Original subtitles

=Moonlit Reunion=

(Adapted from Fu Hua's novel "Madam Mei's Husband Spoiling")

=Episode 15=

(When I took you out,)

(Tracking Talisman) (I cast a secret talisman on the door.)

A tracking talisman reveals

the type of magic used by anyone who approaches.

If they use dark magic,

it glows black.

If they use Daoist magic,

it glows white.

Ordinary people

show no glow.

Then what about the bright red one?

A heretic cultivator.

A heretic cultivator?

Master mentioned it before.

I don't remember any of it.

Heretic cultivators use dark magic

from the Western Regions.

They drive their spells

with flesh and blood.

Their power is limited,

but their methods are extremely cruel.

I suppose

you were poisoned on purpose.

But

when was I poisoned?

We stay and eat together.

Why am I the only one poisoned?

During the dinner,

I didn't touch the alcohol,

and I didn't eat the food.

Are you talking

about Pei Jiya?

Why would he repay kindness with harm?

If it was deliberate,

maybe even his gratitude

was part of his plot.

Earlier,

he mentioned all the fields in Chang'an.

Now, it involves dark magic.

So we have to be careful.

How can we guard

against it?

Depart for Changxi Palace immediately to report this.

I will return to Chang'an to investigate him.

All right.

(Calm and Tranquil)

Wu Zhen!

Wu Zhen!

♪Alone on a branch as frost and snow settle in late autumn♪

♪Yet the moment of light never comes♪

♪I let love slip through my hands too many times♪

♪I would still trade my own peace for yours♪

♪Watch as petals fall one by one♪

♪If I fall in love, how is that wrong?♪

♪Eyes flicker, memories overflow♪

♪How could I say goodbye when you turn back to look?♪

♪How dare I hope for anything after?♪

- Are you all right? - Are you okay?

Jiya.

It's been a while, Zhen.

(Chang'an)

Did you hear what happened at Ruyi Pavilion last night?

I hear Qinghe County Princess has a new beau.

Young Lady Wu hasn't changed one bit.

(Mei Residence)

Me?

What help could I possibly offer?

Yes.

You're always attending banquets.

Do you happen to know anyone from the city gates office?

Actually, I do.

What is it about?

On my way back,

I noticed a suspicious person.

I'd like to find out more about him

to ease my mind.

If it's not urgent,

give me two days

to look into it.

After that, you can ask whatever you want.

Okay, thank you.

It's a small matter.

By the way,

I heard many talking about Young Lady Wu

on my way back.

How is she doing?

She's doing great.

You've only been gone a day,

but Zhen has already moved on.

The new has replaced the old.

You're already yesterday's news.

People in Chang'an are saying

the County Princess was spotted at Ruyi Pavilion,

getting a little too close

to a young man in front of everyone.

A young master?

I'll stop teasing you.

The rumors

are half true, half false.

Which half is true? Which half is false?

Getting close was real. The new beau part wasn't.

What do you mean?

It means

that man wasn't a new beau.

That was Zhen's childhood sweetheart.

He's her maternal uncle's adopted son.

The eldest son of the Pei family of Kunzhou,

Pei Jiya.

I am Pei Jiya from Kunzhou.

This Tracking Talisman

reveals the type of magic used by anyone who approaches.

(Tracking Talisman) Then what about the bright red one?

A heretic cultivator.

(Duke Wu Residence)

Young Master Mei,

you have returned.

Where's Young Lady Wu?

She's in the backyard.

We have a guest.

So it was you.

Why are you here?

It turns out you came to Chang'an looking

for Young Lady Wu.

Surprised? Shocked?

Young Master Mei, so you were after my cousin.

I already heard about you two

from my cousin.

What did he say?

I turned our little encounter

into a story for my cousin.

I didn't expect she'd also know you.

Who would've thought?

What kind of story?

Don't you know

what you did?

Don't worry.

I only told the truth.

I said we ran into each other by chance.

Later, we were attacked by bandits.

My maids, Xiaowu and Xiaozhen, were terrified.

It was Young Master Mei who saved them.

Afterward, we even dined together

and had a long conversation.

They still admire him to this day.

Oh, Zhen.

Young Master Mei also wished us both well.

See

how generous he is?

He has always been generous.

Young Master Mei, what brings you here this time?

And Young Master Pei?

What brings you here?

Young Master Mei, I rarely see you take an interest in anyone.

The Pei family built its fortune on incense.

This time, he traveled all the way here

for the Incense Assembly.

So he'll be staying here temporarily.

Forgive me.

(I have a fondness for incense-making.)

(So my sense of smell is keen.)

Young Lady Wu,

you took off with my carriage yesterday.

So I had to walk all the way back.

My leg injury must have flared up again.

It looks like

I'll have to stay with you for a few more days.

I'm afraid that's not proper.

The inner court of the Duke's residence

isn't a place for outsiders.

If you can stay,

why can't I?

We are not the same.

Zhen and I grew up together.

I lived here when I was young.

