1
00:01:44,880 --> 00:01:45,880
Mr. Long,
2
00:01:45,960 --> 00:01:49,680
I've never had a serious illness
or chronic condition.
3
00:01:49,760 --> 00:01:53,000
Why do I have
to come for my pulse check every month?
4
00:01:53,080 --> 00:01:55,680
You were born with white hair.
5
00:01:55,760 --> 00:01:58,400
Only at this age
has it fully turned black.
6
00:01:58,480 --> 00:01:59,760
Ancient texts say
7
00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:02,320
children born white-haired
face half a life of hardship.
8
00:02:02,400 --> 00:02:04,880
No one can command the workings of fate.
9
00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:08,759
Your father and I both hope
you grow up safe.
10
00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:20,040
So what if half my life is hardship?
11
00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:22,600
What matters is
the rest brims with sweetness.
12
00:02:24,320 --> 00:02:25,920
True.
13
00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:29,160
So young, yet already so enlightened.
14
00:02:38,360 --> 00:02:41,120
Thank you, Mr. Long. I'll be going now.
15
00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:49,840
Half a life of hardship,
half a life of sweetness.
16
00:02:56,280 --> 00:03:00,320
The worry is you might have
only the bitter half.
17
00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:13,720
I have to go.
18
00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:19,240
- Where are you going?
- Gu Yu was taken by Huben.
19
00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:24,000
Barring surprises, they'll hold Gu Yu
in Hidden Soldier Alley.
20
00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:28,840
Therefore, I must infiltrate
Hidden Soldier Alley and rescue Gu Yu.
21
00:03:28,920 --> 00:03:30,360
- You must be joking.
- You're injured
22
00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:31,960
and still want to risk your life?
Are you mad?
23
00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:33,680
He's right.
You haven't even recovered yet.
24
00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:36,520
Going into Hidden Soldier Alley now
is as good as a death sentence.
25
00:03:36,600 --> 00:03:38,400
He's right. And consider me too.
26
00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:39,600
You just secured a safe place for me.
27
00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:41,800
What if Huben comes after me again
after you leave?
28
00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:43,640
What can he do?
He's all brawn and no brain.
29
00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:45,440
- He can't handle them.
- I'll handle you right now.
30
00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:53,960
But on the other hand,
31
00:03:54,040 --> 00:03:57,280
compared to you,
I'm better suited to fighting and killing.
32
00:03:57,360 --> 00:04:00,120
I must be the one
to enter the enemy's lair.
33
00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:01,080
No.
34
00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:04,160
I must go.
35
00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:12,200
If anyone knows Huben the best, it's me.
36
00:04:25,440 --> 00:04:27,560
Why are you staring at me?
Get back to work.
37
00:04:28,160 --> 00:04:29,160
I…
38
00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:55,720
{\an8}STEAMED BUNS
39
00:05:29,200 --> 00:05:30,080
Come in.
40
00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:49,000
You're heading into Hidden Soldier Alley.
41
00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:52,440
Can I help with anything?
42
00:05:55,160 --> 00:05:59,880
Or is there something I can do for you?
43
00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:15,720
Actually, I do require some preparations.
44
00:06:16,920 --> 00:06:20,400
First, to enter Hidden Soldier Alley,
45
00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,440
I'll need Huben's custom gold coins.
46
00:06:24,360 --> 00:06:25,960
Qingyi has one.
47
00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,000
Go get it.
48
00:06:28,080 --> 00:06:30,400
If he refuses,
49
00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:34,520
you're to order
the death of every Huben member
50
00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:36,960
who has seen my face
51
00:06:39,280 --> 00:06:40,840
on the night of the raid.
52
00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:45,480
Well…
53
00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,800
What if he agrees?
54
00:06:49,880 --> 00:06:51,640
He won't.
55
00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:57,680
Move it!
56
00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:39,159
I'm not forcing you to kill.
57
00:08:39,840 --> 00:08:43,679
I just want you to understand
that this is a ruthless world.
58
00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:46,120
Some blood…
59
00:08:47,920 --> 00:08:49,000
must be spilled.
60
00:08:51,760 --> 00:08:54,600
Maybe you'll face moments like this
in the future.
61
00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:59,360
When that time comes,
you'll know what to do.
62
00:09:03,920 --> 00:09:05,000
The second thing.
63
00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:08,400
I need a new identity.
64
00:09:09,120 --> 00:09:12,600
Xiaoqing's already handled that.
65
00:09:30,960 --> 00:09:32,560
IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL
66
00:09:35,920 --> 00:09:38,960
That's a massive and showy sign.
67
00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:40,760
Can we even trust that physician?
68
00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:52,720
Got it.
69
00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:03,240
What's all the--
70
00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:05,960
BLESSINGS ABOUND
71
00:10:06,560 --> 00:10:08,040
Come in. Get inside.
72
00:10:10,720 --> 00:10:11,880
The door…
73
00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:29,600
The members of Huben
have been acting discreetly.
