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 4]

- My Lord. - Come in.

- What's wrong? - My Lord.

Miss Chun came early in the morning and paid silver to get to the inner yard.

The guard said she also visited Miss Fang in prison.

I didn't ask you to inform me.

Wuwei sent you here?

My Lord, I can't say.

Can you at least tell me where Wuwei is?

He's fishing in the backyard.

Lord Han, what's going on here?

Waterside Tavern got shut down. I have to fish myself to make soup.

Which one do you like?

Let's cook it tonight.

Zhang Hongtu will lose it if you make soup with his precious fish.

It's all right.

He annoys you by being careless and half-hearted.

I'll help you vent your anger.

Otherwise, you may scare people as you did yesterday.

His Majesty finds you calm, and me impetuous.

Once I go back, I'll hand in a memorial about this.

Oh no.

What did I do to offend you?

Chun Tumi came to visit. Are you happy now?

For what?

You emphasized the disadvantages of Miss Fang to Chun Dashan,

and listed evidence for harsh sentencing in the case file to get her involved.

Didn't you assign soldiers to give her hints on the way home?

We're pretty much the same.

I just find her cute when she's thinking.

Plus, supportive gestures may incite appreciation.

But you had to urge her to go to court.

Do you really want a young lady to be a litigator?

What about her reputation?

What's wrong with me getting a helper I like? It's not surprising, right?

Are you insane?

No pain, no gain.

My sanity will be demonstrated by what she achieves.

You've made up your mind?

Yes.

I also found her an opponent.

Who?

Scholar Sun.

Scholar Sun failed Chun Tumi in Chun Dashan's case

and she immediately asked for her deposit back.

He must be biding his time to take revenge.

- I'm leaving. - Where are you going?

I'm going to help Scholar Sun.

I don't want Chun Tumi to be your helper.

I haven't talked about the real business yet.

Where is Lord Yuan?

He will arrive tomorrow.

Here are the neighbors' testimonies.

Thank you, Brother Xiao Jiu.

You're trying to help our boss lady.

This is the least I can do.

Bad news.

- What's wrong, Guo'er? - Master.

The government office posted a notice saying that the second trial will be tomorrow.

Both Commander-in-chief Han and Highest Judiciary Kang will be present.

It says that Miss is the litigator for Miss Fang.

And…

And?

And what?

And Scholar Sun was mentioned.

It's said that he will represent Zhao Laoqi's wife.

How can they afford to hire him?

There's something wrong.

He is eloquent and immoral.

There is nothing he wouldn't say in court.

Let's give up.

We talked about it.

I will risk my reputation to keep Miss Fang alive.

Don't worry. Prepare some money.

For what?

To defend a non-family member, one must have court titles or they will take baton beatings.

I care about righteousness, but it hurts to get hit.

So you'd better pay the fine for me.

Here, take it.

I have more.

Who are you?

I am Fang Fei.

I am Zhao Wanruo, the wife of Zhao Laoqi.

I am Sun Yucun, the litigator of Zhao Wanruo.

We're suing Fang Fei, the owner of Waterside Tavern, for poisoning Zhao Laoqi.

I, Chun Tumi, represent Fang Fei.

In my opinion, Litigator Sun's statement about Fang Fei poisoning Zhao Laoqi was false.

So you're here for a counterclaim?

Of course.

We are in court.

Litigator Sun, you're the plaintiff. Go ahead.

I'm afraid I can't.

Litigator Sun, it's not your first day in court. What's wrong with you?

Forgive me, My Lord. I have no choice.

A court is a solemn place.

I can't stand someone who disturbs the judiciary order.

My Lord, Miss Fang poisoned Zhao Laoqi.

Chun Tumi solicited her to file a lawsuit for her own benefit, intending to disturb legal judgments.

In my opinion, she must be seriously punished.

According to precedents, such an unlawful litigator shall receive 1,000 baton beats

and be tied to heavy weights as punishment for 15 years.

Ridiculous.

In that case, no one is allowed any counterclaim.

In that case, when I asked you for help when my father was framed,

why did you take the deposit?

That's different.

Chun Dashan was framed. The case was unclear.

But we have evidence and witnesses for this case.

I bet you had a taste of success and became unreasonable.

You're the unreasonable one.

I am a recognized litigator.

Enough with your drama. Let the judge decide.

Chun Tumi, no ranting in court.

My Lord, my apologies. Please forgive me.

Litigator Sun, you talked back at me in court.

Do you confess?

Yes, My Lord.

Considering that you were defending procedural justice,

I will let you off.

