Original subtitles

(Zhan Zhao Adventures)

(Episode 29)

The Xiuluo Sect took off a long time ago.

They wouldn't dare show up in Wanshan County and stir up trouble.

Elder,

do you know where the Lin family of the Qingshan Sect lives?

Why are you looking for the Lin family?

Are you related to them or something?

We're distant relatives of the Lin family.

We're here for a family visit.

I don't know anything about the Lin family. Go ask someone else.

You really shouldn't go there.

Why not?

The Lin family disappeared 15 years ago.

No one has seen them alive or dead since.

Back then, rumors were flying all over town.

Everyone said they were snatched by ghosts.

You still want to go to their place?

Hey, what about you?

Do you know anything else about the Lin family?

No idea, no clue.

Let's go.

We're leaving.

Dear guests, your noodles are ready.

Excuse me, where's the county office in town?

County office? Just go straight, take a turn, and you'll find it.

Thanks a lot.

Finally, we found the county office.

Let's hurry up and check it out.

These officials can't be talking about ghosts and spirits like us, right?

The locals keep making it sound creepier.

It's starting to freak me out.

Fresh vegetables! Come take a look!

Come check it out!

No wonder.

You followed us the whole way without anyone noticing. You're an expert.

Move!

Move!

(Hu Xiao Chen, Wanshan County Magistrate)

Zhan Zhao?

Hu Xiao Chen?

Zhan Zhao!

Stand down! This is all just a misunderstanding.

This gentleman is Zhan Zhao, who works at the Kaifeng Tribunal in Dongjing.

This is an old friend from my school days, Hu Xiao Chen.

They are Miss Huo,

Bai Yu Tang,

Ming Zhu Er, and Zhao Zhi Er.

That's Elder Zhu Ming Yuan. He's our martial arts instructor.

He also serves as registrar. All the bailiffs here have learned from him.

Greetings, Lord Zhan.

No need for formalities, Elder Zhu.

Uncle Xu just came by the county office and said someone was looking for

the Lin family, who have been missing for over ten years.

So I asked Elder Zhu to come take a look

but it ended up causing such a misunderstanding.

So, why are you looking for the Lin family?

- It's for a case. - I knew it.

If it wasn't for a case, you wouldn't have come to see me.

Let's head to my place first and catch up for a while.

Otherwise, I'm not giving you any leads, Lord Zhan.

Come on, let's go.

I live just behind the county office.

There are a few empty courtyards over there.

Why don't you all just stay here?

It's a real hassle to find another place.

But these houses are a bit old.

I hope you don't mind.

Why don't I just find you an inn to stay at?

It's just a misunderstanding.

Wanshan County seemed lively and prosperous to me

but your county office here is surprisingly simple and plain.

I'm just feeling emotional.

Don't worry. Even if it looks plain,

we can still afford to treat our guests right.

I'll prepare some food and wine tonight. Let's have a drink together.

Come on!

Cheers!

You actually drank it?

See?

That's what you get for always nagging me.

Now, someone's finally keeping you in check.

Why can't you drink anyway?

That's a long story.

We're reuniting after so long today.

Let's not talk about something that kills the mood.

I can still guess. You got hurt, didn't you?

Back in the day, you and Liu...

You and Brother Liu were both amazing fighters.

You were always out there fighting for justice.

Getting banged up was just part of life.

About Brother Liu...

I've heard what happened too.

Thinking back,

we all studied together at Jiacheng Academy.

Out of all our classmates,

the three of us were the closest.

Who would've thought

we said goodbye so quickly ten years ago?

Now we're separated by life and death.

These past ten years,

I've always been caught up in work.

I should've visited him more and kept in touch with him.

These ten years,

I've only seen Brother Liu a handful of times too.

You two actually met up?

I thought he didn't want to talk about what happened ten years ago

and cut ties with all of us.

Ten years ago?

What exactly happened ten years ago?

Eat something.

Stop asking so many questions.

Let the past stay in the past.

I haven't seen your family around.

I've been busy with official duties all these years. I'm not married.

Back when we were in school,

weren't you already engaged?

Xi Wen changed her mind.

Honestly, I wasn't much of a catch.

