Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

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

[Episode 26]

Mei Zhuyu.

Who did you call out to?

What happened to me?

There are two forces inside you, fighting each other.

It's probably because you've been overusing

the power of the Cat Lord.

Your mortal body

can hardly withstand such power.

So,

this half-demon body is holding me back.

But this isn't something too difficult to fix.

If you were to become a real demon,

this would never happen again.

Not difficult?

You've searched for over a decade,

and still haven't found a solution.

But what if I told you

I can turn you into a real demon now?

Really?

Absolutely.

Though the method is rather extreme,

it seems we have no choice but to try it now.

Zhen.

Just trust me.

No matter what happens,

I would never harm you.

What are you doing here?

Where did you go?

Ruyi Pavilion.

Don't go out with wet hair again.

What are you looking at?

Need something from me?

The fierce beast Yunqi is locked up in the Demon Prison

and has been causing havoc day and night.

The Four Sects asked me to subdue it.

Got any ideas?

Those old geezers

aren't great at handling things themselves,

but are truly experts at making trouble for others.

No matter.

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

One day,

I'll become the rightful Cat Lord.

Yunqi fears loud sounds.

You can bring a cymbal.

When the drum and cymbal strike,

you'll be able to subdue it.

You're amazing.

How do you know everything?

I don't remember where I came from.

But maybe,

if I read enough, I'll find my past.

You will.

I've been thinking,

I'm new to the Demon Market,

and I don't have anyone I trust yet.

The Snake Lord has two assistants.

So I should have two as well.

Why don't you come with me

and be my first assistant?

This tiny archive? Please.

You could run bookstores across the human realm if you like.

What do you say?

Alright.

Then from now on, you're mine.

Shu.

Zhen.

Come on up, Shu.

Look. Beautiful, isn't it?

It is.

Remember how you hated medicine as a child?

Then I found this shop's candy by chance.

You loved it so much.

You'd only take your medicine with this candy.

So you, our esteemed Mr. Shu,

convinced the shop owner So you, our esteemed Mr. Shu,

convinced the shop owner

to move right next to the archive.

Of course.

Anything you want,

I'll make it happen for you.

Don't worry.

I'll go to the meeting

on your behalf.

Those old guys wouldn't dare lay a finger on you.

Thank you.

I am willing to clean up after you, My Lady.

An inseparable union, born together and felt deeply,

is touching indeed.

But in this world,

how many things are truly destined from the start?

We exist in this world,

not by others' will, nor by fate itself.

You've fallen for Mei Zhuyu?

Zhen, have you forgotten

you're a demon?

True,

but I'm also human.

I have friends, family,

so why not a lover?

Life passes in a blink.

I want to taste a mortal life, even just once.

But he's

just an ordinary human.

Zhen,

do you really trust him that much?

I do.

He's reassuring.

I feel at peace

when I'm with him.

So you're saying

I've never made you feel that way?

Shu,

we've given so much to each other

because we're companions, close friends.

But he's different.

He truly sees me and loves me.

But I love you too.

What did you say?

Zhen, we've shared eighteen years together.

You've only known him for a few months.

And you still choose him?

I thought we were best friends.

Friends?

Wait.

What are you doing?

Waking Mr. Mei for breakfast.

He's already gone to his post.

So early today?

He didn't even eat breakfast.

Did he leave any instructions?

None.

Then maybe I should wake the Princess.

No need.

Why?

The Princess never wakes early.

That day, I cast a spell on the dream demon.

That's how I found this place.

But it had already vanished.

I know where the Demon Market lies,

yet I still don't know how to enter it.

Even you haven't uncovered the way in.

The Demon Market is clearly no simple place.

Who can truly understand

the minds of demons?

The Xuanjian Division archives

do contain a few notes about this place.

But only a handful of lines.

What do they say?

This temple was once dedicated to the Goddess Nuwa.

Goddess Nuwa?

Goddess Nuwa, half-human, half-serpent,

creator of life across the three realms,

is revered as the Mother of Earth.

And the time this temple fell into ruin

was precisely eighteen years ago.

The Great Fire of Chang'an

was likely the work of the Demon Market.

