Original subtitles

[The Wanted Detective]

[Episode 22]

Beiming,

the case hasn't been concluded yet.

They won't

convict Xueman so quickly.

Besides, she's the daughter of King Zhong of Constables

and a member of the Elite Constabulary Unit.

They wouldn't go so far as to torture her.

I need to go to the Yaksha Temple.

Beiming, your health now...

The top priority now

is for you to rest and recover.

Leave the rest

to us.

Don't worry about anything else.

If Xueman didn't kill him,

there must be evidence at the scene.

When we came in last night,

only Constable Zhong

and Old Bug's body were here.

Where was Xueman?

Constable Zhong was here.

Old Bug's body was here.

The two were more than eight feet apart.

You said Old Bug was burned?

Yes.

When we arrived,

he was already beyond recognition.

Whether Xueman used fire

to directly burn Old Bug to death

or set the corpse on fire after the murder to destroy the evidence,

there should have been

traces of oil at the scene.

There are indeed no traces of oil.

But the Secret Investigation Unit thinks

the oil might have been cleaned up

by Constable Zhong.

But

before she could escape,

she was caught red-handed.

Old Bug

fought with Xueman before he died.

Do you smell

something strange?

It smells so familiar.

Don't sniff it!

This is the Seven-Star Powder from Poison Valley.

The Seven-Star Powder?

Once inhaled, you'll faint

within a few breaths.

It seems Constable Zhong

was indeed knocked out by Old Bug.

If what Madman said is true,

that Constable Zhong passed out

soon after being poisoned,

she couldn't possibly have killed anyone,

let alone burned the body.

Isn't that evidence?

No.

They can claim

Xueman poisoned Old Bug.

There's something I don't understand.

There are so many ways to kill someone.

Why did the murderer have to burn him?

Feng Qingzhuo.

Feng Qingzhuo.

Smell this.

This is strange.

Burnt grass

should smell scorched.

Placed next to a corpse,

it should reek of decay.

But this only

gives off a sickly sweet scent.

Where does the smell come from?

We still need to examine the body.

But Old Bug's body

was taken away by the Secret Investigation Unit.

What are you afraid of? We just

storm in and examine it.

You're the real madman.

You think the Secret Investigation Unit

is a place you can just walk into?

I have a plan.

Tong Shuang.

[Zuixian Restaurant]

Here's what you wanted.

Thanks.

One more thing.

Who's on duty tonight?

You're recovering well.

Although your body is still weak,

your pulse is gradually stabilizing.

I didn't expect that Old Bug

actually saved you.

Old Bug was truly remarkable.

Old Bug was obsessed with poison,

but apart from my late master,

there was no one better at medicine

than him.

Humans are complicated.

Good and evil hinge on a single thought.

Beiming!

Old Bug's body

is in Room A16.

It's marked on this map.

[Zuixian Restaurant] [Prison]

What about the guards tonight?

The Secret Investigation Unit's guards

work in two shifts.

Tonight's guards

are Dong Liang

and Wang Lang.

They'll be there

before dark.

It's about time. Let's go.

Beiming,

let me and Madman go this time.

No.

Beiming,

I've always followed your orders before,

but this time, you must listen to me.

You just barely

escaped death.

We can't let anything happen to you again.

Feng Qingzhuo just took my pulse.

The poison's been neutralized.

And my internal energy is recovering.

I'm fine.

Just because the poison's been neutralized,

we don't need to worry

about your health.

That's exactly why we can't let you go.

Constable Zhong is still in prison,

and Mr. Zhuge is at the Secret Investigation Unit.

You know how difficult it is

to deal with him.

If this mission fails

and you get caught,

we'll all be finished.

But...

No buts.

For once,

Brute said something smart

and used his brain.

I agree.

I agree too.

Beiming,

stay here and wait for news.

If

we're discovered,

with you being free,

there will still be hope for all of us.

Don't worry, Beiming.

Trust us.

Trust us, Beiming.

Alright.

Feng Qingzhuo,

be extremely careful.

You must be cautious.

Tong Shuang,

don't act on impulse.

Remember,

listen to Miss Huo in everything.

Don't worry.

You are here to interrogate me?

What?

Are you worried I'll torture you?

You can try.

I'd like to see

what Mr. Zhuge is capable of.

You know me.

I'm the kind of person

who hates all that violence.

Only brainless fools

would resort to torture,

such a cheap, low trick.

His Majesty has given you and your father

three days.

