first."

 

"Since someone is doing my business," says Sifeng, "that saves me a lot of trouble."

 

"What if you go out of business?"

 

"It's fine," says Sifeng.  "I'm satisfied with a simple life.  Let them be."

 

"It's true that you can fend for yourself now, but what if you have a family in the future?"  She looks at him hopefully, but his expression remains neutral.  "It's fine, though.  Even if you don't have a penny to your name, I'll take care of you."

 

"Young Master Yi!"  An older man rushes to Sifeng's doorway.  "I've finally found you."

 

"Uncle, what brought you here?"  Asks A'Lan, her opportunity to sway Sifeng's affections completely undermined.

 

"I've heard you mention this place."

 

"This is my uncle," A'Lan says awkwardly.  "He lives in the neighboring Huanglong Town."

 

"Young Master Yi, our town is in trouble.  I'm here to ask for your help."

 

The three sit down at Sifeng's table.

 

"This is what happened," says Uncle.  "Lately, every wedding in town will become a funeral the day after.  Newlyweds have been dying from mysterious circumstances.  I wonder what demon has been targeting newlyweds.  Last night, another couple died.  Now, my son is over thirty years old, and he finally found a wife, but we have to delay his wedding.  If he doesn't get married soon, the bride's family is going to cancel it.  That's why we're asking for your help, Young Master Yi.  Please slay the demon for us, Young Master Yi."

 

"There are two new demon slayers in Xigu Town," says Sifeng.  "Since they're a man and a woman, they can act as newlyweds.  They're more suitable for this job.  You should look for them."

 

"It's not that I don't trust them," says Uncle, "but we've hired many demon slayers and monks, and they've all been kidnapped by the demon, too.  None of them have returned yet.  The demon is too strong."

 

A'Lan jumps on this very convenient and coincidental opportunity.  "Young Master Yi, take me along.  We can act as newlyweds, too."  She hopes this will plant a seed.  "Since you've been teaching me, I can help you, too."

 

"No.  This demon is too vicious," says Sifeng.  "You're no match for him."

 

"That demon is so strong, and those cultivators are just amateurs.  If we let them go, they might just die," says A'Lan.

 

"That's right," says Uncle.  "Young Master Yi, please help us.  Our town's prospective couples are counting on you."

 

"If that's the case," says Sifeng, "I shall go there.  Sir, hold the wedding as planned.  A'Lan, sorry to bother you.  I need you to act as my bride tomorrow."

 

A'Lan is ecstatic.  "It's not a bother.  I don't mind, even if it's for real."

 

"I have nothing valuable on me," says Sifeng.  He takes out a huge pearl.  "Please take this to buy a pair of wedding clothes.  You can use the rest for the banquet."

 

A'Lan nervously takes the pearl.  She so badly wants this wedding to be real.

 

 

 

 

 

A'Lan examines the pearl in the dining room at the West Valley Inn.  "He approached me instead of someone else."  She conveniently forgets that she cornered him into accepting the offer.  "And he gave me such a huge luminous pearl.  That means he does fancy me, right?  Once we go through the ceremony, I'll get my uncle to propose for real.  I'm sure Young Master Yi won't reject."

 

"A'Lan!"  Yells the Inn Keeper.  "Aren't you going to serve the guests?  What are you grinning at?"

 

A'Lan swiftly stands up.  "Boss, I'm marrying Young Master Yi!"

 

"What nonsense is that?"  Asks the Inn Keeper.

 

"It's true.  I'm going to be his bride tomorrow.  By then, I'll be the envy of the town."

 

The Inn Keeper touches her forehead.  "I don't think you're sick."

 

"Miss A'Lan, here are your wedding robes," says a man delivering her garments.

 

She puts her hand on the table.  "Put them here."

 

"Sure."

 

"Boss," says A'Lan, "I'm taking two days off.  I'm going to get married.  I won't be back for the next two days."  She puts the pearl in the Inn Keeper's hand.  "Please keep this luminous pearl for me.  Young Master Yi gave that to me as a token of our love.  I'm going to get married."  she grabs the robes and darts away.

 

"A'Lan!"  Calls the Inn Keeper.  "What's wrong with that stupid girl?"

 

 

 

 

 

"What now?"  Xuanji and Teng She enter the Inn.  "No one has seen Sifeng."  She rubs her sore shoulder.

 

"I say, you must be mistaken," says Teng She.  "I'm sure he wasn't Sifeng."

