Original subtitles

=Lady Revenger Returns From the Fire=

=Episode 20=

I heard that Ying'er went to the winery with you today.

She wanted to see wine-making.

However, I feel

that she has grown somewhat distant from me since she returned.

I hope I'm overthinking it.

You're worried that Ying'er will be instigated by Luo Xue'er.

Ying'er is pure and genuine.

She makes me feel like I have a true confidante.

That's why I don't want her to get involved in our disputes.

Rest assured.

Ying'er and my sister have been close since little. Their friendship is solid.

Luo Xue'er won't succeed.

Besides, Ying'er is about to leave soon.

Luo Xue'er can't do anything.

I hope so.

- You're here. - Any clues?

I've been looking at the map of the Southern Dynasty,

examining places mentioned in the poem, like Jiangbei and Xizhou,

and even places famous for plum and apricot blossoms.

But there are still no clues.

So I've been thinking

about whether we've been going in the wrong direction from the start.

Take another look at these lines.

Remembering Xizhou, full of plum blossoms,

I sent plum flowers to Jiangbei.

A thin robe in apricot red,

and hair as black as crow chicks.

Danqing, what do you think these describe?

These two lines describe a woman's appearance

rather than any locations.

It's more like the poet is longing for his beloved one.

Exactly.

So our initial direction for the investigation was wrong.

This is a poem expressing longing.

The clues indicated by the verses

are not a place but a person.

It is the woman in this painting.

I see.

Then let's make another trip to the library

to see if there are any clues about Zhou You's beloved woman.

Stay sharp these days.

And be sure to guard strictly,

not allowing anyone to approach.

If anyone forces their way in, report it to me immediately.

(Library)

Understood.

As for the clues we've been investigating,

how could Prince Yi know about them in advance?

I've been very cautious this time. It definitely wasn't me.

Danqing was just sorting out the thoughts

to find the solution to the problem

to prevent recurrence.

We wouldn't doubt you.

(Prince Yi's Mansion)

You can let my brother go home now, right?

I always keep my word.

Your brother is already at home.

The information you provided about Shen Zishan is very accurate.

Well done.

Here.

No need.

Your Highness, no wonder you have been confident all along.

You've had a plan from the start.

Your plan must be about to come to fruition.

Be patient.

Soup needs to be simmered to become thick.

And aged wine is the most fragrant.

People and matters all need to be thoroughly pondered.

Only then can one be foolproof.

Now only the final step remains.

Where Zishan?

I haven't seen him since I got back.

He must have gone out.

Danqing, I've pondered for a long time.

But I can't figure out where the leak came from.

I share the same thoughts as you.

Are you suspecting...?

But I don't believe that Zishan intentionally revealed any clues.

But he's already been targeted by Prince Yi.

With Prince Yi's methods of indirect probing,

he might have found some useful information.

In the end, he will surely

use the revitalization of the Shen family to bewitch Zishan.

We don't have much time left.

Indeed, there is no room for error.

Since we have learned this lesson,

we can't put ourselves in such a passive position anymore.

So you mean...

To avoid any leaks,

we won't inform Zishan about future actions anymore.

This is a temporary expedient.

We must prevent trouble before it happens.

(From the moment Xu Chengfeng received the secret edict,)

regardless of your explanation,

Xu Chengfeng and Shen Danqing will both regard you as an outsider.

Why so melancholy?

Why must you leave just as soon as I've arrived?

Let me have a couple of drinks with you.

With my humble status, I don't deserve to drink with you.

It's precisely because you willingly remain humble

that Xu Chengfeng outshines you.

The young master of the escort agency is a renowned figure after all.

Being overcautious and indecisive won't do.

I have always been straightforward.

Anything I like, I must have.

Since you like Shen Danqing,

why don't you dare fight for her?

Do I have to seize by force like you?

What's wrong with seizing by force?

Actually, it's not hard to guess what's on a woman's mind.

A woman like Shen Danqing

definitely prefers a man who is stronger than her,

not someone who obviously likes her but doesn't even dare to compete for her

but instead hides here, drowning his sorrows in drink.

Your Highness,

is there some misunderstanding?

