Original subtitles

[Episode 7]

We can't keep fighting like this.

We must find a way to escape quickly.

Zhan Zhao?

Look at you.

I spared you once, yet you're in a hurry to die?

You came to ask for the official seal?

Too bad you were so reckless.

Now you fell into my brother's trap. Serves you right!

Bai Yu Tang, what are you playing at?

What am I playing at?

You fell into the pit yourself. Don't blame me.

Zhan Zhao, aren't you known as the Imperial Cat?

How did you get stuck in a small pit?

You know very well there are fire mines under our feet.

Still provoke us like that?

Are you so eager to see us dead?

I'll tell you the truth then.

There's a fuse for the fire mines under your feet.

Pull it out, and it will be disabled.

You trust him?

Aren't you afraid my advice is a trap?

You know about the official seal,

and you want to see me embarrassed.

So I know for certain you are the real Bai Yu Tang.

My second brother's lightness skill is mediocre.

He'll have to suffer for a bit at the bottom of the pit.

What do you mean?

The Bai Yu Tang from before was a fake?

Of course he was fake.

That was Zhi Hua.

A few days ago, he came to the island disguised as me.

He tricked my elder brothers into drinking poison.

The poison isn't lethal,

but it makes one lose their mind and hallucinate.

He also brought men from the Tang Sect,

posing as servants and killing innocents on the island.

That's not right.

Why would the Tang Sect follow Zhi Hua's orders?

Why do you have so many questions?

How should I know?

Anyway, my third and fourth brothers have moved their people to the mountains,

and hid my sister-in-law and Zhen Er in Luosi Pavilion.

Then they closed the docks to stop outsiders.

But I'm worried...

they will find Luosi Pavilion soon.

Don't worry.

Zhao Hui will lead the way.

We'll take them to the mountains first.

Go after your eldest brother.

The one who fought my brother just now was my fourth brother, Jiang Ping.

He's an excellent swimmer.

He must have lured my brother to the lake behind the mountain.

We'll meet up there later.

Is Chief Lu all right?

I must get my brother settled first.

The Tang Sect may still be in the manor.

Zhao Hui, go and help them.

We can handle things here.

Alright.

This is Zhan Zhao, the Southern Knight.

Everyone.

Zhan is here specifically to help.

Third Brother, stay and help Fifth Brother.

Okay.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

Bai Yu Tang! Stop fighting.

I've surrounded Xiankong Island with my men.

Neither you nor Zhi Hua can escape.

If you both surrender together,

it'll save me some trouble.

Pah! You damn cat.

I already told you that if you fight me, I'll return the official seal to you.

But you brought soldiers to surround us.

Are you simply too afraid to fight me one-on-one?

Zhi Hua's Great Compassion Palm is the result of true mastery.

Be extremely careful when fighting him!

Oh.

So this is the Great Compassion Palm?

It's not that impressive.

Come on, let me see what you've got again.

Bai Yu Tang. I didn't come here to play games with you.

The antidote you want is right here.

Kill Zhan Zhao, and it's yours!

Decide quickly.

There isn't much antidote left.

If two more packets are lost, your two brothers will be beyond saving.

Zhan Zhao, I'm the one who saved your life.

Yet you ungratefully brought soldiers to besiege the island.

There is no more friendship between us.

Today, Xiankong Island will be your grave!

I was lying when I said I brought soldiers to besiege the island.

Can't you see?

I'm only fighting you to deceive him. Can't you see that?

Third Brother, why are you fighting so fiercely?

Take it easy. This is just my ruse.

If the Imperial Cat really dies on the island, our peaceful days will be over.

You fell for it, you fool.

So you're the Imperial Cat who almost killed my fifth brother.

What? Coming to the island to catch us Five Rats, are you?

Third Brother!

What nonsense are you talking?

Our Xiankong Island was able to escape this disaster today,

is all thanks to Master Zhan's rescue.

Chief Lu,

it's no matter.

I only came here

to explain everything to you all.

That title was just a jest by His Majesty.

Please do not blame me

for my previous unintentional offense.

My Lord, how did you offend them?

It was clearly them who--

Fifth Brother.

