Original subtitles

‪ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL ‪ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU

- What's this? - A brand.

Same as the one behind Hanxiao's ear.

DU'S MANSION

Old man, find anything yet?

What poison is it, exactly?

This is my homemade wine.

Xiao,

you'll appreciate its delicate nature.

I named this wine Amber Glow.

Look. That color.

Now smell it. That aroma.

Fine craftsmanship, Mr. Du.

I bought the best grapes from Persian merchants.

Only made this one small barrel.

Come on. First cup from the new jar.

It's for you to taste.

- You're not talking, huh? - Please.

Put the barrel down.

- This wine is precious! - Talk or not?

Put it down and I'll talk.

- Three… - I'll talk!

Okay… I'll talk.

Bird-poison. Aconite.

Killer's got a lot of hate,

but not much experience.

They threw in the most lethal stuff they could think of.

There's one more plant.

But what exactly it is,

I couldn't tell.

When can you tell?

I can't.

Herbs are like snake venom.

There are thousands.

Unless the poisoner admits it themselves,

- otherwise, it's hard to tell. - Really?

Really. I already told you.

Now give me the wine.

What an old man.

You get more long-winded with age.

Bet you're bored at home.

Bored?

I've retired.

The one thing I should do is… rest.

Come on. Let's drink.

Someone's been poisoned and might not be dead yet.

We can't save them.

This poison's vicious.

Even if an immortal shows up,

there's still no way. Come on.

Just as I thought.

Even the Imperial Medical Office said

there's no saving them.

Yeah.

The medical officers checked.

All said they won't make it.

What do they know?

Treating illness, sure.

Detox? That's my job.

That person's life can still be held on a bit.

As long as, before they die,

we find the last poison,

get the antidote, and add my prescription.

Old man, that's you alright!

Inspector Du, you're well-read and worldly.

This is nothing yet.

Just wait.

I'll get you two something good!

The artist drew these sketches based on their bone structures.

Their bodies were badly swollen.

So it's only an approximation.

Except for Birou,

the other six girls are all here.

These days, Mr. Gu has visited their hometowns.

No one's seen them return.

Besides these six girls,

those who got killed

were mostly former clients of Xiuhong House.

Why would the killer want to wipe them all out?

Mr. Xiao,

you said you'd seen Birou before. Where?

How long have you been back here?

I just got back.

Or did you never leave at all?

Your Ladyship, I didn't mean to hide it from you.

I'm sick like this.

Even if I went back home, I couldn't make a living.

So… I stayed here instead.

What do you do for a living?

Smells so good.

I blend essential oils and hair oil.

They nourish the hair and help condition the body too.

If Your Ladyship likes it, take a few jars back with you.

If you don't like it too strong,

I can make a lighter scent as well.

Stop picking at it.

You're making it bleed.

I'll be fine with some honey balm.

Are you still in touch with Ruyi and the others?

I wasn't that close with them.

And I didn't leave Western Capital with them.

Did something happen to them?

If you hear anything about them, please tell me.

ZHUQUE GATE

Wuren.

Mr. Gu.

Are you looking for an official who's been on leave?

You have a lead on him?

I know someone.

The day after Prince of Heng died, he suddenly took leave

and said he had to rush home.

But these past few days,

he summoned all the famous physicians to his house.

Though… Maybe I'm overthinking it.

Who is it?

Chief Justice, Wu Yuekun.

WU'S MANSION

Sirs, my master has gone out.

Waiting here is pointless.

Tell your lady

your master's poison can only be cured by me.

What medicines have you used?

We found the best physicians in Western Capital.

They prescribed antidotes.

But they said the poison is strange. It can't be fully neutralized.

It's only barely keeping him alive.

We don't even know how long he can hold on.

Your Ladyship,

can my husband still be saved?

Catch the killer sooner,

and we save him sooner.

It depends on whether you cooperate.

I'm just a woman.

How am I supposed to catch a killer?

Just answer our questions.

Five days ago,

did Wu Yuekun go to Vice Minister Yang's home?

Was he poisoned the same night?

Do you have anyone else to rely on?

If Wu Yuekun truly dies,

how will you live from then on?

Why should I believe

you can save my husband?

You're desperate and grasping at straws.

If not us, who else can you trust?

If I say the wrong thing,

he'll beat me to death!

Fine. When he dies, no one will hit you again.

I'll talk.

I'll talk.

Five days ago,

my husband went out to entertain guests.

He came back early, all of a sudden.

Then he kept coughing blood.

He warned me

not to let anyone know.

Then he passed out.

Our driver was afraid

he'd be dragged into a murder case.

He told me my husband had gone to Vice Minister Yang's house.

After that, he resigned and wouldn't stay a single extra day.

He must've stepped in something big.

