Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by Eeny, Meeny, Miny, 2nd ML Team@Viki

"Soft Thistles Blossoms" - Sabrina Zhuang

♫ When the flowers bloom in the afternoon ♫

♫ The signs of spring are fading ♫

♫ An encounter of destiny ♫

♫ I'm not ready and prepared to be caring and gentle ♫

♫ A swan walks with its head held high ♫

♫ Its ambition is spreading far and wide ♫

♫ Over mountains and rivers, waving at the brilliant sun ♫

♫ Take the first step toward realizing one's full potential ♫

♫ Devotedly pursuing my initial aspiration ♫

♫ I'll hold onto my devotion while laughing away my worries ♫

♫ I'll keep moving forward ♫

♫ With these courts standing ♫

♫ Bring justice to people ♫

♫ Rainbows will come after storms ♫

♫ Plans and schemes are all entangled ♫

♫ If we remain comitted ♫

♫ At the end of the story ♫

♫ With a great legacy left behind, who will fear ♫

♫ All the years to come ♫

[Miss Chun is a Litigator]

[Episode One]

What is your complaint?

My Lord. In broad daylight, Mr. Zhang robbed Liu Erniang's house on the street.

If he is not severely punished, the law will lose its authority.

I've been wronged, My Lord. There must be a reason why Mr. Zhang only robbed Liu Erniang and no one else.

A reason? Liu Erniang borrowed 50 taels from Mr. Zhang because she is poor. That is the reason.

The law stipulates interest on personal debt and pawned property cannot exceed three percent,

nor interest exceed the principal over the years.

There is a bottom line in the country's lending law.

Interest should not exceed the principal.

Mr. Zhang lent her 50 taels but charged her 200 taels, which is against the law.

He's going to rob her of her house because she cannot pay. That is robbery.

Based on those actions, he should be sentenced to imprisonment, exile, or hanging.

That's not true, Litigator Chun.

Liu Erniang agreed to sell her house, including the beams, tiles, and foundation.

She wrote it herself.

- How can she deny it in this court? - Yes.

Our country is governed by the rule of law.

You are blatantly blackmailing her and dare to sue.

Aren't you afraid of being punished for helping the wicked man as litigators?

Litigator Chun said Mr. Zhang practiced usury, but she has no evidence.

We do not agree.

Does this note indicate this is compound interest?

She is making things up to slander us.

Liu Erniang agreed to sell her house,

including the beams, tiles, and foundation to pay 200 of the debt.

How could you sign something like this?

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want to sign it. They forced me.

Screw you. If you can't pay me back, I'll sell you.

Come with me.

- Litigator Chun! - Where are you going? You can't take her away.

My Lord, the law provides…

The law provides…

Chun Tumi.

You disturbed the court.

How can you be a litigator?

You'll never be a litigator.

I can become a litigator.

I want to be a litigator.

Miss! Something happened.

Master has been arrested.

What?

He was accused of…

Tell me. Of what?

Of attempted rape.

Buddha blesses him. Buddha blesses him.

Buddha blesses him.

Buddha blesses him. Buddha blesses him.

Tumi. Come and kneel sincerely right now so that Buddha will bless your father.

If you hadn't let Old Zhou deliver a letter to your family, we wouldn't have been in the dark about it.

Master has escorted prisoners to Lingnan.

There's not even a capable man in the house.

Is there any other way but to let the madam's family help us?

Who is the accuser then?

Are there any witnesses or physical evidence?

How did father plead? Was he punished? What is the result?

You don't know anything about it, but you're worshipping here.

Buddha, please forgive her.

Your father has spoiled you, Tumi.

You even dare to offend the Buddha.

So what? Father is in prison.

Can Buddha protect him from punishment?

He has military status.

What if he gets another beating as a punishment in the army after the trial?

What should we do then?

What do we do then?

Stop crying.

According to the law, it should take three sessions, and there's a day between them.

That means we have four days and some wiggle room.

That's good.

When my family arrives, we will take some money to the government office to-

That's even worst!

We have military status. Bribery is a crime.

Miss.

- How's it going? - Miss.

