Original subtitles

Episode 14

The smell of this Five Minerals Powder is really something.

A lot of people were talking nonsense yesterday.

Some said they met a demon.

Some said they came across a fairyland.

All sorts of things were said.

I think becoming a fairy

isn't better than spending three days and nights in Liu Alley.

That's right.

Chang'an is under the Emperor's feet.

The yang energy is very strong.

There are no demons around.

That's right.

Chief Huang, it's true.

I really saw the Five Minerals Powder.

So you went to Yunong House after all.

I… It's…

It's not what you think.

Look at the charming scenes of Chang'an. Look at Liu Alley.

Beauty is right in front of you.

But all you can see

is Five Minerals Powder.

Commander Mei's cousin is truly extraordinary.

But Five Minerals Powder

isn't so easy to…

It's really Five Minerals Powder.

Search!

Keep up.

My lord, Cat Lord's method is quite good.

The people are saying

that the master of Yunong House abused Five Minerals Powder

and even accidentally dumped Five Minerals Powder

into the water source.

That's why many people had hallucinations after drinking the water.

Little Kitty's diversion was a good idea.

The place has been sealed off,

and the rumors about the Demon Underworld have been dealt with.

It seems that the incident has passed.

What a coincidence, Lady Liu.

Uh…

What brings you here, Young Master Mei Si?

Oh! I had heard

a rumor about a demon realm in Liu Alley.

So I came to see if there's any news.

I didn't expect it to be Five Minerals Powder.

Why would you come to see about this rumor?

I read Demonic Oddities written by White Serpent.

According to the legend,

this book was written by White Serpent

for the one he loves.

I think White Serpent is clever.

He's very interesting, and I want

to learn from him.

Uh…

how do you plan to learn from him?

Ah… I usually like to paint.

I want to collect some strange stories

and make a picture book out of them.

Wouldn't this make a unique gift

for Lady Liu?

I'm sure she'll like it.

Let's go.

Lady Liu!

My lord,

the White Serpent is indeed interesting.

Huh? Lady Liu didn't glare at me just now.

She must like this gift.

Young man,

they all say my peaches this year aren't ripe.

You had better buy them somewhere else.

Over there. Buy some from him.

It's fine.

Sir, pack some for me.

Are these peaches delicious?

Sir, miss,

I'm really sorry.

I'm getting old.

I can't taste anything.

Are the peaches sour?

- Yes. - Mm-mm…

Uh…

It's fine.

I like sour fruits.

Why do you like sour fruits?

There was a peach tree that would ripen early

where I grew up.

Its fruit was small and astringent.

It was much more sour than this.

But I looked forward to the fruit of that tree every year.

Because only the fruit of that tree weren't coveted by anyone.

They were all mine.

Since you like them, here you go, sir.

Take a few more.

- Okay. - Take a few more.

Let me tell you, it's not easy to grow a peach tree.

If the fruit is overripe,

it tastes bitter and astringent.

If it's underripe, it's sour.

The perfect time frame

is too short.

Thank you, sir.

I heard that summer flowers will soon bloom at West Mountain.

Let's go and see it in two days.

All right.

Little Senior sent me a letter asking me to go out of the city and buy a horse.

It seems like he has figured it out.

I wonder if he has come up

with an idea to deal with the Demon Underworld.

It's fine even if he hasn't.

He just has to stay away from that vixen.

Then he will still be a good disciple of Changxi Palace.

Master Shuang Jiang.

Lady Hu Zhu.

Master Shuang Jiang, what brings you to Ruyi Pavilion?

I came to dine at Ruyi Pavilion.

Sir, are you here to drink or listen to music?

I want to book a banquet.

Lady Hu Zhu, didn't you tell me,

this is enough for a feast here.

Mm.

- Hmm. - Uh…

No, you still--

Sir, this way, please.

Let's go.

Lady Hu Zhu, you really didn't lie to me.

Dig in.

Mmm.

What's wrong?

Is the food at Ruyi Pavilion not good?

It's not that.

Actually, I'm not just here for dinner tonight.

I'm going to South Street later.

It's such a late hour. Why are you going to South Street?

Tenth Brother wants me to buy a horse.

