Original subtitles

The taste of Wu Shi San is really something.

There were quite a few people talking nonsense yesterday.

Some claimed they saw demons.

Some said they entered a fairyland.

People said all sorts of things.

Personally, I think becoming immortal

isn't as fun as

spending three days and nights playing in Willow Lane.

Who could disagree?

Chang'an is right under the emperor's nose.

The yang energy here is strong.

How could there be any spirits?

Exactly.

Huang Zuoling, it's absolutely true.

I really saw Wu Shi San.

So you still went to the Yunong Pavilion.

I, uh...

It's not what you think.

Admiring Chang'an's scenery, strolling Willow Lane,

with beauty right before your eyes,

yet all you noticed was Wu Shi San.

Mei Sishi's cousin truly is extraordinary.

But you say Wu Shi San—

it's not so easy to get.

It really is Wu Shi San.

Search.

Follow.

Sir.

That cat's trick is quite clever.

Now everyone is saying

the Yunong Pavilion's owner abused Wu Shi San.

And accidentally let Wu Shi San contaminate the water supply.

That's why so many people, after drinking the water,

started having hallucinations.

That little cat's diversion tactic really worked.

They sealed off the place,

and put an end to rumors about the demon market.

Looks like this trouble has passed.

What a coincidence, Lady Liu.

Why is Mei Silang here?

I heard there were

rumors of a demon realm illusion in Willow Lane.

So I came to check it out.

Turns out it was all Wu Shi San's doing.

Why would Mei Silang investigate these rumors?

I've been reading "Notes of Strange Spirits" by Bai Shelang.

In the postscript, it says

Bai Shelang wrote it for someone he loves.

I think Bai Shelang is quite ingenious.

It's very interesting.

I'd like to learn from him too.

So how do you plan to learn, Mei Silang?

Don't I enjoy painting?

I'm thinking of collecting tales of the strange myself.

Then I'll make them into an illustrated book.

Wouldn't that be a unique gift?

To give to Lady Liu.

I'm sure Lady Liu will like it.

Let's go.

Lady Liu.

But sir,

Bai Shelang really is interesting.

Lady Liu didn't glare at me just now.

She must like the gift.

Young master

They all say my peaches this year

didn't turn out well

You'd better buy them elsewhere

Over there, buy from his stall

It's fine

Elder, please pack some for me

Are these peaches tasty?

Young master, young lady

I'm truly sorry

I'm getting old

My taste buds

can't really taste much anymore

Are these peaches sour?

Sour

That's fine

I like sour things

Why do you like sour fruit?

Where I lived as a child

there was an early peach tree

Its fruit was small and astringent

Much more sour than these

But I looked forward to its fruit every year

Because only that tree's fruit

wasn't wanted by anyone else—it was all mine

Rare to find someone who likes them

Come, come, young master

Here, take two more

Alright, I'll take two more

Let me tell you

These peach trees are hard to keep alive

Once they're overripe

they turn bitter and astringent

If unripe, they're still sour

These good times

are too short

Thank you, elder

I heard the summer flowers in West Mountain are about to bloom

Let's go see them together in a couple of days

Alright

Senior brother sent word for me to go buy a horse outside the city

Looks like he's figured things out

Not sure if he's come up with

a plan to deal with the demon market

Even if he hasn't, it's fine

As long as he stays away from that fox spirit

he's still a good disciple of Changxi Palace

Master Shuangjiang

Lady Huzhu

Master Shuangjiang, what brings you to Ruyi Pavilion?

I'm here at Ruyi Pavilion for a meal

Is this gentleman here for wine or music?

I'd like to reserve a banquet table

Lady Huzhu

Didn't you tell me

that just this much

is enough for a feast here?

No, you still—

This way, sir

Let's go

Lady Huzhu really didn't lie to me

Eat up

What's wrong?

Is our food at Ruyi Pavilion not to your liking?

It's not that

Actually

I'm not here just for dinner tonight

I still need to go to South Street later

This late?

Why go to South Street?

Brother Shi asked me to buy a horse

Buy a horse?

