Original subtitles

[Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty III: To Chang'an]

[Episode 37]

[Dayu Fish Market]

You think I only sell

those small fish out front?

I have big fish, too.

Let me show you.

Would you like to swim

with my big fish?

I'll let you down.

Start talking.

Otherwise, even if

you have a pretty face,

I'll have to feed you to the fish.

I don't care about why you were

stalking Liu Jun.

What I want to know is

how you obtained intel

about Yenisei Kirghiz.

[Bream]

You're from Yenisei Kirghiz?

Yes.

[Bream]

You're already fish food now.

With you,

I have nothing to hide.

Speak.

How did you get the intel?

I don't know about the intel.

But my husband does.

Who is your husband?

Lu Lingfeng, Yongzhou Judicial Official.

If you take me back to Yongzhou Prefecture,

I promise you

he will tell you everything.

Lu Lingfeng?

The Princess's son

is your husband?

Haven't I caught a treasure then?

The Princess suddenly cut off

contact with Yenisei Kirghiz.

Perhaps you

can help restore

relations between Yenisei Kirghiz and the Princess's Mansion.

Your Highness.

Why are you in such a hurry?

I received a message by carrier pigeon.

If you want Pei Xijun alive,

then grant what Yenisei Kirghiz demands.

Go to Yongzhou Prefecture.

Give this to Lu Lingfeng.

Remember,

only he is allowed to see it.

Yes.

Please.

Mr. Fei.

Mr. Fei, where's Xijun?

I found a restaurant in Qinglong District

that sells delicious pig organ soup,

so I brought some back for her.

You only think about Xijun,

but not about me.

Of course, I got something for you too, Mr. Fei.

Here, Gourd Chicken.

Yingtao, you're so kind!

We got paid today,

so of course I had to treat everyone.

Where's Xijun? Call her out to eat.

She went out.

Lu Lingfeng sent her

to follow someone.

Xijun?

Is Xijun back yet?

Lu Lingfeng,

you sent Xijun to follow someone?

Yes.

Isn't she back yet?

Master!

Master.

The Princess sent someone to Yongzhou Prefecture,

saying there's an urgent matter for you.

I'm Lu Lingfeng.

Official Lu, may I have a word?

[Liu Mansion]

Open up!

Who are you looking for?

Is Liu Jun here?

At this hour?

How could Magistrate Liu be home?

Then where would he be?

Only two places.

Either the Persian House

or the Pingkang District.

The usual approach. Let's split up.

Nice dancing!

I like it.

This way.

Gentlemen,

what would you like to drink?

Any wine available in the world

can be found at the Persian House.

We're looking for someone.

Then you've come to the right place.

All of Chang'an's officials and wealthy merchants

can be found here.

If you're looking for women,

any one of them

can captivate your soul

for the rest of your life.

Is Magistrate Liu from Yongzhou Prefecture here?

Who?

Liu Jun.

Oh, Mr. Liu!

He's a magistrate?

I didn't know

he held such a high position.

Stop the idle talk.

He's involved in a case now.

Involved in a case?

That's frightening.

But he hasn't visited

Persian House at all tonight.

Really?

You're so intimidating,

how would I dare to lie?

Let's go.

No need to see me out.

I'll be back tomorrow.

All right.

Master, don't worry.

Perhaps Liu Jun went to Pingkang District.

[Persian House]

Mr. Su and the others

might be able to find him.

Wait.

What did that female innkeeper

say just now?

She said

he didn't come tonight.

That's not right.

But he hasn't visited

Persian House at all tonight.

That statement is strange.

As a shopkeeper,

her normal response should be,

"Liu Jun didn't come tonight."

But she used the word "visited"

and emphasized "Persian House."

This sounds more like

she's repeating someone else's words.

Master,

now that you mention it,

it does make sense.

Shopkeeper, you're lying.

Where is Liu Jun?

Don't move!

I had no choice.

I had to rat you out.

You can have

your silver back.

If anyone comes looking for me,

just tell them that I've not

visited Persian House at all tonight.

