Original subtitles

Mr. Long,

I've never had a serious illness or chronic condition.

Why do I have to come for my pulse check every month?

You were born with white hair.

Only at this age has it fully turned black.

Ancient texts say

children born white-haired face half a life of hardship.

No one can command the workings of fate.

Your father and I both hope you grow up safe.

So what if half my life is hardship?

What matters is the rest brims with sweetness.

True.

So young, yet already so enlightened.

Thank you, Mr. Long. I'll be going now.

Half a life of hardship, half a life of sweetness.

The worry is you might have only the bitter half.

I have to go.

- Where are you going? - Gu Yu was taken by Huben.

Barring surprises, they'll hold Gu Yu in Hidden Soldier Alley.

Therefore, I must infiltrate Hidden Soldier Alley and rescue Gu Yu.

- You must be joking. - You're injured

and still want to risk your life? Are you mad?

He's right. You haven't even recovered yet.

Going into Hidden Soldier Alley now is as good as a death sentence.

He's right. And consider me too.

You just secured a safe place for me.

What if Huben comes after me again after you leave?

What can he do? He's all brawn and no brain.

- He can't handle them. - I'll handle you right now.

But on the other hand,

compared to you, I'm better suited to fighting and killing.

I must be the one to enter the enemy's lair.

No.

I must go.

If anyone knows Huben the best, it's me.

Why are you staring at me? Get back to work.

I…

STEAMED BUNS

Come in.

You're heading into Hidden Soldier Alley.

Can I help with anything?

Or is there something I can do for you?

Actually, I do require some preparations.

First, to enter Hidden Soldier Alley,

I'll need Huben's custom gold coins.

Qingyi has one.

Go get it.

If he refuses,

you're to order the death of every Huben member

who has seen my face

on the night of the raid.

Well…

What if he agrees?

He won't.

Move it!

I'm not forcing you to kill.

I just want you to understand that this is a ruthless world.

Some blood…

must be spilled.

Maybe you'll face moments like this in the future.

When that time comes, you'll know what to do.

The second thing.

I need a new identity.

Xiaoqing's already handled that.

IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL

That's a massive and showy sign.

Can we even trust that physician?

Got it.

What's all the--

BLESSINGS ABOUND

Come in. Get inside.

The door…

The members of Huben have been acting discreetly.

Few come and go in Chang'an.

Our people have watched for some time.

Only this man here fits your criteria.

His name is Wang Xing. His age and build are similar to yours.

He knows no martial arts. His moves are as clumsy as yours.

He has no close friends.

But he's married.

His wife resides in Chang'an.

Did you get everything out of him?

Of course. You can trust me to get the job done.

Not enough yet. Question him again.

Bring his wife here.

If his answers don't match,

break a finger and give it to him.

That's the only way to secure reliable answers.

You heard him.

Weigh your words carefully.

What if anything goes wrong?

You might have ten fingers,

but that won't save your wife from breaking.

You're animals.

Even if you ask me 100 times,

I'll still answer the same.

Come at me all you want.

But if you so much as lay a finger on my wife…

I'm talking to you!

I swear I'll…

So, when do we bring his wife here?

IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL

All these passes were seized from Wang Xing.

He's a skilled forger.

Even I nearly missed the flaws.

He's an expert.

No wonder Huben transferred him here.

Hidden Soldier Alley

always stations experts to forge papers and identities.

Since the new emperor issued his warrant against Huben,

any Huben men in the capital

need forged travel passes for even the slightest movement.

Something must have happened to the previous forger.

That's why they need an outsider to fill in.

Where's Wang Xing's gold coin?

I almost forgot about that.

You didn't forget. You wanted it for yourself.

Remember.

These coins will bring death if used anywhere else.

They're only for coming and going in Hidden Soldier Alley.

Huai'an.

You're injured, and you insist on taking this mission on alone.

I'm worried.

Don't worry.

I bought you a flatbread stall outside the alley.

If something happens, I'll contact you.

But not you. The stall is too close to Hidden Soldier Alley.

You can't go there. You'll work at the physician's hall in the meantime.

- That's not necessary. - No.

I… I feel safer if I'm with you.

Last time I delivered a letter, I caused trouble for you.