These past ten years, after a lot of ups and downs,

I'm still just a county magistrate.

She didn't want a hard life with me.

I can't really blame her.

You've managed Wanshan County so well.

How come you haven't been promoted?

Because I keep ruling cases wrong.

My decisions on cases don't always match what the higher-ups want.

So that's still considered wrong.

You're smart and courageous.

Yet the court keeps you stuck in this tiny county.

They really don't know talent when they see it.

You better not say that outside this room.

Honestly, I don't really feel bitter about not being recognized.

As long as I can run this little Wanshan County well,

and let the people live in peace,

I've lived up to my original dreams.

That's better than holding some high office and playing political games.

Even though we haven't seen each other in ten years,

you still haven't changed a bit.

I hope you're not just saying all this to get me to help with your case.

You have changed after all.

You've become

so cold and heartless.

Tell me I'm wrong.

Can you honestly say you're not in Wanshan County

for official business this time?

Tell me. Is there anything I can help you with?

I came here this time

to ask you about the Lin family from Qingshan Sect.

And also someone named Qiu Han.

That thing Hu mentioned from ten years ago.

What was it really about?

You always have to get the last word.

Calling him Hu all the time.

His name's Xiao Chen, and he's actually older than me.

Don't change the subject.

You two are best friends, right?

So what happened ten years ago

that could keep you two out of touch for a decade?

Our mountain area isn't like the city.

It gets cold and damp at night.

I had them bring a few more quilts.

This one's the thickest. Give it to Miss Huo.

Thanks for going out of your way.

Ming Zhu Er, take this to your Sister Huo.

Yes.

Come on.

Elder Zhu knows the county best.

As for the Lin family and Qiu Han,

he knows more than I do.

Lord Zhan, don't believe those superstitious ghost stories.

Back then, the Lin family

was probably targeted for revenge

and got wiped out.

Their house was burned to the ground completely.

Wiped out?

Who was their enemy? They were so brutal.

That, I don't know.

The Lin family lived deep in the mountains back then.

When the tragedy happened, no one witnessed it.

Later on, it was a villager gathering herbs in the mountains

who saw the burned-down Lin residence

with bones scattered everywhere.

That was when he reported it to the authorities.

The villager who reported it was scared out of his mind.

He started rambling nonsense as soon as he got home.

All those ghost stories started spreading from there.

After I took office,

I tried to reopen the case.

But the magistrate back then

buried the Lin family's bodies carelessly.

No one knows where they're buried.

The Lin family estate was reduced to ashes.

So, it became a mystery.

So all clues about the Lin family were lost.

Lord Zhan,

when it comes to the Lin family,

I'm afraid I can't help.

But about Qiu Han you mentioned,

I did find the address of his old house.

Thank you, Elder Zhu.

Please show us the way tomorrow.

We'll go check it out.

Sure.

I had people look into it.

Qiu Han's house has been empty.

No one has gone in for the last few days.

Are you sure your information is right?

Let's go check it out first.

Lord Zhan,

it's the one just around the corner.

Lord Hu, Lord Zhan,

someone has to stay at the yamen.

I'll head back first.

- Thank you for showing us the way, Elder Zhu. - Farewell.

Brother Zhan.

Looks like Qiu Han really hasn't come back.

I'll ask the folks on these streets for you

and see if anyone's seen him.

What's that smell?

It reeks in here.

Yesterday, near the yamen,

I also caught this faint, fishy stench.

But it didn't smell like a corpse.

There weren't any flies or maggots around either.

Let's get out of here, quick.

He's poisoned.

Zhan Zhao,

don't you recognize me?

Everything I am today is all thanks to you.

Luo Chang Shui.

Luo Chang Shui?

Luo Chang Shui from Gucheng County, ten years ago?

Do you remember now?

I endured pain like my bones were being ripped apart

and became what I am now

all so I could come back and get revenge on you!

Is the poison acting up again?

You're poisoned.

Since you're so badly poisoned,

you shouldn't be running around like this.

Even if you don't care about old friends like me,

isn't there anyone in this world that you truly care about?

Hu, you're doing a better job as an official than that useless cat.

You're way more self-aware too.

With you here, we can save a lot of energy on yelling at him.