 

"Impossible.  I can't be wrong.  He is Sifeng."

 

"Miss Chu."  The Inn Keeper approaches them.  "I know you're knowledgeable.  Can you help me, and see if this thing is worth much?"  She shows Xuanji the luminous pearl.  "How much money can I get from it?"

 

Xuanji nearly jumps out of her skin.  She anxiously takes the pearl.  Her heart races.  "Isn't this a luminous pearl from Lize Palace?"

 

"Look carefully," says Teng She.

 

"I've seen this before," says Xuanji.  "I saw it on Sifeng.  Ma'am, where did you get this?"

 

"Young Master Yi gave A'Lan this as a token of their love.  Well, is it worth much?"

 

"Young Master Yi?"  Asks Xuanji.

 

"Or was A'Lan scammed?"  Asks the Inn Keeper.

 

Teng She's eyes widen.  "Where are they?"

 

"A'Lan was rambling about marrying Young Master Yi.  I don't know what's going on, either.  I heard that man is sickly.  I don't know what she sees in him, either."

 

Xuanji is trying her hardest to restrain her tears.  She has finally gotten over her daily migraines.  She doesn't need them starting up again.  However, in spite of her efforts, her eyes redden.

 

Teng She snakes his head.

 

Xuanji stares intently at the pearl, as if her gaze alone will make Sifeng materialize in front of her.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, at the fake wedding, Sifeng and A'Lan approach the altar.  Crowds of people show up to watch.  A'Lan beams as she decides she's going to pretend that it's real.

 

Xuanji and Teng She are able to make their way through.  Teng She snakes his head judgmentally.

 

"Bow to the heavens and earth."

 

The couple faces the crowd, and Xuanji's lower lip trembles as she sees Sifeng's face.  This cannot be happening.  She anxiously clenches her fist.  "Sifeng."

 

"We've finally found him here," says Teng She.  "What a surprise."  Even Teng She thinks this is totally out of character for Sifeng.

 

"Bow to your elders.  Bow down."

 

Xuanji is on the verge of tears, and ready to crash the wedding.

 

"Bow to each other."

 

Teng She watches her carefully.

 

Xuanji is trembling at the sight before her.  The thought of Sifeng moving on never crossed her mind.  She assumed he would always be waiting for her.  Xuanji shakes her head as they are about to bow to each other.

 

"I sense demons," Teng She observes.  He generates white energy from his hand, and shoots upward.  Sifeng turns his head slightly to look.

 

"Demon!"  People in the crowd shout.  The crowd disperses while Xuanji stands beside Teng She.

 

Sifeng looks over, and he just about has a heart attack.  He sees a tearful Xuanji, and a sassy Teng She.  He freezes as their eyes meet.

 

"What are you doing here?"  A'Lan asks impatiently.  She quickly walks ahead of Sifeng, royally pissed that Xuanji and Teng She have potentially cock blocked her, and destroyed her delusional fantasy.

 

"We saw a demon here," says Teng She, "so we were worried, and came, you mindless wench."

 

"Did we ask for your help?"  A'Lan hisses.  Her women's intuition senses something about Xuanji and Sifeng, and she is anxious to shut it down, pronto.

 

Sifeng can't stop looking at Xuanji.

 

"Do you know you've ruined my wedding?"  Asks A'Lan.

 

Xuanji walks closer to Sifeng.  Sifeng avoids eye contact.  He's feeling a mix of frozen, numb, and wary.

 

"So, you're Young Master Yi," says Xuanji.

 

A'Lan eyes her warily.  "Why are you looking for Young Master Yi?"

 

"Tsss!" Says Teng She.  "Sifeng, we've finally found you after searching everywhere.  Thank goodness you're here.  Otherwise, we'd still be searching."

 

Xuanji extends her hand.  "You've lost weight."  She tries to touch his face.  He takes a step back.  "No wonder you look different from the portrait."  She drops her hand.

 

"Is there anything you need, Miss?"  He asks flatly.

 

Teng She sassily snakes his head.

 

"What are you talking about?"  A'Lan asks warily.  Her women's intuition is operating at full volume, and she has an awful feeling that she really stepped in it.  "Who is Sifeng?  Young Master Yi, do you know them?"

 

Sifeng pauses.  "I have never met them.  I'm afraid you're mistaken."

 

Teng She snorts derisively.  What a coward.  "Little Phoenix, she's Xuanji!"  He says impatiently.  He has no time for Junior High School level games.