But…

I'm just a woman.

What could I do?

That's all I know. Your Ladyship…

Your Ladyship!

Please save my husband!

Go tell the physicians you hired

there's no Gelsemium in this poison.

It's aconite. Your prescription is off.

He'd be better off just drinking warm water.

Alright.

I'll go now.

Stop staring.

You should thank your lady.

She just saved your life.

That pill I gave you just now

will buy you four hours at most.

Tell the truth and help us catch the killer fast,

or keep stalling and die for it.

You choose.

The real owner of Xiuhong House is you, isn't it?

You pretended to let Prosecutor Cheng investigate closely,

so you could track every step of the case

and line up scapegoats in advance.

You played it safe at every turn.

You finally got away clean.

So why risk it now?

Are you that stupid, or do you think we are?

Xiao Huaijin…

You're so young,

yet just like your father, always lecturing.

Say whatever you want.

Spin it however you like.

I was only poisoned by accident

in my own house.

As for the rest,

I know nothing.

You schemed it this long,

and all you've got is deny?

Just like Lu Zhenglian.

So you deny going to Vice Minister Yang's house

and having anything to do with those girls?

I've kept my name clean my whole life.

Don't you slander me!

Fine.

Since you want to play the good official,

I'll tell you a story.

Deputy Director Xiao,

what story could possibly suit the Chief Justice?

Of course,

the story of hating evil and upholding justice

at all cost.

Go on, please.

In the Xiuhong House case,

though Sun Zhiwang and Lu Zhenglian have met justice,

everyone knows

the real masterminds, those nobles who abused palace maids,

are still at large.

Chief Justice Wu Yuekun

was heartsick to see the law trampled,

his men set up, and even more heartsick

that justice couldn't be served.

But he also knew

all witnesses and evidence were gone.

By normal means, he could never get true justice.

So,

he chose the dangerous path

to make them pay in his own way.

But how would he make them pay?

After hearing Lou Chuo's confession,

he tracked down Prince of Heng, the one with scars on his inner wrist.

He pretended to win Prince of Heng's trust

and little by little, dug up that whole group's secrets.

Five days ago,

he and Prince of Heng met in secret at Vice Minister Yang's home.

He used the chance to scatter homemade poison

into the pond.

To avoid suspicion,

he'd rather enter the poisoned pond himself

and go down with them.

Thankfully, Heaven was watching.

He took the antidote in time and kept his life.

What a heroic and epic story,

a touching one.

His Majesty will surely show mercy

and praise your noble heart,

even if

- you poisoned His Majesty's own son. - You…

You think I've got no proof, just making things up?

You…

Of course I have proof.

Your personal token,

an imperial gift.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Looking for evidence, of course.

After I drained the poison water from Vice Minister Yang's pond,

I found this at the bottom.

This bottle of poison was mixed just for you.

It's almost like what was in the pond.

Once it's diluted in water, it's a perfect match.

Little vials like this, I hid five or six in your residence.

Don't rush.

When the Palace Investigation Bureau searches your home,

you'll see where I hid them.

What we lack now is a witness.

Your lady won't admit it, of course.

And your driver has long fled.

But that's fine.

The gatekeeper at Vice Minister Yang's house

saw you that night.

He can testify.

He's lying. He's lying!

Yeah, he is lying.

But this remains a secret known only to us.

You're best at erasing evidence.

Then let me show you the art of fabricating it.

You can lie through your teeth, and I can twist the truth too.

Thanks to you, you "elders,"

I've learned quite a few new ways to crack a case.

Since you like to play,

I'll play to the end.

I'd rather die than let you have your way!

You'd better keep your word.

But don't think dying ends this.

If you dare kill yourself,

I'll make this story stick anyway

and wipe out your whole clan,

no heirs left.

I have no parents. A cursed lone star.

I don't fear living, and I sure don't fear dying.

But Wu Yuekun…

do you fear?

It's all those girls' fault!

I was ready to quit for good.

But they came begging me,

saying once they left Xiuhong House,

they had no way to live.

They asked me to help them.

They even hatched the plan themselves.

To go to the ministers' mansions.

Safer and more fun that way.

I went soft

and agreed.

They got me killed.

They got me killed!

You're beyond saving.

If you want to save your wife and children,

write your crimes down, every last one.

In two hours,

whether you walk back to the living or walk towards the underworld

is up to you.

This is where Wu Yuekun kept those girls.

This room's too neat.

Doesn't look like anyone lived here.

Would women use the exact same balm?

Especially women living together.

Usually not.

Especially those who live by their looks.

They need something clients will remember at once.

Sun, moon, and stars are alike in form, jewel-like in glow.

Sustained by essence,

each keeps its role and shines its radiance.

