Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[The Ingenious One]

[Episode 28: The Man in the Fog of Yuntai]

[Shao’s Residence]

Why don't you go in and have a seat?

What brings you here

in the morning?

We found the towboat's official soldiers.

Where are they now?

I heard that Tang's Gambling House has been reopened.

Can you leave it to me?

You're so drunk right now.

How can I trust you?

Greetings, Your Highness.

Although you're drunk,

it's much more pleasing to the eye than your scary countenance yesterday.

You'd better tell us where the soldiers are.

My uncle can't stand others bargaining with him.

Yes.

Lord Liu, to be honest,

the towboat's official soldiers

are at Liyun port in the eastern suburbs.

They've all been tied up.

You just have to go and finish it up.

You can deal with Tang family's business then.

Thank you, Lord Liu.

He's moody and drinks too much.

According to rumors, the people of Yuntai Sect shouldn't be like this.

Your Highness...

So, they took such great pains and made such a huge detour

with the silver robbery case...

all just for Tang family's business.

You're good at navigating through all the clues.

You're reading too much into it.

He's just playing by ear

and adapting to the circumstances.

He's just good at acting according to the situation.

Mr. Mo, you're wrong.

I bet Yun already had a plan in mind

before gambling with Tang Xiao.

Only this way of making repeated strikes,

coupled with the power of the government,

would we have reached today's outcome.

Stop talking.

Aren't you afraid he'll be more daring the next time?

Anyway, Tang Xiao's biggest mistake

was to go against Yun.

It's his fault for having connections with the Lingyuan Sect.

But forget it. It's all in the past.

What matters now

is for you to come up with a set of statements.

Tactful statements.

After all, Tang Xiao is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

As the chairman,

you and Mr. Mo openly

devouring Tang's business together

would likely attract criticism.

Try the new lotus tea I made.

I melted winter gourd sugar into it.

It's delicious.

It's sweet but not cloyingly so, and smooth but not dry.

The two of you should have a taste.

I have my own drink.

How could he be in the mood to drink your tea?

Here, I'll have it.

Thank you, Miss Ke.

Have you come up with a plan

for what the two of them had just suggested?

Don't worry about that.

I'm sure the two of them already have a perfect plan in their minds.

You and Mr. Mo just need to

act according to my script.

It's delicious. It's sweet.

Cloyingly sweet.

Uncle.

How many people are there in one unit of the Cao Army?

32. They're all here.

Does that mean the case is closed?

You just woke up?

Since you've heard of my name before,

just tell me the truth.

Then, I might find a way for you to get out alive.

Lord Liu, what do you want to know?

The whole truth about the day of the incident.

That day, it was around midnight

when there was suddenly a huge cloud of fog above the river.

A vast, white cloud.

I only found out later

that it was poison and not fog.

Several buddies on the previous boat collapsed one after another.

When we woke up,

the official silver were already gone.

We didn't dare to go back and report about what had happened,

so we surrendered to the pirates with the tributary cloth.

But unexpectedly, they took a pledge

and betrayed us.

Do you still remember the taste of the fog?

It was sweet,

with a putrid odor.

What kind of putrid odor?

It seemed like a fishy odor.

Uncle, you know what that is?

It should be the Lingyuan Sect's Dragon Scale Fragrance.

This misty smoke across the river...

What a masterstroke.

[Nandu Chamber of Commerce]

Dear members of the Chamber of Commerce,

I think

you've all recently heard about

how Tang's Gambling House is embroiled in controversy.

And because of that, Tang Xiao's whereabouts are unknown.

His property has also been seized by the government.

The Tang family has dozens of gambling houses.

If we don't have any money to support them after they reopen,

I'm afraid they'll become defunct.

With timeliness,

over the past few days, Mr. Mo has repeatedly proposed

that he'd like to take over the business.

Everyone,

I think you all know

that Guanghui Bank had just ended a lawsuit,

so we don’t have enough cash.

I'm here today to discuss with everyone.

Is anyone willing to invest

and join me in taking over the Tang family's business together?

We can't do this.

That's right. It's a bad bargain.

If nobody is willing to take the risk,

that's fine too. You can lend me the money

and just collect the interest in peace.

Tang Xiao was embroiled in the silver robbery case

and all of his property was seized by the government.

It's still uncertain when his business

would reopen.

