Original subtitles

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

Only then

can you heal more illnesses and save more lives.

So your talent and benevolence won't be wasted.

So, I will do my best

to eradicate all the obstacles for you.

Song Huaiyou was the second person Pei Yu killed for you.

The prescription made him realize that it was you

who dissected the bodies.

The symptoms of inner dampness

only surface in the end.

It can't be diagnosed through observation, listening, and smelling.

It was you.

Come here.

Tell me.

You went to the mortuary?

You…

What did you do?

Tomorrow morning, the mortuary carriage will leave.

Hop on and run away.

Why?

Why? Unauthorized autopsy is a capital offense.

Once discovered, both of us will be executed.

I did that to save people.

What did I do wrong?

Besides, I was very careful.

They won't find out.

I don't have time for this.

To stay alive,

you have to go.

But promise me you'll try this prescription.

How dare you mention the prescription?

Physician Song.

Stay in the dispensary. Don't go anywhere.

Tomorrow morning, I'll pick you up.

Master.

FOOD DELIVERY RECORD OF IMPERIAL FOOD SERVICE

This is what Physician Song had for dinner that night.

Lamb noodle soup.

Dang Gui, jujube, and donkey-hide gelatin paste.

When these ingredients are combined, they can disrupt the flow of energy

and blood circulation.

Coupled with emotional agitation,

it could induce a stroke.

After Physician Song consumed the specially prepared food,

Pei Yu waited to show up during his eye-steaming treatment.

He revealed his identity and warned to ruin everyone

if Physician Song tried to send you away.

Physician Song was overwhelmed with fury.

The acute stroke rendered him powerless.

Pei Yu dragged him to the table

and submerged his face in the water,

creating the false appearance

that he died by accident.

It's all my fault.

It's all my fault.

Why did you kill him?

I said

I won't let anyone stand in your way.

But he was my master.

Did you forget what you want to do?

If you don't want him to die in vain,

take this opportunity.

Put your prescription into use and impress His Majesty.

You are the best physician.

I won't let anyone get in your way.

You should go back.

You will soon have a chance to shine.

After he killed Master,

I was determined not to see him again.

But he did not stop.

Huang Futong was killed.

He did what he promised.

No one stood in my way anymore.

But I just couldn't develop a new prescription.

I sneaked to the mortuary late at night

when the guards were away and cut open the body

to look for the focus.

But there was no progress.

Until…

Let me out.

More people are getting infected.

Having trouble with the new prescription?

You don't care about people's lives.

Why care about the prescription?

If you want to kill someone, just kill me.

You sneaked into the mortuary

to check those bodies, right?

Nice sunshine.

You got infected?

Is it too late?

What?

Those bodies have been there for too long.

You can't locate the focus anymore.

It's pointless.

- Pei Yu. - No, you're Pei Yu,

the best physician in the Imperial Medical Office.

I'm sure you can find a cure for this.

No.

Pei Yu.

Pei Yu.

Hurry.

No.

Hurry.

Hurry.

Pei Yu.

Pei Yu.

PALACE INVESTIGATION BUREAU

The prejudice within the Imperial Medical Office is to blame.

Just because Ying is a woman,

they disregarded her judgment and delayed treatment,

causing the epidemic outbreak.

I just hope that one day, women can face a little less prejudice.

You're being too pessimistic.

Why settle for "less" when we can aim for "none"?

Of course, that'd be better.

I just assume there's still a long, long way to go.

It's alright. Your Ladyship is not alone.

A lot of people will stand by you.

These crimes were committed by Xia Shisan.

But Ying didn't report him.

Once the epidemic is over and the palace gate opens,

deliver the files to the Court of Judicial Review.

Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship, bad news. It's Pei Yu.

Pei Yu.

Technician Pei committed suicide.

Thankfully, they found out.

She took poison.

Here.

I've written my confession.

Don't bother the Court of Judicial Review.

I just want a quick death.

Don't commit suicide.

You're not the culprit.

Heed His Majesty's decree!

"The new prescription from Technician Pei has managed

to contain the epidemic since it was put into use.

No more patients died,

and there were no new cases.

Technician Pei has made great contributions

and is summoned by His Majesty."

Accept the decree!

