Original subtitles

[Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty III: To Chang'an]

[Episode 12]

In my humble opinion,

that's not merely about incense offerings

but about the foundation and stability of the state.

Now, rumors are spreading everywhere,

and everyone is in a state of panic.

If this continues,

Chang'an will descend into chaos!

How dare you!

Guards!

Seize him!

Attendant Yang.

Your Majesty,

those words he just spoke

were outrageous.

It's not that serious.

It was just a figure of speech.

In our youth,

we studied and practiced martial arts together.

Today, we're just drinking and reminiscing.

Don't make a fuss over nothing.

You may leave.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lu Lingfeng,

what you just said was far too much.

Lu Tong.

I...

would like to hear him finish.

When people's hearts are at peace,

the state will stand unshaken.

If Your Majesty visits Chengfo Temple in person,

the rumors about demons plaguing Chang'an

will vanish of their own accord!

You make a fair point.

But you only have this one chance.

You truly don't want to use it to advance your career?

I was planning

to have you return to the Imperial Guard

and restore your former position.

Lu Lingfeng,

quickly thank His Majesty for his grace!

I thank Your Majesty for your grace.

Though my current post as Yongzhou Judicial Official

is of modest rank,

it's extremely important.

Although I cannot serve at Your Majesty's side,

catching thieves and criminals

and ensuring the people of Chang'an live in peace

also helps ease Your Majesty's burdens.

Therefore...

I, Lu Lingfeng, wish to remain

in this position a bit longer!

Su Wuming taught you on behalf of his mentor,

making you Master Di's disciple?

That's true.

It's my great fortune.

Your mentor

solved countless mysterious cases in his lifetime.

Serving as a Judicial Official

truly makes better use of your talents.

Lu Tong,

you see how it is, don't you?

It's not that I don't want him back—

he himself doesn't want to return.

Today's banquet

is to reward my meritorious officials who served during the Tanglong Incident,

and each of you has received a reward.

As for Lu Lingfeng's request,

I shall grant it as well.

In three days,

I'll visit Chengfo Temple to offer incense!

[Grand Princess's Mansion]

Though Chengfo Temple is large,

it was originally unremarkable among the capital's

many famous temples.

It was Your Highness who invited Qin Xiaobai,

and that's what made it famous.

Thus,

Guangxiao now is

like someone who was first lifted to the clouds

and then dropped to the ground with a smack—

how could he not be shattered?

Su Wuming,

you truly have a silver tongue.

As for

the rumors of ghosts,

although the Yongzhou Prefecture Office has posted notices,

gossip still

circulates through the streets.

I fear such tales of demons

will cause chaos in Chang'an.

Rumors are spreading among the people—

how can I silence them?

Perhaps

you could personally visit Chengfo Temple

to offer incense.

Would that help?

Of course it would.

As soon as Your Highness visits,

the gloom over Chengfo Temple

will clear instantly!

I need a reason to visit

Chengfo Temple.

To admire the "Subjugation of Devils" again.

It's that very mural

that started all the trouble.

Better not to mention it.

Well...

So even you get stuck sometimes, eh?

I'm foolish.

At the moment, I truly cannot think of

any other excuse.

Have you ever heard of

the Seven-Colored Buddhist Robe

personally woven by my mother?

I've heard something about it.

Mother bestowed it upon me.

I'll lend it to Chengfo Temple for a month,

so that all devotees

will have a chance to see this treasure.

That truly is

a blessing for the people of Chang'an!

In three days,

I'll deliver it myself.

It'll be enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall!

[Three Days Later] [Great Buddha Hall]

[Great Buddha Hall]

This humble monk did not know Your Majesty had arrived.

I failed to welcome you properly.

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

It's fine.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty has arrived?

Aunt.

At the temple gate,

I saw your carriage.

I hope I didn't disturb your prayers.

I'm so glad you could come.

This is

the Seven-Colored Buddhist Robe woven by Empress Wu Zetian herself.

