Original subtitles

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

[Episode 24]

Thank you.

Why are you still carrying a sword?

It's how I make my living.

I must keep it with me.

Making a living with your sword?

Don't tell me you're an assassin.

You jest, Sir.

I've loved playing the pipa since childhood.

But as I grew older,

I couldn't survive on pipa alone.

So I found a master to teach me sword dance.

Today I brought both my sword

and my pipa.

You may choose which you prefer,

or I can play the pipa first, then dance with my sword.

Your voice

hasn't changed at all.

Are you the guest sitting in the main seat?

I've never heard your voice before.

Mr. Leng.

Mr. Leng.

Have you mistaken her for someone else?

Nu Jiao

is blind.

How did you lose your sight?

You must have mistaken her for someone else.

Let's start with the sword dance then.

Sword dance is a treasure of our Tang Empire,

and many women know how to perform it.

But a blind performer like you...

Is quite rare, really.

The lady who guided me earlier—

could you please hold my pipa?

Thank you.

Though I'm blind,

I pray this longsword spares all present,

wherever it swings.

Mr. Wang, look.

Great.

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Here, Mr. Wang.

Here.

Yingtao.

Our servant at the Sushan Shop, Yingtao,

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

learned plate dancing as a child.

Yingtao, dance with her.

As you wish.

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Great!

Wonderful. Wonderful.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

♪ Clear rills gurgle, celery shoots push through the earth ♪

♪ The sun dips westward, travelers wend their way home ♪

♪ Deserted village— no one keeps the cold food feast ♪

♪ Before the lonely tomb, only crabapple blossoms bloom ♪

Excellent!

Bravo! Bravo!

-"Cold Food Ballad." -"Cold Food Ballad."

That's indeed Mr. Leng's "Cold Food Ballad."

The writing is elegant,

expressing emotions through objects.

Philosophy is hidden within sentiment,

like secluded orchids.

Beautiful poem!

Shall I record it?

Record it quickly.

[One]

One poem by poet Leng Ji.

They say throughout our Tang Empire,

on the poetry boards at Stations,

among poems about Cold Food and Qingming,

this one is copied most frequently.

Time flows like a long river.

Poets are countless.

Actually, for a poet,

if just one poem

is still recited 1,000 years later,

that'll be truly remarkable.

I read Mr. Leng's masterpiece

10 years ago.

Even now, when the Cold Food Festival comes,

I still copy and recite it.

You're too kind.

When will I

be able to write

such beautiful verses?

What are you muttering about?

Leader! Leader!

Come quickly, come on.

Are there any more songstresses?

No, Master. That's all we have.

Our Xuanhuo Troupe

only has these 5 songstresses.

They sang two of Mr. Youbo's poems.

In today's poetry contest,

you've won.

Mr. Leng.

Indeed, 2 songstresses

performed my poems earlier.

But they pale

in comparison with this lady.

In my opinion, to determine the winner,

we shouldn't care about whose poems have been sung more.

Instead, we should consider

whose poem was performed by the troupe's top courtesan.

I second that.

This lady is definitely

the top courtesan of this troupe.

Mr. Leng, you've won.

I accept

defeat wholeheartedly.

I also concede to your superiority.

Wait, wait.

How could you possibly have the upper hand?

Don't you see

who's present here?

Mr. Wang, you're right.

Jiaonu.

Are you calling me?

No, that's wrong.

My name is Nu Jiao.

Miss Sang'er,

please help me downstairs.

We'll go prepare

several other flavors of sushan.

When you need them,

just ask Mr. Su to call for us.

Mr. Leng.

Stop being upset just because you mistook someone.

You won the Tavern of the Poets' Contest.

Let me toast to you.

I am honored today

to have witnessed the brilliance and the grace of our poets.

The Tavern of the Poets' Contest

has shown me

the glorious heights of Tang poetry.

I wish to offer a toast of 3 bowls of wine to each poet!

Three bowls?

Mr. Wang, are you implying

that I lack the standing for such a toast?