Where is Miss Pei?

Why are you asking such a strange question?

Who is Miss Pei?

I don't know her.

By the way,

I am the honorable Magistrate of Yongzhou Prefecture.

How dare you treat me like this!

I'm asking you,

where is Pei Xijun?

Lu Lingfeng,

you're just a Judicial Official.

Your rank is below mine.

I know

you have a special relationship with the Princess,

but you can't abuse your power.

Put it down!

Xue Huan.

Stop! Stop!

Lu Lingfeng,

I will definitely report you!

You can report me,

but first you must tell me

where Pei Xijun is.

I don't know any Pei Xijun.

Even if you beat me to death,

I still wouldn't know.

Official Lu.

What brings you here?

I took the portrait

and traced it to Chongxian District.

The district head recognized

this person as the owner of Dayu Fish Market.

I didn't dare act rashly,

so I investigated secretly.

A secret agent told me

Magistrate Liu frequents there.

He was there today.

Dayu Fish Market...

I've found the answer.

Liu Jun, since you won't admit it,

you can go to the King of Hell

and repent for your sins!

I confess!

Yes.

It's the Dayu Fish Market.

You can't blame me for this.

Miss Pei was following me.

Jia.

Yes.

Arrest him and take him back.

Yes.

How's it going?

Any movement from the Princess's Mansion?

No.

Don't tell me we've been

fooled by that girl.

Gather all our men.

Yes.

Pack only valuables and money.

We'll return to Yenisei Kirghiz overnight.

Yes.

Let me go.

You're just a liar!

I knew it.

You're so plain-looking.

Why would the Princess's son

be interested in you?

I'm not lying to you.

My husband, Lu Lingfeng,

is Di Renjie's disciple.

He's an expert in solving crimes.

He already suspects

your accomplice, Liu Jun.

If I don't return,

it will solidify the suspicion against Liu Jun.

Lu Lingfeng will be here soon.

If you surrender now,

I can plead for mercy on your behalf.

At least you'll have a proper burial.

Such brave words from a little lady.

Liu Jun's exposure was inevitable.

I've long been prepared.

You think you can scare

a Yenisei Kirghiz warrior with a few words?

Dream on.

I'm tired of Chang'an anyway.

This is the perfect opportunity

to return to the Yenisei Kirghiz Grasslands.

My fish, I'm leaving now.

This young lady

is a treat I'm leaving for you.

Enjoy her.

Lu Lingfeng!

Seize them!

Lu Lingfeng!

Lu Lingfeng!

[Yongzhou Prefecture]

Chief Administrator Xiong...

Liu Jun!

As the Magistrate of Yongzhou Prefecture,

how could you?

How did you fall so low?

Confess everything!

I...

Chang'an is just too dazzling

and too intoxicating.

I was fond of entertainment

and often visited the Persian House and Pingkang District.

Those are expensive places to be.

Later,

I met the man surnamed Yu.

His name is Yu Matong.

At first, I only knew he was a merchant

who was generous with his money.

He often paid my bills.

Over time,

I spent a lot of his money.

One day...

What is this?

These are all the bills

I've paid for you.

How can it be so much?

Are you trying to blackmail me?

You...

He forced me to stamp my fingerprint

on those bills

and threatened to hand

those bills to the Censorate

if I refused

to help them.

Only then did I realize that I had fallen into a trap.

But it was too late.

Did you know he was Yenisei Kirghiz?

Not at first.

I found out later.

And you still worked for them after knowing?

You...

You're an official of the Tang Empire!

You...

Liu Jun.

What have you done for the Yenisei Kirghiz?

I told them about

everything the court assigned

to Yongzhou Prefecture.

And this time,

I learned from Li Zhuang

that you were investigating Yenisei Kirghiz spies,

and that you were about

to discover the Ghost Market Intel Stall.

I told him all about it, too.

[Patriotic and devote to public service]

You...

Just wait and see.

For colluding with the enemy,

the court will execute you!

[Pei's Mansion]

It's all my fault.

