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1
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Where is the traitor?
2
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Hanging at the market entrance.
3
00:00:22,120 --> 00:00:25,159
Who is the traitor?
4
00:00:25,160 --> 00:00:28,389
Either a pig or a dog.
5
00:00:28,390 --> 00:00:31,799
Where is the traitor?
6
00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:35,109
Hanging at the market entrance.
7
00:00:35,110 --> 00:00:38,239
Who is the traitor?
8
00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:41,770
Either a pig or a dog.
9
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Your Excellency.
10
00:00:47,150 --> 00:00:49,430
Your Excellency, the bead...
11
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It has been taken by someone who left only a note
12
00:00:55,420 --> 00:00:59,300
saying that tonight he would report me
for treason and collusion with the enemy.
13
00:00:59,300 --> 00:01:02,240
Then Miss Xie Hao and the verse written in blood on the stage...
14
00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:04,670
Xie Hao bore the blame for me.
15
00:01:08,790 --> 00:01:12,300
Everything that happened on the stage was deliberately planned.
16
00:01:13,800 --> 00:01:19,120
Though they killed Xie Hao, their real target was me.
17
00:01:19,120 --> 00:01:20,429
Who would go to such lengths?
18
00:01:20,430 --> 00:01:22,550
What's his purpose?
19
00:01:22,550 --> 00:01:26,300
The person took the bead away and left a note to threaten me.
20
00:01:26,300 --> 00:01:27,559
He must know about the bead
[Collaboration and treason cannot be redeemed by death.]
21
00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:29,760
and the secret letter inside it.
[Tonight in the hours of the Rat, I will reveal your crime.]
22
00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:32,709
Hong Luo only wants money.
23
00:01:32,710 --> 00:01:35,380
I think it has nothing to do with him.
24
00:01:35,380 --> 00:01:36,639
Send a man to the Ministry of Justice now.
25
00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:38,639
Have Mowen come here immediately.
26
00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:40,310
I'll do it right now.
27
00:01:40,310 --> 00:01:44,210
Also, Zhang Ping knows too much.
28
00:01:44,770 --> 00:01:46,710
He can't stay.
29
00:01:47,400 --> 00:01:54,010
[When a puppet does evil, its master must be executed.
The corrupt official here is ruining our country.]
30
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I came coincidentally!
31
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As soon as I entered, I saw the murder case.
32
00:02:28,550 --> 00:02:30,150
Guo Yun? Why did he come here?
33
00:02:30,150 --> 00:02:31,910
Minister Guo, you're back.
34
00:02:31,910 --> 00:02:35,709
After I finished my official business, I dared
not delay and came back as soon as possible.
35
00:02:35,709 --> 00:02:37,999
Minister Gong also came out. I'm going to greet him.
36
00:02:37,999 --> 00:02:39,470
Yes.
37
00:03:30,500 --> 00:03:37,659
[A League of Nobleman]
38
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[Episode 2]
39
00:03:42,940 --> 00:03:47,980
Everyone, I never thought that a murder
would occur at my birthday banquet.
40
00:03:47,980 --> 00:03:49,980
I'm sorry to frighten you.
41
00:03:49,980 --> 00:03:53,689
I came to your birthday celebration as soon as I returned,
[Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Guo Yun]
42
00:03:53,689 --> 00:03:56,240
not expecting to run into a murder case.
43
00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:59,240
Minister Lan, are you fine?
44
00:04:01,870 --> 00:04:04,140
Thanks for asking.
45
00:04:04,140 --> 00:04:07,630
Minister Guo, you came all the way here at night.
46
00:04:07,630 --> 00:04:11,430
I'm deeply grateful.
47
00:04:11,430 --> 00:04:13,549
Don't stand on ceremony at this moment.
48
00:04:13,550 --> 00:04:16,430
Get on the stage and check the situation.
49
00:04:31,340 --> 00:04:33,900
[The corrupt official here is ruining our country.]
50
00:04:33,900 --> 00:04:39,920
[When a puppet does evil, its master must be executed.]
51
00:04:45,150 --> 00:04:47,200
The murder method is cruel.
52
00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:49,080
This place is very dangerous.
53
00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:52,120
Why don't you return home for a rest?
54
00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:56,060
I think the judicial departments will
solve the case and give you an explanation.
55
00:04:56,060 --> 00:05:00,359
But the murderer already said that the corrupt official was here.
56
00:05:00,359 --> 00:05:02,270
He dirtied our names.
57
00:05:02,270 --> 00:05:04,640
Now we are all involved.
58
00:05:04,640 --> 00:05:06,320
Yes.
59
00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:07,789
I agree with Minister Guo.
60
00:05:07,790 --> 00:05:09,710
We must prove our innocence.
61
00:05:09,710 --> 00:05:10,879
What do you all think?
62
00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:13,469
Your Excellencies, we'd better report to the government.
63
00:05:13,470 --> 00:05:15,790
There's no need.
64
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I represent the government.
65
00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:33,300
Vice Minister Wang of Ministry of Justice, you came at a...
66
00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:36,079
Peizhi, I'm late.
67
00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:37,710
I'm sorry for the belated gift.
68
00:05:37,710 --> 00:05:39,540
Thank you, Mowen.
69
00:05:50,790 --> 00:05:52,789
The murderer did come at me,
70
00:05:52,790 --> 00:05:55,319
but there's another story.
71
00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:59,420
Tonight, I need you to cover up for me.
72
00:06:01,120 --> 00:06:04,260
You don't have to say anything.
73
00:06:07,150 --> 00:06:09,560
- Bai He, check the scene of the crime.
- Yes.
74
00:06:09,560 --> 00:06:11,680
- Yin Yuan, question all the guests.
- Yes.
75
00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:13,519
Search the place thoroughly!
76
00:06:13,520 --> 00:06:15,080
Yes.
77
00:06:19,710 --> 00:06:21,029
The Ministry of Justice is taking over.