74
00:10:29,680 --> 00:10:31,800
Few come and go in Chang'an.
75
00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:33,480
Our people have watched for some time.
76
00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:35,680
Only this man here fits your criteria.
77
00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:40,040
His name is Wang Xing.
His age and build are similar to yours.
78
00:10:40,120 --> 00:10:43,560
He knows no martial arts.
His moves are as clumsy as yours.
79
00:10:43,640 --> 00:10:44,960
He has no close friends.
80
00:10:45,560 --> 00:10:47,080
But he's married.
81
00:10:47,160 --> 00:10:49,080
His wife resides in Chang'an.
82
00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:52,440
Did you get everything out of him?
83
00:10:52,520 --> 00:10:55,040
Of course.
You can trust me to get the job done.
84
00:10:55,840 --> 00:10:57,360
Not enough yet. Question him again.
85
00:10:59,040 --> 00:11:01,120
Bring his wife here.
86
00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:03,880
If his answers don't match,
87
00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:07,360
break a finger and give it to him.
88
00:11:07,440 --> 00:11:09,760
That's the only way to secure
reliable answers.
89
00:11:09,840 --> 00:11:10,880
You heard him.
90
00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:12,240
Weigh your words carefully.
91
00:11:12,320 --> 00:11:14,200
What if anything goes wrong?
92
00:11:14,280 --> 00:11:15,600
You might have ten fingers,
93
00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:18,400
but that won't save your wife
from breaking.
94
00:11:22,320 --> 00:11:24,160
You're animals.
95
00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:26,280
Even if you ask me 100 times,
96
00:11:26,360 --> 00:11:29,280
I'll still answer the same.
97
00:11:29,360 --> 00:11:31,440
Come at me all you want.
98
00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:35,320
But if you so much
as lay a finger on my wife…
99
00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:39,040
I'm talking to you!
100
00:11:39,120 --> 00:11:40,160
I swear I'll…
101
00:11:55,320 --> 00:11:57,560
So, when do we bring his wife here?
102
00:12:09,800 --> 00:12:11,520
IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL
103
00:12:11,600 --> 00:12:15,040
All these passes were seized
from Wang Xing.
104
00:12:15,120 --> 00:12:16,440
He's a skilled forger.
105
00:12:16,520 --> 00:12:18,840
Even I nearly missed the flaws.
106
00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:20,000
He's an expert.
107
00:12:20,080 --> 00:12:22,120
No wonder Huben transferred him here.
108
00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:23,960
Hidden Soldier Alley
109
00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:29,320
always stations experts
to forge papers and identities.
110
00:12:30,520 --> 00:12:35,080
Since the new emperor
issued his warrant against Huben,
111
00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:36,640
any Huben men in the capital
112
00:12:37,360 --> 00:12:40,680
need forged travel passes
for even the slightest movement.
113
00:12:41,280 --> 00:12:44,520
Something must have happened
to the previous forger.
114
00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:47,720
That's why they need
an outsider to fill in.
115
00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:52,840
Where's Wang Xing's gold coin?
116
00:12:57,520 --> 00:12:59,400
I almost forgot about that.
117
00:13:01,920 --> 00:13:04,280
You didn't forget.
You wanted it for yourself.
118
00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:14,560
Remember.
119
00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:19,600
These coins will bring death
if used anywhere else.
120
00:13:20,360 --> 00:13:22,840
They're only for coming
and going in Hidden Soldier Alley.
121
00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:24,320
Huai'an.
122
00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:27,560
You're injured, and you insist on
taking this mission on alone.
123
00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:29,520
I'm worried.
124
00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:32,560
Don't worry.
125
00:13:32,640 --> 00:13:36,720
I bought you
a flatbread stall outside the alley.
126
00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:39,440
If something happens, I'll contact you.
127
00:13:47,680 --> 00:13:50,520
But not you. The stall
is too close to Hidden Soldier Alley.
128
00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:53,600
You can't go there. You'll work
at the physician's hall in the meantime.
129
00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:56,880
- That's not necessary.
- No.
130
00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:01,000
I… I feel safer if I'm with you.
131
00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:03,440
Last time I delivered a letter,
I caused trouble for you.
132
00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:05,800
I need to vet all my people.
133
00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:07,920
Now, I only have
a few trusted ones who can be used.
134
00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:11,280
I can't take care of him too.
And that Wang Xing as well.
135
00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:13,200
Get him out of here as soon as possible.
136
00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:14,640
The physician's hall
may not be safe either.
137
00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:19,760
Then, why don't I
watch over that Wang Xing?
138
00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:20,760
You?
139
00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:22,560
Yes. You just need to tie him up securely.
140
00:14:22,640 --> 00:14:24,640
I'll watch him and bring his meals.
141
00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:25,840
That's simple enough.
142
00:14:28,680 --> 00:14:29,960
But where will we hold him?
143
00:14:30,040 --> 00:14:31,360
Well…
144
00:14:32,960 --> 00:14:35,640
The place where they locked me up before.
