Original subtitles

[Legend of Zang Hai]

[Episode 5]

You stay behind

and go over the inventory one more time.

Yes, Mr. Yang.

I chose you

because I trust you.

You're meticulous.

You've only just arrived,

so you're unfamiliar with how things work here.

So, start with this task,

train yourself, and open your eyes.

Thank you, Mr. Yang.

Search this man thoroughly

when he leaves.

If he's carrying anything extra,

arrest him on the spot.

Yes, sir.

Who are you?

Who are you?

What are you doing here?

I'm your young master.

Won't you pay respect?

You teamed up against me.

You think you won?

Once I become a great general,

I will kill you.

I am Zang Hai.

My respects, Young Master.

You recognize me?

Everyone recognizes

the good-looking and gifted second young master.

Then tell me.

What is an aide doing

in the treasury

instead of the Scholar Hall

in the dead night?

I'm commissioned

[Treasury List of Marquis of Pingjin's Mansion] to check the inventory.

Who would do that

so late at night?

Aren't you dazzled

about what to get?

I am from a humble origin

without many possessions.

Indeed, I have never seen

such a magnificent place

filled with the rarest treasures.

I knew it.

But my mother has always taught me,

"A true man's will grows firmer in poverty."

No matter how broke I am,

I will never steal from the treasury.

I am here alone tonight

under Mr. Yang's command.

Ask the guards

if you don't believe me.

Fine.

If you say so,

I believe in you.

I have to go.

What's going on?

I didn't plan to

take so many things.

What's so funny?

Listen.

You're lucky to run into me,

and not my father.

If my father sees you

sneaking around

at this hour,

you won't have an excuse for this.

Why would you,

the young master,

steal from the treasury?

I didn't steal anything.

I'm taking them.

This is my house.

Everything here

belongs to me, naturally.

I'm simply

taking a few things to play with.

Is there a problem?

No, of course not.

I've misspoken.

I apologize.

Please rest assured.

I haven't

seen you here tonight.

Alright.

Let's bind our vow with clasped palms.

Take this golden gourd.

Let's go.

Young Master...

Why aren't you leaving?

I'm not done here.

Come on.

It's so late.

Go back to your room.

[Treasury List of Marquis of Pingjin's Mansion]

My Lord.

Here is the list

of the treasures rewarded by His Majesty.

Please take a look.

[Treasury List]

[The Silk Road Landscape Painting]

[Jingdezhen Official Kiln Sweet White Glaze]

Who compiled

this treasury list?

It's different from the ones

you used to compile.

One of our aides.

Am I asking

a general question?

Who compiled this list?

An aide named Zang Hai.

That feng shui master?

Great memory, My Lord.

It seems that he's left a deep impression on you.

[Dehua Kiln Eighteen Hands]

[Agate Buddha's Hand Gold Hairpin]

This new aide is clueless

and has somewhat

displeased you.

Please forgive him.

Tomorrow,

I will send him away.

Who said he displeased me?

Do you think of me

as someone

so narrow-minded?

No, I dare not.

[Agate Buddha's Hand Gold Hairpin]

[Swiftwind Blade]

Swiftwind Blade.

In the sixth year of the Zhenshun era,

the General of Agile Cavalry led 800 cavalries

to a night attack on Yanling Pass

and killed the enemy General Sepuli.

The army of Dongxia was in disarray.

The General of Agile Cavalry pursued retreating enemies,

claimed three cities,

and seized countless trophies.

Morale soared as the nation rejoiced.

The battle of Yanling Pass

laid the foundation

for the final victory of the Great Yong.

Therefore, among all the trophies,

this Swiftwind Blade

of Sepuli

was the most precious.

He actually knows.

The Yanling night attack

wasn't as awe-inspiring

as other battles,

but to me,

it was thrilling and unforgettable.

I was quite young back then.

I had the courage

for that night ride.

Now, I have aged.