78
00:06:21,030 --> 00:06:23,030
Let's be flexible due to the urgent matter.
79
00:06:23,030 --> 00:06:26,770
Gentlemen, why don't you go back to rest?
80
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Wait.
81
00:06:29,420 --> 00:06:31,860
Nobody can leave.
82
00:06:34,560 --> 00:06:37,150
- Who is up there?
- This is...
83
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Empress... Empress...
84
00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:51,890
Your Majesty.
85
00:06:54,320 --> 00:06:59,130
Her Majesty was in good mood tonight, so she came out to watch a play.
86
00:06:59,130 --> 00:07:03,350
Let's spare unnecessary etiquette.
87
00:07:03,350 --> 00:07:05,270
Yes.
88
00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:37,260
If there wasn't such a mess, we would have watched a good play.
[Madam Li of Shuoyang, Empress Dowager]
89
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Your wild discussions just now were not inferior to the play.
90
00:07:51,270 --> 00:07:54,230
Does the verse accuse anyone falsely?
91
00:07:54,230 --> 00:07:59,730
If not, who is it accusing?
92
00:07:59,730 --> 00:08:03,430
Minister Wang, do you have any findings?
93
00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:09,740
Your Majesty, I've just arrived and have nothing.
94
00:08:12,420 --> 00:08:16,400
Dear ministers, do you have anything to say?
95
00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:20,679
Confession or report, either will do.
96
00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:24,960
Your sin will be doubled when the case is solved.
97
00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:26,140
Who are you?
98
00:08:26,140 --> 00:08:28,079
What are you doing here? Go.
99
00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:29,490
Let me go!
100
00:08:29,490 --> 00:08:31,600
I'm not the murderer.
101
00:08:35,160 --> 00:08:36,780
Report!
102
00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:41,990
I found a man backstage who was suspicious.
103
00:08:44,990 --> 00:08:48,170
- I said I'm not the killer. I'm here to investigate.
- "Investigate"?
104
00:08:48,170 --> 00:08:50,400
Are you with the Court of Judicial Review?
105
00:08:51,110 --> 00:08:54,590
No. I'm a scholar from Sichuan County, Zhang Ping.
106
00:08:54,590 --> 00:08:55,590
But I like investigating cases.
107
00:08:55,590 --> 00:08:58,530
Nonsense! The Ministry of Justice will handle the case.
108
00:08:58,530 --> 00:08:59,959
It's not your place to meddle in it.
109
00:08:59,960 --> 00:09:01,330
You came late, didn't you?
110
00:09:01,330 --> 00:09:03,799
- You...
- I found some clues backstage.
111
00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:06,589
If you're not in a hurry, can I go back and have a look?
112
00:09:06,590 --> 00:09:08,710
I think you are suspicious.
113
00:09:08,710 --> 00:09:09,869
Take him down and interrogate him.
114
00:09:09,870 --> 00:09:10,799
Yes.
115
00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:12,990
Wait.
116
00:09:15,560 --> 00:09:17,300
Minister Wang,
117
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let him explain.
118
00:09:23,800 --> 00:09:28,560
Since you're a scholar, you should study for the exam.
119
00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:31,770
Why are you here in Banyue Pavilion?
120
00:09:31,770 --> 00:09:33,630
I came here...
121
00:09:43,010 --> 00:09:46,979
I came here to confront someone, but he wouldn't admit his fault.
122
00:09:46,979 --> 00:09:49,680
Then I came across the case.
123
00:09:49,680 --> 00:09:51,199
What have you found out?
124
00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:53,710
I examined the body first.
125
00:09:53,710 --> 00:09:55,919
The victim's mouth and nose are clean.
126
00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:57,710
No smoke was inhaled.
127
00:09:57,710 --> 00:09:59,700
There's a mark around the neck.
128
00:09:59,700 --> 00:10:03,040
The victim must have been strangled before being burned.
129
00:10:03,040 --> 00:10:04,959
When Miss Xie Hao was hung on the stage,
130
00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:07,799
her head drooped, and her body didn't move at all.
131
00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:10,870
Apparently, at that time, she was already dead.
132
00:10:10,870 --> 00:10:17,440
I also found two other clues backstage, but before I
had a closer check, I was dragged out by your men.
133
00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:18,870
Tell us.
134
00:10:18,870 --> 00:10:24,240
First, when I was in Xie Hao's
dressing room, I found a round oil mark.
135
00:10:28,080 --> 00:10:34,100
It smelled like pear blossoms, which was also
smelled on the victim's head that caught fire first.
136
00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:38,550
Pear blossom hair oil must be lit
with an open fire. It can't self-ignite.
137
00:10:38,550 --> 00:10:43,499
Do you suspect that the missing
bottle of hair oil is related to the murder?
138
00:10:43,499 --> 00:10:46,749
Yes. The killer probably found a way to make it self-ignite,
139
00:10:46,750 --> 00:10:50,060
but I haven't found the method he used.
140
00:10:50,060 --> 00:10:52,040
What is the second suspicion?
141
00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:56,620
On Xie Hao's dressing table, I found this.
142
00:11:05,230 --> 00:11:06,749
The candle was extinguished.
143
00:11:06,750 --> 00:11:10,530
When I found it, it was a little shorter than the other candles.
144
00:11:10,530 --> 00:11:12,159
It seems to have been extinguished half an hour prior.
145
00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:14,610
There is a hole in the bottom of the candle
146
00:11:18,710 --> 00:11:20,470
with patterns imprinted inside.
147
00:11:20,470 --> 00:11:22,870
It looks like the carving of a bead.
148
00:11:23,590 --> 00:11:28,800
Half an hour ago, it was the interlude,
the time when Xie Hao was killed.
149
00:11:28,800 --> 00:11:32,440
These two things may be related.
150
00:11:34,800 --> 00:11:39,969
Your Majesty, this case involves a human life
and concerns the reputation of the officials here.
