Original subtitles

Your Excellency, he is here.

Hong Luo, a merchant of Yueliang Kingdom,

needs to enter Dafu Market, Anle District, [Employment system issued by Imperial Court]

Ning'an City, Dayong, for transactions. [Dafu Market, Anle District, Ning'an City, Dayong]

Relying on the royal family's background, this unscrupulous merchant fears nothing,

and he travels between countries to collect and sell information.

Over there.

If Guo Yun bought the secret letter I wrote to Nandong Kingdom

and used it to accuse me of collaborating with the enemy and treason,

it would be an inexplicable capital crime.

Don't worry, Your Excellency.

Today, we deployed arrangements.

We will be able to get this letter ahead of Guo Yun.

Look at this piece of jade.

Here. Look at these barley ears.

It's not in the sleeve.

- Watch out. - Sorry, Boss.

What are you doing?

I'm so sorry. I didn't notice.

- What's wrong with you? - My apologies.

It's not in the hat.

Mr. Bi.

Sorry. Let me clean it for you.

It's not in his arms.

Scare him as planned.

Yes.

Go away!

- What's going on? - Catch the thief!

Catch the thief!

- Oh, no. - Catch the thief!

Get out of the way!

Catch the thief!

- Come back. - We found it.

The letter must be hidden in the bead on the belt.

[A League of Nobleman]

[Episode 1]

[Peace] [Hanhui Pavilion]

Little girl. This is you.

Tie it over there.

Horses cannot be hitched here.

- I can put it wherever I want. So what? - Exactly.

According to article 21, chapter 5 of Yong Dynasty's regulations,

horses aren't allowed to be tied along Dafu Market's streets.

- Please take the horse to the stable. - Who do you think you are?

What's going on outside?

- It's none of your business. - It's Hong Luo who's in a dispute with a vendor downstairs.

It's none of your business. Sell your noodles.

Don't worry, Your Excellency. Our men are there.

Just lead Hong Luo into the restaurant. Don't get distracted.

Sir, calm down, please.

There is a stable behind our restaurant.

I'll take your horse there.

Sir, this way, please.

Here it is. Come in, please.

Let me pour some wine for you.

Please take a seat.

Sir, please.

Sir, what do you want?

The most expensive one.

The most expensive one. Sure.

One serving of milk sheep pot.

Sir, how can you have mutton stew without lamb wine?

I'll give it a try.

But that's not how to drink the wine.

Your Excellency, he's way too wary.

It's hard to take action.

Is the person who contradicted Hong Luo just now the noodle vendor?

Yes.

A noodle order for table "Peony In Late Spring." Add another poached egg. When it's done, send it over.

Okay.

Your noodles.

I didn't order it. Scram.

You asked someone to order it.

It's you again.

It's two wen for the noodles and three wen for the egg,

for a total of five wen.

You are courting death!

Beat him.

The bead!

The bead!

The bead is missing!

- The bead! - Quick. Look for it.

Hurry, hurry. Find it! Find it!

Seal off the restaurant!

Don't let anyone out!

- Stop. - Catch him.

Sir, please calm down.

Sir, let's think of another way.

You have caught the wrong person.

This...

Boss, we've searched. There's nothing.

Where is my bead?

You got the wrong person.

Then why did you run?

I'm just an errand man. Of course, I have to run.

I was in a hurry to deliver lamb wine to the guests.

It would delay business.

If I can't find the bead today, none of you can leave.

Don't be anxious.

Let's think of a way.

Young Man, don't you know how to solve crimes?

To tell you the truth,

a few days ago, he was the one who helped my wife

find the secret stash of money I hid.

Young Man, help this guest.

He dropped my noodles.

I don't want to help him.

It's because of the noodles!

Before I dropped them, my bead was still there.

Then it was gone.

The bead was lost when you dropped the noodles?

It was lost at that time.

Right.

At that time, I was only focused on my noodles and didn't notice someone stealing.

