Original subtitles

(Zhan Zhao Adventures)

(Episode 31)

Yes. It has been years since something like this happened in our county.

Let's go check it out.

I'll keep an eye on Zhao Zheng De.

- Giddy up! - Giddy up!

Make way, please. Step aside.

Officer Zhan.

This is Wang Qing's brother, Wang Heng.

Wang Heng?

I recognize these clothes.

His clothes are newly made at my shop.

- No wonder. - It's definitely Wang Heng, no mistake.

I haven't seen him in quite a while.

I haven't seen him around lately.

I've dealt with the Xiuluo Sect for years now.

I'm way too familiar with this kind of thing.

Looks like they're making a comeback in Wanshan County again.

About the Wang Qing case earlier, were we just overthinking it?

It's possible that the case was the work of the Xiuluo Sect.

On the contrary, I feel like

right when we started growing suspicious of those old cases,

the Xiuluo Sect struck again.

It's like they're trying to cover it up, but making it more obvious.

You make a good point.

On your trip to Gucheng County, did you find any leads?

We brought someone back.

This person is connected to the Lady Jin's husband case from 10 years ago.

We need to find him a place to stay for now.

I get what you mean.

He absolutely can't set foot in my county office.

And whatever you found in Wanshan County,

don't bring it up in my office either.

Looks like you've confirmed that there's a spy in the county office.

On the day Zhong Shou was murdered,

I looked into everyone's whereabouts in the county office.

He was supposed to deliver some documents to a neighboring county.

But he handed the job over to someone else.

I also checked the jail's shift schedule.

That day, outside of Qiu Han's place,

we happened to run into Zhong Shou.

It was also Zhu Ming Yuan who distracted us at the time.

Officer Zhan.

It's the room at the corner up ahead.

If that's the case,

it's very likely that Zhu Ming Yuan is the one who ordered

Luo Chang Shui to kill Zhong Shou.

That would explain

why Zhu Ming Yuan killed Luo Chang Shui in front of everyone.

He wanted to silence him.

I must be blind.

I let this thorn

stay right under my nose for so many years.

Do you need our help?

No need.

Now, we already know who he is.

From now on, he's out in the open, and we're in the shadows.

Let's see if we can use him to figure out who his master is

and what they're plotting in Wanshan County.

There's an empty house on Wansheng Street. It should be safe.

Have Bai take him there first.

The three of us will lure Zhu Ming Yuan back to the county office.

Once it gets dark, we'll meet up with Bai again.

Let's do it.

Master Zhao, sounds like you're itching for trouble.

How about I poke you with a couple of needles?

Hurry up and unpack your things.

There aren't any servants here for you to boss around.

If you don't get the room ready, you'll be sleeping on the floor tonight.

Zhao Zheng De?

Why'd you bring him here?

The youth disappearance case in Gucheng County back then

was connected to Zhao Yue An.

Ten years ago, he killed Lady Jin to silence her.

If we can find Zhao Yue An now,

the truth behind the youth deaths will come to light.

- Isn't Zhao Yue An already... - Zhao Yue An is still alive.

That spoiled brat fooled everyone by faking his death.

But that's not even the best part.

That perverted Prince Xiangyang

has an illegitimate son that his wives and concubines don't know about.

He dared to have him, but not raise him or bring him home.

So he left him at his so-called father's manor.

Zhao Yue An is Prince Xiangyang's illegitimate son.

Are you planning to make Zhao Zheng De

identify Zhao Yue An?

Taking him to identify someone is not safe, isn't it?

If Prince Xiangyang finds out,

he'll do whatever it takes to get rid of him.

Hu makes sense.

It's better to bring him here instead. At least this is Hu's turf.

It's safer here.

If we place our traps in the county ahead of time,

wouldn't it be easier to catch Zhao Yue An?

Do you have any suspects?

We don't need to bring all three here, right?

We just need to bring Shao Ji Zu here.

If there are three suspects, why bring only one?

It's unlikely that Zhao Yue An is one of the other two.

One of them is Ling Long's close friend,

and the other one is her brother.

No matter how slim the chance, they're still suspects.

This lead about Zhao Yue An wasn't easy to come by.

If we're going to identify anyone, then all three of them need to be here.

Magistrate Hu, I don't think it's necessary.

- We've fought Shao Ji Zu... - Bai.

I understand the bond you've built along the way.

I also get why Lady Huo feels conflicted.

But right now, we can't let emotions get in the way.

If I were like you,

then Zhu Ming Yuan, that traitor,

would stay forever in my county office.

Hu is right.

I'll figure out a way to get all three of them here.

Only after I prove that my brother and Tang aren't Zhao Yue An

can I finally be at ease.

I was just thinking of inviting Tang over to study acupuncture with me.

I'll just write him a letter.

If two of the three show up, that's enough.

If it's not those two, then it's Huo Feng.