151
00:11:39,969 --> 00:11:43,240
I have a question to ask this scholar.
152
00:11:43,240 --> 00:11:44,199
Permitted.
153
00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:49,009
You said that there was a round hole in the bottom of the candle,
154
00:11:49,009 --> 00:11:51,959
but there are numerous round things in the world.
155
00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:57,630
How can you be so certain that there was a bead inside?
156
00:11:58,110 --> 00:12:02,920
Have you seen a bead with such carving patterns?
157
00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:16,230
Your Majesty, the young scholar seems to have some secrets.
158
00:12:16,230 --> 00:12:20,760
If you have seen it, it's all right to say so.
159
00:12:31,010 --> 00:12:34,500
Your Majesty, I have some advice.
160
00:12:34,500 --> 00:12:36,749
Though I don't know why he won't tell us,
161
00:12:36,750 --> 00:12:43,159
if it were to cause panic among the people here and
make them guess without grounds, it isn't necessary.
162
00:12:43,159 --> 00:12:46,080
Therefore, I suggest
163
00:12:46,630 --> 00:12:50,650
that this scholar participate in the investigation.
164
00:12:57,280 --> 00:13:00,360
Firstly, his inference is well-founded.
165
00:13:00,360 --> 00:13:06,660
Secondly, he doesn't seem to have
any conflict of interest with the courtiers.
166
00:13:06,660 --> 00:13:10,999
His participation is conducive to a fair judgment of the case.
167
00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:17,630
I would love to.
168
00:13:18,920 --> 00:13:20,229
Minister Wang.
169
00:13:20,230 --> 00:13:21,329
Yes.
170
00:13:21,329 --> 00:13:25,109
After the murder, has any fish escaped from the net?
171
00:13:25,110 --> 00:13:28,980
I've kept everyone here. No fish has escaped.
172
00:13:28,980 --> 00:13:30,660
Good.
173
00:13:30,660 --> 00:13:36,780
You must investigate it thoroughly and
find out who is going to ruin our country.
174
00:13:36,780 --> 00:13:38,540
Yes!
175
00:13:38,540 --> 00:13:42,500
As for the scholar, let him investigate alone.
176
00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:46,910
If he has any conclusions, report to me directly.
177
00:13:46,910 --> 00:13:48,959
It concerns the national reputation.
178
00:13:48,960 --> 00:13:52,849
Before doubts are cleared up, you should stay here.
179
00:13:52,849 --> 00:13:56,610
I'm not leaving either.
180
00:13:56,610 --> 00:13:58,440
Yes.
181
00:14:36,630 --> 00:14:41,210
Your Excellency, Minister Wang asked you to go backstage.
182
00:14:43,470 --> 00:14:45,099
Did Guo Yun and Zhang Ping make any moves?
183
00:14:45,099 --> 00:14:46,439
Not yet.
184
00:14:46,440 --> 00:14:49,420
But Minister Wang has had them under close watch.
185
00:14:49,420 --> 00:14:51,890
We'll either live or die tonight.
186
00:14:51,890 --> 00:14:54,010
We must bet it all.
187
00:15:00,200 --> 00:15:02,159
Brother Zhang, what's going on?
188
00:15:02,160 --> 00:15:04,529
I'm investigating the case. Join me.
189
00:15:06,250 --> 00:15:10,079
We're involved in such big trouble, yet
you're still thinking about investigating.
190
00:15:10,079 --> 00:15:12,579
The murder is weird. I want to solve it.
191
00:15:12,579 --> 00:15:17,479
And Xie Hao probably died because
Minister Lan sent her to steal Hong Luo's bead.
192
00:15:17,479 --> 00:15:21,549
If I solve the case, I'll find out why he wanted to steal the bead.
193
00:15:22,870 --> 00:15:24,940
So many officers and soldiers are here.
194
00:15:24,940 --> 00:15:26,469
It's not your turn to investigate the case.
195
00:15:26,470 --> 00:15:27,919
The Empress Dowager asked me to.
196
00:15:27,920 --> 00:15:29,780
"Empress Dowager"?
197
00:15:31,470 --> 00:15:34,380
I-I-Is she also at Banyue Pavilion?
198
00:15:43,750 --> 00:15:47,680
Mowen, I've told you the whole story.
199
00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:49,080
The murderer now has the Rhino-Horn Bead.
200
00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:51,499
Once the secret letter in the bead is presented to Empress Dowager,
201
00:15:51,499 --> 00:15:53,880
I'll be convicted of collusion and treason.
202
00:15:53,880 --> 00:15:55,159
Then I can never explain it.
203
00:15:55,160 --> 00:15:56,950
Why are you so calm?
204
00:15:56,950 --> 00:15:59,200
It's the Empress Dowager.
205
00:15:59,200 --> 00:16:05,010
It is said that His Majesty nominally
rules the country, but it is actually hers.
206
00:16:05,460 --> 00:16:09,409
Nevertheless, Empress Dowager appointed you to work the case.
207
00:16:09,409 --> 00:16:13,140
Brother Zhang, I knew you had potential.
208
00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:19,100
Brother Zhang, where do we start?
209
00:16:19,100 --> 00:16:20,260
Backstage.
210
00:16:20,260 --> 00:16:21,959
Look for Xie Hao's hair oil bottle.
211
00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:27,680
Taking the bead, killing Xie Hao, and
hanging the verse may just be the beginning.
212
00:16:27,680 --> 00:16:30,090
There must be more abominable moves.
213
00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:36,800
About the killer, do you have any guesses?
214
00:16:40,960 --> 00:16:43,210
Guo Yun is most suspicious.
215
00:16:44,850 --> 00:16:48,079
He is vicious and cunning and would seek revenge for nothing.
216
00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:52,640
He tried to buy the secret letter from Hong Luo this time.
217
00:16:52,640 --> 00:16:55,399
Though I sent him abroad with an excuse,
218
00:16:55,400 --> 00:16:57,919
he could still have his man wait at Banyue Pavilion
219
00:16:57,920 --> 00:17:00,369
for the Empress Dowager to come and then stage the incident.