Old Bug is dead,

so now,

your only card to turn the tables is me.

If you don't use some means on me,

how are you going to turn things around?

Zhong Xueman,

I think

you've grown smarter.

No need to flatter me.

Whatever you've got,

just bring it on.

Fine.

At the crime scene,

there was indeed no evidence

proving a third person was present.

So whether

you killed Old Bug or not,

you are the prime suspect.

This case is a big deal.

It won't drag on for long.

Once you're convicted,

as a constable,

you'll certainly be sentenced to death

for deliberately killing a key criminal.

Then why are you still wasting time here

with me?

Just convict me already.

You will be convicted.

But what kind of conviction—

that's up to you, not me.

What do you mean?

Old Bug was a key criminal

and a villain.

His death is no loss.

If you sign the confession,

I can tell the Ministry of Justice

that you accidentally killed him

in self-defense during the arrest.

Then you'll get a lighter sentence.

Is this how the Secret Investigation Unit

handles cases?

Special cases, special measures.

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have gone to all this trouble.

[Confession: Criminal Zhong Xueman]

At the very least, it'll keep you alive.

Am I supposed to thank you for that?

Just remember it in your heart.

Put your fingerprint on it.

[Confessor]

It'll save your life.

You...

Black is black, and white is white.

I won't admit to something I didn't do.

At a time like this,

can't you be wiser?

As a constable,

I will never disregard justice.

As an individual,

I will never put self-preservation

above principles.

But it's funny.

I discussed you with someone recently.

You discussed what about me?

Both you and another famed constable

of the Qi Kingdom

once had no moral boundaries,

using victims as bait to lure out killers.

Even though the cases

were solved that way, what meaning would it have?

I never expected

that after all these years,

you haven't changed at all.

And you've become even more despicable,

not even caring about the truth anymore.

This is the Zhong Xueman I know.

You're the one who hasn't changed at all.

If you have nothing else to say,

leave.

I don't want to see you again.

Zhong Xueman,

this is your own choice.

Don't blame me.

We've still got night watch tonight.

When will

this kind of life ever end?

Stop complaining.

Once that woman from the Elite Constabulary Unit

confesses and admits her crime,

we'll be free.

Right?

You're right.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Who are you?

I think you've got the wrong person.

That should do it.

We need to hurry,

or there'll be trouble if they wake up.

Here.

If they wake up, just have Madman

give them another dose.

Tong Shuang,

once you enter the Secret Investigation Unit,

you must not say a word.

Why?

As long as you remain silent,

you won't give yourself away.

Got it?

Got it.

Today,

I'm going to be a cicada in winter.

What does that mean?

Completely silent.

I'll wait here.

If anything goes wrong,

I'll find a way to send you a message.

Okay.

Let's go.

Madman.

We won't get discovered, will we?

Stop talking.

[A16]

Come.

Hurry.

Oh no, Zhuge Kongyun.

Smell this.

This smell is very familiar.

It's a bit sickly sweet,

like the fragrance

of burning oil blended with spices.

Never mind.

Let's take it back and study it first.

Young Master, you're back.

Why isn't there anyone on watch?

Yeah.

Tonight, it should be

Dong Liang and Wang Lang on duty.

Where are they?

Step aside!

I am General Huo's daughter.

Go out

and see what's happening.

Yes.

Young Master,

there's a drunk person causing trouble at the gate.

So noisy.

Just send her away.

She isn't an ordinary person.

Maybe you should go take a look yourself.

Step aside!

-That was our last bottle of wine. -How dare you block my way?

We really don't have any more wine.

-I'm General Huo's daughter. -Please stop causing trouble.

How dare you!

What are you doing?

I want to see Zhuge Kongyun!

What are you doing?

Miss Huo.

Zhuge Kongyun,

I want to see Zhong Xueman.

Miss Huo, you must be drunk.

I'm not drunk.

I said I want to see Zhong Xueman.

Zhong Xueman is a suspect.

You can't see her just because you want to.

She's innocent.

What right do you have to imprison her?

Whether she's innocent or not

isn't for you to decide.

What do you take

the Secret Investigation Unit for?

If you don't leave now,

don't blame me

for not showing respect to the Huo family.

Very good.

If you dare,

just try laying a finger on me!

I...

Where did you two go?

Zhuge Kongyun!

I said

I want to see Zhong Xueman.

What are you two standing there for?

Get her out of here now.

Okay. Okay.

Don't touch me.

Don't touch me.

I'll settle this with you later.