I, Pei Yu, the convict, pay respect to Your Majesty.

Rise.

Your prescription

worked wonders.

It stopped the epidemic

and saved hundreds of people in the palace.

The credit goes to you.

There is no credit.

It's just my duty as a physician.

Conducting an unauthorized autopsy is a capital crime,

and I sheltered the culprit after he killed my mentor.

I shall be punished.

Please grant me death, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty. Please think twice.

Pei Yu made mistakes, but she saved hundreds of people,

offsetting her sin. She doesn't deserve to die.

I've read the case file.

The murderer Xia Shisan was cruel and extreme.

Pei Yu repeatedly covered up his crimes

and should be punished for knowingly breaking the law.

But this epidemic killed too many people in the palace.

I don't want any more deaths.

Your Majesty.

Technician Pei may have found a cure,

but an unauthorized autopsy is more than a capital crime.

It filled the palace with terror during the epidemic.

It is an act of extreme cruelty with devastating consequences.

Minister Wei, every word you speak is so lofty and righteous.

But did you ever consider

what drove Technician Pei to such extremes?

If the Imperial Medical Office valued knowledge

and ability over gender,

if women could diagnose, prescribe,

and be respected equally as male physicians,

why would she have risked everything,

even resorting to autopsies, just to develop a cure?

Your investigative skills

are unmatched in the court, Your Ladyship.

Yet, as a woman, you are sometimes too emotional,

prone to what one might call "feminine leniency."

Are you now trying

to erase all her crimes

with such words?

Feminine leniency

is still preferable to your stuffy old-fashioned pedantry.

- You… - Her Ladyship was impartial.

But you accused her of being partial.

How disappointing.

Your Majesty. Her Ladyship means

that had Technician Pei been treated fairly from the start

and allowed to shine, the epidemic might have ended sooner,

and these tragedies might never have occurred.

She has achievements and faults.

Let the law decide her fate.

But this matter shouldn't be viewed as a single case.

Eunuch Guo.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Revise the Imperial Medical Office's regulations.

All who are devoted to learning, regardless of gender,

shall be evaluated based on their capability.

Female physicians shall be accepted.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Although Pei Yu has been involved in multiple cases,

her contributions are significant, and her attitude remains sincere.

She is hereby granted a special pardon.

She shall remain in the Medical Office

to carry on the unfinished work of Physician Song,

study medicine,

and train new practitioners as a means of atonement.

Pei Yu. What do you think?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I have another favor to ask.

I'm listening.

Your Majesty, please allow me

to send Xia Shisan's ashes back home.

XINGQING PALACE

Ying.

Headmaster.

I brought Pei Yu back.

It was my fault.

It's all over. Say no more.

Alright.

I'll stop. I'll stop.

Stay here and set your mind at ease.

The Benevolence Hall is your home.

Come on. Please come in.

Come on.

BENEVOLENCE HALL

This way.

Please…

This is where Pei Yu lived as a child.

I'd like to thank you and Mr. Xiao

for pleading for me before His Majesty.

This benefits not only me,

but every woman who will study at the Imperial Medical Office.

Because you proved to His Majesty

that women can also be great physicians

and save lives.

You don't have to envy me anymore.

You can also do whatever you want.

Where did she go? She should see you off.

It's alright.

She's suffered so much. Maybe she's tired.

Let her rest.

Yeah. Well…

Headmaster.

Something went wrong.

TO YOUR LADYSHIP

Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship. I have gone to accompany Pei Yu.

The notes I compiled over years of study

are stored in my cabinet at the Imperial Medical Office.

They contain many reflections and analyses of classical prescriptions.

Please deliver them to Physician Liu,

so our colleagues may refer to them.

The medical texts on the desk

were given to me by my master.

Keep them at the Benevolence Hall.

Your Ladyship.

Forgive me for not seeing you off

or returning to the Western Capital.

I'm so tired.

I'm afraid I will let His Majesty down.

TO YOUR LADYSHIP

- It's you. - What are you doing?

Catching fireflies to read by their light?

Headmaster puts out the light at the Xu hour.

But I have to copy your notes.

Keep it down.

Don't scare the fireflies away.

Wait.

Be careful. Fireflies fly around.

That motionless object…

might be a snake.

Stop right there.