But why did it happen at that moment?

Had you gotten up before I came in?

No.

I was taken advantage of.

I can help you.

You really didn't order the noodles.

Someone took advantage of our conflict to deliberately make me irritate you.

"Someone"?

Who?

Show me your belt.

Here you are.

[A scratch]

[The chopsticks are clean]

[Bowls and chopsticks are unmoved]

Where are the guests from that table?

The guest of table "Magnolia" had just paid the bill.

I don't know whether he left or not.

It's me. [Grease on cuffs]

But I'm only here for a meal.

- Search him. - No need.

The bead isn't with him.

But he helped.

The person who stole the bead is the dancer.

- What? - It was her?

The bead is inlaid on the belt.

The fat around your waist is so thick that it sticks to the bead when you sit down.

It is only convenient to take action if someone provoked you to stand up.

The dancer then scraped the bead off with a thin wire.

So there is a very fine scratch on the belt.

- It's you. - No need to search.

The bead has been transferred.

But you can check her hands.

She did steal it.

The best place to assist the dancer is your seat.

You sit behind him where it's easiest to take action.

You sealed off the restaurant when it was stolen,

but he ran out the first time to divert the attention

so that he had time to transfer the bead again.

Your Excellency.

Go.

This is the bead I lost.

How did you know the bead was here?

The fishlike smell on his cuffs suggests that he transferred the bead to a plate of fish. [Fishlike smell]

The steamed river fish can't hide the bead.

The steamed sea bass is almost finished.

The spicy boiled fish's oil broth is so hot that it might burn the bead.

Only the eye of chub is the best place.

Amazing.

Who ordered the fish?

It's... Chunguang Pavilion on the second floor.

Chase them.

Hurry up.

The carriage axle is three feet long.

The sedan is four feet long. The depth is three feet long

One can only turn right at the intersection ahead.

Taking the shortcut, I'll catch up with them. [Xu's Garment]

This cloth is looking so pretty.

Sorry.

Look, Zhang Ping.

Xiao Zhang Ping.

This boy... Why is he in such a hurry?

Exactly. He must be looking for a kitten and puppy for someone else.

The road ahead is too narrow to cross.

I still have time.

The first popcorn in the capital.

The first popcorn in the capital.

Have a try.

The first...

[Zhang's Grocery Store]

What is going on here?

Are you from Zuiwanchun Restaurant?

My husband is dead.

Why should I go to the restaurant?

Sorry.

Little Brother.

Little Brother.

Where are they?

Did you catch them?

No.

I am so exhausted.

Little Brother.

Thank you for today.

Tell me what you want.

Pay me for the bowl.

Two wen.

Only the bowl?

Nothing else?

You didn't order the noodles.

You don't have to pay for them.

What?

Hot...

[Hanhui Pavilion]

Hot pancakes.

The last ones.

Brother Zhang, where have you been?

It's already dark.

Didn't we agree yesterday that I'll pay the wages today?

And we'd both go home early and eat delicious food.

I remember.

Brother Zhang, what did you do?

Why did you make so little money today?

I told you a long time ago to focus on selling noodles and not to get in trouble.

Look, your brother-in-law earns so much money every day.

[Zuiwanchun Restaurant]

[Hanhui Pavilion]

A grand scholar is selling noodles on the street.

It's really a disgrace to the educated class.

Brother Zhang did this because his family is poor.

Why is it a disgrace to the educated class?

What's more, he took third place in Sichuan County's municipal examination.

What about you?

- Ignore them. - You've got scholarly honor.

This is called "self-abandonment."

Yes. Of the scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant,

merchant is the lowest.

Who are you calling lowly?

Make it clear.

What?

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants all form the country's foundation.

There is neither lowliness nor nobleness.

You...

Who are you?

My name is Lan Jue.

Or you can call me "Peizhi."

This...

- Minister Lan. - Minister Lan.