Right.

You don't know?

There's still no news at all until now.

Right.

Mo Bufan doesn't own the Nandu Government Office.

Mr. Mo.

There's something I'm unclear about

that I'd like to consult with you in person.

Dare I ask

if there's any room for maneuver

with regards to the government's seizure of Tang's property?

As I said,

you're just lending money to me.

As for the current status of the Tang family's business,

you don't have to worry about it.

It makes no difference to the Nandu Government Office

whether this business is titled after the Tang or Mo surname.

But for us,

if the business can't be reopened,

not only will we not get any profit,

but we're afraid we won't even be able to get back our capital.

Am I right?

That's right.

Mr. Yun.

You know what they're talking about.

Don't be anxious.

Let's keep listening.

Since ancient times, people don't compete with officials for profit.

Mr. Mo, please don't blame us for being too cautious.

How about this?

As a fellow member of the Chamber of Commerce,

I'll donate 100 taels.

I'll also donate 80 taels.

Mine, 80 taels.

-50 taels. -50 taels.

30 taels.

I'll donate 50 taels.

I'll donate 50 taels.

Mr. Wang.

You made so much money this year.

How about donating a few taels?

Yes, yes.

I'll donate 60 taels,

Mr. Mo.

I'm sincerely seeking benefits for you,

but no one believes me.

Don't say that, Mr. Mo.

Although they aren't much,

aren't they still real silver certificates?

Mr. Mo.

Look at this...

To be honest,

I'm also really fond of this business.

But as the chairman,

if I join hastily, it'll seem like I'm abusing my power for personal gains

and monopolizing the business.

Don’t worry, Chairman Su.

Even if the Su family offers to buy the business,

it’s to clean up

the mess Tang Xiao left behind.

This is a righteous act.

How could we misunderstand?

That's right.

Chairman Su.

You're willing to bear the responsibility of taking over the Tang's Gambling House.

You're really brave.

Yes.

You're like your sister now with this commanding demeanor.

It's a done deal.

In the future, this chairman

will still need the support of everyone.

Of course.

See you.

-See you. -I won't see you off.

See you.

See you.

Mr. Mo.

Look at how vivid their speeches are.

But deep down, they think I'm a fool.

This time, you've expanded your family property

and won the public's praise.

You've killed two birds with one stone.

They won't get bored and come back

to blame me for cheating, right?

They should commend you for hiding your ingenuity in clumsiness.

As the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce,

not only do you want them to respect you,

but also to fear you.

Your position in the business world is getting more and more stable.

I think it's time to send a letter to your sister

so that she can rest assured

and have fun on her travels.

Thank you for your guidance, Yun.

I thought running a business required

sophistication

and a kind heart.

You've imparted

the sophistication to me,

but I'll have to thank Menglan

for my kind heart.

You...

only know some simple methods.

You're still so kind and innocent.

You haven't changed.

You're the one that knows me best.

Enough.

Stop provoking that silly boy

with your intimacy.

I'll still have to trouble you with all the procedures.

I'll take the silly boy for a walk.

I didn't expect

your plan to take control of the Tang family's business would really succeed.

Tell me.

Was my punishment

also part of your plan?

Mr. Mo.

I really have a headache today.

Why don't I go back first?

No need.

There's a teahouse ahead.

How about a cup of hot tea to relieve your headache?

What tea?

If you want a drink, let's drink wine.

Treat me to some wine to get over my hangover.

How about this?

Why don't you go back and rest?

Great.

Stop acting.

Why do I feel like

you're using emotional trauma to take personal revenge?

Tell me.

Are you going to look for Liu Gongquan?

Why would I?

That shrew of the Lingyuan Sect is in his hands.

Why won't you go look for clues?

I told you

I'll help you to the end.

But right now,

I do have something more important to tell you.

About our sect?

Kid, you're becoming more and more extreme with how you deal with matters.

If it weren't for me

protecting you until now,

I don't know what might have become of you.

When Master left Nandu,

he strictly ordered me to report your every move.

Of course,

I've not provided any updates on all matters regarding you.

I just emphasized that

the Lingyuan Sect has repeatedly intervened in the Nandu Chamber of Commerce.

Then, what did Master say?

Since I've reported this,

I have yet to receive a reply.

Do you think he already knew?

I've thought about it for a long time.