Young Master Mei is living large these days

No more riding donkeys?

It's for traveling

Traveling?

With a good horse

I can get back to Quzhou faster

You're returning to Quzhou?

Yes

So I came this time

to say goodbye to you, Lady Huzhu

Meeting you was fate

After this farewell

we can only meet again in the future

Lady Huzhu

Take care

Master Shuangjiang

Lady Huzhu

You and I are close friends

You feel reluctant to part

So do I

But Shuangjiang has her own mission

that must be fulfilled

I just wanted to tell you

They don't sell horses on South Street

To buy a horse

you need to go to North Street

Thank you, Lady Huzhu

With just that little piece of silver,

he probably can't even afford a pot of wine on the table.

That's right.

Since Lady Hu Zhu is so wealthy,

why not settle the payment for the spices first?

Is it enough?

It's enough.

But clearly, Lady Hu Zhu

isn't as generous to me as she is to Frostfall.

You talk too much.

That cousin of Lord Mei

has to perform on the street just to eat.

You're a centuries-old spirit, why compare yourself to him?

Boss,

the spices have all been distributed.

Boss,

that's premium Su He incense.

When did we lower the price?

You talk too much.

It's just not enough.

That was settled pretty quickly.

Well then, Master Frostfall,

this life belongs to me now.

Shi Ge is buying a horse

to hitch it to the carriage.

That's right.

Lady Wu Er's carriage draws too much attention.

Young Lord Mei drove the carriage himself.

Isn't that thoughtful?

What was Shi Ge thinking?

Aren't we supposed to leave?

Why are we looking at flowers?

From what I've read in the manor's storybooks,

it's always the gentleman picking flowers for the lady.

Those storybooks are pretty ordinary.

There are also stories of ladies picking flowers for men.

I was being narrow-minded.

If we bring that donkey,

it'll be just like last time.

Last time?

The last trip to the western outskirts.

Actually, I once dreamed of Lady Wu.

Dreamed of what about me?

Doing something frivolous.

I told you, ever since then

you've been acting strange.

It's fine.

As long as I wake up from the dream, it's fine.

Fox spirit.

What did you say?

Lady Wu Er really is a fox spirit.

Master Frostfall,

it's fine to insult people,

but next time you do,

could you use a different word?

Stop always calling people "fox spirit."

Is there a word more fitting than "fox spirit"?

What are you doing?

Just seeing you makes me angry.

Get lost.

Too bad the blooming season is ending.

If only there were a spell

to keep the flowers blooming all year round.

The seasons change,

flowers bloom in their own time.

Even with magic,

one shouldn't go against nature.

Why are you laughing?

I thought of the cat at the Duke's manor.

Which one?

A tabby cat.

You're not afraid of it?

It's very gentle.

It seems to get along with me.

That's not gentleness.

It's just fond of beauty.

It must like your good looks.

Coincidentally, so do I.

You've been away from the mountain so long, have you forgotten?

People of Changxi Palace must not fall in love.

That's against the rules.

Young master,

sometimes you don't have to be so strict about the rules.

I...

My injuries should be almost healed.

It's time to leave the Duke Wu's manor.

You're leaving?

Yes.

What about me?

What?

You...

Don't you have anything else to say to me?

If you want to leave, then go.

I can't force you to stay.

Young master is noble and upright.

Wants to keep his distance from me.

Then I should be sensible too.

Let's go.

Shi Ge.

They took your carriage, didn't they?

It's getting late.

Let's hurry back to the city.

We have neither carriage nor horse.

We have our feet.

Grab your bundle.

Sir Si

Why hasn't it been delivered yet?

Master, reporting back.

For some reason, young master

has locked the door from inside.

Locked from inside?

I knew it.

You unfilial child!

Master, please step aside.

Get up.

Get up.

If you're doing something proper,

then why

Thank you.

do you need to lock the door?

Father.

I've been influenced by you for years.

That's why I decided to turn over a new leaf.

I've been studying day and night.

But

I was worried you'd be concerned about my health.

You're just sweet-talking.