Then we'll figure out what to do next. What do you think?

Enough. Listen to me. That's settled.

Huo, write to Shao Ji Zu

and ask him to come over to discuss the marriage.

Shao Ji Zu is a cautious man.

He probably won't fall for it.

Let's just try it first.

What about the location? Where should we pick?

How about the Tian room on the second floor of Juxian Pavilion?

That room faces Wanxing Pavilion's main hall on the second floor.

Open the window, and you can see everything inside from Wanxing Pavilion.

(Zhou Ji Liang, Sect Leader of the Xiuluo Sect)

These past couple of days, everyone in Wanshan County

has been talking about the murder case.

Everyone's on edge.

It's been a long time since I felt this satisfied.

Oh, right,

for those who are about to die next,

can I use them to test out my poisons?

Don't be ridiculous.

Do you think we're going through all this trouble

just so you can kill innocent people for fun?

I don't care what your goal is.

My goal is to kill innocent people for fun.

No way.

If you use poison,

it'll give us away.

You'd better just stick to the plan.

For the next few days, I'll help you get it done.

Will you be so kind as to help me out?

Is Zhan Zhao putting too much pressure on you?

You can't stay at the county office anymore, right?

He really is closing in.

But once you make this move,

he'll have to back off for a while.

Zhan Zhao.

It's been ten years.

We're finally about to meet.

Why do we have to travel at night?

If only you'd listened to me

and stayed at the inn in town to get a nice rest.

We are in a hurry to get rid of our goods.

Don't you want a good price?

I'm not going any further.

There's nothing around for miles. It's too scary.

What if we run into wild animals? There's nowhere to hide.

Fine. You really know how to slow us down.

You...

There's a fire over there.

Let's see if we can rest there for a bit.

Let's go.

What are they doing over there?

Is it some cult causing trouble?

I'm afraid so.

Murder!

Murder!

We have a case to report!

Open the door!

Something happened again. This time, it's Liu San Lang's whole family.

Three more are dead.

Who's the new leader of the Xiuluo Sect?

How can he be so ruthless?

After Mo Dao died,

the Xiuluo Sect completely vanished from the martial world.

But this new leader has kept a really low profile.

Are they killing people just to tell us

that they were behind all the previous cases?

That's a pretty terrible way to do it.

But the previous victims were all young people.

This time, Liu San Lang's parents were killed too.

Why did they change their targets?

Right now, we still don't know why the Xiuluo Sect is killing people.

But the Xiuluo Sect takes orders from Prince Xiangyang.

So everything they do

must be meant to stop us from investigating.

Once we find Zhao Yue An and uncover the truth,

the Xiuluo Sect's killing spree in Wanshan County will come to an end.

Ling Long. Has Shao Ji Zu replied to you yet?

He agreed to meet.

He agreed that easily?

That was way too easy. Could it be a trap?

We should play it safe.

Zhan, long time no see.

Long time no see.

You got here so fast. Did you miss us?

I missed everyone very much.

- Come. - Bai,

- Come. - Zhan.

Over here.

Who is this?

See? I told you so. It's definitely not him.

Tang,

Sorry. We didn't invite you here

just to talk about that acupuncture technique.

What would you like to buy?

Give me some plums.

Why are you here?

Look who's talking. I'm here to find you.

Why did you sneak out behind my back again?

Wanshan County is in a state of unrest. Don't keep running out alone.

I'm just here to buy you some snacks.

- Let's go. - Why did you buy plums again?

You don't need to buy them every day.

We haven't finished those from last time.

These plums are tasty.

- They're good, but you'll get sick if you eat too many. - Alright.

Friends should always be honest with each other.

But since this involves the case,

we can't tell the whole truth.

After weighing everything, we had to go with this lousy plan.

We didn't handle this well.

We owe you an apology.

I'm sorry, Tang.

I wrote the address of the house in the letter.

Don't you get it? I've always trusted you.

I get that you can't help it because you're working for the court, but...

But you guys mistook me for Prince Xiangyang's illegitimate son.

That's just ridiculous. That's messed up.

I feel bad for my late father.

I won't let you off the hook so easily.

You. When this is all over, you have to grill fish for me yourself.

At least three to make it up to me.

You. Didn't you reach out to Baihua Sect for the antidote?

I want to be the first to know the recipe for the antidote.

Alright.

As for you,

hurry up and let me check your pulse. Consider this your apology.

How's it?

When I left Xiangyang, Bai gave me a copy

of the Tiangen Yueku acupuncture technique manual.

I've been studying it every day, and I've learned something.

This technique might temporarily suppress the poison in Zhan's body.

It could buy more time for the antidote.

- Really? - Yes.

There are still a few parts of this technique

- that I haven't figured out yet. - Me too.

- I was just waiting for you. - Let's work on it, then.

Were you serious about what you just said?