Though stars are all spheres,

their sizes, colors,

and speeds all differ.

People are no different,

each with their own tastes and habits.

And those habits leave traces

in what they use and where they live.

But all six arranged their space identically,

even using the same items.

And there's nothing here that matches who they were.

In this room,

I can't read any clues, any preferences.

Women should at least have some personal items.

A handkerchief,

a sachet,

or jewelry with their name on it.

None here.

Not on their bodies either.

Two possibilities.

First, someone cleaned this place.

Second,

they knew they were going to die.

Where is Vice Minister Yang's body?

Over there.

So that's how the poison was brought in.

DISCIPLINE AND PRUDENCE

Come on.

- Have a sip. - Much obliged.

- Well? - That's fine wine.

Xiao,

come by often.

If you get my wine, you get me.

That wild girl… She finally let you rest today?

She was going to the Court of Judicial Review,

so she told me to wait here.

She… She's coming here again?

Old man!

Save me!

What happened?

How is it? Same as the poison Prince of Heng took?

Same.

You poisoned yourself on purpose just to trick me into tasting it?

Just a sip. It won't kill you.

Besides, with your miracle antidote,

we're safe.

You found how they poisoned them?

I did.

But we still need one person.

The one who supplied them the poison.

Did anyone go in?

No. Only one servant delivered the medicine,

and I carried it in.

No way.

That servant took a sip right in front of me.

Beeswax. Clove. Sweet reseda.

That person never planned to live.

That person…

You will have to see them yourself.

Have I caused you trouble again?

For people like that,

to throw away your life, is it worth it?

For people like us,

dying is easier than living.

If we die

and drag those beasts down with us,

then it's not a bad trade.

Your Ladyship, please sit.

That day, after Mr. Xiao

sent us away from Western Capital,

I fought with Ruyi in the carriage.

Back then, if she hadn't gone back on her word,

she clearly remembered that client's face,

then suddenly changed her story,

you would've caught all those monsters.

You wouldn't have been framed and jailed either.

You did so much for us,

and it all went to waste.

Hanxiao,

Taozhi.

They died for nothing too.

I was furious. I didn't want to travel with them,

so I got off the carriage.

That day, I didn't have a single coin.

To get my purse back,

I ran after the carriage.

But I never thought

I'd actually catch up.

What happened?

Ruyi? Cuizhu?

Where are you?

Sir,

what happened? Where are they?

Wu Yue…

Say it.

…Kun!

With every last ounce of strength,

that man said one name.

Wu Yuekun.

I don't know if Ruyi and the others

are dead or alive.

Not until I reached the Court of Judicial Review gate

did I see his face.

Even without a mask,

I'd still recognize him.

He's the real owner of Xiuhong House.

I saw him there.

Before the banquet began that day,

Zhenniang had us change clothes.

Then, like we were merchandise,

she presented us to him.

His eyes were like a hawk's.

Even through the mask,

he sized us up.

And with his own hands,

he pushed us into an endless nightmare.

Yet he didn't even remember who I was.

He even asked what grievance I had.

That's when I finally understood

why Ruyi kept changing her words.

And I understood why you and Mr. Xiao

couldn't save her, no matter how hard you tried.

Because the one investigating the case was the mastermind.

So you decided to take revenge.

But at the time, I didn't know how.

I feared Ruyi and the others were already dead,

but I prayed they were still alive.

So…

every day, I followed Wu Yuekun.

I wanted to find them,

but he was cautious.

That house gate was always guarded.

Later, I don't know what Ruyi did,

but she earned Wu Yuekun's trust.

He even let her go out

to buy makeup and powder.

I seized the chance to meet her.

Why are you here?

Why are you here too?

Western Capital isn't a place for you.

- Leave, now. - Come with me.

I know a back road.

Within two hours,

I can get you on a southbound boat.

As for the other girls,

I'll find a way to save them.

I won't let him drag you back again.

He didn't take them.

I brought them back.

- You… - Since he won't let us go,

then…

I won't let him go either.

With this token,

at the next relay station,

they'll send men to escort you the rest of the way.

I'm going to kill Wu Yuekun

and avenge everyone.

We'll kill him together.

Do you really want to kill him?

Not just him.

I want to kill myself too.

I thought leaving Xiuhong House

would end the nightmare.

But… ever since that day,

not one night have I slept in peace.

The moment I think

of those men with their blades,

cutting into us

one slice after another,

still able to live at ease, safe and sound,

I… I don't even dare to die.

I'm so scared.

I'm scared that if I die,

no one will ever know what they did.

Ruyi told me

that to stay alive,

they pretended

they wanted to stick with Wu Yuekun and make a living.

They even came up with a plan he couldn't refuse.

They'd build him a "moving" Xiuhong House.

