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 23]

Sir, according to your orders,

all the docks and dealings previously managed by Silver Rain Terrace

were transferred to the local chamber of commerce in Heyang,

and they will be under unified management from now on.

Very good.

Everyone has been busy lately.

All of you deserve credit.

Tonight, the county ya men will host a banquet to reward everyone.

Thank you, sir.

Come on, everyone.

I won't forget everyone's contributions when the imperial court rewards me someday.

Here's to everyone.

Thank you, sir.

Sir, you've overstated your words just now.

It's a blessing for the people of Heyang to meet you, sir.

- And it's also our fortune. - That's right.

Cheers to you.

Cheers.

Mr. Pan, it's been found.

Put it in the second hall first. I'll take a closer look later.

- Yes. - Come on, let's continue drinking.

Come on, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Let's drink.

Thank you.

Pour some more.

Cheers, sir.

You're drunk.

Young Lady, you're drunk. Let me take you back to your room.

No need. I'll take her back.

- Miss Ling, let Mr. Pan take her back. - Young Lady.

I'll take you back.

- Come on. - Here, bottoms up.

Be careful, sir.

Come on.

In my opinion, Mr. Pan won't be coming back.

- Come on. Let's drink. Here. - Come on.

Come on, Ze. Here.

Do you think they'll take the bait?

If it's the spy personally planted by the person behind the scenes, he must be worried

that Zhuo Shanju has evidence pointing to them.

I believe he will take action.

We have spent so much time together. I never thought there would be a spy among them.

Don't overthink it. We'll have an answer soon.

But honestly, the way you just acted really seemed like a drunk pervert.

Then let's put on a full show.

Maybe at this moment, someone is peeking outside the door.

Mr. Pan, you have a good point. You're thoughtful.

Then I should also cooperate well, shouldn't I?

Come on.

Take it slow.

I'm getting old. I have to go back and rest.

Registrar, do you need someone to send you back?

No need. Drink slowly.

- Really? Are you sure? - I'm sure.

Where are you going?

The registrar is old. Are you old too?

Drink with me. Quick.

- I... - Quick.

Nature calls. I'll be right back.

I'll be right back. I'll be right back. I'll be right back.

I've heard of escape by water and escape by earth,

but this is the first time I've heard of escape by urine.

Come on, Jia. Let's drink.

- Here. - Come on.

Drink.

[This is the method of normalizing the human pulse]

It's time to wrap up.

Everyone, wake up.

What's going on?

What happened, sir?

What's going on?

Tonight, a piece of important evidence has been stolen.

The thief is among you.

This person is the spy in the county ya men.

We'll know who the spy is after searching. Search them.

Spy? This...

- This... - What are they searching for?

- Yeah. What's going on? - How could there be a spy?

How is it possible?

- This... - Sir.

The evidence is clear. Capture him.

Sir, it's not me.

Take him away.

Go.

No.

- What's going on? - Yes.

[Edify through music and ritual]

You want to retire and return to your hometown?

I am already old.

My eyesight and hearing are failing. I can't do much anymore.

I just want to return to my roots.

Fine.

You've done your best over the years.

I'll let someone settle your monthly salary, and give you a generous travel allowance.

I'll make sure you are comfortable in your later years.

Thank you, sir.

By the way, how is Constable Liu?

After all, he's been working with us for years.

I... I don't feel very good about it.

There are laws in the country and rules in the household.

When one makes a mistake, they must face the consequences.

Yes, sir.

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

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

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

Old rascal.

He has indeed been hiding something.

I've been waiting for you here.

It seems that you knew it was me a long time ago.

You were indeed cautious.

Unfortunately, you couldn't escape Mr. Pan's eyes.

Everyone, wake up.

Tonight, a piece of important evidence has been stolen.

It seems that your Mr. Pan is very good at planning.

I am inferior to him.

Hand over everything, and tell us the mastermind behind the scenes.

We'll spare your life.

All right.

What do you want to do?

You'd better not move.

Registrar. Registrar! Registrar!

Mr. Yang, seeing these words is as good as seeing me.

There is a highly influential figure in the court who is a spy for the enemy nation.

They are secretly building their power,

accumulating wealth, and communicating with the enemy.

They are using Heyang as their base, and this symbol as a means of contact.

In the capital, I've heard that Mr. Yang from the Law Enforcement Office

is impartial and has never joined any faction.