Honestly, I'm not sure either. We can only give it a try.

The two of us should hurry up and master the technique

so we can treat him soon.

If we wait any longer, I think...

You didn't even bring the medical book with you.

What kind of acupuncture are you studying?

I just talked with Tang about him going with you tomorrow

to meet Shao Ji Zu as a member of your family.

Yes. Bai already told me. I'll go with you tomorrow and keep you safe.

I won't let anything happen to you.

Are you so guilty that you forgot

I have the Listening to Flowers Through the Night technique?

Enough. Hurry up and study the technique. Don't waste any more time.

Yes. There's no time to lose. Let's go.

Come in.

Commander Shao.

What is it?

Are you going to Wanshan County for the meeting?

- Yes. - I don't think it's a good idea.

It's clearly a trap set by them.

You can't go.

Do you think I don't know that?

I'm just worried about your safety, Commander Shao.

The wedding is less than

half a month away.

What do you think

when the bride

hasn't even tried on her wedding dress yet?

Does that make sense?

Commander Shao,

you want to bring Ling Long back, don't you?

I'll select some elite soldiers to blend in as civilians

to enter the city with us.

No need.

Just get me a fast horse.

Except His Highness,

Dong Jun doesn't care about anyone else.

I want to see

what he's really capable of tomorrow.

- Hey, Boss. - Here, take this.

Thanks.

(Juxian Pavilion)

This is the room Lady Huo reserved.

We got it ready early this morning. All the snacks and tea are set.

Bring another set of tea cups.

Alright.

How is it?

I've checked carefully.

There's no ambush on this street.

Did I underestimate Shao Ji Zu?

He actually dared to come alone.

We'll head up first.

Be careful.

Tang. Keep her safe.

Don't worry.

When Lord Hu first took office,

the Xiuluo Sect caused way more trouble than this.

He managed to handle it in the end.

So why do you say he can't do anything about it this time?

What are you talking about? The Xiuluo Sect is here to kill this time.

Not for some cult ritual.

Lord Hu can't drive them out this time.

Stop keeping us in suspense. Just say it already.

I don't dare say anything reckless.

I don't want the Xiuluo Sect coming after me

because I said something wrong.

Waiter. Bring me another bowl of noodles.

And a few more side dishes. Put it all on my tab.

- Got it! - I'll take him and head out first.

You stay here.

After the Tang Sect fell apart,

you, the useless sect leader, sure have a lot of free time.

This is my marriage to Ling Long. Why are you even here?

Watch your mouth!

The Tang Sect's decline is all thanks to you and Siming.

For what you owe the Tang Sect,

I'll make you pay for it one day.

If you really had what it takes,

you wouldn't be such a loser even until now.

You still haven't avenged your uncle.

Ling Long, have a seat.

Let's take a seat.

Who else is coming?

This marriage is something you and I can't settle alone.

Wait a moment.

He'll be here soon.

Do you want to hear a song?

No, thanks.

- Sir, would you like to hear a tune? - No.

Gentlemen, let me play you a song.

- No. - How do they still have the nerve to stay here?

So many people have died already.

If they stay any longer, who knows what else might happen.

Why is he here?

Sir, would you like to hear a song?

Get lost!

You're ruining my mood.

Sir, you...

Be careful.

Sorry about that.

Sorry about that.

I'm sorry.

Come in.

- Brother. - Huo.

Ling Long.

Before this, you kept turning me down again and again.

No matter how nicely I asked, it never worked.

I had no choice but to ask your brother to talk to you.

Huo, please have a seat.

Do you remember what San Lang said that day

during Liu Er Lang's autopsy?

He said his brother was killed by the Xiuluo Sect.

- That's what he said. - So was it a revenge?

But didn't Wang Heng run away overnight?

He never accused the Xiuluo Sect.

Wang Heng fled to his relatives in the neighboring county overnight.

When his relatives asked about his brother's death,

he said the same thing as San Lang.

My aunt lives in that county. She told me herself.

Doesn't that mean none of us can escape?

I never reported anything about my family's case.

- Me neither... - That's enough.

Ling Long. Ever since you left home,

Father wrote several letters to Prince Xiangyang.

But they were all sent back.

He even went to Xiangyang himself.

He visited the prince in person.

But the prince

just ordered his men to send us a chest of treasures.

He said it was your betrothal gift.

Prince Xiangyang's decision is pretty clear now.

The Huo family

has no choice but to accept this marriage arrangement.

In this world, a marriage between two people

should be up to their own will.

I've never heard of a matchmaker

forcing two people to get married.

- This Prince Xiangyang... - Huo...

You can't sway Ling Long by saying these things.

She doesn't care about her parents' wishes, the matchmaker says,

or even the prince's support.

So why should she get married at all?

You should

just tell Ling Long the truth.

What truth?

Huo Feng is here. He just went in.