Chun Tumi, I let you defend your father because of your filial piety.

But you crossed the line and wanted to defend a murderer.

You deserve severe punishment.

But considering that you're just an innocent young lady, I will let you off.

- Guards! - Here.

Get her out.

- Understood. - My Lord, the case awaits trial.

You've posted the notice out there.

You can't kick me out now.

My Lord, I'm innocent!

The inspectors are here.

Pardon us for not greeting you in advance.

You're busy with this case. Don't let us distract you.

Are we late for the court trial?

Have you reached a verdict?

How did this girl do as a litigator?

My Lord, she intended to reverse a verdict for a murderer for personal gain.

We should avoid unnecessary trials.

Such an unlawful litigator must be punished.

But I'm only chasing her out since she's just a little girl.

You truly deserve your title.

Thank you, My Lord.

As a local official, I'll always remember your teachings and care for the people.

If you do care, how did you end up being "Silly Zhang"?

Someone is framing me. My Lord, please look into this.

I only believe in what I see and what I hear.

You take bribes from both sides and favor the party that pays more.

You rush to close a case just to have fun and drink.

Did I wrong you on any of those?

My Lord, surely someone is framing me.

Aren't you chasing Chun Tumi out

because you're afraid that she may find evidence and affect your job review?

I made a mistake.

A mistake?

You're still looking for excuses instead of repenting for your wrongdoing.

People in Bian State have nowhere to seek justice.

You're corrupt and indifferent.

There's no redemption.

If all the officials are like you, how can the people live in peace?

My Lord.

I've been wronged, My Lord.

My Lord. I'm innocent!

My Lord, I'm innocent. My Lord!

[Inspection]

As an Inspector,

this token allows me to promote the talented and demote the corrupted.

Zhang Hongtu who took bribes and broke the law is demoted.

Guards.

Here.

Strip off his gown and put him in jail.

- Understood. - My Lord.

My Lord, I'm innocent. My Lord.

My Lord, I'm innocent. My Lord! I've been wronged!

My Lord, I'm innocent.

Please get up.

- Thank you, My Lord. - Thank you, My Lord.

Lord Han, please bring Magistrate Yuan out here.

All right.

Bring Magistrate Yuan.

Greetings, my lords.

I am Yuan Sanwang.

Greetings.

You know the law by heart and you served the people in the nearby county when you were in office.

I hereby make him Magistrate of Bian State and take over this case.

My lords, please be seated.

The court is in session.

Court Clerk, bring me the previous record.

Yes, My Lord.

My Lord, here.

[First Trial]

New dress but the same person. I won again.

I'll give you the money.

Of course, you will. We said two out of three.

If I win, she won't be your maid no matter what.

Business comes first.

- Are you representing Zhao Laoqi's widow? - Yes.

What's your complaint?

My Lord, I have solid evidence for my case.

Please allow me to bring in my witnesses.

Physician Wen, how did the customers get poisoned?

I believe it was caused by the chub mackerels.

All the patients had symptoms including vomiting and dizziness more or less.

They fit with signs of chub mackerel poisoning.

I'm not doubting your medical skill.

But we can't let anyone discredit your testimony.

So please be more specific.

People have chub mackerels quite often.

There are food poisons occasionally due to mishandling.

I've treated dozens of patients over the years.

If you have questions, you can consult physicians from nearby counties.

You're the county coroner?

Yes. I checked the vomit of the patients.

Are there any other poisonous items in there?

I've checked several times.

There is nothing else.

Have you checked Zhao Laoqi's body?

Are there any other causes of death?

Zhao Laoqi's body showed no sign of illness.

His vomit only contained fish and vegetables.

It matches the dishes he ordered.

- Young Master Huang? - Yes.

You are one of the poisoned customers.

Do you know how many people got sick?

About nine.

No, ten.

The last one was the dead Zhao Laoqi.

Do you know each other?

Not all of them.

Some of them look familiar.

I never spoke to them.

But all of you ordered Hibiscus Fish Soup.

Of course. How else did we get poisoned?

What bad luck.

Constable Hong, you were in charge of the investigation, right?

Yes.

Did anyone else have access to the soup throughout the process

according to your investigation?

No, we've investigated carefully.

Miss Fang was in charge throughout the process.

She admitted it.

We have her testimony.

Good.

We have witnesses and evidence.

Whoever had fish soup showed symptoms of food poison from chub mackerel,

which is the main ingredient of the soup.

Even Miss Fang admitted that

no one else had access to the soup except her.