145
00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:39,400
I'll just do as you guys did
and put him there.
146
00:14:39,480 --> 00:14:41,560
All right. It's settled, then.
147
00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:44,920
If you slip up and Wang Xing runs back
148
00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:47,200
to Hidden Soldier Alley,
149
00:14:47,280 --> 00:14:48,880
the whole plan will fall apart.
150
00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:50,360
And I'll lose my life.
151
00:14:51,400 --> 00:14:52,520
Don't worry.
152
00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:55,520
Your life is in my hands. Safe and sound.
153
00:14:58,480 --> 00:14:59,400
Master.
154
00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:04,960
You just escaped death,
and now you're going to risk it again?
155
00:15:06,200 --> 00:15:07,160
Have you thought this through?
156
00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:23,040
The Huben Army was built
by my father's own hands.
157
00:15:23,640 --> 00:15:27,040
What they can do,
I've learned by ear and eye.
158
00:15:27,120 --> 00:15:30,360
What they can't, I've taught myself much.
159
00:15:30,440 --> 00:15:32,000
I know what I'm doing, Mr. Long.
160
00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:36,560
I've sealed your wounds with fish maw
161
00:15:36,640 --> 00:15:38,480
and covered them with human skin.
162
00:15:38,560 --> 00:15:40,760
You look no different from anyone else.
163
00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:44,960
No one will notice
unless they get up close.
164
00:15:52,040 --> 00:15:54,280
You were born with white hair.
165
00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:59,360
As you aged,
166
00:15:59,440 --> 00:16:02,760
the white turned black.
167
00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:07,760
Both your father and I share one wish.
168
00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:12,160
We only hope you live safely
169
00:16:12,960 --> 00:16:15,240
to see your hair turn gray once more.
170
00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:21,520
My boy,
171
00:16:23,960 --> 00:16:25,240
come back alive.
172
00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:35,240
IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN'S HALL
173
00:16:35,320 --> 00:16:38,040
BLESSINGS ABOUND, MISFORTUNE FADES
174
00:16:51,280 --> 00:16:52,800
Don't look at me like that.
175
00:16:52,880 --> 00:16:55,440
When everything's settled,
I'll dye my hair black again.
176
00:16:58,400 --> 00:16:59,520
Let's go.
177
00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:11,880
Is this the Hidden Soldier Alley
you mentioned?
178
00:17:11,960 --> 00:17:13,359
No.
179
00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:15,960
Did you bring
the clean clothes I asked for?
180
00:17:16,040 --> 00:17:18,000
Yes. They're in the carriage.
181
00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:39,000
Huai'an, what exactly are you looking at?
182
00:17:40,040 --> 00:17:45,040
I'm wondering how badly I'd be hurt
if I tumbled down this mountain.
183
00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:46,920
Are you joking?
184
00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:48,400
If you fall, you won't survive…
185
00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:50,200
Huai'an!
186
00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:51,120
Xie Huai'an!
187
00:18:02,480 --> 00:18:04,280
Huai'an. Huai'an. Are you all right?
188
00:18:07,040 --> 00:18:09,480
Have you lost your mind?
Did you actually want to die?
189
00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:18,560
Xie Huai'an, why did you do that?
Have you lost your senses?
190
00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:21,280
If you die, what'll happen to me?
Who'll protect me?
191
00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:26,440
That's why I was trying
to find the right spot.
192
00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:30,400
These injuries will be useful
inside Hidden Soldier Alley.
193
00:18:30,480 --> 00:18:33,160
Come on. Help me up.
194
00:18:39,240 --> 00:18:40,480
Are you all right?
195
00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:50,400
What's that in your hand?
196
00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,400
They call this Bitter-After.
197
00:18:52,480 --> 00:18:54,560
It grows in the north
and is extremely bitter.
198
00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:58,040
I observed Wang Xing.
He has a habit of chewing on this.
199
00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:04,040
The taste is certainly bitter.
200
00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:06,200
I don't believe you.
201
00:19:06,280 --> 00:19:08,080
It can't be that bitter. Let me try it.
202
00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:18,600
This is incredibly bitter.
203
00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:20,760
Why would anyone like to chew this stuff?
204
00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:23,440
Bitterness refreshes and relieves fatigue.
205
00:19:23,520 --> 00:19:27,080
The people in the north chew it
to stave off the cold.
206
00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:30,800
It's not that bad.
Why do they call it Bitter-After?
207
00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:33,720
People in the old days
chose their words for a reason.
208
00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:36,680
Once you chew it, the stalk's gone
209
00:19:36,760 --> 00:19:39,360
and all that's left is the bitter taste.
210
00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:41,480
That's inauspicious.
211
00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:43,240
All right.
212
00:19:43,320 --> 00:19:45,520
Beyond here lies
the territory of Hidden Soldier Alley.
213
00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:47,120
I'll travel the rest of the path alone.