Shun was employed when plowing the fields. (T/N: Legendary mythological emperor who began as a farmer)

Fu Yue was employed when building walls. (T/N: Mythical minister known for building defensive walls)

Before they became officials,

some of the senior officials in the court sold calligraphy on the street,

and some lived in ruined temples.

Don't underestimate the business in the marketplace.

You are right, Your Excellency.

This is the real insight.

Sorry for the offense today.

We are leaving.

Are you Vice Minister Lan of the Ministry of Rites?

I am Chen Chou. Greetings to Minister Lan.

Zhang Ping.

Zhang Ping!

Greetings to Minister Lan.

Minister Lan.

Your name is Zhang Ping?

The imperial examination is coming soon.

You are not studying at home to prepare for the exam, but rather selling noodles on the street.

Are you having trouble?

Because of poverty.

Most of the scholars who have come to the capital for the exam were funded by their families.

Your willingness to be self-reliant is quite rare.

I am an orphan.

Minister Lan, he's always straightforward like this.

Don't mind him.

Never mind.

That being the case, why don't you find an official or a wealthy gentry for an easier job?

If you are interested, I can recommend one for you.

Are you familiar with the Court of Judicial Review?

Why are you so insensible and picky?

I'm not familiar with the Court of Judicial Review,

but my family happens to lack an accountant.

Would you like to try?

I would rather sell noodles.

Forget it.

I won't push you.

If you change your mind in the future, come to the Ministry of Rites' official office to find me.

I am Lan Jue, Vice Minister of Rites.

Your Excellency, what do you think?

Could it be that he was instructed by someone to do it purposely?

There's no difference from my initial judgment.

He's just rash.

To be cautious, find someone to check him.

Yes.

Fortunately, you used the escape plan today.

Otherwise, today...

As solemn as the wind under the pine tree,

and as bright as the moon in the forest.

I didn't expect Minister Lan to be so approachable.

Really?

Say something.

Oh.

"Oh"?

If it weren't for Minister Lan today, you would have been bullied by those two scholars again.

I told you many times not to set up a stall here,

but you didn't listen to me.

There are many customers here, so it's easy to make money.

"Many customers"?

You sold noodles for a day. But no one ever sat here.

How are there many customers?

That's not correct.

Chen Chou.

Clean it up for me.

Brother Zhang! Where are you going?

The seat cushion in Chunguang Pavilion hasn't been put down,

indicating that no one has ever sat there.

[Feiyu Pavilion]

You have been in Feiyu Pavilion.

From here, you saw I had a conflict with Hong Luo.

So you wanted to use me.

After the truth was revealed,

you led me to the pre-arranged Chunguang Pavilion next door,

and you led us away with the arranged carriage.

Who are you?

Fructus Amomi. (T/N: Plant used in Chinese medicine)

Fructus Amomi is a tribute, mainly for stomach problems.

How could a restaurant... afford it?

Be careful.

We are so lucky today.

While selling noodles, we met Vice Minister Lan of the Ministery of Rites.

The Ministry of Rites administers the imperial examination.

Did you notice?

The floor of Daifu Market is muddy.

But when Minister Lan came here today, the tops of his shoes and the hem of his clothes were clean.

Who do you think Minister Lan is? Of course, he came by carriage.

But he left on foot.

Where was the carriage when he returned?

Why do you worry about such trivial matters?

- I heard that Minister Gong will retire soon. - Work harder.

In the future, Minister Lan will handle all matters of the imperial examination.

Chen Chou.

I think it's a bit strange for him to come to the noodle stall.

Minister Lan, why are you walking today?

I'm just taking a walk.

Goodbye.

We acted rashly this time.

I'm afraid it will not be easy to take action next time.

Hong Luo is lustful by nature.

A honey-trap would work.

Ask Miss Xie Hao from Banyue Pavilion to take action.

[Jing'an District, Lan Manor]

Your Excellency, will there be any trouble caused by Guo Yun?

I sent him abroad to meet Xiangrui.