These four witnesses can prove that Miss Fang is responsible for Zhao Laoqi's death.

She knew the ingredient contains poison and served it for profit.

It's intentional homicide.

She should be sentenced to death.

How can it be?

What do you think, Little Miss?

I think you're totally wrong.

Chun Tumi, I dare you to say that again.

Your voice was low. Speak out loud.

Even if you can't win,

as long as you shed a few tears, nobody will be harsh on you.

Let's bet. Will she cry?

Boring.

Let's bet when she's going to get stuck.

- What's the deal? - The loser calls the winner "Father".

You called me "sir" once. Are you holding grudges?

A bet is a bet.

I say "motive".

I bet that she won't be stuck.

Litigator Sun. I'm just a young lady.

Even I understand that a case is only solved when the judge says so.

You presented your case. I haven't.

How come you get to decide for the three judges here?

I have solid evidence.

No matter how eloquent you are, it won't help.

My Lord, I have questions for the witnesses.

- May I? - Go ahead.

Physician Wen, you're well respected.

I won't doubt your judgment.

I'm sure it was food poison from chub mackerel.

But I'd like to know even if they got poisoned by the fish soup,

are you sure that Zhao Laoqi died because of the soup?

In this case, I cannot be sure.

Thank you, Physician Wen.

My Lord, may I ask Physician Wen to check on Young Master Huang to see how he is?

My Lord, this is totally unnecessary.

You believe that Zhao Laoqi died from the soup.

Then Young Master Huang must be in danger as well.

It's a matter of life and death.

Go ahead.

My Lord.

Physician Wen, how is Young Master Huang doing?

He is in great condition.

Young Master Huang, what did you experience after food poisoning?

I kept throwing up.

I hate to turn my intestines inside out.

- So awful? - Yes.

But you survived?

What do you mean? Of course, I survived.

How else can I be here?

I threw up and remained nauseous.

Thankfully, Physician Wen's medicine made me better.

This noon, I even had pancakes with lamp soup.

I told him to check on you just in case.

Physician Wen, can you check everyone who had food poison?

What if the poison kills someone slowly?

I know you meant well.

But there was an old man who was in his seventies.

I checked on him many times after he had the medicine.

He went home safe and sound.

You don't worry about this.

They were fine, but not Zhao Laoqi.

People are different.

Zhao Laoqi was in great health condition.

The soup has to be the cause of death.

Right, Coroner?

Could you please tell us what you usually do in this line of work?

How can you be a litigator if you don't know that?

I lack knowledge. Please tell us.

I check the bodies or the wounds of the victims.

So did the victim have internal diseases, such as heart problems?

Which hurts so hellish and may kill someone?

Can you tell?

I'm a coroner, not a physician.

What I can tell are the physical traits,

such as wounds, blood loss, and so on.

But internal diseases are beyond my scope of work.

What if Zhao Laoqi was poisoned

by something like powder dissolved in drinks?

Can you tell?

I did tests with a silver needle but it didn't detect anything.

But if it can't be detected by the silver needle, then I won't be able to tell.

Thank you.

Miss Fang, did you buy the fish and make the soup personally?

- Yes. - And before that?

I just buy the fish. What happened before is unknown to me.

Over the years, I've been getting fish from one person.

Nothing ever went wrong.

All right. Thank you.

My Lord, I'm done with the questions.

Now I'm absolutely sure that Litigator Sun's argument doesn't stand.

Mind your attitude.

You said that you had witnesses and evidence.

But none of them said anything for sure.

The Waterside Tavern has been in business for seven years.

The Hibiscus Fish Soup is well known.

I once heard an official saying that his hometown produced chub mackerel.

The locals may get poisoned sometimes.

If you have doubts, please look into it.

Even the locals get poisoned.

But for seven years, it has never happened in the restaurant.

It shows how careful Miss Fang is.

There was nothing that might have disturbed her on that day.

Why would she make such a huge mistake?

If she realized that there was a problem, she would get rid of the ingredients immediately.

She's running a business. She won't tarnish her reputation.

She may have been careful, but not this time. You have no evidence.

How can you prove that it was her mistake?

You're just denying it.

Many people had the soup and had minor symptoms.

Physician Wen confirmed that Young Master Huang recovered.

On that day, Lord Han and Lord Kang were both there.

It looked like he just dropped dead.

Instead of food poisoning, it was more like arsenic poisoning.

- You're making things up. - It's worth suspecting.

Coroner said that he couldn't tell if Zhao Laoqi had internal diseases.

