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 committed ♫

♫ 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 18]

We arrived earlier than the middleman.

Shall we go in first?

No, we'd better wait here.

Let's take a look.

What's going on here?

What should we do?

Help him!

Get him down! Now!

You two are…?

The middleman invited us here.

So you're the one who wants to buy the house.

The body is stiff. He's dead for a while.

D-Dead? We didn't do anything.

H-He was just threatening me. How can it be?

It's going to ruin my life!

Miss, I think we should go.

Please help us.

Testify for us.

Please.

Please get up.

May I ask how you know the deceased?

He was my nephew from a distant family branch.

I'm the owner of this residence. I'm Feng Jing.

This nephew of mine was idling around all day.

I sustained him occasionally only because we were family.

But he ended up in huge debt due to all his nasty habits.

Some days ago, he asked me to pay back the debt for him.

I turned him down.

And he threatened that he'd hang himself on my porch.

In that case, even my son would be implicated and had no chance of pursuing officialdom.

I thought it was just a threat, but he actually…

What should we do?

I didn't see fight wounds.

I think he wanted to threaten you but made a mistake.

- Yes. That's right. - That's right.

But what should we do now?

You did nothing wrong. So report it. Let them prove your innocence.

- No. - No, we can't.

Absolutely no.

If we report it, we'll ruin my son's reputation and future.

We can't report it.

You did nothing wrong. Why would it affect your son?

Gossip is a fearful thing.

I swear I'm telling the truth.

Please don't report it to the government office.

T-That's right, Miss.

My husband is from a scholarly family. We would never commit such a crime.

Please believe us.

My husband is telling the truth.

Miss, please help us.

Occasional favor brings gratitude. Constant help breeds a grudge.

Old Master Feng, you did what you could to help him, but he took it for granted without being grateful.

You decided to stop it. So he felt mistreated and wanted to drag you down with him.

How did he have the audacity to be so ungrateful?

It's all my fault.

- Husband. - I shouldn't have pitied him.

We could have avoided all this trouble.

Old Master Feng, it's not your fault. He died because he was ungrateful.

Madam, the middleman must be arriving. Keep him out.

Tell him we'd like to talk in private. But we will pay him the commission.

- Right. - Alright.

Go. Be careful.

All right. I'll go.

- Be careful. - Yes.

Old Master Feng, did anyone else see your nephew hanging there?

No, we were alone here.

That makes sense. Or they must have reported to the government office.

Yes, it's a residential area.

It's busy in the morning.

But no one comes here unless they are visiting someone.

Old Master Feng, are these old cutting marks?

They weren't there yesterday.

Is that your machete?

No, it's not.

We buy ready-chopped wood. We don't have a machete.

I sent the middleman away.

No one saw you talking to him, right?

I greeted him in the alley in the front.

I don't think anybody saw me on the way.

I can help you. Will you do as I say?

Yes.

Be very careful.

Do not let anyone see you.

People struggle involuntarily when strangled.

Therefore, it's bound to leave marks on the beam.

So make sure you match the rope to the mark.

Align the scratched part carefully.

Get rid of the chair without anyone noticing.

Don't hide it in the residence.

Go back to where you live once you're done and play dumb.

Tomorrow morning, someone will see the body.

The government officers will visit you.

Tell them you know nothing.

You can mention the disputes.

But do not say anything about him threatening to hang himself there.

You learned that he hanged himself when the officers told you.

Do as I say.

And he will have two different marks on the neck.

The shallow mark is the key to proving your innocence.

A dead man can't hang himself again.

So there must be a third person trying to frame you.

Then it shows that you're innocent.

But it was a suicide.

So the officers can't find the third person.

But since you're innocent, they have to release you right away, and the case will be an insignificant mystery.

He had no close family, so nobody would bring charges.

As time passes, the case will eventually be overlooked.

Miss, you're truly wise.

You helped proved our innocence and ruled out potential problems.

We don't know how to thank you.

You're welcome. But remember one thing.

Tell them that we met.

But we didn't see the victim when we met here.

Understand?

I...

Understood.

Let's go.

Miss, do you really believe them?

The marks on the door are obviously new.

Would Old Master Feng need a machete to enter his own house?

So it was the nephew who tried to break the door and enter the house.

His nephew didn't want them to sell the house and hanged himself by mistake.