Young Master,

I think I'd better get you

clean clothes and shoes first.

Young Master.

Young Master,

I'll take your clothes

and shoes to be washed.

Young Master.

Young Master.

Didn't you two

go send her away?

What happened?

Send her away?

We were attacked by thugs during the day

and lost consciousness.

When we woke up, we were in a residential house.

And our clothes and tokens

were stolen.

Yes.

We figured something must be wrong,

so we rushed back to report to Young Master.

Then those two men just now...

Thankfully, Miss Huo was quick-witted.

Otherwise, we would have been in trouble.

It wasn't my fault.

I did exactly as Dairong told me.

I didn't say a word.

I only used sign language.

How did the autopsy go?

Look.

What is this?

I don't know.

It was found

on Old Bug's corpse.

This smell

is extremely similar

to the smell of those weeds we found

at the Yaksha Temple that day.

There's indeed something strange

about his corpse.

Yun,

Old Bug is dead.

There are only two days left.

How should we explain

to His Majesty?

If we want to save

our lives

and the future of the Secret Investigation Unit,

there's only one way now.

What's that?

Zhong Xueman.

But... But there are still

many unresolved aspects in this case.

Then Father, please find a way

to pin all the charges

on Zhong Xueman within two days.

We already found Old Bug

within three days,

but he was killed by Zhong Xueman.

So we shouldn't be blamed.

As long as Zhong Xueman is convicted,

we'll have an explanation for His Majesty.

Tomorrow morning,

tell the Elite Constabulary Unit

to jointly interrogate Zhong Xueman.

Zhong Xueman,

I have investigated

the entire matter thoroughly.

All the evidence

[Upright and Honest]

shows that you killed Old Bug.

Do you have anything else to say?

I'll say it again—

I didn't kill him.

Claiming innocence requires evidence.

Do you have any evidence

to prove your innocence?

No.

Since you have no evidence

to prove your innocence,

we'll proceed according to the law.

Zhong Xueman, as a constable,

knowingly broke the law,

resorted to unauthorized punishment,

and cruelly killed a key criminal.

That's an extremely heinous act.

She should be sentenced to death.

Zhong Xueman's crime doesn't warrant death, right?

That's right.

It's not that serious.

Indeed.

Zhong Xueman's motive for killing is insufficient.

This conviction

seems rather hasty, doesn't it?

We all know

Zhong Xueman's temperament.

Old Bug was connected to Yesha,

and Yesha is the murderer

of Zhong Xueman's father.

It's entirely possible she'd take the law into her own hands.

That's her motive for killing.

Not just that.

From what I know,

it has something to do with Zhong Xueman

that the Yesha case remains unsolved.

Zhuge Tong,

don't you think

you're talking nonsense?

Since the Yesha case,

the corpse-sewing case,

the Huo Zongyao case,

the Chu Guangsha case, and the Yellow Heaven case

are all related to Yesha.

Or rather,

they were committed by Yesha's subordinates.

And the culprits?

Xiao Beiming's whereabouts are unknown.

Huang Wuchang was taken away.

The other criminals we could arrest

committed suicide to escape punishment.

Who investigated

all those cases?

You already know the answer.

Of course it was Constable Zhong.

So you do know it was Constable Zhong.

In the corpse-sewing case,

Xiao Beiming escaped

by jumping off the cliff right in front of Zhong Xueman.

Then he showed up again

to poison Mr. Shen Bi to death.

Then he disappeared.

In the Huo Zongyao case,

a maid from Huo Mansion

was Xiao Beiming's subordinate.

Right in front of Zhong Xueman,

a skilled fighter,

she managed to snatch a blade and kill herself.

Huang Wuchang was taken away.

But before he was handed over

to the Secret Investigation Unit,

he had been escorted by Zhong Xueman the whole time.

It's possible she followed us secretly

and waited for the right moment to act.

We tracked down Old Bug,

and he also died

in front of her.

Were all those things

just coincidences?

I have reason to suspect

that Zhong Xueman has been helping

Yesha, Xiao Beiming, commit his crimes.

After all, Xiao Beiming

and Zhong Xueman are childhood sweethearts,

and he was her husband.

Zhuge Tong...

I believe

Zhong Xueman has deliberately obstructed the Yesha case's investigation

and committed murder.

Her crimes are unforgivable!

Zhuge Tong,

your words are baseless,

and you're making false accusations!

You're using such far-fetched reasons

to hastily convict Constable Zhong.

I'm afraid you have selfish reasons.

