Original subtitles

[Melody of Golden Age]

[The ad is aired at this period of time]

[Episode 5]

Thank you so much

for what happened today

I see

the one you should thank is someone else

Indeed, quite similar to mine in many ways

But it still can't deceive you

It's not just me

The Empress Dowager

It's upright when making statements,

but occasionally reveals

a feminine style between the lines

Yan Xin, on that day,

was highly recommended by PM Zhang

but now she seems willing to help you

I'd say...

It's quite intriguing

Why did the Empress Dowager...

You've got a virtuous wife

The Empress Dowager

seems to have taken

that nursery rhyme to heart

The task you were sent to do,

is also a difficult task

Be very careful

I will

It seems I wrongly accused Madam

In this incident

She still shows kindness and loyalty

If she doesn't write it,

would I not say it myself?

Her saving her husband was a pretext

She wants to use this opportunity

to vindicate Chen Baiyi

That is her purpose

She actually dare use the Grand Minister

She actually dare use me

Despicable

Forget it

She just wants

to uphold justice for Chen Baiyi

How did she know

about my handwriting?

She...

She entered your study

No wonder she imitated it so well

I can't tell

she even has the skill to mimic handwriting

Grand Minister

She touched your papers

Should we...

Keep her

See what other tricks she'll do

There is one thing

that needs to be done immediately

Prince Xian

Something's wrong

Outside...

Prince Xian receives the edict

Xiao Zhong receives the edict

In accordance with the time,

I accept this decree

Command Prince Xian

to go to Fengxiang Prefecture for inspection

Prince Xian, Xiao Zhong

possesses both literary and martial virtues,

embraces economic principles,

embodies benevolence and righteousness,

demonstrates courage and efficiency,

possessing both virtues and talents,

benefiting the region

Currently, Fengxiang Prefecture is suffering from drought and hardship,

and needs strategic planning

and command

Appoint Prince Xian to inspect

and supervise the nation's resources,

upholding our country's prestige,

soothing the hearts of the people,

and executing the main tasks

Me, Xiao Zhong

Accept the decree with gratitude

When should I set off?

Your Highness

The Empress Dowager has ordered

that it's of great importance

It must not be delayed for a moment

This departure

will be escorted by the Internal Affairs

The Grand Minister has been arranged

Please rest assured, Your Highness

Alright

During my absence

Take good care of these flowers

The temperature difference is large in the morning and evening

Watering at the time of Si is optimal

Especially my yellow peony robe

Yes

Let's go

Your Highness

Please

I don't know if the paper worked

Madam

Madam

There's news from the palace

The Grand Minister has left the palace

You can rest assured now

You should go to bed early

Alright

Then I'll wait a little longer

Alright

Madam

Osmanthus and lotus seed soup

Drink it while it's hot

I don't think I've seen her before

Prime Minister

Yan Xing from the Yan family

is indeed exceptionally intelligent

Shen Du was taken to the palace earlier

And has not returned home since

If you ask about the progress of the case

I'm afraid there will be no results

I know where Shen Du is

Today, I met you

just to clarify the Yan's stance

I don't understand

Please speak clearly

The Empress Dowager became furious

when hearing the popular nursery rhyme

She immediately issued an edict

to let Prince Xian

oversee disaster relief in Fengxiang Prefecture

When he left

he didn't even bring any attendants

And he even concealed

the route for the inspection

You believe

the Empress Dowager suspects

that Prince Xian is behind the nursery rhyme incident

So she takes action against Prince Xian

But

A tiger does not eat its cubs

The road is long and the mountain is high

If something were to happen

It would be too late

Let me ask you

The Empress Dowager controls the court

disregarding the legitimate dynasty of Cang

What was the surname of the late emperor?

Does the Yan family

even know this in your hearts?