I have seen plenty of long, sentimental affairs.

I can see through you at a glance.

Last time, even the glory of the Shen family did not persuade you.

Yet you rejected me because of Shen Danqing.

It's obvious

that your affection for her is deep and sincere.

Then let me be honest with you.

As long as you are willing to help me,

you can not only regain the royal plaque,

but you can also win Shen Danqing.

What are you talking about?

I don't understand a single word.

If you really do not understand,

then you are a complete fool.

Xu Chengfeng has come to Liao City to investigate the treasure map case.

You've been serving him hand and foot,

and in the end, all the credit still goes to him.

And you?

He is already the commanding general.

If he renders another merit, he will climb even higher.

And what will you gain?

Even if His Majesty restores the royal title of your escort agency,

you are still just a mere martial artist.

What do you have to compare with him?

I have no desire to compare myself with anyone.

I only wish to have a clear conscience.

Does having a clear conscience mean that Shen Danqing will fall for you?

You really are a blockhead.

Listen to me.

As long as Xu Chengfeng is still around,

Shen Danqing will not see any other man.

Once Xu Chengfeng is gone,

all problems will be readily solved.

With time, Shen Danqing will come to you

and never leave you again.

If Xu Chengfeng were to die,

Danqing would never forgive me.

You have misunderstood me.

Xu Chengfeng will not die.

I will petition His Majesty to have him return to the capital for investigation.

At most, he will be dismissed, sent back to his hometown,

and demoted to a commoner.

There won't be any concern for his life.

In this way,

you would lose a rival in love,

and I would lose my nemesis.

Wouldn't that be the perfect solution for both of us?

Your family's glory and Shen Danqing are now at a single thought of yours.

Do you want them or not?

If you can ensure Xu Chengfeng doesn't die

and restore the glory of my family,

I could cooperate with you.

Good, that's more like it.

Follow your desires

and take the initiative to seize what you desire.

This is what a true man does.

Dinner is served.

(Library) I've got two jars of good wine today.

Come with me to get them.

- Yes. - Yes.

Indeed, as you expected,

they've slipped into the library.

Instead of tightening security against Xu Chengfeng sneaking in,

it would be better to give him a flaw

and let him go in and investigate on his own.

When they find the developing water,

we can reap the benefits.

But they no longer trust you as they did before.

How can you ensure it's foolproof?

After all, I am still Danqing's brother.

There is still trust between us.

Very well, then I am reassured.

I can assure you

that no matter what they find, I can keep you informed.

But I hope you will also keep your promise.

Rest assured, I always keep my word.

Young Master Shen, cooperating with me

will be the best decision you make in your life.

I've seen a booklet here before.

Southern Dynasty Anecdotes.

It has very comprehensive records.

It may contain what we are looking for.

I do have an impression of it.

I've seen it before while reading the Southern Dynasty Tactics.

Let's find it.

Okay.

Found it.

Good.

Zhou You?

Zhou You of the Southern Dynasty sought to marry his cousin.

But his mother disapproved of her making a living

by brewing wine.

She made them break up.

Brewing wine?

So, this cousin is a brewmaster?

The Brewmasters Catalogue compiled by our dynasty

records the renowned brewmasters from various countries.

And female brewmasters are few.

So the one about the same age as Zhou You

would be that cousin.

There are three female brewmasters in the Southern Dynasty.

Two of them are not the same age as Zhou You.

Only Miss Fang is the most likely one.

But what does Miss Fang have to do with developing water?

She excelled at brewing wine.

And her specialty is Plum Wine.

So this developing water could possibly be a type of wine.

But, speaking of which, times have changed.

Might this Plum Wine have been lost to time?

A thousand-year-old plum tree?

I heard about a female brewmaster when I was young.

It's said she was looking for such a plum tree to hide her wine.

So all we need to do is find that plum tree,

and we'll find the Plum Wine.

Speaking of plum trees,

Li City, near Liao City, is known as the home of plum trees.

There is a thousand-year-old plum tree at the border.

It's an important strategic marker.

Li City is twenty miles from here.

Then we have time to go there now.