214
00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:58,080
Can you two not look so gloomy for once?
215
00:20:01,520 --> 00:20:04,480
Fine. What wishes do you both have?
216
00:20:05,280 --> 00:20:08,240
I won't die before I grant them.
217
00:20:09,280 --> 00:20:10,840
What wishes can I have?
218
00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:12,720
I just hope you get justice soon,
219
00:20:12,800 --> 00:20:16,040
reunite with Bai Wan, and enjoy calm days.
220
00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:18,160
Don't strain yourself.
221
00:20:19,040 --> 00:20:19,920
Same here.
222
00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:22,080
I don't expect
to be emperor when I return.
223
00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:24,200
I entrust my wishes to you.
224
00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:30,080
I hope you take revenge
and wipe out all of Huben,
225
00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:33,080
then live an ordinary, peaceful life.
226
00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:38,840
All right.
227
00:20:39,640 --> 00:20:42,480
I'll take your blessing. I'll be back.
228
00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:35,200
Halt.
229
00:21:39,680 --> 00:21:41,120
Wait for the contact.
230
00:22:08,600 --> 00:22:09,920
Make way.
231
00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:21,880
You're chewing the wrong end.
232
00:22:23,360 --> 00:22:25,240
The bottom part is the most bitter.
233
00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:26,880
What's that to you?
234
00:23:23,440 --> 00:23:25,040
You're busy this morning.
235
00:23:26,320 --> 00:23:27,880
It's becoming warmer.
236
00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:31,520
If I don't clean up soon,
these alleys will stink before long.
237
00:23:31,600 --> 00:23:34,000
There's no hurry.
Take your breakfast first.
238
00:23:35,360 --> 00:23:39,480
Di Lu, are you waiting for someone today?
239
00:23:39,560 --> 00:23:41,720
It's a newcomer.
I'm just about to fetch him.
240
00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:49,160
Why? Something wrong?
241
00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:51,800
Isn't there a general
locked up in the alley?
242
00:23:52,720 --> 00:23:56,880
Mr. Wang Pu warned us to stay alert.
243
00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:00,160
That general is a man of rank.
Someone might come to rescue him.
244
00:24:00,760 --> 00:24:04,040
Do check this newcomer carefully.
245
00:24:04,120 --> 00:24:06,160
How do I check him?
You're smarter than I am.
246
00:24:06,240 --> 00:24:08,040
I'll do whatever you tell me to do.
247
00:24:29,200 --> 00:24:32,280
He's been standing here long enough.
Hurry and take him away.
248
00:24:35,240 --> 00:24:36,320
Wang Xing?
249
00:24:38,360 --> 00:24:39,680
Come with me.
250
00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:40,960
Everyone, stop a moment.
251
00:25:41,040 --> 00:25:42,440
This is Wang Xing.
252
00:25:43,560 --> 00:25:46,640
Xing, what do you think of the paper?
253
00:25:54,160 --> 00:25:57,360
It's too thick, and the color is wrong.
254
00:26:11,040 --> 00:26:12,800
The pulp needs to be finer.
255
00:26:12,880 --> 00:26:14,600
Don't soak it too long.
256
00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:16,680
Or else, the paper will go too soft.
257
00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:20,320
Wang Xing. Our new fellow.
258
00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:23,320
He'll be in charge of
all travel permits here.
259
00:26:23,400 --> 00:26:25,160
Xing, work can wait.
260
00:26:25,240 --> 00:26:26,320
Come with me.
261
00:26:32,960 --> 00:26:36,680
The last man who did this job
was known as Ren.
262
00:26:36,760 --> 00:26:38,120
He died of illness last month.
263
00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:40,520
He lived here and worked here.
264
00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:41,640
Do you mind staying here?
265
00:26:42,680 --> 00:26:44,360
No. I'm fine with it.
266
00:26:45,440 --> 00:26:48,400
Good. Then this will be your station.
267
00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:51,160
Everyone outside
will follow your instructions.
268
00:26:52,280 --> 00:26:54,640
But some procedures can't be skipped.
269
00:26:54,720 --> 00:26:56,920
Show me your permit from the Capital.
270
00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:57,880
All right.
271
00:27:07,760 --> 00:27:08,680
TRAVEL PASS
272
00:27:17,520 --> 00:27:18,880
Check his travel pass.
273
00:27:18,960 --> 00:27:21,560
See when he set off and from where.
274
00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:24,680
Every prefecture and sub-prefecture
he passed has left its seal.
275
00:27:25,280 --> 00:27:27,040
Go through the seals one by one.
276
00:27:27,120 --> 00:27:29,640
If he arrived more or less on time,
277
00:27:29,720 --> 00:27:31,560
there should be no issue.
278
00:27:31,640 --> 00:27:34,920
But if the timing is far off, take heed.
279
00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:43,080
All right. I'll get to it.
280
00:27:49,440 --> 00:27:50,800
I just don't understand.