The first trial was held this afternoon.

There are witnesses and material evidence, but Master said he was wrongly accused and is now in prison.

I have to go to the government office.

Guo'er.

This is the new employee at the Waterside Tavern, Jin Yi.

Jin Yi, this is my lady.

- Miss Chun. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Have you ever been to the government office, Miss Chun?

No. But my grandfather has always worked for it.

I believe Court Clerk Ouyang would see me.

What did you find out, Jin Yi?

I heard the person who sued Master Chun is a widow and that she's shrewd.

When I went out for information, I heard Mrs. He talking about the widow.

And she told me it was she who heard the news and told Old Zhou so that the madam could know it in time.

Wait. Weren't we informed by a government officer?

They were informed by Mrs. He?

How strange.

It's not like the proceedings written in the book.

That may be the style of that stupid magistrate.

How can he do that? That is great injustice.

Miss Chun, don't panic yet.

There's no man in your house right now.

Besides, you are an unmarried girl.

Your stepmother, Madam Xu, is better suited to do this than you.

She can only cry.

At least, I know a little about the law, so I'm more suited.

Miss Chun, you-

Don't try to talk me out of it. I've made up my mind.

I'm not trying to do that.

It's just you'll need money to enter the prison.

Do you have enough money on you?

Guo'er, did you bring enough money?

I don't think what I have is enough.

What should we do?

T-T-Take this. This should be enough.

That's enough, I think.

Then I won't be polite. Thank you.

[Bianzhou Manor]

Greetings, Court Clerk.

You're here to plead for Dashan, right?

I'm not here to plead for your sympathy.

My father didn't do anything wrong.

Why would I plead if he hasn't done anything?

Then what did you come to me for?

I would like to ask your permission to look at both parties' confessions.

Tumi.

We have laws.

Official documents are important and cannot be read by outsiders.

What are you doing? Get up.

My Lord, you and my grandfather were friends for a long time.

You know about my family.

My mother died young, and my father treats me like a treasure.

It would be inhuman for me to stay at home with him being framed.

Please have some mercy on me.

All right. Stand up.

No matter what, I can't do anything that's against the law.

But you are the granddaughter of a former colleague of mine and considered as my junior.

You came all the way here. Have some tea before you leave.

I'll make some tea and come back in 30 minutes.

Thank you, My Lord.

As you see, since I took office, I have been cautious and diligent.

I handled every case myself and didn't ask anyone else to do it for me,

let alone make any mistakes.

Lord Kang is here to inspect the prison, not for you.

Why are you so anxious?

Lord Zhang. I'm here on His Majesty's order to investigate injustices,

so I may need to look at the county's records.

Thank you.

That's my job.

- Guards. - Here.

Tell Court Clerk Ouyang to have all the cases during my tenure examined

- by Lord Kang. - Yes!

Miss Chun.

- Oh, no. - What's wrong?

I forgot my satchel. I'll go get it.

Miss.

What did she forget?

Why did she have to go back for it?

It's her treasure.

What kind of treasure does she carry with her?

Is it jewelry or jade?

It's not that kind of vulgar stuff.

It's a law book that her birth mother gave her while she was alive.

No wonder she's going to do it herself.

She's adept.

Who are you?

Stop there!

Why did you run away?

Guilty?

Weren't you just over there?

Since you knew I was calling, why didn't you stop?

I…

This is the government office.

What is a girl like you doing here dressing like this?

Now that you know I'm a girl, you should know as a man, you shouldn't touch me.

I'm quite interested in catching thieves, especially the ones with white and soft skin like you.

You. Answer my question now.

I have a grievance.

What grievance?

Tell me.

Miss. Where's your satchel?

Don't mention it. I almost got caught as a thief.

Are you okay, Miss?

What about the book?

Miss Chun. It's getting late.

We'd better go now.

I'll get it back another time.

Let's go to see my father first. I'm worried unless I see him.

Don't just stand there. What are you looking at? Hurry up.

This way.

Father.

Tumi.

Tumi. Why are you here?

Did they torture you?

Are you hurt?