He is not expected to return for another three to four days.

Guo Yun is so vicious.

To get the position of Minister of Rites, he even wants to kill you.

If he hadn't wanted to buy the secret letter in Hong Luo's bead,

there wouldn't have been so much trouble.

Forget it.

Official circles are just like that.

If I were to get such a handle, I would never be soft-hearted.

Here.

By the way, do you know that there are countless people

who have almost broken the threshold of the Lan Manor?

But Minister Lan didn't take any of them in, to avoid arousing suspicion.

"Avoid arousing suspicion"?

If so, why did he recruit me to work as an accountant in his manor?

Isn't it good?

Countless scholars in the capital want to be Minister Lan's disciples,

but God dropped the opportunity on your head.

You have to take the chance.

But I only want to go to the Highest Judiciary.

Brother Zhang, I know that you came to the capital to take the exam

and find your admired detective Mu Yesheng in the Highest Judiciary.

But you have to be realistic.

Who is Mu Yesheng?

Is he in the Highest Judiciary?

Is the "Strange Night Talk" he wrote made up?

The Highest Judiciary written in his book is so real.

He must be there.

At least he used to be there.

Listen.

Get along well with Minister Lan,

and your enrollment is not far away.

Chen Chou,

aren't you the "know-it-all" of the capital?

Can you help me find out if Minister Lan has stomach problems?

Your Excellency, has your stomach issue relapsed?

I'll ask the kitchen to make you something warm.

No need.

Miss Xie Hao has already made arrangements.

In three days, she will lead Hong Luo to Banyue Pavilion to take action.

Your birthday banquet is also scheduled there.

How is the investigation of Zhang Ping?

We have checked.

He has no background and is just a scholar who loves investigating cases.

Your Excellency, just now at the back door,

there was a man suspiciously searching the trash outside the courtyard.

What was he looking for?

The Fructus Amomi you used.

But before he could pick it up, I chased him away.

The medicine residue in the restaurant has been cleaned up.

It's the smell.

The Fructus Amomi has a strong smell.

Where is he now?

A little bit higher.

Brother Zhang, are you mistaken?

How could Minister Lan steal a bead?

That's why I'm seeking confirmation.

Well, if you made a mistake, we'd offend him.

Not finding out who was behind the bead stealing made me feel uncomfortable.

Then what about our imperial examination?

What should we do next?

Look for the dregs of the decoction.

Stop!

It's you.

Your Excellency.

Take a seat.

Do you know how serious it is to break into an official's residence without permission?

According to the law, those who break into houses without permission will be killed justifiably.

Your Excellency, we are not up to anything bad.

It's just that after meeting you today, we admire your personality and admire your demeanor.

So...

So we came to find out about your daily preferences.

Why do you want to know this?

It is convenient for us to give gifts.

You came in the middle of the night.

What perfect timing.

There are too many people in the daytime.

You also came to find out my preferences.

Do you drink tea with Fructus Amomi because you have stomach problems?

Do you normally drink tea?

We usually drink Hu people's big-leaf tea. It's not that exquisite.

I didn't expect you to know Fructus Amomi.

But this is Alpinia zerumbet.

The two are similar in shape, but there are subtle differences.

Fructus Amomi has a strong smell and can treat stomach problems.

Alpinia zerumbet is astringent and is just a spice to enhance the taste.

I don't have stomach problems.

If you are trying to please me, it's the wrong way.

Zhang Ping, scholars should not show off their talents and take advantage of it.

Instead of finding my preferences, you should concentrate on studying for the exam.

Given that you are first-time offenders, I will let you go this time.

Thank you, Minister Lan.

- Your Excellency, you can't just— - Send them away.

Let's go.

Your Excellency.

Are you really going to let them go?

He has no evidence.

[Three Days Later]

Raise the lantern.

[Hanhui Pavilion]

Are you finished, Chen Chou?

Are you still thinking about Minister Lan?

It's been three days. Just give up.