I therefore write to seek your help.

I hope Mr. Yang will take the time to investigate thoroughly.

I will be waiting for Mr. Yang at the Wangyue Bridge in the east of Heyang.

I will provide further details when we meet.

This is the tip-off my father received back then.

It seems that Zhuo Shanju found this letter after sending Gu Yong to kill your parents.

I guess he must have wanted to leave himself some way out,

so he didn't hand over this letter to the mastermind.

Father!

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

It's just that when I think about how the change in my family's fate

started with this letter,

- I'm a little... - This letter

is back in our hands now.

I guess it's our destiny to fulfill your father's unfinished wish.

Master, Mr. Chen is here.

Big Brother. These are the accounts of the transactions of halite.

I'm so disappointed in you.

I can't believe you let a young rascal find out about you, causing destruction and casualties.

Our foundation in Heyang was ruined. [Ledger]

We were incompetent. Please punish us, Big Brother.

When we became sworn brothers, we agreed to share our weals and woes.

Zhuo Shanju's death is no big deal.

You've made up for it by retrieving the ledger.

You can stay at my place.

Thank you, Big Brother.

However, my son is still imprisoned by Pan Yue.

Please help me, Big Brother.

Our great plan is about to succeed.

What do you have to worry about?

[Ledger One]

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

You've suffered in order to catch the spy.

I know you did it on purpose, sir.

Did I reveal any flaws?

No, you didn't. During the Lantern Festival Case,

as soon as the county ya men investigated it,

someone secretly made up the story of an evil wyvern to confuse people.

Since then, I've suspected that there's a spy in the county ya men.

After catching Gu Yong, I was afraid the spy would hinder us, so I secretly investigated.

Registrar, in times of emergency, no one is allowed in here without Mr. Pan's instruction.

The new official has only been here for a short time,

and you're already calling him so respectfully.

Why? Using the new official to intimidate me?

After Gu Yong was killed, I began to suspect the registrar.

But unfortunately, there's no direct evidence.

That night, when you invited us for drinks, the registrar went back to rest first.

I intended to follow him secretly.

Where are you going?

The registrar is old. Are you old too?

But Chen San stopped me and talked to me.

When I chased after him, he was already gone.

In the end, I was framed by him instead.

Then why didn't you defend yourself?

You have foresight, sir. You must have made a plan.

As long as I cooperate well, I believe the truth will come to light one day.

I've just released you, and you're already kissing up in every way.

Nothing of the sort. Those are all my honest opinions.

I never met a wise supervisor before.

I hope you will continue to guide me in the future, sir. I'll be loyal to you.

Did you notice anything?

The person who wrote this letter was very cautious.

They didn't give the game away. [Letter to Mr. Yang]

But it's normal.

It's been ten years. It seems impossible to find someone through a letter.

- However... - Why?

I know this Wangyue Bridge. [Wangyue Bridge]

A lot of peddlers rest there.

The point is, it's crowded.

Why would such a cautious person choose to meet there?

There's always a reason for things to be unusual.

Let's go there and have a look.

[Wangyue Bridge]

There are a lot of people from all directions here.

It's indeed not a good place for a secret meeting.

Look over there.

- Beautiful. - Right?

- Look there. - Here you go. Enjoy your meal.

Okay.

She chose this place not for a rendezvous, but to observe discreetly for safety's sake.

[Laifeng Inn]

Aren't you Mr. Pan and Miss Shangguan?

Are you stopping over for refreshments or staying here?

I'm here with Mr. Pan for an outing, and we're a little thirsty.

Make us a nice pot of tea first.

Sure, please take a seat.

Sir.

You've been running this shop for long, right?

To tell you the truth, I inherited this business from my ancestors.

It's been open for several decades in Heyang.

Sir, I would like to ask you something.

Miss Shangguan, feel free to ask.

My sister ran away from home ten years ago, and came to Heyang from the capital,

but she wrote a letter.

The scenery described in her letter is very similar to yours here.

After that, she disappeared without a trace.

I just wanted to ask if you have any guest registers here.

I want to know if she really came here.

Ten years ago.

From the capital.

You must be joking, miss.

Where can we find a register from ten years ago?

Ma'am.

My stomach is suddenly unwell.

Could you heat up a bowl of porridge for me?

Sure, no problem. I'll do it right away.

