Original subtitles

Timing and subtitles brought to you by ⚖Defenders of the Law ⚖ Team @ Viki

["Water and Flame" by Shu Linzuo]

♫ The boundless world is pitch-dark as the night ♫

♫ Your appearance is like a lightning bolt that tore through the night ♫

♫ My birth is neither impure nor pure, neither born nor destroyed ♫

♫ Perseverance is in my heart behaving atrociously, who can comprehend? ♫

♫ The sharp sword that penetrates desire is stained with blood ♫

♫ The season tainted with the hypocrisy of the world is prosperous yet withering ♫

♫ Give me some time, I can change everything ♫

♫ The courageous moth can also extinguish a sea of flames ♫

♫ Sorrow and delight are interweaving with colors ♫

♫ Layers upon layers covered by a dense fog ♫

♫ Numerous obstacles cannot stop me ♫

♫ To uncover the truth ♫

♫ A region of burning fire and deep waters ♫

♫ Calm and blazing both existing ♫

♫ Who will indulge the wicked flames ♫

♫ To boil the deep sea ♫

♫ This is the era of survival of the fittest ♫

♫ Everything will be planned by oneself ♫

♫ Even if it is a proud and aloof predestination ♫

♫ Even if completely incompatible, I’m still here ♫

[🔎👁‍🗨The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty👁‍🗨🔍]

[Episode 21]

I have thought of several euphemistic ways to ask you.

But when I saw you, I decided to ask you directly.

General Chen, why would you do that?

I am going to tell you the truth.

Every time the official silver was out of the treasury,

they would be the right amount like we asked for.

But after they were melted,

the silver we actually got, in the end, would be just 60 to 80% of the original weight.

I asked the Ministry of Revenue.

They just said this is fair wear and tear during the melting process,

or as they call it, "loss in heat treatment."

It happened every time.

The loss added up to be a huge number! Official Wang,

now, we, Liaodong garrison, have already become debt-ridden.

In order to prepare for army provisions,

I had to make a false claim of the soldiers' pay

because I had no other way.

I didn't expect the loss in heat treatment

could be as much as 40% of the total number.

Loss in heat treatment has been a common practice since ancient times.

Originally it was fair wear and tear where big chunks of official silver were melted and cast into smaller pieces.

It would be 2% of the total, max.

But later when some officials embezzled the money

and caused a deficit on the books, they would cover it up with the name of loss in heat treatment.

Hence, the wear and tear

was increased to 10% or even up to 20% of the total.

In recent years, the ratio has been increased to a startling 40%.

We need 30,000 taels of silver for Guangning garrison's provision reserve to winter.

If I didn't make a false claim,

the silver I get in the end would be only 18,000 taels.

Did they weigh all the official silver ingots when they were out of the treasury?

Yes, every ingot would be weighed without any exception.

So, it seems that the official silver must be mixed with lead

and caused the uncommonly high loss in heat treatment.

Do you believe me?

I do.

I am willing to die for my deception.

But the soldiers' pay and provisions are the foundation of the border defense.

If you want to guard our country's gate,

you need to keep the soldiers fed and clothed.

Official Wang, there has been serious tension in the boundary regions.

I don't care if I die,

but the frontier defense of our Ming Dynasty mustn't be sabotaged because of it!

General Chen, you can go back.

Commander, what about the military pay issue?

Let me worry about it.

Ma Yuancong?

Go after him. Don't let him run away.

To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?

Mr. Li, Yuancong's letter before he left his home

was inspired by your theory, right?

You can ask Yuancong.

But why did you—

Do you think my theory makes sense?

It does make some sense.

Let's go.

You guys came at the right time.

It's lunchtime.

I think Official Tang has had too many delicacies recently.

I didn't mean to blame you.

But do you know your father was worried sick after you pretended to be kidnapped?

Your father saw your letter and thought you were kidnapped by the silver workers.

He brought his retainers with weapons to fight with them and someone almost got killed in the fight.

Is my father all right?

Your father is all right.

But he hasn't been eating or sleeping for days.

And he said, he would get you back even if it cost him every penny he has.

