Original subtitles

♫ In the stormy night ♫

♫ The dark hair of a charming woman is reflected in the flame of a candle ♫

♫ Shrouded by year after year of memories ♫

♫ I can do nothing but feign indifference ♫

♫ Outlining your cheeks ♫

♫ Together and apart, just like quicksand ♫

♫ I'm meant to make peace with myself ♫

♫ Rebuild or crumble ♫

♫ Drift away in the clouds ♫

♫ Driving away ♫

♫ Your dashing pretense ♫

♫ A drunken dream ♫

♫ A person I miss ♫

♫ Of course I know if it's real ♫

♫ Even if you're just by my side ♫

♫ I want to hold on to you but I can only play dumb ♫

[In Blossom]

[Episode 21]

[One year ago]

You... What happened to you?

What's wrong?

When I went to the toilet just now, I saw Mr. Chen.

He went to the back mountain while holding an unlit lantern.

I found it strange, so I followed him.

What did you see?

The water temple at the foot of the mountain.

There were a dozen ghost ships.

It was quiet. There was no sound of water.

On the bow of each ship, stood a ghostly shadow.

All of a sudden, the lanterns on the bows lit up at once.

There were ripple patterns on the lanterns.

Mr... Mr. Chen's lantern also lit up, having the same pattern.

I accidentally made a noise.

Then, someone discovered me. So I ran away quickly.

Were you mistaken? How could there be ships at the back mountain?

I was mistaken?

Yes.

You must be mistaken.

Your eyes played tricks on you.

Take a rest. Here, take off your shoes.

Come on. Be careful.

Was I really mistaken?

You've been studying all night lately. You must be too tired.

Miao Zhuang.

Miao Zhuang, are you feeling better?

Miao Zhuang.

"Miao Zhuang had always been in good health."

"How could he die suddenly for no reason?"

"I thought there was something fishy about this."

"But I dared not tell others what Miao Zhuang said."

"I had to get a coroner to conduct an autopsy secretly."

This...

Where is Miao Zhuang?

I hired someone to conduct an autopsy.

Miao Zhuang was infected with the plague. We can't keep his body.

He has been incinerated.

What? This...

Mr. Chen, this is a human life. How could you simply conclude this matter?

Shen Ci,

I know you and Miao Zhuang came from the same place. You have a strong bond with him.

There are so many people in the academy.

As the headmaster, I have to be responsible to others too, right?

"After that, I argued with Mr. Chen."

"Then, Chen Fu and others targeted me."

"Since then, they've taken pleasure in torturing me."

Anyway, Miao Zhuang followed Mr. Chen to the back mountain.

So, I think Mr. Chen must have something to do with this matter.

The back mountain of Xinzheng Academy is likely a stronghold of the Ripple Organization.

That's why they created the Ghost Forest, and used various mechanisms to scare away others.

Miao Zhuang unintentionally discovered their secret.

So, he was killed to prevent their secrets from being exposed.

But what Miao Zhuang said is completely unreasonable.

Do you think he really saw it, or was it only his illusion?

It may sound like nonsense, but every word he said has a clear point.

Look. Dozens of ghost ships quietly approached.

This indicates that their organization is huge.

The lanterns on the bow of the ships were lit,

and so was the lantern that Mr. Chen was holding.

This shows that they are meticulous in their approach.

The lanterns are their signal to connect with each other.

What exactly is hidden on the ships that requires such secrecy?

The water temple at the foot of the mountain...

This back mountain seems to have many places we don't know about.

Do you still remember the day we went to the Ghost Forest?

We did hear the sound of water.

Could it be an underground river?

According to Miao Zhuang's description, the place he went to that night should be nearby.

This is also where you were taken last time.

Here it is.

Later, I'll go down first.

If there's no problem, I'll signal you to come down after three pulls.

Be careful.

The walls here show signs of repair.

Could it be that this entrance was dug?

This entrance is likely used for ventilation.

Let's go inside.

Be careful.

The traces on the ground were caused by the stacked items.

This place should have been a warehouse before.

It seems they figured out that we found the back mountain,

so they urgently transported the things here away.

Who's there?

What's wrong?

Do you think these are the bags for transporting goods?

Take them back first and study them later.

Okay.

Let's leave. Let's go.

Pan Yue.

Don't you like to overturn cases?

The Ghostly Fire Case will add another death today.

Help!

Help!

Help!

Is there someone inside?

Wait. I'll go.

It's Shen Yan's Huanming Bug.

How are you? Are you okay?