If this temple once served as a bridge between realms,

then its destruction fits the pattern.

But to strike even the Temple of Goddess Nuwa,

their ambition runs deep.

And despite the chaos of that time,

they never abandoned this place.

Clearly, they have great faith

in the barrier they've laid here.

Master once mentioned

that every barrier holds its key.

Hurry.

[Mei Mansion]

- Ms. Liu. - Ms. Liu.

I heard Mei Si was unwell,

so I came to check on him.

Unwell?

Isn't he?

Can't even take a hint.

It's alright.

Look, there really is a bird's nest.

- When did that get there? - Ms. Liu.

This way, please.

So cute.

Look.

There are two more.

Right.

Mei Si.

Ms. Liu?

What brings you here?

Weren't you bedridden because of demonic power?

No, I swear

I'm really fine.

Look at me.

Demonic power? That's nonsense.

Are you asking for a beating again?

Well, since you're already here,

have a nice talk.

I'm just going for a walk

to stretch my legs.

Mr. Xuan, you're truly kind.

Please don't blame him.

I mentioned to him the other day

that I hadn't seen you for a few days,

and missed you quite a bit.

I just mentioned it offhand.

Didn't expect him to take it so seriously.

Xuan Hui is one of the great demons from the Ying Long line.

How did you win him over

and make him run around

doing everything for you?

I suppose

snakes just tend to like me.

Since I'm here,

there's something I ought to remind you.

On the day Cat got married,

under the influence of demonic power,

you declared I was your wife,

and that our bond was already sealed.

That rumor spread like wildfire, awful and embarrassing.

Have you heard about it?

I've heard bits and pieces.

My father's been a little uneasy these past few days

and keeps dropping hints about our marriage.

Mei Si,

if you've heard anything,

don't take it the wrong way.

I understand.

Ms. Liu, watch out!

Mr. Si!

Mr. Si!

- Mr. Si! - Mr. Si!

Mr. Si.

Stay back!

- Are you alright? - Mr. Si.

This is...

realgar.

Oh no.

Ms. Liu, are you alright?

I was so happy to see you

that I forgot to tell you

there's been a snake and rat problem at the mansion,

so they've been scattering realgar around.

How could you forget something like that?

I'll make sure to remember next time.

Did you hurt yourself in the fall?

It's getting worse.

Let me take a look.

You've been bitten by a snake.

Mr. Si!

Mr. Si, are you alright?

Find a physician who can treat snake venom.

Yes, Ms. Liu.

I don't recall us having an appointment today.

I came

to ask a favor.

After I got back, I gave it some thought.

Even though the Temple of Goddess Nuwa

seems flawless at first glance,

perhaps there's still a way to get around it.

You're planning to set up a formation?

That's right. You always get straight to the point.

I've discussed it with Mr. Changming.

We're thinking of placing cores throughout Chang'an,

using the terrain to break open the barrier.

So, you've already made the decision.

Yes.

He's agreed.

You're against it?

I am.

It feels a bit rushed.

It's not.

We talked it through all night.

Trust me.

I can break that barrier.

How about I walk you through the plan?

No need.

In all of Changxi Palace,

no one is better

at formations than you.

That's true.

But a general can't fight a war without an army.

I came here today to ask

if I could borrow your map of Chang'an.

Of course.

Zhuyu, if I'm not mistaken,

the Xuanjian Division

was originally established with the help of the Changxi Palace,

is that right?

It was.

No wonder

there's even a formation here to deal with demons.

I was wondering why the structure around the lightwell

looks so much like the diagrams in the old texts from Changxi Palace.

This formation was likely designed to reveal a demon's true form.

But it's been so many years

without being maintained,

it's now just a useless relic.

[Mei Mansion]

- Alright, don't move. - Easy!

Ouch!

It hurts so much.

Alright, stop yelling.

Can you be a little gentler?

Don't move.

No.

You keep squirming.

You scared me.

Cut it out!

How is it?

Please don't worry, Mr. Mei.

Mr. Si's injury isn't serious.

The snake venom has been cleared.

Good to hear.

Sorry for the trouble and thank you.

I'll take my leave.

Much appreciated.