Buy a horse?

Young Master Mei is spending a lot lately. Will he stop riding a donkey now?

He needs it for a journey.

For a journey?

If it's a good horse, he can get back to Quzhou faster.

Are you returning to Quzhou?

Hmm. Yes.

That's why I'm here.

I wanted to say goodbye to you.

It's fate that we met.

After this farewell, we can only meet again in the future.

Lady Hu Zhu, take care.

Huh?

- Master Shuang Jiang. - Lady Hu Zhu.

We are close friends. You can't bear to see me leave.

I can't either.

But I have a mission.

It must be accomplished.

I just want to tell you that horses aren't sold on South Street.

If you want to buy a horse,

- go to North Street. - Uh…

Thank you, Lady Hu Zhu.

With his meager piece of silver,

he couldn't even afford an ewer of wine.

That's right.

Since you're so rich,

why don't you pay for the fragrance first?

Is it enough?

Yes, it is.

But it's obvious that you're not as generous to me

as you are to Shuang Jiang.

You talk too much.

Young Master Mei's cousin

even has to perform on the streets just to make a living.

You're a century-old demon.

Why are you competing with him?

Sir, I've distributed all the fragrances.

Hmm.

Sir, that's top-quality storax balsam.

When did we lower the price?

You talk too much.

It's not enough.

You took care of it quickly.

Well, Master Shuang Jiang?

This life belongs to me now.

Did Tenth Brother buy a horse

to pull a carriage?

Yes.

Lady Wu's carriage attracts too much attention.

Young Master Mei drove the carriage here himself.

Wasn't that thoughtful of him?

What is he thinking?

Isn't he leaving?

Why is he viewing flowers?

I saw in your storybooks

that it's always the husband who gives flowers to his wife.

Those stories are all too ordinary.

There are also women who give flowers to men.

I was narrow-minded.

If you had brought that donkey, this would be the same as last time.

Last time?

During our trip to the western suburbs,

I actually dreamt of you, Lady Wu.

What did you dream about me?

You acted inappropriately.

I had noticed that since then,

you've been acting strangely.

It's fine.

I'll just dream about it.

Vixen.

What did you say?

Lady Wu is really a vixen!

Master Shuang Jiang,

you can curse.

But the next time you curse, can you use a different word?

Stop saying vixen.

Is there another word more fitting than vixen?

What are you doing?

The sight of you infuriates me! Get lost!

It's a pity that the flowering season is coming to an end.

If only there were some magic

that could make the flowers bloom all year round.

Seasons change.

Flowers bloom in their own time.

Even if there is such a magic, we shouldn't defy the laws of nature.

What are you smiling at?

It reminds me of the cat in the Duke's manor.

Which one?

A… tabby cat.

Aren't you afraid of it?

It's very friendly.

We get along quite well.

It's not friendly.

It's partial to good looks.

It must like you because you're good-looking.

I do too.

Have you been away for too long and forgotten?

The people of Changxi Palace

are not allowed to fall in love!

This is against the rules.

Sir, there are times when you don't have to follow the rules.

I'm almost fully recovered from my injuries.

It's time for me to leave Duke Wu's Manor.

Are you leaving?

Yes.

What about me?

What?

Do you have nothing else to say to me?

If you want to leave, go.

I can't force you to stay.

You are a pure and noble gentleman.

You want to keep your distance from me.

I should know my place.

Let's go.

Hiya!

Tenth Brother,

they left

with your carriage, didn't they?

Mm.

It's getting late.

Let's go back to the city.

We don't have a carriage or a horse.

We have feet.

Get the baggage.

Oh.

Mei Manor

Young Master Mei Si.

Why haven't you brought it in yet?

Master, I don't know why,

but Young Master Mei Si has locked the door from the inside.

- Locked from the inside? - Yes.

I knew it, unfilial son!

- Master! - Step aside!

Get up.

Get up!

Since you're doing something serious…

why…

Thank you.

Why did you lock the door from the inside?

Father,

I've been influenced by you for years.

That's why I've decided to turn over a new leaf.

I've been studying hard without sleeping or eating.

- Ah… - But I was afraid

you would worry about my health.

