Original subtitles

[Chang'an]

Rumor has it, hidden in Chang'an lies a place

known as the Demon City,

ruled by the Cat Lord and the Snake Lord.

They move in mystery.

Apart from the two lords and their four deputies,

all other demons are forbidden from entering the mortal realm,

thus avoiding their sworn enemies.

That's right.

The Eternal Radiance Palace Celestial Masters

helped the court establish the Mysteries Review Bureau,

to investigate supernatural cases.

Their goal is to eliminate all evil.

They were locked in a fierce rivalry.

In the end, Eternal Radiance Palace declined and went into seclusion.

Since then, Demon City balances the two realms

and keeps peace between humans and demons.

Then the bureau served no real purpose [Mysteries Review Bureau]

and was scorned by everyone.

With spirits passing through and shadows lurking,

trouble will eventually rise again.

I urge all Chang'an residents to leave home only after sunrise

and return before midnight.

[Moonlit Reunion]

[Episode 1]

There's a demon.

Timing and subtitles by the 😻🌙Whiskers & Demons🐍Team @viki.com

Where do you think you're going?

Who's there?

- Let's split up! - Yes, Sir!

Stop!

After them!

[Pavilion of Wishes]

Waiter!

Another two liang (3.5 oz) of beef.

Coming right up!

What?

What's...­

Where did that cat come from?

[Wu Zhen, Princess of Qinghe County and Demon City's Cat Lord]

My Lady.

Search the place.

[Huang Yi, Commander of the Left Jinwu Guard]

Commander Huang.

Miss Hu Zhu.

[Hu Zhu, Manager of Pavilion of Wishes and Cat Lord's deputy]

Commander Huang, are you here for a drink?

I'm here on business.

I suspect a scoundrel got in here.

"A scoundrel"?

There are only beauties here, no scoundrels.

But I clearly saw someone.

I don't care for your work, but my guest of honor today.

Please don't ruin my business.

More important than me?

The Young Marquis of Yu’an spent a fortune to buy all this today,

to propose to Second Lady Wu on her birthday.

I finally got away.

Who were you hiding from?

[Gu Chang Huai, Young Marquis of Yu'an]

Young Marquis?

You can hide from anyone, but me.

I've been waiting for you a long time.

Young Marquis, what do you want with me?

I heard tomorrow is your birthday so I got you a gift.

Where is it?

- What's this? - A marriage proposal.

What kind of gift is this?

I offer myself as your birthday present.

How many carts are full of jewels?

Those are the Young Marquis of Yu'an's fine horses.

Who's this betrothal gift for?

Brother Mei, our shift is done. [Mei Zhu Yu]

Stop looking at the case! [Section Chief of Mysteries Review Bureau]

We hurried to see Second Lady Wu

at her grand betrothal celebration. [Nie Li Shi, Coroner of Mysteries Review Bureau]

[Pavilion of Wishes]

Excuse me. How much is it?

Three wen.

Thank you, Sir.

Won't you watch the spectacle?

What's so interesting about it?

Is this your first time in Chang'an?

I'm here over a month.

You've been here a month, yet don't know Chang'an's biggest story?

Second Lady Wu, named Wu Zhen,

is a Duke's daughter, the Empress' sister,

and granted Princess of Qinghe County by the Emperor.

She is famously rakish and indulgent.

I have a bad reputation as an older, unmarried woman in Chang'an.

We’ve discussed an arranged match for over a month,

and you're already here proposing.

My family must be really blessed.

Miss Wu, you must be joking.

A woman truly wants to be a wife and mother.

From now, you won't be an odd, unmarried lady in Chang'an.

This is my true birthday gift to you.

How about a little something in return?

I don't believe that is appropriate.

All know we're wild, unruly,

and heedless of formalities.

On this joyous engagement day, we can hardly restrain ourselves.

A moment of pleasure, to do as we please, is insignificant.

Indeed.

Young Marquis.

Come here.

[Pavilion of Wishes]

You!

Here, have a peach for some energy.

You're really powerful.

How could you kick him out the window like that?

You didn't hold back at all.

You even broke my window.

You greedy little fox.

I've helped you earn so much from the Young Marquis.

Is there ever too much money?

Huang Yi and those Jinwu Guards didn't suspect a thing, did they?