I'm wholeheartedly investigating and seeking justice

I, as a mere woman,

do not understand the affairs of the court

Even less can I bear such great responsibilities

Naive

You desire to enter the court

You're entangled in legal cases

Yet wish to remain innocent

Let alone you, Yan Xing

Even Yan's Family

cannot escape involvement

The Empress Dowager values the nation

Perhaps you're overthinking it

A series of cases

A nursery rhyme

Can it really

cause such a commotion?

Buddha takes the blame

This nursery rhyme is cruel

It's directly pointing out the Empress Dowager's illegitimacy

If it spreads,

It won't just involve the Prince Xian

What do you want me to do?

I've had someone investigate

Shen's Family uses carrier pigeons

to issue orders and transmit messages

This trip of the Prince Xian,

They will surely

use carrier pigeons to report

Hurry up

to find the Prince Xian's path

At that time,

whether Shen Du

intends to assassinate the Prince Xian

or genuinely protect him,

We should prepare in advance

Carrier pigeons

Why do you act sneakily

in your own mansion?

Just like a thief

Grand Minister

I've been waiting for you

When did you come back?

Did the Empress Dowager trouble you?

You had me worried all night for nothing

Yan Xing

Why pretend?

Do you think by doing this

you'll please me?

You're not falling for it

Forget it then

Are you satisfied?

As a scribe of the Ministry of Justice,

you should know the consequences

of forging memorials

Moreover, your words

have caused much trouble in the court

At that time,

I was desperate to save you

I have never written a memorial,

how would I know what to write

and what not to write?

Save me

You're treating me like a tool

The night is deep with heavy dew

Grand Minister

Let's go inside and rest quickly

Chen Baiyi, the talent from a humble background,

burns himself in the Ming Hall

After years of hard work and writing,

all his works have been stolen

When will the rot and corruption of the Cang end?

When will the corrupt practices cease?

Everyone

Why must we study diligently

only to be

companions to their noble offspring?

We are just their shadows

We won't stand for it anymore

No more

Look at you poor wretches

Without noble lineage,

you're not even worthy

to enter the Hongwen Institute

Still, you dream of success

Let me tell you

You were born lowly

What are you talking about?

Just a scoundrel who steals articles

Stop hitting

Stop hitting

Stop hitting

Don't hit

What a disgrace

What a disgrace

All the same

Empty words

The self-immolation case in Ming Hall

Internal Affairs

What are the confirmed results?

Report to the Empress Dowager

Further verification has confirmed

Indeed, as previously stated

Student Chen Baiyi

had his article stolen by the eldest son of the Jin

And he was expelled by Jin family for theorizing

and got publicly humiliated and beaten

Filled with resentment,

with no official recourse

Finally committed suicide to uphold his integrity

The students of Hongwen Institute caused trouble

It has not subsided

More reports are coming from the south

Look

Look

Cannot follow the right path

It's difficult to reach the public

Scholars from all over the world

Do they look down on recruiting talents?

Empress Dowager, please calm down

Mother

Selecting talents is a great matter for the country

The aristocratic families should not influence it

to maintain the status of the families

causing such disputes

I think

whether from humble roots

or aristocratic families

Let's compare them

Select talents

through a fair competition

No

Inheriting positions from ancestors is tradition

How can it change just like that?

Prince Ying spends your days

engaging in poetry competitions

with those commoner students

and get distracted for a moment

Even commoner students

are also citizens of our country

I just speak for them

Why did PM Zhang react so strongly?

Could it be that

that you already knew about

the Jin family's son stealing articles

Empress Dowager, please see through it

I only consider

the interests of the country

We should not be based solely on articles when selecting

Family background is also important

That's not right

Stubbornly upholding the privileges of the aristocracy

has already led to

numerous instances of corruption and fraud

We should select the capable for the positions

Empress Dowager

The deceased in the Ximing Temple case

were all children of the aristocracy

Who knows

which commoner was influenced

and committed such acts

Influence?

It is better to relax than to be rigid

Suppressing will never solve the problem

Such a simple truth

How could you not know?