Young Lady Wu and I experienced life and death together.

I stayed here not long ago as well.

Enough bickering.

You can both stay.

We can afford

to take in ten more.

Young Lady Wu,

didn't Young Master Mei say he was leaving?

Why is he suddenly back?

Did you know he would come back?

I didn't.

When Jiya mentioned

that they met in the western outskirts,

I guessed

Young Master Mei might come back.

Is it because of Young Master Pei?

Young Master Mei is strange indeed.

He's not strange.

If anything,

I find Jiya a little strange.

What do you think

of these two young masters?

Are you going to tell my sister again?

I would appreciate a clear answer.

Neither side.

I'll stay neutral.

(Pure and Graceful)

Young Master Mei, what do you think about my look today?

Tell me, Young Master Pei,

was our encounter really by chance?

There are no coincidences in this world.

Only fate.

And last night,

did you go to my room?

Did you lose something?

No.

Then good.

You don't need to overthink it.

I may come to Chang'an

to attend the Incense Assembly.

But I don't care about that.

The only one I care about

is Zhen.

I can tell.

Just the other day,

you mentioned a woman you admired.

Was it Zhen?

Yes.

If you care about her so deeply,

why say you're not meant to be together?

I have my reasons.

It seems

Zhen isn't as important to you.

Young Master Mei,

your room is ready.

You may rest now.

What did I say before?

We should have used a stronger dose.

I guess

I was too soft-hearted.

(Duke Wu Residence)

I remember we used to play this game as children.

But back then, the styles were simpler,

and the arrows weren't this fine.

Things will improve over time.

I still think the past is better.

There were only you and me.

But your skill at pitch-pot

has gotten worse, though.

It has been years since I last played.

I heard you enjoy romance stories.

(Tale of Lady Sun, Volume Seven) These are the latest ones.

I gathered them for you.

I'm not interested anymore.

These storybooks are all

about women choosing their husbands,

with tales of romance and longing.

It bores me.

It may be a little predictable.

But at least they end happily.

Happily?

How so?

Just because they get married?

The most important thing for women

is finding the right man.

Why?

What do you mean?

I mean, why is that considered

the most important thing for a woman's life?

Women are delicate, soft as flowers.

They should find someone to rely on,

someone to treasure and protect them for a lifetime,

so they are free from worry.

You are right.

The most important thing for women

is finding someone reliable.

(Shu)

Why did the demons mess with him?

This little demon sure is weak.

You're right.

Do you really have every book here?

What kind of book

are you looking for?

The Four Sects' elders want me to strengthen the Demon Market barrier.

I came here to find a way.

The Demon Market barrier?

You are...

I am the Cat Master.

I have a question for you.

Do you still remember how to make those old sweet snacks?

Yes.

Has the Serpent Master arrived yet?

Not yet, probably a while longer.

I am here to deliver some food for you.

I didn't ask for food.

Someone told me to deliver this to you.

I told you

to cut down on sweets.

See? You have a toothache, right?

Stop nagging.

I'm doing this for your sake.

Don't worry,

I'll attend the meeting

on your behalf.

You had a fit and yelled at Elder Hui a little

because of a toothache.

Those old geezers won't dare touch you.

Thank you.

I am always willing to solve your problems.

Didn't Wu Zishu ban this candy?

He said it was too sweet

and bad for young demons' teeth.

Why is it being sold again?

I don't know.

I hear you've been surrounded by company.

Living quite freely, aren't you?

You're truly well-informed.

Not by choice.

The whole city of Chang'an

is talking about it.

It's hard not to hear.

Did you ask me to come

to scold me?

Well,

I need a favor.

You need a favor from me?

The Incense Assembly is coming.

I've been the judge all these years.

But it would be inconvenient

during these days.

Shedding soon?

I can't stand you reptiles.

You're always shedding.

Just say it.

Will you help or not?

Ask me nicely.

Pretty please.

All right, I'll do it.

But...

But what?

Speaking about judging at the assembly,

I know nothing about incense.

How am I supposed to judge?

There will be many experienced judges at the assembly.

You only need to follow their lead.

Besides, Ling Xiao will be there. He'll support you.

My business here is finished.

I'll leave you two.

Zhen...

Cat Master,

it's time for your hot spring.

About before,

I was too harsh.

Don't be angry.

I've been reading the Demon Law.

I can memorize it now.

I asked Xuan Feng

to make these snacks secretly for me.

Do they still taste the same?

You lost some of your demonic power

and have almost recovered now.

You should soak in the spring now.

Be careful.

What is this?

I'm just popular.

Tomorrow morning,

I'll pick you up and go to the Incense Assembly.

Zhen, you're...

Tomorrow,

I won't be free to watch the show.

I was asked

to be a judge.

Then I ask

that you show me some favor.

(Incense assembly...)

Today's judges

are all renowned incense masters,

like Master Xie and Master Gao.

But

you should stay away from them.

Why?

You beat up Master Xie's nephew

and thrashed Master Gao's nephew.