That's really weird. The three of them actually got together.

(Juxian Pavilion)

Shao Ji Zu.

You understood what I meant earlier, right?

Since the Huo family has already accepted this marriage,

don't make things more complicated.

Make things more complicated?

Shouldn't Ling Long know why she's being forced to marry?

Shouldn't she know the truth?

What does he really mean?

Ling Long.

You've actually misunderstood one thing all along.

You think this marriage alliance is formed

because I want your family's Linglong Eye.

But that's not it.

It's not just me who wants something.

I, the prince,

and the Huo family,

are just getting what we want.

Do you think their talk fell apart? It's been quiet for so long.

Maybe we should help out.

Ling Long.

You're usually so smart.

But when it's about you,

you get so clueless.

Have you never wondered

why the prince chose the Huo family

among all the other martial sects?

And why is he pushing so hard

for our two families to form this marriage alliance?

Huo. Let's put off talking about the marriage for a couple of days.

I'll take her back first. Ling Long, let's go.

Huo Ling Long.

I know you have feelings for Zhan Zhao.

But you're a Huo.

So you're destined to never be with Zhan Zhao.

I've tried to talk you out of it so many times.

I told you not to join Zhan Zhao's investigations. But you never listened.

You put yourself in this dead end.

You pushed the Huo family to the edge.

Shao Ji Zu, shut up!

Looks like the talk really fell apart.

Why are they fighting now?

Do you recognize him?

Is Zhao Yue An the one in the white robe?

This banquet of trap is really lively!

Huo.

Since you won't let me tell the truth,

then you should stay and discuss it in detail with them.

Ling Long!

Our wedding day will arrive soon.

I'll wait for you at the Shao residence.

Hurry up and say it!

Is Zhao Yue An the one who left?

No.

It's not him.

He's Yue An.

Huo Feng?

What should we do?

The Soul-Chasing Nail?

You're from the Xiuluo Sect.

Don't let Shao Ji Zu leave.

Xiao Chen. Watch them.

The people of Wanshan County are innocent.

Yet they're doomed by the hands of you monsters.

- The Xiuluo Sect is here. - The Xiuluo Sect is here.

Zhan Zhao.

Do you still remember me?

You're late.

This time, I acted before you did.

So it was you pretending to be me.

Don't get angry. I am you.

We're not enemies.

Besides, you should give me that title.

I'm more suited to be the Yaksha than you.

Zhou Ji Liang?

What's wrong?

You didn't expect the new Xiuluo Sect leader

to be your old friend?

The murders in Wanshan County these past two days

were all my doing.

How was it?

Was it entertaining enough?

Why kill so many people?

Do I need a reason

to kill?

It's been 10 years, Zhan Zhao.

You've changed.

But me and my two bloodthirsty blades

have never changed.

Aren't you poisoned by At First Sight?

But your strength hasn't faded at all.

- My dear! - Don't come any closer!

Hand Zhao Zheng De over to me. Now!

You're poisoned.

Yet you still try so hard to catch me.

What a shame.

The people of Wanshan County won't appreciate your efforts.

Oh, right.

That kid from the Ming family has always been by your side, right?

I didn't see him today. That's a bit of a shame.

I actually kind of miss him.

Who's the real killer who murdered his whole family?

Have you told him the truth?

Zhu Ming Yuan! Let him go.

And I'll let you go.

If I want to leave,

none of you here can stop me.

That deal isn't worth it.

Hand Zhao Zheng De over to me.

Then I'll let him go.

Did you hear me? Hand Zhao Zheng De over to me!

Lord Hu. Please save my husband.

Save him, please.

Lord Hu.

This Zhao guy isn't even from our county.

Just do as he says and accept the exchange.

I can't do that.

Zhao Zheng De is a key witness in Officer Zhan's case.

He can't be harmed.

Zhan Zhao? It's Zhan Zhao again.

All the trouble in Wanshan County was caused by him.

Yes. Who cares about this so-called witness?

Is his life more precious than the people of Wanshan County?

Magistrate Hu. You've always cared for the people like your own children.

Are you going to just stand by and watch us common folk die?

Do the exchange!

Do the exchange!

I absolutely can't

watch the people of Wanshan County die in front of me.

But Zhao Zheng De

is an important witness Officer Zhan needs to protect.

I can't send him to his death either.

Weighing both sides, it's really hard to choose.

So I'll be

the hostage.

You can't do that, Lord Hu.

Zhu Ming Yuan. I've crippled my own arm.

I'll be your hostage. How about that?

- Don't come any closer! - Let him go.

I'll be your hostage.

My dear!

My dear!

My dear!

My dear.

- Brother. - Ling Long.

Sister-in-law.

I'm sorry, Sister-in-law.

I couldn't save him.

Forget it, Lord Hu.

About what happened today,

you already did everything you could.