Maybe he had some incurable disease.

Madam Zhao, does he have internal diseases?

Any chronic diseases?

Something he developed at a young age and was never cured?

Something that would make him ill and weak?

You must tell His Excellency.

My Lord, my husband had always been strong.

He rarely caught the flu. All our neighbors know.

So I was wrong. Zhao Laoqi was healthy.

If he was so healthy, then why did the others end up fine after that, including an old man?

Why did he die?

Miss Chun has good points here.

But those are still speculations.

None of you have shown me any evidence.

Litigator Sun, what do you say?

My Lord, Chun Tumi may be eloquent, but she can't change the facts.

She gave us a speech only to divert our attention.

She can't prove that Miss Fang is innocent.

I can't prove that Miss Fang is guilty.

We can leave it here

or we could argue that it was an honest mistake.

But from what I learned, Miss Fang did it on purpose.

I don't get it. On purpose?

In her own restaurant? In front of everyone?

Miss Fang is not crazy. Why would she do that?

What about her business?

That's why she's smart.

She wanted to deceive the people like that.

People would think that she wouldn't do this in her own restaurant.

She could stay out of it.

However, she can't get away with it.

How many people can she deceive with such a trick?

Why did she do it?

Why would she risk her life and business to kill a random person?

I have a theory about

her motive.

Miss Fang and Zhao Laoqi knew each other.

They once fought.

Miss Fang once said that she wanted Zhao Laoqi dead.

Didn't you, Miss Fang?

I did say that.

Because he blackmailed me and harassed me.

So I tried to scare him.

You're still hiding something.

As far as I know, he didn't just blackmail you.

There's something more serious between you.

Litigator Sun, show us the evidence.

Now you're just luring Miss Fang into saying something you want to hear.

I intended to protect your dignity, but you don't appreciate it.

Do you really think I don't have a witness?

- My Lord, please allow me to bring my witness. - Bring the witness.

My Lord, the witness is right here.

Chun Dashan.

Bring Chun Dashan.

Greetings, my lords.

Chun Dashan, why don't you tell our lords how you met Miss Fang?

Chun Dashan, I'm listening.

Seven years ago, I was going home from the army and passed by a wasteland.

I heard noises.

Help!

Help!

What are you doing?

Miss.

Miss, are you all right?

My Lord, that's what happened.

I bet she didn't sue him for her own reputation.

So why didn't you tell us the most important thing?

Fine.

Let's say that Zhao Laoqi is an animal.

Tell me.

Did Miss Fang say she would kill him?

Yes or no.

- Yes, but- - That's it.

My Lord, Miss Fang was assaulted and she hated Zhao Laoqi.

If the threat alone isn't enough,

then such an experience shows us her motive.

Little girl, being a litigator is not about playing tricks.

Who are you to compete with me?

So? Stop wasting everyone's time.

- Let's- - Wait!

Lord Han.

My stomache is hurting.

Lord Han.

Physician Wen, how is Lord Han?

His pulse seems fine.

Maybe it was a cramp from the sudden change of weather, overwork,

and irregular meals.

He should stay warm and rest. He'll be fine.

Thank you. Magistrate Yuan,

please get medicine from Physician Wen.

I'll be here.

Shame on you.

I didn't cheat. You didn't forbid me from helping.

I said she wouldn't be stuck. I meant what I said.

We bet for fun.

Your behavior challenged the authority of the court.

Things are versatile. What if someone takes a move now?

Litigator Sun is having the upper hand.

He won't do anything.

Chun Tumi won't, either. Don't worry.

Listen. Chun Tumi is not an ordinary person.

You saw her in court today.

Even Litigator Sun almost fell for her tricks.

Now you bought her time.

I bet she's up to something now.

Do you want to say that you aren't looking forward to it?

Then why do you care about her view on laws?

Just talk to bookworms like you.

I'm not joking.

We must follow the rules. A court is a solemn place.

Like an uncut jade, she needs time and space to improve herself.

If my trick helps her improve herself and find the truth, isn't it better?

You plan to kill two birds with one rock?

Judging from what happened, she wasn't prepared.

The court is adjourned for an hour.

Will she be able to find a solution?

It depends on her.

You're the jade refiner here. I'm simply trying to win a bet.

Xiao Zheng. Maybe we should cancel the bet?

I'm sorry.

That hurts!

The Highest Judiciary is hitting me.

I didn't even touch you.

I won't mess with you again.

Listen. No more jokes and bets in court.

Absolutely.

I will behave and listen to the trial.

Come on. Don't be mad.