Have you seen it before?

I've never had such fortune.

This is a treasure.

Every stitch and every thread

has a story behind it.

Come on,

let me explain it to you in detail.

This Seven-Colored Buddhist Robe

was woven from

seven different fabrics.

Each piece came from

one of

the seven regions across the land,

gathering the essence of heaven and earth.

Lu Lingfeng, oh, Lu Lingfeng.

You've got a lot of nerve.

You invited His Majesty to Chengfo Temple,

but why didn't you inform me in advance?

His Majesty's safety is

the responsibility of the Imperial Guard.

What difference would it have made if I had informed you?

I needed to know.

At the very least, I could have been at the temple entrance

to welcome His Majesty.

The point is,

you weren't there either.

If you had been there,

you could have at least

represented our prefecture office.

The notice was posted well in advance

in Dunyi District, announcing

that today's circuit trial would be held there.

How could I have been there?

Lu Lingfeng,

you'll be the death of me

sooner or later!

-Greetings, Your Majesty. -Greetings, Your Majesty.

It's you, Du Ming.

I only told you to summon Lu Lingfeng to the palace.

Why are you here too?

Leave.

Yes.

Sit.

This is the gastrodia powder I've been taking.

It can regulate the internal organs

and boost energy.

You should try some too.

Have a seat.

Yes.

Today at Chengfo Temple,

I saw my aunt.

You didn't arrange that deliberately, did you?

Your Majesty, please allow me to explain.

Just answer me—

did you or did you not?

I did not.

That's right.

I personally set the date

for the incense offering.

I'm very happy today.

The Seven-Colored Buddhist Robe

woven by Empress Wu Zetian herself is magnificent.

I also had a very pleasant conversation with my aunt.

It reminded me of my childhood.

I haven't felt

this way in so many years.

You sly Su Wuming!

You said once I visited Chengfo Temple,

all rumors about ghosts

would vanish on their own.

Then why did you invite him there?

Your Highness has wronged me.

I couldn't even get an audience

with His Majesty lately—

how could I possibly have invited him to the temple?

Could it be that he came on his own?

Was he trying to reconcile with me?

Su Wuming!

Why are you silent now?

What Your Highness just mentioned is a family matter.

It's not my place to comment.

A family matter...

Su Wuming.

I called you here to tell you...

that I'm very pleased today!

As for Mother's golden tablet

that was stolen by Li Fengjie,

I'll personally send someone

to return it to the cliff

at Junjie Peak on Mount Song.

It's truly exquisite.

[Great Buddha Hall]

Amitabha.

Miss Pei,

Madam Yingtao, why didn't you inform me

before coming to the temple?

Please.

Please come to my quarters for some tea.

No need, Buddhist Guangxiao.

We're not thirsty.

Then at least come sit in my quarters

so this humble monk can express his gratitude.

[Great Buddha Hall]

Our Chengfo Temple has regained its glory

thanks to Official Lu, Scholar Su,

and you two benefactors.

You should give thanks to His Majesty and the Princess,

as well as to the peace and prosperity of our Tang Empire.

How wonderful. How wonderful.

Miss Pei, your words

echo my own thoughts exactly.

I'll lead all disciples

to chant sutras every night

to pray for our Tang Empire.

Amitabha.

Please.

Qin Xiaobai?

[Great Buddha Hall]

[Great Buddha Hall]

May I help you?

You can see?

This humble monk can see.

Are you Qin Xiaobai?

He is not.

Qin Xiaobai's every feature speaks of artistry,

but on this master's face,

I see only compassion.

My dharma name is Kongliao.

Is the Qin Xiaobai you speak of

[Kongliao]

the Greatest Painter of the Tang Empire?

Indeed.

Then all these people

have come to see the Subjugation of Devils.

That mural

is already famous throughout Chang'an.

[Great Buddha Hall]

They're not here for the mural.

The great hall enshrines the Seven-Colored Buddhist Robe

woven by Empress Wu Zetian herself.