Let's go.

This time, the cargo is very important.

When everything is ready,

load up and get ready to set off.

Yes.

Zishan.

You're back.

Zishan, we found the developing water.

It's the Plum Wine.

It's well preserved.

That's great.

What do we do next?

Are there any carts that haven't left today?

They're still loading the cargo for the neighboring county.

The carts haven't left yet.

This is Plum Wine.

Put this wine among the usual cargo.

Then escort them to the neighboring county as usual.

Then detour to the capital

and hand over the wine to the minister.

I will feign escorting it to the capital

with Tianhao in separate directions

to use it as a smokescreen to attract the attention of Prince Yi.

No problem.

We're counting on you for the next.

Young Master! Miss!

The carts are ready.

When shall we depart?

Let's depart now.

Take this with you.

Yes.

Your Highness, this is the developing water.

You may leave.

Okay.

So this is the developing water.

I have done what you asked for.

I hope you will also keep your promise.

Be patient.

After I have verified its authenticity,

I will surely not fail to reward you.

You know that Mr. Luo has been bought by me.

So you used him to deliver the developing water to me

to stage a play for Shen Danqing to see

without revealing anything.

That's a smart move.

Wait until I help your family regain glory in the future.

And then Shen Danqing can have a wealthy life with you.

You need not fear that she will not rely on you in the future.

Thank you, Your Highness.

After this matter, Xu Chengfeng will be transferred back to the capital

to face charges.

As long as you continue to serve me loyally,

I assure you

that, from now on, no one will dare to vie with you for Shen Danqing.

After receiving your guidance,

I have completely understood.

I will definitely not fail your expectations.

Then I shall take my leave first.

Okay.

Your Highness.

How is it?

The scout has reported

that Xu Chengfeng and Tianhao left the city at midnight,

each with a horse and carrying a package,

and went in the direction of the capital separately.

I have sent people to track separately

to 'cooperate' with them in this show.

I have the developing water now.

And Xu Chengfeng has left.

Now is the time.

Zong Wei, there's no time to delay.

Set out immediately to retrieve the treasure map

to test this developing water.

Remember, do not make any mistakes along the way.

Congratulations, Your Highness, on completing your great cause.

I will take the lead

and never fail your trust.

Good.

Xu Chengfeng?

Haven't you already left Liao City?

How come you are here?

If I hadn't 'left',

how would your master trust you to come for the treasure map?

So it was a trap you set.

Zong Wei, you cannot escape.

Surrender yourself.

So you are in cahoots with Xu Chengfeng.

It is too late for you to find out now.

You double-dealing traitor!

Betraying friends is called being a traitor.

Betraying an enemy is called strategy.

(So you mean...)

(To avoid any leaks,)

(we won't inform Zishan about future actions anymore.)

What are you doing?

You are being watched.

I know that Prince Yi has long had me under tight surveillance.

So that's why you guard against me.

Is it because you fear that Prince Yi will trace back to you through me

and find out about your plans?

No.

I want him to know our actions.

And it must be through you.

You're planning to use his own scheme against him?

Exactly.

Prince Yi used the brother of Mr. Luo to coerce him

and make him betray you

to drive a wedge between us

to force you to cooperate with him.

Then let's just do as he wishes.

Prince Yi stoops to such unscrupulous means.

But he underestimates me too much.

Even if you keep suspecting me,

I will never do anything to betray you.

But what should we do now?

We must perform the play together.

Zishan, you must pretend to surrender to Prince Yi

and make him believe that we've become enemies when vying for Danqing,

thus causing him to lower his guard

and luring him to reveal the treasure map.

No problem.

However, Prince Yi is naturally suspicious.

Once he detects any mistakes,

we may not get the treasure map

and even put your life in danger.

Zishan, have you thought this through?

Are you truly willing to do this

and help me out?

I am not helping you.

This is something I should do.

Alright.

I will write to the minister to make arrangements,

asking for the assistance of the Royal Guards.

I will try my best to ensure your safety.

This time, we must bring Prince Yi to justice.

Okay.

So you conspired together to set up a trap for His Highness.

It's simply despicable and shameless.