With the trail gone, they’ve got nothing to do.

I've already had them seated with drinks.

That's the smell of blood.

Did you fight with a demon?

It's the same demon causing all the trouble.

And that demon?

It got away.

But the fight gave me some clues.

That demon might be like you, a greedy one.

What do you mean?

Do you recall past attacks?

The first involved Madam Cui, Vice Minister Ding's wife.

That day, she headed to a family visit and wore gold and jewels.

The second case involved Miss Tian, Vice Minister Tian's daughter.

She loved dressing lavishly and bought at the city's jewelry shops.

The third case was a West City merchant.

He came from Western Regions' gold-rich lands

and was covered in gold.

And this woman victim wore gold earrings.

It seems we must set a trap to lure it out.

Second Lady Wu!

[Ming Zhuang, Wu Mansion maid]

What a surprise, Ming Zhuang.

Empress sent me with a gift for your birthday tomorrow.

My sister's birthday gift arrived early.

That’s right.

Empress said for each of your birthdays,

she carefully selects calling cards

from twenty eligible young men,

but can't ever find one to your liking.

So this year, Empress won't do such a tedious task.

She ordered all noble families to submit the birth scrolls

of every eligible bachelor.

Then she believes you'll find a good husband.

My sister clearly has my best interests at heart.

Well, then let’s meet them all.

Ming Zhuang, let it be known.

Tomorrow, I'll hold a grand birthday banquet at Pavilion of Wishes.

Invite all young noble ladies and talented gentlemen.

Yes.

Do you really want to meet them?

Go and tell them this:

I won't accept any birthday gifts.

However, all guests must come in their finest clothes and jewelry.

Brother Mei, help me out. [Mysteries Review Bureau]

Every time I go to Chief Xu, I get scolded.

I'm a coroner, yet I'm always stuck copying case files.

If this goes on, I'll be demoted to cleaning latrines.

How pathetic would that be?

I don't really know your matters so I can't help much.

Of course, you can.

I've heard much about you.

You're quite talented.

If you hadn't missed three exam questions and become seventh place,

you wouldn’t be unlucky to be in Mysteries Review Bureau.

It's strictly business. I really can't help you in this.

But today is definitely different.

I hear Chief Xu was mocked at a banquet yesterday,

that our bureau is full of freeloaders.

If I go to him now, he will send me to the Records Repository.

What?

Will you be sent to the Records Repository?

Yes.

That place is really creepy.

All the senior clerks who used to manage the Records Repository

have strangely resigned and returned to their hometowns.

Chief Xu is now short-handed.

Are you sure that angering Chief Xu gets you sent to the Records Repository?

Exactly.

All right, I'll help you this once, as a colleague.

Let's go!

[Xu Luan, Chief of Mysteries Review Bureau]

Those government office snobs

are timid and uneasy about this odd case.

They avoid it like the plague.

The Jinwu Guards searched the city for days but found nothing.

With the city full of rumors, the case finally fell to us.

What good are you?

You're completely useless!

Chief Xu.

You, come here.

You seem quite capable.

Be honest, speak freely.

What's on your mind?

You care for people and are upright; surely, you won't sit idly

while thefts and strange crimes plague Chang'an.

You strive to do what others can't,

to solve cases the common folk can't.

That is your true intent and Mysteries Review Bureau's aim.

Well spoken.

I believe we can't solely rely on interrogations and archived records.

We must hunt down the culprits.

I'm sure you'll be the first to search crime scenes.

Whether they’re crafty thieves or evil demons,

none will escape your grasp, Chief Xu.

- You— - This way,

you won't be called a freeloader when you go out,

and you won't be shut away, to nurse your discontent.

You...

You... you...

Get out of my sight to the Records Repository!

Yes, Chief Xu.

I... I'll take my leave, too.

We're leaving, too.

[Records Repository]

You're from the Mei family after all.

How can you be a lowly official here?

- How— - What does it matter?

All have their own way of life and their own karma.

How marvelous!

The moment I enter, I'm graced with such a remark.

It's truly righteous and awe-inspiring.

Fourth Brother. [Mei Si, fourth son of the Mei family]

I thought your shift would end by now.

- What brings you here? - Nothing important.

Little Fish, will you attend a banquet with me?

