Original subtitles

=Moonlit Reunion=

(Adapted from Fu Hua's novel "Madam Mei's Husband Spoiling")

=Episode 18=

How did you know about the suppression technique?

In the archives of the Mystic Appraisal Bureau,

there's a case file from 60 years ago

documenting such dark magic.

You remembered all that?

Impressive memory.

Si was attacked for no reason today. It's all very suspicious.

Are you alright, Young Lady Wu?

I'm safe and sound.

And you, Commissioner Mei?

I'm fine.

May I ask how long

you plan to stay at our residence?

You said

you could afford to keep ten of me.

Affording is one thing.

Wanting to is another.

Didn't you say you were leaving?

And yet here you are, still lingering.

It's only natural that others might misunderstand.

You've said before that you don't care what others think.

But what if I do?

After all, my father keeps asking

if I'd choose you or my cousin, Jiya.

I have to make up excuses for you,

so he doesn't get the wrong idea.

Right, Jiya?

What are you doing here

so late at night?

I saw you hadn't come home.

I got worried,

so I came to check.

Jiya, you must've forgotten.

I love the nightlife.

Late nights, music, parties...

Naturally,

coming home late is quite normal for me.

There's nothing to worry about.

You've always had a sharp tongue, Zhen.

But tell me,

what about Young Master Mei?

Don't tell me you two went off

to enjoy music and dancing?

We just happened to bump into each other.

You two really do seem fated to cross paths.

Indeed, fate does seem to bring us together.

Zhen, it's getting late.

Let's head back.

Be careful, Jiya.

Young Master Pei, do watch where you're going next time.

As long as Zhen's here,

I'm not too worried.

Chang'an isn't that impressive.

(Duke Wu Residence) It's nowhere near as lively as Kunzhou.

What's so lively about it?

The people are just quietly going about their days.

If you don't believe me,

come back with me and see.

The mountains and rivers of Kunzhou are beautiful.

The people there are extraordinary.

You'll be so happy that you won't want to leave.

I'll think about it.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

Young Master Mei.

Do you think she'll say yes?

I don't know.

I think...

She will.

After all, no one else

has kept her in their heart

for more than ten years like I did.

She's like a treasure to me,

one of a kind.

By the way,

didn't you offer your congratulations to us?

Surely, you won't go back on your word now,

would you?

What I said was,

when two people are true to each other,

fate will be on their side.

The question is,

are you and Young Lady Wu true to each other?

(Young Master Chen bought...)

(Young Master Pei bought premium styrax ink.)

This lantern is for you, Young Master Pei.

You'll want to see more clearly

next time you're out at night.

Don't be upset, Young Master.

That guy is no match for you.

Still, he's such an eyesore.

Chang'an is so peaceful.

I wonder how the ink

is doing now.

(Shu)

I'll seal it in the Demon Prison

to avoid further trouble.

Are you staying in the Demon Market tonight, Zhen?

It's been a long day.

I finally managed to bring it back.

I need to go home and rest.

Fair enough.

Shu.

Since you're heading to the Demon Prison,

can you help me retrieve something while you're there?

Lord Shu.

Heading to the Demon Prison, are you?

That's right.

Need me to come with you?

I'm free anyway.

You're free today?

After that fight with An Biluo,

Serpent Master granted me two days off.

So yes, very free.

I'm just wandering around.

I heard there's trouble in the human world again.

Is Cat Master all right?

Someone cast dark magic on this ink block.

Luckily, we got it back in time.

Cat Master wasn't hurt.

That little thing

really caused such chaos in Chang'an?

Are you a dog demon?

That scent...

Something's off.

What's off?

It's Qijiao resin.

Qijiao resin?

No wonder the ink block could take form so easily with dark magic.

There's more to this than meets the eye.

Elder Bai.

Lord Shu, back again to memorize Demon Law?

The Demon Law is on the first level, you know.

Well then...

Feel free to look around, Lord Shu.

I'll get back to my duties.

Elder Bai.

I thought managing the Demon Prison was exhausting.

But here you are, relaxing.

You've misunderstood, Lord Shu.

My workload is absolutely overwhelming.

You see...

Which level was Xuan Hui originally held on?

He was on the third level.

Then, please lead the way, Elder Bai.

Let's go.

Our Demon Prison has three levels in total.

The greater the sin, the lower the cell.

Xuan Hui started on the first level.

After three prison breaks,

he was moved to the second.

Lord Shu, let me out!

After six more attempts,

he landed here, level three.

If he tries to break out again,

this place won't be able to hold him.

This is where he's imprisoned.

Lord Shu,

why do you want Xuan Hui's Mirror of Clarity?

The Mirror of Clarity records the past crimes of demon offenders.