The shameless ones are you.

We are only treating you the way you've treated us.

Surrender now, Zong Wei.

Like I said, you can't escape.

I know you've always been very loyal to him.

But persisting stubbornly like this is pointless.

Hand over the map.

You aren't the mastermind.

It's not too late to turn back now.

The prince you are longing for won't come to protect you.

Don't defame His Highness.

None of you come closer.

This is a specially made, double-layered cylinder.

The inner container

will break if shaken.

and the vitriol oil inside will destroy the treasure map within.

If you take one step closer,

I will destroy it and perish with it.

Even if you destroy this treasure map

and take all the responsibility upon yourself,

do you think Prince Yi could come to save you and help you escape?

I advise you to recognize the situation

and not to remain obstinately misguided.

You are a double-dealing traitor and are not qualified to lecture me.

A despicable traitor is unworthy of being human.

Zong Wei, put the map down first.

None of you come closer.

Zishan, stabilize him first.

I'll have the royal guard captain take the imperial token

and bring Prince Yi here.

At this point, Prince Yi will surely prioritize his own safety.

We should let Zong Wei see his ugly true face.

Only then can he surrender to us

and hand over the treasure map to us.

I guess that will do,

so Prince Yi won't get wind of this and escape again.

Zong Wei, you have half an hour to hand over the treasure map to us

and get penalized leniently.

Don't even think about running away with the map.

This place is heavily guarded.

You can't escape even if you have wings.

(Prince Yi's Mansion)

We're the Royal Guards. Greetings, Your Highness.

Who allowed you to stop?

Continue playing.

Do you know the consequences of disturbing my leisure?

Please follow me, Your Highness.

What do the Royal Guards want with me?

Your Highness,

your personal guard, Zong Wei, was caught by us

stealing the treasure map.

I dispatched Zong Wei to a different place.

He couldn't possibly be in Liao City today.

You must have caught the wrong person.

We have the same concern.

That's why we invite Your Highness to confirm.

If it's a misunderstanding, it needs to be clarified soon

so as not to implicate you.

Can't you see I am busy?

I'm not in the mood to play detective games with you.

(Token) You should recognize this token.

(It seems I've fallen for Xu Chengfeng's scheme.)

Your Highness,

please.

Greetings, Your Highness.

What's wrong?

Did you not expect me to appear here?

Shen Zishan,

sooner or later, I will let you know the meaning of regret.

I'm standing right before you, Your Highness.

If you wish to enlighten me,

there's no need to wait for later.

Your Highness,

Zong Wei was caught red-handed stealing the treasure map.

He is in the room right now.

A single guard had such audacity

and the capability to steal the treasure map.

To say there isn't a mastermind behind all of this

is indeed beyond one's imagination.

Moreover, he even deceived an astute, capable person like you.

I don't know what you are talking about.

How could you not?

Ever since His Majesty issued the decree,

you should have known everything.

Or perhaps I should phrase it in a more precise way.

This series of framing and shifting blame is your doing.

Xu Chengfeng, be careful with your words.

Framing a royal member is a crime deserving of death.

Framing?

Since you requested an imperial edict to assist in solving the case,

you've been covering yourself up.

Given how things stand, let's have an open and honest talk.

To cover up the evidence of your crime,

you ordered Zong Wei to kill Know-it-all.

We obtained the sleeve crossbow used as the murder weapon.

Yet, Zong Wei injured Zishan with a hidden weapon

and seized the evidence by threatening us with the antidote.

Last time, you escaped by sheer luck.

But this time, you and Zong Wei are like prey trapped by a net.

It's impossible for you to turn the tables now.

If you confess and voluntarily hand over the treasure map,

I will ask His Majesty for leniency.

But if you persist in your obstinacy and keep denying,

I'll have no choice but to be impartial.

I will escort you to the capital and take you to the Supreme Court

so that we can clarify everything in court.

Stop trying to intimidate me with the Supreme Court.

I really don't understand what you're saying.

And I have never seen the treasure map.

As for the 'caught red-handed' that you keep mentioning,

the one you caught is Zong Wei.

What does that have to do with me?