Sir. Did you just remember something?

Miss Shangguan, I think I met your sister ten years ago.

From her accent, she should be from the capital.

She said her last name was Shang. She stayed in Sky Room Number Five for about a month.

It's been so long. How did you remember it so well?

I couldn't forget it, even if I wanted to.

That Miss Shang was really too beautiful.

I've never seen such a beautiful woman before.

My wife gets jealous easily.

I just glanced at Miss Shang a few more times, and my wife had a big fight with me.

It's been so many years, but she still brings it up to scold me.

You mentioned earlier that she wrote about the scenery outside.

That's why I thought it must be this Miss Shang.

At that time, she used to drink tea on the second floor

and stare at the Wangyue Bridge outside every day as if she were waiting for someone.

Do you know where she went afterward?

Afterward, she rented a house on the opposite street.

She usually worked in a tea house, and made a living by brewing tea for people.

Such a beautiful woman. What a pity.

Did something happen to her?

Nine years ago, in Heyang, there was a famous case

called "Resurrection of the Heavenly Master".

She was one of the eight deceased in that case.

- Mr. Pan, take care. - Take care.

Look at how you were just now.

I told you not to say it earlier.

What's wrong? I felt something was off with you when you mentioned that case earlier.

When the Heavenly Master Case happened, I had just been in Heyang for a year.

At that time, Master was still the coroner of the county ya men.

I went to the murder scene with him before.

Although I couldn't understand it at that time, I saw the deaths of many people.

I had nightmares every night back then.

I even dared not go out alone for several months.

So bizarre?

Have you ever heard of someone killing people as sacrifices in order to become immortal?

The most bizarre thing about this case

is that the murderer had died, but his chosen targets continued to be killed incessantly.

Let's go. Go back to the county ya men and check the dossier.

Sir, it's here.

You looked quite handsome just now.

Since the 13th day of the fourth month, [Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case]

eight women have died consecutively in Heyang.

Their death was horrifying. They died in eight positions,

and it was secretly in line with the eight hexagrams

of Qian, Kun, Xun, Zhen, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui.

[Qian represents Heaven]

What... What is this?

I don't know either. It was like this when I dug it up. Quick! Take a look!

What does it say? [Kun represents Earth]

[Xun represents Wind]

[Liquor]

[Kan represents Water]

Someone's dead! Quickly call for help! Help!

Help! [Zhen represents Thunder]

[Li represents Fire]

[Dui represents Marsh]

Here. It's here!

[Gen represents Mountain]

After these people died consecutively, there was panic among the people of Heyang.

Women dared not go out alone.

Miss Shang was burned to death by molten copper. I saw it with my own eyes.

I never expected that she was the one who wrote the tip-off to my father.

Nor did I expect it would be the beginning of the change in my family's fate.

Everything has passed.

We will definitely find the masterminds behind these

and let them get the punishment they deserve.

Was there any conclusion from the county yamen's investigation back then?

These women were killed one after another within three months.

The murderer didn't seem interested in money or lust.

Similar to the Lantern Festival Case, there was no connection between the victims.

But what's more complicated than the Lantern Festival Case

is that their causes of death were all different,

and we couldn't find a single similar murder weapon.

But someone said that he once saw the murderer's figure at the crime scene.

It seemed to be a disciple of the Luoyun Sect.

It's said she used eight women as sacrifices to seek immortality.

Luoyun Sect?

The Luoyun Sect is a folk sect. The sect leader is called Xue Jianli.

Yes, he's a high priest in Heyang.

In the beginning, he pursued the cultivation of the body and mind,

but afterward, for unknown reasons, he started to cultivate immortality.

There's a female disciple under him named Lu Aige.

[Luoyun Sect]

Lu Aige had an extraordinary talent, and had mastered many ancient cultivation techniques.

She quickly became a prominent figure on par with Xue Jianli in the Luoyun Sect.

She was quite popular among the people of Heyang.

Search!

Because a witness had identified her, officers from the county ya men searched her place.

Sure enough, a secret manual was found in her room.

A so-called way to immortality was written on it.

[Record of Concealment and Reversal]

Using the eight trigrams,

sacrifice eight women with yin bodies, [Contents of the record]

and one can achieve immortality.

The method recorded in the secret manual

completely matches the deaths of the eight victims.

Wasn't the murderer obvious, then?

Instead, it was even more baffling.

