Original subtitles

Subtitiles and Timing provided to you by 🎶 The Copper Sparrow 🪶Team @viki.com

"Go Ahead Fearlessly" - Liu Yuning

♫ Grudges and karma, right and wrong ♫

♫ Tears and blood in the past life ♫

♫ A parting lasting for years ♫

♫ Keeps the truth hidden ♫

♫ Fate is full of twists and turns ♫

♫ Misfortune and happiness intertwined ♫

♫ Let the wind take away obsessions and lies ♫

♫ Through storms and uncertainties, I devote myself to you ♫

♫ At least you share my joy and sorrow ♫

♫ Unraveling mystery fearlessly in this dream ♫

♫ Hand in hand with you, I wander this splendid world ♫

♫ My heart remains untainted by the mortal dust ♫

[Melody of Golden Age]

[Episode 12]

[Cangming Hall] Princess of Valor is here.

Mother Empress.

Mother Empress.

I'm here to sue Prime Minister Zhang

for courting scholars from humble backgrounds while supervising the exam

and attempting to murder those who refuse to comply.

Many scholars from humble backgrounds went missing today.

Empress Dowager, I have been wronged.

I was simply concerned about those scholars

who were exhausted from the journey.

Therefore, I told my juniors to look after them.

How could the princess frame me like that?

Then tell me.

Where are those scholars who left the banquet early?

Empress Dowager.

Prime Minister Zhang has always valued the talented as the head of the civil officials.

He may have tried to court them,

but I'm afraid he couldn't have

"silenced" anyone without any assistance.

Vice Minister Lai, what are you implying?

Do not talk nonsense.

Yong'an. It's a serious matter.

You can't speak recklessly.

Do you have evidence?

- I-- - I do.

Several scholars were attacked last night

and were saved by the Imperial Guards.

The confiscated weapons resemble those…

of Prince Xian's guards.

Mother Empress. I have absolutely nothing to do with this. I beg you to look into it.

The assassins confessed before they died

that they were instigated by Prince Xian.

Great Chief Shen… You can't just slander someone.

When did you join hands with the Princess of Valor?

Stop diverting the subject.

With solid evidence here,

how can you and Prince Xian continue to oversee the Hongwen School examination?

- You'd better confess now. - The culprits shall be arrested,

not Prime Minister Zhang or Prince Xian.

Minister Shen.

You saved the scholars. And you brought the evidence.

So why are you now saying that there is someone else behind this?

There are three groups of assailants.

The first group only intended to kidnap

and intimidate the scholars to establish authority.

These people work for Prime Minister Zhang.

I…

The second group was ruthless yet they used the weapons of Prince Xian's guards.

And they kept mentioning Prince Xian to make sure the victims knew.

- And who are you? - Prince Xian is wise.

You insignificant scholars can't be courted.

You shall perish!

The third group lying in ambush was determined to kill the scholars.

They used the hidden weapons of Prince Xian's guards on purpose.

How's that possible?

If Prince Xian were behind all this,

why would he make it so obvious?

Empress Dowager. Isn't it self-contradictory?

It seems that many groups of people

are eager to put me away, Mother Empress.

Please look into it, Mother Empress.

Since the evidence is questionable,

I'll entrust the Imperial Guards to carry on with the investigation.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Fortunately, these scholars

from humble backgrounds received protection from Minister Shen.

I want no more problems from now on.

Prince Xian. Prime Minister Zhang.

You'll be in charge of those scholar's safety.

If anything happens from now on, you'll be held accountable.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Empress Dowager, please rest assured.

I swear I will keep those scholars safe

even at the cost of my life.

Great Chief.

Great Chief.

Thank you for your help today.

I was merely doing my job without any bias.

You don't have to thank me.

Prime Minister Zhang.

Why bother thanking him?

He was simply trying to impress the Empress Dowager.

You're much better at keeping a low profile.

But those who keep lurking in the dark

may get themselves into trouble.

Cheers!

Liuniang must pay for this meal.

You know, you didn't see it.

Earlier today, when Director Wu

heard that Liuniang obtained the right to investigate the case of Chen Huo'e,

his face turned redder than a pig's liver.