Today, I'll tell you more about things that are taboo.

You just have to listen.

Imagine when the Yuntai Sect first appeared.

The reigning sovereign regarded the Yuntai Sect as a big threat

and continually tried to kill off everyone in the Sect.

But at that time,

the previous sect leaders

didn't hide their true identity from the people around them.

Hiding one's identity is no big deal.

It doesn't break the rules of the sect.

Stop feigning ignorance.

Think about it.

The tension between the current court and the Yuntai Sect

has long cooled down.

But why has our Master

become more and more secretive?

What if the Lingyuan Sect didn't steal our skills secretly

but that someone from our sect is imparting the skills to them,

to deliberately blur the boundaries between the two sects?

Do you mean to say that

the person who wants to blur the boundaries

is our Master?

I dare not be so sure.

I'm just considering it.

They say God is watching us all the time.

What if someone did something

and God couldn't see it?

If a person is hiding in secret

without supervision,

he'll become even more reckless in his actions

and his desires will be hard to restrain.

Your words

remind me of what Liu Gongquan once said.

As an individual, people may be good or evil,

but when they gather together,

good and evil will inevitably be mixed together.

We can only rely on the law.

He hates our Yuntai Sect the most,

because our people

have always been outside of the law,

claim self-righteousness,

and consider ourselves flawless.

Forget it.

It's all speculation.

Who can discern the truth?

If it's true,

what should we do?

Do we go with the flow like this river,

or eventually return to the nest

like this pigeon?

Send this money to the Xishan branch.

Yes.

Greetings, Madam Kou.

There's no one here.

Why are you so courteous and rule-abiding?

It's strange.

How's your studies?

You think I'm useless,

[Guiguzi]

so I'm turning over a new leaf.

These are strategies.

They can't be learned in a short time.

If you want to be successful,

learn to control your temper first.

Mother, you sure can tolerate anything.

But if I tone down my temper any more,

I'm afraid it won't just be Nangong Fang

who'd dare to double-cross our Kou family.

Yuanjie—

What? Can't I say it?

That outsider Nangong Fang encroached upon half of the Kou family's territory,

and you just stood by and did nothing.

Yet you're always wary of your own son.

You even sent Sister to be by Nangong Fang's side.

Do you want to inherit the position of pavilion manager?

Fine.

As long as you can get close to me,

I will give up my position to you.

You're mentally unstable and distracted.

No matter how quick your moves are,

they're still just illusory.

Do you know that

your sister endured humiliation for the Kou family?

And you?

I've put so much effort in you.

If I'd put that effort in your sister,

she would be much stronger than you.

Thank you for your teachings, Mother.

Follow me.

Wait.

Send the money to the Xishan branch yourself.

From now on,

focus on completing the tasks I've ordered you to do.

Even if these things are insignificant,

once you've sharpened your character,

I'll return the Young Master seal to you.

Yes, Mother.

Go.

Keep an eye on Young Master.

Make sure nothing goes wrong.

Yes.

Madam Kou has always been strict.

Don't take it to heart.

I've been by Madam Kou's side all these years.

I know you're the one she values the most.

If she really thinks highly of me,

why would she let me be humiliated

in front of Nangong Fang?

Madam Kou did it for the big picture.

The big picture?

Over the past century, the Lingyuan Sect has always been decisive.

When she took charge, everything had to be done with caution.

I went to Nandu alone

and killed Ye Xiao off with ease,

removing Nangong Fang's right-hand man.

But she doesn't acknowledge it at all.

Kou Lianyi has been outside for years, and what did she accomplish

to be able to win her recognition?

If I remember correctly,

you've been with Madam Kou for more than 10 years.

It's been 17 years.

In that case,

you must have witnessed the time

when Nangong Fang first came to offer his services.

I heard that his pledge

is to crush the power of the Yuntai Sect faction occupying Nandu,

that is to defeat Wen Cong.

That's right.

At that time, Madam Kou thought he was just talking through his hat,

but unexpectedly, he got it done.

Young Master.

Why are you suddenly mentioning

these matters of the past?

Nothing.

I just suddenly feel that

I haven't accompanied Mother enough for the past few years.

I'm her son

but I'm nowhere near as considerate as a personal guard like you.

Young Master, you...

It's getting late. Let's go.

Madam Kou is also good to us.

