Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

[Adapted from Fuhua's novel, Mrs. Mei's Way of Love]

[Episode 19]

Mr. Mei, I thought you didn't drink.

Seems you're handling your liquor pretty well.

But drinking it like this is such a waste.

Apricot Yellow should be savored slowly,

to truly appreciate its flavor.

This leaves quite an aftertaste.

Drink too fast,

and you'll feel the kick.

Weren't you seeing your cousin off?

Why bother with me?

You've had quite a bit to drink.

What's wrong?

Don't you recognize who I am?

You...

You're a fruit.

What fruit?

You're a fruit

falling from my tree.

This is my tree.

Let's go.

I'll take you back to your room.

Stay away from Mr. Pei.

He's not one

to be trusted.

Okay.

Mr. Mei, you are the best. Let's go.

♪A glimpse of your silhouette♪

♪Let the incense drift as I sip the silence♪

♪The rustling of leaves by the doorstep♪

♪And longing begins to hum its quiet tune♪

♪May I borrow this time of peace?♪

♪To express my tenderness I hold within♪

♪That confession of "my heart delights in you"♪

♪Yet I'm too shy to speak the truth aloud♪

♪At the moment I met you♪

♪I felt as if I had wings of light♪

You never stop stirring my heart.

♪Every sight my eyes behold shines bright as stars♪

So, even wine

can't stop you from picking on me?

♪You are the vow I never questioned♪

♪Though time may flow cold and unkind♪

♪I'll follow you wherever you roam♪

♪Through life's journey, love is our guiding decree♪

I really can't deal with you anymore.

Let me lean on you.

♪Fear no mountain, nor dread the mile♪

♪You are the purpose of my lifelong quest♪

What are you really thinking?

Is anyone there?

Can anyone hear me?

Hello? Is someone here?

Why now, of all times?

Ms. Liu.

Ms. Liu.

Ms. Liu.

There you are.

Ms. Liu.

If you're in trouble,

let me help.

Leave.

Demon, don't pester Ms. Liu!

She tricked me into it!

She was trying to hurt me, such a wicked demon!

She's a demon!

Ms. Liu!

Ms. Liu!

Ms. Liu, are you alright?

Why are you back?

The Chronicles of the Uncanny state

that a serpent demon needs to drink water but not eat

when shedding its skin.

But I also remember

when a serpent demon is weak,

it needs aloe, boxwood, and mulberry.

So, I picked some fresh mulberry leaves.

I didn't know which type of the leaf was most effective,

so I prepared a little of each.

How did I get back?

Jiya,

I'll take you for flatbread from the west side.

These past two days,

the Princess and Mr. Pei have been seen everywhere together.

Out in the open,

wandering about the city, enjoying themselves.

Word around Chang'an

is they're about to be betrothed.

Is this true?

I have

no idea.

Mei,

are you and the Princess really over?

Where's what I asked for?

Here.

This is it.

Mr. Liu said

these are all the records of dark arts

from the Archives Pavilion.

Nieli, please thank Mr. Liu for me.

But Mei,

staying by the Princess's side all day

isn't a real solution.

If you truly care for her,

why not take the initiative?

I'm not afraid of her loving another.

I'm only afraid

she falls for the wrong person.

What's wrong?

We came out for a good time,

but they won't stop staring and murmuring.

It's such a killjoy.

Everyone in Chang'an knows you.

This is unavoidable.

Don't let it upset you.

It's not fame. It's infamy.

I'm no longer in the mood.

Let's head back.

Alright, if you don't want to go, then don't.

We can head to the outskirts in a few days instead.

It surely won't be as bustling as the city.

Jiya, how about we go to Lin'an River?

Lin'an River?

The grandest stream beyond Chang'an.

There's an island just across it.

I heard the scenery there is beautiful in early autumn.

We could take a boat out

and just drift along

with the current.

How does that sound?

Fantastic.

Whatever you want.

Again!

- Fabulous! - Well done!

One more time!

Make way.

Do you think Ms. Wu will return tonight?

Why wouldn't she?

Ms. Wu has been very busy.

She's always with Mr. Pei.

They are practically glued together.

Everyone in Chang'an says

they are childhood companions,

a match made in heaven.

He seems very happy about those rumors.

Childhood companions, huh?

He wasn't the one

who spent 18 years with Zhen.

Come back.

You need me.

We were meant for greatness.

Get out!

Shu.

Zhen.

Were you talking to me?

No, how could I get angry at you?

I just had a nightmare, that's all.

Shu, if something is wrong,

you must tell us.

We'll figure it out together.

Don't worry.

Only one outranks me in the Market.

What could possibly be wrong?

Besides,

if anything were wrong, I'd tell you.

No one else

matters.

Here.

This holds Xuan Hui's past.

Speak.

I need your favor, Mr. Shu.

Ms. Liu.

What else do you need

to shed your skin sooner

and suffer less?

OK.

I'll go find some more right away.

Wait for me.

Such a fool.

See?

- Not this. - This is a serpent demon.