And you know what?

He told us to sever our ties with Liuniang.

He may be my superior, but can he dictate who I drink with?

Liuniang. If you need any inspectors on this case, come to me anytime.

Come on. I toast to you.

- And me. - And me.

Come on, cheers.

Cheers.

Right, Liuniang, I want to ask something.

Do you know how to remove birthmarks?

Birthmarks?

Since when do you have a birthmark?

I-I have a friend

who asked me about how to remove a birthmark.

I read many medical books but found nothing.

That's why I'm asking you.

People are born with birthmarks.

It's not a disease.

So it's hard to remove them with herbs.

I did hear from some friends about a method to remove birthmarks.

What is it, Marshal Xu?

It sounds a bit bizarre.

Rub the birthmark repeatedly with a ring made of pure gold.

Well, that's simple.

I have plenty of gold.

- Thank you, Marshal Xu. - No problem.

Waiter.

No one's around. I'll go.

Waiter, a pot of wine, please.

Has Chuichui made any friends with birthmarks these days?

Liuniang.

Liuniang, listen.

There are some drunkards over there.

One of them doesn't look too bad

and he's looked for you at the Ministry of Justice.

Me?

That's him.

That one.

The one in the middle.

Pan?

Pan.

Mr. Pan. The examination is coming soon.

Didn't you want to win glory for scholars like you?

Why aren't you preparing for the exam and drowning yourself in sorrow here?

Family backgrounds don't matter?

Clearly, it matters more than anything in the world.

Weapons of Prince Xian's guards.

Prince Xian sent three groups of people to deal with us humble scholars.

This is just the beginning.

This examination isn't as simple as you think.

A word of advice to you guys.

Don't cling on to someone for easy success.

Xiang'an is a dangerous pond of muddy water.

Xiang'an ended up like a muddy pond

because of you people who seek power by sinister means.

What's wrong with seeking power?

There's nothing wrong with power,

but the way it's used.

With power,

people can protect those they wish to protect

and do what they believe is right.

Those who are nothing but self-righteous

can't achieve anything apart from winning a few quarrels.

Save your energy for something meaningful.

Better to drink. Better to drink.

Take them to the Ghost Market. Thank you.

Clerk Yan. Enjoy life to the fullest.

Keep drinking. Keep drinking.

Be careful.

The exam is coming up soon. Why is he drowning himself in sorrow?

Don't you know? Three gangs of villains attempted to kill those scholars.

- For real? - Yeah.

What happened in the end?

Didn't Great Chief Shen tell you?

He turned the tide alone and saved them all.

Otherwise, it'd have been a disaster.

Shen Du saved them?

[Chi]

Send this letter to the Ministry of Justice. Thanks.

[Chang'an City]

Madam Official. I am looking for Clerk Yan of the Ministry of Justice.

She's not in. She must be working on a case with the White Ghost.

White Ghost?

Great Chief Shen Du of the Imperial Guards?

He is Liuniang's husband.

- Husband? - I heard that Mrs. Shen got beaten again today.

She came out limping.

Yeah, her forehead was so swollen.

Look at her husband. What do you expect?

[Shen Mansion] Liuniang. We have been pen pals for ages.

You got married, so I shouldn't disrupt you.

But how can I sit back and do nothing while you're married to that notorious White Ghost?

- Madam. - Mr. Shen.

- Madam. - What happened?

Great Chief has been practicing fists since he came home

and hasn't had dinner.

Madam, you're finally home. Please go to the backyard.

The Great Chief has been waiting to have snacks with you every day.

But you were either working or drinking with a bunch of random people.

He has waited for you for hours again today, so…

He's waiting for me?

I thought he'd be busy with work.

Serve the dishes.

Impressive.

Someone's finally home.

Me?

I went to work with the Imperial Guards, inspected Chen Shoujie's mansion,

drank with Chuichui and Mr. Xu, and ran into the merchant Pan.

That's why I'm home late.

Do you need something from me?

- I'm hungry. - Why didn't you eat?

Right, I've come back to tell you that I promised my mother to visit her tonight.