Zong Wei has been risking his life for you.

He's the one who does all the dirty and tiring work.

Surely you're not so shameless,

sacrificing a loyal servant when things go south, are you?

I will say it again.

Whatever Zong Wei has done is his own doing.

It has nothing to do with me.

As for my character, is it your place to criticize?

Very well.

It's just what we would expect from you to say.

Then let's hear what Zong Wei has to say about it.

Please confront Zong Wei face-to-face.

You think I don't dare?

Impudent servant!

How dare you deceive everyone

and commit such a grave crime behind my back?

You've implicated my reputation!

Come out and kneel now!

Quickly hand over the treasure map.

In front of General Xu,

quickly tell everyone

that stealing the treasure map was your own doing.

Zong Wei,

I know you can't rest easy concerning your foster father.

Considering your many years of service to me,

I will ensure your foster father is cared for in his old age.

This is coercion and threatening.

Zong Wei,

you can speak out about any concerns you have.

I assure you that I will take care of them for you.

You need not submit to his threats.

Zong Wei,

your loyalty should be given to the right person.

Otherwise, it is misplaced.

This is of great importance.

Don't be deceived again.

In my view,

it is you who are now coercing with threats and bribes.

Zong Wei,

you know my patience has always been limited.

Tell the truth about what exactly happened now.

I will bear the full responsibility.

Stealing the treasure map was done by me alone.

What reason would you, as a guard, have to steal a treasure map?

I'm a guard. So what?

I also want to make a name for myself and be wealthy.

Is there a problem with that?

I lost my parents when I was young.

My foster father raised me.

Now he is gravely ill,

yet I have no money to treat him.

That's why I took the risk behind my master's back.

General Xu,

Zong Wei has already made it very clear

that this matter has nothing to do with me.

Do you still insist on taking me to the Supreme Court

to argue the case before His Majesty?

Tianhao,

escort Zong Wei to the firewood room together with the royal guard captain

and guard strictly.

Yes.

Can I leave now?

Hold on.

You've fantasized about monopolizing the treasure to grow your power.

It would be a mere dream.

With me here, you will never get your wish.

With this deadlock,

you should surrender soon.

Given your royal lineage,

His Majesty will spare your life.

And Zong Wei is merely an accessory.

He will be dealt with leniently.

I will say it one last time.

All of this was Zong Wei's doing alone

and has nothing to do with me.

(I have one more favor to ask.)

I wish you could grant it.

There is no one else here.

What are you doing? Get up to speak.

Your Highness,

I implore you to promise me

that if any mishap should occur

in the future,

you won't protect me.

What do you mean?

What is this?

A pendant with poison hidden inside.

If anything happens,

you need not have any concerns.

No.

No matter how many people die for me,

you can't.

If my life can save yours,

it would be my greatest honor.

Your Highness,

I will continue to serve you in the next life.

Take care, Your Highness!

No.

It's poison.

You should at least take one last look at him.

After all, he died for you.

Since the matter has been settled,

I have no reason to stay longer.

I think you will always remember today.

You killed your most loyal companion with your own hand.

(My parents were once outcasts from their respective sects.)

When I was young, my family was retaliated against.

And in the end, my entire family was destroyed,

leaving only me to wander the streets alone.

It was you who saved me and brought me back.

You fed me, sheltered me,

taught me martial arts,

let me learn to read,

and taught me etiquette.

Your Highness,

I owe you my life.

You can take it away at any time.

I only regret not being able to serve you any longer.

(Xu Chengfeng and Shen Zishan,)

(let's wait and see.)

This is the developing water we found.

I hope you can hand over it and the treasure map

to the minister.

- Take this. - There is one more thing.

You also need to tell the minister

that if this Plum Wine is used as the developing water,

it is only effective for half a month once opened.

If it exceeds this time limit, it cannot be used anymore.

Please keep that in mind.

Rest assured, General Xu.

I'll rush back to the capital shortly

and report to the minister

and His Majesty that you've found the treasure map.

As for the body of Zong Wei,

- we will see to his burial. - Okay.

I will also write to the minister

to clarify everything about this operation

and give an explanation to His Majesty.