Naturally, I want it

to track down Xuan Hui as soon as possible.

This is not your concern.

Fair enough. It's none of my business anyway,

not that I care to know.

Who's locked in there?

No one.

This is the most secure cell

in the entire Demon Prison.

It can completely suppress a prisoner's demonic power.

Eighteen years ago, Sinister Fiend Infant attacked Chang'an.

We meant to lock it in here,

but it was killed by the previous Cat Master,

so the cell has been empty since.

Did that demon have any close followers?

Who knows?

Its master had died.

Even if some cronies survived,

they've likely been wiped out.

I see.

Lord Qiangyi.

The Sinister Fiend Infant

once proclaimed itself the greatest god of the demon realm,

destined to rule all.

And now, it's nothing but dust.

Sinister Fiend Infant...

What of gods?

What of me?

In this world,

she matters more than you

and me.

What? Qijiao resin?

Can you believe it?

At the Incense Assembly,

we just lost a piece.

Now here comes another one.

Seems like Chang'an is still as wealthy as ever.

Ling Xiao,

have you ever considered

that the two are actually the same piece of Qijiao resin?

They're one and the same...

That makes sense.

No wonder after the Incense Assembly,

Huang Yi and the others

searched high and low for the missing piece.

Turns out this was the reason.

Qijiao resin is tied to the ink demon.

Find another piece to cover it up.

Don't let the Jinwu Guards investigate further.

Golden Roc.

I'm here.

Lord Hu Zhu, what are your orders?

Search the Demon Market thoroughly.

I need a new piece of Qijiao resin.

Got it.

Lately, that bird's been hard to deal with.

She wouldn't even give me a discount.

Why is she so obedient today?

Because

I bought out this restaurant.

I'm the owner now.

You bought the restaurant?

When?

After I stopped giving you discounts.

Hey...

- Never coming... - So be it.

Lord Hu Zhu.

It wasn't easy,

but I finally found this at the general store.

It's the only one in the whole Demon Market.

Only one?

It must be expensive then.

It's free.

Free?

Because that general goods store

also belongs to me.

That one too?

What other shops are yours?

What else don't I know about?

(Wuzi Pavilion)

You're looking for Liu Taizhen?

Yes, Zhen.

Where exactly did Young Lady Liu go to convalesce?

The Liu family said she left home days ago

and hasn't been heard from since.

Now there are rumors of demons in Chang'an again.

I'm worried something bad has happened to her.

Those rumors have already settled.

Just because the rumors died down

doesn't mean the demons are gone.

Young Lady Liu loves stories of the supernatural.

But liking is one thing.

Encountering it for real

is a whole other matter.

Don't worry. She'll be fine.

But Zhen, by your estimation,

she should've been back by now.

That's true...

No, I have to go find her.

Stop playing.

Zhen, tell me,

where exactly did she go?

South of Chang'an.

Luwei Mountain.

Thank you, Young Master Shu.

Serpent Master hasn't returned.

We should send someone to find her,

but it shouldn't be Si.

There are too many demons in the mountains.

It's not safe for him.

Zhen, you're always worrying about others' safety,

but don't you see? To love someone

is life's greatest blessing.

It's worth far more than one's own survival.

I'm simply putting myself

in his shoes.

(Duke Wu Residence)

Please.

Let's dig in.

Young Master Mei.

What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?

No, not at all.

I just didn't expect

such a lavish breakfast today.

You normally eat plain food, so perhaps you don't know.

My uncle is a duke.

This kind of breakfast is routine for us.

Zhen, come here.

Come and have breakfast.

What are you talking about?

Young Master Mei was surprised

that our breakfasts here are so grand.

I was just about to tell Uncle

about a hidden master I know.

He's quite the culinary expert.

I'll invite him here to cook for Zhen.

There's no need to go to such trouble.

What, Jiya, do you think our hospitality is lacking?

Of course not.

Since I'm serious about marrying you,

I care about what's best for you.

I want nothing more than for you to live well.

Jiya,

you said a few days ago you wished to marry Zhen.

Do you truly mean it?

Of course.

My mother's health has been poor lately.

She can't manage the household.

So once Zhen marries me, she'll be the head lady of the Pei family.

I, Pei Jiya, swear

never to take a concubine.

Excellent. No concubines, very good.

It seems you're completely devoted to Zhen.

And you, Young Master Mei,

do you have anything to say?

No.

What? You want a concubine?

You've misunderstood, Duke.

I simply never considered marriage at all.

Then what are your thoughts on the marriage

between me and Jiya?

That depends entirely on what you want.

Your Lordship!

Greetings, Your Lordship. Your Ladyship.

Eunuch Feng, what brings you here?

His Majesty and Her Majesty

request your presence at the palace.

