Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 15]

[Lucheng]

By the general's order,

all citizens entering the city

without

proper identification

shall be subjected to rigorous questioning to ascertain their identity.

Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival,

the most cherished occasion

of the year for the common folk.

Now that the fighting has subsided,

we must ensure the people

can celebrate the festival in peace.

What?

Why can't I enter without identification?

What's wrong with me just going in?

What right do you have to stop me?

What are you doing?

What right do you have to stop me?

What...

What right do you have to arrest me?

Let go!

Hold him down!

Why are you arresting me?

Behave yourself!

I'm just a small merchant.

Why are you arresting me?

You soldiers are so unreasonable!

What's going on?

General.

General,

we've captured

a suspicious person without identification.

Mercy, My Lord!

I live just outside the city.

Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival.

I only wish to go into the city and run a little stall.

Look,

this bundle contains only small items

and trinkets.

Open it up.

Yes.

Careful, careful.

I still need to sell these.

Don't damage them.

My Lord, these are just inexpensive trinkets.

The plains outside the city

are inhabited only by farmers.

For someone who claims to be a street vendor,

how do you explain

the calluses on your hands from years of riding and archery?

No.

No, My Lord!

My Lord!

I'm innocent, My Lord!

-I'm innocent! -Send him to the government office.

I'll interrogate him myself.

Yes.

General, I'm innocent, General!

Move!

General, I'm innocent, General!

General!

Excuse me.

I don't have any...

identification either.

Why don't you arrest me, but only him?

You don't have any identification?

No, I don't.

Just now I swaggered into the city,

and your men didn't even question me.

How embarrassing!

They almost left me out.

Take me.

They

probably saw your fine clothes

and didn't think they needed to check.

Forgive us, General.

Are you done looking?

Ready to arrest me now?

You want to go to prison?

Isn't this your rule?

Besides, I've never been there before,

so it might be nice to check it out.

Who are you?

Where do you come from?

Well,

I can't tell you.

What do you want

in Lucheng?

Even if I told you,

you wouldn't understand.

She's questioning you,

so reply to each point directly.

Don't beat around the bush.

At the border,

food is scarce and expensive.

If you want to go to prison, fine,

but you'll have to

pay for your own meals.

Fine.

You're right.

My money pouch

seems to be missing.

Here,

this hairpin

should cover plenty of meals.

Then you'll get your wish,

but once you're in prison,

you'll inevitably suffer some physical punishment.

And when that happens,

no matter whose precious son you are,

I won't

release you easily.

Take him away.

Yes.

Move.

This hairpin

is enough to feed him in prison for a lifetime.

I hope he's not some noble's son

coming here to make fun of us.

Inform the warden

to keep a close watch on him.

Yes.

As for today's incident,

I won't pursue it further for now.

But if there are any more mistakes,

the entire squad

will lose half a year's pay.

-Thank you, General. -Thank you, General.

Here you are. Take it.

Wait a moment.

Lu Xin.

Closing so early?

It's a festival today.

Who would come for medicine?

That's true.

Since you've closed up the shop,

why not go out for a walk?

The streets are full of couples,

and I'd be all alone,

talking to myself.

No fun at all.

If you're bored,

wait for me at the General's Residence.

I'll keep you company after I finish patrolling.

You said the same thing last year,

but you ended up reading military books all night.

I might as well snack on seeds at my shop.

Why are you personally patrolling today?

It's all because of Jin'an.

He insists that I learn to

enjoy life,

pushing me to play instruments and paint,

but I don't have that talent.

Don't talk about enjoying life.

It's practically torture.

Don't you have

any other feelings except complaining?

Like

a sweet feeling in your heart?

Have you been reading

some ridiculous romance novels again?

You're as stubborn as a mule.

Jin'an is right.

All these years, you've been the General of Taijin,

the Li family's daughter,

and the Beautiful Lord of Hell.

You've fulfilled every role dutifully,

but you've forgotten

that you're still an ordinary woman.

What's wrong with being an ordinary woman?

Do ordinary women have to

play musical instruments and paint?

Can't they do anything else?

What matters isn't what you do,

but that you try everything

and have choices.

On some things,

Jin'an and I seem to think alike.

You don't

have to limit your life

to swords and spears only.

This dress

was custom-made at great expense from the embroidery shop.

It's the only one of its kind in the world.

I've wanted to give it to you for a long time,

but I knew

you would make all kinds of excuses to refuse it before.

However, Shuang,

I hope you can set aside your concerns

and live happily for yourself just once,

even if it's just for one day,

alright?

Since you're so thoughtful,

I'll

return the favor with a grand gift.

Why are you here?

I calculated it was time for you to return home,

so I came to escort you.

Today is the Lantern Festival.