Go back now.

This is not a place for a girl like you.

You're still worried about me now.

Where's your mother?

How could she let you go out alone?

She's praying to the Buddha at home.

She told me she sent Old Zhou for her mother.

Father, tell me what exactly happened.

I am innocent.

I was in a hurry to get home that day and took a shortcut.

When I passed through the back alley of Aroma Restaurant, a man almost threw swill on me.

Sorry.

- Suddenly, a thief rushed out - You.

- and snatched the hairpin I prepared for your birthday. - Stop!

I chased him all the way.

I don't know how long.

- Stop! - I chased all the way to Zhang Wuniang's house.

I saw the gate was wide open and went in.

Excuse me, did you see anyone passing by?

I saw someone over there…

Are you okay?

When I woke up, I found myself here.

Father.

There is something suspicious.

If you are not careful, you may get into a lot of trouble.

Court Clerk Ouyang asked me to find Scholar Sun in the east of the town to be your litigator.

He can write complaints and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

He's a veteran litigator.

We'll have a better chance of winning the case with him on our side.

I'll take care of the lawsuit myself.

You can't get involved.

If you have a bad reputation, you won't be able to marry a good family.

If your name isn't cleared, I'm afraid that no one will marry me.

Tumi. I'm sorry.

Time's up. TIme for you to go.

Take good care of yourself.

I will. Get up.

Go, leave.

- Get going. - Be quick.

Thank you.

Miss Chun.

My satchel? Why do you have it?

I gave a little money to the officers to let them look for it.

Thank you very much. Guo'er will pay you the money and give you a thank-you gift.

You don't have to be polite. Miss Fang chartered this carriage for your use.

We're at your service when you're in need.

Thank you for your hard work.

Then we'll go back to the Waterside Tavern.

Miss Fang must be waiting for us.

Okay.

Tumi.

Did you see your father?

How is he? Did he say anything?

He said that he was framed and innocent.

As long as he's okay.

But how could your dad go to a place like Licorice Street?

He said he was robbed of a hairpin.

What hairpin?

It was for my birthday.

I know my husband always plays it safe.

Because of you he is in such trouble.

Xiao Qin. Let's go back and burn more incense to pray to the Buddha.

Someone thinks she's educated because she has read many books.

In the end, if it weren't for her...

My lady.

I'm all right.

Miss. Don't listen to her nonsense.

I'm not upset about what she said.

My father is still suffering in prison,

and I don't know if his injustices will be righted, but all he has in mind is me.

You have to hold on.

She's incompetent.

It's up to you to save Master.

I'll go and get your dinner ready.

- Father, am I getting taller? - Let me see.

Let me see.

You seem to have grown a lot taller, right?

- Yes. - Right?

Father, when will I be taller than you?

I want to reach that height.

That tall?

- Or just now? - Yes, please.

- Is it tall enough? - Yes.

Remember that one must stand tall to see far.

Do you want to fly?

You're flying!

Thank you so much.

Hello.

Wait.

- Without your help… - Master Sun is really rich.

- I heard a complaint he wrote costs one tael. - Thank you. Thank you.

One tael! Just writing something.

This is equivalent to Master monthly salary.

Anyone who can read can write a complaint, but it is difficult to write it well.

Not only should the most basic information such as the person's name,

the cause of the complaint and the occurrence be written on it clearly,

but also it should meet the requirements of proceedings.

Witnesses and evidence are also listed below.

The person who can write such a complaint has to be familiar with the laws and be logical.

He also has to write well, and his handwriting has to be neat.

In a general case, as long as the facts are clear, the evidence is strong

and the punishment provisions of the law are attached,

a careful reading and questions from the assistant magistrate make a verdict.

Only in larger cases, the magistrate will review the corresponding documents or personally judge the case,

and it will require three sessions.

So it must have taken a lot of hard work for Scholar Sun to reach that price.

That's what happened, Mr. Sun.

Well…

If you want me to be your litigation representive, here's the price.

Three taels?

30 taels?

You…

All right. No problem.

Nice.

The deposit is five tael.