I'm fine.

I'm fine here.

Anyway, I don't think my father is a good person.

Mr. Li, I don't think it's right to alienate someone from his father.

It has nothing to do with Mr. Li!

Mr. Li is a man of great erudition.

I came on my own because I admired him.

Let's put aside whether your father is a good person or not.

Let me ask you. Is he a good father to you?

Yes, he is.

But I will never go back,

unless he releases those innocent silver workers.

Wait. We can give the silver workers' issue a further thought and discuss it later.

But what we're facing right now is

your father is having a war against these silver workers.

No matter which side has a casualty, I believe that's not what you want to see.

Mr. Li, what do you think?

It's up to Yuancong to decide whether he wants to stay or leave.

My community has an open door.

Nobody will force him to do anything.

I can go back with you.

But you have to help me convince my father

to release those silver workers.

Deal.

Your Excellency, you are back. How did it go?

Did you find any information?

We found Yuancong.

Really?

Did you rescue him from those silver workers?

I am going to...

Brother Ma, if you want to have Yuancong back,

you need to release the silver workers you arrested.

Can you do that?

Sure!

Improve the working environment in both the silver mint and the mines.

Increase their wages and reduce working hours.

Can you do that?

No problem!

When a gentleman makes a promise...

He will never break the promise!

Yuancong!

- Son! - Father.

You are back.

I was so worried about you.

Why are you... You look a bit emaciated.

Did they give you a hard time?

No. I actually got stronger by working in the fields.

They forced you to work in the fields?

These rascals. Someone!

Ma Fu! Ma Fu!

Hurry up to take Yuancong to freshen up and eat something.

The boy must've suffered a lot.

- Hurry up! - Yes.

Young Master.

Official Tang,

Yuancong was rescued from Li Mao's place. Right?

Yes.

But Yuancong went up the mountain on his own.

Li Mao's community is an open door.

What nonsense are you talking about?

Yuancong was instigated by Li Mao.

Do you know him?

Not only do I know him,

I invited him home to be our private tutor.

I didn't expect what he did was driving a wedge between us.

He taught Yuancong and some other children in our clan wicked theories.

He tried to turn Yuancong to go against his old man.

What kind of wicked person is he?

He also bewitched those silver workers to protest.

This person is just... a cult leader.

Don't get mad.

But I'd say,

the so-called crappy theories

Li Mao talked about... I know all about them.

When you hear them,

you feel like it did make sense.

But if you really think about it carefully, it's all nonsense!

His theories are either for a saint

or for those who are extremely poor.

If you really do what he said, fine, let's shut down the silver mines.

Sure, we can do that

which might make Yunhe's overall environment look a little prettier.

But if so, at least more than 90% of the people will lose their livelihood.

Master Ma, 90% might be exaggerated.

They can make a living by farming.

Farming?

Yunhe has been a woodland since ancient times

because of its high acid water makes it not suitable for farming.

If you have to plant crops, you will only gain little harvest,

not to mention the droughts and floods every now and then.

If Yunhe's people turn to farming today,

Yunhe won't be the prosperous place it is today.

Brother Ma is right.

As far as I saw, Li Mao's community leads a very hard life there.

Those people that live on the mountain

ran away to the mountain because they owed people money,

or would never be able to pay taxes,

or are just lazy and gluttonous.

If you ask me, all of them should be put in jail...

- no, that will be just a waste of taxpayers' money. - Yes, yes,

Mr. Ma is quite right. If we don't punish them,

someday they will become bandits.

That's not what you said on the mountain.

That's because we were in their territory. These people are beyond discipline.

If they had killed us because of something we said, that would have been so not worth it. Right?

Yes. Official Tang is right. I can't agree more.

We should just put those troublesome silver workers in jail under strict supervision.

They could have lived a peaceful life, but instead they made trouble every day like that was their job.

Brother Ma is extremely right.

I will go up the mountain tomorrow to suppress the crowd.

Why was he glaring at you?

I dare not ask him.

Are you guys looking for me?

Yes.

Over here! Here I am!

- Where are you guys? - Come, come on.