If standing is your concern,

then tell us, Lu,

do you have the capacity for this much wine?

Including Mr. Ruan,

there are 4 poets in this room.

I can easily handle

a mere 12 large bowls.

Excellent!

Mr. Leng, please stop being upset

and join our celebration.

Drink, right?

Good.

I'm in the mood to get drunk.

Good!

Please.

I'll pour the wine.

I'll pour the wine.

Miss Nu Jiao, you may rest here.

You may leave, Miss Sang'er.

It's nothing.

Why didn't you make a move earlier?

There's a master at the table.

A master?

That plate spinner?

She's not the only one.

What should we do next?

I've already paid you a deposit.

Aren't they drinking?

Before long,

they'll all be dead drunk.

You just need to tell me

which room

the target is in.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

So you're not really blind.

Nice swordsmanship.

Looks like a real assassin.

That was close.

She really is an assassin.

Catch the assassin! Catch the assassin! Catch the assassin!

There's an assassin! Quick! Catch the assassin!

Who are you?

I go by my true name.

I am Lu Wuming.

Just because my name is inauspicious,

I've failed to pass the imperial exams.

So I had to settle for working at the Sushan Shop

as a servant to make a living.

Your skills as an assassin are decent,

but not good enough to beat a shop servant.

Bad luck for you.

And who are you?

Another servant from the Sushan Shop.

Making a living in Chang'an isn't easy.

Afraid of being bullied,

I learned a few moves.

I even thought about becoming an assassin.

But my skills are too poor.

You can't even beat me,

so you'd better find another profession.

Mr. Ruan.

She's all yours.

Where is the leader?

Come out and speak!

I'm here.

I wouldn't dare to lie.

This woman is indeed not

part of our Xuanhuo Troupe.

On our way here,

we happened to find her about to hang herself.

So...

Our leader is kind-hearted.

Seeing that she can play the pipa

and dance with swords, he...

He took her in.

Yes, yes.

Hanging yourself while carrying a sword?

Do you particularly enjoy being strangled?

I'm afraid the suicide attempt was just a trap.

She must have known beforehand

that the Xuanhuo Troupe was coming to Ruan's Restaurant

and deliberately waited for you there.

Mr. Ruan,

who hired this troupe?

The manager surnamed Hou.

He wanted to harm me!

Catch him!

Stop!

Come here!

Let me go!

Release me!

Come here!

Kneel!

Trying to run?

So you admit it?

Yes, it was me.

I hired an assassin

to kill you all because you're unfilial!

So what?

You run a restaurant,

yet spend all day reading, memorizing, and writing poetry.

Just to socialize with poets,

you're willing to spend a fortune.

You're about to squander

all of your father's assets!

I can't stand it!

Before your father died, he told me,

"If he is worthy of support,

then support him.

If he's not,

you..."

"You

may take his place."

What he just said

sounds so familiar.

I think a poet wrote it before.

You're truly obsessed with poetry.

Those words

aren't from any poem.

No?

It's from the Late Eastern Han and the Three Kingdoms,

when Liu Xuande entrusted his son

to Zhuge Kongming at Baidi City.

Right, right.

Right, right.

I remember now.

Hou.

Your loyalty to my father

is commendable.

I thank you for that.

Well...

I love poetry.

Neglecting the family business

is indeed unfilial.

But you actually hired an assassin

to harm me.

You've gone too far!

Way too far!

Lock him in the woodshed.

Starve him for 3...

Two days.

Let him reflect on his actions.

Move.

Everyone,

I apologize for this embarrassment.

What about her?

The Tang Empire is indeed tolerant of assassins,

but those caught in the act

must still be punished.

If we don't report her to the authorities,

we

could be accused of harboring a criminal.

Then tie her up.

Bring some rope.

Get the rope

and tie her up.

Wait.

I will take her punishment.

Her name isn't Nu Jiao.

She is

Jiaonu.

We met in Luoyang.