Look at Master Zhan's

magnanimity and poise.

Why don't you come over and apologize to him?

Zhi Hua!

Behave yourself.

Now that you still won't show restraint on our turf,

and put on an act to gain my eldest brother's trust.

Don't think I don't know the malicious intent hidden beneath your mask of hypocrisy.

If you don't behave, I'll make sure you never leave this island!

Master Zhan,

you said earlier that...

you came here regarding Fifth Brother stealing the official seal.

My fifth brother is a bit mischievous at times,

but I can guarantee with my life that he would never do anything evil.

He even helps the poor and upholds justice.

He's worthy of the Five Rats' name.

I'd like to plead for him.

I understand what you mean.

To be honest...

I'll give you my word.

As long as he returns the official seal,

I will certainly find a way to protect him before Lord Bao.

Then,

I, Lu...

thank you so much!

What?

Are you in a hurry to arrest me?

Help me interrogate him.

Talk! Or I'll beat you to death!

What do you want me to say?

Well! You're quite stubborn.

Bai Yu Tang.

I haven't even asked anything yet.

How is he supposed to answer?

Exactly. Go ahead and ask!

- You didn't ask? - Um. Not a word. You just started hitting.

This is a strategy.

I was giving him a chance to confess voluntarily.

I didn't expect him to be so stubborn.

I was just about to change tactics.

Speak!

Who is behind you?

See? Asking is useless anyway.

- Just kill him. - Wait!

Master Bai, please calm down.

May I ask a few questions?

Zhi Hua.

That item has been sent to the capital.

The case involved will be tried soon.

If you continue to resist,

it won't do you any good.

So what if it reached the capital?

Even if the Emperor hears of it,

His Lordship is not afraid.

He's powerful indeed.

Could it be that His Lordship not only controls Xiangzhou,

but has also planted influence in the imperial court?

How arrogant.

He's talking to you. Still closing your eyes?

Wait, wait!

Just a few more questions.

Just a few.

Let's talk about something else then.

The poison you used on Chief Lu...

Who created it?

The Tang Sect, of course.

The Tang Sect is skilled with poison,

but they usually aim to kill.

This kind of mind-altering poison is not their style!

Speak up.

What is your relationship with Jing Yi Ming of the Shangqing Sect?

How much do you know about him? Speak!

We've already got the antidote anyway.

If he won't talk, we can just kill him.

Good idea.

No. I'm taking him back to the capital tomorrow.

You're leaving tomorrow?

Why don't you stick around for a few more days?

I was supposed to leave,

but if I can't finish my official duties,

I'm afraid I won't be able to return.

Then just stay here.

I'll just consider it as finding a highly-skilled guard for Xiankong Island.

Aren't you worried at all that stealing the official seal

will implicate your four sworn brothers?

The official seal is not on Xiankong Island.

Am I right?

I'm guessing that seal...

is still in Kaifeng Prefecture, right?

Don't tell me...

that you didn't even search your own office,

and just claimed it was stolen.

Even though I found the seal,

you'd better... come back to the capital with me.

Why should I listen to you?

Just to have a duel with me,

you caused a scene at Kaifeng Prefecture,

and even beat up Wang Chao and Ma Han.

Is that how a hero behaves?

A hero?

That's the first time I've heard someone call me a hero.

If you weren't one,

why did you save Miss Huo and me?

Why didn't you do as Zhi Hua said,

and lure me to Xiankong Island?

[Get Zhan Zhao to Xiankong Island, or the two island chiefs are at risk.]

That night, you asked me how much of my power I'd recovered.

You were afraid that after you left,

the pursuers would come for me.

You were worried about your sworn brother,

but you still stayed until dawn.

You only left after confirming my safety.

You weren't swayed by Zhi Hua's threats,

and gave up on luring me to the island,

and returned alone to face Zhi Hua.

After all of that...

can you still say you're not a hero?

You once told me...

that for a friend's entrustment, you would risk your life.

That reminded me of the bond between us Five Rats.

Since we both value friendship and loyalty,

how could I listen to Zhi Hua and turn against you?

The trouble on Xiankong Island all started because of me.