Which law did you follow when you told Old Master Feng to rearrange the crime scene?

It was against the law. Think of it as a dark justice.

You can't get rid of a scumbag like this. And he was so ungrateful.

That's right. By the way, you were amazing, Miss.

I'm so scared that my legs are still shaking.

Mine, too. But I didn't say it out loud like you.

I… Miss, why are you making fun of me?

Thank you, Miss.

If you hadn't helped us, I'm afraid that

I'd be rotting in prison now.

My wife and I talked about it

and decided to give you the house for free.

But we don't know if you would mind it.

After all, it's not the luckiest place after that incident.

But your son is a military officer.

And I heard that you once served in the government office.

I'm sure you can suppress the evil spirits.

So please accept our token of gratitude.

We are not superstitious people.

With such a good granddaughter around, nothing scares me.

Besides, it's a world for the living, not the evil spirits.

My family has always been upright.

There is nothing to be afraid of.

That's right. You are upright and warm-hearted people.

Those creatures can't scare you.

They should be afraid of you.

But we intended to buy your house in the first place.

So we will get it at the original price.

My family will never take advantage of people in trouble.

- Yes, Grandfather. - But…

It's our Lady.

Young Master?

That wasn't Xiao Li.

You'd be arrested if you had taken any action.

Thank you for saving us.

I saw what you did on the state road.

You attacked Han Wuwei's convoy.

The marks on the carriage suggested fatal attacks.

Who did you want to kill?

Han Wuwei?

Hidden guards?

Or my little sister?

Even though we grew up together, I won't hesitate to kill you.

Young Master, you know the rules.

Please stop asking questions, or I'll have to kill myself.

Please don't make things hard for me. The Elder is in Luoyang.

If you have questions, find him at the focal point.

He's worried about you.

Can you take responsibility for Xiao Li's safety?

Listen carefully, I'll kill whoever dares to go after my sister. Get lost.

Let's go.

So? Did you catch them?

No one showed up.

I told you those people were really cautious.

They wouldn't show up unless I'm the bait.

Are you going to tell me the truth now?

What role do you play in Ink Dance Pavilion?

Why do they want you dead?

You want the truth?

I'm the daughter of the ruler of the Ink Dance Pavilion.

They're against the imperial court.

How dare you stay by my side if you're the daughter of His Majesty?

Aren't you scared that I'd kill you and ruin Ink Dance Pavilion?

I wouldn't be here if the imperial court could take us down.

For decades, you haven't been able to track us down.

Besides, the imperial court needs a solid reason to go after the bandits.

And the current emperor emphasizes the law.

I'm afraid that you have no evidence to show that we're against the court.

Won't you humiliate yourself by attacking us?

You can surely argue.

Who told you all that?

Of course…

None of your business.

In that case, why would you tell me their secrets?

In my opinion, Ink Dance Pavilion is full of filth.

It's no longer my home.

I discovered a shocking secret.

No one wants me alive.

But it has nothing to do with you.

Just remember. I want to destroy them more than anyone.

- Do you mean it? - Yes.

All right.

What?

I'll marry you.

The wedding with A'Yili would be a perfect trap.

But don't prioritize Ink Dance Pavilion over the ink stone.

What if His Majesty is against it?

I've told His Majesty my plan.

For His Majesty or any official, confidentiality matters.

Xiao Zheng, I've told you whatever I could tell you.

I'll explain everything once it's over.

I won't ask you anything anymore. But bear one thing in mind.

What is it?

You said there was something between Tumi and Ye Cha.

Tumi is a rare talent.

Ye Cha is an assassin of Ink Dance Pavilion.

I don't want her to be implicated.

She protected Ye Cha because she didn't know who he was.

Just tell her that he is a killer who's wanted.

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

Tumi may have deep insight into the law, but she's very emotional.

Ye Cha saved her life just like A'Yili saved yours.

You're setting up a trap with a wedding.

Is it totally necessary and not because you want to protect A'Yili?

Let's stay focused on Tumi, not me.

A'Yili's situation is different from Ye Cha.

I must protect her for now.

I can't explain it yet.

Anyway, not only you are trying to help Tumi.

- I'll help, too. - You can do whatever you want.

But what matters is that both you and Tumi should be safe.

Lord Han.

What brought you here?

Lord Kang said you helped to free my family from the army. So I wanted to thank you.