Wu Yuekun was wary and suspicious.

No matter how perfect the plan was, he wouldn't agree easily.

To win Wu Yuekun's trust,

Ruyi did a lot of talking.

She even told him,

if not for Hanxiao and Taozhi

making such a big fuss,

she never would've wanted to leave Xiuhong House.

Ruyi also discovered

that though Wu Yuekun was cautious,

his superiors seemed to be pressuring him to reopen Xiuhong House.

So she played to his tastes

and proposed a traveling pleasure den.

Only then did Wu Yuekun say he'd keep working with them.

But targeting noble households wasn't easy.

Every time they entered, they were searched top to bottom.

And for a long time, they couldn't find a chance to act.

Until I came up with a way.

You must've

pieced together the rest.

I thought my vengeance was done

and wanted to follow them in death.

But I found Wu Yuekun wasn't dead.

I couldn't understand

why that day, I was the only lucky one

jumping off the carriage and escaping it.

Not until that moment

did I understand Heaven had its plan.

It was so that when that beast Wu Yuekun

was barely clinging to life,

I could hand him one more bowl of poison.

- This place is so beautiful. - Careful!

- That's so fun! - Come!

Look!

It's warmed up.

The flowers back home are about to bloom.

Your Ladyship, do you know?

That Hundred Charms flower on the palace wall

has another name.

It's called Hanxiao.

Madam,

is this where palace maids are buried?

Your elder sister was a former palace maid.

She shouldn't have been buried here.

But His Majesty showed mercy and granted her a resting place.

TOMB OF LOU CHUO, TOMB OF HANXIAO

This tomb is huge.

Who's buried inside?

Your sister's close friends in the palace

and the seven bravest women in all of Western Capital.

TOMB OF THE SEVEN PALACE MAIDS

TOMB OF HANXIAO

Hanxiao…

I folded these

for you myself.

Down there,

use them freely.

His Majesty has issued an edict

to reform the palace maids' discharge.

Maids who leave the palace will be settled more properly.

The families of the slain maids will receive compensation.

Prince of Heng's title has been stripped.

As for Wu Yuekun, Vice Minister Yang…

Their families have all been exiled. Mr. Gu has been reinstated.

All of this cost nine lives.

I solved the case,

but I didn't save anything.

TO THE LATE SISTER GU TAOZHI

It's all over.

My sister will be grateful to you all from heaven.

Before she passed, Birou asked me to bring you this.

Birou told me,

that day, Taozhi heard they were going out to work,

but they couldn't say what job

or where they were going.

She couldn't rest easy.

She didn't even have time to tell you and got on the carriage with them.

Birou always felt she got Taozhi killed.

She wanted to apologize to you in person,

but she never had the courage.

Taozhi was always like that,

upright, warm-hearted.

That's my sister.

It's only our fault we got there too late.

Don't say that.

If not for you giving it your all,

there might've been more girls harmed.

Even if she'd known the ending,

that day,

she still would've gotten on that carriage.

I learned from my family's letter

that Mr. Xiao had secured

a fine burial plot for my sister back home,

so she may rest in peace.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

It's all I could do.

That day in prison, I was too rash.

Sorry for my offense.

I…

Take care, Mr. Gu.

We'll be waiting for your return.

Take care.

SWALLOW HOUSE

At the second ke of Shen Hour,

Pang Erlang presents Liu Ying'er with a winning prize,

Peerless Beauty!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

You once said

the Astronomical Bureau sends apprentices

to check the water clocks in the palace and royal mansions.

Would the bureau keep records of those apprentices?

It would.

Then 15 years ago,

who was sent to the Prince of Duan's mansion?

Can we find out?

Not sure. It's been so long.

No telling if the record survived.

If we don't know, then it might.

Please help me check.

TWO APPRENTICES FROM THE PRINCE OF YAN'S MANSION

ZI, CHOU, YIN, MAO, CHEN, SI

CHEN, SI

BY IMPERIAL COMMAND

GENTLE RAINS, PROPITIOUS BREEZES

How is it?

It's been too long.

There's no record left.

Figures. Too much time has passed.

Thank you.

In 15 years,

this is the first time you asked to see me.

That night at Prince of Duan's mansion,

who was the water-clock apprentice?

Calibrating the clock is the Astronomical Bureau's duty.

But that page of records was destroyed.

And clearly, someone did it long ago.

She asked you about this?

If there's no trail, then drop it.

That apprentice must know something.

If you don't want her to remember,

why cling to it?

She might forget.

But some things…

I still remember.

HANLIANG HALL

FANGSHENG, PALACE MAID

Ruisheng! Can't she shut the door properly?

Mother.

Ruisheng even forgot to change the candle.

- Honestly… - Mother.

Mother.