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 31]

Darling,

I asked the servants to make you a bowl of mind-soothing soup.

You should drink some.

Has the culprit been caught yet?

Don't worry, Darling. The city gate has been blocked.

And the imperial guards are conducting a citywide search.

They have nowhere to run. There will be no escape.

The incident at Qixia Ridge is due to the spouse.

Madam.

Are you still thinking about what the guilty woman of the Yang family said in court today?

Back then, my parents were killed in Luoxi.

I broke my leg there too.

From then on, it's been a pain in my heart.

All these years,

Jing and I have called each other Qixia Ridge, which is a place from an opera.

I've never told anyone about this matter.

If it wasn't Jing who told her that, how would Yang Caiwei know?

I think Pan Yue must have known about Qixia Ridge from Jing by chance.

He made up a story with this in order to save this Yang Caiwei.

The two of them were in cahoots.

I think Pan Yue must be related to Jing's death.

Darling, don't worry.

When I catch them both, they must pay for Jing's life.

I didn't expect that Pan Yue would take the risk

and reveal Yang Caiwei's identity in court.

It's a shame that he escaped this time.

When animals are caged, they struggle more ferociously.

It's true that I underestimated him.

They are both fugitive murderers. I don't think they could cause any major trouble.

Zhuo Lanjiang was at the scene today.

Was there anything unusual with him?

I didn't notice anything strange.

Do you think there's something wrong with him?

It's best if there's nothing wrong.

Before I became the Grand Marshal, make sure nothing goes wrong.

Send a message to the Commander-in-Chief of the imperial guards.

If they see Pan Yue and Yang Caiwei, no need to arrest or interrogate them.

Behead them on the spot.

Yes.

Here you go.

Your complexion looks a lot better now.

When I finish the medicine prepared by Xiaosheng, I might gain a lot of weight.

Speaking of which, I haven't seen Xiaosheng all morning.

She went back to the courtyard. She was worried that Jiang might miss her when he came back.

Xiaosheng is usually happy-go-lucky and carefree.

I've never seen her like this before.

Oh, right. I think Zhuo Lanjiang was at the Law Enforcement Office that day.

Really?

But the situation was urgent, I didn't have time to talk to him.

We have to find a way to locate him quickly.

The longer it takes, the more dangerous it gets.

Indeed.

Young Lady, Mr. Pan.

Miss Qing is here.

Mr. Pan.

Didn't you leave? Why are you here again?

Not long after we left the capital, we knew something happened to you.

I think it must be done by the mastermind.

So we turned back to see what we can do to help you.

We originally planned to stay here first before asking around about you guys.

Unexpectedly, We saw Ze guarding the entrance of the alley.

That's how we found out that you were here too.

There are pursuers everywhere outside. It is better to hide than to run away.

I should call you Miss Yang, right?

I had no choice but to conceal my identity before. Please forgive me, Miss Qing.

An informant letter from Yunchang back then got Mr. Yang involved in the matter.

It caused your family to be broken, and you to wander for years.

If I can do something for you,

it can be regarded as an atonement on Yunchang's behalf.

Thank you.

Have you seen this man and woman?

No.

Has there been anyone suspicious nearby today?

There was a girl this morning who looked quite beautiful.

We've never seen her around here then. She bought a lot of buns.

I saw her entering the Third Mansion of Willow Street.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

[Buns]

Steamed buns!

Mr. Pan, the imperial guards are nearby.

Mr. Pan, Miss Yang, leave through the back door now.

What about you?

Don't worry, I know what to do. Go now.

Be careful. Let's go.

Search the place!

Who are you? What gives you the right to break into a private residence?

We are under orders to capture fugitives.

- Fugitives? - Are the two of you the only residents here?

Yes, my friend and I came to the capital to perform as entertainers.

We just settled down here yesterday.

It's just both of you. Why did you buy so many buns?

Yesterday, several children came to beg for food.

I felt pity for them, so I asked my friend to buy some food for them.

Why? Are good deeds illegal now?

- Sir, we found nothing. - Sir, we didn't find them.

Let's go.

- Hold on. - Let's go.

Go. Next.

Let's go.

Out of the way!

Come with me.

Let's go.

No one will search here. Hide here for a while before leaving.

Jia Quan has given the imperial guards a killing order. Be extra cautious.

Jiang.

Since you are willing to help us, why don't you reveal yourself?

Zhuo Lanjiang, I know you want to avenge your father.

But Jia Quan is a meticulous person. His methods are vicious.

You might not be able to assassinate him.

Even if you get away with it, it's hard for you to escape unscathed.

I came to the capital with the determination to throw my life away.

What about Xiaosheng?

Have you ever considered her feelings?

She is still waiting for you.

Do you have the heart to abandon her, and us? We are your friends.

What about Xiaosheng?

Have you ever considered her feelings?

