1 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:31,000 {\an8}‪ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL ‪ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU 2 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:34,960 I… 3 00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:36,920 QINGQUAN, PALACE MAID 4 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:39,000 I know who killed Hanxiao. 5 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:42,080 Hongshao from the Imperial Housekeeping Service. 6 00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:43,880 Yesterday, I went there to notify them 7 00:01:43,960 --> 00:01:46,560 of the lamp oil Consort Shu will need next month. 8 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:50,600 That's when I saw the red agate gilded pendant on her chest. 9 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:52,720 You recognize it? 10 00:01:52,800 --> 00:01:54,040 Of course. 11 00:01:54,120 --> 00:01:55,520 It belonged to Consort Shu. 12 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:58,040 Once, while Hanxiao was helping Consort Shu get dressed, 13 00:01:58,120 --> 00:02:01,280 she accidentally dropped it and was terrified. 14 00:02:01,360 --> 00:02:04,240 But instead of blaming her, 15 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:06,280 Consort Shu gave her the pendant as a reward. 16 00:02:07,360 --> 00:02:09,160 Hanxiao was so grateful. 17 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:12,280 No matter how short on money she was, she'd never sell it, 18 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:13,920 let alone give it away. 19 00:02:14,720 --> 00:02:18,560 Hongshao must have killed her and taken it. 20 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:22,000 Go to the Imperial Housekeeping Service. 21 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:23,440 Yes. 22 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:24,920 Did I break the law? 23 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:27,280 Why should I tell you who gave it to me? 24 00:02:27,800 --> 00:02:30,200 Why are you making things so difficult for me? 25 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:35,320 Clearly, you don't know much. 26 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:37,240 This pendant is made 27 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:40,480 of the finest South red agate from Jiannan Circuit. 28 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:42,000 It's one of a kind. 29 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:44,000 It belonged to Consort Shu. 30 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:46,760 You'd better explain where you got it. 31 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:47,800 If you don't, 32 00:02:47,880 --> 00:02:50,480 you'll be charged with stealing from Consort Shu. 33 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:55,080 It was Hu Da. 34 00:02:56,200 --> 00:02:58,600 Hu Da from the Palace Registry Bureau gave it to me. 35 00:02:58,680 --> 00:03:01,080 Why would Hu Da give you something so valuable? 36 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,280 A few days ago, 37 00:03:04,360 --> 00:03:06,560 after I'd delivered something to Lady Zhang, 38 00:03:07,160 --> 00:03:09,520 someone stopped me on my way out. 39 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:11,040 He said Hu Da 40 00:03:11,640 --> 00:03:14,760 from the Palace Registry Bureau wanted to get to know me 41 00:03:14,840 --> 00:03:17,760 and sent this as a gift. 42 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:20,520 Hu Da is just a secondary ninth-rank supervisor. 43 00:03:20,600 --> 00:03:23,680 Didn't you find it odd he'd be so generous? 44 00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:27,000 Everyone knows Hu Da is free with his money. 45 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:30,320 Whenever palace maids need funds, they go to him. 46 00:03:30,400 --> 00:03:31,480 Besides-- 47 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:35,840 That man kept saying… 48 00:03:36,960 --> 00:03:39,640 Hu Da truly adored me. 49 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:43,000 Do you know the man who relayed the message? 50 00:03:43,080 --> 00:03:44,240 Can you recognize him? 51 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:48,120 It was so dark that night, and he stood in the shadows. 52 00:03:48,200 --> 00:03:49,600 I couldn't see his face. 53 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:52,400 So no one can vouch for your story? 54 00:03:55,520 --> 00:03:57,520 Not even in my wildest dreams 55 00:03:57,600 --> 00:03:59,960 would I dare steal from Consort Shu. 56 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:01,520 If I had really stolen it, 57 00:04:01,600 --> 00:04:04,120 I wouldn't dare parade it around, would I? 58 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:06,200 I'm not looking to get myself killed. 59 00:04:17,040 --> 00:04:18,720 There must be something about him you remember. 60 00:04:20,720 --> 00:04:21,640 I remember now. 61 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:25,360 He smelled of mugwort, 62 00:04:25,440 --> 00:04:27,160 and his hands were rough. 63 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:29,000 That's it. 64 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:32,440 That's all I can recall. 65 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:42,880 Sweet olive balm. 66 00:04:44,280 --> 00:04:45,960 Good taste, Sister. 67 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:52,960 Sister, aren't you going to sign the promissory note? 68 00:04:55,040 --> 00:04:56,120 I am. 69 00:05:01,480 --> 00:05:04,560 Sister, why is your hand shaking? 70 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:09,080 With your hand trembling like that, you can hardly write. 71 00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:11,240 Let me help you. 72 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:21,520 Supervisor Hu, 73 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:25,000 I've signed the note. 74 00:05:25,520 --> 00:05:27,440 When will I get the loan? 75 00:05:27,520 --> 00:05:29,000 HU DA, SUPERVISOR PALACE REGISTRY BUREAU 76 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:30,640 "Supervisor Hu"? 77 00:05:32,320 --> 00:05:34,880 That sounds so distant. 78 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:37,920 I only lend money to friends. 79 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:42,920 Hearing you call me that makes me sad. 80 00:05:44,360 --> 00:05:45,240 What do you want? 81 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:47,640 I want you to treat me sincerely. 