I see.

Where do you come from, Master?

From the lands by the Eastern Sea.

How long did your journey take?

I walked three steps and kowtowed once

for two years and nine months.

You've endured much hardship.

To behold

the magnificence Chang'an, where all nations come to pay tribute,

was worth every hardship.

I won't be leaving.

[Great Buddha Hall]

I wish to stay at Chengfo Temple.

I heard the Great Buddha Hall needs someone to clean it.

If the abbot trusts me,

I'll serve with all my heart.

I can introduce you to the abbot.

In that case,

thank you very much.

♪ The past feels like only yesterday ♪

♪ Yet in a blink, it fades away ♪

♪ How long can a lifetime really last? ♪

♪ Year after year, peace never stays ♪

♪ The past feels like only yesterday ♪

♪ Yet in a blink, it fades away ♪

♪ How long can a lifetime really last? ♪

♪ Year after year, peace never stays ♪

Why are you still awake?

I was thinking...

among the countless souls in this world,

perhaps there's always someone

who resembles you.

Like the monk Kongliao

and Qin Xiaobai.

Wu Yang and Empress Wu Zetian in her youth.

Or Qinghong from Nanzhou Prefecture

and Chuntiao from Shiyang County.

Even if there might be someone like me in this world,

there could never be another Su Wuming.

What's wrong?

I've simply had enough of that sworn brother of yours.

There was a hunter

who ventured alone

deep into Mount Zhongnan

[Law Before Power]

and discovered something enormous.

This creature

is as large as an elephant.

It has a tiger's head,

a lion's body,

deer antlers, goat whiskers, and a long tail

divided into many segments

with three prongs at the end.

Bai Ze?

That's right.

[Law Before Power]

You think that was Bai Ze too, right?

I...

This is a serious matter!

I must report it to His Majesty immediately.

Wait a moment.

Bai Ze

exists only in books of strange tales.

How could such a beast exist in the world?

[Law Before Power]

Why not?

The Bai Ze Scroll,

used to ward off evil spirits.

Doesn't almost every household

in the empire have one?

Those so-called beasts— whether ominous or auspicious—

are myths, nothing more.

That hunter went alone into the deep mountains,

already surrounded

by danger and fear.

Moreover, the strange mists

in those deep mountains

can make people delirious

or even cause hallucinations.

Therefore,

what the hunter claims

cannot be trusted.

You...

Su Wuming!

What do you think?

Since someone has seen it,

we can report it.

[Law Before Power]

That's right.

[Law Before Power]

Su Wuming!

I...

Why are you glaring like that...

and clenching your fist?

The so-called Four Perils:

Hundun, Taotie, Qiongqi, and Taowu.

The so-called Four Auspicious Beasts:

Qilin, Xiezhi, Pixiu, and Bai Ze.

Legend has it

that during the time of Emperors Yan and Huang,

when the Yellow Emperor was touring

the shores of the Eastern Sea,

he encountered Bai Ze!

That's a legend,

a legend!

Can it be trusted?

Once Du Ming reports to His Majesty,

if it turns out to be false,

the consequence will be severe.

Bai Ze is called an auspicious beast

because it often hides during chaotic times.

When a virtuous ruler comes to power,

Bai Ze will accordingly

appear in the world!

Lu Lingfeng.

Don't you understand

what Du Ming really means?

What should I understand?

Use your head!

I believe our current Emperor

is a virtuous ruler.

But to report such a matter so rashly

is not only a crime against His Majesty

but also a deception of the people.

Whatever Du Ming wants to do

is of no concern to me.

But for Su Wuming to be so muddled—

how can he face his mentor?

He's probably not muddled.

At most,

he's simply going with the flow.

You're still too rigid.

Perhaps this so-called Bai Ze appearance

is just a claim,

but it's what His Majesty needs.

Why so stubborn about it?

When you put it that way,

I find myself...

less troubled.

I admire your attitude of seeking truth

based on empirical evidence.

But you're in officialdom, after all.