She is still waiting for you.

Zhuo Lanjiang.

You big liar.

Today is the 16th day I couldn't see you.

When will you come back?

Good people don't live long, but disasters last thousands of years.

Heavens, please bless that big liar. Let him be safe.

Return him to me intact.

Mr. Pan, Miss Yang. I'm relieved that you're okay.

What's it? Does your wound hurt again?

No, it must be because I walked for a long time.

It's okay. My ankle just hurts a little.

Are your feet hurt due to the practice of Dancing Among the Clouds?

I think so.

Because since then, every time I walk too much, my ankles will be a little painful.

This is the consequence of practicing the dance. Its damage to the ankles is extreme.

Previously, I practiced until my ankle bones were deformed.

Slowly, I no longer feel anything there.

Your skin and flesh must be swollen. You'll be fine after two days of rest.

So anyone who has practiced Dancing Among the Clouds for a long time

will have damaged ankles?

Yes, without exception.

But the four skeletons have normal ankles.

That means Yunchang wasn't among those four corpses.

I knew it.

If Zuo Jingfei wanted to silence her,

why did he go through all the trouble to imitate the Heavenly Master Murder Case?

Those women died in Heyang unbeknownst to others, it was nothing unusual.

So he imitated Lu Aige and caused an uproar in the city.

Finally, he even cast the body in molten copper

not because he was afraid of being investigated by the court.

He just wanted to hide the truth.

He tried to make people think that Yunchang was dead.

Let me out. Don't kill me!

Let me out!

Let me out!

Don't kill me!

Help... Help me!

Let me out!

Help! No!

No!

Impossible. Absolutely impossible.

Yunchang and I are like sisters.

She's nothing but pure-hearted. She would never do such a thing to deceive me.

Miss Qing, I know you are good friends with Yunchang.

However, do you really know her?

Why don't you move to the Hundred Flowers Court, and live with me?

- If something happens... - No.

You've helped me more than enough. I can't trouble you anymore.

Di, I'm gifting you this handkerchief.

The Taoba pattern on it was embroidered by me.

I hope it can protect you from sickness and misfortunes.

When I'm gone, you can take a look at it if you miss me.

Could it be that Yunchang really...

Of course, this is just our speculation.

Well, I bet everyone has had a long day.

Why don't we retire now?

Let's go, Miss Qing.

If this were the truth, wouldn't it be too cruel?

If it's the truth, she has the right to know it.

Oh, right. Did you have something to say just now?

Miss Qing once said the last time Yunchang saw her,

she mentioned a man who admired her in the capital.

And when I sneaked into the Shiluo Garden, Madam Wan said something too.

She might look sorry now.

However, ten years ago, she was a very popular girl here in Shiluo Garden.

Because she slapped the lead dancer, she was punished by Mr. Zuo.

Finally, she ended up like this.

The lead dancer from ten years ago must've been Yunchang.

Zuo Jingfei supported her strongly. She must be really close to Zuo Jingfei.

If so, it all makes sense.

Jia Quan must trust Zuo Jingfei very much.

That's why he entrusted a confidential place like Shiluo Garden to him.

When Yunchang fled to Heyang, Zuo Jingfei was ordered to go after and kill her.

On one hand, he couldn't bear to kill the woman he loved.

On the other hand, he dared not betray Jia Quan.

That's why he thought of this plan to fake her death with a replacement.

We have to find Yunchang. She is the most powerful witness to bring down Jia Quan.

Who's that?

Me.

Jiang?

On the 15th of this month,

Jia Quan will receive the seal at the Grand Commandant's Residence

and be named Grand Marshall.

Seven days left.

Once he receives military power, everything will be irreversible.

Jiang, do you know a person named Zuo Jingfei?

He is a close confidant of Jia Quan. He's in the Grand Commandant's Residence. Why?

We are looking for a courtesan named Yunchang.

She is the key witness in the whistleblower letter to my father.

Zuo Jingfei has a close relationship with her. Have you seen her?

No. As far as I know, there are no women around Zuo Jingfei.

It seems that he acts very covertly, even Jia Quan doesn't know about it.

It will not be that easy to find her.

It's okay.

Now that Zuo Jingfei is our target, as long as Yunchang is still alive,

we will definitely be able to get clues.

By the way, when you raided Xinzheng Academy, you said Mr. Chen took away a ledger.

Yes. It records the accounts of the smuggled halite.

Mr. Chen is hiding in Jia Quan's mansion.

The ledger must be in Jia Quan's hands.

That means if we can find the ledger, we will have evidence.

I will look for opportunities to search every room in Jia Quan's residence.

There will definitely be clues.

No, that is too dangerous.

You took a blow from me before. Jia Quan still trusts me.

I have been lurking beside him for so long. I must make use of my position.

- Jiang... - I have made up my mind.