281
00:27:50,880 --> 00:27:54,760
You're so smart,
but you ended up collecting trash.
282
00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:56,440
What was Wang Pu thinking?
283
00:27:57,080 --> 00:27:59,640
You ask me? Who am I supposed to ask?
284
00:28:01,560 --> 00:28:02,800
THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE TWELFTH MONTH,
FOURTH YEAR OF WENCHENG
285
00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:03,720
CUI LUNIAN, INSPECTOR OF CHANG'AN
286
00:28:09,560 --> 00:28:10,920
Guards.
287
00:28:12,920 --> 00:28:16,760
You should've arrived three days ago.
The weather's been clear.
288
00:28:16,840 --> 00:28:18,680
Why are you late? Explain yourself.
289
00:28:20,320 --> 00:28:21,480
Answer the question.
290
00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:22,400
Speak.
291
00:28:38,160 --> 00:28:39,960
Where did you get this wound?
292
00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:45,040
I met a man on the road.
293
00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:47,400
He said he knew me
and forced me to forge a pass.
294
00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:50,440
I refused, and we fought.
295
00:28:51,040 --> 00:28:54,640
In the end, I stabbed him
a few times when he let his guard down
296
00:28:54,720 --> 00:28:55,560
and killed him.
297
00:28:56,840 --> 00:28:58,520
I fainted after that.
298
00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:03,880
That delayed my trip.
299
00:29:03,960 --> 00:29:07,360
Why didn't you report it?
300
00:29:07,960 --> 00:29:09,240
I didn't dare.
301
00:29:09,320 --> 00:29:10,400
Who did you kill?
302
00:29:13,920 --> 00:29:14,960
Liu Ziyan.
303
00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:18,600
You killed Liu Ziyan?
304
00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:23,680
He was the Huben Army's top killer.
You killed him?
305
00:29:26,560 --> 00:29:29,800
Di, I'm telling the truth.
306
00:29:30,320 --> 00:29:32,320
When I met him,
307
00:29:32,400 --> 00:29:36,160
he was badly wounded and nearly done for.
308
00:29:36,760 --> 00:29:38,400
How many times did you stab him?
309
00:29:38,480 --> 00:29:40,000
Where did you stab him?
310
00:29:40,880 --> 00:29:44,600
The first stab was aimed at his chest,
311
00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:48,960
but he grabbed my dagger.
312
00:29:49,600 --> 00:29:53,360
I pulled it out
and stabbed a few more times.
313
00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:56,080
I was afraid he'd survive.
314
00:29:56,880 --> 00:30:00,080
So maybe ten stabs.
315
00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:02,160
Where's the body?
316
00:30:03,000 --> 00:30:06,520
In the forest 30 li south of the city.
317
00:30:08,640 --> 00:30:10,240
I panicked
318
00:30:11,720 --> 00:30:14,800
and dumped the body before running.
319
00:30:16,840 --> 00:30:17,720
Watch him.
320
00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:18,960
I'll be back.
321
00:30:19,560 --> 00:30:20,480
Yes, sir.
322
00:30:42,480 --> 00:30:43,800
What?
323
00:30:43,880 --> 00:30:46,600
You hang around
that garbage collector all day
324
00:30:46,680 --> 00:30:48,080
and don't mind his stink,
325
00:30:48,160 --> 00:30:51,280
but when you're here, you're picky now?
326
00:30:51,360 --> 00:30:53,080
They smell completely different.
327
00:30:55,240 --> 00:30:57,040
How was it? Have you checked?
328
00:30:57,120 --> 00:30:58,480
How many wounds?
329
00:30:58,560 --> 00:31:01,080
I have. Eleven stab wounds.
330
00:31:01,160 --> 00:31:03,280
Done by two different groups.
331
00:31:03,360 --> 00:31:04,200
Here, look.
332
00:31:04,280 --> 00:31:06,440
These stabs have clean edges.
333
00:31:06,520 --> 00:31:08,400
The blade went in and out fast.
334
00:31:08,480 --> 00:31:09,600
Skilled hands.
335
00:31:09,680 --> 00:31:12,160
They should be from our people.
336
00:31:12,240 --> 00:31:14,680
As for these wounds, they're serious,
337
00:31:14,760 --> 00:31:17,240
but they avoided all the vital spots.
338
00:31:17,320 --> 00:31:19,760
The real fatal wounds are nine.
339
00:31:19,840 --> 00:31:23,480
Two to the chest,
the other seven to the abdomen.
340
00:31:23,560 --> 00:31:26,120
Judging by the cuts,
the stabs were forceful,
341
00:31:26,200 --> 00:31:27,440
but the depth varies.
342
00:31:27,520 --> 00:31:28,880
Their edges are rolled back.
343
00:31:28,960 --> 00:31:32,200
That means the blade
didn't go in or out cleanly.
344
00:31:34,440 --> 00:31:36,800
Whoever stabbed him meant to kill,
345
00:31:36,880 --> 00:31:39,720
but wasn't used to handling a weapon.