I've heard

the Lantern Festival has lanterns glowing all night

and it's incredibly lively.

Let's go take a look.

Are you asking me

to celebrate with you?

No.

I just thought you probably haven't seen lanterns before,

and I was worried you'd be bored alone at home.

Why are you asking so many questions?

If you don't want to go, forget it.

I didn't mean that.

After all,

this is your first time asking me out.

I wouldn't dare spoil your good mood.

It's quite lively outside.

Sir, do you know what's happening outside?

Why are you quiet?

Hello.

What's your surname?

Where are you from?

Are you also locked up here

because

you don't have that identification?

We're about to die.

Can you just shut up

and be quiet for a moment?

When will your companions

come to rescue you?

Brother Chen,

we just walked into the inn so boldly.

Shouldn't we

be more cautious and keep a low profile?

Indeed,

the Jin people are vigilant.

If not for Brother Chen's careful planning today,

deliberately having Wu expose himself at the city gate

to distract the guards,

I'm afraid

we might not have all made it in.

Now Lucheng

is on high alert everywhere.

If we try too hard to disguise ourselves,

we'll only draw more attention.

I just

really feel sorry for Wu.

Don't worry, Brother Chen.

We are death-sworn warriors of the Left Minister's Mansion.

Taking risks for the greater cause

is our duty.

Right now,

the most important thing is to figure out

what we should do next.

Let's stay calm first,

and continue our investigation in Lucheng.

That day,

just after we left,

Zang Budu was murdered.

It seems

we're getting closer to Prince Annan

than ever before.

What nonsense are you talking about?

In front of me,

why do you still pretend?

I've been following you all the way from Ninglan.

When I saw you were in trouble,

I didn't care about anything else

and followed you

onto the prison cart.

I... I...

I was wrongfully arrested

and locked up here!

I...

I don't know what you're talking about.

Could it be that

they sacrificed you as a diversion

and made you a disposable pawn?

You talk too much.

I still lost track of them after all.

And now I have to waste my memory-erasing pill.

Sleep now,

and when you wake up, you won't remember me.

Since that's the case,

I'll have to go out and search more carefully.

Besides,

on such a beautiful night,

I can't let it go to waste.

Make way!

The dragon is coming!

Great!

What's with the long face?

If you're unhappy, I'm even more unhappy.

No matter how I asked Shuang out before,

she might not even come.

This year

she finally asked me out for once,

but I never thought she'd bring you along too!

A quarter past five, center of the main street.

This is the place.

Where is she?

She's probably held up by something at the military camp.

I don't know.

You'll get used to it.

Make way!

Make way! Make way!

The dragon is coming!

The dragon is coming!

Dragon! Jin'an!

Make way, make way!

Make way!

Thank you.

Shuang!

You look beautiful!

I have such good taste.

And the size is perfect.

Really beautiful.

If you keep staring like this,

it'll be dawn soon.

You look so pretty

in this outfit.

This silk dress

has layers upon layers.

I'm suffocating.

You can wear armor,

but can't handle this light silk dress?

Stop complaining, you'll get used to it.

General.

Why did you invite him?

Didn't I say I'd give you a gift?

He is the gift!

What kind of gift is this?

He already spent his money on you last time.

I saw everything.

You two are as close as a couple now.

What's there to be shy about?

You've misunderstood.

Don't be shy.

Don't be shy.

Tonight

we won't talk about work.

Let's just enjoy ourselves.

Um,

there's a lantern show over there.

Where's the lantern show?

There's a fireworks show over there.

I have no choice

but to obey the general's orders.

If you feel uncomfortable,

I can leave first.

Tonight is a rare festive occasion.

There's no harm in walking around.

Though we aren't meant to be,

we can still be friends,

right?

Here.

Take it.

Let's go.

Are we really just walking away like this?

What's wrong with that?

I'm creating opportunities for them.

You don't understand.

But one of them

is just following orders,

and the other is doing it reluctantly.

Both look

kind of awkward.

Not at all!

They're just being shy and bashful.

How can you be so clueless?

So dense.

You won't be invited to their wedding at this rate.

Look how well-matched they are!

Look!

Brother, she's so beautiful!

Buy her a flower, please.

How much?

Three coins each.

Come here, little girl.

Give me your hand.

Here you go.

You're beautiful and rich.

Brother, you're so lucky.

Take care.

It's not what you think.

I'm rich too.

When did you become so showy?

Shouting about your wealth in the middle of the street?

But I do have money!

I just handed it all over to you.

Now for no reason

that little girl thinks I'm some kind of kept man.

Is that fair?

You do have a point.

Well,

to avoid any further misunderstandings,

I'll give you all the money.

Take it.

I'm leaving.

Take the lantern too.

I've given you all the money,

so don't ask me for any more.

