Original subtitles

=Yummy Yummy Yummy=

=Episode 13=

The Censorate impeaches the Vice Prefect

for turning a blind eye to those who set up temple music

on the streets at night.

Is this true?

Your Majesty,

I did consult with the Jinwu Guards

to occasionally allow some flexibility for night travelers.

Your Majesty,

Mr. Lin did more than that.

After nightfall,

merchants are still doing their business.

What should the Prefecture do?

Travel is prohibited after the evening drum

and allowed after the morning bell.

But for example, on the Mid-Autumn Festival,

the Market Director needs to admire the moon.

No one beats the evening drum,

and the commoners don't know that the night curfew has started.

Should we blame them?

Lin Anran,

during the festival,

it was you

who let the market officials go home early,

causing the evening drum not to be beaten.

At the festival,

isn't it right to let people

go home and reunite?

You are leading the violation of the night curfew

and condoning bandits.

What are your intentions?

It's strange that since I took office,

not a single thief has been caught,

but ordinary people who violate the curfew

are increasing day by day.

Mr. Lin,

what do you mean by this?

Isn't this your dereliction of duty?

Vice Prefect,

why do the commoners repeatedly violate the night curfew?

Under your rule,

the world is peaceful and clear,

and bandits are becoming fewer.

Take Juxian Alley as an example.

If the diners

are not careful,

merchants and customers

will travel home at night.

Over time,

the ghost market will naturally emerge.

If we prohibit it,

the people will inevitably complain.

But if we loosen up a bit

and nothing goes wrong,

it'll be more beneficial to the people's livelihood.

This is the first time I've heard

of the ghost market.

It's a market set up at night, right?

Has the Ministry of Revenue investigated it?

Your Majesty,

I...

Your Majesty,

these are the results of the discussions

between the Revenue and the Prefecture.

It's better to guide than to block.

Slightly relaxing the night curfew

will be more beneficial to market taxes.

Yes, yes.

Your Majesty,

secretly relaxing the curfew...

I know the Rites values the ancestral system.

However, the world is not governed in one way;

the state is not bound by ancient laws.

Relaxing a bit

is allowable.

The fever has subsided.

The punishment from the heavens

has finally ended.

Just forget all those things.

You often say things

that others don't understand.

It's nothing serious.

However,

in some word choices,

you should

be more cautious.

Drink the medicine.

If you feel unwell,

just call out.

(The ancestor claims he doesn't remember,)

(but recently,)

(why has he become so gentle?)

You look like a demon.

Looking like this,

you must've scared the ancestor.

(Xuanzheng Gate)

Don't blame me for not covering for you.

In the Censorate,

I'm nothing.

No one told me we were going to impeach you.

I was really worried

that you'd be punished,

but I didn't expect

that you'd remain calm

and even tease them.

Wait a minute.

Did you anticipate this?

So,

you're going with the flow.

Good for you.

If only I could be

as clever as you.

Alright.

Goodbye.

Mr. Lin,

please wait.

Mr. Cao.

Thank you

for your mooncake.

Could you come to my home for a chat?

Please.

(Cao Mansion)

(Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. May you sail far)

(and come home to true friends with aspirations unchanged.)

May you sail far

and come home

to true friends

with aspirations unchanged.

Mr. Lin,

when I came

to Yong'an to take office,

I stayed at a close friend's house.

He wrote the Ode to Friends for me,

(Happy Mid-Autumn Festival) which includes these lines.

I didn't expect

to see them again

in the handwriting attached

to the mooncake from you.

Your running script is

also similar to the handwriting of my friend.

The running script is connected in meaning,

so it's common

to be similar.

Yunlai Tavern's case could've been

handed over to the Judicial Review

since we have to recuse ourselves

due to the Shen family.

Why give it to the Justice?

Cao Rong from the Justice

is still just a Vice Minister

because

he is too upright and impartial,

making too many enemies.

There must be connections

in court behind Yunlai.