82 00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:51,120 What are you afraid of? 83 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:56,040 Do you really think I'd do anything to you? 84 00:05:56,120 --> 00:05:59,080 Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. 85 00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:02,080 If you don't believe me, see for yourself. 86 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:08,640 Blind fool, how dare you…! 87 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:11,320 Princess of Fuchang County. 88 00:06:11,400 --> 00:06:13,000 Supervisor Hu, what refined taste you have. 89 00:06:15,880 --> 00:06:17,280 It's all a misunderstanding. 90 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:18,800 Outrageous. 91 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:19,960 You insulted Her Ladyship 92 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:22,000 and even harassed a palace maid in broad daylight. 93 00:06:22,080 --> 00:06:24,600 Miss, don't slander me. 94 00:06:24,680 --> 00:06:26,880 I thought someone barged in without permission, 95 00:06:26,960 --> 00:06:28,680 so I lost my temper. 96 00:06:29,440 --> 00:06:31,800 Your Ladyship, you are merciful. 97 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:32,800 Please forgive me. 98 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:34,280 Besides, 99 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:36,560 I didn't harass anyone. 100 00:06:36,640 --> 00:06:40,520 She came to ask for help and accidentally knocked over a scroll. 101 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:41,400 Utter nonsense! 102 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:43,320 What were you doing on top of her? 103 00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:45,920 Miss, don't ruin a good person's reputation. 104 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:49,160 Sister Birou fell, so I helped her up. 105 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:51,760 Don't believe me? Ask her. 106 00:06:53,640 --> 00:06:55,240 Don't be afraid. Tell the truth. 107 00:07:00,040 --> 00:07:01,000 Enough. 108 00:07:01,720 --> 00:07:04,320 Supervisor Hu already said it was a misunderstanding. 109 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:06,520 I have questions for him. You may leave. 110 00:07:07,280 --> 00:07:08,360 Yes, Your Ladyship. 111 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:11,760 Sister Birou, 112 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:14,480 aren't you forgetting something? 113 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:18,280 I've been wronged because of you today. 114 00:07:22,480 --> 00:07:23,920 Your Ladyship, 115 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:27,400 I came to borrow money from Supervisor Hu. 116 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:31,000 I slipped and fell just now, 117 00:07:31,080 --> 00:07:34,000 and he helped me up. 118 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:37,480 Please, Your Ladyship, don't blame him. 119 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:41,560 The misunderstanding is cleared up, right? 120 00:07:41,640 --> 00:07:44,080 If Your Ladyship has questions for me, 121 00:07:44,160 --> 00:07:45,960 may I get up first? 122 00:07:46,040 --> 00:07:47,040 You…! 123 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:04,120 Wait outside. 124 00:08:08,440 --> 00:08:09,680 Yes. 125 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:14,400 - Who is this? - None of your concern. 126 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:17,520 Did you know Hanxiao? 127 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:21,040 After that "flower on the wall" incident, everyone does. 128 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:22,360 And before that? 129 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:26,720 Before she left the palace, I'd helped her out too. 130 00:08:27,320 --> 00:08:28,680 You lent her money? 131 00:08:28,760 --> 00:08:30,600 That's right. 132 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:33,000 She still owed me a tidy sum before leaving. 133 00:08:33,640 --> 00:08:37,080 Luckily, her resettlement payment was just enough 134 00:08:37,159 --> 00:08:39,159 to cover the principal. 135 00:08:39,960 --> 00:08:40,799 What about the interest? 136 00:08:40,880 --> 00:08:42,520 I had to write it off. 137 00:08:44,400 --> 00:08:47,280 I lose money all the time. 138 00:08:48,560 --> 00:08:50,080 Then why do you keep lending? 139 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:51,560 I'm softhearted. 140 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:53,520 We're all unfortunate souls. 141 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:56,080 If someone's in trouble, I help if I can. 142 00:08:58,760 --> 00:08:59,880 How kind of you. 143 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:03,440 Did you help her after she left? 144 00:09:04,040 --> 00:09:05,600 Your Ladyship must be joking. 145 00:09:05,680 --> 00:09:07,920 The Palace Registry Bureau only places 146 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:09,320 palace maids in temples after they retire. 147 00:09:09,400 --> 00:09:11,160 Where they go afterward 148 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:14,600 is not our concern. 149 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:16,080 So how could I have seen her again? 150 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:20,240 But come to think of it, 151 00:09:20,320 --> 00:09:21,760 I did see her one more time. 152 00:09:25,160 --> 00:09:26,840 You mean in the palace wall that day? 153 00:09:27,520 --> 00:09:28,360 It's just a joke. 154 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:30,360 Do you want to be put in a wall and turned into fertilizer too? 155 00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:34,120 That was inappropriate. Spare me, Your Ladyship. 156 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:35,800 I can spare you. 157 00:09:36,320 --> 00:09:37,720 But someone else wants you dead. 158 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:41,160 You're trying to frighten me. 159 00:09:43,720 --> 00:09:46,400 Do you recognize this pendant? 160 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:50,520 That's a fine piece. 161 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:52,200 I've never seen it, 162 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:54,840 but I'd wager it belongs to a consort. 163 00:09:54,920 --> 00:09:56,800 Hongshao from the Imperial Housekeeping Service said 164 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:58,240 you gave it to her. 165 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:00,360 Nonsense! 166 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:02,480 That pathetic maid? 167 00:10:04,680 --> 00:10:05,760 This is priceless. 