220
00:17:00,369 --> 00:17:01,749
That's possible.
221
00:17:01,750 --> 00:17:05,580
It isn't surprising that he tried to kill you.
222
00:17:05,580 --> 00:17:10,360
At the moment, we have to keep an eye on
Guo Yun, find the killer before Zhang Ping,
223
00:17:10,360 --> 00:17:15,159
retrieve the secret letter, and hide it from the Empress
Dowager in order to gain a slim chance of survival.
224
00:17:15,159 --> 00:17:16,790
Zhang Ping?
225
00:17:17,270 --> 00:17:21,429
I thought you recommended that he
solve the case because you had a plan.
226
00:17:21,429 --> 00:17:26,259
I had to act first at that time in case
Empress Dowager became suspicious.
227
00:17:28,400 --> 00:17:30,610
Then what's your plan?
228
00:17:38,470 --> 00:17:43,370
Now we have to guard against him and stop him from meddling.
229
00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:48,639
We're working.
230
00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:50,440
Irrelevant people are not allowed in.
231
00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:51,789
We are not irrelevant.
232
00:17:51,790 --> 00:17:53,119
We're appointed by the Empress...
233
00:17:53,120 --> 00:17:55,810
by top officials to solve the case.
234
00:17:56,470 --> 00:17:59,370
Haven't you checked backstage?
235
00:17:59,370 --> 00:18:00,499
I haven't finished.
236
00:18:00,499 --> 00:18:04,400
- I must find the victim's hair oil bottle.
- Since you've checked it, it's done.
237
00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:11,340
Let's look for it somewhere else.
238
00:18:27,090 --> 00:18:30,370
Peizhi, I've sent people to look for the bottle.
239
00:18:32,310 --> 00:18:37,389
With the best detective in the capital here,
don't worry about being defeated by the scholar.
240
00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:43,300
Mowen, there is a cantilever structure over the stage.
241
00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:49,679
Only big theaters can afford such a thing.
242
00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:54,499
On the cantilever are various devices
used to hang things above the stage.
243
00:18:56,510 --> 00:19:00,030
Do you suspect there is evidence on it?
244
00:19:00,030 --> 00:19:05,660
According to Zhang Ping, in the last act, Xie Hao
was already dead before she was hung on the cantilever.
245
00:19:05,660 --> 00:19:08,550
So when did the killer kill her?
246
00:19:09,990 --> 00:19:12,709
During the interlude, Xie Hao wasn't backstage.
247
00:19:12,710 --> 00:19:16,900
I've looked everywhere backstage without finding any traces.
248
00:19:17,680 --> 00:19:20,830
Did the murderer really kill Xie Hao up there?
249
00:19:20,830 --> 00:19:24,639
And the two banners are also hung on the cantilever.
250
00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:26,220
- Yin Yuan.
- Yes.
251
00:19:26,220 --> 00:19:27,569
Send for the troupe leader, Jin, and the puppeteers.
252
00:19:27,569 --> 00:19:29,220
Yes.
253
00:19:34,860 --> 00:19:36,199
[Theatrical Troupe of Banyue Pavilion, Leader Jin]
254
00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:39,070
The ladder is hidden quite well.
255
00:19:43,210 --> 00:19:49,240
Didn't you notice that Miss Xie Hao was dead when you put her down?
256
00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:51,520
W-W-Well...
257
00:19:51,520 --> 00:19:53,740
Your Excellency, please come with me.
258
00:19:59,790 --> 00:20:01,460
Y-Your... Your Excellency, have a look.
259
00:20:01,460 --> 00:20:03,879
During the performance, we were here reeling the rope out.
260
00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:09,350
Well... we could neither see the ladder nor see what
happened on the cantilever, let alone Miss Xie Hao.
261
00:20:09,350 --> 00:20:13,469
Usually, when she was ready, she
would pull the rope three times as a signal.
262
00:20:13,469 --> 00:20:16,269
When it was time for her to perform, we would put her down.
263
00:20:16,270 --> 00:20:18,099
- It's true.
- It's true.
264
00:20:18,099 --> 00:20:21,229
However, something was wrong today.
265
00:20:21,230 --> 00:20:26,739
During rehearsal, when Miss Xie Hao
attached herself to the rope, it swung a bit.
266
00:20:26,739 --> 00:20:30,690
But today, it swung especially violently.
267
00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:37,680
Your Excellency, be careful.
268
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:23,010
This is the crime scene.
269
00:21:23,010 --> 00:21:24,810
Leader Jin.
270
00:21:28,500 --> 00:21:30,399
The killer hid in a corner.
271
00:21:30,399 --> 00:21:35,439
When Xie Hao came up and attached the rope to
herself, he came up from behind and strangled her.
272
00:21:35,439 --> 00:21:36,789
Xie Hao struggled desperately.
273
00:21:36,790 --> 00:21:39,550
That's why the rope swung violently.
274
00:21:39,550 --> 00:21:44,600
After Xie Hao died, the killer yanked the rope three times.
275
00:21:45,210 --> 00:21:50,009
The puppeteers then lowered Xie
Hao down, as they had during rehearsal.
276
00:21:54,030 --> 00:21:56,069
Now we found the method of murder,
277
00:21:56,070 --> 00:22:00,039
but the killer was very meticulous and didn't leave any trace.
278
00:22:00,700 --> 00:22:05,970
Your Excellencies, I have a favor to ask of you.
279
00:22:06,750 --> 00:22:07,870
Speak.
280
00:22:07,870 --> 00:22:09,580
Sorry to bother you.
281
00:22:09,580 --> 00:22:14,809
The unique skills of our troupe are all hidden on the cantilever.
282
00:22:14,809 --> 00:22:17,679
We've never let outsiders see it.
283
00:22:17,680 --> 00:22:18,640
If it gets out...