346
00:31:39,800 --> 00:31:43,640
As for the wound on the arm,
shallow inside and deep outside.
347
00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:45,920
Likely caused when he grabbed the blade
348
00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:48,000
as the attacker tried to pull it back.
349
00:31:49,360 --> 00:31:53,360
Could it have been staged after death?
350
00:31:54,240 --> 00:31:56,040
A dead man can't grab anything.
351
00:31:56,120 --> 00:32:00,040
Someone would've had to
press his hand onto the blade.
352
00:32:00,120 --> 00:32:02,960
But if so, the force wouldn't be even.
353
00:32:03,040 --> 00:32:06,360
Therefore, you wouldn't
get such a clean cut.
354
00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:21,400
Carry on.
355
00:32:21,480 --> 00:32:23,000
Keep writing. I'm just looking.
356
00:32:24,880 --> 00:32:28,880
BY GUO ZI'AN
357
00:32:28,960 --> 00:32:30,880
Your handwriting looks good.
358
00:32:30,960 --> 00:32:32,080
Impressive.
359
00:32:32,160 --> 00:32:34,600
You're way better than Ren.
360
00:32:36,240 --> 00:32:37,160
Di.
361
00:32:37,800 --> 00:32:39,240
- You…
- Sit.
362
00:32:39,320 --> 00:32:40,400
Don't be nervous.
363
00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:44,280
I came here to apologize.
364
00:32:44,880 --> 00:32:47,080
I was too rash before.
365
00:32:47,160 --> 00:32:50,240
I'd like to buy you a drink
and dinner tonight
366
00:32:50,320 --> 00:32:51,480
to calm your nerves.
367
00:32:53,480 --> 00:32:54,520
What do you think?
368
00:32:54,600 --> 00:32:56,880
- I told you I'm fine.
- Yes.
369
00:32:56,960 --> 00:32:58,320
More than fine.
370
00:32:58,880 --> 00:33:00,000
You even killed Liu Ziyan.
371
00:33:00,640 --> 00:33:03,640
That was something many wanted
but couldn't do.
372
00:33:03,720 --> 00:33:05,560
Xing, you've got both brains and brawn.
373
00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:06,760
You have a bright future.
374
00:33:07,880 --> 00:33:10,160
Whether I have a future isn't the point.
375
00:33:10,240 --> 00:33:14,360
What matters is I didn't lose my life.
376
00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:16,920
What kind of talk is that?
377
00:33:17,520 --> 00:33:18,640
All right then.
378
00:33:18,720 --> 00:33:20,320
See you at the mutton-soup stall tonight.
379
00:33:20,400 --> 00:33:22,720
I'll buy you a good drink.
380
00:33:22,800 --> 00:33:24,280
I think I'll pass.
381
00:33:24,360 --> 00:33:25,560
It's settled.
382
00:33:25,640 --> 00:33:27,760
I'll introduce you to a friend.
383
00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:30,400
I've prepared a gift for you.
384
00:33:31,040 --> 00:33:32,200
You'll like it.
385
00:33:33,120 --> 00:33:35,320
All right. See you tonight.
386
00:33:35,400 --> 00:33:37,600
I'll hurry and finish this work.
387
00:33:38,240 --> 00:33:39,160
Go on with your tasks.
388
00:34:10,040 --> 00:34:11,600
I told you.
389
00:34:12,440 --> 00:34:15,400
You're different from the rest of them.
390
00:34:28,880 --> 00:34:31,679
How am I supposed to eat it
when you put it on the ground?
391
00:34:32,639 --> 00:34:35,280
How about this, lad? Put it on my leg.
392
00:34:41,480 --> 00:34:43,040
Leave the rest to me.
393
00:34:43,120 --> 00:34:44,480
On your leg?
394
00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:49,120
After I leave,
you'll find a way to drop the bowl,
395
00:34:49,840 --> 00:34:52,960
break it, take a shard,
396
00:34:53,040 --> 00:34:55,880
cut the rope, and escape.
397
00:34:57,440 --> 00:34:59,200
I pity you,
398
00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:01,800
but I'm no fool.
399
00:35:04,800 --> 00:35:08,760
Lad, I can't reach the bowl.
400
00:35:09,560 --> 00:35:10,800
Think of something yourself.
401
00:35:12,120 --> 00:35:16,280
You can lean your whole body over,
402
00:35:16,360 --> 00:35:20,400
then press your face
to the ground, like a dog.
403
00:35:21,440 --> 00:35:22,640
I've done it before.
404
00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:26,320
You can do the same.
405
00:35:51,880 --> 00:35:52,880
Wang Xing.
406
00:35:54,720 --> 00:35:57,840
There are two people
in Hidden Soldier Alley you must befriend.
407
00:35:58,440 --> 00:36:01,720
Do you mean General Fengshan?
408
00:36:02,320 --> 00:36:04,640
I've never even met him.
