Original subtitles

[The Wanted Detective]

[Episode 19]

Just build up your strength.

You'll pass, I promise.

-I'm going to line up. -Can I really do it?

I won't lie to you.

Just trust me.

Alright.

I'll go run a lap first.

[Salt Business Guild]

Relax. Don't be nervous.

Madman.

Maybe I should go instead.

What's wrong?

Your hands

are crying.

It's just sweat.

Don't worry.

I'm ready.

And I've got you guys,

right?

Relax.

[Salt Business Guild]

Could something go wrong?

No.

Everything will be fine.

Your name?

F-Feng Qingzhuo.

Why are you sweating so much?

Next.

Are you sick?

No, no,

I'm not sick.

It's just really hot today,

and I'm wearing layers.

You sure you're okay?

Yeah.

I'm as strong as a bull.

Tie it.

What are you looking at? Move along.

Okay.

Next.

[Perfect Timing]

Go that way.

Okay.

Got it.

[Perfect Timing]

Over there, over there.

Hurry up.

[Physical Assessment Rules]

Move.

[Body Size; Weight; Strength Test]

Drag him out.

Go, go.

W-Wait.

I didn't eat breakfast.

Next.

I-I didn't eat breakfast.

L-Let me try again.

L-Let me try again.

Next.

Give me one more chance!

You passed.

I passed.

Drag him out.

Sir,

please give me one more chance!

One more chance, please!

Next.

Please give me one more chance!

[10 catties]

[10 catties]

You barely passed.

[Name: Feng Qingzhuo]

Next.

Alright.

You passed.

Next.

Take off your clothes.

Hurry up.

There's a long line outside.

Okay, okay.

Quickly.

Clothes off.

Recite "The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars."

[The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars]

Fatty, start reciting.

Respect…

respect heaven and earth.

And…

and honor your parents.

Also, show respect to uncles

and aunts.

Bro,

you're reciting it wrong.

That's not how it goes.

Alright, you passed.

Thank you, sir.

Are you ready?

Go ahead.

"The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars..."

Alright, next.

"The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars honors ancient sages."

"Their filial piety even touched the heavens."

"They cared for their parents with sincerity and self-restraint."

"Such virtue lives on for 10,000 years."

[Salt Business Guild]

What's so great about it?

I don't even care.

Everyone, listen to me.

Today's recruitment

is now over.

Those selected will stay in the guild

to begin filial piety training.

The rest of you

may leave.

Leave.

Give me a chance!

I didn't even get in.

[Salt Business Guild]

I haven't had my turn yet!

Looks like Coroner Feng was selected.

Look at all those who didn't.

All dejected.

They should be glad

that they escaped death.

Safe and sound, safe and sound.

Xueman,

go back.

Tong Shuang and I will keep watch here.

But you're not a constable,

and you don't know martial arts.

It's fine.

Constable Tong will protect me.

Besides,

it's broad daylight.

Who would dare harm us?

But...

Just listen to me.

You don't have to

carry everything on your own.

You'll break down.

Besides, you're

not alone anymore.

You've got us.

Yeah.

Mr. Hai's eyesight isn't good.

Go back and take care of Beiming

so we can rest easy.

Leave everything here to us.

One of us is clever,

and the other is both clever

and strong.

So you don't need to worry.

I know

you want to fulfill his wish,

and so do we.

But right now,

he needs you

by his side more than anyone.

Go back.

A petty trick.

What's wrong?

Are you worried the food's poisoned?

No.

I haven't eaten for days.

It's been so long

since I had a meal this good.

If it's good, eat more.

Lucky you.

Drink slowly. It's hot.

It's better when it's hot.

It warms me up.

By the way, Feng…

Everything's arranged.

With Tong Shuang and Dairong there,

Coroner Feng will be fine.

Just focus on resting.

I'm lucky to have you guys.

Thanks.

Lying in bed today,

I thought of a lot of things

from back when we were at the Elite Constabulary Unit.

Like what?