284
00:22:18,640 --> 00:22:21,110
Who else knows about the ladder?
285
00:22:21,110 --> 00:22:25,199
Only our own people know about it.
286
00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:29,940
That's our special skill, and we've never told others.
287
00:22:31,790 --> 00:22:33,119
All right, I get it.
288
00:22:33,120 --> 00:22:34,159
You can leave now.
289
00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:35,780
Yes.
290
00:22:39,030 --> 00:22:42,650
The killer is one of the troupe.
291
00:22:43,270 --> 00:22:47,130
Now we must find out if anyone in the troupe works for Guo Yun.
292
00:22:51,990 --> 00:22:54,700
Go away. Go away.
293
00:22:55,550 --> 00:22:56,600
Are you taking over this place too?
294
00:22:56,600 --> 00:22:58,200
I said it before.
295
00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:00,420
You do your job, and we'll do ours.
296
00:23:00,420 --> 00:23:02,210
Let's not cross each other's paths.
297
00:23:02,210 --> 00:23:04,130
We finished the search. There's nothing here.
298
00:23:04,130 --> 00:23:05,269
Let's search the other places.
299
00:23:05,270 --> 00:23:07,139
- Yes.
- Yes.
300
00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:16,709
They outnumber us.
301
00:23:16,710 --> 00:23:19,230
How can we find it before them?
302
00:23:32,160 --> 00:23:33,890
Found it.
303
00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:37,900
- Your Excellency, I found it.
- Too bad. They found the bottle.
304
00:23:38,750 --> 00:23:39,509
Brother Zhang!
305
00:23:39,510 --> 00:23:40,439
It's empty.
306
00:23:40,440 --> 00:23:41,199
Yes.
307
00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:42,919
It was when we found it.
308
00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:44,780
There is nothing left in it.
309
00:23:50,270 --> 00:23:51,989
It seems we can't investigate the substance.
310
00:23:51,990 --> 00:23:55,640
Although the bottle is empty, the smell still remains.
311
00:23:55,640 --> 00:23:57,599
We may find out what was inside it.
312
00:23:57,600 --> 00:23:58,309
Keep it.
313
00:23:58,310 --> 00:23:59,890
Yes.
314
00:24:03,310 --> 00:24:05,430
What can I do for you?
315
00:24:05,430 --> 00:24:07,560
Have you found the hair oil bottle?
316
00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:08,570
Yes.
317
00:24:08,570 --> 00:24:09,970
So what?
318
00:24:09,970 --> 00:24:11,159
May I have a look?
319
00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,199
We found the bottle first.
320
00:24:13,200 --> 00:24:14,309
Why should we let you see it?
321
00:24:14,310 --> 00:24:17,220
You've tried to hold me back the whole time.
322
00:24:26,960 --> 00:24:31,270
So? Do you expect me to follow your orders?
323
00:24:36,310 --> 00:24:41,690
Minister Lan, trying to hold me back
only implies that everything is suspicious.
324
00:24:41,690 --> 00:24:46,790
I know Xie Hao's death must have
something to do with your plan to steal the bead.
325
00:24:46,790 --> 00:24:52,210
Zhang Ping, do you know what punishment
you deserve for slandering a court official?
326
00:24:52,210 --> 00:24:54,199
You know clearly whether it is slander.
327
00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:57,569
Where is your evidence? Without evidence, it is slander.
328
00:24:58,440 --> 00:25:02,850
Since you wouldn't let me do my job, I'll report to Empress Dowager.
329
00:25:04,470 --> 00:25:06,130
Stop!
330
00:25:12,030 --> 00:25:14,390
Just because you couldn't find anything, you're going to report us.
331
00:25:14,390 --> 00:25:16,220
Aren't you ashamed?
332
00:25:16,220 --> 00:25:18,269
Tell me. What do you want to do?
333
00:25:18,269 --> 00:25:22,150
I want to examine the hair oil bottle and
learn how the killer created self-ignition.
334
00:25:22,150 --> 00:25:25,820
The bottle is the evidence found by the Ministry of Justice.
335
00:25:25,820 --> 00:25:27,679
How can we give it to you easily?
336
00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:29,269
Don't you even understand that?
337
00:25:29,270 --> 00:25:32,130
Then let me go backstage to do my job.
338
00:25:35,510 --> 00:25:37,069
As you please.
339
00:25:37,070 --> 00:25:38,840
Nobody will stop you.
340
00:25:49,400 --> 00:25:54,770
Minister Lan, no matter what your
scheme is, I'll find out what happened.
341
00:26:02,160 --> 00:26:04,399
Mowen, there's no time to lose.
342
00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:06,690
We mustn't let Zhang Ping figure it out first.
343
00:26:06,690 --> 00:26:08,229
I'm going to question the troupe.
344
00:26:08,230 --> 00:26:13,000
I'll search their rooms and see if anyone
has had secret contact with Guo Yun.
345
00:26:14,790 --> 00:26:16,310
Your Excellency,
346
00:26:16,840 --> 00:26:19,019
they are dancers, and they are musicians.
347
00:26:19,019 --> 00:26:23,870
All troupe members are here...
except a girl, Zhi Xia, who is quite upset.
348
00:26:23,870 --> 00:26:24,879
We couldn't get anything out of her.
349
00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:25,839
She doesn't seem to be faking it.
350
00:26:25,839 --> 00:26:27,359
I locked her in the room.
351
00:26:27,360 --> 00:26:28,709
Find a physician for her.
352
00:26:28,710 --> 00:26:29,879
Question her again when she feels better.
353
00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:31,460
Yes.
354
00:26:50,920 --> 00:26:55,870
I've found out that the murderer is one of you.
355
00:26:58,030 --> 00:27:01,130
Seriously? One of us?
356
00:27:06,100 --> 00:27:08,099
Sister Xie Hao was so kind to us.
357
00:27:08,099 --> 00:27:10,199
Who would kill her so cruelly?