Even if Su Wuming

opposed it with you,

you think Du Ming wouldn't report it?

For some matters,

you should listen more to Wuming.

He's also your senior,

and he's always helping and protecting you.

Who is it?

Who is it?

It's so late.

What brings you knocking at my door?

I wanted to go to the capital

but got lost.

I hope you could give me directions, sir.

Even if you reached the capital now,

the city gates would be closed.

And it's already late.

You're all alone.

It's not safe.

What should I do then?

How about...

Didn't you say

I could come in and rest?

Yes.

I meant

the two of us

could rest together.

You're so naughty.

What does that mean?

Who was that

beautiful woman?

Are you stupid?

Don't you realize

she wasn't even human?

Not human?

I asked you to tell us something exciting!

I...

Is that the best you could come up with?

In the dead of night,

are you trying to scare us?

Not at all.

Look,

you've tied me up like this.

How would I dare scare you?

That is my best story.

Best story?

You said you could tell stories,

so I spared your life.

Turns out you only know ghost tales!

Don't hit him.

What are you looking at?

I'll deal with you later.

Don't worry.

I don't mind that you're old.

Brother, why don't you eat first?

I'll go upstairs and see

if there's anything valuable.

What's the rush?

Sit down!

Let this old fool

finish his story.

I think it's quite interesting.

Continue!

Just as that lost woman

was about to tear into the scholar,

she suddenly discovered...

It's getting late.

I should hurry on my way.

We're already sharing a bed.

Why leave?

You have no shadow either.

You're not human?

Of course, I'm not human.

You've only just realized?

It's too late.

He scared the wits out of me.

You old fool.

How dare you try to scare us?

No, no.

Do you like

my story?

Kill these two

old fools!

No, Brother!

That woman may be old,

but she's not ugly.

It's been over half a month

since I've had a woman.

No, please don't. Don't...

Why are you just standing there?

Wh-What's that sound?

Is that a lion or a tiger?

Old fool, I'm asking you!

Look at this divine statue!

This is the Bai Ze Temple.

I'm Hermit Baize.

My wife Zi is also protected by the divine beast.

You've angered the divine beast!

Tonight,

not even a scrap of your bones

will remain!

Old fool, I'll chop you down!

[The Tracks of Bai Ze]

Bai Ze?

Based solely on a hunter's sighting,

you conclude an auspicious beast has appeared—

isn't that rather hasty?

Actually,

this isn't the first time someone

has encountered the divine beast Bai Ze

in the depths of Mount Zhongnan.

It's just that previous witnesses

never got a clear look at the divine beast

before fleeing in panic.

Only this time

did someone see it clearly.

It has a tiger's head,

a lion's body,

and deer antlers.

Its tail has nine sections and three forks.

That was truly Bai Ze!

I was uncertain at first,

so I consulted Su Wuming.

Su Wuming?

You asked him?

Though Su Wuming holds no official position,

he is Master Di's disciple.

He's known for his vast knowledge and sharp memory.

Therefore...

What did he say?

He confirmed—

that was undoubtedly Bai Ze!

After all, having received the true teachings of Di Renjie,

he must have some knowledge.

Consulting him on such matters...

was not inappropriate.

If that's the case,

Bai Ze has truly appeared in the world?

-Congratulations, Your Majesty. -Congratulations, Your Majesty.

What is there to congratulate?

Your Majesty,

the Spring and Autumn Annals

recorded the discovery of a Qilin.

Now that Bai Ze has appeared,

it's an auspicious sign for our state.

Indeed, indeed.

I've heard that when a sage ruler arises,

Bai Ze will appear.

Now that Your Majesty has just ascended the throne,

and this auspicious beast has been discovered,

it proves

Your Majesty is truly a sovereign chosen by Heaven!

I have no such virtue or ability.

It must be due to the Retired Emperor's virtuous rule.

When the Bai Ze appears, prosperity follows.

I think we should announce this to the world.

There's no rush.