I was living in the Divine Capital, preparing for exams,

but kept failing.

I became depressed

and spent my days in brothels.

Both of us were lost souls,

finding comfort in each other

and accompanying each other

through the most difficult time in our lives.

Later, Jiaonu became the top courtesan,

entertaining officials and nobles daily.

Once, when I went to see Jiaonu,

I saw her

being embraced by a general.

Indignant, I stepped forward to rebuke him

and was beaten severely.

In my anger,

I took out my frustration on Jiaonu

and swore never to see her again,

even cursing that she would go blind!

How cruel I was.

Looking back now,

it was truly wrong of me.

As a songstress, by entertaining guests,

she could earn her freedom sooner,

so we could be together forever.

Afterward...

Afterward,

I gained instant recognition

because of my long poem "Cold Food Ballad."

I was no longer obsessed with the imperial exams

but returned to Nanzhou Prefecture

to focus on poetry,

keeping company with other 3 poets

and finding freedom among mountains and waters.

But in my heart,

I've always felt guilty toward you.

Today,

let me take the blame for her!

For me,

this is a chance,

an opportunity to make amends.

Nu Jiao.

No,

Jiaonu.

Don't you want to say something?

Taking the blame isn't something

that poet Leng Ji can do

just because he wants to.

Since breaking ties with Leng Ji,

I've been disheartened.

As a top courtesan,

3 years of fame was already long enough.

After that, no one cared anymore.

I went from Luoyang to Chang'an

and was famous for another 2 years.

Later on,

I didn't go to the House of Sorrow in the Ghost Market,

nor did I marry a merchant.

Instead, I traveled the world.

At Mount Song,

I met a starving old man.

I gave him a sesame cake,

and he became

the mentor who taught me martial arts.

Later, I took the name Nu Jiao

and became an assassin.

Remembering Leng Ji's curse

upon me back then,

I pretended to be blind to hide my identity.

But I've never killed anyone.

Never killed anyone?

Are you possibly

also an assassin who just takes deposits?

No.

I don't think so either.

Your skills aren't that poor.

Perhaps you couldn't bring yourself to do it?

You had your chance today.

I made a vow

to only kill the wicked and evil.

Today I saw Ruan Daxiong

treating the 3 poets like honored guests.

Clearly, he is certainly not

a truly wicked person.

Congratulations, Mr. Leng!

What Miss Jiaonu just said

is that she judges whether someone

is good or evil

based on their association with poets.

It's clear

that she has never forgotten you.

I agree. I agree.

So you're saying

these 3 poets

saved my life?

I am deeply grateful.

As to whether Jiaonu has killed before,

her words alone are not proof.

Even though she hasn't,

she can't escape punishment.

Although the Tang Empire doesn't ban assassins,

once there's an assassination attempt,

it's still treated as premeditated murder.

And premeditated murder,

successful or not, is a serious crime.

The county office will surely impose a heavy sentence.

No! I've already made up my mind:

If I could reunite with Jiaonu in this life,

I would marry her immediately.

This is wonderful news!

In that case,

Ruan's Restaurant will host the wedding banquet!

No need.

Yes, yes.

We'll marry under the moonlight right now.

What's wrong?

Jiaonu,

you don't want to marry me?

You won't forgive me?

Am I going to lose you again?

So be it.

You were caught at the crime scene.

Even though you escape execution,

you'll likely be exiled 3,000 li away.

You'll never return.

I might as well

go ahead of you.

I'll wait for our wedding in the underworld.

You...

If we die by the same sword,

we'll recognize each other in the next life.

Fine.

Mr. Leng, you can't do this.

This won't do. This won't do.

This place

is my family's ancestral business.

If you two die here,

who would dare come to eat here anymore?

What madness are you talking about?

If you can die together, why not live together?

Nonsense!

Yeah, Mr. Leng.

Since you love each other,

get married tonight.

Tomorrow morning,

you must go to the authorities.

I'm willing to be your guarantor.