You were bitten.

I'm fine.

Let's leave first. Move.

Are you okay?

I'm okay.

There's something wrong with your eyes.

Don't worry. Let's go back first.

Step back.

Be careful.

He can't see right now.

Watch out! There's someone attacking from three steps behind you!

Five from your right and three from your left!

Ten steps from your left behind you!

Shangguan Zhi!

Shangguan Zhi!

Shangguan Zhi!

Shangguan Zhi! Where are you?

Shangguan Zhi! Where are you?

Why?

Why isn't she answering?

Could it be that she...

No. It's impossible.

It won't happen. Don't scare me.

Yang Caiwei! Yang Caiwei!

Please speak! Yang Caiwei, come out!

Yang Caiwei!

Yang Caiwei! Where are you?

Yang Caiwei! Yang Caiwei...

Yang Caiwei...

Please speak! Yang Caiwei, come out!

What... What is he calling me?

Yang Caiwei, come out!

Come out!

Come out!

Yang Caiwei, please talk to me!

Yang Caiwei...

So he figured out my identity long ago.

In his heart, it's always about me.

♫ How many more falls do I have to experience ♫

♫ Before I can face love and hatred with grace? ♫

Yang Caiwei,

don't leave me.

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

What a fool.

It's me.

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Be worthy of this love ♫

Is the information reliable?

Of course.

I put in all my efforts to obtain this information.

Someone comes to the Ghost Market every month to buy a jade toad.

Today happens to be the day of the trade. The person you're looking for will definitely come.

By the way, Little Liar...

It was a mosquito.

Thanks.

He's here.

Follow him.

Isn't this the back mountain of Silver Rain Terrace?

No wonder I couldn't find anyone everywhere.

It turns out to be a blind spot.

All right, you go back first. I'll see you later.

I don't know the situation inside yet. You don't know how to fight either.

It's safer for me to go alone.

You...

Be careful...

[Tomb of Late Father, Zhuo Shanju, by Son, Zhuo Lanjiang]

It's you.

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

[Court]

Young Lady, the Snow Lily Water is ready.

Young Lady.

Why isn't this method working anymore?

What's wrong? Why are you shaking terribly?

Did something happen?

Nothing.

Don't worry.

I'm not worried.

If you make me blind with your bad medical skills,

and I can't be the magistrate because of it, I can finally openly stick to you.

Rest assured, I'm familiar with Heyang. I guarantee you won't get hungry.

That's great.

With you by my side, I can be carefree.

Shen Yan, I have something to ask you.

Did something happen to Mr. Pan?

How did you know?

Your footsteps are fast, and your breathing is rapid.

It must be someone you care about in trouble.

Apart from Mr. Pan, I can't think of anyone else.

You're right.

We followed the guidelines in the diary and went to the back mountain.

Mr. Pan was bitten by a Huanming Bug.

How could this happen?

The Huanming Bugs in the back mountain are all raised by me.

They never attacked anyone without any reason.

Someone set a trap for us on purpose.

I came to ask you about the method I once used to treat Chen Fu.

I used Snow Lily Water to treat Mr. Pan's eyes.

However, not only was it unsuccessful, but his eyes also started bleeding.

Snow Lily Water isn't for everyone.

If there's bleeding, it won't be so easy.

Observe him for another three days.

If there's still no improvement, then...

Then what?

He might stay blind forever.

No, that won't happen. I'll definitely find a way.

What if it can't be cured?

Ze!

Ze!

Ze!

Ze!

Ze!

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

What do you need? I'll help you get it.

No need. You go out first.

So Mr. Pan is shy.

When you secretly kissed me in the abandoned temple back then, why weren't you shy?

You were awake?

Of course.

Who would've thought Mr. Pan, who is polite, would take advantage of someone vulnerable?

Do you think I should take the opportunity to get my kiss back?

♫ Who hummed a tune of the azure sky? ♫

♫ Who carved the green out of duckweed? ♫

♫ Also indulging in the present I write for you ♫

♫ You are the beginning ♫

♫ I know there are clouds and rain ♫

♫ I know we're meant to be together ♫

♫ I'm willing to follow my heart and follow you ♫

We're even now.

Young Master, I've brought you your clothes.

Young Master, I know you're excited to reunite with Miss Yang.

- But your health isn't in a good condition. - Get out.

Yes.

I'll get a handkerchief and wipe it for you.

All right.

I touched so many men's bodies last time.

Why am I shy now?

How did you get this scar?