I'm not doing it just for you guys. It's for me as well.

If I don't try my best on this matter,

I would let myself down, and couldn't call myself your friend anymore.

Before the seal-giving ceremony, I will hand you the ledger.

After we bring down Jia Quan, let's go back to Heyang with Xiaosheng.

Sure.

Instead of wine, we will have tea today. We will have a toast now.

Once we have succeeded, let's get drunk for three whole days.

It's a deal.

Brooms for sale.

Needles and threads for sale.

Lady, have a look at these.

Here, take a look at these.

Here you go.

Show me.

- How much? - Okay, sure.

- I'll have this. - Sure.

Take a look at these fresh fruits.

Fresh fruits.

Here's your tea.

[Tranquil Life Clinic]

Mr. Zuo, did your headache come back?

Physician, please treat me with acupuncture.

Please, come on in.

I followed Zuo Jingfei for a few days. I found that his life was very regular.

In addition to running errands for Jia Quan, he frequents a particular tea house.

Because he suffers from migraine, every few days,

he will go to a clinic named Tranquil Life for acupuncture.

It sounds like there's nothing special.

Could Yunchang have left the capital?

Or perhaps, after the Shiluo Garden incident, they dare not meet each other?

We have to think of a way to lure the snake out of its hole.

When we were eating just now,

I asked Miss Qing for a portrait of Yunchang. I also asked about her preferences.

She likes to eat fruit preserves from Nan Commandery. But it's very rare in the capital.

Why don't we find some, and sell it along the path that he will pass?

- Come again if you like it. - This is a good raincoat.

Come on, take a look at these.

Fruit preserves, fruit preserves from Nan Commandery.

Take a look at them.

[Grand Commandant's Residence]

Fruit preserves, fruit preserves from Nan Commandery.

Don't miss it!

The only fruit preserves in the capital! [Nan Commandery Fruit Preserves]

Fruit preserves.

The only one in the capital.

- Take a look at them. Hand knitting. - Fruit preserves from Nan Commandery.

- Handmade. - Don't miss it.

- Here, have a look at these. - Do you want some fruit preserves?

This, this, and this.

- Wrap them all up for me. - Sure.

Here you go. Thank you.

Come again if you like it.

[Tranquil Life Clinic]

He visits the clinic again. Is he sick again?

Thanks.

He's out.

The fruit preserves in his hand are gone.

- Go get the medicine. - Okay.

- Sir. - Sir.

- My wife seems to be down with a cold. - She's coughing all the time.

- Yes. Please check. - Could you please check on her?

Please have a seat.

Miss, your pulse is calm and strong. It doesn't look like you're sick.

Sir, here's the thing.

My illness is fine during the day, but I keep coughing at night.

I even have a splitting headache. I can't sleep at all.

Miss, don't panic. I'll check on your pulse again.

Sir, please check it carefully.

Yunchang?

Excuse me.

Who are you? Why did you tie me up?

Miss Yunchang, my name is Yang Caiwei.

I am the daughter of the late Minister of Justice, Yang Ji'an.

Your whistleblower letter that exposed Jia Quan was received by my father back then.

You... You got the wrong person. I don't understand what you are saying.

I was wrong about you!

Di.

You're really still alive.

- I... - Why did you lie to me?

Why?

Speak!

I had no choice but to do so.

I was left with no other option at the time.

I just wanted to stay alive.

Master already knows that you are in Heyang. A killing order has been issued.

If you want to stay alive, there is only one way.

Kill the three people who escaped with you.

Then, find a woman with a body similar to yours to take your place.

That way, we can hide it from Master.

- No, no, they... - Yunchang.

This is what you have to do if you want to live.

Otherwise, you won't be able to hide it from Master.

Don't kill me, sir!

No, don't kill me!

No, please have mercy, sir!

No, sir! Please spare my life, sir!

I'm sorry.

Sir, please spare my life!

Sir!

So, you watched them die tragically before you.

You stood by without doing anything about it.

So, in order to be alive, you even took advantage of me.

You've lied to me for so many years!

This is the handkerchief you gave me back then.

I've kept it close to me all these years.

Every time I took a look at it, I would feel sad for you.

I would hate myself.

I hated myself for neglecting you, and pushing you into the clutches of the devil.

I hated myself for being incompetent, for not being able to protect you.

All these years, I've always wanted to avenge you.

But I didn't expect that you were the accomplice in the first place!

Di. I had no other choice.

I really was left with no choice.

You were left with no choice?

So you sacrificed the lives of our three friends?

How could you be so selfish and heartless, Yunchang?

Are you still the Yunchang I know?

Miss Yun, I know you are helpless.

When my father received that whistle blowing letter, and rushed to Wangyue Bridge,

he only wanted to dig out the traitors in the imperial court.

Unexpectedly, he failed to finish his goal, and died an unjust death.