If there are accusations of harboring criminals,

I will take full responsibility.

Everyone,

are you willing to help make this beautiful story happen?

I'm just a servant at the Sushan Shop.

What do you think about this, Boss?

Mr. Su?

Mr. Youbo's words just now—

"If you can die together, why not live together?"—

moved me deeply.

If we're to host a banquet,

we do have 3

different flavors of sushan.

The banquet is ready.

To welcome the poets,

I've been preparing for days.

You see?

I've always said Mr. Su

is well-educated

and reasonable.

When we drink together later,

we should offer

Mr. Su several toasts.

Indeed, indeed.

Let's drink together.

To share a table with you three poets

is my great honor.

You've all said so much,

but we should first ask

Jiaonu's opinion.

Jiaonu.

Shall we get married?

I've been waiting for this day

for so long.

After tonight, my Ruan's Restaurant

will surely go down in history.

At the very least,

it will be recorded

in the books of legends.

The troupe!

Start playing the music right away!

Alright!

We'll get ready right away.

Yes.

[Happiness]

[Happiness]

[Happiness]

The poem goes,

"While songs ring through the New Year's wine,

Flowers dance the Tang Empire's spring fine."

Today at Ruan's Restaurant,

distinguished guests fill the seats, and friends gather like clouds.

Though it's an unexpected day,

the timing couldn't be better.

When hearts are filled with love,

every moment becomes auspicious.

Leng Shuye from Nanzhou Prefecture

and Fu Jiaonu from the northern lands

have endured mountains and waters apart,

and their love blooms into tonight's joyous wedding.

Come on, play the music!

Ever heard of the story of the fake musician?

I noticed it long ago.

His Majesty loves music.

Before he entered the Eastern Palace,

I often accompanied him in studies, martial arts practice,

and musical instrument playing.

The ceremony is complete!

Escort them to the bridal chamber!

Great!

Wonderful! Wonderful!

[Ruan's Restaurant]

I didn't expect to drink wedding wine.

The food at Ruan's Restaurant is excellent.

Indeed, very good.

Eat.

All you do is eat.

I might just kick both of you.

Leader, they outnumber us.

Since we're so nervous,

let's just leave.

Take that thing

and get the silver from the exchange shop.

Silver?

There's some here too.

Where did it come from?

That owner surnamed Ruan

is extremely wealthy.

And he's poetry-obsessed.

Master, your instructions?

Find a good songstress later

and give her this poem.

When the dancing begins,

have her sing it.

This silver ingot will be yours.

That simple?

The poem must be correct.

Not a single word can be wrong.

What's the matter?

Memorize this word for word.

You'll sing it later.

There'll be something in it for you.

Yes.

But there are masters among them.

Especially that Lu guy.

He doesn't look like a servant at all.

He's quite familiar with criminal law.

He might even be

a constable.

What are you afraid of?

Aren't they going to drink?

Just now, I...

Lu, you promised

to toast us poets with 3 large bowls each.

Yet you switched the wine to water.

But it finally provoked the assassin to act.

What a brilliant plan.

Indeed.

I'm also full of admiration.

We owe thanks to Mr. Su.

But we should make up for those drinks, right?

Yes, we need to make up for the drinks.

Come on, Mr. Su.

You two are right.

Mr. Leng and his wife have entered their bridal chamber.

If we don't drink and celebrate now,

when will we?

No rush.

The sushan is ready.

Eat first. After you finish,

I guarantee you can drink even more.

The sushan is delicious!

Thank you for your hard work, ladies.

Let's all have a bowl together later.

This is wedding wine, after all.

Thank you, great poet.

This wine smells so good.

I've been smelling it,

and I've been craving it for so long.

Daxiong, let me pour you some.

-Okay. Thank you, Mr. Wang. -Come on.

Everyone, this sushan goes well with wine.

The more you drink, the better it gets.

Let's eat the sushan first,

and then drink to our heart's content!

Good, good.

How is it?

Coming.

Drink up.

They've had at least 3 large bowls.