I dare you to stop running.

We've known each other so long,

but you haven't told me your name.

I don't have a name.

Grandma said

that she found me on the 13th of the sixth month.

So she named me Shisan.

But she and the villagers usually call me "wild girl".

Shisan?

That's not a good name.

If you become a famous physician,

you'll need a decent name.

But I don't know any decent names.

Grandma found you in the summer.

Fireflies are all around tonight.

Why don't we call you Xia Ying?

Xia Ying.

Alright. Then I'll be Xia Ying.

Xia Ying.

Xia Ying.

Xia Ying.

Pei Yu.

Please take care of Pei Yu and Ying's funeral.

Thank you, Your Ladyship.

Even if you don't say it,

I will take care

of Ying's funeral.

I have only one request.

Can you replace the portrait with one of Pei Yu and Ying?

All these years, Pei Yu had been guarding Ying.

Ying finally became a physician,

but she covered up his crimes

and violated the original intention of saving people.

Both of them are now dead.

Let their story

warn the future generations.

I will do as you say,

Your Ladyship.

Pei Yu taught me…

No.

Ying taught me how to make that sachet.

I've seen too many people leave the Western Capital to survive.

Only Ying

left the Western Capital to seek death.

Her life was short but full of hardship.

She brought Pei Yu home and finally found peace.

But Ying really didn't want to go back.

Perhaps it is for the best.

Have you ever thought about leaving?

Of course.

But I have to discover the truth.

I just don't know if I can survive.

If it's so dangerous,

can you give it up?

If I give it up,

what's the point of trying so hard to survive?

The epidemic is over.

Why are you still carrying the herb sachet?

It comes in handy.

We were traveling. I couldn't sleep.

So I put some soothing herbs.

Mindful of your well-being, huh?

It's a nice formula. Want to try it?

Just take mine. I just filled it up.

I'll take yours.

Mr. Xiao.

Can you accompany me to Ping'en County in Mingzhou?

Ping'en County?

I remembered someone who suddenly left the capital.

WU'S MANOR, PING'EN COUNTY, MINGZHOU

Greetings, Your Ladyship, Mr. Xiao.

Please take a seat.

I didn't know you were coming.

Master will be here in half a ke.

Sorry for the wait.

It's my fault that I came uninvited.

Auntie, spare the formality.

My uncle and my mother grew up together.

He is a senior family member.

I don't mind waiting.

Interesting decoration.

It's your uncle's preference.

Uncle's business must be a huge success.

You know about it?

The richest man in the Western Capital

- had the same preference. - Your Ladyship.

That's an unlucky thing to say.

Don't you have any children?

Our son gets ill easily and avoids seeing guests.

Please forgive us.

Master is back.

Sorry for the wait, Your Ladyship.

You sound so distant.

Just call me Peiyi like before.

But when I didn't call you "Your Ladyship",

you chased after me

with your little wooden sword.

I, Xiao Huaijin, pay respect to Mr. Wu.

Mr. Xiao from the Astronomical Bureau.

What a promising young man.

You must be hungry.

My love. Bring food and wine.

How old is my cousin? Is he doing fine?

He's six years old.

He was born weak

and introverted. But he's fine.

Thank you for your concern.

Lamb with apricot sauce.

Sunflower leaf soup.

Celery with vinegar.

Fried asparagus. Yellow rice.

All local famous dishes.

This one is the best.

It may be available in the Western Capital,

but it tastes far better here.

The sliced raw fish is made of freshly caught bass.

Fortunately, I don't eat fish.

You don't eat fish?

Never order sliced raw fish for me.

Fresh and sweet.

- Your Ladyship. Please try it. - Wait.

Mr. Wu. In my humble opinion,

it seems you may not be able to fully enjoy today's meal.

Please elaborate.

Today is Yisi. Yi wood belongs to fire.

This is also the reason

why you hold the banquet in this hall.

On a fire-dominated day, one should avoid water-element foods.

I dare speak boldly.

If I am mistaken, I ask for your forgiveness.

You are indeed as renowned as they say.

Thank you for reminding me.

Otherwise,

indulging my appetite today

might have disrupted Mr. Xu's intentions.

Who is this Mr. Xu?

Could he be more impressive than Mr. Xiao?