 

"Should I know this name?"  Sifeng asks flatly.

 

"Sifeng, you..." whispers Xuanji.  "Don't you remember me?"

 

He stares at her.

 

"I came late, after all," Xuanji cries.  "Have you eaten the Heartless Pill and forgotten all about us?"

 

A'Lan looks over at Sifeng.  Internally, she's freaking out.  She can sense the deep history between the two, and her future plans going up in smoke.

 

"Then..." Says Xuanji.  "Look at this."  She shows him the pieces of the Lugong puzzle.  "This...you made this lock puzzle.  I've read your note inside.  I know you didn't mean to hide the truth from me.  I was wrong to blame you.  And this bell.  We contacted each other with this, Sifeng.  Sifeng, look.  Don't you remember?"

 

A'Lan senses Xuanji is telling the truth, as most women in these yucky situations generally are.  However, A'Lan is clinging for dear life to a man who is at best apathetic about her.

 

"Don't you remember one single bit?"  Asks Xuanji.  "Sifeng."

 

"If my guess is correct," Sifeng says coldly, "you're the new demon slayers, are you not?  I don't know why you're showing me these knick-knacks, while rambling nonsense on my wedding day."  

 

Xuanji continues to hold her hands out.

 

"I'm sure you can see I'm getting married tonight.  I'd like to request you two to not interfere in our ceremony."

 

Teng She lowers Xuanji's arms.

 

"If we had any history, Miss," says Sifeng, "I'd like to tell you this.  All is in the past.  I hope you will not take them to heart."

 

Xuanji wants to collapse.

 

"If you wish to stay for the banquet," Sifeng continues, "Auntie, please take them to their seats.  If you don't...Please leave."

 

"Sifeng, you're crazy!"  Teng She snaps.  "You've been through so many hardships for this stinky woman.  How can you forget her?  And you're marrying another woman now."

 

"Ah," A'Lan says quickly.  She has a feeling the annoying demon slayers are telling the truth, but she wants desperately for Young Master Yi to love her.  "Are you done yet?"  She asks Teng She.  "I know you want to make a quick buck here.  That's fine.  But if you disturb our wedding because of this, don't you think you're too mean?"

 

Teng She hisses at her.  "What do you know?  How long have you known him?  He's known Stinky Woman for ten lives, and you?"

 

"Ten Lives?"  Asks A'Lan.  "More like ten lice.  What are you talking about?"  She has a feeling that she'll be losing her footing in this "relationship" real soon.  "I don't care what you say.  I only care about this life.  In this life, Young Master Yi belongs to me, right?"  She holds out her hand.

 

Sifeng pauses before he finally holds her hand.

 

Xuanji's heart breaks.  Tears stream down her face, and A'Lan smirks.

 

"Uncle," says A'Lan.  "The Auspicious Hour is coming, right?"

 

"That's right," says Uncle.  "You should go now."

 

"Fine, Sifeng," says Teng She.  He grabs his red wedding robe.  "Let's fight, and you'll remember everything!"  Xuanji grabs Teng She's arm, and pulls him back.

 

"Stop that, Teng She.  Actually, if you've really taken the Heartless Pill, at least you will be safe.  I wanted to find you, to stay by your side, and ask for your forgiveness.  But...if you have found someone you love, and you're happy now, then I'm satisfied."

 

A'Lan looks at Sifeng uncomfortably.  What the hell did I just step in?  

 

"Yes," says Sifeng, "I am happy now."

 

"We're running out of time," says Uncle.  "Please exchange your gifts now, dear newlyweds."

 

Xuanji watches Sifeng put the Rose Gold Bird hairpin in A'Lan's hair.  Xuanji struggles to breathe.

 

"Enter the bridal chamber!"

 

The bride and groom hold hands.  Xuanji clenches her fist.  She has intrusive thoughts of what they will be doing in the bridal chamber, and how they will be spending the rest of their lives.  She can't take it anymore, and she runs away.  Teng She chases after her.

 

"Stinky Woman!"  Yells Teng She.  He disappears in a poof of golden flames.

 

Xuanji is in the forest, and Teng She materializes.  "Stinky Woman!  I thought the worst scenario was him forgetting you.  No, listen to me.  We've finally found him after going through so much.  We can't let this rest!  Stinky Woman.  Stinky Woman, say something!"  Teng She sniffs the air.  "This is it.  I'm going to knock him out and bring him here!  Let's see if he'd still forget you!  Say, you're the God of War after all.  Can't you show him what you're made of?  Who cares?  You can just kidnap him first!"