168 00:10:05,840 --> 00:10:07,920 How could I have gotten my hands on something like this? 169 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:10,520 But she made it very clear. 170 00:10:11,040 --> 00:10:12,960 It was Hu Da from the Palace Registry Bureau 171 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:14,920 who asked someone to give her this as a token of affection. 172 00:10:17,400 --> 00:10:18,360 Your Ladyship, 173 00:10:18,880 --> 00:10:21,480 I'll admit it. I'm a greedy and lecherous man. 174 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:23,880 But money comes before women for me, 175 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:26,560 and staying alive comes before all else. 176 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:30,080 If you want, bring her here to confront me. 177 00:10:30,160 --> 00:10:33,760 Have her meet every eunuch in the bureau 178 00:10:33,840 --> 00:10:36,000 until she finds this so-called go-between. 179 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:41,120 It's getting late. 180 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:43,520 Because of Miss Hanxiao's case, 181 00:10:44,040 --> 00:10:45,400 His Majesty is being extra lenient 182 00:10:45,480 --> 00:10:48,240 and will soon release another group of palace maids. 183 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:50,960 I still have plenty of work to do. 184 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:52,880 I can't keep you company any longer. 185 00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:55,280 My apologies. Please understand. 186 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:59,520 If you suddenly remember anything, 187 00:10:59,600 --> 00:11:01,400 be sure to come to the Palace Investigation Bureau. 188 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:03,880 I'll cooperate fully with Your Ladyship's investigation. 189 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:05,960 You don't like reading. 190 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:07,520 Why keep so many books for show? 191 00:11:12,080 --> 00:11:13,160 I… 192 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:14,840 Of course, I love to read. 193 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:17,320 These are all books I read often. 194 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:23,840 Your Ladyship, take care. 195 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:30,120 BOOK OF RITES 196 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:38,720 Hu Da has an errand outside the palace. 197 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,400 You noticed his carriage was ready to go too? 198 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:47,160 I checked. 199 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:48,880 There's no mugwort in his courtyard. 200 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:50,840 And his room had only a delicate scent. 201 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:52,200 He'd never use mugwort. 202 00:11:52,720 --> 00:11:55,400 Someone's trying to pin Hanxiao's death on Hu Da. 203 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:57,120 Serves him right. 204 00:11:57,200 --> 00:11:59,440 Even I wanted to hit him. 205 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:00,920 He must've made a lot of enemies. 206 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:03,040 He says he helps people out with loans, 207 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:05,720 but it's really just private lending with outrageous interest. 208 00:12:06,360 --> 00:12:07,200 I should look 209 00:12:07,280 --> 00:12:09,720 into how a secondary ninth-rank supervisor got so much money. 210 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:13,320 A copy of the Book of Rites is on the third shelf of his bookcase. 211 00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:15,880 If we can get it, there should be some leads inside. 212 00:12:16,480 --> 00:12:17,280 The Book of Rites? 213 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:19,800 It's the only book on the shelves that's been touched. 214 00:12:19,880 --> 00:12:21,640 I doubt it's because he likes reading it. 215 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:28,320 Mr. Xiao, you may leave now. 216 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:30,640 We won't trouble you with tailing Hu Da. 217 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:33,600 I'm off duty tonight. I'll go with Your Ladyship. 218 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:41,160 Let's go. 219 00:13:01,600 --> 00:13:02,920 Welcome, sir. 220 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:10,360 Shadowing people is tedious. 221 00:13:10,440 --> 00:13:12,240 Feel free to head back whenever you like. 222 00:13:12,320 --> 00:13:14,320 Stargazing can be just as monotonous. 223 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:16,880 Sometimes, it takes months for a star to move even a little. 224 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:19,640 Then I'm sure you'll be good at this. 225 00:13:20,920 --> 00:13:23,680 But Hu Da was in such a hurry to come out and run errands. 226 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:25,960 Why is he sitting down for a drink now? 227 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:32,480 Something's off! 228 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:42,720 - Where's the man who sat here? - I don't know. 229 00:13:42,800 --> 00:13:44,840 - Is there a back door? - No. 230 00:13:58,120 --> 00:13:59,160 Something's off! 231 00:14:05,080 --> 00:14:06,040 That carriage. 232 00:14:12,400 --> 00:14:13,320 This way. 233 00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:15,960 How do you know which way to go? 234 00:14:16,040 --> 00:14:17,680 That carriage is wider than most. 235 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:18,800 There are only so many lanes it can take. 236 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:20,680 We're now in the northeast corner of the ward. 237 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:22,600 There's only one direction it can go. 238 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,440 The carriage is quick, but we can take shortcuts on foot. 239 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:28,680 Even at our current pace, 240 00:14:28,760 --> 00:14:30,720 we can intercept him at the entrance of Yanle Lane. 241 00:14:31,760 --> 00:14:32,840 In that case, 242 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:35,040 let me show you an even faster route. 243 00:14:39,520 --> 00:14:40,640 Come on. 244 00:14:41,640 --> 00:14:42,560 Please go first, Your Ladyship. 