Let's use this case to test

whether Cao Rong

is truly upright

or just pretending.

Didn't Cao Rong use

to be friends with your father?

Do you want to deal with him?

When your family got into trouble,

he didn't say a word.

Is it dangerous

to approach him rashly?

I didn't find anyone

speaking up for my family back then.

But I managed to look

at the documents from the Personnel.

After the Cui case,

Cao Rong was demoted for five years

without a clear reason.

I guess

he might have been punished

for speaking up

for Father.

Pardon my rudeness.

Your appearance

resembles

the wife of my old friend.

My old friend

was Cui Rangzhi from Qingyang.

His wife came

from the Lu family in Xiuzhou.

Have you ever known them?

The Cui family from Qingyang?

They were criminals

selling official positions 17 years ago.

And you were once their friend?

17 years ago,

you were just a young student.

How could you know about that case?

Cui was the Prefect back then,

but his crimes were obvious

and shocking.

Now, I am the Vice Prefect.

It's only natural for me to know

an old case with solid evidence.

What nonsense.

Rangzhi would never do such a thing.

Before the Judicial Review

could review the case,

Rangzhi died miserably in prison.

He must be innocent.

If that's true,

why didn't you speak up

for the Cui family back then?

You've just touched upon my sore spot.

Back then,

I was just a clerk in the Chancellery.

No one listened to me.

I kept petitioning

and was eventually demoted to Lingnan,

ending up with a broken family.

Living alone,

I now have nothing to lose.

Seven years.

It took me seven years

to return to the Capital.

I did everything I could to get into the Justice,

and now I've reached this position.

I want to wait for the right moment.

One day,

I will clear the names

of Rangzhi's family.

It seems that you were indeed

a close friend of Cui Ning.

If there was new evidence

that could clear Cui Ning's name,

but it'd risk your life and fortune,

what would you do?

My life and fortune

are long gone.

Why ask me that?

You must be related to the Cui family.

Do you have any new evidence?

What would you do?

Hurry.

Let's go see His Majesty.

Mr. Cao,

calm down.

You just need to go with me

to clarify things before His Majesty.

Whatever happens,

I will take full responsibility.

I am no longer the clerk I used to be.

If I demonstrated my resolve by hitting a pillar,

His Majesty

would not ignore this.

Mr. Cao,

calm down.

Why should I?

It's been 17 years.

My head should have shattered

for the Cui family long ago.

Mr. Cao, you mustn't.

Mr. Cao.

I have nothing to lose.

I...

Why hold me?

Mr. Cao.

Milord.

- Pastries are ready... - Let go.

I'm Cui Che.

Greetings, Uncle.

Che.

Are you really Che?

I never expected

that in my lifetime,

I'd see Rangzhi's son again.

Sit.

Sit down.

Sorry

for all the tests just now.

It's alright.

It's good

that you're cautious.

Child,

you must've suffered a lot.

How did you survive?

When I was young,

Prince Zhao saved me.

Prince Zhao?

Why would he help you?

Prince Zhao used to correspond with my father,

regarding him as a confidant.

When that case broke out,

he sent people to look for me.

At that time, his eldest son, Li Sheng,

was about to be made the heir,

but he died of illness.

And I

bore a resemblance to Li Sheng

and could comfort Prince Zhao.

So, he adopted me.

Luckily, it was Prince Zhao.

If it had been me back then,

even if I had saved you,

I couldn't have given you

an identity to move around freely.

Uncle, don't say that.

After that case,

your house in the Capital was sealed

and later demolished.

I even went to Qingyang,

but your house there

was also razed to the ground.

I really thought you were...

Good.

You've grown up.

I didn't intend to disturb you,

but now,

I don't have any evidence.

I really need your guidance

for the road ahead.

Child,

I only learned the details

after I returned to the Capital.

This case involved

the Ministry of War and the Sixteen Guards.