409
00:36:05,480 --> 00:36:08,280
The first is Li Sangeng.
410
00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:10,720
The calmest man in Hidden Soldier Alley.
411
00:36:11,560 --> 00:36:14,160
I noticed your travel pass
was overdue by three days
412
00:36:14,240 --> 00:36:16,320
because he reminded me.
413
00:36:16,400 --> 00:36:18,880
If you didn't say it,
he'd never know it was my idea.
414
00:36:19,560 --> 00:36:21,640
What? You hold a dagger to his neck,
415
00:36:21,720 --> 00:36:23,320
and try to blame it on me?
416
00:36:24,040 --> 00:36:26,280
That's all in the past now.
417
00:36:27,080 --> 00:36:29,560
Exactly. It's all in the past.
No need to bring up old matters.
418
00:36:31,480 --> 00:36:34,560
The second person is me. Di Lu.
419
00:36:35,160 --> 00:36:37,280
The warmest man in Hidden Soldier Alley.
420
00:36:37,360 --> 00:36:39,600
Everyone here is my friend.
421
00:36:40,200 --> 00:36:42,760
If you ever need anything,
just give me a shout.
422
00:36:43,800 --> 00:36:45,560
Sure. Thank you, Di.
423
00:36:46,600 --> 00:36:48,240
Don't be so courteous.
424
00:36:48,320 --> 00:36:50,560
The more you thank me,
the more long-winded it sounds.
425
00:36:52,760 --> 00:36:53,920
Wang,
426
00:36:54,000 --> 00:36:57,560
care to tell us
what kind of person you are?
427
00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:01,640
Just get him drunk, and you'll find out.
428
00:37:01,720 --> 00:37:04,640
No. I'm not a good drinker.
429
00:37:05,560 --> 00:37:07,960
Just like Di said,
430
00:37:08,520 --> 00:37:11,080
I'm probably the luckiest man
in Hidden Soldier Alley.
431
00:37:11,720 --> 00:37:15,800
After all, I faced Liu Ziyan
and lived to tell the tale.
432
00:37:16,680 --> 00:37:17,880
Liu Ziyan?
433
00:37:19,200 --> 00:37:22,360
Speaking of him,
I must pour a cup for you.
434
00:37:23,600 --> 00:37:24,680
Here, Wang Xing.
435
00:37:27,360 --> 00:37:30,080
Who would've thought
that after Liu Ziyan was gravely injured,
436
00:37:30,160 --> 00:37:33,400
he happened to run into you,
happened to know you,
437
00:37:34,280 --> 00:37:35,520
and forced you to forge a pass?
438
00:37:40,840 --> 00:37:42,400
Sangeng, the cup is full.
439
00:37:45,400 --> 00:37:47,000
What a coincidence.
440
00:37:47,680 --> 00:37:50,960
I wouldn't believe it
unless I saw it with my own eyes.
441
00:37:55,640 --> 00:37:58,720
Sangeng, I know you're cautious,
442
00:37:58,800 --> 00:38:00,800
but I've looked into it.
443
00:38:00,880 --> 00:38:02,920
Stop being so suspicious.
444
00:38:03,000 --> 00:38:04,520
Come on. Sit.
445
00:38:05,600 --> 00:38:08,000
He's like that.
446
00:38:08,080 --> 00:38:11,080
He sees enemies even in a pile of garbage.
Don't blame him.
447
00:38:11,880 --> 00:38:13,680
You two have a toast,
and let this matter rest.
448
00:38:14,280 --> 00:38:16,800
It's all in the past. Come on.
449
00:38:16,880 --> 00:38:19,800
Sangeng, if you need
a travel pass, come to me.
450
00:38:20,560 --> 00:38:22,880
If there's garbage, I'll take it.
451
00:38:24,720 --> 00:38:28,480
Xing, don't blame me for that day.
452
00:38:29,520 --> 00:38:30,800
I was just scared.
453
00:38:31,400 --> 00:38:33,840
The Huben Army
is like rats in the street now.
454
00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:36,120
I have to keep my eyes open.
455
00:38:37,160 --> 00:38:40,040
That's enough.
You're drunk. Don't talk nonsense.
456
00:38:41,560 --> 00:38:43,040
You don't understand.
457
00:38:44,120 --> 00:38:49,080
The Huben Army was glorious once,
back when General Liu was still alive.
458
00:38:49,720 --> 00:38:51,320
Not anymore.
459
00:38:51,400 --> 00:38:54,720
General Fengshan wants to push for reform.
That's a great undertaking.
460
00:38:54,800 --> 00:38:56,400
I can't help with anything.
461
00:38:57,120 --> 00:39:00,640
I'm just afraid
that one day this alley will be raided,
462
00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:05,200
and every Huben member
won't be able to escape.
463
00:39:05,800 --> 00:39:10,320
I only hope
they can live just one more day.
464
00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:13,160
Come. Drink.