 

Xuanji grabs his arm.  "I was wrong.  I hurt him again and again.  I thought that no matter what I did, wherever I was, Sifeng would never leave me.  He would always be there, right behind me.  But I was late.  He already has a new life, and I'm not included in it.  He has taken the Heartless Pill, so he's free from the Lover's Curse now.  At least he's forgotten about the hurtful things I've done to him.  That's good, too.  Eldest Brother Liu was right.  That's the best ending for him."

 

Teng She sighs impatiently.  "Stinky Woman, are you out of your mind?"

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng and A'Lan are in the bridal chamber, pouring some tea.  He recalls the drama from earlier that evening.

 

I've hurt Xuanji so deeply.  Is she upset, too?  Xuanji, this is the only thing I can do.

 

"Young Master Yi, Young Master Yi," says A'Lan.  He ignores her, while she's sitting on the bed, waiting for him.  "Young Master Yi!"

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Or...Should I call you Sifeng?"

 

"Just call me Young Master Yi."

 

"They're your past aquaintances, right?"  Asks A'Lan.

 

"Yes," says Sifeng.

 

A'Lan walks through the beaded curtain that separates the bedroom and dining room.  She joins Sifeng at the dining table.  "Then why did you lie to them and say that you were getting married?"

 

Sifeng hesitates.  "I have some history that I do not wish to recall or repeat.  That's why I wanted them to take my hint and leave."

 

"It has to do with Miss Xuanji, right?"

 

Sifeng doesn't answer.

 

"Was she your significant other?"

 

"I do not wish to talk about it."

 

A'Lan recoils and looks down.  "I'm sorry."

 

"I should be the one to apologize.  I dragged you into this mess just now.  Thank you for cooperating with me."

 

"It's fine, Young Master Yi.  I'm glad to help you.  Even if...I have to help you forever, I don't mind."  She puts her hand over his.

 

He pointedly withdraws his hand.  Right now, he isn't interested in romance, period.

 

A'Lan tries to deflect the sting of his subtle rejection.  "Your hands are cold.  Are you fine?"

 

"I'm fine," says Sifeng.

 

 

 

 

 

Teng She sneaks into the kitchen.  "All that stinky woman did the entire day was cry and starve herself.  I'm famished, too."  He walks around looking for the best pieces of food.  "Why are there only leftovers here?  This family must be a bunch of misers."  He takes a bite out of a roll.  "Can't they prepare something better for a wedding?"  He pauses.  "A wedding?  At least they should have something better for the newlyweds.  To the bridal chamber!"

 

He peeks through the paper covered window.  "Yu Sifeng isn't asleep yet.  I think I shouldn't peek on their wedding night.  As he turns away, he hears A'Lan talking.

 

"Young Master Yi, why don't I sleep outside?"

 

Teng She's ears perk up.

 

"It's cold outside, and you're frail," A'Lan continues.  "You'll catch a cold."

 

Teng She presses his ear to the window.

 

"Since we're putting on an act," says Sifeng, "we have to make it look real.  Don't worry.  This demon targets newlyweds.  I'm sure he holds a deep grudge towards newlyweds.  Local tradition dictates three days of a wedding celebration.  I'm sure the demon will be back within three days.  If you sleep outside, it will be bad if the demon finds out.  You should spend the night here."

 

"Then, why don't I sleep on the floor?"  Asks A'Lan.  "You can take the bed."

 

"No need.  Rest early."

 

Teng She is thrilled to hear this.  So, Yu Sifeng, you're not really married. You're playing me and Stinky Woman like two fools.  "Tsss!"  Teng She hisses at the window.

 

 

 

 

 

Teng She and Xuanji are happily talking in the forest.

 

"Really?  Sifeng's not married?"  Xuanji asks excitedly.

 

"That's right," says Teng She.  "Who'd sleep separately on their wedding night?  One sleeps on the bed, and the other on the floor.  They're treating each other like strangers.  They've fooled us!  I think they're setting up a trap for some demon."

 

"I'm going to find him," says Xuanji.

 

Teng She blocks her.  "For what?  Stealing his business?"

 

"I..."

 

"Please don't embarrass us, will you?"

 

"But what if he did take the pill, forget about me, and married that girl for real?"