The government office approves petitions on odd days and adjudicates cases on even days.

It deals with routine business in the morning and cases in the evening.

The detailed time will be indicated on the board on the day of the trial.

I need you to have someone there tomorrow morning

and to wait for me outside the court on time tomorrow afternoon.

This is a clear case of frame-up, but the plaintiff has no motive.

I need to think about how to write.

I'll bring the complaint to court tomorrow.

See off the guests.

- Yes. - Scholar Sun.

Don't you want to hear my opinion on this case?

Sorry, Miss Chun. I have to go out now.

It won't take much time.

If you don't believe me, you might as well find someone else.

Don't. Scholar Sun, you go and deal with your affairs.

I'll write it here. You can read it when you come back.

All right.

That man.

We gave him the money, but he was acting like that.

He's done plenty of cases, so he thinks it's a piece of cake.

I'm a little uneasy.

The first batch of lotus cakes in the Aroma Restaurant is made at exactly nine o 'clock every day.

You immediately realized this doubtful point.

Master will be saved.

But we have to wait until Jin Yi gets back.

How is it, Jin Yi?

I can run there, but it's too tiring.

I've had much rest in the carriage all the way back, but I still haven't recovered yet.

Great.

Hey. You're glad that I'm so tired?

Of course. This proves Master’s innocence.

Xiao Jiu.

- Jin Yi. Miss Chun. - What are you doing?

Someone ordered our signature, Burning Tail Banquet.

It's just finished. I have to send it to him quickly.

That's very expensive.

It's not the Lunar New Year Festival.

Who is the rich man?

Li Er on Licorice Street.

Brother Jiu. There are no rich families in that street.

Jin Yi doesn't know. Li Er in the Licorice Street ordered feasts every day lately.

He must have won the lottery.

From when?

From the day, Jin Yi was sent to you.

It's getting cold. I should go.

Li Er is suspicious.

More than that. It's clear that-

The waiters in the Aroma Restaurant also said they got a big client.

We need to confirm whether the big client is Li Er.

If so, we need their testimony.

- Let me do that. - I'll go with you.

Sure. Let's go.

The evidence will complete the complaint.

Let's send it to Scholar Sun.

But will we annoy him if we visit?

Forget it. We can give it to him tomorrow.

Let's go.

Please.

I missed it because I was unsettled. It won't happen again.

[Complaint]

Miss, it's time.

Let's go, then.

You stayed up all night writing the complaint.

I can't sleep with it on my mind.

So, I got up to write it.

Are you afraid?

Of course. But I can't afford to be afraid.

Don't worry, Miss. Yin Ji has invited the waiters.

And we hired Scholar Sun.

Master will be fine.

Bring the suspect and plaintiff.

- It's him. - Right.

- He did it. - Yes.

Look at him.

- Can't believe he did that. - Go!

Don't judge a book by its cover.

On your knees!

Who's the litigator?

Who's the litigator?

Where are you going, Miss?

It's her.

Who?

She poured wine on me yesterday.

Tumi, you're not supposed to be here.

Stop messing around. Just go home.

How dare a girl come to the court?

Who are you?

My Lord, I, Chun Tumi, came to the court to seek justice for my father.

Nonsense. How can they let a girl be the litigator?

Let’s wait and see.

It can't be called an inspection if you take charge before Zhang Hongtu deals with it.

According to the law, family members are allowed to defend.

But… they can't let a girl come to the court.

Tell a male member to come.

My Lord, my grandfather is away on a public errand.

My father has been framed.

We have no male members left.

I know it harms my reputation to show up in public.

But filial piety comes first. Please allow me.

My Lord, it doesn't violate the law.

Sure.

Given your filial piety, I will allow it.

You can get up.

Thank you, My Lord.

The girl is clever.

She knows the court values Confucianism.

Loyalty and filial piety come first.

With this point, Zhang Hongtu can't say no.

Zhang Wuniang, the plaintiff, tell me the details about what happened that day.

No lying.

Yes.

In the morning on the 18th day of this month, I was on my way home after collecting the rent.

And I run into the bad guy on my way.

I don't know why, but he harassed me.