Enjoy your dinner. See you around.

You…

Dinner is ready.

What for? I've done so much for this family.

Mr. Zhong, do your things. I'll take the Great Chief there.

Great Chief. Madam is not some illiterate peasant.

She works for the Ministry of Justice as a clerk. She solves cases all day long.

She can have a drink with her colleagues. You're somewhat making a fuss about it.

I'm just trying to say that

you should take this opportunity…

Mother, I really can't drink anymore.

This is the best tonic I picked for you and just for you.

What a pity that my son-in-law didn't come.

Otherwise, he can have some, too. Then you'll have children soon.

Mother, what are you talking about?

It doesn't have something weird, right?

No, no. I wish there was something.

Too bad I don't have the magic Chen Huo'e possesses.

Otherwise, I would get you some magic pills that bring people back to life.

Mother, what did you say? How do you know about Chen Huo'e?

Are you kidding? Throughout Xiang'an, can you find someone who doesn't know her?

Five years ago, she killed herself in the street.

But now, she has come back to life.

She fought her way back, passing all the monsters and demons, from the underworld.

She has extraordinary power.

Mother, where did you hear all that nonsense?

I heard it from Madam.

Even if you don't believe me, don't you believe Madam?

All the nobles of Xiang'an are saying

that this woman has the power to brave the gates of the underworld.

Even the soul collectors can't do anything to her.

Mother, you smell so good. What rouge did you use today?

Want to know?

Want some?

Drink some more.

Liuniang. Thanks to you, Caiwei managed to return safely.

You rarely come home. Master asked the kitchen to prepare snacks for you.

Dig in. Dig in.

Liuniang. There are rumors about you and the Great Chief.

If you ever feel mistreated, you must tell us.

That's right.

The Great Chief has arrived.

Who is he arresting again?

This way, please.

Hurry. Hide in the back room.

Hurry.

Stop acting like he's a demon. The Great Chief doesn't bite.

Mojie. After you were arrested by the White Ghost, you came home totally changed.

- And you're even defending him? - Of course. I am…

I am…

It's a secret.

Great Chief.

I've come at the right moment,

just in time to enjoy some late-night snacks with my wife and in-laws.

That's right.

Why did you come today?

Great Chief, please take a seat.

While you're away, food tastes bland to me.

- Here. - Thank you, Great Chief. Thank you, Great Chief.

Honey.

Here.

Thank you.

That's enough.

Here.

Enjoy, honey.

These are not as good as your cooking.

But at least, you grew up to this taste.

What are you waiting for? Sit down and eat.

Okay.

I want to chat with my sister a bit more.

How about you go home first?

Alright then.

Take your time. I will wait for you. No rush.

Shen Du, what do you want?

Great Chief. I've been providing you with tips in time, right?

The moment I noticed how impudent those scholars were,

I knew Prime Minister Zhang would go after them.

No wonder you're Liuniang's brother.

You're truly clever.

T-Thank you for your recognition.

Once I pass this examination, I'll count on you to promote me--

Great Chief, my son is talking nonsense.

Please don't take offense. Please don't.

So he did save those scholars.

Great Chief, please come in. Since you're free,

I'd like to show you my paintings over the years.

You're known as an expert in calligraphy and paintings.

What an honor to admire your work.

I didn't expect that you'd collect so many artworks.

Isn't the original copy of this calligraphy work in the palace?

What discerning eyes you have, Great Chief.

The original of this work is in the palace, of course.

It's merely my imitation work.

To be honest, all the works of masters in this room

are but imitations completed by me.

They look so authentic.

I didn't expect that you could capture the essence of all the calligraphy styles.

Great Chief, you flatter me.

I have no other talent.

And I barely come out on top in terms of artwork imitation.

Madam said that you're showing our son-in…

our Great Chief the artworks of yours.

It reminded me that you have once imitated Elder Shen's manuscript.

So I found them for you.

[Old age is creeping up on us, yet a good reputation may not be established.]

My father?

Please forgive me.

I bear… I bear no other intentions.

It's just…

[Old age is creeping up on us, yet a good reputation may not be established.]

It's fine.

My father was a convict.