245 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:45,280 I forgot you didn't know martial arts. 246 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:47,760 Official business. I'm borrowing your horse. 247 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:01,360 Your Ladyship! 248 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:25,480 HANGUANG LANE 249 00:15:27,640 --> 00:15:29,520 Roosters for sale! 250 00:15:29,600 --> 00:15:31,320 Big roosters! 251 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:32,240 ‪CHEN'S SPICE SHOP 252 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:33,920 Roosters for sale! 253 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:39,400 Who poured that slop? Come out here! 254 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:41,440 How can you prove I poured it? 255 00:15:41,520 --> 00:15:43,480 It came from your shop. 256 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:44,720 If not you, who? 257 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:46,400 Look at my clothes! Pay for the damage! 258 00:15:46,480 --> 00:15:48,280 Blaming me for your own carelessness? 259 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:50,880 - You heartless woman! - Who are you calling heartless? 260 00:15:50,960 --> 00:15:52,160 You're ruining my business. 261 00:15:52,240 --> 00:15:53,080 You should be paying me! 262 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,200 - Get lost! You stink. - You! 263 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:57,600 - You're not getting a coin from me. - You can't… 264 00:15:58,440 --> 00:15:59,560 - Sir… - What's wrong? 265 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:01,600 She won't pay for the damage. Please stand up for me! 266 00:16:01,680 --> 00:16:03,200 - He's the one who… - Enough. 267 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:04,800 - Sir… - Get lost. 268 00:16:05,440 --> 00:16:06,200 HANGUANG LANE 269 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:21,360 Stay away! 270 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:27,760 Mugwort. 271 00:16:32,760 --> 00:16:33,920 Help! Help! 272 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:35,360 Someone, help! 273 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:36,880 Help! 274 00:16:40,720 --> 00:16:41,960 Step aside. 275 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:51,760 Step aside. 276 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:54,360 Don't move. 277 00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:03,240 Hu Da. 278 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:04,880 Hu Da. Hu Da? 279 00:17:06,280 --> 00:17:07,200 Hu Da! 280 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:10,359 Roosters for sale! 281 00:17:10,440 --> 00:17:13,040 - Who poured that slop? - How can you prove I poured it? 282 00:17:13,119 --> 00:17:14,800 - If not you, who? - Can you prove it? 283 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:16,800 You are making a scene and hurting my business. 284 00:17:16,880 --> 00:17:18,480 - You should pay me back! - But I… 285 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:20,160 - My clothings are ruined! - Get lost! 286 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:21,079 Who? 287 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:42,680 Where did you go? 288 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:46,480 Someone tried to kill you. 289 00:17:46,560 --> 00:17:47,480 Don't you want to know who? 290 00:17:47,560 --> 00:17:49,880 Plenty of people want me dead. 291 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:53,400 Who knows which debtor it was this time? 292 00:17:53,480 --> 00:17:55,680 Where did you get the money to lend out in the palace? 293 00:17:57,120 --> 00:17:58,880 The one after you is either someone you've crossed 294 00:17:58,960 --> 00:17:59,800 or someone you depend on. 295 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:03,440 You've already become the scapegoat for Hanxiao's murder. 296 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:05,280 I didn't… 297 00:18:05,360 --> 00:18:07,040 I didn't… I… 298 00:18:10,760 --> 00:18:12,600 Hu Da. Hu Da! 299 00:18:29,480 --> 00:18:31,440 Struck on the head, the coachman died instantly. 300 00:18:32,040 --> 00:18:34,840 Witnesses said Hu Da was bitten to death by bats. 301 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:36,680 He wasn't bitten to death. 302 00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:37,920 He was poisoned to death by the bats. 303 00:18:39,520 --> 00:18:41,400 Your Ladyship, we found this nearby. 304 00:18:45,560 --> 00:18:49,080 Why would bats attack people in broad daylight for no reason? 305 00:18:50,360 --> 00:18:52,160 Hu Da smelled of linglong grass. 306 00:18:52,760 --> 00:18:54,600 That's what drove the bats into a frenzy. 307 00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:55,880 Linglong grass? 308 00:18:55,960 --> 00:18:56,960 From incense in his room? 309 00:18:58,040 --> 00:19:01,360 No, there was linglong grass powder on his clothes. 310 00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:03,360 Someone sprinkled it on him during the commotion. 311 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:06,880 But where could that many bats have been hidden? 312 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:08,800 HANGUANG LANE 313 00:19:12,560 --> 00:19:13,680 The rope was cut. 314 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:16,480 Interesting. 315 00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:19,720 From the moment that slop was poured, Hu Da was in someone's trap. 316 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:23,320 Mr. Xiao, did you go 317 00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:26,120 to chase after a tall man in a black robe and hood? 318 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,240 Yes. 319 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:28,640 He was slightly hunched. 320 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:29,960 He left deeper toe prints than heel prints, 321 00:19:30,040 --> 00:19:31,760 probably from years of hauling heavy loads. 322 00:19:32,360 --> 00:19:34,920 When you rushed to save Hu Da, you brushed past him. 323 00:19:36,640 --> 00:19:37,560 Mugwort. 324 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:41,880 I smelled mugwort on him. 325 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:43,680 He's the one who set Hu Da up. 326 00:19:44,280 --> 00:19:46,360 It's a pity I couldn't catch up. I overestimated myself. 327 00:19:46,440 --> 00:19:48,000 Don't sell yourself short. 328 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:50,640 You picked out the culprit with just a single glance. 