Now that we are starting anew,

are you willing to help me to complete the unfulfilled promise?

I'm afraid Zuo Jingfei will soon find out that Yunchang is missing.

Thus, we have to be extra careful these few days.

Before the seal-giving ceremony begins, we must make no mistakes.

But from her eyes, I can still tell that she's hesitant.

- I'm worried... - Miss Yang,

you don't have to worry.

Since she has said yes, I will definitely guard her all the time.

[Ledger]

Young man. You are still too impatient.

You endured humiliation and stayed hidden for so long, just for it?

What a pity.

So what if you found it?

It's on your hands,

but you can't send it out.

- Catch him alive. - Yes!

Jiang. What happened today was your fault.

Don't blame me for turning against our old ties.

For your father's sake, if you tell me the whereabouts of Pan Yue and Yang Caiwei,

I can let you go.

After all, your father lived pathetically for so many years

just to protect your puny life.

Why do you bother sacrificing your own life, for two unrelated persons?

I thought you were smarter than your father.

I did not expect you to be more ignorant than him.

I guess you just don't get it.

You will never understand why one is willing to die

for some unrelated person.

Because all you do

is deception, threatening, and taking advantage of others.

You think you are great, standing above many.

But you are just a dog of the Jiang clan.

How could a dog deserve to call my father "brother"?

Even acting like an elder brother.

What a joke!

Good. Very good.

Since you want to be a hero, I shall grant your wish.

Jia Quan, you're nothing but a lackey.

Go on.

He's passed out, but still alive.

It's okay.

I have plenty of time to torture him slowly.

Sir, a boy from the herbal medicine shop sent a letter.

He said he has an urgent matter, and he would like to see Mr. Zuo.

Master, I've been having a bad headache lately.

Perhaps the apothecary has found a cure for my disease.

Di.

Di.

No matter how you blame me, I deserve it all.

You used to treat me like a sister.

No matter what mistakes I made, you would forgive me.

But now, you won't even say a word to me?

In the past nine years,

I have imagined countless times how great it would be if you were still alive.

If you were still alive, we could dance together, and have heart-to-heart talks.

I have so much to say to you.

But looking at you now, I feel like you are a stranger.

All these years, I feel guilty and blame myself all the time.

Countless times, I dreamt of the struggles and cries of our friends.

But what could I have done?

Even if I rejected Zuo Jingfei's proposal at first,

he would've just killed me along with them.

I couldn't save them.

I ever thought of telling you everything.

But that would only drag you into the quagmire.

That's why I could only lie to you, even if you blame me and hate me.

You...

You...

You...

Di, I'm sorry.

But I must see this through.

Why did she disappear for no reason?

I... I don't know either.

When I sent her dinner last night, I found out that she was gone.

Where have you been?

Pan Yue and the others discovered my identity. We have to leave the capital at once.

If Jia Quan knew about this matter, both of us would die.

Honey, hesitate no more.

Why are you doing this?

Look at how pathetic you are.

Shanju will not feel at ease in the afterlife.

I'm an unfilial child.

I could not

avenge my father.

Your father just wanted you to live well.

Back then I was just a poor scholar.

Your father picked me with his discerning eye, giving me everything I have today.

I really can't bear to see his only son end up like this.

Young Master, please hand over Pan Yue and the others.

I'll help you plead with Jia Quan.

My father risked his life and did so much for Jia Quan for so many years.

But he was easily abandoned,

not to mention me.

In fact, you know it very well, don't you?

Even if I tell you everything,

he will still get rid of me.

Sir, since you and my father were sworn brothers,

can...

an you grant me this last request of mine?

Men.

Sir, what are your orders?

Why is it you? Where is Zuo Jingfei?

I haven't seen him since this afternoon.

Send someone to investigate the clinic he frequents.

We cannot have any accidents before the conferral ceremony.

Yes, sir.

Sir, Zhuo Lanjiang can't stand it anymore. He is willing to speak.

Great.

How's it going, Jiang? Have you thought it through?

I am my father's only son.

I can't die yet.

That's right. Only those who compromise can achieve great things.

Now that you've come around to it, tell me.

Pan Yue is in the capital.

A place very close to you.

Where is he?

Pan Yue is at...

Where is he?

On the way to kill you.

Miss Qing.

Miss Qing?

Miss Qing. Miss Qing!

Mr. Pan! This is bad, Mr. Pan.

Miss Qing! Mr. Pan!

Mr. Pan, look!

Miss Qing, are you okay?

Zuo Jingfei, Master noticed that something was not right with you.

What a surprise. How dare you hide the woman Master wants to kill!

Traitor. You know the consequences.

Ze, follow them.

You are wise, Master. I have taken care of Zuo Jingfei.

Pan Yue, Pan Yue.

Let's see how else you will fight me.

♫ 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 ♫