We've already done enough yelling.

Let's talk business.

From the looks of things today,

the news about Qiu Han returning to Wanshan County

was probably a trap.

It does feel like a setup.

Since Luo Chang Shui is lying in wait at the old house,

he must be connected to the case we're investigating.

If we catch him, we might get some clues out of him.

Since they lured you into the old house,

I'm sure they wouldn't think that Luo Chang Shui alone

is enough to kill you.

I'm worried they've got even more vicious tricks waiting for you.

If we catch Luo Chang Shui,

will we be playing right into their hands instead?

If he brings up what happened ten years ago,

it might not be good for you.

Come.

Didn't you and Hong Yi kill Zhao Yue An?

I thought you did it.

Not long after you left the academy,

Hong Yi left too.

Both of you kept speaking up for Jin Niang.

- I thought you two... - Brother Liu wasn't involved that night.

That night, I really wanted to kill him.

I went to the Zhao residence and saw you coming out the back door.

Then, I heard someone crying out.

They said Zhao Yue An was dead.

Just like you,

I had just gone in that night.

The Zhao family was already in chaos over the young master's death.

So, we didn't talk for ten years

all because we both thought the other was the killer.

That's pretty strange.

So who killed Zhao Yue An?

He got what he deserved.

Someone else must've been just as angry

because he kept getting away with it.

Since you don't have any dirt in his hands,

I can arrest him without worry.

Elder Zhu.

- Yes. - Go arrest Luo Chang Shui right now.

Yes.

I really don't know Zhao Yue An.

I have no clue about what happened ten years ago.

Looks like this happened

before you met your young master.

Rat, you only flipped through medical books for two days.

What's there to be scared of? It won't kill you.

Is that what you want?

In that case, I can only try it out on your young master.

Go ahead and stick it.

Right here, the Hegu point.

Once you stick it, I'll know where it is.

Then, I can use it on your young master for acupuncture.

Stop spacing out.

Focus your energy.

Your young master has friends everywhere,

but not many are like me, who are willing to test acupuncture for him.

Why are you yelling so loudly?

Smart Guy,

Zhu!

If I hadn't spent the last two days

studying medical books all night,

and get myself all exhausted

to the point of seeing double needle tips,

I wouldn't need anyone's help.

Forget it, I'll do it myself.

I'll just stick it wherever.

Let's go.

Come with me to find Ling Long.

Don't hold me up.

I'm busy testing acupuncture.

This needle isn't right.

Aren't you putting on this act

just to tell me

that you see me as a true friend?

Me too.

So, if there's something you want to know,

I won't hide it from you.

What?

Hegu.

Fine. Keep acting.

I'm going to find Ling Long

to tell her what happened ten years ago.

Wait for me!

Ten years ago,

Liu Hong Yi, Hu Xiao Chen, and I

studied together at Jiacheng Academy.

There was a woman named Jin Niang

who always delivered vegetables to our academy.

She and her husband, Duan Shi Lang,

were both really honest people.

Everyone at the academy

knew them well.

That day,

Jin Niang's vegetables were late.

We passed by her house

and found out there'd been a murder.

Jin Niang was found dead in her home.

A neighbor testified

that at the time of the crime,

they saw the youngest son of Master Zhao,

Zhao Yue An,

fleeing Jin Niang's house in a panic.

The officers also found the murder weapon, his sword,

at Zhao's Residence.

This case is already pretty clear, isn't it?

Yes.

But even with such solid evidence and a caught suspect,

once it got to court,

everything changed.

Luo Chang Shui,

I'm asking you

Zhao Yue An,

do you know the deceased, Yuan Jin Niang?

She delivered vegetables to Master Zhao's house.

We servants saw her all the time.

But my young master never handled these matters.

How would he know and kill her?

Sir, there's injustice in this case.

But according to the witness...

The witness might be young, but he has an eye condition.

He must've mistaken someone else.

Is that really true?

Sir, I made a mistake. I was wrong.

In that case,

your testimony is no longer valid.

But according to the coroner's examination,

the fatal wound on Jin Niang's neck

doesn't match Zhao Yue An's sword...

Sir, the coroner has re-examined the body.