Could it be about me buying magical tools?

They found out again?

No need to worry.

It's not about you this time.

It's about the princess.

Yuanzhen?

(That white tea tree in the royal garden)

(was the princess's favorite.)

(But for some unknown reason, it suddenly withered.)

(His Majesty and Her Majesty decided to have it cut down.)

(The princess has been feeling down)

(and has been crying ever since.)

Come on. Slowly...

Young Master, it's time to take your medicine.

Young Master Mei, I didn't know you liked

to sneak around in the rafters like a thief.

If I hadn't crept along the rafters,

how else would I have caught you doing something so sneaky?

Well...

I've always been grateful to you

for saving me at the inn.

What did I ever do to offend you

that you'd falsely accuse me like this?

You used dark magic

and tried to plunge Chang'an into chaos.

How is that a false accusation?

Talk of demons and monsters has always existed.

But recently, the people of Chang'an began spreading such rumors again.

It's nothing but baseless gossip.

Why would you take such rumors seriously and question me?

You know exactly why.

Commissioner Mei, why not come in and investigate?

I just came to remind you.

Those who walk in darkness

will eventually be swallowed by it.

Young Master,

will Young Master Mei become a problem?

It doesn't matter.

Either way, that Mei fellow has to die.

All right, don't cry anymore.

Be good, Yuanzhen.

That white tea tree was strange from the start.

It bloomed for no reason, then withered just as suddenly.

It was an ill omen.

Indeed.

He's not an ill omen.

Leave him alone...

This...

Even if we don't remove it,

looking at it now,

it can't survive, right?

No.

He'll recover.

He'll bloom for me again.

He promised he'd always stay with me.

There, there.

It's just a tea tree, isn't it?

If you like it so much,

we'll plant a few more in the garden for you.

Yes, exactly.

It's not the same.

It's not the same.

He's different from the other trees.

What...

What's the difference?

Dear Yuanzhen, don't cry.

Look what Grandpa brought you.

Take a look.

Isn't it fun?

- Yes. - No, it's not.

It is fun.

It's not fun.

How is it not fun?

She's close with you.

Go on, comfort her.

National affairs await.

You can go take care of them.

Leave the rest to me.

We'll leave her to you, then.

All right. Come on.

Go on, all of you.

Go on.

You're not needed here anymore. Off you go.

Seems I'm not needed either.

Aunt Wu.

You understand how I feel, don't you?

Of course, I do.

Yuanzhen,

I remember

that white tea tree was brought back during your southern travels

with your father and mother, wasn't it?

Then can you tell me

what happened on that trip

that made you love the tree so much?

Mother.

Father.

Mother.

Father.

(That night, deep in the forest,)

(it was he who scared the beast away)

(and protected me.)

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness! Thank goodness we found you.

Quickly.

His Majesty and Her Majesty were worried sick.

Your Highness,

are you hurt?

What are you doing here?

Let's go back now.

Come on, quickly.

We can't go yet.

He's the one who saved me.

He seems sick.

We have to help him.

That thing saved you?

But we don't have any gardeners with us now.

Your Highness, let's go first.

Then take him back to the palace.

I'll find the best gardener in the world.

All right, he'll live.

We'll make sure he lives.

Let's go back first.

Aunt Wu.

I know,

they say even the best gardeners

could not help him.

This time,

he's truly gone.

Look.

Do you know what this is?

This is...

It's him.

To protect Yuanzhen,

you were willing to give your life.

Now your end draws near. Your spirit will disperse.

Do you regret it?

To save Her Highness,

I have no regrets.

♪Apricot blossoms flutter, in an instant, all else fades♪

Very well.

I can bind your soul to an object

and give you to Yuanzhen,

so you can remain with her always.

♪Promises of forever written into drifting smoke and waves♪

♪Without you in this world, what worth remains?♪

Thank you, Cat Master.

I am willing to become a bound spirit.

♪But nothing cuts deeper than that moment of farewell♪

♪The rest of my life I'd give just to grow old with you♪

♪Yet still what I seek I cannot reach♪♪

♪Watch as petals fall one by one♪

♪If I fall in love, how is that wrong?♪

♪Moonlight dries the air, breath turns cold♪

♪I hold you close, but you stay silent♪

Beheaded flowers...

♪Watch as petals fall one by one♪

♪If I fall in love, how is that wrong?♪

Hua...

♪Eyes flicker, memories overflow♪

♪How could I say goodbye when you turn back to look?♪

Let me help you put it on, okay?

♪How dare I hope for anything after?♪

(Majesty Ascends)

When I was traveling,

I often thought of home.

I missed Yuanzhen so much.

If Your Majesty

could give Yuanzhen another younger brother,

that would really liven things up.