But

the most talented one today

is today's main judge,

An Biluo.

Master An has arrived.

Hello, gentlemen.

- Master An. - Master An.

That's An Biluo.

It's been a while.

In this era...

No,

the finest incense master in a hundred years!

- Master. - Master.

Minister Wang.

It's been a while.

His judgment

will greatly decide today's outcome.

You're practically drooling.

He's coming.

May I know who this young lady is?

Master An,

Young Lady Liu is unwell

and cannot attend today.

This is Her Majesty's sister,

Young Lady Wu of the Duke Wu Residence,

Qinghe County Princess.

Greetings, Your Ladyship.

Master An, no need for such formality.

Do you also know incense?

Only a little.

In front of you, speaking of incense

would be showing off in front of a master.

No one would dare say they know more than a little.

Your Ladyship,

am I right?

Your Ladyship is too modest.

This gentleman

must be Ling Xiao of Yuzhen House.

You actually know me?

Yuzhen House's incense is famous throughout Chang'an.

I have heard of it.

At the assembly today,

I ask both of you

for your insights.

I wouldn't dare.

You're...

Master An knows me.

Master An knows...

Ling Xiao,

do you smell something odd?

What smell?

Almost like a lapdog.

Dog?

There's no dog here.

The smell is overwhelming.

Where did it come from?

Dog?

Did you just call me a lapdog?

If it's for Master An, I'll admit it.

In this Incense Assembly,

entries are ranked as Common, Refined,

Exquisite, and Supreme.

Based on these ranks,

the highest-ranked incense

will advance to the final round.

The final winner will be decided

by the judges and all present.

And this year's prize

is the rarest treasure, Qijiao resin.

Zhen?

Why are you here?

Where's my Young Lady Liu?

Young Master Mei, when do you enjoy being in such a crowded place?

I was worried about you coming here,

so I asked Si to bring me along.

Master An Biluo will serve as one of the incense judges.

Welcome, Master An!

Let the Grand Incense Assembly of Chang'an

begin!

I am an incense master of Jiuhe Incense House in Qizhou.

In recent years, I traveled overseas

and found agarwood from the Kingdom of Moluo.

I sealed it with Suhe oil for a hundred days,

and it became this Leyou Incense.

I present it to the honored judges.

The formula seems simple enough.

What is so special about agarwood?

Master Gao is right.

But I find it rather interesting.

There seems to be a hint of amber resin within the wood fragrance.

And you are...

Pei Jiya of Kunzhou.

So it's him.

No wonder.

The Pei family is famed for incense across the land.

I heard Young Master Pei himself

is no stranger to the art of incense.

I guess those at the judges' seats

wouldn't dare speak against him.

Let's burn it and smell it.

(There's another scent in this rich fragrance.)

(It's blood.)

(Common. Skilled. Exquisite. Supreme)

(Exquisite)

(Exquisite)

(Common)

I detect no fragrance at all.

That An must have caught a cold.

That's why his nose is blocked.

Nonsense.

Master An's taste is unparalleled.

This is called extraordinary.

Qinghe County Princess,

why only give it the lowest grade?

I sense a trace of blood

within the scent.

Blood?

Your Ladyship, could you explain?

Though the smell is unique,

gathering it is no easy task.

I heard the slaves

of the Moluo Kingdom risk their lives

climbing cliffs

just to gather agarwood resin.

Countless blood and sweat went into it.

I suppose Her Ladyship felt

the Leyou Incense

was unworthy of its name.

This young master

is truly well-learned.

(Skilled)

(Common)

(Common)

(Common)

Just focus on the incense contest.

Why is he flirting with Zhen?

This incense is called Jiushi Incense.

Jiushi Incense?

You name it

without much thought.

This incense is my own creation.

Never mind.

Young Master Pei, please present your incense.

Jiushi Incense.

♪Sighing at the fleeting lights of the human world♪

♪Flowers bloom in splendor, then wither away♪

♪Old dreams linger in my heart♪

♪The past gets engraved, yet leaving no trace♪

♪Flickering candle shadows stir the sorrow of parting♪

♪The seasons turn, time slips away♪

♪The night rain falls sparse♪

♪Even tears remain silent♪

♪They drift away with the stars♪

♪One glance back, and the years are worn with age♪

♪You are my one desire, lasting till the end of time♪

♪If the story could be rewritten and all things changed♪

♪I'd spend a lifetime waiting for you♪

♪Watching fate break through the gloom, love returning again♪

♪How could I ever forget♪

♪When vows turn into seas and span a thousand years♪

♪Memories remain, never leaving my side♪

♪An unwavering devotion♪

♪Buried beneath the sands of time♪

♪If the story could be rewritten and all things changed♪

♪I'd spend a lifetime waiting for you♪

♪Watching fate break through the gloom, love returning again♪

♪How could I ever forget♪

♪When vows turn into seas and span a thousand years♪

♪Memories remain, never leaving my side♪

♪An unwavering devotion♪

♪Buried beneath the sands of time♪