329 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:52,880 He clearly knows this area well. 330 00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:54,080 That's why he got away so fast. 331 00:19:54,680 --> 00:19:56,360 Take Hu Da's body back to the Palace Investigation Bureau. 332 00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:57,680 The killer must be someone from the palace. 333 00:19:57,760 --> 00:19:59,280 - He won't get far. - Understood. 334 00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:11,240 Has Your Ladyship seen a mark like this? 335 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:12,840 I saw it on that man's cart. 336 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:15,840 You know the palace well. Have you seen it there? 337 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:16,880 The lavatories. 338 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,840 Carts and barrels from the palace lavatories all have this mark. 339 00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:21,880 That explains everything. 340 00:20:21,960 --> 00:20:24,160 Night-soil collectors haul carts all year round, 341 00:20:24,240 --> 00:20:25,320 so their footprints are deeper at the front. 342 00:20:25,400 --> 00:20:26,800 They have free access to the palace, 343 00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:28,200 and their status is so low that no one notices them. 344 00:20:28,280 --> 00:20:31,400 And they often use mugwort incense to get rid of the smell. 345 00:20:31,920 --> 00:20:32,800 Mr. Xiao, you really are sharp. 346 00:20:36,160 --> 00:20:37,080 Your Ladyship. 347 00:20:38,840 --> 00:20:40,200 My apologies. 348 00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:44,880 We have a lead. Let's go catch someone. 349 00:20:44,960 --> 00:20:46,120 Your Ladyship, 350 00:20:46,200 --> 00:20:48,880 why were you holding Mr. Xiao's hand in front of everyone? 351 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:53,960 He was calculating the killer's whereabouts. 352 00:20:55,880 --> 00:20:59,560 Did he really need her hand to do that? 353 00:21:09,520 --> 00:21:10,360 Your Ladyship. 354 00:21:11,400 --> 00:21:12,280 Among the night-soil collectors, 355 00:21:12,360 --> 00:21:14,040 is there anyone who always keeps to himself, 356 00:21:14,120 --> 00:21:16,960 covers himself up from head to toe, and likes to wear a hood? 357 00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:19,680 Your Ladyship, that's Lou Chuo for sure. 358 00:21:19,760 --> 00:21:20,680 Where is he? 359 00:21:20,760 --> 00:21:22,320 He should be out delivering 360 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:23,920 golden soil from the palace 361 00:21:24,440 --> 00:21:25,600 to the eastern suburbs. 362 00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:31,280 You want it? 363 00:21:35,840 --> 00:21:36,880 Here. 364 00:21:40,520 --> 00:21:41,360 Sir, 365 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:43,720 do you know a man named Lou Chuo? 366 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:45,880 No. In this trade, we never ask names. 367 00:21:45,960 --> 00:21:47,360 He's a palace eunuch. 368 00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:51,400 Nine out of ten sellers claim to be palace eunuchs 369 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:52,680 just to get a better price. 370 00:21:52,760 --> 00:21:55,080 We're not fools. We pay based on the quality. 371 00:21:55,160 --> 00:21:56,320 That's right. 372 00:21:58,560 --> 00:22:00,400 - Time to get back to work. - We still have questions for you. 373 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:02,840 This is an important seller. We can't make him wait. 374 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:04,360 He brings nothing but pure palace compost. 375 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:06,240 It makes top-grade fertilizer. Golden soil. 376 00:22:10,280 --> 00:22:11,360 - Let's go take a look. - All right. 377 00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:23,760 Lou Chuo, right? 378 00:22:23,840 --> 00:22:24,920 LOU CHUO NIGHT-SOIL COLLECTOR OF PALACE LAVATORIES 379 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:28,840 Lou Chuo. 380 00:22:31,320 --> 00:22:32,360 Boss! 381 00:22:34,200 --> 00:22:35,040 Linglong grass. 382 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:43,760 Don't let him get away! 383 00:23:21,560 --> 00:23:22,680 You're coming with me. 384 00:23:38,080 --> 00:23:38,920 So ruthless to yourself? 385 00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:51,160 Boss! 386 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:10,880 You can't escape now. 387 00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:12,960 Your Ladyship, where should we take him? 388 00:24:15,360 --> 00:24:16,720 The Palace Investigation Bureau's cells are full. 389 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:19,160 Please take him to the Court of Judicial Review. 390 00:24:20,160 --> 00:24:22,800 Your Ladyship, are you handing this case over to us? 391 00:24:25,040 --> 00:24:26,480 I'm just borrowing a cell. 392 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:38,240 Lou Chuo has the same rash. 393 00:24:41,160 --> 00:24:44,800 Earlier, we found a hard object in the victim's mouth. 394 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:46,520 After soaking it in hot water, 395 00:24:46,600 --> 00:24:48,640 it turned out to be a ginger slice. 396 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:50,080 Why would she have that? 397 00:24:51,720 --> 00:24:53,800 Night-soil collectors stuff jujubes in their nostrils 398 00:24:53,880 --> 00:24:55,760 and keep ginger slices in their mouths to fight the stench. 399 00:24:56,480 --> 00:24:59,360 Hanxiao was probably with Lou Chuo before she died. 400 00:24:59,880 --> 00:25:03,120 COURT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW 401 00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:09,680 Your Ladyship, 402 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:13,040 is it really proper for you to be around him now? 403 00:25:13,640 --> 00:25:16,520 This way, he can't commit suicide or run away, 404 00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:19,040 and we don't have to deal with the smell. 405 00:25:19,120 --> 00:25:20,200 Isn't that perfect? 406 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:23,200 Count your blessings. 407 00:25:23,280 --> 00:25:25,840 Her Ladyship is letting you enjoy a hot bath. 408 00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:26,760 Now start talking. 409 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:30,640 You…! 410 00:25:35,960 --> 00:25:38,680 Let me question him today. 411 00:25:42,080 --> 00:25:43,000 Please do, Mr. Xiao. 412 00:25:52,400 --> 00:25:55,320 Hu Da lent money and harassed women in the palace. 