Ms. Liu, you've come at just the right time.

Mr. Liu and I have been discussing.

You were engaged in childhood,

and now that you're both of age,

it's only right we revisit the matter.

Mr. Mei.

I know.

Si has neither rank nor title,

nor any talent for business.

He's frail, to say the least,

and has achieved nothing in terms of scholarship.

What's wrong?

Did I say anything untrue?

- Well, at least he's honest. - He's right.

And he's admired you for years.

If you were to marry into our family,

you'll never have to worry

about being treated unfairly.

Let's leave it

until my father is present.

Ms. Liu, please don't worry.

You and Mr. Si clearly care for each other,

and as parents, we're delighted to see that.

We care for each other?

On the day of the Princess's wedding,

Si spoke his heart after a few drinks.

Everyone heard it.

And today, the two of you arranged to meet again.

Ms. Liu, you've shown such concern for him.

How could that be a misunderstanding?

In fact...

I don't want this.

What?

I said I don't want to get married.

Are you

out of your mind again?

Everyone can see

what you've been thinking all these years.

Look around your room.

Who are all these paintings

hanging here of?

Now that we're about to arrange the marriage,

why are you making such a fuss?

Ms. Liu, it wasn't meant that way.

A snake bit him.

The venom must've affected his mind.

He'll be fine in a few days.

Once he settles down and starts a family,

I'm sure he will change.

Don't worry. Tomorrow I'll bring him to your home,

and formally propose to Mr. Liu.

We won't let you down.

Father, I mean it.

I don't want to get married.

I don't want to marry her anymore.

What are you saying?

Wasn't this marriage something you asked for?

You think this is all up to you?

Yes. I've changed my mind.

I won't

marry Ms. Liu.

Nonsense!

How did our family raise a son like you?

You're the one who always said

that I'm the disgrace of our family.

You...

Say that again, I dare you.

You said it yourself.

I'm the most shameful one in our family.

I don't want to drag her down with me. I'm the most shameful one in our family.

I don't want to drag her down with me.

Your old man didn't hold back, huh.

Mr. Xuan.

Why are you always around when there's drama?

Well, I've got nothing but free time.

Watching drama's about all I've got left to do.

Anyway,

Ms. Liu, whom you just broke off the engagement with,

asked me to talk to you.

What did she say?

She wants to know why you rejected the marriage.

I'd rather take the blame for ruining her reputation

than put her in a difficult position because of me.

So you were afraid she'd be the one to call it off,

and it'd hurt her reputation?

She's a demon.

Her reputation won't last,

just like everything else.

So what if it's damaged?

That's all the more reason I should refuse.

I didn't know who she really was before.

I judged everything by human standards.

But she's a powerful demon.

Her everyday behavior

may follow human customs, but only because she has to.

But her marriage

shouldn't be bound by mortal rules.

Come on, let me take a look.

Here.

Right here?

Ouch!

You...

How bad does it hurt?

Let me see again. Just one more look.

Okay, I won't touch it.

Get away.

That's what he said?

So in his heart,

he believes demons shouldn't be hunted,

but should be allowed

to live freely.

Get a good night's sleep.

Looks like I'll have to give things a little push.

Here, take it.

Thanks.

No problem.

Alright, make way.

Excuse me.

Coming through.

Mr. Shu.

What is it?

Several lesser demons have gone missing.

There's been no follow-up on the matter.

Should we report it to the Cat Lord or the Snake Lord?

Accidents during cultivation are common for lesser demons.

No need to trouble them with such trivial matters.

But if we don't investigate...

Yes, Mr. Shu.

Stop shouting.

To die helping her become a real demon

is your fate to embrace.

Senior Chihua, did you find anything?

No.

But I've figured out

how to open the Demon Market.

What?

You found a way that quickly?

Shuangjiang,

you may not have earned the top credit this time,

but don't be discouraged.

There will be plenty of chances ahead.

I'll head back in and take another look.

Then I'll head home.

Shuangjiang,

hungry?

Yes.

How about a bite of something nice?

Absolutely.

Let's go.

Two bowls of lamb stew

and two orders of pancakes, please.

Coming right up.