Could it be

you want the Empress Dowager to bear

the unjust reputation

from the commoners?

The loyalty of the courtiers to the Empress Dowager

is evident to the whole world

If you open the door to officialdom,

it would be absolutely inappropriate

Empress Dowager

Alright, PM Zhang

Get up quickly

Your argument

is also for the sake of the country and the people

Lord Shen

Haven't you already verified

the self-immolation case?

Then, what is your opinion?

Among the commoners,

there're indeed talented individuals

who truly deserve an opportunity

I believe

we could select

a fair method of assessment to seek talents

for the Empress Dowager's consideration

Perhaps we could start with

a trial at the Hongwen Institute

To select talented individuals from the commoners for academic study

The Empress Dowager is wise

It's you

Miss, sit over here

Come, have a seat

Thanks to you,

my unfilial grandson

can finally rest in peace

Grand Minister

Do you still need these bones?

The writings by Scholar Chen

are highly praised by the students

I brought a copy for you

Unfortunately,

I can't read

I'll read it to you

Song of the West River

Recalling the plum blossoms at West River,

Sending plum blossoms to the northern river,

In a single shirt, apricot cheeks are red

Madam is truly willing

to take on tasks herself

But what she truly desires, fairness and justice,

is not easily achieved

I can't figure out

what plans you have up your sleeve

What's wrong?

The Empress Dowager has decreed

that the Hongwen Institute will be a trial site

for selecting talented individuals from the commoners for study

Really?

What I mean is,

I never dare overstep in this matter

It's all thanks to your mediation

This time,

it will surely bring

her a reputation of keen insight

among the commoner students

Isn't it great?

I'm happy for you

Is this what I care about?

If there are any future actions,

inform me in advance,

or else I won't let it go easily

Indeed

You, White Impermanence

What reputation do you still want?

What are you gonna do

at this late hour?

I'm going out for a walk

Go for a run

If I don't get tired from running

How can one sleep peacefully

next to White Impermanence?

Madam

Does she go running every night?

Madam says it helps with sleep

It's too bright

The lights haven't changed

Same as before

Do you also find it too bright?

The people in the mansion are used to it

I remember

Xichen has a fabric

that can shield the brightness

Go make some curtains

Yes

Also

Don't turn on the lights

over there in the future

Save on costs whenever possible

Yes

Grand Minister

You have come this far

Come in

Hurry down

The identities of the 12 deceased from Ximing Temple

have all been verified

Most of these paired corpses

were familiar with each other in life,

often seen together

However, there are two pairs

with no apparent connection

before death

Didn't they say

the Internal Affairs is always high efficiency?

Why is it taking so long

to find nothing out?

All male corpses are land-owning class

and can be recognized quickly

by their appearance and attire

But these female corpses

had their appearances destroyed

and lack household registrations

It indeed took some time

Moreover,

the time of their disappearance

does not match the time of death

Doesn't match?

So do the male deceased?

Yes

Two or three month

Or even one and two year between

After the killer got them away,

he can even keep them locked for that long

It indeed increases the risk

Does this correspond

to the missing geishas

previously reported by Yi Liangren?

Yes, it does

All the missing geishas

in the musician hall

You mean they were all geishas?

Yes

That's not right

What's wrong?

The jewelry

these female corpses wore

does not match

Take a look at this

It's exquisite

The quality looks good at first glance

It's quite beautiful

I found it odd at the time

that these pieces of jewelry

seemed overly intricate

compared to regular adornments

They don't seem to be from ordinary goldsmiths

These things

should not be easily obtained

by ordinary geishas

I don't know much about these

But Chuichui mentioned

renowned artisans

usually leave their mark on their works

The goldsmiths of Bijiang Golden Workshop

were once the Imperial Jewelers

who made jewelry for the nobles

They surpassed many century-old workshops

within just a decade of establishment

being the leader in the city

Please take your time

Dear guests

May I help you with something?

Hairpins

Bring your finest pieces

Yes

Madam, are you satisfied?