I need to vet all my people.

Now, I only have a few trusted ones who can be used.

I can't take care of him too. And that Wang Xing as well.

Get him out of here as soon as possible.

The physician's hall may not be safe either.

Then, why don't I watch over that Wang Xing?

You?

Yes. You just need to tie him up securely.

I'll watch him and bring his meals.

That's simple enough.

But where will we hold him?

Well…

The place where they locked me up before.

I'll just do as you guys did and put him there.

All right. It's settled, then.

If you slip up and Wang Xing runs back

to Hidden Soldier Alley,

the whole plan will fall apart.

And I'll lose my life.

Don't worry.

Your life is in my hands. Safe and sound.

Master.

You just escaped death, and now you're going to risk it again?

Have you thought this through?

The Huben Army was built by my father's own hands.

What they can do, I've learned by ear and eye.

What they can't, I've taught myself much.

I know what I'm doing, Mr. Long.

I've sealed your wounds with fish maw

and covered them with human skin.

You look no different from anyone else.

No one will notice unless they get up close.

You were born with white hair.

As you aged,

the white turned black.

Both your father and I share one wish.

We only hope you live safely

to see your hair turn gray once more.

My boy,

come back alive.

IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL

BLESSINGS ABOUND, MISFORTUNE FADES

Don't look at me like that.

When everything's settled, I'll dye my hair black again.

Let's go.

Is this the Hidden Soldier Alley you mentioned?

No.

Did you bring the clean clothes I asked for?

Yes. They're in the carriage.

Huai'an, what exactly are you looking at?

I'm wondering how badly I'd be hurt if I tumbled down this mountain.

Are you joking?

If you fall, you won't survive…

Huai'an!

Xie Huai'an!

Huai'an. Huai'an. Are you all right?

Have you lost your mind? Did you actually want to die?

Xie Huai'an, why did you do that? Have you lost your senses?

If you die, what'll happen to me? Who'll protect me?

That's why I was trying to find the right spot.

These injuries will be useful inside Hidden Soldier Alley.

Come on. Help me up.

Are you all right?

What's that in your hand?

They call this Bitter-After.

It grows in the north and is extremely bitter.

I observed Wang Xing. He has a habit of chewing on this.

The taste is certainly bitter.

I don't believe you.

It can't be that bitter. Let me try it.

This is incredibly bitter.

Why would anyone like to chew this stuff?

Bitterness refreshes and relieves fatigue.

The people in the north chew it to stave off the cold.

It's not that bad. Why do they call it Bitter-After?

People in the old days chose their words for a reason.

Once you chew it, the stalk's gone

and all that's left is the bitter taste.

That's inauspicious.

All right.

Beyond here lies the territory of Hidden Soldier Alley.

I'll travel the rest of the path alone.

Can you two not look so gloomy for once?

Fine. What wishes do you both have?

I won't die before I grant them.

What wishes can I have?

I just hope you get justice soon,

reunite with Bai Wan, and enjoy calm days.

Don't strain yourself.

Same here.

I don't expect to be emperor when I return.

I entrust my wishes to you.

I hope you take revenge and wipe out all of Huben,

then live an ordinary, peaceful life.

All right.

I'll take your blessing. I'll be back.

Halt.

Wait for the contact.

Make way.

You're chewing the wrong end.

The bottom part is the most bitter.

What's that to you?

You're busy this morning.

It's becoming warmer.

If I don't clean up soon, these alleys will stink before long.

There's no hurry. Take your breakfast first.

Di Lu, are you waiting for someone today?

It's a newcomer. I'm just about to fetch him.

Why? Something wrong?

Isn't there a general locked up in the alley?

Mr. Wang Pu warned us to stay alert.

That general is a man of rank. Someone might come to rescue him.

Do check this newcomer carefully.

How do I check him? You're smarter than I am.

I'll do whatever you tell me to do.

He's been standing here long enough. Hurry and take him away.

Wang Xing?

Come with me.

Everyone, stop a moment.

This is Wang Xing.

Xing, what do you think of the paper?

It's too thick, and the color is wrong.

The pulp needs to be finer.

Don't soak it too long.

Or else, the paper will go too soft.