Pan Yue, the Censorate accused you of moral misconduct,

forcing a peasant girl into marriage and causing her death.

Come back to the capital with me to meet the Emperor.

It turns out it was all for me.

It's nothing. The wound has healed.

I'm so foolish for not knowing anything.

I even doubted you. I wasted so much time for nothing.

It's because I couldn't make you believe in me.

How could I blame you?

Let's make a promise. From now on, there will be no more secrets between us.

I promise.

One hundred and eighty-nine.

One hundred and ninety.

One hundred and ninety-one.

Two hundred and four, turn.

Two hundred and nine.

Two hundred and eleven.

Two hundred and twelve.

Two hundred and thirteen.

Two hundred and fourteen. [Edify through music and ritual]

Two hundred and fifteen.

♫ Unknowingly, unbiasedly ♫

♫ Unhurried, unplanned encounters ♫

♫ A myriad of thoughts, a few lines to chant ♫

♫ Amidst the blossoms, our words are not in vain ♫

You have taken 973 steps.

Your room is on your left.

You forgot the most important place.

What place?

Take three steps forward.

And it's you.

Before this, you stayed by my side every day, but I ignored you.

It's been so hard to reunite with you, but now I can't see you anymore.

Do you think this is a punishment from heaven for me?

Don't overthink it.

Your eyes will surely get better.

Didn't we promise to keep no more secrets between us?

These two days, you've been sighing behind my back.

I know you've sought help from many famous physicians, yet there's still no solution.

No matter what, I will definitely cure your eyes.

I really don't want to let you go, even if I know I'll become a burden.

I still want to stay by your side.

Will you forgive my selfishness?

There's no way you can let me go.

I'll follow wherever you go.

I'll be very persistent. I won't give up on you.

I'm sticking to you. Don't you dare leave me.

♫ We stay together for evermore ♫

♫ Grant you warmth, grant me affection ♫

♫ We stay together for evermore ♫

[Court]

[Silver Rain Terrace]

Young Master, you haven't eaten or drunk anything for two days.

At least eat something.

Get lost.

Young Master.

I told you to get lost.

Everyone, leave.

Yes.

We haven't seen each other for three years. Are you all right?

Initially, I planned to never see you again in this lifetime.

But you have grown strong.

Everything I've done, you saw through them all.

Why?

Why did you deceive even your own son?

I respect and love you,

but you treat me like a puppet, manipulating me like a fool.

I had to. [Zhuo Shanju, Silver Rain Terrace's Master]

Master,

you're awake.

Back in those days,

I swore brotherhood with him

and helped him become a high-ranking official in the capital.

But he used people from the Gold Water Sect to suppress me.

Do you mean the person behind the Gold Water Sect is the person in the capital?

Send a pigeon to send my message.

I want to see him.

My friend.

Look at yourself now.

Is there anything left to say?

I have only one question to ask. Why did you try to kill me?

Disobedient people are not worth keeping around.

Over the years, I've been loyal to you.

Is that so? Then, why has the money sent to the capital been decreasing?

At the beginning of the year, when I ordered you to wipe out General Liu's family in Luoxi,

why did you refuse to comply?

Killing the soldiers stationed at the border, I couldn't do it.

So, you're still not loyal enough.

The ending of the disloyal is death.

I thought we were brothers,

but I never knew he would treat me like a dog.

I had to bite whoever he wanted,

and there was no room for hesitation.

My brother,

help me plead with Big Brother to give me another chance.

I'm begging you.

We've been following him for many years, so he doesn't want to be so cold-blooded either.

But, in your current state, can you still do things for him?

Actually, both the Gold Water Sect and Silver Rain Terrace belong to our brother.

He'll use whoever is useful.

- I'll wipe out the Gold Water Sect. - Good.

That's bold.

If you can do it, Heyang will still be yours.

Thanks, Brother.

To numb my opponent, I asked Sun Zhen to announce my death to the public

and summoned you back from the capital.

You did well. You wiped out the whole Gold Water Sect.

You didn't disappoint me.

So... Whenever you had to do something for the mastermind behind the scenes,

you'd use the Gold Water Sect as a cover to send me away.

You're right.

So, Yang Ji'an and Yang Caiwei were both killed by your orders.

Yes.

♫ Let out a cry that ends all relations ♫

That's why you watched me helplessly bearing

the pain of losing my father, losing my loved one,

and being like a fool who searched everywhere for the so-called mastermind behind the scenes.

I have never expected all these to be planned by my most respected father.