Who are you trying to fool?

Before, you were obsessed with painting, fine.

But now,

you've learned cockfighting, dog racing, and playing with loaches.

Father, it's not a loach.

This isn't a loach?

Is it Wenchang reincarnated?

That's right.

It is Wenchang reincarnated.

Father.

I asked many people for help

and traveled far and wide

to finally invite it here.

With it here, I'll surely pass the exams this year.

It can even write. See for yourself.

It's Wenchang reincarnated, it must know how to write.

It definitely can write.

It really can write.

It...

Indeed...

It truly is Wenchang reincarnated!

Look!

That's clearly a character.

Father, how do you see that's a character?

Look.

By the gods above,

I am willing to offer a thousand gold coins,

and the traditional offerings,

to restore your golden statue.

Just bless my son, Father.

Please give me back the little loach.

Let him succeed today, Father.

Just bless my son to pass the exam today!

If you truly care about him,

why rush to confess your feelings?

Let him stay a few more days.

Enjoy the happy days while they last.

If things are unclear,

it's just boring.

If he doesn't want to take it further,

it means

I'm not that important to him.

How rare.

Lady Wu Er is troubled by love for the first time.

Let me be heartbroken for a couple of days.

Alright.

I'll find some dancers and musicians

to sing with you.

We'll keep you entertained for a few days.

You'll surely forget that heartless man.

Alright.

Let's rest here for the night.

Let's eat first.

Enjoy your meal.

You two,

This way, please.

Are you stopping for a meal or staying overnight?

Two rooms and two bowls of spring noodles.

And also,

that plate of scallion vinegar chicken, and stir-fried okra with meat.

winter amaranth,

pickled celery,

lamb in broth,

and also,

flatbread.

Can you really eat all that?

Why do you care so much?

I can afford it.

Just make it, please.

Little Shi,

do you think that person is a bit odd?

It's not even autumn yet,

and he's wearing so much.

I'm sweating from the heat.

Don't gossip about others.

Here is your room token.

Please keep it safe.

Since you're ordering so much,

you should help out a bit too.

Take these bags to the room.

Alright.

Gentlemen,

Are you stopping for a meal or looking for a room?

Can't you tell?

With this lineup,

We

are here to rob you.

This is a robbery.

Young master, you seem quite wealthy.

Stay back.

You think I'll just listen if you say so?

Do you think you're some kind of immortal?

Still laughing?

Pay up.

Hand over the money!

I don't have any.

What?

You refuse to pay?

On me,

I don't have a single coin.

Looking at your clothes,

traveling far without money

doesn't seem likely.

I did bring some.

But my bundle is in the room.

How about

I take you to get it?

No need.

You think this is my first day on the streets?

I've seen plenty like you, soft and clever.

Always thinking they're smart.

I've seen it all before.

Trying to fool me?

Waiter!

Did you find the bundle?

You two, upstairs!

Go to the second floor.

Alright.

Where are you? Say something!

They say greed knows no bounds.

Seems the ancients were right.

Does your room eat people?

Why is it so quiet after they went up?

Why don't you go check yourself?

Me?

Otherwise, everyone's already gone up.

You'll fall behind.

Why is there still one who hasn't gone up?

This one here.

The cleverest of them all.

Waiter!

Call the authorities!

Hurry!

Let's go.

Move!

What are you staring at?

Young master.

I am

Pei Ji Ya from Kunzhou.

Thank you both for your help.

May I know your names?

I am Mei Zhu Yu.

This is my younger brother, Shuang Jiang.

No need to thank us.

We were just trying to save ourselves.

Still, I owe you a debt.

Have you had dinner yet?

Let me treat you as thanks.

Brother Shi.

How about it?

Thank you.

Please.

If you still have questions, Lord Shuangjiang,

please feel free to ask.

You—

Why are you wearing so many layers?

I...

I'm ill.

Born with it.

I've been frail since childhood.

I can't stand sunlight.

Even in the hottest days, I need extra layers.

That's truly unfortunate.

Lord Shuangjiang, your next question?

That's all.