I was afraid.

I wrenched myself free and ran home.

But the bad guy followed me.

He got in my courtyard and attempted to rape me.

Help!

- And? - I struggled and screamed.

But he was so strong that I failed to escape.

- Thankfully, Li Er, my neighbor, heard me and came. - Help!

He turned the bad guy in and saved me.

We don't know each other.

Why do you frame me?

I ran into your courtyard to catch a thief.

He went missing in your yard, but you came out and kept pulling me.

I don't know why, but my head hurt before I faint away.

When I woke up, I was shackled and turned in.

My Lord, I'm innocent.

My Lord, please demand justice for me.

Please demand-

No commotion is allowed in the court.

Chun Tumi, what do you want to say since you seek justice?

Litigator, do you have a complaint?

My Lord, this is my complaint.

An assistant squad leader managed to raise a daughter like her.

He might be a talented person.

You're talking about the suspect now.

My Lord, these are ambiguities in the case.

I have some questions for the witness Li Er.

Will you allow me to?

Okay.

But let me remind you first.

If you are long-winded and speak nonsense, I will hold you in contempt of court.

According to the law, the master will be punished if a woman breaks the law.

If you break the law, your father will be punished.

Think twice.

I can permit you if you want to give up, given how filial you are.

Thank you, My Lord.

But I believe that my father is innocent.

Truth will come out anyway.

You are an judicious judge.

I believe you will give my father justice.

Good. Bring the witness Li Er.

Li Er is here, My Lord.

Greets to you, My Lord.

Chun Tumi, what do you want to ask?

Li Er, what do you do for a living?

My family was rich and famous.

It wasn't the richest, but it did have some inheritance left.

- How much? - Some.

Miss Chun, what does this have to do with your father raping Zhang Wuniang?

Miss Chun, you'll want to ask relevant questions.

My Lord, it's a crucial point.

As I know, his family fortune has long been squandered by him.

He couldn't afford a meal and started swindling.

All his neighbors can prove that.

It's normal to have ups and downs.

But you should always stand up for what is right, regardless of your situation.

Can't poor people also be witnesses?

There is no issue of being poor.

But it's suspicious that you suddenly became rich.

Your life suddenly improved around the 18th of this month.

You visited Waterside Tavern and Aroma Restaurant.

Both Xiao Liu and Xiao Jiu can prove that.

They are watching outside.

My Lord, it's their testimony and Li Er's portrait.

Li Er, you have been quite generous lately.

As you see, Li Er suddenly became rich after the 18th.

He must've been bribed.

What do you mean by being bought?

I was lucky and won some money.

Where and when did you win?

How much did you spend and win?

I spent two taels in many places several days ago.

As for how much I won, it depends.

It's a secret.

I can't tell you. You won't understand anyway.

What do you have that proves I was bribed?

I have no evidence to prove the bribery.

But if you can't tell it, you will be accused of theft.

Although the court won't investigate when no one sues, the security of this county matters.

As the head of the county, how could the lord tolerate rampant banditry?

Miss Chun. I don't become a thief because you call me one.

You can be guilty of fraud or not telling the truth.

You'll only be flogged at most if you commit perjury.

But if you commit theft, the punishment depends on the money you stole.

You might be exiled.

Xiao Jiu, how much did he spend in Waterside Travern?

12 taels.

And in the Aroma Restaurant?

About 7 to 8 taels.

What are you doing? It's the court. Is it appropriate?

This girl is quite tough at such a young age

She threatened the witness with the law, hitting where it hurt without hesitation.

I underestimated her.

Li Er, where did you get the money?

Then, I don't need to hide anymore.

My Lord, it was Zhang Wuniang who gave me the money.

My Lord, Li Er confessed.

He framed my father.

Miss Chun, don't talk nonsense.

When did I frame your father?

Zhang Wuniang did give me the money.

Her dead husband owed me for years.

I found the deed recently.

Zhang Wuniang was honest and returned the money to me.

What a coincidence!

You can ask her.

Zhang Wuniang, where is the deed?

My Lord, what Li Er said was true.

