Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

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

[Episode 20]

What...

What have you done?

To kill Mei,

I held nothing back.

This formation

is intricate and extraordinary.

Unless they find its core.

But even if they do,

one of them must die.

Why is that?

This is a blood-and-flesh trap.

It demands a sacrifice of flesh and blood.

It hurts.

Sorry.

When were you hit?

The incense in your carriage.

You weren't affected?

The incense Jiya left in the carriage

was likely a trap set for you.

Mr. Mei, did you come to Lin'an River

for me?

I wonder what's happening outside.

What's going on?

The archives in Records Repository at Xuanjian Division mention

that dark arts formations use flesh and blood as a medium.

The key to breaking it.

Where is the key?

Do you still remember

the tale of the man who stole the celestial maiden's robe?

I once said

you and I are different from them.

Not because of our genders.

But because

I can't put you in danger.

That's why I didn't dare speak openly.

I regret it.

in the flower field in the western outskirts,

I was drawn to you,

but I held back out of fear.

You...

Mei Zhuyu.

Mei Zhuyu!

This must be the core.

Mei Zhuyu!

Mei Zhuyu!

Only by piercing the core

can I ensure her safety.

Mei Zhuyu!

The formation

is broken.

Mei Zhuyu!

Mei Zhuyu!

Mei Zhuyu!

Mei Zhuyu!

Mei Zhuyu!

♪Holding the lamp, I pierce the night's veil to see where it hides♪

Thank you.

♪Amidst the flicker of a few gazes, attempts have been made♪

♪Hidden in the depths of a thick fog, the deepest feeling♪

♪The sound of footsteps never ceases♪

♪Mortals walk divergent paths as different kinds♪

♪Yet I crave for an overly meddlesome redemption♪

♪Offering the mundane world an excuse♪

♪To imprison yet also to enlighten♪

♪In the end who will first yield?♪

♪I gaze heavenward, treading the starry river♪

♪Rushing to the night scene of Chang'an in haste♪

♪With flesh and blood, I'll slay all evil spirits♪

♪Just as it should be, tempered in the flames of karma♪

♪Only then is it deemed worthy of me♪

♪Will it be pure, or stained?♪

♪You and I, amidst the melody♪

♪Become midnight wanderers♪

♪Our figures merging into a blaze with those around♪

♪At this restless moment♪

♪Wandering through three thousand glowing lights♪

♪Watch me quell these upheavals♪

What happened to Jiya?

We broke the formation.

He's suffering the backlash of the dark arts.

Zhen,

I'm relieved

to see you're safe.

That book

on the boat earlier...

Jiya, you must be mistaken.

We didn't bring any books on board.

But I saw it...

You shouldn't have practiced the Conscious Imbuement.

Look.

Even in broad daylight,

something sinister has occurred.

So

you were the one behind that formation?

Zhen,

may we speak alone?

Say it.

I learned

the formation by chance.

It was all for fun.

Fun?

We almost lost our lives in there.

And you call that fun?

Zhen,

you've misunderstand.

I never expected you to stumble into it.

I would never harm you.

You wouldn't harm me?

But you'd harm someone else?

How scheming.

You knew he suspected you,

so you lured him to Lin'an River.

And you put intoxicating incense in my carriage.

Intoxicating incense.

Anyway,

I invited you here today

to confess my feelings to you.

I never intended to harm anyone.

If he hadn't kept meddling

and always trying to take you away,

he wouldn't have been caught in it.

True.

You're remarkably talented.

Your idea of "fun" nearly cost lives.

Your return to Chang'an isn't as simple as it seems, is it?

I wonder how much credit you deserve

for the recent ink demon incident.

Zhen, I...

The ink made from Qilin Horn Resin is valuable.

How did Si manage to buy it?

Shouldn't he be thanking you?

[Purchased by Mr. Pei from Chang'an]

When did you start suspecting me?

When we first met at Ruyi Pavilion

after you returned to Chang'an.

I rarely use incense.

Everyone at Ruyi Pavilion

knows my preferences after all these years.

But on the day you came,

the staff lit incense.

It was out of place.

The moment that incense was lit,

I mistook you for...

For someone else.

You're an expert with incense.

Can you clear up my doubts?

So all this time,

your feelings for me were an act?

I thought you understood

my feelings for you.

If it were just a trick with incense, that would be one thing.

But why did you practice dark arts?

For you.

To win your affection.

What do you mean by that?

I know

you don't like me.

You're strong and healthy, skilled in martial arts.

While I am

worthless, frail and sickly.

When I was young,

I swore to myself

that one day I would become powerful.

Later,

I learned by chance

that the Conscious Imbuement existed.

So

I sacrificed my right eye.

I thought that with this power,

I'd be just like everyone else,

or even stronger.

Then I would be worthy of you.

Now I've succeeded.

I become

someone you rely on,

someone you admire.

Zhen,

we're a better match, aren't we?

Admire?

Rely on?

Do you really like me?

Of course I do.

