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 ♫

♫ The past hides blood and tears ♫

♫ It is hard to catch up after years of separation ♫

♫ The truth cannot be fully revealed ♫

♫ Fate is full of twists and turns ♫

♫ Life and death, fortune and misfortune go hand in hand ♫

♫ Obsession is hard to get rid of, keeping the truth and getting rid of the lies, let the wind blow ♫

♫ Tossed about by the wind and rain, I will never regret it, I will accompany you for my whole life ♫

♫ At least you share my joy and sorrow ♫

♫ Unravelling fate, fearlessly, a dream returns ♫

♫ The mountains and rivers are bright and beautiful, holding hands, together we return ♫

​♫ In this life, my heart returns untainted of dust and ash ♫

[Melody of Golden Age]

[Episode 1]

[Imperial Palace of Great Cang]

On your knees.

In the Fifth Year of the Yuanhe Era of Great Cang, Emperor Wenzong, Xiao Huan,

[Zhou Xu, Grand Empress Dowager] and the crown prince passed away in illness.

Xiao Qi, the Imperial Grandson still in swaddling clothes, ascended the throne,

signaling the start of the Shengli Era.

Empress Zhou Xu, who had long assisted in governing,

was honored as Grand Empress Dowager

and reigned over Great Cang from behind the curtain.

Long live Your Majesty!

[Six Years Later, Imperial Guards' Training Ground]

[Cang]

Reporting to Great Chief.

After interrogation, all suspects confessed

but has refused to divulge the mastermind.

White… White Ghost.

White Ghost. (Also known as White Impermanence in Chinese folklore who guides the souls of the virtuous to hell.)

[Shen Du, Great Chief of the Imperial Guards]

I-I confess.

I only helped them transport people.

There's a buyer in Jiannan who wants 100 children as slaves.

Take him away.

Next time, don't wait for me to do it.

Understood. [Jing Lin]

To the palace.

Mother, I heard that you were unwell, mourning for the Imperial Preceptor.

Thus, I have copied scriptures until dawn to pray for you. [Xiao Zhong, Prince Xian]

What a filial child.

I truly appreciate it. [Xiao Qi, Young Emperor]

And you, Prime Minister Zhang, you've taught him well.

[Zhang Hangwei, Prime Minister] I'm flattered.

Filial piety, loyalty, integrity, benevolence,

and magnanimity are in Prince Xian's nature. [Princess Yong'an, Princess of Valor]

Minister Shen didn't come to the court meeting today.

Great Chief Shen is probably too busy making achievements [Lai Luozhi, Imperial Inspectorate]

to attend the court meeting. [Xu Wan, Imperial Household Department]

Shen Du, Great Chief of Imperial Guards, has arrived.

Grand Empress Dowager.

Minister Shen, please rise.

Reporting to Grand Empress Dowager.

The case of 100 missing children had me delayed.

All the suspects have confessed.

Pardon me for my late arrival.

This case has stirred up much panic in Xiang'an City.

I knew I did right by entrusting this case to you.

Minister Shen, what a coincidence.

Prime Minister Zhang has already asked me for rewards on your behalf.

Great Chief Shen has turned the tide so many times.

He is truly a role model for us all.

Thank you, Prime Minister Zhang.

I simply did my job. I do not need rewards.

Prime Minister Zhang never saw eye to eye with the Imperial Guards.

It looks like you've reconciled if I'm right.

Yong'an.

My apologies.

Seeing civil and military officials working together in harmony,

I feel truly blessed.

Minister Shen.

Today, I will bestow upon you a marriage.

What do you think?

White Ghost has always acted wilfully.

How did you know that he would agree to this assigned marriage?

Known as the White Ghost,

Shen Du may be fierce to others,

but he is just a minion

eagerly seeking promotion in front of the Grand Empress Dowager.

Was he worried that she might lose

her trust in him if he turned her down?

Even a ghost claiming lives has personal desires.

Sixth Miss…

- Morning, Sixth Miss. - Morning.

- Morning, Sixth Miss. - Morning.

- Morning, Sixth Miss. - Morning.

Clerk Yan, you're up so early.

Watch out.

I just set out the flower petals to dry.