Wang Xing. Our new fellow.

He'll be in charge of all travel permits here.

Xing, work can wait.

Come with me.

The last man who did this job was known as Ren.

He died of illness last month.

He lived here and worked here.

Do you mind staying here?

No. I'm fine with it.

Good. Then this will be your station.

Everyone outside will follow your instructions.

But some procedures can't be skipped.

Show me your permit from the Capital.

All right.

TRAVEL PASS

Check his travel pass.

See when he set off and from where.

Every prefecture and sub-prefecture he passed has left its seal.

Go through the seals one by one.

If he arrived more or less on time,

there should be no issue.

But if the timing is far off, take heed.

All right. I'll get to it.

I just don't understand.

You're so smart, but you ended up collecting trash.

What was Wang Pu thinking?

You ask me? Who am I supposed to ask?

THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE TWELFTH MONTH, FOURTH YEAR OF WENCHENG

CUI LUNIAN, INSPECTOR OF CHANG'AN

Guards.

You should've arrived three days ago. The weather's been clear.

Why are you late? Explain yourself.

Answer the question.

Speak.

Where did you get this wound?

I met a man on the road.

He said he knew me and forced me to forge a pass.

I refused, and we fought.

In the end, I stabbed him a few times when he let his guard down

and killed him.

I fainted after that.

That delayed my trip.

Why didn't you report it?

I didn't dare.

Who did you kill?

Liu Ziyan.

You killed Liu Ziyan?

He was the Huben Army's top killer. You killed him?

Di, I'm telling the truth.

When I met him,

he was badly wounded and nearly done for.

How many times did you stab him?

Where did you stab him?

The first stab was aimed at his chest,

but he grabbed my dagger.

I pulled it out and stabbed a few more times.

I was afraid he'd survive.

So maybe ten stabs.

Where's the body?

In the forest 30 li south of the city.

I panicked

and dumped the body before running.

Watch him.

I'll be back.

Yes, sir.

What?

You hang around that garbage collector all day

and don't mind his stink,

but when you're here, you're picky now?

They smell completely different.

How was it? Have you checked?

How many wounds?

I have. Eleven stab wounds.

Done by two different groups.

Here, look.

These stabs have clean edges.

The blade went in and out fast.

Skilled hands.

They should be from our people.

As for these wounds, they're serious,

but they avoided all the vital spots.

The real fatal wounds are nine.

Two to the chest, the other seven to the abdomen.

Judging by the cuts, the stabs were forceful,

but the depth varies.

Their edges are rolled back.

That means the blade didn't go in or out cleanly.

Whoever stabbed him meant to kill,

but wasn't used to handling a weapon.

As for the wound on the arm, shallow inside and deep outside.

Likely caused when he grabbed the blade

as the attacker tried to pull it back.

Could it have been staged after death?

A dead man can't grab anything.

Someone would've had to press his hand onto the blade.

But if so, the force wouldn't be even.

Therefore, you wouldn't get such a clean cut.

Carry on.

Keep writing. I'm just looking.

BY GUO ZI'AN

Your handwriting looks good.

Impressive.

You're way better than Ren.

Di.

- You… - Sit.

Don't be nervous.

I came here to apologize.

I was too rash before.

I'd like to buy you a drink and dinner tonight

to calm your nerves.

What do you think?

- I told you I'm fine. - Yes.

More than fine.

You even killed Liu Ziyan.

That was something many wanted but couldn't do.

Xing, you've got both brains and brawn.

You have a bright future.

Whether I have a future isn't the point.

What matters is I didn't lose my life.

What kind of talk is that?

All right then.

See you at the mutton-soup stall tonight.

I'll buy you a good drink.

I think I'll pass.

It's settled.

I'll introduce you to a friend.

I've prepared a gift for you.

You'll like it.

All right. See you tonight.

I'll hurry and finish this work.

Go on with your tasks.

I told you.

You're different from the rest of them.

How am I supposed to eat it when you put it on the ground?

How about this, lad? Put it on my leg.

Leave the rest to me.

On your leg?

After I leave, you'll find a way to drop the bowl,

break it, take a shard,

cut the rope, and escape.

I pity you,

but I'm no fool.