Chief Fang,

do not slander me.

Zhong Xueman

is from the Elite Constabulary Unit.

You're disregarding the law

and shielding her here publicly.

Who has selfish reasons here?

Even if Zhong Xueman is guilty,

this is a special case,

and her identity is special.

Shouldn't we detain her,

report to the higher-ups step by step,

and wait for His Majesty's approval

before sentencing her according to law?

That won't be necessary.

What do you mean?

Since she's been convicted, and the case has been closed,

there's no need to detain her.

There are still four hours

until noon.

Once it's noon,

we'll just execute her in public.

Zhuge Tong, have you lost your mind?

Do you have a problem with that?

According to the Qi Kingdom's law,

even if the case is closed,

and the criminal is sentenced to death,

[Upright and Honest]

we must report three times

and wait for His Majesty's final decision

before the execution date is set!

Don't you think you're being absurd?

[Imperial: Annihilate the Evil]

Absurd?

His Majesty has allowed

the Secret Investigation Unit to handle the Yesha case

under special procedures.

For anyone related to the Yesha case,

no court trial is required.

Once they're convicted in the joint trial,

execution can be carried out before reporting.

Chief Fang,

do you have any objections?

Chief Zhuge,

is this how you handle cases?

The Elite Constabulary Unit

sharing a reputation with the Secret Investigation Unit

is a disgrace!

At the third quarter past noon,

the criminal, Zhong Xueman, shall be executed in public

to purge evil deeds!

Well, Beiming,

have you figured it out?

At the crime scene,

there indeed wasn't a third person present.

Constable Zhong couldn't possibly be the killer.

Something terrible has happened!

Beiming.

What happened?

The Secret Investigation Unit has finished interrogating Constable Zhong.

They're going to behead her in public at the third quarter past noon.

Uncle!

Uncle!

Chief!

Uncle!

He should be in the study.

Let's go.

Uncle!

At a time like this,

how can you still be in the mood

to draw that?

Chief,

the case hasn't been fully investigated.

How can they convict her and set the execution date?

That old bastard Zhuge Tong—

this's a blatant disregard for human life!

And this isn't just targeting Xueman.

He's bullying

the Elite Constabulary Unit!

Zhuge Tong has an imperial jade pendant.

What do you want me to do?

Defy orders?

We still can't let him

bully the Elite Constabulary Unit like this.

If word gets out,

how are we supposed to show up in public after this?

We'll be the laughingstock!

There's nothing we can do now.

Things have come to this point.

Do you expect me

to lead all our men

with weapons

to storm the execution ground?

Fang Tianzheng!

Don't forget

we watched

Zhong Xueman

grow up.

Uncle,

stop drawing!

Can't you think straight?

How dare you!

Is that how you speak to me?

I, Fang Yin, have never amounted to much.

Zhong Xueman has always looked down on me.

But this is the Elite Constabulary Unit.

We are constables.

When we're bullied or mocked

in normal times,

we can swallow it

and tolerate it.

But at a moment like this,

are we still going

to keep swallowing it and tolerating it?

Even if the wrongfully accused

isn't Zhong Xueman,

it's still a human life!

-Chief. -Chief.

Isn't that Constable Zhong

from the Elite Constabulary Unit?

How did she end up like this?

I heard she killed someone

and will be publicly beheaded.

She killed someone?

How could Constable Zhong kill anyone?

Who can say for sure?

Her senior is a wanted criminal.

What's so strange

about her killing someone?

Constable Zhong would never kill anyone.

She's a good person.

She must have been wrongfully accused.

The Elite Constabulary Unit has been corrupt for ages.

Who knows how many criminals

they've failed to catch?

Say one more word

and I'll rip your mouth open!

You slapped me? You shrew!

I...

Bro. Bro.

It hurts.

Get lost!

Okay.

What are you doing?

We're going to rescue Constable Zhong.

Even if it costs us our lives,

we must save her.

You can't save her this way.

You'll just die for nothing.

But we can't just

watch her get beheaded.

Let's go.

Now, only one person

can save her.

♪ If there's no solution ♪

Honey.

♪ Then say no more ♪

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

Honey,

don't worry.

The doctor is on his way.

♪ A journey of pain, a journey away ♪

Help me up.

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

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

How are you feeling?

Honey,

my frail body has failed me.

♪ No regrets, no resentment ♪

From now on, Xueman and Beiming

♪ Love and hatred are one obsession ♪

will have to rely on you alone

to take care of them.