Jiang, I'm also helpless.

What an excuse!

You could have told me everything. We could have faced it together!

But you chose to use me and deceive me

only to maintain your so-called status and power.

Father, tell me, who is the mastermind behind the scenes?

Don't you understand yet?

There are some things we can't control.

Yang Caiwei must die, and so should Pan Yue.

Father, why do you still want to serve that person?

Once I've started, there's no turning back.

Please leave.

There's nothing more to say between us.

Jiang...

Since I was a kid, in my heart, my father has always been the master of Silver Rain Terrace.

He is a great hero.

He could never be the one sitting in front of me,

who's just a watchdog, begging for mercy from his master.

[Treatment method for Huanming Bugs]

According to the book,

Huanming Bugs raised in the wild have greater toxicity.

Needle insertion is required at these specific acupoints.

I asked Shen Yan.

There's only one chance.

Otherwise, you'll never get to see things again.

There's no need to hesitate. Go ahead.

♫ In the stormy night ♫

How do you feel now?

It's a bit more painful than last time.

Carry on.

Even if it can't cure my eyes,

we can still beg for food together, right?

♫ Together and apart, just like quicksand ♫

♫ I'm meant to make peace with myself, rebuild or crumble ♫

♫ Drift away in the clouds ♫

♫ Driving away your dashing pretense ♫

♫ A drunken dream ♫

♫ A person I miss, of course I know if it's real ♫

Pan Yue. How is it?

Are you all right?

Pan Yue. Pan Yue.

How do you feel?

Can you see clearly?

You were the first person I saw. It feels great.

[Silver Rain Terrace]

Fu, where's Zhuo Lanjiang?

I haven't seen him for several days. Is he okay?

Our Young Master went out of town for some sect affairs. He is doing fine.

What do you think this piece of cloth is used for?

What's the meaning of this pattern?

Whether it is text or a pattern, we can't be sure about it yet.

A text?

It'd be great if Jiang were here.

The fabric shops in Heyang all belong to Silver Rain Terrace.

I received his message a few days ago. But there's been no word from him since then.

The spy in Silver Rain Terrace has something to do with the Ripple Organization.

Maybe he's facing some difficulties now.

I'll ask someone at Silver Rain Terrace later.

I'll go with you.

It's mealtime.

Young Lady, Mr. Pan, have a taste. It's a new dish I've been experimenting with.

- Let me know if it tastes good. - Definitely delicious.

You haven't tasted it yet. How do you know it's delicious?

Of course I know. Your cooking never tastes bad.

Young Lady, try this first.

- You'll definitely like this. - All right.

What's this white thing?

I cut my hand while chopping vegetables.

It must be the saltwater Ze used to clean the wound.

Salt?

Ling. Did you wash the clothes I wore the other day?

- Not yet. - Take them to me.

When I came out of the cave at the back mountain the other day,

my skirt hem looked like this.

The situation was urgent back then, so I didn't think much about it.

Now that I think about it,

when I went to the river to get the cloth, my skirt hem got into the river and got wet.

So it means that the things they stored in the cave were bags of salt.

Because it was salt, there was inevitably some spillage during transportation.

Salt got into the river, and the salt concentration in the water was too high,

causing all the fish in the river to die.

There's surprisingly a lot of illegal salt.

No wonder it took Mr. Chen years to put effort

into building such a large project in the back mountain.

Where did all this illegal salt come from?

Ze, gather some men, and go through the Xinzheng Academy.

Yes.

[Xinzheng Academy]

[Account Book]

Found it!

The account book has been taken away.

- Ze. - Yes.

Post a notice. Mr. Chen is wanted throughout the city.

Yes.

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

Miss Shangguan.

- Miss Shangguan. - Xiaosheng.

Xiaosheng, why are you here?

I have a business to discuss with you alone. Please... Please come over here.

Xiaosheng, just say it.

There are no secrets between Mr. Pan and me anymore.

What's wrong? Do you think my thin body can help her carry a corpse?

What is it?

I suspect something happened to Jiang.

♫ Like the dew, we wait for the glimmer of light to greet the morning ♫

♫ How many looks do we need to affirm each other? ♫

♫ It's sincerity that fools me ♫

♫ But it's seriousness that traps you ♫

♫ The depth of the past is best left unexplored ♫

♫ How many more falls do I have to experience ♫

♫ Before I can face love and hatred with grace? ♫

♫ Don't ask if it's a moment ♫

♫ Of liberation or cowardice to let go ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Be worthy of this love ♫