Unfortunately, we lack direct evidence of Prince Yi's involvement.

And now Zong Wei has died.

We can only temporarily release Prince Yi.

General Xu, I will return to the capital to report.

Let's go.

Prince Yi has once again escaped by luck.

Indeed.

However, Prince Yi has for a long time

considered such luck to be the norm.

Now that Zong Wei has died,

from now on, Prince Yi will no longer

have such loyal and willing pawns by his side to sacrifice for him.

He won't go far.

Zishan, we just need to be patient and plan for the long run.

We will surely bring him to justice.

What are you looking at so intently?

The moon is so beautiful tonight.

It's so serene and peaceful,

as if all the joys and sorrows of this world never happened.

Actually, the moon has never changed.

It's our state of mind that has changed.

We have found the treasure map.

After dealing with Luo Xue'er's affairs,

we can then be together without being disturbed.

When that time comes,

I will accompany you to see

the waters, mountains,

and brilliant galaxy.

Actually,

all along this path,

I've been particularly grateful to you.

When I was still Luo Ailian,

you didn't believe that I killed our father.

You let me go to investigate,

which gave me immense comfort.

Later, when we met again,

although I couldn't fully reveal my identity,

you still said you believed in Luo Ailian.

I've been walking through thorns all the way.

And you're like a beam of light in my life.

Even if I've experienced misfortune,

I still believe in the goodness of this world.

Danqing,

perhaps this is what fate has destined.

In my eyes, you are like the bright moon and stars.

You are the most beautiful existence in this world.

Your wisdom, independence, courage,

and defying of fate

all deeply attract me.

So whether you are Luo Ailian

or Shen Danqing,

to me, you're someone I need to protect.

And of course,

except for that female bandit who sprinkled scented powder on my face.

So you knew all along that the person back then was me.

Of course.

I've always been observant of the finest detail.

Then why didn't you catch me at that time?

Could it be that you had fallen for me at first sight?

At that time, I felt you were very special

and not at all simple.

So I thought to spare you for a while

to see if you could come up with any new tricks.

What about you? When did you become fond of me?

That's a secret.

If you want to know...

Actually, I don't know either.

But suddenly, one day,

I found

that there was no one else in my eyes but you.

Me too.

Come on.

♪Every encounter has long been foreshadowed♪

♪It goes without saying♪

The stars know my feelings.

My eyes are full of only you.

♪In the gentle night wind, flowers fly like rain♪

♪Melting the cold memories at the bottom of my heart♪

♪Healing without medicine♪

♪If we part ways along the journey♪

♪The inescapable fate♪

♪Do not forget the lifelong promise♪

♪Sunny and rainy days, with you♪

♪Through the cold and heat of all seasons, with you♪

♪I only wish to accompany you in sorrows and joys of this world♪

♪Staying the same through all the ups and downs♪

♪Today and the past, with you♪

♪Remembering every little detail♪

♪May you and I walk through the years and keep the promise as always♪

♪The gentle evening wind is like you♪

♪The flowers drifting like rain are your whispers♪

♪Melting the cold memories at the bottom of my heart♪

♪Healing without medicine♪

♪If we meet again♪

♪Destined to cross paths♪

♪From then on, our story has no departure♪

♪Sunny and rainy days, with you♪

♪Through the cold and heat of all seasons, with you♪

♪I only want to accompany you, clinging together amidst an unpredictable fate♪

♪Sketching out the traces of time♪

♪Today and the past, with you♪

♪Remembering every little detail♪

♪May you and I walk through the years and keep the promise as always♪

♪Longing to be with you so steadfastly♪

♪To become each other's only one, I have never doubted♪

♪I have the courage. I will prove it♪

♪Because you have proven♪

♪The fulfilled sweet words are the most touching♪

♪Sunny and rainy days, with you♪

♪Through the cold and heat of all seasons, with you♪

♪I only want to accompany you, clinging together amidst an unpredictable fate♪

♪Sketching out the traces of time♪

♪Today and the past, with you♪

♪Remembering every little detail♪

♪May you and I walk through the years and keep the promise as always♪