Haven't you reported this to the official yet?

Sir, I made a mistake in my earlier examination.

Jin Niang died a terrible death.

The bones in her neck were all chopped through.

Sir, please take a look.

This wound wasn't caused by a sword.

It looks more like it was made with a hatchet.

My old eyes failed me before.

I made a huge mistake. I'm truly ashamed.

If what you say is true,

and the murder weapon was a hatchet,

then the killer...

The killer is Jin Niang's husband, Duan Shi Lang.

Everyone in town knows he makes his living chopping wood and hunting.

He must've killed his wife with his hatchet

before escaping.

That makes sense.

Since the case is now clear,

arrest Duan Shi Lang immediately.

- Court is dismissed. - Wait!

What are you three up to?

Sir.

When Jin Niang's body was found,

the three of us were at the scene.

We clearly saw that the fatal wound on Jin Niang's neck

was from a sword.

The coroner is talking nonsense.

You're spouting nonsense!

If you don't believe me, you can examine the body yourself.

You're so sure of yourself,

you must've already tampered with Jin Niang's wound.

She was murdered and even her body was desecrated after death.

Everyone knows you're addicted to gambling

and lost everything you own.

But these past few days, you've been visiting the gambling den happily.

You even bought yourself a new house.

Do you dare say you didn't take a bribe from the Zhao family?

You...

Please stand.

This man is injured.

It's obvious he was threatened to change his testimony.

Please look into this, Sir.

Luo Chang Shui claims Jin Niang was killed by her husband,

but that's just ridiculous.

Sir, you can ask the Duan family's neighbors,

and they'll tell you the couple was always loving.

Why would Duan Shi Lang kill his wife?

Besides, Duan Shi Lang took a job in a nearby county

to help support his family.

He hasn't been home in over half a year and has gone missing.

Jin Niang has been searching for him these days.

To pin a murder

on someone who's already missing

is just impossible to prove.

Sir, are you really going to let these people cause chaos in court?

How dare you!

You three are just commoners,

yet you dare to speak so recklessly and disrespect the court?

The ones disrespecting the court aren't the three of us,

but Zhao Yue An and Luo Chang Shui.

Zhao Yue An committed the crime.

There's both witness and physical evidence.

How could this not go to trial?

He only sent a servant to answer for him

and you actually agreed to that.

This is just absurd.

Enough! I'm the one conducting this trial.

I don't need you telling me how to do my job.

Guards! Throw these three out.

Court is dismissed.

- Move! - Court is dismissed!

Don't you all get it yet?

The magistrate and the Zhao family

are clearly in cahoots!

They're working together!

They're working together!

(Jiacheng Academy)

What are you writing?

I'm writing a petition for Jin Niang.

We'll seek justice for her at the prefecture office.

Xiao Chen, you are good at writing.

Once I'm done writing, help me polish it up.

The witness changed his story, and the evidence has been destroyed.

Even if you write a petition and take it to the prefecture,

getting the case overturned won't be easy.

Jin Niang's body is still here.

Even if they tampered with the wounds,

an experienced coroner

can definitely tell that the so-called hatchet wound was made after death.

What if they destroy the body to cover their tracks?

Right.

We need to find a way to protect the body.

Zhan Zhao, the dean wants to see you.

Liu Wen Long says

you stole his ancient inkstone worth ten taels of gold.

Is there some kind of misunderstanding?

I swear, I didn't do it.

But this was found in your room.

I never lock my room.

Someone must've set me up.

Liu Wen Long said he saw you hide it in your room.

Now, it's just your word against his.

It's hard to tell who's telling the truth.

How is it hard to tell?

If he really saw it with his own eyes,

why didn't he catch me on the spot?

Sir, please call Liu Wen Long here.

I'll confront him face-to-face.

Liu Wen Long insists on taking this to the authorities.

Our academy gets funding from the Liu family every year.

His father and uncle

have done a lot for the county.

The county office will definitely give him an answer.

With this case, you'll end up with a criminal record.

But I'm not a thief.

If the county wants to give him closure,

why do I have to be the scapegoat?

Sir, give me three days.

I'll find the real thief myself.

Why can't you understand what I'm saying?