They're all passed out like logs now.

Excellent.

Doesn't matter whether they're constables or not.

They're all as good as dead now.

Liulang, Qilang,

you two guard the first floor.

If anyone comes down,

kill them on sight.

Understood.

If you hear fighting upstairs,

it means the drug didn't completely

knock them out.

You two should come up immediately to help.

Understood.

Again.

I guess those few

must have gone back to their rooms.

That's fine.

Let's kill these two skilled fighters first.

W-What are you going to do?

You snuck upstairs with knives,

and now you're asking what I'm doing?

You're quite interesting.

We've fallen into a trap.

You've finally realized it.

But it's too late.

Kill!

Quickly, take the cabinet and run!

-Go. -Go.

-Go. -Go.

Why aren't Liulang and Qilang here yet?

Everyone, stand back!

Cover your mouths and noses!

Don't pursue a desperate enemy.

Catch him. Catch him!

After him! After him!

Mr. Gao.

Mr. Wang.

Mr. Ruan.

What are you doing here?

Didn't I tell you to hide?

And you too, Mr. Leng.

It's your wedding night.

Why did you come out?

I'll catch the thieves first,

then return to my bride.

Indeed.

As respected poets of the Tang Empire,

how could we simply hide away?

Exactly right.

That's right. We Tang poets

are all skilled in both literature and martial arts.

We're not to be trifled with.

Well said.

Come here.

I never expected you to be

the renowned disciple of Master Di,

Official Lu.

I pay you respect.

I pay you respect as well.

Official Lu.

I didn't reveal my true identity before

in order to catch the thief.

Please forgive my discourtesy.

I will interrogate the criminal.

Mr. Leng, please return to your wedding chamber.

Then I won't stand on ceremony.

Mr. Leng.

There's no need for formality in this matter.

Mr. Wang.

However, Mr. Leng,

Yingtao must guard your chamber door.

After all,

Jiaonu was captured at the assassination scene.

I am the Yongzhou Judicial Official.

I can't keep an eye on her,

nor will I allow her to escape.

You allowed us to complete our wedding ceremony.

Official Lu, you've shown mercy beyond the law.

I thank you on behalf of my wife.

-Go. -Go.

-Go. -Go.

Kneel.

[Wine and Verses]

Sir!

Sir.

Those 2 big men from the Xuanhuo Troupe

ran away with the large cabinet.

Those 2 jerks!

[Wine and Verses]

Stop cursing.

Sai Mengchang,

what is your real name?

[Gou Mengchang, Leader of the Xuanhuo Troupe]

My surname is Gou. Gou Mengchang.

[Gou Mengchang, Jianghu Grand Thief]

The name "Mengchang" isn't made up.

I'm a Judicial Official, and I'm questioning you.

You must answer truthfully.

Otherwise,

you'll be severely punished at the county office.

I-I confess.

[Wine and Verses]

Gou Mengchang,

you're not actually

the leader of the Xuanhuo Troupe, are you?

I'm not.

But those dancestresses and songstresses

belong to the Xuanhuo Troupe.

Lang Yehu has long been

in this business since earlier.

He said,

by using a performance troupe as cover,

it makes it easier to enter wealthy households

to rob them.

I just fell for his nonsense.

Seeing you and that woman were tough to deal with,

we were actually planning to leave.

But...

He...

He's too rich.

Singing one poem for him

would earn us a silver ingot.

Running into such a cash cow—

how could we not fleece him?

What a coincidence.

Ruan Daxiong.

In that case,

I must definitely include you

in my poetry.

[Wine and Verses]

So you're really not the leader of the Xuanhuo Troupe.

Where is the real leader then?

Did you kill him?

No, no.

He's in that large cabinet.

The one those 2 jerks

carried away.

All the loot we've scored lately

is in there too.

-My dear... -Official Lu,

I suggest we hurry after them.

Whether they're desperate bandits or not

isn't important.

The thing is, there's a human life

inside that cabinet.