It's just an exchange of kind hearts.

After all, blood is thicker than water—

An exchange of kind hearts?

Then let Mother feel this pain too.

I didn't expect that traveling for years

has resulted in you becoming more valiant than before.

Now, you're even more charming.

Mr. Nangong, you're generous with your praise.

Are you still thinking about the engagement before?

I dare not.

I'm just expressing how I feel.

Looking back, I was young and energetic

and didn't know my place,

and dared to desire to be your partner.

It's ridiculous thinking about it now.

Now that we're going to work together,

we might as well make things clear

lest there be any concerns about each other.

Don't worry.

Although I'm not talented,

I have one positive quality,

which is that I don't dwell on the past

and only look forward to the future.

That's great.

Mr. Nangong, what do you have planned

for personally visiting Nandu this time?

Four words-

royal supplier of silk.

You want to deal with the Su family?

Not only do I want to deal with the Su family,

but also Mo Bufan and his Guanghui Bank.

Of course.

There's one more that I don't have to mention

because you should be well aware of who that is.

If you were in Yangzhou,

you would surely be able to do anything you want.

But in the current Nandu,

the Yuntai Sect and the Su family have each other's back.

It won't be easy to take them down.

Unless... you've already laid out your plan?

Yes...

and no.

Watch where you're going.

[Liansheng House]

Let's go.

Mr. Yun.

You're still not sober?

The water ghost robbery case has been closed.

The truth of this robbery is worthless to you.

Two of the three deals we made

have been completed.

Let's talk about the third one now.

Since this case has been concluded,

I'm no longer

of value to you.

Why are you still willing

to proceed with the third deal with me?

Be straightforward and tell me what you want.

Don't push your luck by testing me.

I'm afraid you're confused.

The fight between the Lingyuan and Yuntai sects

only exists in the martial world.

As a member of the Yuntai Sect,

even if I had to borrow the government's power,

I'd want to deal with the Lingyuan Sect.

It really goes against common sense.

You're right.

That's why I want to clarify

the third deal.

Try it.

[Luo Family's Village]

Luo family's village.

Lord Liu is knowledgeable indeed.

You must have heard about

the massacre at the Luo family's village along the east coast

15 years ago, right?

[Luo Family's Village]

A case that happened 15 years ago...

It must not have been easy to investigate it

on your own.

Although I've heard the entire story of this unsettled case,

I've never once imagined that

it involved the Lingyuan Sect.

No wonder you took the risk

and asked me for help.

But I also didn't expect that you,

originally a suspect in my list,

would be who I'd reach two consecutive agreements with.

And now I'm even drinking with you.

Although I have broken the rules of the Yuntai Sect,

my ideals have never wavered.

It's such a pity that your great talents

can't be used to serve the court.

But have you ever thought about what you would do in the future

after your grand revenge is completed?

Who cares?

Life is about rejoicing fully and enjoying oneself.

I hope I can stay drunk and never wake up.

Since ancient times, sages have been lonely

and need to drink a lot.

Cheers.

Forget it.

As you said,

I've really never thought about

what I'd do after.

I won't trouble the court.

Just as well. There are years ahead of us.

Again?

Yun Xiang.

I'll accept the third deal.

Thank you, my lord.

Since it's a deal,

you still have to hear me out on my conditions.

Go ahead.

I’ll investigate the massacre at the Luo family's village for you,

and you'll owe me a favor.

If I need your help one day,

no matter when,

and even if you have to pay a heavy price,

you can't refuse it.

For people in the martial world,

words must be honest, actions must be bold,

and promises must be fulfilled with sincerity.

If you need anything,

I'll definitely do it for you.

Okay.

I'll set off for the east coast tomorrow.

But for now,

come with me to another place.

If I'm not mistaken,

is it the government dungeon?

Is there anything that you can't foresee?

Let's go.

Help!

Behave yourself!

Don't move.

Hold her down.

Don't move.

Behave!

-My lord. -My lord.

We've been keeping a close watch as you ordered.

She hasn't been untied for even a moment.

But when I came to deliver food to her,

who would have thought

this crazy woman would bite her tongue off—

Get a doctor to stitch up the wound and stop the bleeding.

Keep her alive no matter what.

Yes.

Have you ever expected this situation?

It doesn't matter. As long as she's alive.