Both are impressive.

Mr. Xu

is a hermit sage

from the nearby Qingtan Town.

His name is Xu Daoyin.

He's been giving me a lot of advice.

Ever since we came here,

he's been blessing us

in big and small affairs of life.

I couldn't come out to greet you in time

because I had to chant during the You hour.

Please forgive me.

Then,

will you be able to try

the sliced raw fish?

Her Ladyship should

- avoid water… - When tragedy hit that year,

I fell into the Moonlit Pond and almost drowned.

Since then, I've never had fish again.

You resigned and left the Western Capital that year.

So you didn't know.

No wonder.

I haven't asked you

why you suddenly resigned that year.

No one practiced sword with me afterward.

I was in poor health.

Being an official in the capital

was hard work, after all.

So I resigned from office

and came to my wife's hometown with her.

Someone.

Take the sliced raw fish away.

Take it to Young Master.

Understood.

I haven't been a thoughtful host and have ruined your mood.

Here. Let me toast you two.

Forgive me.

This way.

I know why you're here today.

Your father suffered consecutive defeats and returned

to the Western Capital. He was depressed for quite a long time.

When I visited him,

I could sense the worry in his heart.

He was the elder brother of His Majesty

and a celebrated military commander with a record of achievements.

It was only natural that he failed to bear such a heavy blow

and had a breakdown.

This may be hard for you to accept,

but it is the truth.

You were thriving as the Crown Prince's aide,

but suddenly retired due to poor health after my parents passed away.

Is there a connection between these two events?

Of course not.

You used to bring me new clothes on the Lantern Festival every year.

But you didn't visit that day.

Did you hear something in advance?

How is that possible?

I went to your manor at noon that day.

You changed into the new clothes on the spot.

That's it.

With your testimony, I'm more certain that I was home that day.

Sorry. The corridors wind like a maze.

I was lost for a moment.

Please be seated.

You've traveled a long way here.

Rest early after dinner.

Tomorrow,

I'll show you around the town.

This area is prone to dampness and mosquitoes.

The guest rooms have been closed for too long.

It'll require extra fumigation to be livable tonight.

Please wait here.

Much appreciated.

Did you annoy Mr. Wu?

He was feeling guilty.

But how did you get lost

with your extraordinary memory?

Don't you think

that Madam Wu is somewhat odd?

Take it to Young Master.

Understood.

It's not for Young Master.

- But Master… - It's Madam again.

Let's go.

Take this and go.

I told you that was not for Young Master.

Don't get us into trouble.

A child lives alone in that remote courtyard?

Mr. Wu appears to care about his son,

but Madam Wu seems rather cold.

It's such a big household.

Why would they withhold a child's food?

I smell secrets.

But maybe I'm overthinking.

Any progress?

I tricked him.

He's probably quite annoyed right now.

When different accounts of the same event sound nearly identical,

there must be something fishy.

It's alright.

I have time to figure it out.

I should have come much earlier.

It's going to rain.

GREAT VIRTUE TO EMBRACE THE WORLD

WANG, SERVANT AT WU'S MANOR

You lazybones. Get up.

Master is still asleep?

That's right.

Master.

Master…

SECRETS OF AUSPICIOUS TIMES

Madam, did you see or hear anything last night?

Madam has been living alone in the back courtyard for years.

So last night…

Please wait.

The authorities are coming.

Your Ladyship doesn't need to go in.

Don't you know who I am?

Y-Yes, I do.

So what are you waiting for?

Your Ladyship.

You can't take on this case.

The crime scene is way too shocking.

Then I want to see it even more.

But…

Master was injured in the lower body.

Mr. Wu died miserably, injured in the lower body.

It is highly improper.

That's right.

Why doesn't Your Ladyship wait for Magistrate Wen to bring people?

The dead care little

for the barriers drawn between men and women.

Even if Your Ladyship doesn't care, someone else does.

We're not in the palace.

Let's be more cautious.

If word gets out, people will find out

about our detour.

They'll know sooner or later.

They can come and kill me.

Then I'll figure out who they are.

I know you're upset that he died before you could figure anything out.

But we should be more cautious now.

But he died last night.

I have to investigate.

I don't trust anyone.

Then let me do it.