Liu Wen Long is convinced you're the thief.

If this goes to the county office,

the magistrate will rule the same way.

You might as well

just apologize to Liu Wen Long.

Let this blow over.

The Liu and Zhao families go way back.

They're both sponsors of the academy.

Liu Wen Long made up this theft

for the Zhao family, didn't he?

If I get a criminal record,

and try to seek justice at the prefecture office for Jin Niang,

who would believe me then?

At that point,

I'd just get accused in return.

They'd say I'm making false accusations out of spite.

Kid,

you're still too young.

In this world,

things aren't just black and white.

Sometimes, circumstances force us

to make choices we don't want to make.

You all always talk about loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness.

All those fancy words in the books sound so righteous,

but when trouble comes,

people just say they have no choice as an excuse to cover their shame.

Sir, don't you feel even a little ashamed?

You...

If that's how you see it,

then I won't try to talk you out of it.

If you dare to go to the prefecture office to appeal your case,

your theft charge will be set in stone.

At that point, not only will you fail to clear Jin Niang's name,

but you'll also ruin your own reputation.

I never thought

someone could be this shameless.

You think you're some kind of hero who fights for justice?

Let me tell you, you're nothing.

You can't even protect yourself right now,

yet you're still trying to stand up for others.

You're honestly just being stupid.

Yes! Maybe I am stupid.

I've studied here for three years,

and somehow I still haven't turned into a shameless jerk.

Guess I just don't belong here.

You...

Zhan Zhao!

My whole life,

I've always followed the rules

and known my place.

I followed whatever my teachers told me

and did whatever was written in the books.

But today I realized

all the things I believed in so deeply

are just a joke to others.

There's nothing wrong with the books.

Of course, not.

It's just some people twist their meaning.

They want to drag you down with them,

so of course, they'll attack your conscience.

You didn't do anything wrong.

- You don't need to pay any attention to them. - No.

I really was wrong.

I've been way too by-the-book,

too trusting that people are good by nature.

That's exactly

what gave bad people a chance to do harm.

From now on,

I won't follow their rules anymore.

Zhan Zhao, don't go and do something stupid.

It's almost time for roll call. No need to walk me out.

You two,

don't get involved in Jin Niang's case anymore.

Leave this to me.

You two should focus on your own dreams.

Make sure you pass the exams.

Zhan Zhao,

what are you going to do?

Since I've decided not to follow their rules anymore,

I'll do things my way now.

Step aside.

Who?

Who did this?

I told you before to be more careful.

It's dry out, fires can start easily.

If this happens again, I won't let you off.

I was afraid the magistrate and the Zhao family would destroy the body

So I snuck Jin Niang's body out.

I asked around,

and Jin Niang's family only has you left.

Take her back to your hometown and give her a proper burial.

Young man, on behalf of my niece, thank you.

No need to thank me.

Take the back roads and avoid the main route.

Remember. Before you leave Gucheng County, don't stop for anything.

From now on, stick with me.

I'll make sure you're taken care of.

Tomorrow,

we'll swear brotherhood to share wealth and fortune together.

Thank you, Sir.

Who is it?

Don't you recognize me?

Who is it?

Don't block the way.

The coroner admitted

he took a hundred taels from the Zhao family.

I beat him so badly he couldn't get out of bed for half a month.

As for the corrupt magistrate,

I exposed the vault in his backyard

where he hid all his gold and jewels.

As for Liu Wen Long,

I took a chunk of his scalp

while he was out drinking.

What, you don't believe me?

This really doesn't sound like something you'd normally do.

The accomplices got what they deserved,

but the real culprit is still out there.

You won't let Zhao Yue An off the hook, right?

(Zhao Residence)

Ever since you left the academy,

I've been looking for you.

How did you end up on this path?

Once you take this step,

there's no turning back.

I can't just stand by while evil people do whatever they want.

The day I left the academy,

I finally understood.

All that talk about the way of the sages

is just something bad people use to fool the good ones,

so they can get away with their crimes.

Now,

I don't expect anyone else to give me justice.

If I want justice,

I'll take it myself with this.

You're just acting out of anger right now.

Give it time, you'll regret today's choice one day.

So, I'm going to stop you today, no matter what.