Because before the first victim appeared, Lu Aige was already dead.

She died of golden elixir poisoning.

All the disciples of the Luoyun Sect attended her funeral.

She was already dead, but she was seen at the crime scene.

That's why rumors of the Heavenly Master

resurrecting and killing people circulated after that.

But indeed, after eight people died, there were no more similar cases.

So the county ya men hastily concluded that the Heavenly Master resurrected and killed people.

If these are all the content of the dossier, the case was closed too hastily back then.

It's hard for us to find any useful clues.

That's true.

Find my master.

He was the coroner for the Heavenly Master Case.

With such a bizarre claim, given his temper, he definitely won't let it rest.

Where is your master now?

He's at Bai Xiaosheng's house in the suburb. Let's go there tomorrow.

All right.

[Heyang Magistrate's Office]

Sir, did you summon me?

Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case?

Isn't this a case from nine years ago? [Record of the Heavenly Master Case]

Ask the families of the deceased and find their bodies.

Nine years have already passed. It might not be easy.

You need to be more diligent.

Yes, sir. I will do my best.

It's been a long time since I saw my master. I wonder if he's still in good health.

Hurry up.

Master.

Master!

- Master! - Has he gone out?

The main gate wasn't locked, so he should be nearby.

You sit here. I'll go find him.

All right.

Master!

Master!

Master!

I...

I'll beat you to death,

- you unfaithful scoundrel! - Calm down, Mr. Jiang.

I'll beat you to death! You killed Caiwei.

- I'll kill you, you unfaithful scoundrel! - Stop it!

- I'll kill you! - Master!

Stop hitting! Master!

- I'll kill you! - Master!

- Master! Master, stop hitting! - Don't stop me!

- I'll kill you, you unfaithful scoundrel! - It's all a misunderstanding!

Stop, Master!

- Stop! - I'll beat you to death!

You've misunderstood me.

I'll beat you to death!

It still hurts, doesn't it?

It's tolerable.

Master, why did you hit him

- without making things clear? - You little brat.

So much had happened, and you didn't tell me anything.

I have been nice enough not to stab him with a knife.

I was going to say it.

I hadn't even opened my mouth, and your rod was already hitting him.

Caiwei.

Come here.

Hold this yourself.

Come here, come here.

Come here.

I'm asking you.

What's your relationship with this rascal now?

It's just like that.

"Like that"? What do you mean by "like that"?

Master.

Let me tell you. He is now engaged to the princess.

He's making you stay with him without a clear reason.

In other people's eyes, what would you become?

We explained it just now. He did that to investigate the mastermind behind the scenes.

I don't care about the reason.

If he really cared about you,

he should have sorted out these relationships first before being with you.

It should not be the way it is now.

You, you.

All right, all right.

Mr. Pan, I was reckless just now.

Please don't take offense.

Mr. Jiang, it was nothing. It was all a misunderstanding.

Mr. Jiang, just call me Pan Yue from now on.

What you just said is the Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case, right?

I did handle this case back then.

But it's been so many years.

I need to recall the details carefully before explaining them clearly to you.

It's okay. Take your time to recall. There's no rush.

But...

I promised my neighbor next door to water the garden today.

It's okay, I'll go.

Then I'll go with you.

Caiwei, I can't remember many details about the Heavenly Master Case.

Caiwei, you have to help me remember.

I'll go by myself.

You haven't seen your master for a long time. Spend some time with him.

Go now.

All right.

Close the door.

All right, all right.

Master.

After dinner, can you tell us about the Heavenly Master Case?

I'm a bit tired today.

Let's talk about it tomorrow.

Tonight, you'll stay here.

Caiwei.

You like to stay at the east end, right?

I've cleaned up the room on the east side. You'll sleep there tonight.

Thank you, Master.

- You like to stay at the east end? - It's a habit I formed back at Coffin House.

I just feel that if I can see the sun when I wake up every day, I'll only feel alive.

It's not really important. There is no need to tell you.

Caiwei. These are your favorite five-spice taro shoots.

Eat more.

It's been a long time since I had them.

Are they especially delicious?

Have some.

Have some, have some.

It seems like I won't be able to sleep tonight.

If only I had a pot of liquor right now.

Can't sleep?

You can't either?

Go out?

Sure.

Master's snores are loud. I was afraid you couldn't sleep.

I've prepared this for you.