We had a conflict with Minister Lan.

We have to give a gift to turn the page.

Minister Lan will hold a birthday banquet at Banyue Pavilion tonight.

I have a gift ready.

Let's go there to ease the relationship.

Brother Zhang, you are giving attitude.

Brother Zhang, what are you thinking about?

Have you ever answered what I ask every day?

Have you ever told me what's on your mind every day?

I will only be dragged down by being your friend.

This...

Chen Chou, where did you say Minister Lan is having the banquet tonight?

[Pingkang District, Banyue Pavilion]

Bravo!

Good!

Bravo!

Let's go over there.

This is Banyue Pavilion.

It's so splendid.

Bravo!

Bravo! So lively.

Yes.

Indeed.

It's indeed the carriage I was chasing

It's really you.

Brother Zhang, follow me. Don't run around. [Banyue Pavilion]

Don't run around.

Stop.

We have tickets.

This way, please.

Brother Zhang, that is the number one actress in the capital, Miss Xie Hao.

Her puppet dance has become popular in the capital recently.

The attic above should be the legendary number one private room, "Peony Pavilion."

It is said that those inside are the most powerful people in the capital.

Let's go over there.

Let's look for Minister Lan.

Everyone is here.

Great.

Minister Lan, when shall we start? [Jia Fugui, owner of Banyue Pavilion]

Some distinguished guests haven't arrived yet.

All right.

Minister Lan, there is no need to wait any longer. [Ji Wen, Vice Director of Ministry of Rites]

I haven't seen Minister Gong attend anyone's banquet in the ten years since I entered the court.

Minister Lan's unsurpassed mind is unrivaled in the Ministry of Rites. [Shao Zhi, Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites]

If it weren't for the background, I'm afraid...

Whether Minister Gong comes or not, I can't be rude.

Please forgive me if there is any lack of hospitality.

Here comes Minister Gong!

I have been waiting for you for a long time. [Gong Songming, Minister of Rites]

It's my honor for you to come.

The way to be an official is to be honest and upright.

You are right, Sir.

Brother Zhang, there are so many rooms in Banyue Pavilion.

When can we find him?

Let's split up.

Brother Zhang,

we are here today to celebrate his birthday and make amends.

After a while, when you see Minister Lan, you should be sincere and give him the gift.

Look for him now.

Okay.

Let's split up.

What does Minister Lan mean by this?

Why do they serve us porridge and side dishes?

Yes.

I have never been back to my hometown Guangling since I arrived at the capital,

and I haven't had rouge rice for decades.

It is my great honor that Minister Gong and all colleagues are willing to come.

But I really dare not bother you with this mere birthday.

I invite you to get together today out of another intention.

I prepared a gift for you, Sir.

Please accept it.

Since I became an official at the age of twenty, I've never accepted anything.

It is an exception for me to come here today.

If you want to give me a gift, I have to go.

This thing has no worldly value.

Please take a look before making a decision.

Please take a look for my sake.

[Handprints of Hundreds of Children]

This is collected from the common people in Zichuan County.

When the Yellow River burst its embankment,

Zichuan suffered the worst disaster.

You went to disaster relief area and saved thousands of lives.

In order to thank you for your life-saving grace,

the local people left the handprints of the newborns

under the incense table to express their gratitude after the disaster.

Minister Lan, thank you.

I will take this painting.

Please accept my bow of respect.

I know what's on your mind,

but I can't promise to recommend you as the Minister of Rites.

Don't worry, Sir. I know what to do.

What are you doing?

Looking for someone.

"Looking for someone"?

Why are you so stealthy?

I've watched you for a long time.

Don't run!

- Take care. - Sorry.

Where is he?

Cheers.

Your Excellency,

Xie Hao has put the thing backstage as agreed.

Minister Lan.

It's you again.

I have found the evidence.

The one who stole the bead in the restaurant that day was you.

Aren't you done with this?

I made it clear that day.

I couldn't find any evidence at your house that day.