If I hadn't stolen the official seal,

or insisted on fighting you in Xiangzhou,

I wouldn't have been involved in your case.

My brothers wouldn't have been poisoned.

Since it all started because of me,

I must take responsibility for it all.

If you weren't so competitive and hadn't come to me,

no one would save me.

I wouldn't have made a friend like you.

Fine.

Since you called me a friend,

I'll go back to the capital with you.

I'll apologize to Lord Bao, Wang Chao, and Ma Han.

I'm the kind of man who owns up to his actions.

Wait.

I stole the seal just to fight you.

But our duel isn't finished yet.

I can't just turn myself in.

I'm not going.

Master Bai is a man of great honor.

Do you really care that much about the title of Imperial Cat?

To be honest,

I don't care about your lousy title at all.

I was just using it as an excuse to challenge you.

Can't you even tell?

You know I care a lot, don't you?

You just don't want to fight me.

Didn't we fight by the river today?

That was just a show to fool Zhi Hua.

It doesn't count.

We need a new fight.

Your brother said you can only handle three bowls.

So it's true.

You're drunk. Stop drinking.

I'm not drunk.

Besides, that's my big brother.

Don't you try to get cozy with him.

Fine. He's your brother.

- Let's go back. - No way.

We're fighting again.

- You really want to fight? - Yep.

If you insist on fighting...

I have one condition.

Let's fight on that boat.

On a boat?

No way!

Ugh! Who fights on a boat?

You're afraid of water, right?

Nonsense.

I-I-I'm afraid of water?

Then come on.

Fine, you win. I'm afraid of water.

I am afraid of water.

I won't fight you today.

Besides, I saved you once.

You saved Xiankong Island once. We're even now.

That's not right.

You saved my life once.

But I saved your eldest brother, your second brother, and you.

That's three lives in total.

How does that make us even?

Is this how you people at Kaifeng Prefecture calculate?

This has nothing to do with Kaifeng Prefecture.

This calculating...

I just learned it myself.

[Lu Manor]

Bai.

- Bai, wake up. Don't sleep. - What is it?

Get up now.

Let's go. Something happened.

Hey! What's going on?

Should we pursue?

Xiankong Island has suffered heavy losses.

We can't act on impulse anymore.

If there are reinforcements outside the island,

it will only be trouble.

I must return to the capital now,

and see how Miss Huo is doing.

I'll go with you.

We had a deal yesterday.

Zhao Hui.

Regarding your revenge,

I know I can't talk you out of it.

I can only remind you,

don't be rash.

Don't worry, Zhan.

Unless I'm absolutely certain,

I won't make a move.

Take care, everyone.

Until we meet again.

Until we meet again.

I saved this seat for my Lord. Go sit on the side.

Blame yourself.

Now that I'm sitting here, this seat is mine.

- Get up! - Don't move! Don't touch me!

Ming Zhu Er.

Let him have the seat.

He's afraid of water.

Zhan Zhao, why are you telling everyone about that?

You're a grown man, yet you're afraid of water.

Just stay put.

It's mostly water routes on this trip.

Just wait and see.

My Lord, what's on your mind?

I'm worried about Miss Huo.

She's not part of the officialdom.

The situation hadn't been so urgent,

or I wouldn't have entrusted the evidence to her.

Now I only hope...

she doesn't get too involved in this case.

My Lord, don't worry.

Zhao Zhi Er often tells me

that although his Lord seems like a playful and wealthy young prince,

he's actually meticulous and steady.

He will surely protect Miss Huo.

In this matter...

the fewer people involved, the better.

Could it be that even Kaifeng Prefecture is involved in this case--

Boatman!

We'll stop at the next ferry.

All right!

Zhan Zhao.

Let's take the land route instead.

I know a shortcut.

It can save us two days' journey.

I'll make sure you see your Miss Huo sooner.

My Lord.

Just to get to the capital two days earlier,

you're going to risk my life?

It's just riding a horse.

You're not in the war.

I'm not afraid of riding.

I'm afraid of that white rat--

Look at you being so shilly-shally!

Who taught you to ride like that?

Since I'm free today,

I'll teach you how to ride properly!

You darn rat! My Lord!