 

Teng She laughs.  "If you ask me, something fishy is going on.  Think about it.  A lady approaches him and cries.  Even if he didn't know her, he would've asked something.  But he didn't.  Isn't that weird?  Well, let me test him, and we'll know."

 

Xuanji nods.

 

 

 

 

 

Sifeng and A'Lan are awkwardly sitting in their room.  A'Lan is watching him uncomfortably, while Sifeng doesn't seem to be fully present.

 

Sifeng glimpses a shadow darting in front of the window, and he's on high alert.  "A'Lan, stay here.  Don't go anywhere."

 

He walks out the door, leaving A'Lan on the bed.  He gets into the forest, and Teng She materializes in front of him in a poof of golden energy.

 

"This is bad!"  Says Teng She.  "We followed the Demon all the way here, but that demon is too strong!  He even kidnapped Xuanji!"

 

"Where did they go?"

 

"Over there."

 

Something about Teng She seems off.  Sifeng hesitates.

 

Teng She smiles sheepishly.

 

"She's the God of War," says Sifeng.  "What kind of demon can kidnap her?"

 

Teng She snakes his head.  "Haven't you forgotten about her?  Why do you remember that she's the God of War?  Stinky Woman, come out.  Little Phoenix didn't take the Heartless Pill, after all.  He's never forgotten about you."

 

Xuanji darts out from behind a tree.  She's overjoyed to see her beloved.

 

"Sifeng," she grabs his arm.  "Don't go."

 

He looks at Teng She.  "Do you think this is fun?"

 

Teng She smiles.  "Yes."

 

"Sifeng, don't go," says Xuanji.  "I've been searching for ages, and I finally found you.  Since you wouldn't acknowledge me, I had to do this.  Don't be angry."

 

"Come on..." says Teng She.  "Stinky Woman went through a lot just to search for you.  You two can talk it out, or even fight it out.  Settle your scores once and for all.  Stop hiding around."  Teng She walks away.

 

Sifeng recoils from Xuanji's grasp.

 

"I've been looking for you for the past year," says Xuanji.  "No one knew where you went.  It was Eldest Brother Liu who said you were in the south."

 

"Why must you search for me?"

 

"Ting Nu told me about the Lover's Curse.  If you didn't take the Heartless Pill, then how is your health?  Does it hurt?"

 

"I'm fine now," says Sifeng, in spite of his pale face and colorless lips indicating otherwise.  "As long as you don't show yourself to me, I won't die."

 

Xuanji grabs his arm.  "Sifeng, I know I was wrong.  You can do anything to me, but don't leave me without a word."

 

"Xuanji, I've never been angry at you.  The past is all but history to me."

 

"I don't believe that.  If you don't care about me, what do the hydrangeas in front of your house mean?"

 

"Hydrangeas are common in Xigu Town.  If that confuses you, I shall pull them out."

 

Xuanji sniffles.  "Sifeng, I do know I was wrong.  I regret not trusting you.  I was a fool, so please don't go."

 

"If you do feel regret," says Sifeng, "please do me a favor."

 

"Tell me, I can do anything for you."

 

"Stay away from me as far as possible."

 

Xuanji's heart drops.  Never tell a man, "I'll do anything."

 

A'Lan is sailing through the sky in a cloud of black smoke.  "Young Master Yi, help!  Young Master Yi, help!"  

 

"A'Lan!"  Sifeng gasps.  He runs toward her.

 

"Sifeng!"  Xuanji trails after.

 

 

 

 

 

The two walk through a cave in search of A'Lan.  They come upon a ghastly sight of deceased brides, in full wedding robes, hanging from the rock walls.  There are at least 100 of them.

 

"That's a lot of bridal gowns," says Xuanji.  "This must be the demon's nest."

 

They hear sounds of rustling, and suddenly, several skeletons in bridal robes come flying at them.

 

Xuanji and Sifeng dodge them, but more keep coming.  Xuanji can barely make out a male figure among the swarm of flying bridal skeletons.  She summons the Dingkun Sword, and flies right to him.  As she is about to strike, Sifeng blocks her.  She flips backward, and she and Sifeng land on their feet.

 

"While killing demons is your clan's duty," says Sifeng, "you can't kill the innocent."

 

The male figure laughs.  He's carrying an unconscious A'Lan.

 

"I didn't mean it, I couldn't see clearly," says Xuanji.

 

The man keeps walking to them with A'Lan in his arms.  He continues to laugh.  He stands her up, and has his arm around her while she remains unconscious.

 

 

 

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