[Yan Xing, Clerk of the Ministry of Justice]

I'm sorry, Clerk Yan.

It's okay.

- Morning, Yan Xing. - Morning.

- Morning. - Morning, Sixth Miss.

- Morning. - Morning.

[Ministry of Justice]

Didn't you have breakfast?

I'm speechless. You see that?

What can women do at the Ministry of Justice?

Madam Xu who works for Grand Empress Dowager would accuse you

of hindering her plan of cultivating female officials.

Why are you so talkative today? Don't you have work?

Get to work.

Archive these.

My Lord.

[Wu Taiming, Head of the Ministry of Justice]

Yan Xing.

Bring the tea.

My Lord, today, the inspectors sent us a case that happened in Yangui Mountain.

It's said that a housewife saw a ghost and hanged herself.

My Lord, you know.

I have tons of trivial cases piling up.

My subordinates and I barely have time to eat, let alone to sleep.

I've been applying to the higher-ups for more staff.

Yeah.

We finally recruited a clerk two years ago,

and yet…

she's a woman.

Archive it directly once the inspectors finish the investigation.

Avoid unnecessary issues.

Understood.

Yangui Mountain.

Suicide.

There are no rules in Xiang'an City. We have to mourn even for a county magistrate.

The Imperial Preceptor passed away just a month ago.

Look at the decorations. They show no respect.

What do you know? The Imperial Preceptor could see fate. He even…

He even predicted that the Grand Empress Dowager would be governing.

- Really? - All the officials will pay respect to him today.

The Black Fiend is here.

Hurry.

Hide.

Who is that? Why is everyone panicking like they are seeing a ghost?

Don't you know the Black Fiend? (A Buddhist character that represents the embodiment of evil.)

He established the Imperial Inspectorate that tortures prisoners.

I heard that they have hundreds of torture devices.

Whoever enters complies.

Those who don't comply wish for death as a relief.

The White Ghost is here. The White Ghost is also here.

So this is the White Ghost.

The White Ghost is the Great Chief of the Imperial Guards.

The Imperial Guards report directly to the Grand Empress Dowager.

Investigation, surveillance, assassination. You name it.

Stop crying. The White Ghost is here.

His name dispels clouds in daylight and stops children's crying at night.

These two are running into each other. It's going to be a good show.

The road is only so wide. Who will yield?

Who knows? Look…

Stop the carriage.

Great Chief Shen, you came after all.

I thought you were busy preparing for the wedding and couldn't make it.

How can my wedding be as important as state affairs?

Prime Minister Zhang proposed it. The Grand Empress Dowager approved of it.

It shows that your wedding is also a major event.

What a pity. Your previous brides lacked a bit of luck.

Please stop making fun of me.

To avoid missing the auspicious time, we'd better get going.

The west street is too narrow even for two entourages to pass by each other.

Tear down everything blocking the way so that our caravans can pass at the same time.

Tear down everything blocking the way so that our caravans can pass at the same time.

Great Chief.

Let's go.

Shen Du.

[Ming Hall]

You two have kept me waiting.

- Prime Minister Zhang. - Prime Minister Zhang, I'm late.

Not really. You're just on time.

Everyone, start the ceremony.

The auspicious time has arrived.

Thank you, Clerk Yan. The real culprit was caught all thanks to you. [Jiang Langxing, Inspector]

The real culprit was caught all thanks to you. [Jiang Langxing, Inspector]

Don't mention it. It's my job at the Ministry of Justice.

Oh, right! The other day, you asked us to find herbs that could detect poison.

I found out that they're available in the nearby mountains.

Why don't you come with us and gather them?

No need. Get back to work. I'll gather them myself.

Then I'll take my leave.

Take care.

Prime Minister Zhang, thank you for presiding over the sacrificial ceremony.

Great Cang will surely witness a peaceful and prosperous year as the Imperial Preceptor prophesied.

We held this ceremony on this auspicious day picked by Prince Xian

on behalf of the Grand Empress Dowager after he consulted with a folk diviner.

I simply followed orders and fulfilled my duty as a minister.

Great Cang is blessed with a noble emperor and wise ministers.

We're truly lucky to witness this golden age of peace and prosperity.

Indeed. Indeed.