You're such a sweet talker.

Who are you trying to fool?

It's fine that you were obsessed with painting.

But now, you're indulging

in cockfighting, dog racing,

- and loaches! - Hey!

Father, it's not a loach.

Oh!

Is it not a loach?

Mm-hmm.

Is it the reincarnation of Wen Chang, the God of Literature?

Yes.

It is the God of Literature reincarnated.

Father,

I called in many favors

and had it transported from afar.

It wasn't easy to get it.

With this, I'll be able to get a high score this year.

It can write too. Look.

It's the reincarnation of the God of Literature. It can write.

It must know how to write.

It really knows how to write.

It…

It…

It truly is the reincarnation of the God of Literature!

Look.

It's clearly the word "Wen"!

Father, how do you see the word "Wen"?

Huh?

Look.

Gods above,

I shall offer 1,000 pieces of gold and sacrifice animals

to remake your golden body!

- Please bless my son. - Father, please return the loach to me.

- May he pass the exam! - Father!

Please help my son pass the imperial exam!

Actually, if you really like him,

why did you rush to tell him?

You could have kept him for a few more days.

Every day of happiness counts.

An ambiguous relationship is pointless.

He doesn't want to take things further.

That means…

I'm not that important to him.

This is rare.

Lady Wu is troubled by love for the first time.

Let me be sad for two days at least.

All right.

I'll get some dancers to sing with you.

You can have a few days of fun.

I'm sure you'll forget about that heartbreaker.

All right?

Let's rest here tonight.

Let's eat first.

Enjoy.

Gentlemen, this way, please.

Uh, are you passing through or staying the night?

Two rooms and two bowls of plain noodles.

And chicken with scallions and vinegar, stir-fried pork with okra,

Chinese spinach, pickled celery,

mutton soup, and…

uh… flatbread.

Can you eat all of that?

Why do you care? I can afford it.

- Huh? - Please do it.

All right.

Hey.

Tenth Brother,

do you think that person is sick?

It's not autumn yet, but he's wearing so much.

I'm sweating from the heat.

Don't gossip about others.

This is your room number. Please keep it.

Since you're going to eat so much, you need to exercise too.

Put these bags in the room.

Oh. Okay.

Relay Station

Sirs.

Are you passing through or staying the night?

Can't you tell what is going on?

This is a robbery!

- A robbery! - A robbery!

- A robbery? - A robbery?

Psst!

You're so generous, sir.

Don't come over.

Do you think I won't come over just because you say so?

Do you think you're a great immortal?

You're even smirking?

- Pay up. - Pay up!

I don't have any.

What?

Do you refuse to pay?

I don't have even half a tael on me.

Judging by your outfit,

would you not bring money with you when you travel?

That's unlikely.

I did.

But my belongings are in my room.

Why don't I take you to get it?

There's no need.

Do you think I'm new to this?

I've met plenty of people like you who are soft-skinned

and think they're so smart.

You're trying to fool me.

- Xiao'er. - Eh?

Huh?

Psst!

Did you find his belongings?

Xiaosan, Xiaosi!

Go to the second floor.

- Okay! - Okay!

Where are you? Answer me!

They say greed is insatiable.

It seems the ancients didn't lie.

Good gracious.

Does your room eat people?

Why is it so quiet up there?

Why don't you see for yourself?

- Me? - They've all gone up there.

You'll fall behind.

Why has one of them still not come up?

This one is the smartest one.

Waiter.

Alert the officials.

Hurry up.

Go.

- Go. - What are you glaring at?

Sir.

I am Pei Jiya from Kunzhou.

Thank you for your help.

May I know your names?

I'm Mei Zhuyu.

This is my cousin, Shuang Jiang.

You don't have to thank me.

I did it to save myself.

I should repay your kindness.

Have you had dinner?

Let me treat you to a meal

to express my gratitude.

Tenth Brother, how about it?

Thank you.

This way, please.

Uh…

Mr. Shuang Jiang, if you have any doubts,

you can ask me anything.

Hmm…

Why…

are you wearing so much?

I…

I am sick.

I was born with it.

I've been weak since I was a child.

I can't stand the light.