I'm not interested.

Little Fish.

Please, just help me.

If you don't, Father will break my legs!

You want my help? All right.

First, tell me exactly what this is all about.

Have you ever met Princess of Qinghe County from the Duke of Wu's family, Wu Zhen?

I've heard of her.

The Empress ordered all families' birth scrolls of single men

for Lady Wu to review.

You know, she dotes on her younger sister.

- Two years ago— - Get to the point.

Well, since every family submits birth scrolls,

that pretentious Xie family gathered nineteen eligible men.

Naturally, my family can't do less.

So I went back and forth, to find more candidates.

Get to the point.

With you and me, that's twenty.

Little Fish, you just go to be a number for a free meal.

Sister Zhen will surely... have no interest in you.

I swear, it's nothing more than

a proper banquet.

[Pavilion of Wishes]

Hey, Little Fish, Sister Zhen's birth chart shows a weak metal element.

Banquet attendees are asked to wear gold jewelry.

Take this.

Put it on!

Come on! Let's drink!

What a lively gathering today!

Come on!

Such a grand spectacle!

How lavish! The Duke of Wu is certainly wealthy!

In pleasures, Second Lady Wu is second to none.

I expected this from Yearning Pavilion.

The dancing is quite good.

Little Fish, stop reading. You've finished your shift.

Put down your case files.

Young Master Xie.

[Xie Lou Bai, fifth son of the Xie family]

Young Master Xie.

Talented Scholar Xie!

His poems are truly exceptional!

Some pay a fortune for a poem from him.

Little Fish.

That's the worst of the Xie family.

He's the fifth son, named Xie Lou Bai.

Four years ago, he even tried to court Sister Zhen.

Xiao Si.

I'll go take a look over there.

All right.

[Xie Yao, lady of the Xie family]

You're from the Mei family.

Which branch are you from?

Why have I never seen you before?

Since when do my family's men report to yours?

I must say, this young master is quite handsome.

Could it be that just for a show,

you found him somewhere to add men?

Perhaps he's from another rich family.

Exactly.

What did you eat for lunch? Your mouths are foul!

I'm from a Mei family side branch.

Fourth Brother and I have the same great-grandfather.

"A Mei family side branch"?

A young master did move to Chang'an recently.

Are you the one who passed the exam for Mysteries Review Bureau?

Precisely.

Who knew someone was so ill-fated in the Mei family?

What are you saying?

Mysteries Review Bureau was a sham for decades.

Since you've entered there, don't ruin your prospects.

He needs prospects for them to be ruined.

I hope this person at the banquet doesn't displease Lady Wu.

I'd hate if she thinks your family pretends friendship with the Wu family

and uses a disgraceful man to deceive her.

What is that supposed to mean? You fool!

Watch your mouth!

If the Mei family isn't trying to fool Lady Wu,

then this young master must have his own plans.

He wants to use his looks to trick Lady Wu

into sleeping with him just to exploit her.

Speaking of which,

since you all enjoy Lady Wu's hospitality today,

you should be decent in speech.

A distant relative of Mei family

dares to speak to us like that?

It seems your family was lax with its children.

Well, my family is willing to do it for them.

- Wait a minute! You fool! - What are you trying?

You... Let go of me!

You.

Teach him a lesson.

Me?

Young Master Xie, what are you doing,

bullying others at my birthday banquet?

Lady Wu, you make it sound too serious.

We were merely talking.

Unfortunately, this young master seems a bit naive.

His guilty conscience lashes out hurtful words

and shows no respect.

Why would he give you respect?

The man I've taken a liking to doesn't have to heed you.

Lady Wu, what joke is this?

I'm not joking.

Didn't you just say it yourself?

The young master I've chosen is better looking than you.

I didn't say that—

So you do know you can't match him.

Now apologize to Young Master Mei.

"Apologize"?

- Why should I? - What?

Do you want to get kicked out like the Young Marquis?

This servant initiated it.

He’s not my problem.

I'll leave him in your hands.

Come here.

Mei Xiao Si.

Who would have thought your family's young master

would win Wu Zhen's favor?

Hasn't this little fish truly swam to the top?

Young Master Mei.

My Lady.

Call me Lady Wu.

I just helped you.

Won't you thank me?

I appreciate your help, Lady Wu.