358
00:27:10,200 --> 00:27:14,630
Are you going to confess or wait for me to figure it out?
359
00:27:14,630 --> 00:27:16,209
Think it over.
360
00:27:16,209 --> 00:27:17,120
Who is the killer?
361
00:27:17,120 --> 00:27:19,030
Who would kill her?
362
00:27:19,030 --> 00:27:20,740
No volunteer?
363
00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:23,810
Then let's have an interrogation.
364
00:27:43,120 --> 00:27:45,549
At the interlude, did you find anything unusual?
365
00:27:45,549 --> 00:27:48,209
Who knows? The interlude was very short.
[Dancer of Banyue Pavilion, Ling Xiao]
366
00:27:48,209 --> 00:27:51,780
Everyone was busy changing at the compartments for the next scene.
367
00:27:51,780 --> 00:27:54,689
Nothing unusual.
[Dancer of Banyue Pavilion, Li Niang]
368
00:27:54,689 --> 00:27:58,269
[Musician of Banyue Pavilion, Han Yan]
369
00:27:58,269 --> 00:28:01,119
We didn't even have time to change.
[Dancer of Banyue Pavilion, Wan Zhuang]
370
00:28:01,120 --> 00:28:05,700
How could we pay attention to anything else?
371
00:28:08,120 --> 00:28:10,960
Was everyone there when you were changing?
372
00:28:10,960 --> 00:28:14,659
Yes. We girls are always together.
373
00:28:14,659 --> 00:28:17,060
We can testify for each other.
374
00:28:17,060 --> 00:28:19,190
Sure.
375
00:28:19,190 --> 00:28:22,170
Your Excellency, are you suspecting me?
376
00:28:23,020 --> 00:28:28,740
Your Excellency, we're only delicate girls.
377
00:28:28,740 --> 00:28:30,960
How could we kill someone?
378
00:28:30,960 --> 00:28:33,680
Enough. Leave.
379
00:28:39,510 --> 00:28:41,630
We've searched thoroughly backstage.
380
00:28:41,630 --> 00:28:44,060
Why couldn't we find it?
381
00:28:45,070 --> 00:28:50,160
Where is the least noticeable place to pour the remaining hair oil?
382
00:28:51,120 --> 00:28:52,690
The bottle is empty.
383
00:28:52,690 --> 00:28:57,610
The killer must have emptied it to
keep us from discovering the substance.
384
00:28:58,470 --> 00:29:00,650
There is another possibility.
385
00:29:00,650 --> 00:29:04,610
There wasn't much oil left in the first place.
386
00:29:06,070 --> 00:29:07,780
I've checked it.
387
00:29:07,780 --> 00:29:10,570
The other dancers' bottles are full.
388
00:29:15,500 --> 00:29:17,250
What are you doing?
389
00:29:17,250 --> 00:29:19,750
Collect all the dancers' bottles.
390
00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:29,690
They are all full.
391
00:29:29,690 --> 00:29:33,029
The killer poured the remaining oil into these bottles.
392
00:29:33,030 --> 00:29:35,399
Even if the trick is figured out, since it has been diluted,
393
00:29:35,400 --> 00:29:38,920
it would difficult to identify what the substance is.
394
00:29:38,920 --> 00:29:40,500
It's done.
395
00:29:41,070 --> 00:29:42,890
I was excited for nothing.
396
00:29:42,890 --> 00:29:45,110
They're useless.
397
00:29:48,680 --> 00:29:50,440
I have an idea.
398
00:29:51,230 --> 00:29:56,399
Your Excellency, we've searched several dancers' bedrooms
without finding any evidence of secret contacts with Guo Yun.
399
00:30:01,030 --> 00:30:03,599
Your Excellency, we're not good at investigating cases.
400
00:30:03,600 --> 00:30:07,039
Even though we've searched everywhere,
we haven't found anything useful.
401
00:30:09,640 --> 00:30:14,650
The officials and courtiers often give the
troupe girls precious gifts to please them.
402
00:30:14,650 --> 00:30:17,660
I don't think Guo Yun is an exception.
403
00:30:17,660 --> 00:30:20,330
Your Excellency, look.
404
00:30:30,070 --> 00:30:34,009
These are no more than medicines for pregnancy and miscarriage.
405
00:30:35,270 --> 00:30:39,060
In Banyue Pavilion, it isn't surprising.
406
00:31:07,310 --> 00:31:10,180
Your Excellency, what's wrong?
407
00:31:33,750 --> 00:31:36,300
Brother Zhang, you are...
408
00:31:36,300 --> 00:31:37,900
This is my master's idea.
409
00:31:37,900 --> 00:31:40,680
When I was little, he used to make me cheese in this manner.
410
00:31:40,680 --> 00:31:43,329
You pour the milk into a bottle and swing it like this.
411
00:31:43,329 --> 00:31:45,530
The curds and whey will be separated.
412
00:31:45,530 --> 00:31:50,460
Maybe in this way, we can separate
the hair oil and the combustible substance.
413
00:31:53,920 --> 00:31:55,599
How many rounds do we have to swing?
414
00:31:55,600 --> 00:31:57,780
Probably several thousand.
415
00:31:58,310 --> 00:32:00,960
How long will it take us?
416
00:32:01,990 --> 00:32:03,480
Soon.
417
00:32:24,470 --> 00:32:31,360
Miss Han Yan, I know you killed Xie
Hao under Vice Minister Guo's instruction.
418
00:32:31,360 --> 00:32:37,669
I think in Banyue Pavilion, you've
seen enough of the officialdom's intrigues.
419
00:32:39,160 --> 00:32:41,310
I won't preach about moral principles today.
420
00:32:41,310 --> 00:32:43,500
I want to make a deal.
421
00:32:43,500 --> 00:32:50,020
If you return the bead to me, maybe
I'll let Minister Wang spare your life.
422
00:32:51,680 --> 00:32:53,580
Vice Minister Guo?