It seemed to shake the foundation,

so it was dealt with severely.

The evidence in the hands of the official

who reported the case

directly pointed to your father,

and it couldn't be overturned.

I've seen all this

in the case files.

He claimed that he tried to buy

an official position from my father,

but failed and was even ambushed.

He had to protect himself.

The evidence he had was extremely detailed.

My father was immediately stripped of his position and imprisoned.

Later,

he committed suicide in prison.

Everyone outside said

that he died of fear of punishment.

The official also died from drowning.

Even Fifth Master Xiao,

who was in charge of the case,

fell off his horse and fell into a coma,

lying in bed for years.

Fifth Master Xiao?

Princess Fuhui's husband?

Yes.

The case file erased

the names of all the case handlers.

I had to inquire around

to finally confirm it was him.

(Yunshui Manor)

Young Master.

Young Master,

a secret letter from Prince Zhao.

(You've been close to Princess Fuhui.)

(Get more info about the candidates)

(of the Ministry of War.)

He wants me

to find out from Princess Fuhui

who the candidates are in the Ministry of War.

When you wanted to come to the Capital,

he was very anxious

because he couldn't find anyone

to help you.

How come he's already

made acquaintances in the Capital now

and found out about the Ministry of War?

Mr. Cao said

that the person in charge of the old case

was the Princess's husband.

Fifth Master Xiao,

who has been in a coma for years?

Yes.

Since he could find out,

it's not a secret.

Given His Highness's age,

he must've witnessed that case.

He should know about this.

Though he doesn't know I want to overturn the case,

why has he never

mentioned Fifth Master Xiao?

I think...

I think...

I can't think of a reason.

I'm not asking you.

By the way,

the Princess appreciates the Shen siblings.

Ask them

to make some dishes later.

I'll send them to the Princess

and ask about her husband.

Has the fever subsided?

I'm fine now.

I'm as strong as an ox.

What do you need?

It's a bit embarrassing.

The Prefecture didn't prepare

any mooncakes for the Princess.

The festival has just passed,

and I need to visit her.

It's inevitably awkward.

You ordered so many mooncakes

from our diner.

Why didn't you send some to her?

You couldn't have forgotten it, could you?

No wonder.

The Princess sent so many invitations

to Yunshui Manor

for poetry gatherings or flower shows.

So, they were all dates.

The Princess has many close attendants.

If you send mooncakes to her,

maybe what she really wants is...

Shen Shaoguang.

Well.

I'll make

a savory ham mooncake for you.

You can say that the ham needs time to cure,

which is why it's late.

The Princess is so unconventional.

She'd definitely prefer

the rare savory mooncake.

Though the festival is over,

showing enough respect

should be fine.

Thanks.

Your talent for turning black into white

might make you

a better official than me.

I'll take that as a compliment.

This is made specifically

from a good hind leg of a pig.

After shaping,

it went through repeated salting

and was air-dried for a month.

After that, it was washed,

dried, fermented,

and stacked.

This is the simplified version.

The more elaborate ones

are cured in the fall of one year

and are ready by the following summer.

Some people even prefer

two-year-old

or three-year-old legs.

Let me try it.

This ham is so delicious.

It's even better than fresh meat.

If this is so good,

just imagine how delicious

those two-year-old

or three-year-old legs would be.

Of course.

The cured ham has a mellow aroma

after years of fermentation,

which fresh meat can't compare to.

Mellow aroma after years of fermentation?

What does that mean?

Fresh meat

is like a young man,

tender

but too straightforward,

lacking a bit of soul.

When cooking with fresh meat,

it's easy for the flavors

of the seasonings or other dishes to overpower it.

But an aged ham

is like a mature man,

experienced

and settled.

When cooking with it,

its flavor will dominate

and cover other dishes,

without shaking the foundation.

But I think

the older the ham gets,

the more flavorful it becomes.

But for a man,

it's not necessarily true.

Of course.

Look at my brother.