But he was acting out of pressure.

I hope you won't be tough on him.

Well, that's kind of you.

Fine, I'll consider it a favor.

What?

Those Xie family fools love to talk nonsense,

but one thing they said totally makes sense.

A pretty face like yours can certainly catch attention.

Too bad I have plans tonight.

I’ll have tea with you another day.

- Lady Wu, that's not— - I won't see you out.

Well, what is your name?

I'm Mei Zhu Yu.

"Mei Zhu Yu."

Did I say you could leave?

That young master just said I was forced,

and he didn't hold it against me.

He won't, but I will.

Today's grand banquet was all for you.

I don't understand what you're saying.

I-I have to go.

Stop pretending.

I've watched this whole time.

Among all guests, your expression was most odd.

I nocked an arrow in my bow and shot toward you.

A normal person instinctively dodges,

but you were completely calm.

I was just scared stiff.

That's because you knew the arrow couldn't hurt you.

Aren't you curious why I noticed this?

I might as well tell you.

I'm more than just Lady Wu.

Yesterday, we crossed paths, and I let you flee.

That's why at today's banquet

I ordered that guests wear their finest jewelry.

The whole point was to lure you out.

That was not me.

Still playing dumb?

Don't even think of escaping today.

Little Fish, nice wine today, right?

Will you still join me at banquets after this?

Take it easy.

What's that noise?

Young Master Mei, are you so impatient?

Can't you even wait another day?

No. I thought I heard...

Lady Wu, are you all right?

I couldn't be better.

Then please excuse me.

Young Master Mei.

Why are you here?

Are you into that as well?

Care to join her?

[Mei Mansion]

- Young Master Si. - Young Master Si,

why did you drink so much?

I'm not drunk.

[Records Repository]

No wonder they say Records Repository is gloomy.

It's infested with parasites.

The specters and fiends in Chang'an

are truly a lively bunch.

"When spiritual power is unleashed,"

"the evil must fall."

This one is quite good. Have a look.

[Fu Zhao]

Welcome to...

Chang'an's Demon City.

You cannot run wild in Chang'an.

Don't even think of causing trouble again.

I have never harmed the innocent here.

Can you still say that?

I saw you hurt someone the day before yesterday.

- That wasn't me. - Wasn't it you?

Was I hallucinating?

I know people in Chang'an are investigating her,

and I am also searching for her traces.

"Her"?

Explain yourself clearly.

My Lady, do you know my true form?

Come out.

[Wu Zi Shu, Cat Lord's deputy]

When you're in a bad mood, you hide up there.

I'm getting tired of that.

Well, you're the unique one.

You catch demons in mortal realm and don't bother to tell me.

Tell me.

Why didn't you hand over that bat demon?

Because he's not the culprit.

Look at this.

Earrings?

Earrings come in pairs.

These bat-pattern earrings are a male and female pair.

The male bat was at the banquet,

but the female committed the crimes.

The female bat attacked those wearing gold jewelry

to find her missing earring.

Such small earrings,

yet they transform into spirits and have souls.

In his story, they were forged as earrings

in the previous dynasty and worn by people.

Human spiritual energy nourished them into spirits.

That's right.

We were inseparable a hundred years, two halves of one whole.

We arrived in Chang'an half a month ago.

When I saw its prosperity,

I thought I'd have some fun.

It wasn't until recent mysterious events

that I realized Fu Xi tried every way to find me.

Previously, I just figured

the demon might be obsessed with gold.

Turns out she was seeking you.

But why did you come to Pavilion of Wishes last night?

Bats have sensitive hearing.

I heard her sounds near there so I wanted

to stop her harming people and looking for me.

So I transformed into a servant and snuck in the banquet.

I'll re-examine all the banquet guests.

There's no need.

I fear the female bat already possessed a person.

Considering when we crossed paths,

she was likely already consumed by her obsession.

If we don't find her soon, more trouble lies ahead.

Now this demon is corrupted, we must be extremely cautious.

Xiao Zhen, you're half-demon with no power in daytime.

I know.

Fortunately, bats come out only at night.

I'll just wait until evening.

It's all my fault, too.

My demon power is too weak.

I can't help you much.

You can certainly help me.

A'Shu, would you come with me to the Mysteries Review Bureau?