No one would wish to associate with him.

[Magnolia's dropped dew as morning drink; Chrysanthemum's fallen petals as evening meal]

[Magnolia's dropped dew as morning drink; Chrysanthemum's fallen petals as evening meal]

Actually, I have studied your father's calligraphy wholeheartedly back then.

When Elder Shen was young, his handwriting was as sharp as a sword.

But later on, his strokes became reserved, smooth, and round.

It took me a lot of practice to achieve identical handwriting.

[The sun and moon hastily rise without delay; Spring and Autumn pass in sequence]

[The sun and moon hastily rise without delay; Spring and Autumn pass in sequence]

Could it be…

I haven't seen something so similar to my father's handwriting.

I was lost in thought. My apologies.

Not at all.

I have work to attend to. I will take my leave now.

Alright.

You are really busy.

Please stay.

Great Chief, take care.

Look at you!

Prime Minister Zhang said that Shen Du freed himself by confessing on behalf of his father.

Why did you have to bring it up?

How would I know?

Father, you write so well. May I have this?

Ever since my arm got injured some years ago,

my strokes have lost strength.

I'll give you a fan I've written before that.

Smooth and rounded. Sharp like a sword.

Indeed, the fonts are different.

Could it be Liuniang's father who forged the letter to frame my father?

Why hasn't he come yet?

[Tomb of Beloved Wife Wang Ruohan]

Mr. Mask!

Mr. Mask. You're here.

You're visiting your mother again?

I'm waiting for you.

For me?

It's for you.

This is…

I learned about a folk remedy that can remove birthmarks.

It is said that you can remove birthmarks by rubbing them with this.

Give it a try.

You came just to give me this?

What if I didn't come today?

Then I'd come again tomorrow.

Anyway, my mother would be thrilled to have me here.

Let me show you.

Give me your hand.

Like this.

Rub it back and forth on the birthmark.

Not too lightly or too harshly.

Got it?

Here you go. Take it.

Anyway, you must keep doing it. Or it won't work.

We barely know each other.

Why are you giving me something so valuable?

It's not valuable.

I, Lu Chuichui, can have all the gold I want.

As long as you can remove your birthmark

and then take off the mask to face the world

with your true look,

it's more valuable than gold.

Thank you.

I've been wronged, my lord.

I've been wronged. Please do me justice.

Someone's asking me to do her justice.

That's the first time.

How were you wronged?

[Yun Que] Many people at the Jin xiu Workshop died bearing injustice.

I beg you to look into it.

Boring. Get lost.

Great Chief, people call you the White Ghost,

because you catch culprits

and never leave someone wrongly accused.

If you don't agree to exonerate the innocent, I shall take my life here.

Madwoman. Probably an assassin.

My lord, please vindicate the wrongly accused.

Stop.

Vice Minister Lai.

What did she do to get herself executed on the street?

This is the Zhuque Street in Xiang'an, the capital city.

The people are watching.

Surely you don't want to kill an innocent.

I'm merely executing an assassin.

Do you have to intervene, Great Chief Shen?

Great Chief?

So you are Great Chief Shen, the White Ghost.

I am not an assassin. I was wronged.

Please do me justice and retry the case of the Jinxiu Workshop.

Vice Minister Lai, since this woman has been asking to see me, I'll take her with me.

Since you've asked for her,

feel free to take her away.

Great Chief. I've heard so much how righteous and incorruptible you are.

My family in Jiangnan provides silk materials for the Jinxiu Workshop.

Here is the order they've placed.

The Eldest Princess's husband ordered purple chrysanthemums

which was against the regulation.

But the paper used for the order was thinner than usual.

If we can prove that this order was tampered with,

we can overturn the ruling, can't we?

I'll keep this. Go home first.

The Imperial Guards will contact your parents if needed.

But the owners of the workshop were good people. They must have been wronged.

Jing Lin, escort her out of the city.

Help!

Hurry, go after the villain. Don't let him get away.

He's gone.

Miss, are you alright?

Don't worry about me. Catch that villain.

I bet he's related to the case.

Or he wouldn't come to kill me.

Mr. Xu.