You understand me well. I was thinking about this.

Actually, my master is very reasonable, and easy to talk to.

It's just that he regards me as his daughter, so he is anxious about me.

I know.

How did you get adopted by your master?

Everyone, take a look!

Let's make a judgment! Such a young child has already learned to steal!

I didn't eat the food!

I really didn't eat the food.

It wasn't you who ate it? Who can prove it wasn't you who ate it?

Unless you open up your stomach and show me, compensate me with ten times the money!

I didn't eat the food.

- You're still lying? - It's actually quite simple to prove

whether she ate the food or not.

Why bother with cutting open her stomach?

Let her go.

Carps and licorice are incompatible.

If eaten together, it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death.

Girl, do you dare to eat it?

It definitely wasn't her.

- Your turn. - Why should I eat it?

If you were set a trap, you should have done it well.

Look at your sleeve cuff. There's carp soup on it.

So it was him.

It's truly despicable to make things so difficult for a child.

Girl, it's all right now.

[Coffin House]

Why do you keep following me?

Please accept me as your disciple, Master.

Girl, it would be fine if you were a boy.

But how can a girl become a coroner? No way, no way.

You've examined so many corpses.

May I ask, does a woman have one less heart than a man, or one less gallbladder?

You haven't even tried, so how do you know a woman can't do it?

Anyway, later on, Master relented.

He said he would accept me as his disciple if I could count the number of bones a corpse had.

How many bones were there?

Two hundred and six.

So many?

I don't even dare to imagine what I would be like now without Master.

It's a pity that a good person like Master was driven mad by those evil people for years

and is still childless to this day.

♫ Who seems to be wandering at ease? ♫

It's okay. Your master has you and me from now on.

We'll take care of him together, and give him a comfortable life.

And Xiaosheng and Jiang too.

After we get to the bottom of the Ripple Organization, we'll go find them.

Then we can drink together until we're drunk.

Okay.

♫ You are the beginning ♫

[Liu's Pawnshop]

Who exactly was the one who manipulated my father? Tell me everything you know!

Young Master, I really haven't seen that man.

I only delivered a letter to the capital many years ago.

It was a pawnshop called Liu's.

[Liu's Pawnshop]

Sir, what would you like to pawn?

How much would you want?

One thousand gold.

Sir, are you joking?

It's not even worth one tael of silver, not to mention one thousand gold.

Look, our place is small. Why don't you go elsewhere?

If you can't afford it, let the real boss behind you come out.

Are you intentionally causing trouble?

Someone! Get him out of here!

I'll come back tomorrow.

Who is it?

It's me.

Me! It hurts!

It's you.

There was no hot water in your room, so I went to boil some for you.

But the kettle is spoiled now.

This kettle is worth ten wen.

How did you manage to find this place?

Who am I? Bai Xiaosheng.

If I want to find someone, I can find them, no matter where they are.

Jiang, what's wrong with you? Why did you leave without saying a word?

It's none of your business. Please leave.

I'm not leaving.

I finally made it here, but you want me to go without having a sip of water.

I'm not leaving.

- Zhuo Lanjiang! - I told you it's none of your business.

- You! - Leave immediately.

I like you.

I like you.

Don't make me leave.

I don't have time for you. Please leave immediately.

Where is Caiwei?

I made her go out. There are some things I want to say to Master alone.

What do you want to say?

Wait.

Who are you calling "Master"?

You're right.

There should be a ceremony.

With this tea, I greet Master.

No, this... Mr. Pan, you want to be a coroner?

No. I want you to teach me how to take care of Caiwei.

I'm grateful to you for saving Caiwei's life, for raising her, and for teaching her.

You treat Caiwei as if she were your own daughter.

It's because of a lack of trust in me that you acted like that yesterday.

I understand your concerns.

After returning to the capital, I will handle the princess's affairs properly

and let you rest assured.

Please believe in me, Master.

I will definitely accompany her and cherish her well in the future.

You... This...

You get up first before you speak.

Get up. Stop kneeling.

Caiwei likes you.

What can I do, even if I don't believe you?

Master, I'd been separated from Caiwei for many years, so I don't know much about her habits.

I hope you'll teach me in the future.

Thank you, Master.

Get up.

Why are you laughing?

It's a secret.

Let me tell you about the Resurrection of the Heavenly Master Case.

♫ 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 ♫