465
00:39:42,960 --> 00:39:45,200
Huainan is good
466
00:39:45,280 --> 00:39:47,480
A safe haven
467
00:39:47,560 --> 00:39:52,000
The mountains and rivers
Stretch on like our affection
468
00:39:52,080 --> 00:39:57,000
A devoted soul sings here
469
00:39:57,080 --> 00:40:02,000
I brave the snow to see you off
470
00:40:02,080 --> 00:40:06,400
I await your return
Though my temples may turn to frost
471
00:40:07,000 --> 00:40:10,760
My devotion endures
As long as water flows
472
00:40:12,320 --> 00:40:15,240
Am I the one drunk,
or are both of you drunk?
473
00:40:15,320 --> 00:40:17,000
My place is over this side.
474
00:40:17,080 --> 00:40:19,000
- This way.
- Let's go.
475
00:40:19,080 --> 00:40:20,120
Di,
476
00:40:21,840 --> 00:40:25,200
why are you suddenly singing this tune?
477
00:40:25,280 --> 00:40:28,760
It doesn't sound like
a tune from Chang'an.
478
00:40:29,600 --> 00:40:32,400
I used to know someone
479
00:40:33,000 --> 00:40:36,760
who lived in the place
from this song, Huainan.
480
00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:41,200
I used to deliver messages for him.
481
00:40:41,280 --> 00:40:44,560
I had to go
to this remote village every time.
482
00:40:44,640 --> 00:40:45,960
It was exhausting.
483
00:40:47,200 --> 00:40:51,040
Then, word came
from above that he'd betrayed us.
484
00:40:51,640 --> 00:40:53,960
I was given the task to kill him.
485
00:40:54,720 --> 00:40:58,480
But when I got there,
there wasn't even a trace of him.
486
00:41:02,120 --> 00:41:05,680
Only those who've died once
can be truly free.
487
00:41:06,720 --> 00:41:08,040
To be honest,
488
00:41:09,400 --> 00:41:13,800
before he turned against us,
I actually liked him.
489
00:41:16,160 --> 00:41:19,000
Di, why did you try to kill him?
490
00:41:26,880 --> 00:41:27,800
Xing,
491
00:41:29,680 --> 00:41:35,880
liking someone
has nothing to do with killing them.
492
00:41:36,560 --> 00:41:41,440
In the end, the only person
you can afford to like is yourself.
493
00:41:42,040 --> 00:41:45,280
Keeping yourself alive
matters more than anything.
494
00:41:45,880 --> 00:41:47,920
If I didn't take the job,
495
00:41:48,760 --> 00:41:50,800
I'd be the one dead.
496
00:41:56,320 --> 00:41:58,200
I haven't had enough.
497
00:41:58,280 --> 00:42:00,280
Come to my place and let's drink more.
498
00:42:00,360 --> 00:42:01,480
Let's drink more.
499
00:42:03,040 --> 00:42:04,280
This is it.
500
00:42:05,960 --> 00:42:07,920
Sangeng, bring the liquor.
501
00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:09,360
- Over there.
- That's enough.
502
00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:11,480
You're plastered.
503
00:42:11,560 --> 00:42:13,080
- Come. Careful.
- Liquor.
504
00:42:20,760 --> 00:42:21,880
I should get going.
505
00:42:22,680 --> 00:42:24,240
Don't go.
506
00:42:24,320 --> 00:42:25,560
Let's drink some more.
507
00:42:25,640 --> 00:42:28,080
It's rare for us to be this happy.
508
00:42:28,160 --> 00:42:30,000
You're an interesting man.
509
00:42:30,080 --> 00:42:31,960
Let's drink. Come on.
510
00:42:32,040 --> 00:42:33,040
Maybe not today.
511
00:42:33,120 --> 00:42:34,440
Your head will hurt tomorrow.
512
00:42:34,520 --> 00:42:37,800
- Drink some water.
- I don't want water. I want liquor.
513
00:42:43,440 --> 00:42:48,160
Xing, I prepared a gift for you.
514
00:42:48,240 --> 00:42:50,080
Drink a little more with me.
515
00:42:50,160 --> 00:42:52,560
If not, I'll give it to someone else.
516
00:42:53,360 --> 00:42:56,240
Sangeng, you too. Drink with us.
517
00:42:56,840 --> 00:42:59,320
Let me tell you. I…
518
00:43:24,840 --> 00:43:25,880
Xing,
519
00:43:27,000 --> 00:43:29,920
when did you get that wound?
520
00:43:43,960 --> 00:43:47,080
Liu Ziyan stabbed someone recently.
521
00:43:47,760 --> 00:43:51,880
It was a man
the Huben Army had been ordered to kill.
522
00:43:51,960 --> 00:43:56,720
I heard the blade
was driven in from the neck.
523
00:43:57,560 --> 00:44:00,400
It was the right side of the neck.
524
00:44:19,880 --> 00:44:22,120
You almost had me there.
525
00:45:29,520 --> 00:45:32,720
Good thing you're here tonight,
Han Ziling.