He's old enough

but not settled at all.

Send it to Sushui City.

But I think

Mr. Lin is different.

He's young,

but he's experienced,

steady, and sophisticated.

What's wrong?

Indeed.

Mr. Lin

is experienced,

steady, and sophisticated.

He just can't hold his liquor.

But it's a good thing.

Is it good for an official?

Just eat.

I'm eating.

So delicious.

They...

Lady Shen is talking nonsense.

You can surely hold your liquor.

Besides, how would she know?

I don't care.

But she is right.

You're experienced,

steady, and sophisticated.

But she just agreed

to break off the engagement,

yet now she's praising you.

Has she changed her mind?

She doesn't like me at all.

That's good.

We can't repeat the same mistake.

But when you say that,

why does it sound

like you're grinding your teeth?

Stop overthinking things.

Just send the letter.

Young Master,

you didn't mention Mr. Cao

in this reply to Sushui City, did you?

No.

Prince Zhao is a benefactor,

but he is also a vassal.

In the past, I thought

he loved the people,

but lately,

I've had some doubts.

Let's use these pieces of wood and leather

to make a box.

It can hold mooncakes

and can be used daily.

The Princess

has everything good.

We need to be creative.

You're so smart.

I'll follow your advice.

Since you appreciate me so much,

how about giving me a few gold bricks

as a reward?

Then I'll have to write an IOU.

Here's a pen; write it.

I'm just joking.

How could I ask you for money

when I already owe you so much?

Glad that you remember.

Actually, I have a question

I want to ask you.

Alright, go ahead.

Your family is

the most harmonious I've ever seen.

Even if there have been conflicts,

you ultimately care about each other.

I wonder

if you've ever

deceived your family.

That's happened so many times.

Yangyang would sneak sweets.

When my grandparents were alive,

my grandfather would hide some money.

He shared half with me,

and I helped him deceive my grandmother.

And my brother.

He's deceived our family even more.

He even

kept his divorce

from his ex-wife a secret.

But eventually,

you all found out.

We tried to pretend

we didn't know at first.

We even lied to Yangyang,

saying her mother had gone on a long trip.

But one day,

Yangyang came back and said

she knew her parents had separated.

I also know something

that my family doesn't know.

My sister-in-law has a new lover.

That new lover

has quite a bit of wealth.

So, my brother felt inferior

and didn't even try to stop her.

He even helped her move

to be with her new love.

He told me this when he was drunk.

I wouldn't dare tell my parents,

or he'd get beaten again.

You must have something on your mind,

which is why you're asking me

if I've ever deceived my family.

If you want to talk, I'm your tree hole.

If you don't want to talk,

I'm still your tree hole.

I have

a trusted elder,

but I suddenly realized

that he seems to be hiding something from me.

And I'm also

hiding many things from him.

I don't know why that elder

is doing this.

But I know you're kind.

You wouldn't hurt others.

If you decide to lie,

it must be for a reason.

Or it's a white lie.

Lies

can be white?

You'd only lie

for a good reason.

You once told me

we judge actions, not intentions.

You haven't hurt others yet,

so there's no need to judge yourself.

Almost done.

How is it?

Lady Shen is so dexterous

that she even made such a bag.

Mr. Lin,

take a look at this.

Is it for carrying on the back?

Does it look good?

How nice.

What a clever girl.

Lady Shen

made these mooncakes too, right?

Yes.

I've heard

that Shen's Diner makes these.

The filling is pork.

Why isn't it greasy at all?

It's especially

savory,

fresh,

and mellow.

Lady Shen especially cured these

for you.

I really like Lady Shen.

I don't even know

what kind of man

would be worthy of her.

I hope she won't end up

all alone

like me.

You're alone?

I have a question,

but I'm afraid it might upset you.

Is it about my husband?

Are you curious about me?

I have no taboos.

I had no feelings

for Fifth Master Xiao.

My father told me to marry him,

so I did.