Lad, I can't reach the bowl.

Think of something yourself.

You can lean your whole body over,

then press your face to the ground, like a dog.

I've done it before.

You can do the same.

Wang Xing.

There are two people in Hidden Soldier Alley you must befriend.

Do you mean General Fengshan?

I've never even met him.

The first is Li Sangeng.

The calmest man in Hidden Soldier Alley.

I noticed your travel pass was overdue by three days

because he reminded me.

If you didn't say it, he'd never know it was my idea.

What? You hold a dagger to his neck,

and try to blame it on me?

That's all in the past now.

Exactly. It's all in the past. No need to bring up old matters.

The second person is me. Di Lu.

The warmest man in Hidden Soldier Alley.

Everyone here is my friend.

If you ever need anything, just give me a shout.

Sure. Thank you, Di.

Don't be so courteous.

The more you thank me, the more long-winded it sounds.

Wang,

care to tell us what kind of person you are?

Just get him drunk, and you'll find out.

No. I'm not a good drinker.

Just like Di said,

I'm probably the luckiest man in Hidden Soldier Alley.

After all, I faced Liu Ziyan and lived to tell the tale.

Liu Ziyan?

Speaking of him, I must pour a cup for you.

Here, Wang Xing.

Who would've thought that after Liu Ziyan was gravely injured,

he happened to run into you, happened to know you,

and forced you to forge a pass?

Sangeng, the cup is full.

What a coincidence.

I wouldn't believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes.

Sangeng, I know you're cautious,

but I've looked into it.

Stop being so suspicious.

Come on. Sit.

He's like that.

He sees enemies even in a pile of garbage. Don't blame him.

You two have a toast, and let this matter rest.

It's all in the past. Come on.

Sangeng, if you need a travel pass, come to me.

If there's garbage, I'll take it.

Xing, don't blame me for that day.

I was just scared.

The Huben Army is like rats in the street now.

I have to keep my eyes open.

That's enough. You're drunk. Don't talk nonsense.

You don't understand.

The Huben Army was glorious once, back when General Liu was still alive.

Not anymore.

General Fengshan wants to push for reform. That's a great undertaking.

I can't help with anything.

I'm just afraid that one day this alley will be raided,

and every Huben member won't be able to escape.

I only hope they can live just one more day.

Come. Drink.

Huainan is good

A safe haven

The mountains and rivers Stretch on like our affection

A devoted soul sings here

I brave the snow to see you off

I await your return Though my temples may turn to frost

My devotion endures As long as water flows

Am I the one drunk, or are both of you drunk?

My place is over this side.

- This way. - Let's go.

Di,

why are you suddenly singing this tune?

It doesn't sound like a tune from Chang'an.

I used to know someone

who lived in the place from this song, Huainan.

I used to deliver messages for him.

I had to go to this remote village every time.

It was exhausting.

Then, word came from above that he'd betrayed us.

I was given the task to kill him.

But when I got there, there wasn't even a trace of him.

Only those who've died once can be truly free.

To be honest,

before he turned against us, I actually liked him.

Di, why did you try to kill him?

Xing,

liking someone has nothing to do with killing them.

In the end, the only person you can afford to like is yourself.

Keeping yourself alive matters more than anything.

If I didn't take the job,

I'd be the one dead.

I haven't had enough.

Come to my place and let's drink more.

Let's drink more.

This is it.

Sangeng, bring the liquor.

- Over there. - That's enough.

You're plastered.

- Come. Careful. - Liquor.

I should get going.

Don't go.

Let's drink some more.

It's rare for us to be this happy.

You're an interesting man.

Let's drink. Come on.

Maybe not today.

Your head will hurt tomorrow.

- Drink some water. - I don't want water. I want liquor.

Xing, I prepared a gift for you.

Drink a little more with me.

If not, I'll give it to someone else.

Sangeng, you too. Drink with us.

Let me tell you. I…

Xing,

when did you get that wound?

Liu Ziyan stabbed someone recently.

It was a man the Huben Army had been ordered to kill.

I heard the blade was driven in from the neck.

It was the right side of the neck.

You almost had me there.

Good thing you're here tonight, Han Ziling.