I have the deed on me.

Bring it.

[Promissory Note]

It's valid.

I think the case will be solved.

How? I think it is still a mystery.

The judge will be annoyed and close the case randomly.

That's what he used to do.

The deed...

is valid.

Miss Chun, for the doubts you raised, Li Er and Zhang Wuniang have given reasonable explanations.

What else do you want to ask?

I have another question.

Zhang Wuniang, are you sure it was in the morning on the 18th of this month?

Yes.

Are you sure my father was strong?

Yes.

My Lord, Xiao Liu mentioned in his testimony that he met my father at the time near the Aroma Restaurant.

The restaurant and Licorice Street are far apart.

It can be hard for a young man to run there.

How could my father run there in fifteen minutes and have the strength to commit the crime?

I asked Jin Yi to confirm it.

My Lord, please bring Jin Yi.

Bring the witness Jin Yi.

My Lord, Miss Chun was right.

I ran as fast as I could from the back alley of Aroma Restaurant to Licorice Street.

A coachman followed me to prove it.

I barely made it to Licorice Street in 15 minutes.

But I was exhausted and out of breath.

That's right. Even the dirtiest lecher won't have the heart to do that.

- Yes. - Even if he does, he won't have the strength.

It makes sense.

My Lord, this is suspicious.

Please investigate it.

Zhang Wuniang, how do you explain?

My Lord, all I said was true.

He is different from the bad guy in height and weight.

Just because he failed, it doesn't mean the bad guy would fail.

Miss Chun is confusing you to save her father.

Don't be confused, My Lord.

My Lord, all I said was true.

I want to prove my father's innocence.

No one could do what she stated.

She must be lying.

If you doubt it, you can send someone to try.

I'm willing to be punished if I lied.

Fine.

You all stick to your argument.

I'll allow you to verify it again.

All my attendants here are as tall and strong as Chun Dashan.

- You can choose anyone-- - Let me. I'll do it.

Lord Zhang.

I think I'm the ideal person to act as the criminal.

Zhang Wuniang and Chun Tumi, do you have any objections?

My Lord, I have no objection.

My Lord, me, either.

Please investigate it.

Thank you.

- Hitch up the cart. - Yes, Sir.

I'll send an attendant to drive a cart and follow you.

Come early so you won't miss the trial.

At your command.

It's interesting this time.

I've never seen it before.

Yes. The stupid Zhang is different this time.

He ordered to verify it.

Miss, why don't you rest a bit?

Master is innocent.

The test won't be wrong.

I can't be secure.

I feel worried.

Clearly, Zhang Wuniang came prepared.

She tossed out so much evidence.

We haven't found the key.

Why is she framing my father?

We can find more if we know the answer.

Well, I'll buy you some food.

You haven't eaten anything all morning.

Jin Yi.

Miss Chun.

I want to ask you a favor.

Sure.

Thank you for that. I'll wait for you here.

Let's go.

Order!

My lord, the witness and I completed the test.

How did it go?

The result proves that he could do it.

- See? - Others might fail.

- But he could do it. - That's right.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by Eeny, Meeny, Miny, 2nd ML Team@Viki

"Spring Light" - Shuang Sheng

♫ Wind chimes jingling in the middle of the night ♫

♫ You're the roots for the blooming flowers ♫

♫ Like yesterday's twilight, geese have already embarked on their journey ♫

♫ When you're by my side ♫

♫ A sweet feeling of ever-growing longing is hard to hide ♫

♫ I see you without looking at you ♫

♫ Spring makes me hope for more romantic moments ♫

♫ Flowers are still blooming and dreams haven't ended ♫

♫ Our love can't be contained as we wander the world together ♫

♫ We'll be together through fates many twists ♫

♫ Wherever you go, it's endless Spring for me ♫

♫ We'll continue the journey over mountains and rivers, into the setting sun ♫

♫ Our love can't be contained as we wander the world together ♫

♫ We'll be together through fates many twists ♫

♫ Wherever you go, it's endless Spring for me ♫

♫ We'll continue the journey over mountains and rivers, into the setting sun ♫