Beiming,

♪ If by the abyss ♪

♪ Take a glimpse with this body ♪

I'm entrusting Xueman

to you.

♪ For the blood of sincerity ♪

You must protect her from now on.

♪ For the brave decision ♪

Don't let anyone bully her.

♪ For the wish made ♪

♪ Even if I die from exhaustion ♪

♪ For the destined fate ♪

♪ For the endless thoughts ♪

♪ Drink to this farewell ♪

♪ From daybreak ♪

♪ The sun and moon in my heart ♪

Even if anything happens to me,

I won't have any worries,

knowing that you're with her.

Beiming,

don't take it as an order.

I'm asking you for a favor

as a father.

Do you know who they're going to execute?

Zhong Xueman from the Elite Constabulary Unit.

Don't look at me like that.

You brought this upon yourself.

You're despicable.

Chief, it's almost time.

Proceed with the execution.

[Behead]

Stop!

Chief Fang,

why have you brought your men

from the Elite Constabulary Unit here?

Planning to storm the execution ground?

Zhuge Tong,

I advise you not to be so despicable!

And leave yourself a way out!

The case against Zhong Xueman

is riddled with doubts,

yet you've acted unjustly and unlawfully,

defying reason and justice!

Your conduct is worse than that of a beast!

I've already reported to His Majesty,

and he will punish you!

Has His Majesty replied?

You want His Majesty to punish me.

Fine.

Once the execution is over,

I'll bind my own hands and feet

and go with you to face His Majesty's interrogation.

But

I will take Zhong Xueman's head

with me.

Proceed with the execution!

How dare you!

Fang Tianzheng,

are you trying to rebel?

I am upholding

the fairness of the Qi Kingdom's law!

Execute her!

You've got the wrong person!

You finally showed up.

♪ The moonlight is as bright as flowers ♪

♪ Blooming under the eaves ♪

♪ We grow old together ♪

♪ Fireflies on the branches ♪

♪ Things weighing on my mind ♪

♪ When did our fates intertwine? ♪

♪ Like green sprouts adored ♪

♪ Amidst leaves ♪

♪ Ripples surge ♪

♪ Suddenly ♪

♪ I wonder if you ♪

♪ Can give me the answer ♪

♪ If I'm reckless ♪

♪ If I'm as ridiculous as a demon ♪

♪ Would you still treat me the way you did? ♪

♪ If I stay silent ♪

♪ Unlike the person you saw when we first met ♪

♪ Would you still walk with me? ♪

♪ If you and I journey through the years ♪

♪ I'll be willing to hold your hand ♪

♪ And I'll never let you go ♪

Chief Zhuge,

long time no see.

You finally showed up.

Guards! Seize him!

Yes!

Wait!

What are you doing?

I believe you know

what this is.

If I don't take the antidote

within an hour,

I will die on the spot.

I came here

to save Zhong Xueman.

If you insist on beheading her,

once I'm dead,

everything about Yesha

will vanish with me.

The Yesha case

concerns the safety of the Qi Kingdom.

You know the pros and cons.

Chief Zhuge,

it's up to you.

Xiao Beiming,

as long as you surrender yourself,

I can stop

the execution of Zhong Xueman.

Her case can be investigated again.

With all these witnesses,

I will not go back on my word!

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

Guards!

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

Arrest Xiao Beiming,

and throw him into the Secret Investigation Unit's prison!

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪

♪ In this cold world ♪

♪ So pitiful, have you ever ♪

♪ Believed in forever? ♪

♪ Looking at the stars at the seaside at night ♪

♪ I'm lost ♪

♪ Love is beyond words ♪

♪ I cry alone ♪

♪ Grieving over past grievances ♪

♪ Thinking about you again and again ♪

Xiao Beiming,

♪ It's just one glance ♪

in this round, I'm the winner.

♪ And I can't sleep at night ♪

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪

♪ An elegant gentleman ♪

♪ Beauty, yet prejudice ♪

♪ With courage ♪

♪ The gentleman understands ♪

♪ Traveling freely in this world ♪

♪ Only wielding his sword ♪

♪ I cry alone ♪

♪ Grieving over past grievances ♪

♪ Thinking about you again and again ♪

♪ It's just one glance ♪

♪ And I can't sleep at night ♪

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪

♪ Crossing mountains and seas isn't impossible ♪

♪ The wind sweeps past the young man with a sword ♪

♪ Fear no storm, be free ♪

♪ Bloodshed ♪