You may have aged

but you're still vigorous.

Those who write my biographies

write about

my major victories

to please me.

But few know the significance

of the Yanling night attack

to me.

This aide has an insight.

He does know a few things about me.

What is he in charge of now?

He's writing your biographies

like the others.

What do you think of him?

My Lord, I dare not

question your judgment.

If he is truly talented,

you must

cultivate him well.

He can surely

share your burden one day.

Yes, My Lord.

I will not

let you down, My Lord.

I told you

he was full of tricks

and wouldn't stop until he got

the Marquis's attention.

He managed to stand out

with nothing but a treasure list.

He's put quite some effort into it.

I'm afraid he's going to

work for the Marquis directly

with you, Mr. Yang.

You've been in charge of the aides

for years.

Don't let this young man take your place.

If you lose to him,

my life won't be easy, either.

He may hold a grudge

for the hardship I've put him through.

We've seen so many young men

smarter than him

fail to obtain power.

Since the Marquis has asked about him,

we'd better pay him some attention.

Coming.

Mr. Zang.

Please join Mr. Yang at the Zhen Tower

this early evening.

Alright.

- Bravo. - Bravo.

[Ledger]

Young Master Zhuang

owes 500 liang to the Lotus House,

320 liang to the Peony House,

850 liang to the Xiyue Winehouse,

170 liang to the Yecha Theater,

and he owes

1325 liang to the gambling house.

Accountants,

is it correct?

Yes.

- Yes. - Yes.

So he owes the Zhen Tower

3165 liang in total.

Where is Young Master Zhuang?

In the gambling house.

Invite him over.

Understood.

Yang Zhen from the Marquis's Mansion is also here.

He's at the Jing'er Hall.

Is he alone?

He's with Qu Jiao and Chu Huaiming.

Are they only here for fun?

I heard

that they're holding

a feast for an aide

called Zang Hai.

Zang Hai?

Haven't heard of him.

He's here.

It's him?

Keep an eye on him.

Understood.

Mr. Qu.

Come on.

- Let's drink to this wonderful moment. - Mr. Chu, have an orange.

Come on.

Let's have some fun.

- Sing aloud in daylight, we drink with cheer. - Guess which hand.

- With spring as companion, homeward we steer. - Whoever loses drinks.

[Jing'er Hall]

Feed me again.

It doesn't count.

Stop teasing me, Mr. Yang.

I just fed you.

Why doesn't it count?

It only counts

if you feed me with your rosy lips.

I am Aide Zang Hai from the Scholar Hall.

I pay my respects to you.

There you are, Zang Hai.

Come here.

Sit.

Zang Hai.

Don't be shy.

You've been living in the Marquis's Mansion

long enough to deserve

a fleeting moment of joy and pleasure.

It will help you with the writing.

This is my humble opinion.

What do you think, Zang Hai?

What a refined hobby you have, My Lords.

I just don't know

why Mr. Yang

has summoned me

here tonight.

Don't be so uptight.

It's Mr. Yang's birthday.

We invited you here

to celebrate.

So it is Mr. Yang's birthday.

But...

But I didn't bring any gifts.

Your presence is all we need.

We see each other all the time

in the Marquis's Mansion.

Spare the formality.

You're new here

and haven't seen

the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Today,

let's just hang out

and relax.

You heard Mr. Yang.

Don't turn down

Mr. Yang's goodwill.

Thank you, Mr. Yang.

Come on in.

Among all the aides,

only one person managed

to pull some tricks

under my nose.

And only one person

managed to

catch my attention.

Mr. Yang.

What do you mean?

I don't understand.

It is alright to not understand.

I searched

the entire city and found this beauty.

She is a born singer.

Her voice lingers around the beams, weaving endlessly.

Miss, what is your name?

My Lord.

My name is Zhi.

Zhi.

Why don't you

sing to this young man

with your great voice?

He just came to the capital.

You have to make him

love this place.