The appearance of the Bai Ze

is truly rare.

Should I personally go to Mount Zhongnan

to catch a glimpse of it?

Your Majesty must not.

Mount Zhongnan is perilous and filled with fierce beasts.

I'm willing to go on Your Majesty's behalf.

Grand General...

Lu Tong,

your vision difficulties

might hinder you in the mountains.

Since Du Ming reported this matter,

I'll leave it to him.

The first to find Bai Ze

will be rewarded with 1,000 gold pieces,

granted purple robes and a noble title,

and receive a fief of 1,000 households.

Yes.

We at the Yongzhou Prefecture Office will spare no effort

in searching for the Bai Ze.

[Yongzhou Prefecture Office]

His Majesty has entrusted this matter

to us.

Official Lu,

I'll be counting on you?

Chief Administrator Du,

are we really going into the mountains

to search for Bai Ze?

Of course.

His Majesty intended to go himself.

Now,

Official Lu,

I order you

to enter the mountains in His Majesty's stead.

Since I, Lu Lingfeng,

became the Yongzhou Judicial Official,

I've established the Mobile Court

to handle cases around the city.

So far,

of Chang'an's 110 districts,

I've held court in fewer than 20.

With official duties at hand,

I cannot comply.

Lu Lingfeng.

Why do you think His Majesty

entrusted such an important matter

to us?

And who among us

is suited for such a great task?

His Majesty couldn't have been clearer.

He all but named you.

If you don't go,

are you defying an imperial order?

Besides,

the first to find Bai Ze

will be granted purple robes and a noble title.

What a great opportunity this is.

I worked hard

to secure this chance for you.

Du Ming!

I've always respected your character

for being rigorous and fair.

Now

you flatter His Majesty to his face,

which is bad enough,

but here you're spouting nonsense!

How dare you!

Lu Lingfeng,

how dare you speak to Chief Administrator Du like that?

You've gone too far!

Su Wuming!

This is all your doing!

Lu Lingfeng!

He's still too young

and impulsive.

Well, Chief Administrator Du, how about this?

Well,

I'm willing to go into the mountains

to find Bai Ze.

I...

You?

A Criminal Investigation Scholar?

You don't even hold a proper official post!

You searching for the auspicious beast for His Majesty?

Has our Tang Empire run out of people?

However,

His Majesty did say

you're Master Di's direct disciple

with some knowledge.

You may join the search for the Bai Ze,

but Lu Lingfeng must go!

I only suspected it was Bai Ze.

The one who confirmed it

was you, Su Wuming.

I reported that truthfully to His Majesty as well.

How is that my confirmation?

I...

Lu Lingfeng,

as the Yongzhou Judicial Official,

will lead a team into the mountains

to search for traces of the Bai Ze.

It's your undeniable duty!

You shall depart

early tomorrow morning!

Chief Administrator Du,

can't you see he's unwilling?

I don't care whether he's willing or not!

He will lead the team into the mountains.

Who goes with him

is his decision.

If he insists on disobeying,

he'll bear the consequences!

[Pei's Mansion]

Xue Huan,

go call your master for dinner.

It's rare for us to have a meal at home like this.

Well then,

this scholar

would like to propose a toast to you all.

Come on, cheers.

According to legend,

when the Yellow Emperor toured the shore of the Eastern Sea,

upon meeting the Bai Ze,

the auspicious beast spoke in human language,

saying,

"Since ancient times, all beings born of vital energy,

and all wandering spirits that took shape...."

By that he meant demons and ghosts.

There are 11,520 kinds in total.

Nonsense.

I've heard of that.

The Yellow Emperor

had someone record what the Bai Ze said

and created the Bai Ze Scroll, right?

That's right.

The Bai Ze Scroll recorded

the names of various demons and ghosts,

as well as

methods to subdue them.

Superstitious rubbish meant to fool the common folk!

Lu Lingfeng,

you don't mean me, do you?

Who else would I mean?

I won't stoop to your level.