Look closely!

Lift your head!

A serpent demon?

See?

What did they catch this time?

A serpent demon is such a rare sight!

We captured it from the mountains.

It's highly cultivated

and has already taken human form.

Look at the scales on her face.

She saw us two

and instantly pulled out every seductive art.

She's definitely a demon!

She wanted to bewitch us.

Truly, a serpent's nature is lustful!

Luckily, we were unmoved

and captured her.

Behave!

This serpent demon

is powerful and cunning.

She kept trying to escape,

so we had to sever her snake tendons

and bind her with iron chains

to keep her from fleeing and hurting anyone.

So, you think

you can run away after all that? Behave!

Stop.

What are you doing?

Not all demons harm people.

Even if she is one,

you shouldn't treat her like this.

Of course they do!

What demon in this world doesn't?

Everyone,

hear me out!

Please!

Demons, like humans, walk both righteous and wicked paths.

How can you be so ruthless

when you don't even know where she stands?

How can you be so inhumane?

Why are you suddenly playing the saint?

How can you be sure she's not dangerous?

Listen, when I caught her,

she was devouring a child's heart and liver!

What are you messing around for? Get out of the way!

If she eats you, then you'll know.

Such a lunatic!

Exactly!

Where did this one come from?

Seriously!

Do you know

how difficult it was for us to catch her?

Precisely!

He's been out

for quite a while.

Hope he's okay.

[The Rare Sight of a Serpent Demon]

Are you alright?

Don't be scared.

I'm the one from earlier.

I remember you.

You can talk.

Did you really

eat a child's heart and liver?

No, they were lying!

I knew it. Demons are not born evil.

Besides, they're but common hunters.

If you really ate a child's heart and liver,

how could you be subdued so easily?

You must be newly transformed, right?

You don't mind that I'm a demon?

So what if you are?

If you've done nothing wrong,

you shouldn't be trapped here and humiliated like this.

Even if you did,

it's the ones you hurt who should seek justice,

not have you locked up

and paraded around for money.

I'll find a way to take you away.

Really?

Don't be scared.

I'll rescue you,

and you'll be free.

I'm not trying to use you.

You...

Don't eat this.

Take this.

What?

This is good.

Well...

What is it?

Mulberry leaves.

It's shedding season for serpents,

and you're so weak right now.

This will help.

You're not a snake.

I...

He is quite smart.

He actually figured it out himself.

What if he figures it out?

All those rich idiots before

fell for her looks,

didn't they?

Anyway,

the point is we've got another big con lined up.

We got lucky with this snake woman.

Her beauty

is the perfect lure for rich men,

and if this works,

we'll be set for a while.

There was never any serpent demon.

I was captured

and beaten every day,

and forced

to be part

of their street show gimmick.

How can people

be so despicable?

I'll save you!

Sir, wait!

It's untied!

Hurry.

Come on.

Well, look who's back, the little brat!

What?

Trying to sneak her out

while we're gone, huh?

Miss, run!

I'll hold him off!

Behave!

Let go!

Behave!

Let go of me!

Run? Where are you running to?

We're all together.

Ever since this young lady joined us,

she's tricked many fools

like you who are greedy for beauty.

She lures men as a serpent demon,

then turns back into a helpless girl,

a classic scam.

But there's one thing that makes you different from them.

Others would have been scared stiff.

You tried to hold us back and let her run.

Of all the idiots we've met, you top the list.

Big fool!

Cut the nonsense.

Tie him up.

We'll ransom him from his mansion.

Behave!

Don't make me repeat myself.

Let go of me!

Go!

Alright.

They probably won't chase us anymore.

Sir.

I...

I did indeed deceive you today.

But I didn't mean to.

I was controlled by those two.

If I didn't play along with their dirty tricks,

they'd beat me and scream at me nonstop.

I was only doing it to survive.

I see.

Now that you're safe, don't do it again.

I'll take my leave.

Sir.

What is it?

I am forever indebted to you for saving me, sir.

I have nothing of value

to repay you with,

but if you will have me,

I pledge to serve you for life.

Miss,

I didn't expect anything in return.

I meant every word.

Miss, I truly dare not accept.

Is it because of what just happened

that you don't want to trust me?

Get up.

I know you've been through a lot, too.

I appreciate you turning back

to help me in the courtyard earlier.

However, according to them,

more than one person

has fallen into trouble because of saving you.

Do you feel guilty about all of this?

Only you know the answer.

One thing I do know

humans can be more monstrous than demons.

Miss,

my betrothed is waiting for me at home.

Farewell.

Ms. Liu.

Feeling better now?

I'm glad you're okay.

You are really brave.

I was certain you'd flee in a panic

after seeing my demon form.

Flee?

How could I?

It was just a bit sudden.

You should have told me sooner.

Why should I?

We're betrothed.

And couples should be honest with each other.

I am a demon.

Yes, I saw it.

Then you say we are betrothed?

You're a demon.

Our marriage was arranged by our families.

What does one have to do with the other?