Understood.

♪The red dragonfly♪

♪Flies above the green branches♪

♪Once the spider spots it♪

♪It spins a web♪

♪Waiting for him intently♪

You called me here but wouldn't talk.

What a bummer.

My friends

are waiting for me.

You lost again today, Young Master?

I don't know why

but I keep losing

at the Zhen Tower.

Your skills need work. Don't blame it on us.

Others might think

that we're taking advantage of you.

Young Master Zhuang.

Is it about time to pay up the debt?

I knew you were up to no good

when you called me.

Come on.

As usual.

Take these to cover what I owe.

These things may be worth some money.

But they can't

pay for the debt.

You know our rules.

We only collect the rarest treasures.

Our boss has plenty of

gold and silver.

However,

our boss really appreciated the agate of Dongxia

you brought last year.

That was a war trophy

my father collected back in the day.

He may find out.

Really?

Then I have to send the bill

to the Marquis's Mansion.

Don't.

♪This net reminds you to think less♪

♪Even if you get your thoughts intertwined♪

♪I won't fall for your trick♪

Beautiful.

Nice.

Wonderful.

Zang Hai.

This girl

is so talented.

She is perfect for you.

Accept her

as a gift from me today.

From now on,

you shall be one of us.

Whenever

you take an interest in a lady,

I will

get her for you.

It seems

that he's very demanding.

She may not be good enough for him.

Young Master.

Please take me home.

I am from a poor family.

We are in a huge debt.

Let me serve you...

Thank you, Mr. Yang.

I am flattered.

But I just don't know

what I have done

to deserve

your appreciation.

I've served the Marquis for years.

I know His Lordship

better than anyone else.

Our Lord has a heavy workload.

I've always wanted to find someone

to assist our Lord with me.

Unfortunately, no one met my requirements.

I ended up

waiting for over a decade.

But now, you are here.

You are smart,

adaptive,

insightful,

and highly capable.

I am so glad to have met you.

I want to promote you

to be my deputy.

From now on,

we can work together and share the burden

for the Marquis.

Thank you for your appreciation.

Alright.

Such a beauty is hard to find.

Take her home

as a gift.

Then we will be sworn brothers

without taking an oath like the common folks do.

Thank you for your kindness.

But I really dare not

accept this generous gift.

Mr. Yang is giving you a promotion.

But you don't appreciate it.

Tell you what.

Smart people are everywhere.

But the smartest ones

know when to be obedient.

My Lords.

Please kindly enlighten me.

What will happen

if I don't accept this gift?

Nothing will happen.

Zang Hai, you are overly concerned.

You don't find her worthy.

It is alright.

I am not a narrow-minded person.

It's just that you're a newcomer.

If I promote you to be my deputy right away,

people might be jealous.

I have an idea for you.

Write a letter

to the Marquis now.

Tell him that you are going to

spend three years writing his biography

and can't serve him during this period.

Once you return with the book

in three years,

I will personally

recommend you to the Marquis

and make sure

your potential is fully released.

By then,

even if others are jealous,

there is nothing they can do.

Zang Hai,

go ahead.

What if I say no?

I appreciate your kindness,

My Lords.

It's just that I'm not skilled in writing.

I can't bear to keep writing

for three years nonstop.

The pleasure you seek here

is too much for me.

Don't let me

ruin your good mood.

I take my leave.

Stop there!

Young man.

You'd better know your place.

I'm a regular here, after all.

Just do me a favor, please.

Mr. Qu.

Don't be mad.

Zhi, you didn't

serve Zang Hai well.

He's leaving.

My Lord.

My Lord, please spare me.

Please spare me.

Tell me.

How should I punish you?

Young Master, please.

Please.

Take me home.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Stop it!

Watch closely.

Come on.

Open your mouth.

Stop it.

My Lords.

I am just a country folk.

I really don't know

how to deal with something like this.

I apologize for

ruining your mood.