Meeting Brother Mei today

is my good fortune.

Brother Mei is both wise and brave.

I am deeply grateful.

I don't drink alcohol.

Little Shi dislikes drinking.

Lord Pei, I'll drink with you.

Let's use tea instead of wine.

You look travel-worn, sir.

Did you come from Chang'an?

I'm just out traveling.

That's wonderful.

I grew up in Chang'an.

Later, family matters took me away.

Now I live in Kunzhou.

It's been years since I returned.

I've heard Chang'an is much quieter now.

Every circle follows strict rules.

When you say "every circle," what do you mean?

I mean

the government offices are well regulated.

Please don't mind me.

I have a passion for making incense.

I'm very sensitive to scents.

Speaking of which,

the scent on you

is quite complex.

Interesting.

What kind of scent?

There's a hint of

freshly tanned leather.

Is your saddle new?

How did you know?

On you, Lord Mei,

there's also a trace of medicine.

Mugwort and cinnamon twig.

Were you injured recently?

You can smell all that?

There's also

a woman's scent.

Uh...

That was a joke.

Seeing Lord Mei so distinguished,

I'm sure many ladies admire you.

So I teased you.

Speaking of ladies,

I recall my childhood sweetheart.

I remember when I was young,

I was in poor health.

Others kept their distance.

Only she treated me differently.

We were truly close, our hearts in harmony.

Sadly,

life doesn't go as one wishes.

My family moved far away to Kunzhou.

Separating the two of us,

leaving us worlds apart.

Half my life,

because of my lingering illness,

I've suffered much.

No matter how hard,

I've endured it all.

But I always remember

the only time I cried

was because of her.

Back then,

my health was poor.

Even though I liked her deeply,

I didn't dare ask for her hand.

Now,

my health has improved.

I rushed to Chang'an at once.

This time,

I won't let her down.

Brother Pei traveled all this way to Chang'an

with such devotion.

It's truly

moving to the heart.

And you, sir?

Do you have someone you love?

Yes.

Would you share your story?

Life is full of passionate longing.

But she and I

were not meant to be.

I see.

Young Master Mei, you have a worldly perspective.

But I'm just an ordinary person.

I only wish to marry her and spend my life with her.

For a lifetime.

Young Master Mei.

Won't you give me your blessing?

Even if we're far apart,

our hearts can still be close.

If we treat each other sincerely,

fate will not let us down.

Thank you, sir.

This is the fullest I've eaten in a long time.

This Young Master Pei is truly a good person.

What do you think, little senior brother?

Strange.

Strange.

What's strange about it?

I think this Young Master Pei

is being a bit too familiar with us.

Although Young Master Pei looks a bit frail,

he's actually quite warm-hearted.

Maybe he just likes to talk.

Maybe.

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

Probably just ate too much.

A little rest and I'll be fine.

Give me your hand.

How is it?

It's not something serious, is it?

Judging by the pulse,

it seems like an upset stomach.

Alright.

But why does it also seem like poisoning?

Come on, let's find a doctor.

What's going on?

Take care, you two.

Sir.

Lock.

That Mei fellow is really cautious.

How did the arrangements with the officials go?

We paid them some silver.

Those bandits—

They'll be released in a few days.

Everything went perfectly.

You needn't worry, sir.

Sir,

There's only that big man's bundle in this room.

Shall we open it and take a look?

No need.

I'm not interested in him at all.

Sir,

I don't understand.

You meant to poison Mei Zhu Yu.

Why did only Shuang Jiang get poisoned?

This time I used a scent-based poison.

It needs to be taken with food or drink.

But Mei Zhu Yu didn't eat or drink anything.

So it was useless.

I see.

That Mei fellow is such a nuisance to you.

If you ask me, you should've used a stronger dose.

Should've taken his life.

News from Chang'an has arrived.

He and his cousin are no longer connected.

He's a defeated man.

Why bother killing him?

Besides,

I'm so kindhearted.

You're right, sir.

Forget it.

At least we got to see him.

And now we know what kind of man your cousin likes.

Let's go.

To Chang'an.