Assassin!

Seal the mountain.

Sister.

Are you picking the leaves to make medicine?

No, I'll use them for autopsy…

Yeah. I'm using them to make herbal medicine. How do you know?

I can tell by the way you're dressed.

Are you a physician? [Qi Yeyun]

You could say that.

Here, take it. I've picked enough.

Madam Zhang from the village fell ill. I came to pick some for her.

A doctor said that the tea made from it was useful.

- Let me pay for it. - I don't want money.

I picked it in passing.

Thank you, then.

Sister, my name is Qi Yeyun. What's your name?

Are you going down the mountain? There's a shortcut. It's faster.

Stop there.

No one shall leave the mountain today.

What happened? I'm from the Ministry of Justice— - Be quiet. Come with us.

Hurry up.

What is this all about?

Vice Minister Lai, here are the people in the mountains at the time of the incident.

Someone dared to attack a high official during the sacrificial ceremony at Ming Hall.

I was lucky enough to dodge the arrow.

Yet, I have lost a trusted subordinate.

Today, I will surely make the assassin pay.

Assassin.

Who's the assassin?

The assassin is among you.

I advise the assassin to confess now.

I can grant you an easy death.

You can't escape even if you don't confess.

If no one confesses before the incense burns out, everyone dies.

Hold on.

Vice Minister Lai, I am Yan Xing, a clerk from the Ministry of Justice. May I take a look at the body?

Perhaps I can find out who the assassin is.

Approved.

It's evening now. The sun is in the west.

So the location for the shooting…

How's it going, little clerk? Can you tell me who the assassin is now?

I haven't found out who the assassin is.

But the assassin shot the arrow from afar.

The direct sunlight would have affected his aim.

So he must have shot the arrow with the sun on his back.

Judging from the trajectory, the best hiding spot would be in the trees.

In the forest on the northwest peak.

After the incident, you sealed the mountain right away.

So people from other mountain ranges couldn't be the assassin.

Vice Minister Lai, please kindly release those who can't be suspects.

I have made myself clear. I will release them if you find out who the assassin is.

You failed. Shoot them all.

Vice Minister Lai, I have a better idea.

Shooting the assassin is not enough to deter others.

I have raised a few fighting dogs, capable of tearing apart criminals.

Why not let my dogs have a try at it?

It may be a slow death, but...

it's more interesting.

I haven't lived up to my title as the "Black Fiend".

Now that I've learned your measures, I have no choice but to admit my inferiority.

Jing Lin.

Stay back.

Stop.

- Go away. - Go away.

The assassin is among them.

The assassin must be strong and fast, and knows how to climb.

Vice Minister Lai, you can give these people a good disciplining.

Let me think. What kind of death suits them better?

Vice Minister Lai, please wait a little longer.

Give me some time and I will surely catch the assassin.

I swear with my life.

Great Chief Shen, how many hours should I give her?

Six hours.

In six hours, if you can't solve the case,

you shall perish with them.

[Imperial Guards]

Archers tend to have calluses on three parts of their hands.

This person only has calluses on the palm. Excluded.

[Chief's Office]

Great Chief, Lai Luozhi wanted to catch the assassin.

But he tossed the case and suspects to us and asked for execution with our fighting dogs.

Do you think he's up to something?

Isn't it obvious? He was sure that the clerk couldn't solve the case.

He didn't want to mess with the Ministry of Justice.

He didn't want to mess with them. Aren't you afraid of taking the blame?

I've been the son of a convicted official. What else could scare me?

The assassin was located at the northwest peak of the mountain, which is covered with lacquer trees.

The lacquer tree branches gave some suspects blotches.

But none of them had any blotches when they were caught.

Those who developed severe blotches didn't hide among the lacquer trees.

The one in the middle. The mud on his shoes was not from the lacquer tree forest. Excluded.

Find the murder weapon and we will convict the assassin.

Why is it so bright?

Any last words?

Time is almost up. You still haven't found the assassin.

Once we find the murder weapon in the lacquer tree forest, we can—

Save it.

You're running out of time.

You may still fail even if you find the murder weapon. Am I right?

Should I give up just because I may fail?

You may fail yet you bet with your life.

You're either foolish or undervaluing yourself.