After the wedding,

we lived

separate lives.

One day,

a man who wasn't good at riding

somehow insisted on riding.

The horse threw him off a cliff,

and he never woke up again.

I was actually quite relieved.

He wasn't good at riding,

yet he insisted on riding a horse?

The horse threw him off a cliff?

Yes.

Everyone outside says

that I trained that horse

and made him fall ill.

If you wanted to kill someone,

you'd prefer to do it openly.

If you wanted to tame a horse,

it'd only be

because you wanted to be the master of that wild horse.

It'd never be because of some conspiracy.

Even my brother,

the current Emperor,

once questioned

and doubted me.

I didn't expect you

to understand me in the Capital.

Recently, those visitors with gifts

are all trying to find out

about the arrangements for the Ministry of War next year.

You're quite patient.

You haven't even asked yet.

But

I like you,

so I'll tell you.

Thanks for your info.

The former Minister of War

was chosen by my sixth brother.

The Emperor and I dislike him.

Now,

he's been sent as an envoy to Tubo.

We won't have to see him for a long time.

Though it hasn't been declared,

if you want to prepare a gift,

the Military Commissioner and Imperial Attendant's families

are visiting friends and relatives in Yong'an.

Your sixth brother...

Prince Zhao?

He's always had connections with the court

and even recommended officials?

These are all bestowed by the Princess.

(Princess Fuhui's Mansion) She said

these fish badges

will be your entrance permit.

You'll be able to enter and leave

the Princess's mansion freely.

Thanks for her kindness,

but I can go back on my own.

Mr. Lin,

please understand us.

These are the orders of the Princess.

Please get in the carriage.

You're not yet 30, right?

So young,

yet already the Vice Prefect.

This is truly a mark of great promise.

You're upright,

handsome,

and elegant.

The Princess appreciates those qualities the most.

The Princess has invited you several times before,

showing great favor.

If you're willing,

you can even become one of the Three Lords.

(Yunshui Manor)

Mr. Lin.

Mr. Lin,

please consider

what I said.

After all, it's the wish of the Princess.

With the Princess's support

and your character,

you'll have a bright future.

You flatter me.

You flatter me.

Mr. Lin, goodbye.

Grandpa, I don't understand

what they're saying at all.

Let's go.

Let's go to the diner.

Something big is going to happen.

- Hurry. - What's wrong?

Hurry, hurry up.

(Temporarily Closed) Handsome, Handsome.

Don't be so quiet inside.

Come out and let us see you.

Handsome, let us see if you're okay,

(Handsome Shen's Sayings) and we'll leave.

- Handsome. - Handsome.

- Handsome. - Handsome.

Come out and meet us.

Are all the women in ancient times

so crazy?

Deyuan,

hang in there.

What to do?

Come on.

This is too crazy.

Come on.

After that poetry gathering,

as the Princess ordered,

someone collected what I said

and made it into a collection.

And recently,

many bookshops have started

using the woodblock printing technology.

It's less time-consuming than manual copying.

So, its dissemination speed

just shoots up.

Plus,

my personal image

is indeed

quite acceptable,

isn't it?

Nowadays, these women

are really not picky about men.

(Handsome Shen) But you have to persuade them

not to block the entrance.

This affects our business.

Mom, what do you mean?

What's lacking now

is an understanding of aesthetics.

How tasteful they are.

Don't worry.

I will definitely manage

my Gongcai Fan.

Gongcai Fan?

Let me warn you:

Shen Shaojie,

the one these women like

is the fake you,

not the real you.

You mustn't do

something inappropriate with them.

Do you hear me?

Our family forbids deceiving feelings.

Am I that kind of man?

Am I?

Mom.

I won't be like those stars.

Besides,

I mean those words I say.

Don't worry, Mom.

I'll keep my distance from my fans.

I belong to everyone.

I can't be possessed by just one woman.

Just give it a rest.