Do you remember

that time

when you made a small mistake,

and Fang Yin and the others teased you?

So that night,

after everyone fell asleep,

you threw firecrackers into their room,

scaring them so badly

that they ran out naked.

Of course I remember.

Mo Chong and Liu Feng came out

wrapped in one blanket together.

And just for that,

Dad made me

sweep the yard for a month.

While sweeping, you kept saying

you were going to catch snakes afterward.

They got so scared

that they snatched your broom right away.

The Elite Constabulary Unit

had never been so clean before.

You didn't even

break a sweat that whole month.

And that one time—

during the Spring Festival,

we were all making dumplings,

and you insisted on adding surprises inside.

You filled one with spices

and said

whoever ate it

would have great luck in the coming year.

And then…

My dad ate it.

Master usually ate plain food,

and that one bite

made his face swell for days.

He didn't even dare show up at morning court.

He said…

he said he was afraid people would laugh

that the great King of Constables

had actually been poisoned.

L-Like you're one to talk.

You caused plenty of trouble too.

I still remember

when Chief Fang thought

you were too young

and didn't trust you.

We went to look into

♪ If there's no solution ♪

that missing jade Buddha...

♪ Then say no more ♪

♪ Burn half of my life's passion, don't ask about tomorrow ♪

♪ A journey of pain, a journey away ♪

♪ Don't look back, don't leave regrets ♪

♪ Breaking through the light, what is there to fear about obstacles? ♪

♪ No regrets, no resentment ♪

♪ Love and hatred are one obsession ♪

♪ If by the abyss ♪

♪ Take a glimpse with this body ♪

♪ For the blood of sincerity ♪

Those were such good times.

If only I could keep watching you

♪ For the brave decision ♪

like this forever.

But too bad—

♪ For the wish made ♪

we can't go back.

Xueman,

♪ Even if I die from exhaustion ♪

since we can't go back,

just let it stay in the past.

When you're moving forward,

♪ For the destined fate ♪

you can occasionally look back,

♪ For the endless thoughts ♪

but you can't stop walking.

♪ Drink to this farewell ♪

♪ From daybreak ♪

Xueman,

♪ The sun and moon in my heart ♪

you've grown up a lot.

You're braver and stronger

than I ever imagined.

Even if you were on your own,

you'd still live a great life.

No.

♪ If there's no solution ♪

♪ Then say no more ♪

You're going to be okay.

♪ Burn half of my life's passion, don't ask about tomorrow ♪

♪ A journey of pain, a journey away ♪

♪ Don't look back, don't leave regrets ♪

♪ Breaking through the light, what is there to fear about obstacles? ♪

It's been so long.

Why is it so quiet?

This isn't right.

Madman promised

to send me a message

before dawn.

It's almost daybreak.

Has something happened to him?

We don't know what's happening inside.

We can't just keep waiting like this.

We need to find a way to get in and check.

But the guild's heavily guarded.

Every entrance has people on watch.

There are patrols in the West Courtyard

and guard dogs in the East Courtyard.

Which gate do we even go through?

Any little noise

and either the people

or the dogs will notice.

Then let's draw the people in the west

toward the east.

[Salt Business Guild]

Playing tricks on a real expert.

I'll take you there next time.

The wine is amazing.

Really?

I must try it then.

Join me next time.

They're all sleeping so deeply.

Looks like everyone's food

was drugged.

What are you doing here?

Turn around.

Dairong.

Where are you, Dairong?

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Dairong.

Dairong.

Dairong, let me tell you something.

Dairong.

Actually,

I have feelings for you, Dairong.

Dairong.

Get away!

How did I end up here?

I was sleeping in bed.

You dragged me out here?

Why did you

bring me here?

That's nonsense!

My mom said

I've had sleepwalking issues since I was little.

But I had taken my medicine

before bed.

Don't worry, though.

When I sleepwalk,

I don't hurt anyone.

I'm very strong,

and I worked so hard to get accepted.

Please don't kick me out.