I'll write a will when the time comes.

Please deliver it to the Yan Mansion in the east of the city.

Take her away. See her off.

Understood.

Great Chief Shen.

You really don't recognize me?

Should I recognize you?

Great Chief, we found the murder weapon.

Just as Clerk Yan had guessed, it was buried under the fallen leaves.

It seems that you're quite lucky.

The murder weapon was found at the last moment.

Once I match the suspects' calluses to the weapon, I will determine who the assassin is.

It seems I am quite lucky today. It's just the right time.

Vice Minister Lai, I doubt you're here at the right time out of sheer luck.

The murder weapon was brought back from Yangui Mountain.

I bet you heard about it quite some time ago.

Six hours have passed. Clerk Yan, hurry up.

I can't wait to see who's audacious enough to come after me.

Both of you. Please grip the bow as you normally do.

I think I've found the assassin. The calluses on their hands are almost identical.

But the calluses from nocking the arrow are different.

One person has calluses on the inner side of the thumb,

which means he nocks the arrow with his thumb.

Any skilled archer knows that it's a slanted grip

with a low push, which results in less accurate shooting.

The other one has calluses on the purlicue.

Such a straight grip with a high push ensures precision.

Therefore, you are the assassin.

Stay put! Step back.

Stay back. Let me go, or I'll kill her.

Don't you know where you are? Do you think you can escape?

Name the mastermind. I might let you die with dignity.

Let her go.

Since we have evidence, we don't need a confession.

- Prepare to shoot him. - A-Are you going to shoot her as well?

She is not an Imperial Guard.

She's just a lowly clerk without any official rank.

It's no big deal if she dies.

Shen Du! You heartless White Ghost. How can you be so cruel?

If you die here today, I will honor your loyalty to the nation.

As far as I know, the salary of a clerk is meager.

But the Ministry of Justice offers the highest compensation amongst the Six Ministries.

Consider it a tribute to your parents.

My spirit will haunt you forever.

What a coincidence. The thing I fear the least...

is an evil spirit coming for my life.

Don't move!

Thank you.

You are not that dumb.

Since there's no way out, all right.

Confess. Who sent you to kill me?

It was…

It was him.

Great Chief Shen, no wonder you were eager to kill him. Impressive.

Vice Minister Lai, isn't it ridiculous to fall for the nonsense made up by a dying criminal?

How dare you talk to our Vice Minister like that?

Please think twice, Vice Minister Lai. If Great Chief Shen sent the assassin,

why would he make the arrest and look for the murder weapon instead of killing the assassin?

I was just kidding. How could I believe you would want to kill me?

Don't take it seriously.

I never...

took it seriously.

Now that the assassin is dead, I can rest assured.

I have no reason to stay.

I'll take my leave.

I failed to watch the suspect. I deserve to be punished.

Forget it. He's dead.

You guys.

Take Clerk Yan and the rest of them...

- out there. - Yes, sir!

Great Chief, that clerk has been staring at you.

She's not afraid of you.

What's so fancy about that?

Don't you know that Xiang'an is full of dull women?

True. Your look certainly attracts some lustful and fearless women.

No more nonsense or I'll send you to serve at the Imperial Inspectorate.

Please don't. I want to work here for the rest of my life.

Now I get it. Your fiance, Third Miss Yan, is the daughter of Academician Yan.

So this Sixth Miss Yan will be your sister-in-law.

She seems to have some brains.

She knew I did that to save her.

Whether we'll be in-laws

depends on whether her elder sister has the courage to marry me.

What…

Thank you for saving us, Clerk Yan.

Please rise.

I serve in the Ministry of Justice. This is my job.

If not for Clerk Yan's godlike ability to solve the case,

we would have been killed.

It's getting late. Hurry up and go home.

Thank you, Clerk Yan.

Let's go.

Sister.

I saw how you solved the case.

You were wise, brave, and composed. And you saved me.

Get up.

Therefore, I'd like to learn from you.

Please don't turn me down.

I am just a minor clerk without a title. How can I accept disciples?

Besides, your parents wouldn't allow you to learn from a woman.

I'm an orphan. The people on the Yangui Mountain brought me up.

I'm free to pick anyone as my master.