I have to leave.

Since you have

given this lady to me,

I shall take her with me.

Greetings, gentlemen.

What's going on?

This is not the place

for you to wield swords.

Isn't it Miss Xiang?

What brings you here?

I have a message for you.

Young Master Zhuang wants to see you.

Young Master is here?

He came to settle the accounts.

Go take a look.

He's having a hard time

paying up his debt today.

What do you mean?

He wants us to square the books?

I have no idea.

Why don't you talk in person?

How about this, My Lords?

I will see Young Master alone.

I am accepting this lady.

I will think carefully

about your proposal, Mr. Yang.

Why didn't you

say that earlier?

What a bummer.

Ladies, let's go.

Miss Zhi.

Is there a clinic nearby?

We have a physician here.

But it costs a lot to save her.

Nobody will care

if a girl like her dies.

Still want to save her?

Of course.

Just get the physician here.

Her throat is totally burnt.

Whether she can make it

depends on her luck.

Sir.

Please save her at all costs.

I will do my best.

Thank you.

I am Zang Hai.

Thank you

for your help, Miss Xiang.

Don't mention it.

You helped us avoid trouble last time.

Now we're even.

How did you offend them?

It's nothing serious.

Really?

Whatever.

Miss Xiang.

Will you let Zhi stay here tonight?

I will fetch some money.

Forget it.

I will take care of her.

Her throat is ruined.

Can she still make a living here?

Don't worry about that.

We will take care of her.

You saved her life.

How can I repay you?

I actually need you

to do me a favor.

Young Master Zhuang.

Your aide is here to pick you up.

It's you.

Young Master.

Come on, we are home.

Watch your step.

Come on, steadily.

Come on, please be careful.

Watch your step.

Come on.

Help the Young Master.

Zang Hai.

Take care, Young Master.

See you around.

Thankfully, that lady

helped you out tonight.

But still,

an innocent lady got implicated.

Now you realize

what kind of people

you are dealing with.

Those beasts have no respect for life

and no bottom line.

But,

you have principles about what you will and will not do.

It won't be easy

to take them down.

Yang Zhen felt threatened.

That means

the Marquis had noticed me.

But that's not enough.

I must show the Marquis

that I'm more useful than Yang Zhen.

That's easy to say.

There are so many people

standing between you two.

How can you earn his appreciation?

Master.

I can't approach him.

But someone can take me to him.

You mean,

Zhuang Zhixing?

He may be worthless,

but he's easier to approach

than his brother Zhuang Zhifu.

Let me give it a try

and see if he can help me break the deadlock.

Take a look.

[Zhen Tower] Come and get me.

Greetings, Young Master.

What took you so long?

You brought me home last night.

Am I right?

Yes.

So you're also a customer here.

But how come

I have never seen you before?

You got me wrong.

With my humble wage,

I don't dare to come here.

I came last night

because Mr. Yang invited me

to celebrate his birthday.

What a coincidence.

I don't like

owing others.

I invited you

to have a nice time

and relax.

Come on.

Join me.

Please don't say that.

I simply did what I had to do.

I dare not share the bath

with someone of your status.

Why are you so distant?

Don't turn me down.

Please allow me to serve you tea.

As you like.

They use

hundreds of rare herbs in this bath.

Take a bath

and you will feel completely refreshed.

It works better than ten sea cucumbers.

It's your loss.

I am truly ignorant.

I have no idea there is such a place

in the Zhen Tower.

The Zhen Tower

holds a cluster of halls and houses.

Only the lobby, gambling house,

and the shops are open to the public.

The other places

are not open to random people.

You need a regular to bring you here

or you must know the boss in person.

Otherwise,

you can't enter

even if you're loaded.

You surely know how to enjoy life.

If people like us

don't know how to

entertain ourselves,

what's the point of life?

You and your brother assist your father

with his work.

I didn't expect

that you'd manage to have

such an enriched schedule.