- Where are you? - Right here.

Where? Where are you?

Got you!

- Don't run! - Over here.

Where are you?

Where?

Where are you?

Where are you?

Where?

You are... Xiaolan?

No. This hand is a bit too big.

It's Xiaomei!

Right?

Don't ruin our game.

Or do you want to join us?

Why do you want to arrest Li Mao?

In or out? If you're not playing, don't be a buzzkill.

Don't forget who you are.

I am the one who should say that.

Sui Zhou, let me tell you, you need to know your position.

Do you still want to work for me or not?

Leave if you don't want to do it anymore.

Think very carefully.

Don't bother to come back after you leave!

Shall we continue?

[Tang's Mansion]

What are you doing?

I'm going with you.

What are you doing?

If you are angry, come after me. Why are you dragging her down with you?

I...

Why did you kick me? I didn't do anything to upset you.

Official Tang, do you have anything else you want to tell me?

You and I were colleagues.

Let me see you off.

If you have something to say, say it. Don't hold back.

I thought you were different from other officials.

I didn't expect that when you saw money and women, you would change, too.

The way of the world is, change is the only constant thing.

It is impossible to stay the same all the time.

In this case, I really misjudged you.

That might be as well. We are going separate ways so I guess we can't work together anymore.

I wish Official Tang a bright

and promising career.

Go.

You're just leaving like this?

Official Tang, do you have any other orders for me?

- What? - I know you are stupid,

but I didn't expect you to be so stupid.

What does that mean?

If I don't become like one of them, how could they trust me?

If I don't help them do a few things, how would they treat me like one of their own?

If they don't trust me and treat me like one of their own,

how would I know what they did?

What about you wanting to arrest Li Mao?

If Ma Lin really wants Li Mao to die,

it'll be like crushing an ant to him.

He did this to test me.

That being the case, I used his plan to go against him.

On one hand, he will trust me;

on the other hand, Li Mao is in the safest place in our own hands.

What about playing with those pretty maids?

They are Ma Lin's spies.

They keep watch on my movements from morning till night.

I seem to have blamed you unjustly.

I know that's only because you are a man of integrity.

By the way, since we started a play, we have to go through with it.

If I offend you later, don't take it personally.

What do you mean?

Your Excellency,

I know I did wrong.

Please forgive me.

Is this how you apologize?

I was too kind to you and never treated you as a subordinate.

So you got arrogant just because you did some job.

You get above yourself and become less and less mature.

You have no vision and can't look at the bigger picture.

You are incompetent!

That's enough.

I can forget about what happened today,

but you need to really reflect on it.

Brother Sui, you are not leaving, right?

[Western Depot]

Still eight thousand taels of silver short?

We handed in all the money others tried to bribe you.

Otherwise, if only we kept a little bit of it, we could make up for the eight thousand taels.

Don't say things that don't help.

Our Western Depot does have some unused funds...

- Maybe we can... - No way.

Wan An is keeping a close watch on me.

He's just waiting for me to tread one step without caution

so that he can impeach me again.

Commander, you can't do that!

They are Her Highness's gift to you.

Find a trustworthy person to pawn them

to get the eight thousand taels.

Hit him! Hit him!

What are you guys doing? Stop, stop!

- Run! - Why did you do that?

Who are your parents?

Did you get hurt?

They ran too fast or I would definitely spank them.

It's okay.

Why didn't you fight back?

You can't win them?

I can! I am good.

I can fight with several of them at the same time.

As the saying goes, like nephew, like uncle.

The way you brag does sound like Tang Fan.

Tell me the truth. Why didn't you fight back?

Mother has to raise me on her own.

I don't want to bring her trouble.

You're taking care of your mother at such a young age.

You're a good boy.

Since you are also aware that it's not easy for your mother to be a single mother,

when you grow up, I'm sure you're going to take good care of her

and protect your mother, right?

Of course!

But you can't even protect yourself now.

How can you protect your mother in case you guys meet a bad guy?

As a man, we don't bully others,

but we also can't be bullied by others.

This is the fundamental rule.