My Lord, help! My Lord!

This silly kid.

Now he fell asleep first.

Taught him to ride is more tiring than riding all day by myself.

His riding is so poor.

You taught him, didn't you?

All these years, although he's always been with me,

he rarely goes out with me to investigate cases.

So as for horses,

he hasn't ridden them often.

Since you're willing to teach him,

then teach him well.

You really know how to order me around.

This kid has always been with you.

Where are his parents?

His family is all gone. He's an orphan.

Let's make a deal.

I'll teach him how to ride,

and you do me a favor.

Let's hear it.

It's not a big deal.

I want you...

to be my lobbyist.

When we get to the capital, put in a good word for me with Huo Xiao Mei.

About you pretending to be Zhao Hui?

No.

I swiped something from her.

Well, she was so busy taking care of you that day,

I just took it somehow.

I intended...

to study the formula of the miracle medicine before returning.

But something happened to Xiankong Island at that time.

So, how do I--

What do you mean? You don't want to help me, do you?

I just taught your boy to ride!

I don't even want to learn.

You're the one who's forcing me.

Ever since I met you two,

I've been left owing nothing.

My Lord, look at him.

I said I didn't want to learn, but he's forcing me to.

Now I'm getting dizzy, and my butt is killing me.

And that white rat scolds me all the time.

Calling me White Rat over and over...

It really rolls off your tongue.

Where did you get this?

I found it.

Found it?

Where did you find it?

Why didn't you find one for me?

What are you making a fuss for?

I'm just afraid he'll keep moaning on the way, and it'll annoy me.

Give it a try.

If it works well,

ask him to find one for me too.

- Waiter! - Here!

Please pack some dry rations for me.

Coming right up, sir!

♪ Moonlight bright, halls in sight ♪

♪ Axe sounds ring, dead is the king ♪

♪ Bloody robes hidden, the throne is taken ♪

- Waiter. - Yep.

Who taught them to sing that?

I have no idea. Lately, all the children nearby have been singing this song.

Oh, sir, your rations are ready.

Please tell the local farmers.

This song... must not be sung anymore.

Otherwise, it will cause big trouble.

Let's go.

We must hurry to the capital.

[The Capital]

[Prince Hui's Mansion]

Your Highness.

That's enough.

[Zhao Zhuo Qing, Prince Hui]

Look at me now.

How do I look today?

[Zhao Zhi Er, Manor Steward] Isn't this the same outfit yesterday?

Correct!

Did you notice?

When I wore this yesterday, Ling Long looked at me more than usual.

Is that so, Your Highness?

Oh! Didn't we agree to meet Ms. Huo at Tianxiang Restaurant?

It's almost time. Let's go.

Yes, let's go, let's go.

Wait a minute.

I have to bring this.

I specially got this from a master.

It's to bring luck in love.

The master said my lucky star is active.

A great match...

is already on its way.

Oh, come on, Your Highness.

You visit that master eight times a year. And your lucky star is active every time.

He's just after your money.

It's the same trick every time.

This time is different.

Actually, Ling Long didn't come to the capital just for a visit like she said.

She had a falling out with Master Huo.

She called off her wedding.

After calling it off, she didn't go to Tang Tian Hao.

She came straight to me instead.

Think about it. Why is that?

Because it's far from Linglong Manor, and her father can't catch her.

Hell no! You really are as silly as a goose.

Thank goodness.

I'm not as foolish as you.

The meaning behind this...

I have fully understood it.

Today, I'll find a way to tell Ling Long.

My feelings for her... are exactly the same...

as hers for me.

What has His Highness realized now?

Don't make a fool of himself again.

Ling Long! Why are you here?

You're finally here.

What took you so long?

Miss Huo. His Highness is busy preening like a peacock.

What are you saying?

I'm really sorry, Ling Long.

I was held up by some official business.

Because of the Silent World Within Earshot​...

I usually identify people...

by hearing their voices before I see them.

But today I realized,

no matter how good my Huo family's skills are...

they're no match for your Osmanthus hair oil.

Let's go.

Buy me more of that hair oil later.

Your Highness, are you sure that's what she meant?

How about giving it a think?