Hold it properly.

Isn't this making it worse?

Stay calm.

Calm down.

Just do it!

The General is on the main street.

No,

I came looking for you.

I heard you're on duty tonight.

I came specially...

specially...

to bring you this.

Masks for sale!

Pick whatever you like!

Help yourself!

Right.

Feel free to look around.

Sir,

how come I've never seen anyone

selling this sort of face mask before?

You two

must be from out of town, right?

Do you know

Lucheng has four treasures?

Lucheng has four treasures?

They say Lucheng has three treasures:

honey, deer antler, and green jade chicken.

What is this fourth treasure, then?

You're holding it in your hands!

You two may not know,

but just recently,

here in Lucheng,

a great hero appeared,

the man in black.

Just a few days ago

during the border battle,

that heroic man in black

used magical tactics

and supernatural power

to single-handedly

drive back 50,000 soldiers of the Yao Army!

Bravo!

When did you learn such magical tactics?

Take your time. Pick whatever you like.

This is what we call the sublimation of art.

That's nothing.

And this great hero

charged alone into the enemy camp

and joined forces with General Li of the Changfeng Army

to strike down that scheming counsellor

from his horse!

Those 50,000 Yao soldiers were so terrified

that they wet themselves,

fled like rats,

and retreated through the night

for more than 50 li!

Bravo!

What a pity!

What a pity!

About this noble hero

with unmatched martial skills,

we never had the chance

to learn

his name or background.

He only

left behind this

magnificent mask.

Now you tell me,

does this mask

deserve to be Lucheng's

fourth treasure?

Yes, indeed!

I'll take one!

OK.

Come on!

Pick whatever you like!

Don't push! Don't push!

Line up, everyone!

What are you doing?

Help yourself!

Why are you walking away?

Go listen to

how they're praising you.

There are too many people.

I'm afraid you'll get pushed around.

What are you afraid of? I'm here.

Let's go.

I don't want you to get hurt.

Let me pick one for you.

Everyone, please don't push!

The man in black is right in front of you.

Why did you say that?

Let's go.

Have a look.

Thank you for accompanying me for so long.

Shuang has some misunderstandings.

But she rarely gets to relax,

and I don't want to spoil her mood,

though I've probably ruined yours.

I don't think that way.

You're overthinking.

You can stop being polite now.

Compared to this insincere politeness,

I actually prefer

your previous hurtful bluntness

as it sounds more pleasant to my ears,

at least it was genuine.

My gratitude

is also sincere.

But you can't thank me forever

for such a small matter.

I've received all your compensation.

I told you back at Cang Mountain

that I wouldn't cling to you anymore

and I keep my word.

Doesn't Shuang look beautiful today?

It's the first time I've seen her dressed like this.

You clearly have feelings for her

but you won't tell her how you feel.

If you don't tell her,

she is so dense

that she'll never understand.

I don't understand all this restraint and propriety.

If you get rejected, then so be it.

It won't cost you a penny.

Life is too short

to live with regrets.

Anyway, it's your business.

I don't really want to get involved.

I'm tired.

I'm heading back to sleep first.

You should go rest early too.

I'll find a chance

to clear things up with Shuang.

I won't cause you any more trouble.

The candied haws are for you.

Thanks for spending time with me today.

I am not worthy.

You are pretty and intelligent.

You will find a good match someday.

Of course.

I will definitely meet

a great man.

You will be jealous then.

I'm leaving.

Luckily, I didn't listen to Jin'an.

Giving flowers and plants

isn't as practical as giving food.

What are you

mumbling about over there?

Nothing.

I was just saying

this is the best date cake in Lucheng.

Don't you always like it?

I bought some for you.

By the way,

as soon as their stall opens,

everything sells out quickly.

How did you manage to get some?

And they're still warm.

They're doing me a favour.

These two dozen are freshly made.

You're abusing your power?

No, I'm not.

Take them back.

Apologize.

Apologize...

No way.

Will you go or not?

What am I apologizing for?

I haggled with Old Chen for ages

and put in a ton of effort.

I spent the whole afternoon

making festival lanterns for his yard.

That's how I got these freshly made ones.

Why?

Why...

Well...

Well...

You know...

It's a festival today.

I've noticed you don't have many hobbies.

Besides eating, you mostly practice martial arts.

As for fighting,

well, you know how it is.

Let's just skip it.

So I can only do my best

to treat you

to some nice food.

You?

Treat me?

I hate beating around the bush,

so I'll just say it straight.

Qiao,

I fancy you.

I know

we're not that familiar with each other,

but honestly,

life is just about eating, drinking, and the daily routines.

Let's find time to

grab more meals together,

and if we can get along well,

that will be great...

OK.

Yes,

this is a bit sudden.