You'd marry a demon?

No.

That idea never crossed my mind.

I just know I want to marry you.

It just so happens that the one I love is a demon.

Now that I think about it,

who else's wife could possibly compare to you?

No one has a form as striking as yours.

Really?

More striking than in the Chronicles of the Uncanny.

The most beautiful I've ever seen.

As if

you've seen other serpent demons.

I had a surprise planned,

but that little loach was just too hideous.

No way you'd have liked it.

What?

The Chronicles of the Uncanny

never said demons could be this breathtaking.

Do you still think I'm beautiful now?

My being a serpent demon must remain a secret.

If you dare tell a soul,

I'll swallow you whole.

So,

watch your mouth.

Ms. Liu, where are you going?

Back to Chang'an.

Okay, I'll go with you.

[Duke of Wu's Mansion]

Ms. Mingzhuang.

What is this?

- It's Mr. Pei's betrothal gifts. - It's Mr. Pei's betrothal gifts.

Betrothal gifts?

Ms. Wu agreed?

This matter is already an open secret.

Mr. Pei invited the Princess out today.

He plans to propose when they're alone.

Alone?

Where did they go?

- On Lin'an River, - On Lin'an River,

- just outside Chang'an. - just outside Chang'an.

Wu, Zhen,

why did you tell him?

- Ms. Mingzhuang, what are you saying? - Ms. Mingzhuang, what are you saying?

- He asked, so I answered! - He asked, so I answered!

Ms. Wu.

Ms. Wu.

No, something's off with the incense.

Mr. Mei.

Mr. Pei and the Princess

are enjoying the scenery in Lin'an,

and they are not to be disturbed.

Sorry, but I still have to.

Mr. Mei!

What are you reading?

Rumor has it

something wicked has found its way into Chang'an.

Jiya, have you heard?

It's all just ignorant nonsense.

There's no such thing as evil spirits in this world.

Don't overthink it.

They're telling it so convincingly.

Even the doubtful might be swayed.

This ancient book holds tales

of wicked spirits and uncanny lore.

One story says

that someone, in order to gain the power they desired,

gave up their flesh and blood to dark forces.

Jiya, don't you think it's interesting?

It is somewhat novel.

I've never heard of it before.

And then?

Later,

the person himself became an evil being.

Had I known you liked those books,

I'd have found some for you long ago.

What is this incense seal pattern?

An auspicious cloud.

Do you have any more questions?

This incense burner's pattern

looks like an auspicious cloud from the front,

but from here,

it's like an eye is hidden inside.

Who are you?

No. That incense is suppressing my technique.

There's a whole section in here

about strange tales of eyes.

Jiya, take a look.

Okay.

Zhen,

you're teasing me again.

There's not a single word in this book.

How can that be? Look closely.

This book is of unknown origin and very ominous.

It's best if you read it less.

Zhen!

No!

No.

I have to find a way to stop the formation.

Zhen.

You cannot die.

Who are you?

You're mistaken, sir.

I am not human.

You're fine.

You, however, seem very much not fine.

Let's go!

♪My soul stains the edge of the clouds♪

♪Born to rise, not crushed by scars♪

♪Don't ask why I won't belong♪

♪I won't obey. I seek what's been lost♪

♪Midnight turns to phantom light♪

♪If right and wrong begin to blur♪

♪Just wait for my command to sound♪

♪And fate itself will unravel♪

♪Reborn, pure, unbound♪

Run!

It truly is Conscious Imbuement.

Right.

Mei harbors ill intentions,

harassing Zhen day and night.

I just wanted to teach him a lesson.

What's wrong with that?

Don't come any closer!

My benefactor is an extraordinary master.

If you lay a hand on me,

he won't let you get away with it!

Activate the formation.

I'll give you one more chance.

Do it now.

It

can't be triggered.

♪A sigh for mortal dust♪

♪As blossoms burn to dusk♪

♪Memories tint the heart♪

♪Carved in silence, fading unseen♪

♪Candle shadows carve through grief♪

♪Seasons turn in silent thief♪

♪Night rain murmurs, faint and slow♪

♪Tears fall quiet, lost below♪

♪I drift away with scattered stars♪

♪Glancing back at time's worn scars♪

♪You're the longing that defies the end of days♪

♪If the tale could turn anew, and reshape the skies♪

♪I would spend my life on you, in patient sacrifice♪

♪Let fate rise through the storm, as love begins again♪

♪Never could I forget♪

♪When oaths dissolve into oceans, drifting through the years♪

♪Memory walks beside me, ever close, forever clear♪

♪A will that never falters♪

♪Fading beneath time's quiet hush♪

♪If the tale could turn anew, and reshape the skies♪

♪I would spend my life on you, in patient sacrifice♪

♪Let fate rise through the storm, as love begins again♪

♪Never could I forget♪

♪When oaths dissolve into oceans, drifting through the years♪

♪Memory walks beside me, ever close, forever clear♪

♪A will that never falters♪

♪Fading beneath time's quiet hush♪