But what if I accidentally hurt him?

Do you know what an acupoint is?

Mr. Li, how did you get arrested, too?

These royal court's pets!

Those evil officials!

Be quiet!

Why would you, a scholar,

gang up with these silver workers to make trouble

instead of being a good teacher?

Why was I arrested?

What is the charge?

We arrested you for no reason,

just Master Ma's order.

What charge do we need?

No charge? Then you're framing me!

When I said there is collusion between government and businessmen, I just pointed out the truth.

Collusion between government and businessmen?

Then I will show you what real collusion is like!

What are you doing?

Don't hurt Mr. Li!

Get back!

What are you doing?

- Go back! - What are you doing?

Calm down! Calm down!

Get back there!

Don't start trouble!

It's all right.

What are you looking at?

Let's move!

Go!

You think no one would dare to touch you because you are a scholar?

You annoyed Master Ma.

Today, I will teach you a lesson for Master Ma!

I–

Offi... Officer...

I was afraid he might fake his testimony with those silver workers.

Get lost!

Officer.

I am sorry for what they did to you.

Thank you, Officer.

If you need anything, tell me anytime.

To tell you the truth, I need to ask you for a favor now.

Sure.

Please find some books for me. Any book will do.

Li can live without food for ten days,

but I can't live without books for just a day.

Books?

No problem.

Thank you.

I have to rely on you on this.

Rest assured.

Since this is your business, I will deal with it properly.

Let me seal it.

You don't have to. I trust you.

My brother, when it comes to money, you can't be too careful.

[20th day of the fifth lunar month in 14th year of Chenghua Reign]

My brother, goodbye!

Goodbye.

Hurry up.

Official Wan, we have calculated and exchanged them

according to the exchange rate of silver for gold in the market.

Please check them.

My precious.

My precious.

In a while, I'll give you a bath.

I can't bear to throw you guys in the water.

Sorry.

It feels comfortable just by looking at them.

Good tea?

I have no idea. I think so.

Then, why did you go "aww"?

You know nothing!

This is called artistic conception.

You have destroyed the beauty of this fragrant tea served by a beautiful lady.

Artistic conception?

Then why don't you find your new best friend to have tea together?

I think Master Ma is definitely willing to enjoy tea with you.

Mei, you can go to sleep now.

Your eyes fell into the teacup.

I...

It was for a serious reason.

Hurry up and tell me.

What do you want from me?

Give me your recipe for the mutton soup.

No way.

Why not?

No reason.

Just because you don't like Oirat people?

They have good people and bad people.

And we have known each other for a long time.

Not to mention they saved your life.

They helped you so much, how can you be so petty?

You are here making friends with Master Ma, living a luxurious life

with beautiful ladies surrounding you.

I didn't know you still cared about Duo'erla's small restaurant business.

Brother, your tone sounds like...

Like what?

Like you're a jealous woman.

A jealous woman, right?

The jealous woman has to go now.

Go figure it out yourself.

Sui Zhou!

Official Sui!

Dong'er, do you like Sister Duo'erla?

Of course.

Sister Duo'erla always stays real. She is more adorable than

the ladies who have a fake smile on their face every day.

Exactly.

So if she has trouble, you will help her, right?

How can I help her?

Go find Brother Sui and say you want to have mutton soup.

Let him cook it for you.

Brother Sui is so busy now.

I can't make him even busier.

No.

You just said you wanted to help!

You told me one should keep their business to themselves.

Don't cause trouble to others.

A pack of osmanthus candy.

Two packs.

Deal!

I feel much better now.

It turns out Brother Sui is worth only two packs of osmanthus candy.

Brother Sui, here's some osmanthus candy. It's delicious.

Don't eat so much candy.

Dinner is almost ready.

Got it.

Brother Sui, Brother Tang asked me to tell you that I want to drink mutton soup.

What else did he say?

He also said that Brother Sui is only worth two packs of osmanthus candy

which made him very happy.

Do you really want to drink mutton soup?

I do!

It smells so good, Brother Sui!

Finished?

There's still one final touch.

You're so clever.

Say something nice again.