Enjoy your meal.

The broth is clear as water,

yet the flavor is rich and full.

Do you like it?

Very much so.

Senior Zhuyu,

in terms of cultivation, philosophy, reading, medicine, and martial arts,

I'm no match for you.

But when it comes to food,

I'm definitely the expert here.

Take this lamb stew, for example. The broth is the essence.

If you eat the pancakes dry,

isn't that a waste of such a perfect pairing?

You do know a thing or two.

What else do you know?

Well, I also know

that even lamb stew alone

can be divided into distinct culinary lineages.

The Pu style favors Sichuan peppercorns,

while the Cheng style leans toward fennel.

So, which style do you think this place follows?

Definitely the Pu style.

I noticed days ago that they use a lot of peppercorns.

This bowl alone has at least twenty.

I've been craving it ever since.

You've got a sharp eye.

Surely I am.

You can spot it from across the street.

If I want to.

What did you see behind the Ruyi Pavilion

that night with the dream demon?

I saw Ms...

I...

I choked on the pancake.

Senior Zhuyu, how did you find out?

You were so nervous

and acted so strangely after Chihua arrived.

You may not be the most diligent cultivator,

but when it comes to catching demons, you've always been careful

and eager.

That night,

you must have encountered something important,

something you chose to keep hidden.

I'm supposed to be a great hero.

Why would I hide something like that for anyone?

Exactly. Who might it be?

In Chang'an,

the only person with ties to Ruyi Pavilion

who could make you conceal something so serious

is someone who once helped you,

Ms. Huzhu.

So you saw her that night.

That day, I was eating behind Ruyi Pavilion.

I saw Ms. Huzhu holding a cat

and vanishing in an instant.

It's just a guess.

She must've gone to meet up with that cat demon.

Aren't you the one who wants to be a great hero?

How could you let a demon go free just because of personal feelings?

Senior Zhuyu, even if she is a demon,

she doesn't seem like a malicious one.

If she were,

with all the people coming and going at Ruyi Pavilion every day,

someone would've died by now. with all the people coming and going at Ruyi Pavilion every day,

someone would've died by now.

Besides, she spends time with your wife every single day.

The two of them are always together.

Senior Zhuyu,

isn't it said that fox demons are best at seducing men?

Could your wife, who's got you completely bewitched,

be a real fox too?

You look so cheerful.

Good news lately?

I've been trapped in this half-demon body for so long.

Now, Shu has finally found a way

to turn me into a real demon.

Of course I'm happy.

Then rein in that joy a little.

Watch it, or your mortal sweetheart

might begin to wonder.

A husband and wife

should be of one mind, with no secrets.

But I have a duty to the Demon Market.

To him,

I do feel a sense of guilt.

Don't be naive.

If he finds out,

you'll no longer have a husband.

You might not even have your life.

No. I trust him.

Not everyone is like Duan.

Just like Si,

even after learning you're a demon,

his loyalty never wavered.

Mei Si

is a fool.

But your Mr. Mei is no fool.

True, he's not.

Still, I believe

this world holds wicked mortals steeped in sin,

and gentle demons who live with honor.

Mei Zhuyu is not someone who can't tell right from wrong.

He and I are ready

for whatever may come.

My Ladies.

That's all I have to say.

I'm leaving.

Shu, what is it?

Several Celestial Masters have entered Chang'an.

What?

Much appreciated.

You really expect me to restore this formation?

It's in complete ruins.

Since the Xuanjian Division was granted this opportunity,

it shouldn't be squandered.

If it can be repaired,

perhaps it can serve its purpose once more.

Yes.

Very well. I'll give it a try.

You can let the visitor stand beneath the formation.

If they're mortal, nothing will happen.

But if they're a demon,

within this lightwell,

their true form will be revealed.

Ms. Wu,

the investigation is complete.

Those Celestial Masters are plotting something in Chang'an,

but they're so cunning

that we couldn't uncover anything concrete.

We can't let them run wild.

The Demon Market isn't theirs to touch,

not while I stand guard.

Xiang.

[Xiang, a skunk spirit]

My Lady.

I need a favor from you.

At your service.

♪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?♪