If Zhen gets married,

that would be even livelier.

I heard the young masters of the Pei and Mei families

are both temporarily staying at your residence.

Father, have you seen them? What do you think?

I've seen them.

But...

Well...

Choosing a son-in-law isn't easy.

Still,

after much deliberation on my part as her father,

thinking it through from every angle,

I think

the nephew from the Pei family is better.

Most importantly, he promised not to take concubines.

You mean Young Master Mei wants to take concubines?

That's not it.

He just doesn't want to get married.

Why not?

He has no parents,

no family fortune,

so he probably feels unworthy of taking a wife.

I've met Young Master Mei.

He's quite impressive.

Father, don't be reckless.

When it comes to choosing a husband,

Zhen must choose someone she truly likes.

Someone she can be with for the rest of her life.

♪Sighing at the fleeting lights of the human world♪

♪Flowers bloom in splendor, then wither away♪

♪Old dreams linger in my heart♪

♪The past gets engraved, yet leaving no trace♪

♪Flickering candle shadows stir the sorrow of parting♪

♪The seasons turn, time slips away♪

♪The night rain falls sparse♪

♪Even tears remain silent♪

So tell me,

what do you think of your cousin from the Pei family?

♪One glance back, and the years are worn with age♪

It's nice having someone

who's always there.

See?

Even Zhen thinks the Pei lad is good.

Why is she

so agreeable today?

You don't understand.

Zhen has finally grown up.

Finally grown up.

Father,

there's one more thing I'd like your help with.

♪Memories remain, never leaving my side♪

♪An unwavering devotion♪

♪Buried beneath the sands of time♪

(Duke Wu Residence)

Gentlemen, I hope you haven't waited long.

Uncle.

Come now.

Pour the liquor.

Forgive me, Your Lordship.

I don't drink.

I know.

I know you can't hold your liquor.

But this isn't liquor.

It's called Apricot Gold.

It's just a fruit drink, really.

Try it first.

Go on, give it a sip.

My dear nephew,

don't say you can't drink.

Zhen is quite the drinker herself.

Come.

Bottoms up.

Your Lordship, my young master doesn't hold his liquor well.

Who asked you?

Come now.

Try it.

Come on. Do me this favor.

Well?

Isn't it fragrant and smooth?

Doesn't linger beautifully?

Even fine liquor wouldn't compare.

How is it?

Well?

It's fragrant and mellow,

with a hint of fruity sweetness.

It's really quite good.

Nephew, since you've got the capacity,

we'll drink to our heart's content tonight.

This liquor,

as much as you want!

Uncle...

About Zhen...

She can really hold her drink.

Drink up. It's Apricot Gold.

What are they doing?

His Lordship said he's going

to drink with them until they're drunk.

And if you return,

ask you

to choose which of the two

you'd like to take care of.

My father is testing me.

Such an elaborate plan.

Probably wasn't his idea.

I'm so dizzy...

I am drunk.

That's what my sister thought.

So dizzy...

Your Lordship...

I am drunk!

Zhen, you're back.

These two young men drank quite a bit.

Take care of them, will you?

You.

You, and you.

Come with me.

Slow down.

So dizzy...

So dizzy...

Jiya, I'll walk you to your room.

Young Master Mei, allow me to escort you.

Ming Zhuang,

no need to bother.

Go tend to your work.

What did I say?

Looks like Zhen still cares more

about her cousin Jiya.

Zhen...

Do you know

my true feelings?

Of course, I understand, Jiya.

Now rest well.

We'll go out tomorrow.

I thought you didn't drink, Young Master Mei?

You hold your liquor surprisingly well.

But drinking it like that is such a waste.

Apricot Gold is meant to be sipped slowly.

Only then can you taste its depth.

Plus, it has a strong after-effect.

Drinking like that

is a bit much.

Aren't you supposed to escort your cousin?

Why bother with me now?

♪Apricot blossoms flutter, in an instant, all else fades♪

♪Leaving only the bitterness brewed from memory♪

♪Promises of forever written into drifting smoke and waves♪

♪Without you in this world, what worth remains?♪

♪Joys and sorrows of the past entangle in dreams♪

♪But nothing cuts deeper than that moment of farewell♪

♪The rest of my life I'd give just to grow old with you♪

♪Yet still what I seek I cannot reach♪

♪Watch as petals fall one by one♪

♪If I fall in love, how is that wrong?♪

♪Moonlight dries the air, breath turns cold♪

♪I hold you close, but you stay silent♪

♪Watch as petals fall one by one♪

♪If I fall in love, how is that wrong?♪

♪Eyes flicker, memories overflow♪

♪How could I say goodbye when you turn back to look?♪

♪How dare I hope for anything after?♪