It's nothing. You did your job. And we did ours.

Lord Han, are you troubled?

How do you know?

You'd usually joke about things. But you're so serious today.

What would I usually say?

Usually, you'd say,

"Little girl, you actually got your family freed from the army."

I do have things to ask you.

Go ahead.

The man who kept helping you in Bian State

was the same man who saved your life in You State, right?

I'm asking you because I know the answer.

You don't need to answer.

Are you saying…

I've said what I wanted to say in Bian State.

You want me to stay away from him?

Tumi, things have changed.

You wouldn't listen to me back then.

But now, I hope you could.

You once told me that he was warm-hearted.

But you don't know him. He has a complicated background.

Even if he did treat you well, he would become your enemy due to your stances.

Maybe it's better to stay away from each other.

Lord Han, you're right. But I have my perspective.

Lord Han, is it up to us to decide whom to meet?

It's not up to us to know someone, either.

I recognized him as a good man because we went through things together.

I knew him because I witnessed and felt things.

So I didn't decide to help him on a whim.

I know what you mean. But things have changed.

We're no longer in You State.

Once I trust someone, it won't change no matter what.

Fine.

Then tell me. You emphasize the law. What if he turns out to be a culprit?

If you can't defend and have to incriminate him

in court one day, will you still think that you're right?

What will you do?

I will confirm if he's truly a culprit and see if he's a mastermind or an accomplice.

- And? - And I'll leave it to the court.

That's it?

Wouldn't you be devastated and regret it?

Even the law has a human touch. I know what he's like.

I'd rather fight for it than leave it to fate.

As long as we both have a clear conscience, I don't mind being exiled with him.

Things may have changed. But we won't.

Once I decide to do something,

I'll stick with it despite the challenges and misunderstandings.

So stubborn, yet so thorough.

Lord Han, you're a man of passion.

I believe you understand what I said.

I'd rather not.

Never mind. Give it a second thought.

Anyway, don't put yourself in danger.

All right.

- Brother Ye, what brought you here? - Today, it's the 15th.

That's right, we light lanterns.

Brother Ye, sit down.

Brother Ye, these are local snacks.

I prepared them specifically for you. Try them.

And this. Wait.

Guess what it is.

I don't know.

This is brushed jasmine honey.

Add hot water and you get a cup of honey water.

It's so sweet. Try it.

- Is it nice? - It's very sweet.

Right, this is for you.

- What is it? - Open it.

- What a lovely hairpin. - Do you like it?

And this.

It's a cleansing mud mask. How did you get it?

I saw it on the street.

Brother Ye, you're amazing.

The shop owner said that these were all tributes. But you just found it on the street.

If you don't like it, give it back.

How can you take back a gift?

You said you're going to light lanterns.

Then… let's go for a walk.

Yes.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

What did you wish for?

And you?

I'm not telling you.

I'll keep it to myself.

Tumi, I'm leaving for a while.

Again?

Did you do what you had to do last time?

No, it's quite important this time.

It will take a few days to a few months.

I'll try to come back soon.

All right.

Is it pretty?

I paid a fortune for them to customize it. Of course, it's pretty.

Once we're done, you can keep the accessories

as gifts from me.

No, thanks.

I would only accept wedding accessories from the man who loves me.

But if my husband loves me, then the accessories don't matter.

If I'm in love with you,

then we're bound to be together for life after we bow to the gods

and our parents.

Not all our parents. I only have my father.

I heard that he was cruel and killed innocent people.

Nonsense.

My father is the best person in the world.

Where did you hear those rumors?

Someone mentioned it.

You don't know the truth. Repeated rumors become a fact.

How can you say that so casually?

People like you keep slandering him.

That's why he's misunderstood.

I lost my mother at an early age. My father brought me up.

He taught me to read and write, make medicine and treat illness.

No matter how busy he was, he kept me company,

educated me, and encouraged me every day.

He's such a good father.

How can he possibly kill innocent people?

He's so nice to you.

My father gave me a lot.

Wealth, prestige, and status.

But he never kept me company or praised me.

He was always busy with work.

I had to do everything perfectly

to earn his approval.

I kept improving myself,

but I could never earn his praise.

He has limitless expectations for me.

I should always work harder and be better.

I guess you're just like him.

Whom?

The man you're looking for?