Of course.

[Mysteries Review Bureau]

This spring tea is truly lovely. Have a sip, Lady Wu.

It's all right.

Brother Nie Li, do you really think Lady Wu came here

just because she lost some valuables?

Well, it's hard to say.

I think her real motive is Brother Mei.

Then what does she see in him?

Maybe his pretty face?

Young Master Mei, are you avoiding me?

Lady Wu, you're overthinking.

How could he dare disrespect you?

Come here.

Come here!

We just met last night, but our connection is undeniable.

You're actually quite cruel.

You knew I lost my valuables,

yet you didn't give a word of comfort.

Then please explain your story, Lady Wu.

We'll do our best.

Do you think one dismissive remark comforts?

Move.

Lady Wu, your grand presence today

has brought glory to the Mysteries Review Bureau!

Your matter is his top priority.

He will surely do his best for your satisfaction, Lady Wu.

[Case File: Bi Tao of the Yearning Pavilion]

Yearning Pavilion.

Lady Wu, why are you here?

To keep you company.

Perfect timing.

Oh? Were you thinking of me?

Since you reported losing valuables last night,

for regulations please submit a written complaint.

Can't you just write it for me?

The rules state the victim must write it.

I must find a way to get him to leave.

I'm a little hungry.

Could you make me some food?

- What would you like? - Anything is fine.

Something complex.

All recent strange cases piled up in Mysteries Review Bureau.

Perhaps we can find clues in the case files.

A'Shu, go.

What are you doing, Lady Wu?

I am seeing where you work.

Lady Wu, this is an official workspace.

I'm afraid that is inconvenient.

Why don't you eat in Chief Xu's office instead?

Sorry for getting your clothes dirty.

My hunger made me dizzy.

It's fine. You'd better eat now.

Have you changed?

[Virtue Moves Heaven]

Lady Wu, since you're here,

why didn't you open the door?

I'm too lazy to rise.

Your complaint was written.

You just need Chief Xu to seal it later.

Didn't the rules state the victim must write it?

You didn't feel like writing it yourself.

I made an exception this time.

My sister once reminded me that in life

one must never take the wrong step.

Do you know why?

Why?

Once you make a mistake, you start a downward spiral.

Once you break a rule, you do a second time.

I'll make this the last time.

I heard the road to your house is in bad shape:

long, narrow, and muddy that a carriage can't pass.

Your donkey cart has to stay at the corner neighbor’s place.

I am very curious.

The Mysteries Review Bureau has no money or future,

then why do you stay here?

To uphold justice and cast out evil.

Wherever one stands, duty remains.

Doing right will suffice.

"To uphold justice"

"and cast out evil."

It seems you wish to be a man of honor,

but I live for pleasure and transient delights.

Those in Chang'an fear and revile me,

gossip and point at me behind my back.

I couldn't care less about them.

How can they easily judge what's right and wrong,

when they don't know others' hardships?

Timing and subtitles by the 😻🌙Whiskers & Demons🐍Team @viki.com

"Traces of Time" by Zhou Shen

♫ Mourning the light of the world ♫

♫ Seeing the flowers wither ♫

♫ Old dreams tinge my heart ♫

♫ Carving memories that leave no traces ♫

♫ Candle lights flake the sadness ♫

♫ As time slips away ♫

♫ The tapping sound of the rain at night ♫

♫ Weeping in silence ♫

♫ Following the drifting stars ♫

♫ Looking back at time slipping away ♫

♫ You are my eternal desire ♫

♫ If the storyline could be reset and changed ♫

♫ I would choose to spend my life waiting for you ♫

♫ Watching destiny break through the shadows ♫

♫ How can one forget the love who resurrects? ♫

♫ I vow I'll become the ocean and embrace you forever ♫

♫ My memories never stray away ♫

♫ The unwavering devotion ♫

♫ Buried in the traces of time ♫

♫ If the storyline could be reset and changed ♫

♫ I would choose to spend my life waiting for you ♫

♫ Watching destiny break through the shadows ♫

♫ How can one forget the love who resurrects? ♫

♫ I vow I'll become the ocean and embrace you forever ♫

♫ My memories never stray away ♫

♫ The unwavering devotion ♫

♫ Buried in the traces of time ♫