Don't be mad.

Take care. [Tea]

I didn't expect that Litigator Sun would know this.

The motive he brought up made us very passive.

Litigator Sun is quite something.

He turned the tide several times.

That's why he asks for a fortune.

Exactly.

I heard that he made so much money out of it.

Yes, otherwise, why would Miss Chun be a litigator at the cost of her reputation?

Why don't you be a litigator, too?

I heard that Litigator Sun also has a pretty concubine.

You have no idea. After he found a concubine,

his wife got mad and chased him to three streets with a knife, threatening to kill him.

- Kill him? - It's true.

- Come on, drink. - Come on.

I have an idea.

My Lord, Miss Fang admitted in court that she had a motive.

I think there is solid evidence of intentional homicide.

If that's solid evidence, how come you're still here?

What do you mean? Is that a threat?

Chun Tumi, you will not threaten others in court.

My Lord, I'm not threatening him. It's a fact.

I heard that Litigator Sun is lucky enough to have a wife and a concubine.

His wife has a strong personality.

She once threatened to kill him because he had a concubine.

She even chased him to three streets with a knife.

Nonsense. There's no such thing.

She made it up.

My Lord, everybody knows about this. Ask anyone.

Yes, she chased after him three streets long.

I'm not the only one who saw it.

Yes, his pants dropped on the way.

Yes.

Silence!

Litigator Sun, is it true?

My Lord, this…

She brought up a scandal that was irrelevant to the case,

t-that's why I-I-I misspoke.

Please forgive me.

How's it irrelevant?

She said she'd kill you. So she will for sure.

Then why are you still here?

Litigator Sun, your wife didn't just threaten you.

She chased you to three streets with a knife.

She was so mad, but you're still alive.

Miss Fang is a businesswoman.

She has to deal with rude folks.

If she has to kill them all, then the Waterside Tavern will be full of bodies.

You… I…

How can we mix those two things?

My personal issue can't be your argument for the murderer.

It's ridiculous and far-fetched.

Case trials prioritize reasoning.

You used it to point out Miss Fang's motive.

Can't I counter-argue?

Are you saying that if someone threatens to kill a person, it will happen for sure?

I'd like to ask all of you.

Is there anyone you hate so much that you want him gone?

And then, did you kill that person?

You said it was ridiculous but you started it.

- Well said, Miss Chun. - I totally get it.

What was Litigator Sun saying?

Today, the court hour is over.

We will continue the Waterside Tavern trial the day after tomorrow.

You two have one day to gather evidence.

It's better than arguing without evidence.

Understood.

I hereby announce the next trial will be the day after tomorrow.

Take the suspect away.

Court adjourned.

Why are you eating in a rush?

I'll save a damsel in distress.

You said you wouldn't intervene.

Of course, not in court. But in private, we'd have to see.

Chun Tumi can figure it out by herself.

You lost the bet, so I'm telling you this.

Xiao Zheng, you won't be liked by girls like this.

Chun Tumi is indeed capable.

But the investigation is challenging for a lady like her.

Didn't you see how pale she was?

- She was sick? - She is a girl, so feeble.

How can I not help her?

How do you know that she will make a move?

She's not like you.

The best investigators will find evidence under your command.

She has to count on herself.

So stay and work. I'll keep an eye on Chun Tumi.

If she is truly capable, you'll have a helper on the inspection tour.

Plus, we still have missions to fulfill.

You can't get so distracted.

Miss, you've been writing for hours.

Burn them. They're useless now.

How? You wrote them stroke by stroke.

So what? They are absolutely useless for a case in court.

Miss, what are you looking for? I'll help you.

No need. I'll get prepared.

- We're starting afresh. - Starting afresh?

Miss, what do you mean?

Find evidence and win the case next time.

Now? It's already dark.

I thought I was well-prepared.

But Litigator Sun made up a motive from something that happened so long ago.

But you made it invalid.

Father and Miss Fang never told anyone.

Zhao Laoqi is dead.

Litigator Sun must have put in an effort to investigate.

Check this out. Is it invisible at night?

Lord Han?

I knew you wouldn't stay put tonight.

Tell me. Where are you going?

I'm just getting wine for my father.

Chun Tumi, you are a terrible liar.

It's obvious that you'll find another excuse if I don't believe you, right?

How can I… Father!

A new trick? Who taught her that?

Everything good?

- Yes, all good. - Good.

Even the backdoor of Waterside Tavern is guarded.

What should I do?

- It's about time? - Yes.

- Let's go. - All 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 ♫