My lord.

Do you think

Princess has ever suspected us these past few days?

With her intelligence,

I'm afraid she has already sensed that something's off.

After all, Prince Fu is her biological father.

No one can hide or escape from this matter.

My lord.

Are you going on this trip to avoid Prince Fu

or to really help Yun Xiang with his investigation?

I can handle this trip to the east coast on my own.

It's also just right to lure Prince Fu's spies away.

Go back to Nandu immediately.

I don't need to teach you how to investigate, right?

Don't worry, my lord.

I know what to do.

One more lap! One more lap!

No.

Everyone's asleep. You're the only energetic one.

Let me tell you.

This is the last lap, boss.

Lower your voice. Lower your voice.

Are they all asleep?

Yes.

It's really not easy.

What happened to your arm?

These kids had a fight before.

I tried to stop them and got bit.

Look, these teeth aren't fully grown yet.

There are so many gaps.

These kids have no manners.

Let me apply some medication for you.

No need. My skin is rough and my flesh is thick.

I'm fine.

No, you have to apply the medication.

Tianhu.

I'm not used to having someone

take care of me yet.

Tianhu, I...

What's wrong? Are you sad?

Tell me.

Let me be happy too.

Something sad?

Recently, everything has been going well for me.

Something great's about to be accomplished.

Really?

But why did I hear that Shu doesn't want you anymore?

It's only been a few days.

How have you become so gossipy?

Quick, tell me what happened.

In my opinion,

although Shu doesn't say it,

deep down, she's already completely devoted to you.

Did you do something unethical

to piss her off?

Tell me quickly.

Listen, I don't care about others.

But Shu's like my brother.

I can't watch you two like this.

If that brother broke your heart...

If my beloved ones hurt me,

I'll take it.

If Shu really hurt you this time,

there must have been a reason.

Apart from other things,

think about when you were protecting the raw silk,

or competing against Tang Xiao.

She risked her life to help you every time.

You can't always think about

how she's hurting you now.

Let me tell you.

There are many people wandering in the martial world.

Not many can survive.

How about this?

Where is she? I'll bring her here.

Whatever problems the two of you are having, talk it out in person.

Can you stop talking about me?

Look at yourself.

You take one step forward and then two steps back.

Stop nagging.

Right.

Let me ask you.

Is there true love in this world?

What?

Look.

At first,

because you had to repay a small gambling debt to me,

I devised for you to stay and offer me thorough protection.

We settle the wages on a daily basis.

But by now, you should have already repaid

your whole debt.

I'm glad you know.

I cleared the debt half a month ago.

Then, I don't understand.

In the martial world,

you're known for being a lone wolf.

Since your debt is cleared,

why are you still here?

What do you mean by that?

I asked you first.

Answer my question, and then I'll answer yours.

I don't do business that incurs losses.

The foundling home isn't fully established yet.

I can't leave just yet.

And there's no other reason?

Other...

Why are you still the one asking questions?

It's your turn to answer my question.

My second query is still a part of the same question.

We'll talk about another question

after you're done answering mine.

In the ruthless martial world,

I've met some people I disdain.

With them, I only talk about business.

I never speak more than I need to.

After a long time, life got boring.

But after coming to Nandu,

the people and things I've met were quite interesting.

Since I've had a taste of this interesting life,

I don't want to go back

to living like I have no tomorrow.

In the past, when I closed my eyes,

I just thought about having survived another day.

It's a profit.

Whether I'll be dead or alive tomorrow

will all be up to God.

Now, when I close my eyes,

I think about this person and that person.

It's all very interesting.

To be honest, I'm thinking

if I should live in a different way.

I don't need to wait until my next life.

I don't know about others.

But I know for sure that since you're by my side,

I must still be of value to you.

What?

Say that again.

You still won't admit it?

Yun.

I found you interesting,

so I thought highly of you and regarded you as a friend.

Don't be shameless.

Warrior Jin, please spare my life.

I still have important things that need your help in the future.

Don't even think about it.

I know you'll definitely help me.

Thank you, Warrior Jin.

Human emotions are the most fervent.

It could be love for a day and hatred for another.

Love is captivating,

and hatred disrupts the mind.

When people and emotions are intertwined,

they lose their perceptiveness.

Then, it'll be hard to have the world in one's mind.

How much did you drink?