Say it.

It seems that world peace is realized,

so you don't need to keep a watch on those dukes, ministers, and officials.

So you finally have the time to visit an old lady.

Empress Dowager, you must be joking.

You wouldn't come to me if you don't need anything from me.

Say it. What is it?

Empress Dowager, a few days ago I found something outside the palace.

I don't think it's appropriate to give it to anyone.

After I thought for a long time,

I decided Empress Dowager should decide for me.

What is it that you make it such a big deal?

Empress Dowager is here!

Why is she here?

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

As you were.

Noble Consort Wan, I brought you some Xishan pears.

They are juicy and delicious.

You have to try them.

Thank you.

Tuanjin, get some pear syrup to make honey tea.

And bring some snacks.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Mother Empress, please take a seat. - Sure.

Mother Empress, what brings you here today?

What?

You don't welcome me to come for a casual chat?

Of course I do!

How would I not welcome you?

You and I are about the same age.

And we are both the closest people to His Majesty.

We should have more contact.

You are quite right.

Speaking of which, I remember you and I were born in the same year of the dog.

The next year is the year of the dog.

Yes.

It's your birthday in about two weeks.

When someone gets old, she enjoys liveliness and people's company.

This time I want to throw a proper birthday celebration.

We shall do as you wish.

But I don't want to be extravagant either.

It'll be a casual gathering of our family members.

Sure.

I will tell them to find some interesting and exquisite dishes.

Speaking of exquisite, cutlery is also an important part of the feast.

I remember the Imperial Pottery Factory made a set of chicken cups.

Mother Empress has a really good memory.

I want to use this set of chicken cups for my birthday feast.

So I was wondering if I can borrow them.

As long as Mother Empress is happy, of course.

You shouldn't sound like a stranger.

I will tell them to find them and send them to your palace later.

I have nothing better to do today.

I can wait here for you to find them.

I will go back with the cups.

So I can save your people a trip.

Yes.

How is Tang Fan doing in Yunhe?

Did he make any progress?

There is no news yet.

Corruption has been a common phenomenon in the silver mine area since ancient times.

Now, the situations are complicated in Yunhe.

Tang Fan is so young.

I do worry if he can pull the job off.

Tang Fan is really talented.

But there are some mistakes

which are precisely only smart people will make.

About this, I cannot say I am 100% sure either.

Your Majesty,

Empress Dowager just went to the palace of Noble Consort Wan.

How many times did I tell you?

You need to ask them to take care and organize things in your palace.

Look. You can't find them when you need them.

Your Majesty is right.

They are too precious so I never took them out to use them.

After a long time, I can't remember where I put them.

It's all my fault.

Please forgive me.

Zhen'er, you don't have to apologize.

Since I gave them to you, they're yours.

Why do you blame yourself for that?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

In the future, I will take good care of things in my palace.

Okay.

In this case, I will go back first.

Mother Empress, please don't get angry.

I will send them to you immediately after I find them.

They'll be on time for your birthday feast.

Okay.

Mother Empress, be careful on your way.

I thought it was something serious.

So all this is just about a set of cups?

Timing and subtitles brought to you by ⚖Defenders of the Law ⚖ Team @ Viki

♫ Out of the mud but not tainted with the world of mortals ♫

♫ The sea drifts along while the heart is calm for a fraction ♫

♫ All alone in the world with no love nor hate ♫

♫ Being too slow-witted is also an innate intelligence ♫

♫ The cold fireworks branded the palm lines of predestination ♫

♫ New wounds cannot easily conceal old scars ♫

♫ The naked eye cannot easily break through worldly affairs, it can only hold on to one’s pure inherent quality ♫

♫ Hold his hand, don’t let him sink into degradation ♫

♫ In this mortal world together, both wandering to the end of the world ♫

♫ Brushing past each other, there’s no need to be bothered with the past ♫

♫ A fish leapt over the dragon gate (after becoming successful), you eventually forgot your original identity ♫

♫ I only ask for you to always remember my expression as I gazed back ♫

♫ I only ask for you to always remember my expression as I gazed back ♫