You don't look like an idol,

but you've already got the idol's burden.

I thought you might get better,

but instead, you've regressed.

What do you mean by this?

You're all here.

Something big has happened.

You simply can't believe it.

Why are there so many people in front?

Why is the shop closed?

Are we not doing business anymore?

It's all because of Shen Gongcai's fans.

They're all his fans?

What about mine?

Dad, get to the point.

Yes, yes.

Yangyang and I

just saw

that the Princess's servants

sent Mr. Lin

back to his mansion.

From what we overheard,

it seems the Princess likes Mr. Lin.

What?

Grandpa, what does that mean?

Let's have an emergency meeting.

A meeting.

Let's have a meeting.

Speak up, everyone.

Folks, listen to me first.

Actually, I think

this might not be a bad thing.

Think about it.

If our ancestor gets together with the Princess,

his status

would immediately be elevated, right?

Then we'd become descendants of the Princess.

That's a blessing for his descendants, right?

Gongcai,

is your mind just a mess?

What's the matter?

Who are we?

We are the descendants of Mr. Lin and Lady Shen.

If Mr. Lin gets together with the Princess,

can he still be good with Lady Shen?

If not,

the past would change.

And the future would change too.

Would there even be us then?

Yes, yes.

I forgot about that. That's not acceptable.

They can't be good together.

If they are,

we'll all cease to exist.

If I'm gone,

what about my fans?

They would be so pitiful.

You must've been deluded

by your fans.

It's indeed like this.

But according to the theories in sci-fi movies,

history can't be changed.

Since we already exist in the future,

it means our ancestor

will meet another Lady Shen

and marry her.

Jicai,

she is the Princess after all.

Her status is there.

Moreover,

she wouldn't marry him

or limit his career development.

All these benefits.

The nature of humans...

Listen.

It's hard to say.

Our ancestor is not that kind of man.

But what if

the Princess takes him by force?

By force?

Folks, I think

we are now at a critical moment.

Everything that happens now

could affect the future.

First,

we must put aside internal conflicts

and unite against the outside.

We must resolutely prevent

our ancestor from going to the Princess.

We must prevent him

from flying to a place of greater happiness.

Good point.

(Shaoguang's Food Notes)

(Xuanwei Ham: Yunnan Xuanwei Ham as fillings)

(This mooncake is both savory and sweet.)

♪Wear a sunset glow upon the brow♪

♪Breeze sways, wind chimes hang below the cloud♪

♪Hear one chime ring, tugging at the heart♪

♪True feelings perhaps can only be sensed♪

♪Misty is you, clear is you♪

♪Seeking stars in fog, seeing your shadow under the moon♪

♪Words held back, feelings unrestrained♪

♪Could the road ahead, let us gaze but not doubt♪

♪Mistook all eyes see as cold ice♪

♪Yet let dusk dye the ears and temples red♪

♪Even holding breath couldn't help but stop♪

♪Exposing my warmed heart held tight♪

♪Bustling is you, desolate is you♪

♪Reservedly drawing you into this life♪

♪Hesitating, undecided, the heart hard to deceive♪

♪Worldly rules and taboos, how could they make me give up♪

♪When rushing to you, leaving my deep thoughts in disarray♪

♪I still foolishly see it as a good time♪

♪Heart stirs, wind swirls the lightest ripples♪

♪A thousand tangled thoughts concealed♪

♪Saved a whole lifetime, hastening to you, urgent over miles♪

♪To make the wandering heart return home henceforth♪

♪To draw near what seems beyond reach♪

♪Through life and death changes, only we never cease, never yield♪

♪Perhaps affection barely passes muster♪

♪But love forever♪

♪Will make up for our mutual care, mutual bond♪

♪Saved a whole lifetime, hastening to you, urgent over miles♪

♪To make the wandering heart return home from now♪

♪To dare approach what seems beyond reach♪

♪Through life and death changes♪

♪Only you, never cease, never yield♪