Liuniang.

Great Chief.

Miss Yun Que was attacked at the inn last night.

Thankfully, I happened to pass by on patrol and saved her.

Is this how you watch over your witnesses?

I sent her out of the city yesterday.

Why did she sneak back by herself?

Great Chief, I thought I wouldn't be able to see you again.

The assassin must have been trying to silence me. Great Chief.

You took my evidence, so you must take responsibility.

That order is the key evidence that could overturn the ruling.

I am a key witness. You can't neglect me.

I told you yesterday

that we can't overturn the case with an order from six years ago.

You caused a commotion on the streets,

telling the whole world that you are involved in this case.

Do you find it exciting and fun?

Do you not know that this case is complicated?

An assassin came last night.

Tomorrow, he could go after your entire family.

You're putting your family in danger just because you're passionate

about re-opening the case.

I didn't think that much. I apologize.

Anyway, we will reinforce the defense to keep you safe.

And I will send someone to look after your parents.

We will work on the case.

Before the truth comes out, do not act rashly again.

Thank you, Great Chief. I knew you wouldn't neglect me.

You have the order placed by the workshop.

What do you have to do with the workshop?

Didn't you hear what I just said?

I am just curious.

Who are you?

The evidence is for the Great Chief. Why should I tell you?

Show respect to the Great Chief's wife.

Great Chief, you… you got married?

Isn't it said that all those who wish to marry you would die a sudden death?

How did it happen?

I always thought that fate was leading you to wait for me.

So all these years, I have been studying how to manage household affairs,

how to be a proper Madam,

how to cook, keep accounts, and make the bed.

I even have dreams about marrying you.

You… you must be crazy.

Madam, it has nothing to do with us.

T-This woman cried injustice on the street.

So the Great Chief had her arrested.

What is there for me to misunderstand?

Most of the women in Xiang'an, if not all, admire the Great Chief.

It's normal. Besides, we are…

If you take a liking to someone, it might be good.

So you've made up your mind.

So what

are your plans?

I only found a piece of fabric from the Jinxiu Workshop at Chen Shoujie's mansion.

I need to confirm which year it was from.

Indifferent. Very good.

Subtitiles and Timing provided to you by 🎶 The Copper Sparrow 🪶Team @viki.com

Only Want You - Ding Yuxi, Deng Enxi

♫ One look confirmed our fate ♫

♫ Upon meeting again, I know you're the one for me ♫

♫ Gazing at the stars, dreaming about old times ♫

♫ A pair of people have already taken root ♫

♫ Lovers before the candlelight, do not ask their thoughts ♫

♫ Affection is bound, lasting forever ♫

♫ Using the evening breeze to express deep love ♫

♫ I have someone I long for in this life ♫

♫ Deeply in love, you are the one I have chosen ♫

♫ Autumn moon and spring breeze, I only want you for my whole life ♫

♫ The trace of your palm ♫

♫ Your gaze ♫

♫ Our love is heating up ♫

♫ Deeply in love, you are the one I have chosen ♫

♫ Autumn moon and spring breeze, I only want you for my whole life ♫

♫ The trace of your palm ♫

♫ Your gaze ♫

♫ Our love is heating up ♫

♫ You are the only one for me ♫

♫ Embracing each other, how serious we are about our love ♫

♫ Every moment is treasured ♫

♫ From dawn to dusk ♫

♫ You and I, forever inseparable ♫

♫ Without noticing, you broke into my heart ♫

♫ Slowly immersing myself, I become undaunted by perils for love ♫

♫ I charge into battle with unmatched resilience ♫

♫ Because you are my responsibility ♫

♫ Deeply in love, you are the one I have chosen ♫

♫ Autumn moon and spring breeze, I only want you for my whole life ♫

♫ The trace of your palm ♫

♫ Your gaze ♫

♫ Our love is heating up ♫

♫ Deeply in love, you are the one I have chosen ♫

♫ Autumn moon and spring breeze, I only want you for my whole life ♫

♫ The trace of your palm ♫

♫ Your gaze ♫

♫ Our love is heating up ♫

♫ You are the only one for me ♫