423
00:32:53,580 --> 00:32:58,560
I don't even know him, not to mention what you're talking about.
424
00:33:06,750 --> 00:33:08,570
The pipa is very valuable.
425
00:33:08,570 --> 00:33:10,720
It's too expensive for you to afford.
426
00:33:10,720 --> 00:33:13,439
The scroll is made of red sandalwood inlaid with mother-of-pearl,
427
00:33:13,439 --> 00:33:17,710
and its back is pieced together with ivory carvings.
428
00:33:17,710 --> 00:33:21,400
Each piece shows extraordinary carving skills.
429
00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:26,410
And the love poem on it must have spoken for your heart.
430
00:33:26,410 --> 00:33:31,419
"The lovely lady makes the city infatuated, with
her red lips, slender fingers and exquisite tastes."
431
00:33:31,419 --> 00:33:37,680
Hidden in the two lines are your name and the surname of Minister Guo.
432
00:33:37,680 --> 00:33:42,010
Apparently, you not only know Minister Guo but are close to him.
433
00:33:42,010 --> 00:33:44,650
Your Excellency, don't accuse me for nothing.
434
00:33:45,260 --> 00:33:51,290
I share the same interests with Minister Guo, and
we occasionally compose poems and sing together.
435
00:33:51,290 --> 00:33:57,030
Then why do you have anti-abortion
medicine and tonic medicine for miscarriages?
436
00:34:00,640 --> 00:34:05,720
If I'm right, it proves that you once carried his child.
437
00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:12,170
As a fourth-rank official, you rub it in deliberately.
438
00:34:12,170 --> 00:34:14,290
You're so vile.
439
00:34:19,720 --> 00:34:21,480
Empress Dowager personally attends to this case tonight.
440
00:34:21,480 --> 00:34:28,190
If you're exposed, do you think he will take
all the blame or sacrifice you to save himself?
441
00:34:40,030 --> 00:34:42,110
This is the hair oil.
442
00:34:45,150 --> 00:34:48,500
This should be the combustible substance.
443
00:34:50,070 --> 00:34:51,359
The oil isn't flammable.
444
00:34:51,360 --> 00:34:54,250
We'll know if this is the other combustible substance after testing.
445
00:34:56,440 --> 00:34:58,470
Brother Zhang, what's this?
446
00:34:58,470 --> 00:35:00,880
It caught fire without even contacting the fire.
447
00:35:01,720 --> 00:35:03,069
This is turpentine oil.
448
00:35:03,070 --> 00:35:05,320
We need to do a test now.
449
00:35:07,590 --> 00:35:08,509
A wig?
450
00:35:08,510 --> 00:35:11,340
How will you do the test?
451
00:35:13,850 --> 00:35:15,880
Miss Han Yan, I advise you...
452
00:35:15,880 --> 00:35:19,359
Minister Lan, you're trying to pin the murder on me by all means.
453
00:35:19,359 --> 00:35:23,410
Even if Minister Guo and I are attracted to each
other, does it have anything to do with the murder?
454
00:35:23,410 --> 00:35:27,050
You don't even know what kind of person Guo Yun is.
455
00:35:27,050 --> 00:35:29,540
How can you be so devoted to him?
456
00:35:30,400 --> 00:35:33,820
Do I not know what kind of person Guo Yun is?
457
00:35:35,070 --> 00:35:38,300
I'm forced to make a living here.
458
00:35:38,300 --> 00:35:40,630
Even though I'm talented,
459
00:35:41,440 --> 00:35:46,510
men regard me as a plaything at their disposal.
460
00:35:48,110 --> 00:35:50,400
But Minister Guo is different.
461
00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:55,760
He knows me, respects me, and treats me with sincerity.
462
00:35:57,470 --> 00:36:04,290
When I was pregnant, my pulse was unstable, and
I vomited a lot. He was concerned about my health.
463
00:36:04,290 --> 00:36:06,660
He got anti-abortion medicine for me personally
464
00:36:06,660 --> 00:36:10,190
and told the physician to add dry ginger to relieve my sickness.
465
00:36:10,190 --> 00:36:14,760
If he didn't care about me, why would he bother?
466
00:36:14,760 --> 00:36:19,320
You don't even have evidence, yet you try to plant the crime on him.
467
00:36:19,320 --> 00:36:25,030
I know that you've resented him for a
long time, but I don't have what you want.
468
00:36:25,030 --> 00:36:27,110
Don't waste your energy.
469
00:36:27,110 --> 00:36:29,780
Han Yan is really hard to break through.
470
00:36:29,780 --> 00:36:31,740
We've pushed our way forward through difficulties
471
00:36:31,740 --> 00:36:34,460
without expecting to be hindered by a prostitute.
472
00:36:35,440 --> 00:36:40,109
I thought by breaking through her, I could
get the letter back and uncover Guo Yun.
473
00:36:40,109 --> 00:36:41,980
I never thought that...
474
00:36:50,510 --> 00:36:53,320
Guo Yun is hardhearted and ungrateful.
475
00:36:53,320 --> 00:36:57,940
For the sake of his father-in-law, he dare not offend his wife.
476
00:36:57,940 --> 00:37:01,900
How could he be so considerate and
care about his mistress' unborn child?
477
00:37:24,470 --> 00:37:27,630
Brother Zhang, why does nothing happen?
478
00:37:28,840 --> 00:37:31,150
- Good!
- Good. Good.
479
00:37:32,070 --> 00:37:34,400
- Great! Good.
- Good!
480
00:37:34,400 --> 00:37:37,030
Great!
481
00:37:40,510 --> 00:37:43,630
- Great! Good!
- One more!
482
00:37:44,630 --> 00:37:47,440
Good!
483
00:37:49,150 --> 00:37:52,410
Brother Zhang, will it work?
484
00:37:54,150 --> 00:37:56,110
What's that?
485
00:37:58,030 --> 00:38:00,420
It looks like a light spot.