This one

Madam has a keen eye

How much is this?

Fifty taels

As I said,

ordinary geishas can't afford it

Husband

I want something beautiful

When the shopkeeper arrives,

let him present the best he has

The Purple Bamboo Tea is a tribute nowadays

Especially the Yangxian Purple Bamboo Tea,

which is a top-tier treasure

I was graciously

given some before

But I've been reluctant to drink it

Your shop is indeed generous

It's from the master's collection

It's only

for esteemed guests

Has the manager not arrived yet?

So it's the Grand Minister

and madam

What brings you here today?

If my memory serves me right

You're Chief Yang

around Prince Ying

The Grand Minister has a sharp eye

to remember a humble servant like me

I'm really honored

Do you recognize

these golden ornaments?

This does indeed

come from our Bijiang Golden Workshop

Good

I want the list of people

who sold these gold ornaments

Grand Minister

You've put me in a difficult position

The Gold Workshop welcomes all

with numerous customers coming and going,

We've sold countless

jewelry over the years

How can one possibly remember all?

A hairpin at fifty taels each

For ordinary people,

even if one sells everything,

they couldn't afford it

Can't you give me the account?

You might as well tell me

who could help me?

This...

When Internal Affairs is handling cases,

any concealment

is a serious matter

And you'll bear the responsibility

Please wait, Grand Minister

I'll go get it

This one is nice

Just this one

Simple

Suitable for you

Are you giving it to me?

You're not asking me to

buy it myself, right?

The female victim wore these gold ornaments

are indeed quite expensive

Among the list of purchases

there are no courtesans

but there are a few familiar names

It's the male victim

Exactly

They spared no expense

just to please a woman

This looks like a careless account

Many shipments are only labeled as gifts

with no amounts recorded

and no specific destinations

The Golden Workshop often hosts banquets

inviting the noblewomen of the city

It's likely they were given as gifts

Quite generous

Chief Yang is quite impressive

There's someone else

who's impressive

Chief Yang

is a confidant of the Prince Ying

Her rank and status

are beyond ordinary palace servants

But just now, in front of you

she humbly called herself a slave

and obediently handed over this list

It seems

she is afraid of offending

someone of your stature

Putting on an act

In fact, she doesn't want you

to continue investigating the workshop

Behind her

it's likely the Prince Ying

Could they be trying to use banquets

to win over officials

and the noblewomen of the palace

and then use their confidants

to understand the intentions

and movements of each mansion?

No wonder PM Zhang

is so wary of him

Do you know the Prince Ying?

The Prince Ying

is highly favored

She appears to indulge all day

but actually, she's quite shrewd

But no need to worry

She'll probably

come to see you soon

What do you mean?

Grand Minister

Come in

An invitation from the Prince Ying

An invitation from the Prince Ying

for the lady to attend a flower banquet

Isn't that Lady Grand Minister?

Wasn't anyone gonna fix her hair?

I just saw it

Lady Wu doesn't look well

I heard

that her husband keeps a courtesan

Why did she have to marry

that minor official

from the Ministry of Justice?

Men,

whether powerful or not,

whether wealthy or not,

they are all the same

That's right

I also heard

that Mrs. Tang

favored a poor young man

as if he were something special

But finally...

that man eloped with a courtesan

Why haven't I heard of this?

Do you know why Mrs. Tang

has a good relationship

with the Prince Ying?

Why?

Because

they both like poor young men

That's right

Exactly

Here she comes

Madam, please forgive me

It's nothing

It's my own carelessness

Thank you, Madam

Look

Lady of Grand Minister Shen

is so dignified

Isn't she the legitimate daughter of the Yan?

And now,

she looks like a noble lady

It's Mrs Shen's first time attending

such a banquet,

she may not be very comfortable

Actually, she's not like this normally

The Mrs Liu just now,

her husband was taken for questioning

by the Internal Affairs a few months ago

It's okay

It's just...