I swear

I took the meds tonight.

How could I still be sleepwalking?

That was not possible.

You have to believe me.

I can't leave.

I really want to stay.

Alright, enough!

Just go back to bed, okay?

Do you know

where your room is?

I do.

Then hurry up and go.

Get back to your room and sleep.

Will this plan work?

We won't know unless we try.

I think it will.

You look so delicate,

yet you're brave enough to catch toads with me.

Aren't you scared?

Of course I am.

But I'm more worried about him.

Hurry up.

Let's go.

What's going on?

The dogs won't stop barking.

Get everyone over here.

Search the East Courtyard thoroughly.

Your plan worked.

Let's go to the West Courtyard.

Madman?

Brute?

Why are you here?

I was worried about you.

We agreed you'd send word out

after you got in.

Why didn't you?

Can I count on you or not?

Look,

I wanted to send word out,

but they were watching me

way too closely.

They even watched me while I ate.

They also put

sedatives in our food.

I had to pretend I didn't know

and eat it anyway.

Once they lowered their guard,

I came out to investigate this courtyard.

Did you find anything suspicious?

A lot of things seem suspicious.

They care a lot

about physical strength.

Anyone who's strong

gets picked immediately.

The literary test is just for show.

You could recite classics wrong

and still get in.

And since we got here,

they've fed us well.

All those blood-nourishing tonics

have been provided to us.

Most importantly,

they don't allow us

to move freely around this courtyard.

So this "adopting sons" thing

is just a trap.

Told you—

they're after guys like me,

strong and built.

Whether you're filial or not

doesn't matter at all.

Listen.

There's a hidden room

at the back of the courtyard.

I smelled

a strong scent of blood there.

I suspect

that's where they use people

for their experiments.

The layout of this place

is incredibly complicated,

and the guards

are extremely vigilant.

There's definitely something shady going on here.

But we can't alert them too soon.

You go back first.

Tomorrow morning, bring people

from the Weizhou Garrison

and surround the Salt Business Guild

to catch them red-handed.

Alright.

Wait.

The dogs have stopped barking.

I need to go.

Miss Huo is still waiting outside.

Miss Huo?

How could you let a defenseless girl

wait for you out there?

She's been worried sick about you.

I couldn't reassure her.

And she's not some defenseless girl.

Without her,

I wouldn't have gotten in here.

But...

No buts.

Don't be such a wimp.

Take care of yourself.

I'm leaving.

Promise me—

take good care of her.

I will.

I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning.

Then you two can be lovey-dovey all you want.

How's Coroner Feng?

Don't worry. He's fine.

Madman found a lead.

We need to get help from the Weizhou Garrison.

Let's go.

By the way,

he mentioned you just now.

He mentioned me?

What did he say?

Take a guess.

What do you think he said?

Are you scared?

Scared of dying,

or scared of dying before catching him?

Both.

I'm afraid they won't be able to handle my death.

Especially Xueman.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death

are part of life,

and fear is only human.

Do you remember

the first time we went out on a case together?

That serial murder case.

The killer caught me off guard

and charged straight at your chest with a knife.

At that moment,

you were trembling with fear,

frozen in place.

You rushed to my side

and used your arm to block the knife.

You didn't budge an inch.

Covered in blood, you glared at him.

That outlaw was scared out of his wits.

In that brief moment,

we took him down together.

You blamed yourself so much afterward.

Do you remember

what I said to you then?

You said,

"No matter how evil a criminal is,

as long as you don't fear them,

they will fear you."

That's right.

No matter how deep the darkness,

as long as you have the courage to open your eyes

and face it head-on,

wherever your gaze falls,

there will be light.

Don't fear

what hasn't happened yet.

Before the knife pierces you,

you still have work to do.

And don't forget—

you're not the only one

facing that knife.

Stop overthinking.

There's still so much

waiting for you to do.

[Salt Business Guild]

Catch.

[Salt Business Guild]

Beiming.

What are you doing?

I want to go to the Salt Business Guild too.