It must be because the Fructus Amomi had been replaced long ago.

But you still ignored one thing.

When in Dafu Market, the carriage I chased after must have been your cover-up.

At that time, I wanted to block the carriage with a bamboo pole,

but I accidentally knocked over a bucket of red paint, and the horse stepped on it.

Just now, I checked the stable of Banyue Pavilion.

That horse is tied to your carriage.

Paint is everywhere.

How can you be sure that the paint on the horse's hoof was from that incident?

You are so whimsical.

I should recommend that you write playbooks.

Your Excellency, you don't have to argue.

You know whether you stole the bead or not.

Zhang Ping, what are you trying to do by following me so closely? What is your motive?

I just want to prove that my judgment is right.

You used me to commit crimes. I must find out.

Furthermore, you need to pay for my noodles.

It's two wen for the noodles,

three wen for the egg, for a total of five wen.

Are you after only that?

No need to argue with him.

Zhang Ping.

For the sake of your being a scholar, I don't want you to ruin your future due to a mistake.

But if you continue to harass and frame me maliciously, don't blame me for being merciless.

If you are short of money, I'll donate money for you to buy books.

I don't want your donation. I just want your compensation.

Since you still don't admit it, I will continue to search for evidence and find out all the details.

Your Excellency. T-T-This...

Don't create more troubles.

We'll get the bead soon.

He can't do anything.

Have you already met Minister Lan?

And?

I presented the facts to reason with him, but he just wouldn't admit it.

I can only find more conclusive evidence to make him unable to quibble.

You fool!

You're hopeless!

Look at you.

What are you thinking about?

You didn't listen to me at all.

What are you doing?

Don't pull me.

Hong Luo. Why is he here?

Miss Xie Hao, I still want to have fun with you.

"Xie Hao"?

- Minister Lan also mentioned Xie Hao just now. - Miss Xie Hao.

Stop.

Can you just listen to me for once?

It's a pity that I wrote the birthday poem for two days.

Never mind. It can be sold for two wen in the market.

I spent ten wen just for framing.

It's way too expensive.

It doesn't take ten wen to frame.

You!

Let's watch the show.

I managed to buy two tickets.

It can't be wasted.

Minister Lan? Why is he going backstage?

Minister Lan, Xie Hao.

Your Excellency, Xie Hao has put the thing backstage as agreed.

Hong Luo,

- Xie Hao. - Miss Xie Hao.

Could it be Minister Lan asked Xie Hao to steal the bead from Hong Luo again and put it backstage?

So, Minister Lan went backstage to get the bead.

Focus on the show.

Where is the bead?

♪ A lifelike puppet carved from wood ♪

♪ Resembling half god and half ghost ♪

♪ The new day is unknown when the drums and songs rest ♪

♪ Even now a distant moon is hanging on the sparse lattice ♪

Thunder and lightning.

The effect is so realistic.

Collaboration and treason cannot be redeemed by death.

Tonight in the hours of the Rat, I will reveal your crime. (T/N: Between 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.)

Who took the bead ahead of me and left this note?

What kind of trick is this?

It's so realistic.

Isn't that Miss Xie Hao?

Miss Xie Hao.

It's Miss Xie Hao.

It doesn't seem to be a trick.

The celestial fire.

The celestial fire kills.

What happened?

Let's go.

"When a puppet does evil, its master must be executed."

"The corrupt official here is ruining our country."

[When a puppet does evil, its master must be executed. The corrupt official here is ruining our country.]

♫ A lifelike puppet carved from wood ♫

♫ Resembling half god and half ghost ♫

♫ The new day is unknown when the drums and songs rest ♫

♫ Even now a distant moon is hanging on the sparse lattice ♫

♫ A lifelike puppet carved from wood ♫

♫ Resembling half god and half ghost ♫

♫ The new day is unknown when the drums and songs rest ♫

♫ Even now a distant moon is hanging on the sparse lattice ♫