Her husband offended someone outside,

Madam is making amends

So, Mrs Shen,

don't worry about it

They're just

blowing off steam

I see that Mrs Shen's skirt

is wet

Let me accompany you

to change your clothes

Let's go

This's called the Medicine Spring Pool

Soaking here

can promote health and healing

Mrs Shen, with your wet clothes and cold,

Why not go up

and enjoy it?

This is too precious

I'll just...

I'm adjusting

the new formula of the Medicine Spring

Since you're here

Help me experience

the effects of this new formula

Mrs. Tang even knows how to blend medicines

I only know the basics

That's right

The scent of white musk

She was the one watching that day

outside the Ximing Temple

This is the Phoenix Moth

I've heard a legend

that someone who saw a Phoenix Moth

followed it up the mountain

and gained eternal life

Mrs. Tang,

a person of such temperament

Do you also desire immortality?

In this short life of only a few decades

If

there's something you wanna do,

don't hesitate at all

After the passing of youth

to pursue one's dreams

might become a futile effort

Absolutely right

Come on

Mrs. Shen is intelligent

and has a close relationship with the Grand Minister

The series of murders in the city

are in your hands

which is truly reassuring

Speaking of which,

the Liang family has truly suffered a lot

I used to have regular interactions

with the lady of the Liang Mansion

Such a beauty

But her husband never looked at her

Now that

they have lost their son

The relationship between Liang's couple is strained

I should mind my own business

I shouldn't let it out

Mrs. Shen

Please don't take it to your heart

Please also inform Mrs. Liang

that the culprit will be captured soon

No matter how well hidden

Mrs. Shen

Prince Ying

invites you to discuss after your bath

Got it

It's been two hours already

Why hasn't he arrived yet?

Your Highness

The flowers outside are in full bloom

Yet I've even left Mrs. Shen alone

Mrs. Shen, no need to be nervous

I asked you here

is merely for a casual chat

However

Focus on the case investigation

Please leave the rest alone

Mrs. Shen, being so clever,

You'd understand my intentions

A good bird chooses its tree to perch

Hasn't your husband taught you that?

Your Highness

Grand Minister is here

to escort Mrs. Shen back home

It's only been half a day,

and the Grand Minister

is so concerned about Mrs. Shen

It seems that the rumors in the streets

are not groundless

The bond between you two

is truly enviable

Let him in

Yes

The flower banquet has ended

But Madam is not yet home

She must have lost her way in the vast palace

I was worried

So I came to fetch her

After all,

there're many trivial matters at home

that Madam needs to attend to

The Grand Minister came personally to fetch her

If I keep bothering Mrs. Shen

it would be impolite

However, there is one thing

I must tell the Grand Minister

The investigation is critical

Thanks for the reminder, Your Highness

Did you get injured?

They're bleeding

Has Her Highness forced you

to eat something?

Could you have been poisoned?

Thanks for your hard work

Getting on the carriage

Others won't see it anymore

Did you already anticipate

that my visiting would be more bad than good?

If a person who has just learned to walk

won't stumble

they wouldn't know how painful falling is

Besides, you've exposed

a trump card of Her Highness

she should give you a knock

It's the two of us who exposed her secrets,

yet only I got knocked

However,

it's okay since you came to...

No need to thank me

You wrote a report to save me

So it's just returning the favor

During the previous investigation by the Internal Affairs,

was there any discovery

of discord between Liang's couple?

What's the point of investigating

the inner chambers?

The main household has indeed been persistent

in not letting go of the uncles from the second

crying and making a fuss all day long

Fortunately, Liang Jiren

has a general idea

He hasn't made things difficult for the second

Liang Chenzhong is the only son,

and the main household

has been cut off by the murderer

There are many who hate him,

even if he wasn't heart-ripped,

he wouldn't have lived much longer

The killer who poisoned Dripping Guanyin

also holds murderous intentions

It's just

not as fast as the serial killer