I truly admire you.

I'm as free as I am now

all thanks to my big brother.

He doesn't want me to work so hard.

And I

just do

some little work for my family.

The main credit

goes to my brother, of course.

But

my job

is quite important.

What's so funny?

You and your brother

are kind and caring towards each other.

I really envy you.

But

you are living such an easy life

not just because

your brother cares for you.

In the end,

it's because your father loves you.

You're right.

My father treats me very well.

To be honest,

my father loves me far more than my elder brother.

Back then,

he carried me to ride and shoot

and patrol the garrison.

He wouldn't bring anyone else.

But I have grown up

and have many things to do.

My father has always been busy

so he stopped looking after me.

He may not be looking after you,

but he must be concerned about you.

Young Master.

Why don't you go to him?

You clueless outsider.

My father cares about me.

We don't have to meet every day.

You're right.

If you want to

see the Marquis more often,

I actually have an idea.

Why do you keep mentioning my father?

What do you want?

I admire your father.

But I haven't ever

had a chance to talk to him.

That's why I got a bit carried away

and spoke recklessly.

Please forgive me.

I knew it.

Everyone is all about

seeing my father

and getting his recognition.

You're honest, at least.

You waste your time seeking fame and wealth.

I really

don't understand you people.

You are from a noble family.

You don't need to understand

the difficulties we face in life.

How about I give you

a word of advice?

I'm all ears.

Many aides have died in the mansion.

Because they were overly smart.

So I think it's better

if you're stupid.

Rumor has it

that Zhuang Zhixing is worthless

and disliked by the Marquis.

So he can't do much but remain

a useless rich young man.

It's a huge challenge

to work on him.

He is indeed different

from how he was as a kid.

He might have

been a bit spoiled back then,

but at least,

he had the backbone and spirit

of a family of warriors.

But it seems

those qualities are long gone.

He has become a good-for-nothing.

But I can tell

that he wants his father's attention.

It gives me a chance.

You'd better hurry up.

Time doesn't wait for anyone.

You're late.

It's your patrol shift.

Get going.

Alright.

Be careful.

Dowager Noble Consort Li's coffin was just taken away.

The late emperor

might show up out of rage.

Nonsense.

How dare you say that?

Get going.

A ghost!

There's a ghost!

A ghost!

There's a ghost!

The late emperor's spirit appeared?

It is really fishy.

Last night,

banging sounds came from the hall

where the late emperor's coffin rests.

Craftsmen entered the back hall

from the side door this morning.

The coffin

of the late emperor has moved

and blocked the entrance.

The coffin of Dowager Noble Consort Li

was just removed,

and weird things happened.

Has the Marquis

heard about this?

I haven't had time to inform him.

I rushed here

to discuss it with you first.

Here is our chance.

Are you saying

that it's our chance

to get rid of Zang Hai?

If he manages

to solve the mystery,

we can honor him

by making him a burial object.

But if he can't solve the mystery...

We'll just charge him

with incompetence.

Either way, he dies.

♪Conceal the ambition in my eyes♪

♪In my palm, I hold a dangerous desire♪

♪Turbulent waves hidden in my sleeves♪

♪Silent thunder echoes around♪

♪However cunning you are♪

♪I can see♪

♪Right through you♪

♪Schemes are my armor♪

♪Overt plans are my weapons♪

♪With restrained fury♪

♪I purge the world's corruption♪

♪The night is not dark♪

♪Because♪

♪My heart burns bright♪

♪I control the shifting clouds♪

♪I command the falling rain♪

♪The compass of the human soul is unpredictable♪

♪There will always be ups and downs♪

♪I hold the power of life and death♪

♪I grant and I take away♪

♪When faith burns like the scorching sun♪

♪I will sing aloud with you♪

♪I am the sowing season♪

♪I am the autumn harvest♪

♪I am the world♪

♪I am the people♪

♪And you are also me♪