When I heard Xijun's cries for help,

I panicked

and killed all 4 of the Yenisei Kirghiz men.

Good riddance.

They bred monstrous fish

and fed them with live people.

Such people deserved to die.

But

I didn't leave any survivors,

and now the trail has gone cold.

It doesn't matter.

We're both Master Di's disciples.

Solving a case

and finding clues shouldn't be difficult for us.

Besides,

the Yenisei Kirghiz are going to meet

someone called Wolf.

This intel is also very important.

The meeting location

is at Dayan Pagoda in Jinchang District.

Also,

the contact sent by the Yenisei Kirghiz

is a woman.

[Great virtue can carry the world]

Jinchang District

is in Wannian County.

Three days

after the day

Sun Zi got the intel...

That's tomorrow, isn't it?

So,

I'll go with you tomorrow

to set up an ambush at Dayan Pagoda.

We'll try to capture

both the Yenisei Kirghiz spy and Wolf

in one swoop.

[Pei's Mansion]

Greetings, Chief Minister Pei.

Why is it you two?

No, I haven't come to the wrong place.

Has Pei Jian

sold his house?

No, no.

This is indeed Vice Minister Pei's residence.

Then why are

the two of you here

late at night?

Let me explain.

Vice Minister Pei's daughter, Pei Xijun,

is my sworn sister.

We're as close as siblings.

And you?

I...

Pei Jian has been posted elsewhere

and all his servants have been dismissed.

You are from the Lu family of Fanyang.

Why are you

at Xijun's place instead of your home

at such an hour?

Pei Xijun and I have long been engaged.

But due to my busy official duties,

we haven't married yet.

I see.

When did you get engaged?

When you got engaged,

did Pei Jian know about

your special relationship with the Princess?

Well...

What does this have to do with you, Chief Minister Pei?

When an elder asks you a question,

how can you be so disrespectful?

Just answer truthfully.

Could it be that

you two are secretly engaged,

and Pei Jian doesn't know?

The Tang Empire is certainly open-minded,

but marriage is too important

to be handled so carelessly.

No, Vice Minister Pei knows.

Chief Minister Pei,

do you remember the Black Tea Case

that shocked Chang'an 2 years ago?

Lu Lingfeng risked his life

to save Xijun.

At that time, Vice Minister Pei already

intended to betroth Xijun to him.

And after solving

the Cantian Tower case,

Vice Minister Pei formally

entrusted Xijun to him

before leaving Chang'an.

I know you're silver-tongued.

Do you dare swear

on Di Renjie's honor

that everything you said is true?

I do.

I, Su Wuming,

swear by my mentor, Master Di,

that what I just reported to you

contains not a single lie.

I'll believe you for now.

What I care about is

whether Pei Jian, because of Lu Lingfeng

and his special relationship with the Princess,

deliberately curried favor

and brought shame to the Pei family of Hedong.

Tell Xijun to see me.

I've already examined her.

She's just had a shock.

It's nothing serious.

A good night's sleep will fix it.

Then let her rest.

Pei Mian is just throwing his weight around.

There's no need to see him.

Lu Lingfeng!

Well...

You can't say that.

Chief Minister Pei is my granduncle.

He is a highly respected elder,

and everyone in our Pei family of Hedong

looks up to him.

If he's here, it must be important.

I must see him no matter what.

Fine, I'll go with you.

Granduncle, please have some tea.

I heard

you were injured?

No, it was a false alarm.

What happened?

Well...

My sworn sister, Pei Xijun.

was helping Yongzhou Prefecture

track down Yenisei Kirghiz spies

when she encountered danger.

We failed to protect her properly.

Please forgive us, Chief Minister Pei.

Is Su Wuming speaking the truth?

Yes, it's true.

It was my own carelessness.

I never expected that

you would be serving our country!

Yenisei Kirghiz spies have infiltrated Chang'an,

attempting to disrupt

the international polo tournament.

At this critical moment,

a daughter of the Pei family bravely took on this burden.

Admirable, truly admirable!