Zhen,

you are my one and only treasure.

Then when I was trapped in the formation,

did you have the desperate urge to save me?

You speak pretty words,

but your actions

betray you.

Yes.

I hesitated.

But that's only human nature!

If it were Mei Zhuyu, he would do the same!

If he were in my position,

he would hesitate too!

He would think of himself first as well.

Zhen,

do you think he would love you, cherish you?

That he would give his life to save you?

He wouldn't!

I don't need your help.

Pei Jiya,

if you don't want to suffer,

play along.

What are you doing?

Helping him.

The burning pain is gone,

but your eye, the one you used for dark arts,

probably won't heal.

Now you must rest properly.

If you continue down this path,

no one can save you.

Good thing Kun is now beautiful with pristine nature

and remarkable talent.

Perfect for recuperation.

Kun?

Jiya, you're returning to Kun.

And you leave now.

Zhen.

You practiced dark arts with your right eye.

You're suffering the consequences now.

Do you want His Majesty to find out about this?

Zhen,

you're heartless.

I've been heartless since I was a child.

You should know that.

Let's go.

[Chang'an]

Thank you for taking care of me these past few days.

I...

I didn't really do much.

I just stayed by your side.

You're going to be my wife.

It's only right

that I take care of you.

Mei Si.

Do not to waste your efforts on me.

I will never be your wife.

And...

Don't forget what you promised me.

I swear I won't tell anyone.

I'm leaving.

Perhaps

you rejected me

because you're a demon.

But I believe

that one day,

you will become my wife.

My Lord, just let it go.

Why cling so stubbornly to Ms. Wu?

I remember

when I was little,

I tried to steal a kiss from her

only to be beaten into tears.

That's when I knew

she was the one I wanted.

Because she's the strongest,

most remarkable woman I've ever met.

You're right, My Lord.

But she's a bit too capable, isn't she?

She doesn't act like a proper, virtuous lady at all.

You don't understand.

Every flower blooms in its own way.

If they were all meek

and followed the rules,

how boring would that be?

A woman like her, so capable,

is far more captivating.

It's just that...

Just what?

It's just that

it's good for a woman to be capable,

but she shouldn't be more capable than a man.

- Yes. - Yes.

I thought I could use the Conscious Imbuement

to control Zhen

and gain more of what I wanted.

But it turned out to be

nothing special.

You've spent

so much money on that person over the years.

It all came to nothing.

I say

we should settle accounts with them.

Yes.

It's time to find him.

[The incident of the ink demon has reached Qu.]

[Now that the matter is settled, leave Chang'an at once.]

[Mei Zhuyu has been confirmed as a disciple of our sect.]

[Do not provoke him further.]

My Lord, why are you smiling?

Our rescuer told me some news.

Mei Zhuyu really is a Celestial Master from Changxi Palace.

So what?

Mei Zhuyu must be hiding his identity

for a reason.

I doubt his relationship with Zhen will go smoothly.

In the end, those who don't last

are still the losers.

I

am just waiting to see.

Wait,

the moment I get back, you said you want to bathe.

I've been squatting here and my legs have gone numb.

Why aren't you getting in the water yet?

What do you know?

Bathing is important.

But before I get into the water,

I must absorb the power from the full moon

better restore my demonic power and vitality.

You should've said so earlier.

We could've found a tub of water at the mansion,

and I'd pull up a chair

to keep you company all night while you absorb it.

The Qiu Pond in the east of the city

is where our kind is born.

How can it be the same?

So...

You're still just a little loach, after all.

What do you know?

It's about time.

Alright.

Mr. Xuan Hui,

do you even know how to swim?

Did you get swept away by the water?

Hey,

Mr. Xuan Hui.

Mr. Xuan Hui!

You mortal,

don't you recognize me anymore?

Sir.

You...

You've grown so big.

What do you think?

Do I look pretty strong?

Yes, you do.

It's just that...

You startled me.

Little loa...

Mr. Xuan Hui,

so this is what you look like.

Go away.

You kid.

Touch me again

and I'll bite you to death.

So adorable...

It hurts!

Let me go!

Aren't we friends?

Friends?

Friends?

Ms. Liu?

Ms. Liu,

this is the surprise I told you about.

I said I'd bring him here to keep you company.

So this is the surprise you mentioned?

So this is the Ms. Liu you were talking about?

Snake Lord, since when

do you befriend mortals?

Wait, wait.

What did you call Ms. Liu? A lord?

If you can get along with mortals,

why can't I?

Can what?

Last time, you were no match for me.

I never expected

you'd been picked up and taken home by this guy.

Yes, yes. I found him.

What do you mean "picked up"?

It was a stalling tactic.

A stalling tactic?

What are you two even talking about?

I can't understand a word.

Can someone explain it to me?

- Shut up! - Shut up!

Fine, you two carry on.

Wicked demon Xuan Hui,

you've slaughtered innocent spirits.

You are deeply sinful.

Do you admit your guilt?

Why?