413 00:25:55,400 --> 00:25:57,600 He made plenty of enemies. 414 00:25:58,680 --> 00:26:01,160 Did you kill Hu Da because you couldn't repay your debt? 415 00:26:04,160 --> 00:26:05,240 No, that's not it. 416 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:07,000 Was it because of a woman? 417 00:26:09,400 --> 00:26:10,640 You hated her? 418 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:15,080 No, you loved her. 419 00:26:15,160 --> 00:26:18,120 Your love turned into resentment. 420 00:26:18,200 --> 00:26:21,240 You're lowly, dirty, and always reek. 421 00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:22,560 To her, 422 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:24,960 you were like a fly or a rat, something to avoid at all costs. 423 00:26:25,560 --> 00:26:28,840 The more you tried to get close, the further she pulled away. 424 00:26:30,520 --> 00:26:32,800 But at the end of the day, you were both servants. 425 00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:35,920 Neither was nobler or lowlier than the other. 426 00:26:37,720 --> 00:26:40,440 She was just a woman. She deserved to die. 427 00:26:44,760 --> 00:26:48,200 Hu Da was better-looking than you, rich, and generous. 428 00:26:48,280 --> 00:26:50,560 The woman you loved was drawn to him. 429 00:26:50,640 --> 00:26:53,040 You could never be like him in this life, 430 00:26:53,720 --> 00:26:55,120 and you hated him for it. 431 00:26:55,200 --> 00:26:56,240 That's why you killed him. 432 00:26:56,960 --> 00:26:58,080 Kill… 433 00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:00,640 Kill. 434 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:02,480 Mr. Xiao, 435 00:27:02,560 --> 00:27:05,240 when did you get so good at interrogations? 436 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:07,200 I'm not. 437 00:27:07,280 --> 00:27:08,280 I just picked up a few tricks. 438 00:27:30,280 --> 00:27:32,760 What a shame. Hu Da isn't dead yet. 439 00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:36,640 How useless you are. 440 00:27:37,240 --> 00:27:38,880 You couldn't get the woman you wanted, 441 00:27:38,960 --> 00:27:40,200 and you couldn't kill the man you hated. 442 00:27:40,280 --> 00:27:41,920 Hu Da is alive and well. 443 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:44,040 More beautiful women will fall for him. 444 00:27:44,120 --> 00:27:45,240 But you? 445 00:27:45,320 --> 00:27:47,440 The woman you loved is dead. 446 00:27:47,520 --> 00:27:48,400 You'll never get her back. 447 00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:50,160 You have nothing left. 448 00:27:54,800 --> 00:27:57,400 If you tell us how you killed Hanxiao, 449 00:27:57,480 --> 00:28:01,400 I'll let you kill Hu Da before you die. 450 00:28:01,480 --> 00:28:04,680 If you stay silent, I'll still let you live, 451 00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:06,760 but it'll be a fate worse than death. 452 00:28:11,720 --> 00:28:12,880 Your choice. 453 00:28:16,320 --> 00:28:17,320 Fine, 454 00:28:18,760 --> 00:28:19,600 I'll talk. 455 00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:21,560 But if I confess, 456 00:28:22,320 --> 00:28:24,160 will you really report everything as it is? 457 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:27,680 There aren't many things I dare not do. 458 00:28:27,760 --> 00:28:28,600 Try me. 459 00:28:33,040 --> 00:28:34,320 Your Ladyship. 460 00:28:39,720 --> 00:28:40,680 Lou Chuo, 461 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:43,240 you filthy wretch. 462 00:28:43,320 --> 00:28:45,160 What a spectacle you've made! 463 00:28:45,240 --> 00:28:47,240 How dare you waste so much of Her Ladyship's time? 464 00:28:47,840 --> 00:28:50,200 Now, with ironclad evidence, 465 00:28:50,280 --> 00:28:51,840 your guilt is clear as day. 466 00:28:51,920 --> 00:28:54,200 Confess at once! 467 00:28:56,440 --> 00:28:57,480 Your Ladyship, 468 00:28:57,560 --> 00:28:59,200 this is certainly 469 00:28:59,280 --> 00:29:02,040 a unique spot for an interrogation. 470 00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:07,240 Lou Chuo, 471 00:29:09,080 --> 00:29:10,600 out with it! 472 00:29:13,640 --> 00:29:17,160 I put Hanxiao in the wall. 473 00:29:38,880 --> 00:29:40,960 I was born the son of a military officer. 474 00:29:41,960 --> 00:29:43,360 When I was little, 475 00:29:43,440 --> 00:29:47,440 my family got convicted, and I was sent to the palace as a eunuch. 476 00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:50,920 I've worked as a night-soil collector all these years. 477 00:29:51,000 --> 00:29:54,840 Dirty and smelly, I was shunned by all. 478 00:29:56,880 --> 00:30:01,160 The magnificence and splendor of the palace 479 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:02,520 meant nothing to me. 480 00:30:03,040 --> 00:30:05,280 No matter how beautiful the maids or flowers were, 481 00:30:06,400 --> 00:30:08,200 I never looked at them twice. 482 00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:10,400 Every day after work, 483 00:30:11,200 --> 00:30:14,720 I'd return to my tiny room that sunlight never reached. 484 00:30:15,520 --> 00:30:18,200 My only companions were the rats. 485 00:30:19,160 --> 00:30:22,640 But one day, I met Hanxiao. 486 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:26,520 Night-soil collectors rarely go to the Palace Registry Bureau. 487 00:30:27,120 --> 00:30:29,840 Each month, one of us goes there 488 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:33,480 to collect pay for everyone, 489 00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:37,600 so as not to draw attention or upset others. 490 00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:41,040 - Ugh. What's that smell? - He stinks. 491 00:30:42,760 --> 00:30:45,520 Are night-soil collectors allowed to collect their pay here themselves? 492 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:49,400 That was the pay meant for all the night-soil collectors. 493 00:30:50,480 --> 00:30:51,680 I didn't dare lose a single coin, 494 00:30:51,760 --> 00:30:53,360 so I scrambled to pick them up. 495 00:30:55,960 --> 00:30:58,440 Hey, filthy rat, where did you get all that money? 496 00:30:58,520 --> 00:30:59,880 Did you steal it? 497 00:31:03,200 --> 00:31:04,560 I'm talking to you. 498 00:31:04,640 --> 00:31:05,840 Where is all this money from? 499 00:31:08,760 --> 00:31:10,160 Do you have nothing better to do? 500 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:12,360 If you're so free, help me plant flowers for Consort Shu. 501 00:31:12,440 --> 00:31:14,840 Please, Sister Hanxiao, have mercy. 502 00:31:14,920 --> 00:31:17,040 It's too hot. I'll get heatstroke. 