Ling Long.

The tea is getting cold.

It's been so long since that item was sent in.

Why hasn't His Majesty responded at all?

He hasn't even summoned you.

Perhaps His Majesty is busy with state affairs.

Besides, I won't be the one he summons.

Guard Zhan obtained that item.

Maybe His Majesty wants to wait for him to return, then ask about the whole story.

Ling Long.

This is the best pear blossom cake in the capital.

Try some.

Ling Long, I remember you told me when we were little

that you'd come to the capital to find me when you grew up.

I took it to heart, you know.

I prepared the best food and fun waiting for you long ago.

I didn't expect that... I would have to wait...

for so long.

Could he have run into some danger?

Why hasn't he returned to the capital?

Don't worry.

Guard Zhan is quite impressive.

Few martial arts masters are a match for him.

Nothing will happen to him.

Ling Long, You didn't come to the capital this time...

wasn't just to help Guard Zhan, was it?

So you've heard about me running away from my wedding.

I've heard a thing or two.

Does keeping me here scare you?

How could that be?

As long as you're willing, you can stay here forever!

I knew I wasn't wrong about you.

So...

is it because... you don't like that Shao Ji Zu?

Before, you could say I didn't like him.

Now, I loathe him.

So much!

Ling Long, you're right to loathe him!

Shao Ji Zu?

Even the name sounds annoying.

How rich is his family that he has to inherit it, so he takes such a name?

That's right.

You two have been at odds since you were kids.

Since you don't like him,

could it be... that you like--

♪ Clang, clang, clang ♪

♪ How absurd the world's become ♪

♪ Back in the day ♪

♪ The three brothers ♪

♪ Started from scratch, penniless and bare ♪

♪ Who would have thought ♪

♪ The eldest rose to fame ♪

♪ The second grew wild with greed ♪

♪ Moonlight stretches, shadows hide ♪

♪ Axe sounds ring ♪

♪ The eldest loses his life ♪

♪ The second took over the reins ♪

What's wrong?

- ♪Usurping the estate... ♪ - Ling Long.

Something big is happening in the capital.

What's the matter?

You've been frowning these past two days.

I've just been away for a bit too long.

I want to head back and check.

They're singing this in the capital, now singing it outside too?

How many heads do you have to lose?

This is treason!

Officer, which law does singing a song actually break?

- This is an injustice! - This is an injustice!

Shut up!

Any injustice?

Go cry about it to Chief Justice Cheng.

Don't wail like a banshee here!

Move it!

- Go report, we've got a situation here. - Hurry up!

- Move it! - Keep moving!

Be quick about it!

Hurry up!

What's going on?

They just looked at us as if they'd seen a ghost.

Everyone, out of the way!

Move!

Get back! What are you looking at?

Let me go! Let me go!

I'm innocent! Officer, I'm innocent!

My child! My child!

Mother! Mother!

They're just children.

How could they know what the song means?

They were just coaxed with candy to sing along!

Release them at once!

Yes, sir.

Release them!

Suspect spotted in the north of the city!

Suspect spotted in the north of the city!

Suspect spotted in the north of the city!

Suspect spotted in the north of the city!

How did it go?

Did you see His Majesty?

Ling Long...

I was a step too late.

Those ministers yesterday...

They have already informed His Majesty about the rumors.

And now...

Go on!

And now... Guard Zhan is a wanted man.

What?

Ling Long, I told you.

The recent rumors in the city are related to that letter.

Guard Zhan, as the one who delivered the letter,

must be brought to court for questioning.

Didn't I give the letter to you?

Shouldn't I be the one questioned?

I...

What? Just say it!

Because...

I told His Majesty...

that Guard Zhan was the one who handed the letter to me.

But Ling Long, listen to me.

This involves the imperial family.

You absolutely cannot be implicated.

Guard Zhan is from Kaifeng Prefecture.

And he is highly favored by His Majesty.

His Majesty and Lord Bao will find a way to protect him.

But you are different. Where are you going?

To stop Zhan Zhao and tell him not to enter the capital.

Did you not hear a single word I just said?

It's precisely because it involves royalty that I fear even Lord Bao won't be able to save him.