Didn't we agree?

We're already on it.

I can't just leave everything

to you guys

and lie here in bed

doing nothing.

That'd be like waiting for death.

[Salt Business Guild]

Mr. Wang?

Mr. Wang,

forgive me for not welcoming you properly.

Mr. Wang,

you've brought so many people

to my guild today.

What's this for?

We received a report that the Salt Business Guild

is using the guise

[Salt Business Guild]

of adopting sons for rich merchants

to recruit young men,

only to secretly harm them

for your unspeakable purposes.

That's untrue.

It's a terrible misunderstanding,

Mr. Wang.

The guild merely acts

as a middleman

between both parties.

It's a charitable act for the public good.

There's nothing

underhanded going on here.

We'll find out once we search the place.

Fine.

Then please,

go in and look around.

After a thorough inspection,

the name of the Salt Business Guild

can be cleared.

Open the door!

[Salt Business Guild]

Officers, please.

Don't miss any corner.

Yes!

Hurry.

Hurry up.

I'll say it again—

open the lock.

Mr. Wang, I really can't.

There's nothing worth seeing in there.

Just a filthy mess.

You may be disgusted.

Officer!

Officers! Officers!

You can't go in.

There's blood on the floor. Quite a lot of it.

What's going on?

Why is there blood on the floor?

I... I...

I can explain.

This place

used to be the guild's kitchen.

We've got

a lot of people to support

and a lot of mouths to feed.

So we used to kill livestock here

every day.

Over time,

the smell of blood built up.

Later,

an expert said

the resentment here was too strong.

Well? Is it human blood?

Human blood and animal blood

are difficult to distinguish once dried.

This man stays calm

as we raid the place.

He must have been prepared.

Oh, no.

Coroner Feng might be in danger.

Where are those adopted sons?

All well fed and taken care of.

Where are they? Take us to them.

Well...

Lead the way!

Okay, okay.

This way, Officers.

Why have we been summoned here?

What kind of test is this?

Don't tell me there's another test.

Just roll with the punches.

Does this mean we passed?

Alright, quiet down.

Officers,

all the adopted sons are here.

If you don't believe me,

you can ask them yourselves.

Aren't you all

eating well, drinking well,

and sleeping well here?

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

They say I plan to take your lives.

That makes no sense at all.

Exactly! We've been treated well

with good food and drinks.

Every meal is nourishing,

like nothing we've ever had before.

That's right.

We wear silk and sleep under satin.

Even the beds are soft and cozy.

Hold on. Someone's missing.

A friend of mine

passed the test yesterday.

I saw him come in with my own eyes.

Now he's gone.

Where have you hidden him?

-He's gone? -He's gone?

Guess he left.

Come to think of it,

the fat guy next door to me

is missing too.

Yeah, it seems that fat guy is missing.

Officer, may I ask

what your friend's name is?

His name is Feng Qingzhuo. Where is he?

Mr. Feng?

You've got the wrong idea.

He changed his mind and left.

He left?

You're lying.

I saw him just last night.

I'm not lying.

He left just before you all arrived.

Besides, he's got two good legs.

If he wanted to leave, I couldn't stop him.

Move aside.

Search every corner.

Beiming, why are you here?

Where's Coroner Feng?

Yes.

Mr. Wang,

how dare I lie to you?

You've searched everywhere.

Is Madman in danger?

Even if they were to harm him,

they wouldn't do it here.

Before men from the Weizhou Garrison came,

Tong Shuang was at the back gate,

and I was at the front.

Neither of us saw Coroner Feng leave.

After they arrived,

all doors were watched.

There's no way anyone got out.

Mr. Wang,

we're just

honest businessmen.

We'd never earn dirty money like that.

Tong Shuang,

before the soldiers arrived,

did you see

a firewood cart?

A firewood cart?

Yes.

But since it was

just carrying firewood,

I didn't think much of it.

Logically, a firewood cart

should be coming into the guild from outside.

Why would there be

a fully loaded firewood cart

leaving the guild?