We're getting married and you're still thinking about him?

It's not for real, anyway.

Besides, you're no match for him.

You really admire him so much?

I must meet him one day.

- Hello. - Congratulation.

- Come on in. - Yes.

[Han Manor]

Congratulations.

Come on in.

Have you confirmed it?

Yes. I checked the shop that customized wedding dresses.

The dress size matches Lady's body size.

Do it once you're ready. Make it fast.

Understood. Shall we inform Young Master?

No need. His Majesty didn't want him to be involved.

I'll report to him first and come up with a plan.

Go.

Understood.

That's why I can't find red clothes and paper.

I bet all the goods are shipped here to the Han Manor.

It's obviously for a wedding.

Is someone getting married?

Lord Kang, stay.

See you around then.

Lord Kang.

Tumi, how is everything at home?

Everything is fine. Thank you.

Why don't you rest more?

Are you eager for work?

Lord Kang, you're very considerate.

I heard that you were overwhelmed by work.

Are they local officials?

Yes , they're here for business.

I can start on the case files. Where do I start?

Tumi, Luoyang is the last stop for the prison inspection.

The case files are quite simple. I don't think we need your help now.

I see. I didn't expect the inspection tour to end so fast.

The tour may be over, but you can still do whatever you want.

I want to be a litigator here.

All right.

Your father works nearby.

It's safe for you here.

Right, Lord Kang, I signed a contract to borrow the law books from Lord Han until the end of the tour.

About this... You can talk to him in a few days.

He's not here?

Is the manor decorated for a wedding?

Yes, Lord Han is getting a concubine.

What? It's such an important matter. So sudden?

He never mentioned it earlier.

Wuwei is not so well these days. He's resting inside.

Ask him in person when he's better.

Only he can tell you what happened.

Miss, what's wrong?

Guo'er, why would someone tell you that he was going on a trip

when he was still around, but hiding from you?

He either didn't want to see me

or had something to do behind my back.

Behind your back?

Tumi, come on, have some soup.

How's going with the inspection tour?

Lord Kang said that it was ending soon.

Right, Grandfather.

I heard that Lord Han is getting a concubine.

We don't have time to get a gift.

Do we have any gifts at home?

Getting a concubine?

How can he do such a ridiculous thing?

It's sudden indeed. But a concubine is not a wife.

I guess it's fine.

You don't get it.

Lord Han was commissioned by His Majesty to protect Lord Kang on the tour.

It's highly inappropriate to hold a wedding at this point.

He'll be demoted if someone denounces him.

Then he'd be criticized for the negligence of duty.

Lord Han tends to act casually.

But he knows the rules.

Why…?

Is there anything special about that concubine?

I asked around before I left his manor.

They said the bride-to-be was from a mysterious organization.

But no one has seen her until now.

- Mysterious organization? - Yes.

T-Then it's even worse.

It does sound inappropriate.

Lord Han acts casually.

But Lord Kang won't let him do whatever he wants.

Is there something behind it?

I'm leaving for a while.

Again?

Did you do what you had to do last time?

No, it's quite important this time.

It will take a few days to a few months.

Is he going to do something about Lord Han?

No, I have to take a look.

Don't go.

You lied to me.

I poured my heart out that night. But you didn't listen.

Tumi, it's not the place to talk. I'll explain everything later.

You'll either get arrested or killed like this.

You can be mad at me, but I have to do it.

I'm not stopping me. I'm coming with you.

Let's go now.

I'll take you in there.

But you have to tell me what you want.

Tumi, you're a normal citizen.

You have your father and grandfather.

I don't want to get you involved.

I am already involved.

You haven't told me anything.

Can't you just confess for once?

Is it so hard to tell the truth?

Is it harder than me waiting to see you despite my father's disapproval?

Han Wuwei is marrying my little sister.

I am from Ink Dance Pavilion. The ruler is my father.

I didn't have a mother and rarely saw my father.

He doesn't see me as his son.

I'm just a blade in his hand.

I grew up with my little sister.

She ran away from home and ended up being with Han Wuwei.

Ink Dance Pavilion and the imperial court are on worse terms these years.

Han Wuwei is not marrying her, but killing her.

This is my life.

I have to save her no matter what.

I won't stop you.

But you must come and find me once you're settled.

All right, I promise.

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 fate's 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 fate's many twists ♫

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

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