- Step aside! - You can't go!

Ow, ow, ow!

Step back!

I'm sorry, Xiao Zhao.

Ling Long!

That was ruthless!

Ling Long!

Do you know why Guard Zhan had you deliver the letter to me?

Because he knew I understood the gravity of this matter.

He wanted me to protect you from danger.

- Do you understand-- - Xiao Zhao!

He didn't want me to be implicated.

So I should just stand by and watch him go to his death?

Go!

We've seen soldiers making arrests all along the way.

Now they're doing inspections again.

What happened?

Maybe Lord Bao reported your theft of the official seal to the imperial court.

So they're hunting you down.

I just gave you a break for two days.

Now you're asking for trouble again?

Huo Xiao Di has become Huo Xiao Mei.

Zhan, you can't enter the capital.

The government has a warrant for you.

What? The one they want to arrest is my Lord.

You knew all along?

Miss Huo.

You weren't implicated in this, were you?

To protect me, Xiao Zhao lied.

- He said the letter-- - Move it!

Move!

I'll go tell them I was the one who sent the letter.

His Highness is right.

You cannot be dragged into this.

Besides... it doesn't matter who sent the letter.

Do you understand? Miss Huo.

So you mean... this is a trap set for you?

If I don't walk into it...

they will never let this go.

Do me a favor. Help me take my sword and Ming Zhu Er...

back to Kaifeng Prefecture.

Why are you acting like this is a farewell?

Do you think I can just watch them take you away?

These small fry are no match for me.

I don't care how many show up!

If you save me, you'll be charged with attacking government officials.

Kaifeng Prefecture will be implicated as well.

The most pitiful ones are the civilians.

They are innocent.

Only by going with them can I see...

what kind of scheme they have actually set up.

Greetings, Chief Justice Cheng.

[Cheng Hao, Chief Justice of the Dali Court] Guard Zhan, seeing such a display,

you don't seem panicked at all.

You must know what's going on.

Yes.

Knowing the capital is dangerous,

you still chose to walk into the peril.

Such courage...

I'm truly impressed.

Forgive me, Guard Zhan.

I am on imperial orders.

So I must take you into custody.

Please come with me.

Ming Zhu Er, take them back to rest.

I'll be back in a couple of days.

Wait.

If you just walk away with me like this,

I'm afraid it would violate protocol.

Guard Zhan, please cooperate.

Don't kneel!

- Don't be rash. - They're going too far!

Young man...

Are you trying to stop me from carrying out my official duties?

If he wanted to escape,

why would he travel all the way just to surrender?

What you're doing now is nothing more than an attempt to humiliate him.

Since you insist on this,

I'll have to treat this as defying an imperial decree.

Seriously, would you make some room here!

Move aside! Move aside!

Greetings, Your Highness.

Your Highness, what brings you here?

I'm here to pick up a friend from the outside world.

This young man...

is your friend?

Precisely.

I heard he just had a bit of a conflict with you.

Then I'll apologize to you on his behalf.

Your Highness, please don't say that.

It was just a misunderstanding.

How could it be called a conflict?

That's good then.

Let's go! It's been a tiring journey.

Hurry back to my manor to rest and freshen up.

Who wants to go back to your manor?

If you end up in prison too, then Guard Zhan will have no hope.

Let's go back and discuss a plan later.

Your Highness, His Majesty takes this case very seriously.

I must begin the trial immediately.

The prisoner...

I really must take him away.

Go ahead.

Guard!

Put him in the stocks.

[Dali Court]

Guard Zhan, this letter...

did you deliver it to Prince Hui?

Yes.

Did it pass through anyone else's hands?

- No. - Then the contents of this letter...

Have you read them?

I have.

What was written?

It was a letter sent from Western Xia to the Great Song.

The sender claimed to be a descendant of Emperor Taizu's personal maid.

And Emperor Taizong did not ascend the throne due to the Covenant in the Golden Chamber,

but through usurpation.

The sender also claimed to possess hard evidence of Emperor Taizong's usurpation.

After giving the letter to His Highness,

you did not return to the capital at once.

What were you doing?

Visiting friends.

Handling some personal matters.