It's OK if you don't agree today,

Anyway, I'm off work tomorrow and the day after.

But...

You...

What did you just say?

I said...

OK.

OK.

The general took you in,

which means

you're a decent man.

Besides,

your martial skills are really impressive.

With our combined strength,

the children we have

will surely be as strong as bulls.

Then,

we can have a dozen or so children.

After training,

they'll form a powerful team

that'll guarantee the general's safety!

What do you think?

A dozen or so?

You don't want to?

No, it's not that.

I'm just suddenly

feeling a bit conflicted.

Then I'll take that as a yes.

Come on.

Come on.

It used to keep me company.

From now on,

it's your turn.

Who are you?

You almost pushed me into the river!

I thought you were trying to end your life,

so I wanted to pull you back.

I didn't expect you to be ungrateful

and turn on me instead.

My back!

Your back?

My back!

I was just admiring the sparkling water,

and wanted to get a closer look.

You're really strange.

Earlier you were clearly upset,

yet you smiled and said everything was fine.

Now you're over the moon

just watching me make a fool of myself.

You sneaky eavesdropper,

you've been listening in, haven't you?

That's my psychological strategy.

I don't have a chance anyway.

The more gracious, composed,

and reasonable I am,

the more guilty he'll feel.

And I'll make him drown in that guilt.

I didn't expect such a young lady

to be so calculating.

I must say,

I'm impressed.

Regretting it now?

You clearly have so much to say

yet you keep it all bottled up.

The one who suffers

will ultimately be yourself.

Everyone in this world

wears a mask to some degree.

Besides,

even if you want to speak,

there may not be anyone willing to listen.

People back where I'm from

just say whatever they feel like.

Life is meant

to be lived freely

and as one pleases.

Your people?

Where are you from?

I think you're just carefree and thoughtless.

Boss,

give me some.

Sure, these, right? Take them all.

Excuse me.

Give me some rings, please.

Thank you.

These past few years,

the Lantern Festival

has always been my most tense period,

filled with fears of unrest in the city

and Yao State's lying in wait.

But this year is different.

Is it because I'm here

that makes it different?

Yes.

Every single day from now on

I'll be here.

I can't just put down my sword for one person.

In the future,

you will face countless waits.

Because it's you,

all the waiting

will turn into expectations.

I smell sulfur and saltpeter.

This place is dangerous.

Let's go, now!

What?

Thank you

for giving me such a special evening.

♪ Memories dye the red thread completely ♪

♪ A tiny spark burns in the heart ♪

♪ Asking the moon, does the old friend seem as at first sight ♪

♪ Silently the threads of affection pull ♪

♪ Yet they turn into this endless longing ♪

♪ The bonds of this life are hard to untangle ♪

♪ Heaven and Earth cycle endlessly ♪

♪ In a fleeting glance, affection lingers ♪

♪ I wish to stay with you, watching fate fade like smoke ♪

Why are you suddenly wearing a mask?

♪ Counting the days and nights ♪

I thought you liked the man in black,

so I sneaked back to buy this.

♪ Gently caressing every inch of time ♪

I thought you'd like it if I wore one.

♪ Traversing mountains and rivers, no separation remains ♪

I...

♪ No regrets in this life ♪

♪ Seeking a lifetime side by side ♪

♪ Eternity in a moment ♪

♪ Braving life and death to fulfill the vow of growing old together ♪

♪ Staying close even through partings, never straying far ♪

♪ United as a song of promise ♪

♪ Encircling you and me ♪

♪ Endless longing that cannot be expressed ♪

♪ Don't ask how long the journey is ♪

♪ What fear is there if black hair turns to grey ♪

♪ In other words, my heart is complete with you ♪

♪ The transient days go on without cease ♪

So beautiful.

♪ We'll always be together and watch the fireworks in the mortal world ♪

♪ Though past days fade like dreams, do not forget them ♪

Don't tell me you've never seen fireworks before?

♪ No regrets in this life ♪

You're so strange.

♪ Seeking a lifetime side by side ♪

But you're kind.

♪ Eternity in a moment ♪

You even remembered to pull me along when there was danger.

♪ Braving life and death to fulfill the vow of growing old together ♪

Although you didn't actually save me,

I still value this kindness of yours.

Let's go.

♪ Only one person can hear my promise ♪

I'll treat you to something delicious.

Miss.

♪ It echoes for thousands of years ♪

I'm afraid there's no chance today.

♪ I hope this love will never change ♪

Let's just note it down for later.

People are cold-hearted here.

♪ I'll stay by your side ♪

Since I arrived in this city,

you're the first person

who's had a pleasant conversation with me.

I'll remember you.

Did he just disappear?

I was talking to a real person just now, wasn't I?

Could there really be

a Mr. Bat in this world?