[Imperial Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice, Lu Chuichui]

But you are not the disciple she wants. Kiddo.

Sister, is it true?

Hop on, Sixth Miss.

See you.

How did you know I was with the Imperial Guards?

That nosy little fellow from my family's shop told me about it.

He said his cousin's classmate's cousin's cousin-in-law

saw a few villagers and a female clerk in the Yangui Mountain

getting arrested by the Imperial Guards.

A clerk and a female.

Who else could it be?

It seems that your fellow would work better at the Ministry of Justice than you.

I was so anxious when I heard about it.

Thankfully, I heard you were working on the case.

Then I felt reassured.

Is there any case you can't solve in this world?

Besides, don't you have an acquaintance there?

No way.

Shen Du still hasn't recognized you?

Did he go blind?

Never mind, I'll take you home first.

I'm not going home. Just take me to the Ministry of Justice.

Ministry of Justice?

Sixth Miss Yan.

I must sign up for the female official's assessment tomorrow.

Women from Xiang'an City want to be elegant ladies

well-known far and wide like your third sister.

Only you wish to become a female official.

You are already a female official. I can't be left too far behind.

Rest assured, I will become a female official of the Ministry of Justice this year.

Turn right to the Ministry of Justice.

The assassin you sent committed suicide on the spot.

In that case, the two major powers will confront each other.

Have you figured out about the prophecy given by the Imperial Preceptor before he died?

It is said that apart from our nation witnessing great leadership,

and a peaceful and prosperous year, there was something else.

But no one could tell what it was.

It seems that no one knows.

On the night the Imperial Preceptor died,

both the White Ghost and the Black Fiend were at Ming Hall.

They are truly unpredictable.

[Yan Mansion]

What happened?

I am Sixth Miss Yan. Let me in.

By the heavenly decree, here comes the edict.

Miss Yan is widely praised for her talents in art, literacy, and handicrafts.

With knowledge of the past and present,

- her reputation as a virtuous lady is unmatched in Xiang'an. - Mother.

I am delighted to hear that.

Now, Shen Du, the Great Chief of the Imperial Guards, is at the age to get married.

Only a virtuous woman can be his match.

It happens that Miss Yan is still single,

who is a perfect match for Shen Du.

Therefore, I bestow on them a grand wedding in three days.

Respect this!

Academician Yan, accept the decree.

Shen Du?

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager. [Yan Kuo, Head of the Yan Family]

Thank you, sir.

Congratulations, Academician Yan.

You've raised a talented and virtuous lady renowned in Xiang'an. [Yan Caiwei, Third Miss of the Yan Family]

My dear Caiwei.

We can't marry her off.

A young lady's marriage has always been at the behest of her parents and the matchmaker.

Moreover, this is a marriage bestowed by the Grand Empress Dowager.

But that's the White Ghost.

If Caiwei marries him,

how can she ever live in peace?

[Lady Jin, Concubine of Yan Kuo]

This is so unpredictable.

It's completely out of my imagination.

What a tragedy.

Mother, why are you staring at me?

People say that great wisdom appears stupid.

Perhaps you're the best illustration.

I always feel that I lack ability and status,

rendering you a concubine's unappreciated daughter.

So I always want you to learn from your sister and adopt the manners of a lady.

Then you can marry into a good family to secure a promising future.

Mother, you know I don't want that.

Yeah, I used to be so mad,

blaming you for being foolish, ignorant, and uneducated.

But now I suddenly feel that it's fine to be ignorant and uneducated.

It's quite good to be ignorant and uneducated.

Mother, I'm not ignorant and uneducated.

Think about it.

Among all the women in Xiang'an City,

why did the Grand Empress Dowager choose your third sister?

It's because of her exceptional talents.

The madame has been teaching her music and painting, poetry, and songs.

She is proficient in everything.

Who would have thought that she'd marry the White Ghost

and jump into the fire?

Mother, Shen Du is the Great Chief of the Imperial Guards.

He's not as bad as you say.

So you think that Madame and your third sister are making a fuss and putting on a show?

Anyway, if she manages to marry him,

she will be so tormented that she'll wish for her death.

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 ♫

♫ Gaze 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 ♫