503 00:31:17,120 --> 00:31:18,520 - Then get lost! - Yes. 504 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:22,640 In all my years in the palace, 505 00:31:23,760 --> 00:31:25,920 that was the first time anyone had stood up for me. 506 00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:27,360 What are you staring at? 507 00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:29,240 Pick up your money and head back. 508 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:33,240 It was the first time someone had smiled at me. 509 00:31:34,080 --> 00:31:35,360 That person was Hanxiao. 510 00:31:36,800 --> 00:31:38,160 After that, 511 00:31:39,120 --> 00:31:40,880 I'd try to find a way to see her 512 00:31:41,600 --> 00:31:43,960 whenever I finished work. 513 00:31:45,360 --> 00:31:47,040 She worked in Consort Shu's palace. 514 00:31:47,560 --> 00:31:49,480 It was hard to see her, 515 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:51,480 but I had my ways. 516 00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:55,000 Even a glimpse from afar was enough. 517 00:31:56,960 --> 00:31:58,640 But later, I realized 518 00:31:59,160 --> 00:32:01,240 she looked down on me 519 00:32:01,840 --> 00:32:03,120 just like everyone else. 520 00:32:04,800 --> 00:32:06,000 Sister Hanxiao. 521 00:32:08,200 --> 00:32:09,280 Supervisor Hu. 522 00:32:09,360 --> 00:32:10,520 About the loan you took, 523 00:32:10,600 --> 00:32:12,840 I'll charge you the lowest interest rate. 524 00:32:13,360 --> 00:32:14,200 Thank you, Supervisor Hu. 525 00:32:14,280 --> 00:32:16,080 However… 526 00:32:17,960 --> 00:32:19,040 Come with me. 527 00:32:19,720 --> 00:32:20,640 All right. 528 00:32:29,240 --> 00:32:31,040 She was nothing special. 529 00:32:31,640 --> 00:32:35,080 She was just like the rest, chasing wealth and scorning the poor. 530 00:32:37,720 --> 00:32:39,920 So you killed her for that? 531 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:41,800 If you don't want to hear it, 532 00:32:42,520 --> 00:32:43,480 I won't bother. 533 00:32:43,560 --> 00:32:44,560 You…! 534 00:32:44,640 --> 00:32:45,840 Chief Justice, please. 535 00:32:47,360 --> 00:32:48,360 Chief Justice. 536 00:32:57,400 --> 00:32:59,760 Lou Chuo, continue. 537 00:33:00,760 --> 00:33:01,640 Later, 538 00:33:01,720 --> 00:33:03,600 I heard she was leaving the palace. 539 00:33:04,600 --> 00:33:06,920 I thought it would be my last chance, 540 00:33:07,600 --> 00:33:09,440 so I secretly wrote her a letter. 541 00:33:10,720 --> 00:33:12,640 She didn't even reply. 542 00:33:13,640 --> 00:33:16,320 I thought we'd never meet again in this life. 543 00:33:18,440 --> 00:33:21,560 But fate is unpredictable. 544 00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:25,000 One day, I found her lying in a gutter, 545 00:33:25,080 --> 00:33:27,440 hair a mess and clothes in rags. 546 00:33:27,520 --> 00:33:29,120 She'd been brought right back to me. 547 00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:20,760 I saved her 548 00:34:21,480 --> 00:34:22,760 and treated her well, 549 00:34:22,840 --> 00:34:24,719 but she still despised me. 550 00:34:25,239 --> 00:34:26,760 I saved her. 551 00:34:26,840 --> 00:34:29,600 Without me, she would've died by the roadside. 552 00:34:31,920 --> 00:34:33,880 I kept her in my room 553 00:34:35,239 --> 00:34:36,120 and made her stay with me. 554 00:34:36,880 --> 00:34:38,440 This time, she didn't resist. 555 00:34:39,239 --> 00:34:40,080 She'd learned her lesson. 556 00:34:42,159 --> 00:34:43,000 And then? 557 00:34:44,040 --> 00:34:45,719 After ten days or so, 558 00:34:45,800 --> 00:34:47,239 she died. 559 00:34:49,280 --> 00:34:50,440 Even toward the end 560 00:34:51,480 --> 00:34:54,000 of her life, all she could think about was Hu Da. 561 00:34:54,600 --> 00:34:57,040 She could never stop saying his name! 562 00:34:57,120 --> 00:35:00,280 But in the end, wasn't I the one by her side? 563 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:03,520 You killed Hu Da out of jealousy. 564 00:35:05,480 --> 00:35:07,480 Didn't he deserve to die? 565 00:35:10,560 --> 00:35:12,520 But Hanxiao had already yielded to you. 566 00:35:12,600 --> 00:35:13,800 Why did you kill her? 567 00:35:17,240 --> 00:35:18,480 I didn't. 568 00:35:20,840 --> 00:35:22,200 She was too weak. 569 00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:26,280 One day, I came back from work 570 00:35:26,360 --> 00:35:28,000 and found her dead in my room. 571 00:35:30,360 --> 00:35:31,520 It was just as well she died. 572 00:35:32,880 --> 00:35:34,960 At least she'd never leave me again. 573 00:35:39,920 --> 00:35:41,280 But after only three days, 574 00:35:42,800 --> 00:35:46,360 her body started to stink and break out in rashes. 575 00:35:46,440 --> 00:35:47,760 It was awful. 576 00:35:48,480 --> 00:35:52,320 I had no choice but to bury her. 577 00:35:53,680 --> 00:35:57,440 You could've cremated her or dumped her outside the palace. 578 00:35:57,960 --> 00:35:59,880 Why did you put her in a palace wall? 579 00:36:06,240 --> 00:36:07,440 That way, 580 00:36:07,520 --> 00:36:09,920 when I hauled waste and passed by every day, 581 00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:11,160 I could see her. 582 00:36:23,240 --> 00:36:26,400 Could those wounds have formed in just around ten days? 583 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:31,280 The wounds vary in color. 584 00:36:31,360 --> 00:36:34,200 Clearly, there are both old and new injuries. 585 00:36:34,280 --> 00:36:36,920 The oldest ones are over half a year old. 586 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:41,000 Hanxiao must have been abused ever since leaving the palace. 587 00:36:41,760 --> 00:36:43,040 Where did she go? 588 00:36:43,680 --> 00:36:45,680 Lou Chuo is still hiding a lot from us. 589 00:36:46,200 --> 00:36:47,400 Go look into Hu Da first. 590 00:36:47,480 --> 00:36:49,720 If it'd been truly just a jealousy murder, 591 00:36:49,800 --> 00:36:51,560 Lou Chuo wouldn't have gone to all that trouble. 592 00:36:51,640 --> 00:36:52,680 Understood. 593 00:36:53,320 --> 00:36:56,280 Yes, a carriage picked them up. 594 00:36:56,360 --> 00:36:57,800 A few girls came out first. 595 00:36:57,880 --> 00:36:59,120 Then your sister ran after them. 596 00:36:59,200 --> 00:37:00,640 Do you know where they went? 597 00:37:01,440 --> 00:37:04,200 The Xuandu Temple only records the departure time, 598 00:37:04,280 --> 00:37:06,240 not the destination. 599 00:37:07,600 --> 00:37:09,320 This should be the place. 600 00:37:12,040 --> 00:37:14,480 Taozhi, look how nice it is here. 601 00:37:14,560 --> 00:37:16,160 Didn't I tell you it'd be fine? 602 00:37:16,240 --> 00:37:18,280 This must be a good place to work. 603 00:37:18,360 --> 00:37:19,400 BAIRONG, FORMER PALACE MAID MULIAN, FORMER PALACE MAID 604 00:37:19,480 --> 00:37:20,360 It really is nice. 605 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:22,840 LINLAN, FORMER PALACE MAID CUIZHU, FORMER PALACE MAID 606 00:37:23,440 --> 00:37:25,280 What kind of good job could Hu Da possibly find for us? 607 00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:27,000 We should still be careful. 