Granduncle, I haven't done anything special.

You're too kind.

I'm here to ask for a favor.

But I see you're not looking well.

You should rest first.

Tomorrow,

I'll have someone bring you some tonics.

If there's no one to attend to you,

I can also

send two maids over.

No need.

Everyone here

is my close friend.

They'll take care of me.

Very well.

I'll take my leave.

Wait.

Granduncle,

I'm perfectly fine.

Please tell me what you need.

If it's within my ability,

I'll do my best.

Well,

all right.

Here's the thing.

For this international polo tournament,

His Majesty wants to create

a brand new polo ball,

one that represents

the prosperity of our Tang Empire.

Those useless people at the Tribute Office

worked on it for 2 months,

but failed to produce a polo ball

to His Majesty's fancy.

The final match is approaching,

and I'm getting anxious.

Then I suddenly thought of you.

You've been clever since childhood

and especially skilled in painting.

That's why I've come to ask for your help.

I hope you can help design

this critically important

imperial polo ball for the Tang Empire.

I'm honored by your trust, Granduncle.

I'm willing to try.

But I know nothing about making polo balls.

I can only provide

design sketches on paper.

That's perfect!

Then I thank you in advance.

Granduncle, you're too kind.

In my mind, prosperity means

the rain is falling outside the window,

I'm listening to raindrops on flowering trees,

teaching the children calligraphy and painting,

and waiting for my beloved to return home from the county office.

It's so sweet my teeth hurt!

Master Fei,

please don't tease me.

I'd like to hear

what prosperity means

to you.

Me?

I believe

prosperity is easy to achieve but hard to maintain.

To keep prosperity forever,

first of all,

the emperor must be a wise ruler.

He must see things clearly,

and the common people shouldn't suffer.

Then I, Fei,

would have wine to drink every day.

Xue Huan, what about you?

I don't know what prosperity looks like,

but I know

if prosperity comes,

someone needs to protect our Tang Empire.

If anyone dares to provoke us,

I'll beat them until they're picking their teeth off the ground.

Prosperity should include the martial world too, right?

Yes, indeed.

I love the clouds, the smoke,

and the wilderness.

In my eyes, a prosperous era

is when all people of the Tang Empire

have their own place in the world,

and everyone finds their rightful position.

Well said!

As expected from a heroic lady.

You two, stop pretending to be idle.

Share your thoughts about prosperity

and give Xijun some inspiration.

A truly prosperous era

requires both civil governance and military strength.

Therefore, we must allow citizens to flourish

while also conquering our enemies,

and making those ambitious nations

tremble with fear.

Otherwise, with unstable borders,

nothing else can be achieved.

So the longevity of prosperity

depends on how far our arrows can reach.

The prosperity of our Tang Empire

needs both poetry

and swords.

A balance of the pen and the sword,

that is the way of prosperity.

Well said.

Civil governance and military strength

are indeed both important.

I don't understand military matters.

As for civil governance,

I think there are just two approaches.

One is like the reign of Emperors Wen and Jing of the Early Han,

adopting a hands-off approach

and letting citizens flourish.

As they say, governing a great nation

is like cooking a small fish.

Another example is Emperor Xuan's reign,

where he personally handled all matters

and enforced strict laws.

Though the common people lived comfortably,

the officials lived in constant fear.

In comparison,

during the Wen-Jing era,

the people, officials, and emperor all enjoyed prosperity together,

which was clearly better.

But I think

a truly prosperous era

has perhaps not yet arrived.

Because the prosperity in my heart

should be clearer, stronger, and more prosperous

than during the times of Wen-Jing and Xuan.

Oh boy...

These two talked eloquently

and went on for so long.

But how can all that

be represented on a single polo ball?

In my opinion,

the Tribute Office

isn't necessarily full of useless people.

Perhaps His Majesty was too presumptuous.

This might simply be

an impossible task.

What makes Xijun special

is her unique perspective

on beautiful things.

Everything we've discussed

will serve as her reference

and ultimately be reflected in her design.

Right?