Coroner Feng was on that cart?

Xueman,

special times

call for special measures.

What a coincidence.

Sleepwalking again?

Can we trust the guild director?

He admitted Coroner Feng

was put in the firewood cart,

but it wasn't them

who loaded it.

He only knows the general direction it went.

The Yellow Heaven is always cautious.

Every step is independent.

He was probably not lying.

Coroner Feng was alive

when he was taken.

We still have time.

What's going on?

Why are we tied up?

We're not far

from death now.

Why is your hand bleeding?

I'm bleeding myself

to leave a trail.

It might save our lives.

What on earth is happening?

You wanna live?

Yes.

Right now,

you and I are in the same boat.

If I die,

you definitely won't survive.

If I survive,

I swear I'll get you out.

The Yellow Heaven wants to use our blood

to make pills.

If we catch them,

we'll be doing the world a favor.

Right now,

I'm leaving a blood trail

so my friends can find us.

Don't say anything.

Stay quiet.

Okay.

Okay, okay.

Beiming, there are so many paths.

How are we supposed to find him?

Let's split up.

I don't know how far we have to go.

If I run out of blood later,

I'll use yours.

I... I...

Cut the crap. Shut up.

If I don't bleed you now,

they'll bleed you later,

and you won't survive it.

Fine, fine.

There's blood here!

Where?

Here.

Feng Qingzhuo left us a mark.

Is he going to be okay?

We need to hurry. He won't last long.

Get up. Get up.

Move.

Don't you usually just bring blood?

Why did you bring two people today?

They got out of line

and almost ruined everything.

Why is this one injured?

He's bleeding a lot.

He got cut just now.

Such a waste of blood!

Alright, alright.

Drag them inside now.

Let's go.

He's passed out.

Move.

Don't fall asleep.

Don't fall asleep.

Sir,

what are you going to do?

You've already lost so much blood.

Might as well drain it all.

Come on.

Don't struggle.

The more you struggle,

the more it hurts.

Once your blood

is completely drained,

the pain will stop.

Sir,

is this dagger clean?

I'm a coroner.

Let me tell you,

if the dagger isn't clean,

my blood will easily spoil,

and once it spoils,

you won't be able to make any pills with it.

Better now?

My clothes are so dirty.

This dagger

needs to be soaked in boiling water

or heated over a fire.

Why are you so picky?

Say one more word,

and I'll stab you dead.

No, no.

Do you know

why your boss told you

to bleed me

instead of killing me?

Because blood from the living is clean,

and blood from the dead is dirty.

The blood of the living

is not the same as the blood of the dead.

Shut up!

I can't shut up.

I have to tell you—

blood from the dead

carries countless illnesses

that will get into the pills.

The pills will become poisonous.

That's not good.

Those are filthy things.

Whoever takes the pills will be poisoned.

All your efforts will be wasted.

Poisoned!

With so much blood lost,

will Madman die?

He must still be alive.

Madman, hang in there.

As long as you don't die,

I swear I'll stop calling you Madman.

I can even call you Papa Feng!

Beiming,

can you hold on?

Do you have a family?

Why did you work for the Yellow Heaven?

Do you know you've been brainwashed?

The Yellow Heaven has been lying.

I'm a coroner.

There's no such thing

as an immortality pill.

Let me tell you...

Didn't I tell you to shut up?

Shut up!

Holy Master.

It's all lies.

He's got a black mole

on the right side of his eye.

He has a black mole.

So you're

the Holy Master of the Yellow Heaven?

You can still talk?

I'm Huang Wuchang.

Thank you for your contribution

to the Yellow Heaven.

After we ascend to immortality,

we'll make sure your next life

is full of wealth and glory.

You'll help me ascend?

You've done so many evil things.

You'll pay the price.

You are

a very interesting offering,

different

from the others.

Is the altar ready?

Yes.

It's right ahead.

The blood trail's gone.

These barrels

were used to hold blood and corpse oil.

He must be nearby.