Get blindfolded and follow me.

I'll be your eyes.

If you trust me.

Get a blindfold.

Understood.

Her Ladyship will follow me into the room, blindfolded.

There is nothing improper.

If we still hear criticism,

then it's you people tarnishing the reputation

of the royal clan.

I will uncover the truth,

even if it means a thousand fall, none shall escape.

Rest assured, Mr. Xiao.

I dare not talk nonsense about Her Ladyship.

I don't know if you would dare.

But you only have one life.

What a pity.

I didn't get to see how you threatened him.

It wasn't a threat.

I was telling the truth.

Your Ladyship. Please.

Be careful.

Heavy blood smell.

You don't have to force yourself.

With the door closed, I can inspect the scene.

We're alone here. Don't worry.

I can manage.

The censer stands at the center.

You're facing the Kan position.

According to the Eight Trigrams orientation,

north is Kan, south is Li, east is Zhen, and west is Dui.

As expected, the room is meticulously arranged

to attract fortune and prosperity.

Doors and windows show no signs of forced entry.

In the Dui position, there is a bed with a lamp on each side.

The Zhen position has a window

overlooking the bamboo garden.

In front of the window

sits a rosewood desk,

on which are placed the stationery

and three books.

The Kan position features a screen

with cabinets on both sides.

The Qian position holds a tall stand

with gold ingots in a porcelain dish.

This is the room's wealth corner, likely arranged to attract prosperity.

None of these appears to have been moved.

Examine the body.

Above the bed

hangs a horizontal beam draped with red silk.

Mr. Wu's upper body is suspended from this beam,

his arms hanging down,

mouth wide open.

Was anything ever stuffed inside?

I can't tell.

This will require examination by the coroner.

Cause of death?

Wound in the lower body.

The clothing is soaked in blood.

Blood has flowed from the bed to the floor.

The color appears normal.

No visible signs of poisoning.

He died from excessive bleeding.

Any other wounds?

No.

The joint has begun to stiffen but can still be bent.

You should be able to estimate the time of death.

Magistrate Wen, please wait.

It's a murder case. How can I wait?

Magistrate Wen.

Her Ladyship is inspecting the scene.

WEN YUQING, PING'EN COUNTY MAGISTRATE

We're in the main hall.

We never came.

We never came.

The time of death is estimated to be after midnight.

Both wrists show abrasions,

likely caused by struggling

against rope bindings.

Please examine closely.

Has the blood at the wound site dried?

Not yet.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao. We can leave now.

Your Ladyship.

We've checked around.

No valuables were lost.

The murderer was not looking for money.

Were any others injured?

No. Even the two guards stationed outside the room were unharmed.

Leave us.

Your Ladyship.

The victim died from heavy bleeding after being struck

in the lower body

with a blunt object, likely a wooden implement

with sharp edges.

Not a simple club or rod.

Based on the amount of blood,

it appears the deceased had taken blood-activating medication.

What medication?

Traces of medicinal residue were found on the victim's clothing,

but further analysis is needed.

Sichuan lovage, Dang Gui, and cinnamon bark.

Was anything stuffed into the mouth?

No.

The open mouth was a result of agony.

The victim screamed before death?

Did you hear thunder last night?

The big tree in the courtyard was struck down.

But I didn't hear thunder.

This is strange. Everyone slept well.

Those who would get up to use the restroom didn't wake up, either.

Those who snore didn't wake up their roommates.

Drugs.

Someone must have drugged everyone in the manor.

Was it in the food?

Or in the water.

But Mr. Wu was wide awake.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have struggled.

We ate and drank the same things.

This area is prone to dampness and mosquitoes.

The guest rooms have been closed for too long.

It'll require extra fumigation to be livable tonight.

Collect samples of the mosquito repellent.

One from the deceased. One from others.

Understood.

Here, Your Ladyship.

This is from my master's room.

Perilla, mugwort,

sulphur, tangerine peel, cloves?

That's right. Master used that formula for his incense.

This is the incense from the other rooms.

Datura flower.

It's a drug.

That's why no one heard anything.

The murderer added Datura flowers

to the incense

and put everyone in the manor to sleep.

Mr. Wu called for help, but no one heard him.

The murderer was so cruel.