I've remembered everything you all said.

I do need to think it through carefully.

However,

I'd like to get some good sleep first.

Good idea.

Clear your mind and rest well

to gather your strength.

Then the design will

naturally come to you.

You know me so well, Wuming.

[Jinguang Gate]

[Dayan Pagoda of Daci'en Temple in Jinchang District]

Please wrap this bouquet for me.

Take a look at this.

This one is fresh too.

Fragrance pouch pendant.

Have a look.

Less than 5 days until the final match.

Whether we can eliminate

the threat of Yenisei Kirghiz spies before the tournament

depends on today's operation.

Perhaps this meeting

has nothing to do

with the international polo tournament.

Maybe it's just false intel.

Besides,

these so-called spies

have existed even in peaceful times.

Many people make it their profession.

Hey, Su Wuming,

why do you act like

this doesn't concern you?

What I mean is,

the closer we get to the big battle,

the more we should stay relaxed.

We should believe that

mere Yenisei Kirghiz forces

aren't enough to disrupt Chang'an.

What you're saying

does make some sense.

Of course.

[Bafang Inn]

Juren candidate.

You're here again.

What? Am I not welcome?

No, no.

What flavor would you like?

Anything.

As long as you let me

sit here, that's enough.

Sure, no problem.

Please.

Juren Candidate Tian

Eating sushan again?

I remember you had

3 servings just yesterday.

Aren't you afraid of getting a stomachache?

Lady Chong, you got that right.

Last night was awful for me.

But I'm feeling better now.

So today I've decided

to eat one serving of sushan,

then drink a bowl of wonton soup,

then eat sushan again,

then drink wonton soup again.

This way, my stomach will be fine.

You're not planning

to spend the whole day here, are you?

Yes, I am.

I've brought my books.

I can study, eat good food,

and admire the beauty

all at the same time.

You'll admire nothing.

Even if you're not afraid of being ridiculed,

I am.

I can't help myself.

You...

Yang Ji.

This person isn't staying at the inn.

No need to give him a discount.

Alright.

Please enjoy.

I'll still give you a discount.

The way you said you can't help yourself...

Inkeeper, one premium room.

East-facing or west-facing?

South-facing.

You're in luck.

We have one such room left.

Here, second floor.

Would you like a bowl of Sixi Wontons?

Four fillings in one bowl, it's delicious.

Father, I'm not hungry.

My daughter isn't hungry.

She'll come down when she's hungry.

What is it?

I'm here to deliver your sushan.

Sushan?

We didn't order any.

No need to order.

Every guest who stays

at the Bafang Inn

gets a complimentary serving

of sushan

from the Liuhe Sushan Shop.

Please enjoy.

Bring it in.

We have two flavors.

One is red bean,

and the other is cherry.

Which would the beautiful lady prefer?

What did you call me?

You look beautiful,

so I called you a beautiful lady.

Are all Chang'an people

such smooth talkers?

Not really.

I couldn't help myself.

I'll take the cherry one.

What are you looking at?

Sorry, I just can't help it.

Please enjoy at your leisure.

Master.

They say that Chang'an,

where the emperor lives,

is heavily guarded.

But it doesn't seem that impressive.

We deliberately

delayed entering the city until today

just so we could

meet with Wolf successfully.

Let me see the map of the Chang'an districts.

[Jinchang District] [Anshan District]

Dayan Pagoda is in Jinchang District,

which is close to Anshan District.

No wonder they wanted us

to stay at the Bafang Inn.

Well,

shall we leave for Dayan Pagoda now

to wait for Wolf there?

What's the rush?

The meeting time is at dusk.

Try this sushan first.

It tastes good.

Official Lu, Sheriff Su.

- Chief Administrator Xiong. - Chief Administrator Xiong.

What brings you here?

His Majesty has ordered Yongzhou Prefecture

to co-host the international polo tournament.

Security must be our top priority.

Of course. As for catching spies,

that's not my expertise.

Naturally,

I'll leave that to you two.

But I'm anxious.