Admit guilt?

What guilt have I committed?

They deserved to die!

Why?

What gives you the right to decide who lives and who dies?

Today,

I must take you back to the Demon Prison.

Enough talk.

I will never return to the Demon Market!

Ms. Liu, be careful!

- Snake Lord, you just shed your skin. - Ms. Liu.

You're at your weakest now.

Want to catch me?

Not that easy.

Don't hurt Ms. Liu!

Why did you rush out?

You can hurt me,

but don't hurt Ms. Liu.

Ms. Liu?

Protected by a mortal.

Snake Lord, you haven't changed at all.

Still as shameless as ever.

Arresting you

and bringing you to justice is my duty.

You're really impartial and unyielding,

cutting off all personal ties.

Zhen?

Cat?

Well...

Well...

You idiot.

She is the Cat Lord of the Demon Market.

Cat Lord?

There's a Cat Lord too?

Cat,

what are you trying to do?

Si,

as a rule,

we shouldn't use demonic magic in front of mortals.

But you've been with Xuan Hui for so long,

and witnessed Snake shedding its skin.

It's impossible to hide it from you now.

Cat Lord?

So you knew all along.

Si, I'm leaving too.

Alright, Zhen.

This one

is for you conspiring with the Hui Sect to set fires and harm me

during the Lantern Festival.

And this one

is for you meddling

in the ink demon incident.

If you insist on taking me back to the Demon Market,

you might as well kill me now.

That's not up to you.

Wait.

Do you know

the reason behind his actions?

He's a just a wicked demon criminal.

I don't care about his reasons.

I've retrieved his Mirror of Clarity

and uncovered his past.

See for yourself.

Give it back.

Give it back to me!

Stay still.

Get up.

Ying Long.

- We meet again. - We meet again.

Don't move!

How could this be?

Ms. Liu,

these little demons bullied him so much,

causing him great humiliation.

Did the Demon Market

ever punish those little demons?

The Ying Long clan started from humble beginnings,

especially Obsidian Serpent.

It's common for them to be looked down on when they're young.

When I saw the scars on him,

I thought they were just from playful scuffles among little demons.

I never expected...

You call these wounds

the result of playful scuffles among little demons?

"Fight for your own dignity."

You're the one who told me that.

I did exactly as you said.

Why are you punishing me now?

I've done nothing wrong.

Nothing wrong.

I've done nothing wrong!

Snake Lord,

you used to

handle his affairs.

Now you know the whole story better.

How to punish him

is up to you.

Xuan Hui,

you've slaughtered countless demons.

You deserve your punishment.

But you had your reasons.

The previous punishment

was indeed too harsh.

I, the Snake Lord, will remit

your remaining twenty-year sentence

in the Demon Prison.

But even so,

I won't return to the Demon Market.

I'm destined to become a Ying Long.

Then don't return.

Though he made a mistake,

his reasons are understandable.

I believe

we can trust him this once.

Since you're about to ascend,

you may remain

in the human realm for now.

Si.

Zhen, I swear

I won't breathe a word of this.

Then keep an eye on him

once you return to Chang'an.

Zhen,

I'm just a mortal. You want me to keep an eye on a demon?

Are you sure?

Aren't you friends?

I'm just worried I can't keep Grandpa in check.

You call him Grandpa?

He told me to.

In the demon realm, by seniority,

Xuan Hui

addresses Ms. Liu as elder sister.

Then what should you call Ms. Liu?

Grandpa's sister?

Then I should call her...

Great-aunt.

Let's go. Help me up.

Mr. Xuan Hui,

does Ms. Liu really have

such high seniority in the demon realm?

Must you ask so many questions?

What are you doing here?

Waiting for you.

I have something to say to you.

I've stayed at your place for quite a while.

It wouldn't be proper if others found out.

Now that the matter with Mr. Pei is settled,

I'll be returning today.

I don't care what others think of me.

But I care what others think of you.

♪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♪

Does it hurt?

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

I'm sorry.

It's my fault.

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

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

From now on,

I won't allow myself

or anyone else to hurt you again.

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

What if I hurt you?

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

Why would you hurt me?

♪A will that never falters♪

You never know.

I have a bad temper

and character.

If you wish to,

you can do anything you want.

♪Blossoms drift, and the world grows pale♪

♪Memory brews a bitter tale♪

♪Vows of forever fade in the breeze♪

♪Without you, all fades into nothing♪

♪Past joys and sorrows tangle in dreams♪

♪The deepest pain is parting's gleam♪

♪A lifetime vowed to share with you♪

♪Yet still beyond my reach, it flew♪

♪Petals drift, then fade from sight♪

♪How is falling for love not right?♪

♪Moonlight chills the breath I keep♪

♪I hold you close, but silence runs deep♪

♪Petals drift, then fade from sight♪

♪How is falling for love not right?♪

♪Your glance flickers, memories bloom♪

♪How can I find you through the gloom?♪

♪What hope survives beyond the doom?♪