486
00:38:07,800 --> 00:38:09,360
It's a Fire Bead.
487
00:38:09,360 --> 00:38:11,030
What is a Fire Bead?
488
00:38:11,030 --> 00:38:14,170
A crystal bead that can gather light and heat.
489
00:38:22,470 --> 00:38:24,549
As expected, this isn't a Fire Bead.
490
00:38:24,550 --> 00:38:27,590
Someone must have done something to the one on the left.
491
00:38:27,590 --> 00:38:31,090
Your analysis sounds reasonable,
492
00:38:31,090 --> 00:38:32,360
but...
493
00:38:32,360 --> 00:38:37,359
Books say that if you hold mugwort next to a Fire
Bead facing the sun at noon, the mugwort will ignite.
494
00:38:37,359 --> 00:38:40,289
The hair didn't catch fire because the light wasn't strong enough.
495
00:38:40,289 --> 00:38:43,020
But during the performance...
496
00:38:44,030 --> 00:38:46,630
Let's go see Boss Jia.
497
00:38:50,190 --> 00:38:53,230
Zhang Ping is going to see Boss Jia now.
498
00:38:55,440 --> 00:38:56,960
Let us out!
499
00:38:56,960 --> 00:38:59,360
Back off! Stop yelling.
500
00:38:59,360 --> 00:39:02,050
Back off. Back off.
501
00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:04,109
Stop asking.
502
00:39:04,110 --> 00:39:06,030
Back off!
503
00:39:11,360 --> 00:39:12,630
Is it a blood letter?
504
00:39:12,630 --> 00:39:13,880
What does it say?
505
00:39:13,880 --> 00:39:14,959
Your Excellency, we're in trouble.
506
00:39:14,960 --> 00:39:18,510
A beggar just sent a blood letter saying,
507
00:39:18,510 --> 00:39:21,149
"Secret letters with the enemy reveal the hidden evil intent."
508
00:39:21,150 --> 00:39:24,980
"Having no shame drives a son to go on with his father's will."
509
00:39:27,030 --> 00:39:28,400
Where is the beggar?
510
00:39:28,400 --> 00:39:29,669
Did he say who sent him?
511
00:39:29,670 --> 00:39:30,669
He is blind.
512
00:39:30,670 --> 00:39:34,489
He just said a young lady asked
him to deliver the letter before midnight.
513
00:39:34,489 --> 00:39:37,130
Except that, he didn't know anything else.
514
00:39:38,670 --> 00:39:39,989
He slipped away.
515
00:39:39,990 --> 00:39:42,800
Now the Imperial Guards have been alarmed.
516
00:39:42,800 --> 00:39:46,509
They've asked us to strengthen security and be strictly on guard.
517
00:39:46,509 --> 00:39:49,210
Empress Dowager will know soon.
518
00:39:51,800 --> 00:39:53,470
Your Excellency.
519
00:39:56,800 --> 00:39:58,440
Peizhi.
520
00:40:08,990 --> 00:40:12,250
Have we come to a dead end?
521
00:40:19,180 --> 00:40:22,140
Having no shame drives a son to go on with his father's will.
522
00:40:22,140 --> 00:40:25,619
He just said a young lady asked
him to deliver the letter before midnight.
523
00:40:25,619 --> 00:40:29,279
Only our own people know about it.
524
00:40:29,280 --> 00:40:31,280
But Minister Guo is different.
525
00:40:31,280 --> 00:40:32,919
He got anti-abortion medicine for me personally
526
00:40:32,920 --> 00:40:34,150
Don't waste your energy.
527
00:40:34,150 --> 00:40:37,250
Zhang Ping is going to see Boss Jia now.
528
00:40:42,990 --> 00:40:45,610
I must make Han Yan talk.
529
00:41:01,630 --> 00:41:04,440
Young man, be careful.
530
00:41:12,920 --> 00:41:14,470
Chen Chou.
531
00:41:28,400 --> 00:41:32,660
As expected, in order to produce the effect of
lightning and thunder, they put gunpowder into the brazier.
532
00:41:32,660 --> 00:41:34,029
The light became strong instantly.
533
00:41:34,030 --> 00:41:38,659
Then they used the Fire Bead to concentrate
light rays on Xie Hao's head, causing self-ignition.
534
00:41:38,659 --> 00:41:40,970
There's a murder!
535
00:42:03,510 --> 00:42:06,290
I hope that you think it over.
536
00:42:09,150 --> 00:42:14,360
Your words tonight will not only decide my fate
537
00:42:15,150 --> 00:42:17,690
but also your life.
538
00:42:19,470 --> 00:42:24,110
The oil is nail polish used by the pipa players.
539
00:42:27,360 --> 00:42:29,799
Isn't the pipa played with a plectrum (pick)?
540
00:42:29,800 --> 00:42:34,029
It's a new method of playing with fingers instead of plectrums.
541
00:42:34,030 --> 00:42:38,219
It's easy to hurt the hands, so the players need nail polish.
542
00:42:38,219 --> 00:42:40,320
In the troupe, who can play the pipa in this way?
543
00:42:40,320 --> 00:42:43,069
Few players in the capital can do it.
544
00:42:43,070 --> 00:42:49,670
There's only one in the troupe, the "Pipa Fairy," Miss Han Yan.
545
00:42:50,440 --> 00:42:51,400
Go ask Empress Dowager to question Han Yan.
546
00:43:00,240 --> 00:43:02,380
Are you Han Yan?
547
00:43:03,190 --> 00:43:04,820
Yes.
548
00:43:04,820 --> 00:43:07,070
Take her away.
549
00:43:14,400 --> 00:43:17,260
Here is Her Majesty's order:
550
00:43:26,510 --> 00:43:29,800
"Call Vice Minister Lan back!"
551
00:43:29,800 --> 00:43:32,600
I'll follow the order.
552
00:43:43,960 --> 00:43:48,960
[A League of Nobleman]
44917
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