Someone's been killed!

The young master is dead!

Murder!

After that, Xiao Chen stopped talking to us.

Liu and I

thought he was behind it.

You were thinking about his future,

so you cut ties with him.

Now, I finally understand

why a letter from Constable Liu

could make you rush a thousand miles for him.

A friend like that

is worth trusting with your life.

Yes.

He always looked out for me.

But back then,

I didn't listen to his advice.

I found Luo Chang Shui.

Who are you?

You dare mess with the Zhao family?

You must have a death wish!

You insolent servant!

You help the wicked and aid the evil.

Today, I'll bring justice for the heavens.

Luo Chang Shui once thought

Yaksha had appeared.

So, I went along with it

and acted in Yaksha's name.

Suddenly, I remembered that conversation we had at Brother Fan's grave.

Turns out I was just showing off in front of a master.

The grandmaster was right in front of me.

But honestly,

with this mask,

you can hide your identity and scare people at the same time.

After all, ghosts and gods inspire more fear than people.

It wasn't long before stories about Yaksha spread all over Xiangzhou.

Until I met...

Young master.

Young master,

are you telling them a story?

Is it about Zhao Yue An? I want to hear it too.

Where's Zhao Zhi Er? Where did he go?

He'll be here any minute.

When I first got into town,

I had my eye on this, but I didn't get a chance to buy it.

I almost ran into the peddler's shop just now

and only managed to grab a little.

Young master, I'll go wash these fruits.

Then, I'll come find you guys.

Can you tell me the story about Zhao Yue An again?

Kids these days,

why do you always want to hear stories about fighting and killing?

Why do you always treat me like a kid?

Have you ever seen a kid this tall?

Go on. Go eat your fruit.

Tell me the story again tomorrow.

I'll give you half my plums.

- Let's go. - All right.

Where was I?

Didn't you already finish the story?

The only thing we want to hear about is the Zhao Yue An case.

Zhao Yue An is dead,

but you didn't kill him.

You already told us that.

All right. I'm going to find something to eat.

I'm a man of the martial world.

I don't think having a past like this

is anything to be ashamed of.

So, I can't really understand why you torture yourself over it.

But let me say this:

If one day the weight of this gets too heavy to bear,

just let us know.

After all, we've been through life and death together for so long.

You think we're scared to carry one more of your secrets?

You better come up with a good story tonight.

Tomorrow, Ming Zhu Er will be hounding you for it.

Well, I bet it'll be even better than your story.

This ugly freak.

It's something new.

It has been ages since we've seen a wanted poster in Wanshan County.

- Right? - This criminal does look terrifying.

Everyone,

let's keep an eye out for Magistrate Hu.

All right.

He reeks of fish and rot.

He has a big scar on his face.

That stench on him is impossible to hide.

He probably can only hide out in places like this.

Magistrate! I saw the monster you're hunting all over town.

He went that way!

Move!

Move!

Are you all right?

Here you are!

He can't really be invincible.

Find his weak spot, that's the only way to beat him.

Magistrate Hu! Hurry, kill him!

- Kill him! - Kill him!

Who sent you to Wanshan County?

You won't live much longer.

My master has eyes and ears everywhere.

He'll definitely kill you.

Cut it out. Is Qiu Han your master?

Speak.

Zhan Zhao.

You can't beat us.

My master and I have both cheated death once.

It's all thanks to you!

Lord Hu.

This criminal deserved to die.

Thank you, Elder Zhu, for stepping in.

Stop right there!

Who are you, really?

Why would Luo Chang Shui risk everything just to kill you?

I have no idea either.

I don't even know that monster.

I've only been in Wanshan County for two days.

There's no way I could have made any enemies.

Are you

Zhong Shou?

I asked around,

and Jin Niang's family only has you left.

Take her back to your hometown and give her a proper burial.

Young man, on behalf of my niece, thank you.

Benefactor Zhan,

I can't figure out why that monster would want to kill me.

If you hadn't told me he was Zhao Yue An's servant,

I wouldn't have recognized the monster at all.

The only thing connecting you and him

is that old case from ten years ago.

Think carefully.

Did you do something back then

that would make him want to silence you for good?