I couldn't just sit

in the county office anymore,

so I came personally to oversee the operation.

How's it going?

Have you spotted any suspicious individuals?

Not yet.

[Pei's Mansion]

Granduncle.

Xijun, I'm here to check on your progress.

Since the tournament is approaching.

I...

Granduncle, you've come at the right time.

The design plan is ready.

Please, come inside.

[Back Design Blueprint] [Five Grains]

This imperial polo ball design

is very simplistic.

I'm worried that His Majesty...

Granduncle, please convey my ideas

to His Majesty first.

If His Majesty doesn't like it,

I'll redesign it.

I suppose you're right.

[Back Design Blueprint] [Five Grains]

The golden dragon represents our Tang Empire.

The dragon is the king of all beasts.

It commands the heavens and crowns all spirits.

The dragon soars through the sky, bringing auspicious energy from the east.

It not only has a good meaning,

but also symbolizes the mandate of heaven.

True power lies not in weapons,

but in the brilliance of virtue.

The prosperity of the nation

depends not only on vast territories

but on the wealth of its people.

[Body wrapped in high-quality animal hide]

Rice, millet, wheat, beans, and sorghum.

These 5 grains are the foundation of people's survival.

Depicting the 5 grains on the polo ball

symbolizes abundant harvests

and the people's happiness.

Externally, all nations pay tribute,

bowing before our court.

Internally,

the people are well-clothed and well-fed,

singing as they play,

eating to their fill,

and dancing in the streets.

That is the sign of prosperity.

I wonder what Your Majesty thinks.

Good.

[Body wrapped in high-quality animal hide]

The golden dragon with the 5 grains

may appear simple,

but it perfectly matches my intentions.

The Retired Emperor

once praised you as a pillar of the state.

No, no.

Looking at this design,

the praise was well-deserved.

No, no.

Your Majesty, I dare not take credit.

This design was created by my relative,

Pei Xijun, daughter of Pei Jian.

Pei Xijun?

Yes.

I met her once at Chengfo Temple.

She truly is a talented woman.

Xijun hopes

that the ball

can be made with premium sandalwood

and wrapped with the finest

beast hide.

Of course.

Sandalwood is easy to obtain.

As for the hide...

Last year, among the precious tributes

from various nations that were displayed

at the Qu River banks by the Court of the Imperial Treasury,

there were two luminous hides.

Attendant Yang, do you remember that?

They were tributes from the Byzantine Empire,

the hides of the Seven-Colored Beast.

The beast is the size of a rabbit.

Its rarity lies in its hide,

which emits a strange

seven-colored radiance under sunlight.

It's truly a wonder of the world.

I had planned to wait until Your Majesty's birthday

to have something made for you with them.

Let's use those for the polo ball.

Only those two hides

are worthy of

this ingenious design.

Yes,

I'll get it from the Court of the Imperial Treasury right away.

Deliver them directly to Pei.

I look forward to the final match day,

when the Imperial Polo Ball will shine.

Make no mistake

during preparation.

Otherwise, you will be held responsible.

Your Majesty.

Pei Mian

isn't considered one of Her Highness's people.

But he has never

shown loyalty to Your Majesty.

Moreover,

he openly defied Your Majesty the other day.

In my humble opinion,

I fear he has

already secretly allied with Her Highness.

Therefore, we should use this polo tournament

to seize his weakness.

I am tired again.

Even if Pei Mian doesn't object,

it's not certain

if I can

triumph on the polo field.

Tell Yin

to prepare the gastrodia powder soon.

Yes.

Do you like this one?

Yes, I do.

I'll wrap it up for you.

Sachets and pendants!

What would you two like to buy?

Trinkets!

All kinds of trinkets!

Sachets and pendants!

Take a look!

Look around!

Look, over there.

Why does that man in red

look familiar to me?

That beard looks strange.

It must be a disguise.

Sir, if you bring that fan

home to your wife,

she'll surely love it.

Quickly, seize those two!

You!

They're clearly spies.

What are you waiting for?

Arrest them!