Let me ask you this:

Chief Administrator Du has asked you to form a team

and enter the deep mountains

to search for the Bai Ze beast.

Are you going or not?

You think I'm like you?

If I engaged in such absurd activities,

the Lu family of Fanyang

would become a laughingstock!

That's a real shame then.

I was thinking

we could take this opportunity

for the six of us

to journey deep into Mount Zhongnan

and have some fun for a few days.

That sounds wonderful!

Yeah,

what a wonderful idea.

But he won't take us.

Su Wuming!

Let me ask you:

if you just go into the mountains for fun,

how will you report when you get back?

I'll just say

we didn't find Bai Ze.

Then as a Judicial Official,

wouldn't I appear incompetent?

The duty of a Judicial Official

is to enforce the law, manage cases,

and supervise the capture of criminals.

Not finding Bai Ze

only means it wasn't fated—

how could that be called incompetence?

If you know we can't find it,

why did you agree to

this absurd task?

My dear junior,

the court has been in chaos for years.

Now

a new emperor has ascended the throne

and wishes to pacify the people.

The auspicious beast Bai Ze appearing now

has comes at the perfect time.

This is what our state needs

for peace and prosperity!

Hearing Wuming explain it that way,

I find it quite reasonable.

Lu Lingfeng,

I know you're an honest man.

But if it's for the nation's peace and prosperity,

leading an expedition into Mount Zhongnan

would not be unbecoming for a gentleman.

Gentlemanly,

indeed!

What in the world are they talking about?

I understand less and less.

Isn't it just going sightseeing?

Are we going or not?

Xijun,

you're not

siding with Su Wuming, are you?

Of course not.

It's not unbecoming of a gentleman?

It's not just gentlemanly!

It's...

extremely gentlemanly!

Then let's go.

[Great virtue can carry the world]

[Great virtue can carry the world]

Why aren't you asleep yet?

I know

that even though you agreed,

you're unwilling in your heart.

The one who knows me best

is you, Xijun.

I really miss my younger days,

when life was genuine

and pure,

untouched by pretense

or hypocrisy.

I actually think

the person you are today

deserves respect.

You're a man of integrity,

yet flexible in dealing with circumstances

and mindful of the bigger picture.

Since returning to Chang'an,

you've been busy with official duties

and haven't had time for me.

These few days in the mountains

can be your way of making it up to me.

That's true.

To love our empire

is to love its people.

And you, Pei Xijun,

are the one I care about most.

But deep in Mount Zhongnan,

the trails are rough

and wild beasts roam.

This journey may not be so pleasant.

As long as we go together...

even the roughest path becomes smooth.

Weeds and thorns

are all flowers to me.

[Integrity and Humility]

Well...

Miss Pei?

Well...

Miss Pei is my sworn sister,

a master painter.

If we can find Bai Ze,

my sworn sister can paint it.

Then,

when His Majesty sees it,

he'll be delighted.

Indeed.

Master Fei,

a disciple of the Medicine King,

has exceptional medical skills.

Deep in Mount Zhongnan, dangers are unpredictable.

What if one of us gets injured?

Right, right.

Miracle Doctor Fei is essential.

Chief Administrator Du.

Madam Yingtao,

Captain Xue.

They both have excellent martial skills.

They can help Official Lu when needed.

Good!

Official Lu,

it seems my trust in you

was well-placed.

In just one night,

you've gathered

such an impressive team.

Now I can rest easy.

I shall remain at the Yongzhou Prefecture Office,

[Integrity and Humility]

awaiting your good news.

Life as Chief Administrator is so comfortable.

You...

Wh-What do you mean by that?

That's inappropriate.

Come on.

[Integrity and Humility]

This is Ling Ji,

a hunter from Mount Zhongnan.

He's the one who discovered Bai Ze.

He knows the terrain there extremely well

[Ling Ji, Hunter]

and can serve as your guide.

This way...

it's an excellent arrangement.

Good, very good.

Then you shall depart.