I have to wear extra layers

even during the summer heat.

You're so pitiful.

Mr. Shuang Jiang, what is your next question?

Uh… that's all.

It's my honor

to have met you today.

You're both wise and brave.

I'm extremely grateful.

I can't drink.

Tenth Brother doesn't like to drink.

Young Master Pei, I'll drink with you.

I'll drink tea instead of wine.

You seem to have traveled a long way.

Are you from Chang'an?

I am traveling for leisure.

That's great.

I grew up in Chang'an.

I left due to family matters.

I live in Kunzhou now.

I haven't been back for years.

I've heard that Chang'an is much quieter now.

Every realm has rules now.

By every realm, what are you referring to?

What I'm saying is,

every department of the imperial court has rules.

Sir, please forgive me.

I have an interest in making fragrances.

I'm quite sensitive to scents.

Speaking of which,

the scents on your body are quite abundant.

Interesting.

What scents?

There is a scent of freshly tanned leather.

Your saddle is new.

How did you know?

Young Master Mei also has a hint of medicinal odor.

Argy wormwood leaf and cassia twig.

Were you injured recently?

You can even tell that by his scent?

There are also…

the scents of women.

This…

This is a joke.

I see that you're handsome.

I'm sure many women are enamored with you.

That's why I made a joke.

Speaking of women,

I am reminded of my childhood sweetheart.

I remember when I was little, I was sick.

When outsiders saw me,

they avoided me.

She was the only one who treated me differently.

We were inseparable and in love.

It's a pity…

things didn't go as planned.

My family moved far away to Kunzhou.

The two of us

were separated.

For most of my life,

because of my chronic illness…

I have suffered a lot.

But no matter how hard it was…

I could endure it.

I remember that the only time I cried…

was because of her.

In the past,

I wasn't in good health.

Even though I was in love with her,

I didn't dare to propose to her.

Now,

I'm slowly getting better.

I'm heading straight for Chang'an.

This time,

I won't disappoint her.

You traveled all the way to Chang'an.

Your love runs deep.

It's really…

It's so touching.

What about you, sir?

Do you have someone you like?

Yes.

Can you tell me your story?

Everyone becomes lovestruck sometimes.

It's just that she and I are not meant to be.

I see.

Young Master Mei, you have a transcendental point of view.

But I am just an ordinary man.

All I want is to marry her

and be with her forever.

Young Master Mei, won't you wish me luck?

Though far apart, your hearts are near and dear.

If you're true to each other,

the heavens won't let you down.

Thank you, sir.

This is the most I've eaten in a while.

This Young Master Pei is a nice person.

Little Senior, what do you think?

He's strange.

Strange?

How so?

I think Young Master Pei

speaks too freely with us.

This Young Master Pei may look a bit weak,

but he's quite warm-hearted.

I guess he just likes to talk.

Perhaps.

- What's wrong? - I'm fine.

I must have eaten too much.

I'll be fine after some rest.

Give me your hand.

What is it? I'm not seriously ill, right?

Judging from your pulse, you probably ate something bad.

All right.

But why is there a hint of poisoning?

Let's go and find a physician.

Oh! What's the matter?

Take care, gentlemen.

Young Master, it's locked.

This Mr. Mei is very cautious.

How did it go with the officials?

I spent some money.

The bandits will be released in a few days.

The plan was executed flawlessly.

Don't worry, Young Master.

Young Master,

only that big man's baggage is in this room.

Should we open it and take a look?

There's no need.

I'm not interested in him at all.

Young Master, I don't understand.

You originally wanted to poison Mei Zhuyu.

Why did you only poison Shuang Jiang?

I used poison incense this time.

It has to be paired with wine and food.

But Mei Zhuyu didn't drink or eat, so it didn't work on him.

I see.

Mr. Mei is such a nuisance.

If you ask me,

you should have been more ruthless with the poison and taken his life.

A message came from Chang'an.

He has nothing to do with my cousin anymore.

He has lost.

Why should I kill him?

Besides, I'm so kind.

You're right, Young Master.

Forget it. At least I've met him.

Now I know what kind of man my cousin likes.

Let's go.

Onward to Chang'an.

Translated by Renee Luk