608 00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:29,880 Anyway, now that you know where we are, 609 00:37:29,960 --> 00:37:31,120 you can stop worrying. 610 00:37:31,200 --> 00:37:32,200 Go see your brother now. 611 00:37:37,240 --> 00:37:39,200 Ladies, you're here. Come with me. 612 00:37:40,000 --> 00:37:40,880 Let's go. 613 00:37:56,760 --> 00:37:58,000 This place feels strange. 614 00:38:00,280 --> 00:38:01,560 They provide food and lodging. 615 00:38:01,640 --> 00:38:02,760 Isn't that good? 616 00:38:02,840 --> 00:38:03,680 Yeah. 617 00:38:06,360 --> 00:38:07,800 But the room is so dark. 618 00:38:10,320 --> 00:38:12,440 You'll all be living here from now on. 619 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:14,360 Now, hand over your travel passes. 620 00:38:14,440 --> 00:38:16,320 - Travel pass? - Well. 621 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:17,560 My travel pass… 622 00:38:22,800 --> 00:38:25,240 Sir, what kind of business do you run here? 623 00:38:26,360 --> 00:38:27,520 You'll find out soon enough. 624 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:29,520 Hand it over. 625 00:38:30,920 --> 00:38:32,120 If we're here to work, 626 00:38:32,200 --> 00:38:33,840 shouldn't we get proof of employment first? 627 00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:35,560 Why are you taking our passes? 628 00:38:35,640 --> 00:38:37,160 Why so many questions? 629 00:38:37,920 --> 00:38:39,600 You're taking our passes without explanation? 630 00:38:39,680 --> 00:38:40,560 Something's off! 631 00:38:43,320 --> 00:38:45,640 Does the wage you promised us still stand? 632 00:38:45,720 --> 00:38:46,960 Of course. 633 00:38:47,760 --> 00:38:48,920 As long as you work hard, 634 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:51,000 you'll only earn more. 635 00:38:52,960 --> 00:38:55,160 No matter the pay, we shouldn't stay. 636 00:38:56,160 --> 00:38:57,120 Taozhi, 637 00:38:58,680 --> 00:38:59,560 I need the money. 638 00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:04,680 You really won't leave? 639 00:39:05,560 --> 00:39:06,960 I'm staying. 640 00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:09,680 Whatever the job is, I have to try it for a few days at least. 641 00:39:20,080 --> 00:39:22,760 You think you can just come and go as you please? 642 00:39:22,840 --> 00:39:24,160 I don't care what this place is, 643 00:39:24,240 --> 00:39:27,640 but in the Western Capital, you can't just detain people. 644 00:39:31,600 --> 00:39:33,120 - Taozhi! - Taozhi! 645 00:39:33,200 --> 00:39:34,320 How could you hit her? 646 00:39:34,400 --> 00:39:35,760 Stop causing trouble. 647 00:39:36,680 --> 00:39:38,880 If you break the rules, you take the punishment! 648 00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:41,680 But I never agreed to work for you. 649 00:39:41,760 --> 00:39:42,840 You want to leave? 650 00:39:42,920 --> 00:39:44,880 Fine. Ten guan. 651 00:39:44,960 --> 00:39:47,000 - Ten… Ten guan? - Ten guan? 652 00:39:47,080 --> 00:39:48,120 Ten guan? 653 00:39:57,240 --> 00:39:58,360 What do we do now? 654 00:40:02,720 --> 00:40:07,000 Do you still think this is a legitimate business? 655 00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:21,160 Where did you find Hanxiao? 656 00:40:28,520 --> 00:40:30,200 Didn't I tell you already? 657 00:40:31,120 --> 00:40:33,240 In an alley of Daozheng Ward. 658 00:40:34,160 --> 00:40:35,720 She was lying by a gutter. 659 00:40:35,800 --> 00:40:37,720 There are many alleys in Daozheng Ward. 660 00:40:38,240 --> 00:40:39,480 Which one? 661 00:40:41,960 --> 00:40:42,880 I don't remember. 662 00:40:43,400 --> 00:40:46,400 Did you see anything else on the way back? 663 00:40:48,480 --> 00:40:49,400 Yes. 664 00:40:51,360 --> 00:40:54,040 That was the day Hanxiao and I got married. 665 00:40:55,040 --> 00:40:56,320 How could I forget? 666 00:40:56,920 --> 00:41:00,120 Everyone along the way congratulated me. 667 00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:03,360 Groups of young women chattered, 668 00:41:04,400 --> 00:41:06,080 all gossiping about me. 669 00:41:06,720 --> 00:41:08,560 But they were all just ordinary girls, 670 00:41:09,720 --> 00:41:10,960 nothing like Hanxiao. 671 00:41:11,600 --> 00:41:13,320 She carried a subtle scent, 672 00:41:14,320 --> 00:41:16,280 fragrant from afar 673 00:41:17,200 --> 00:41:20,800 and sweet up close. 674 00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:23,720 That's why I always wanted to be near her. 675 00:41:24,280 --> 00:41:25,480 Anything else? 676 00:41:27,600 --> 00:41:28,560 Yes. 677 00:41:29,080 --> 00:41:30,720 There were flowers, 678 00:41:31,680 --> 00:41:33,040 so many flowers, 679 00:41:33,120 --> 00:41:35,480 more than I'd ever seen in my life. 680 00:41:35,560 --> 00:41:36,720 They were in all colors, 681 00:41:37,320 --> 00:41:39,760 even more beautiful than those in Consort Shu's garden. 682 00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:41,720 Honestly, 683 00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:46,680 only Hanxiao could have made them look so beautiful. 684 00:41:47,720 --> 00:41:51,000 There were also drumming, festive music, 685 00:41:51,080 --> 00:41:52,080 bells ringing, 686 00:41:52,800 --> 00:41:54,080 and people singing. 687 00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:55,840 It was lovely. 688 00:41:55,920 --> 00:41:58,800 Little kids ran over with baskets, 689 00:41:58,880 --> 00:42:00,800 asking for lucky money. 690 00:42:00,880 --> 00:42:04,080 I handed out candy, and they were all so happy. 691 00:42:16,040 --> 00:42:18,200 This is the only canal that runs through Daozheng Ward. 692 00:42:18,280 --> 00:42:19,760 Let's search from north to south. 693 00:42:24,200 --> 00:42:26,000 We've walked so far, but we still haven't seen 694 00:42:26,080 --> 00:42:27,480 flowers, children, or women. 695 00:42:30,280 --> 00:42:33,400 One or two wen for needles, thread, 696 00:42:33,480 --> 00:42:36,120 or floral cloth for your shoes! 697 00:42:36,960 --> 00:42:38,200 Come take a look! 698 00:42:39,840 --> 00:42:41,360 - I want it! - Give it to me first! 699 00:42:42,040 --> 00:42:43,560 Could this be what Lou Chuo described? 700 00:42:43,640 --> 00:42:46,360 There were also drumming, festive music, and bells ringing. 701 00:42:46,440 --> 00:42:50,760 Little kids ran over with baskets, asking for lucky money. 702 00:42:51,880 --> 00:42:54,200 But where are the flowers and the ladies? 703 00:42:55,160 --> 00:42:56,800 If what he called "festive music" wasn't really music, 704 00:42:56,880 --> 00:42:58,960 maybe the "flowers" weren't real either. 705 00:43:01,440 --> 00:43:03,760 Sure. No problem. Take it. 706 00:43:07,720 --> 00:43:09,200 So these are the colorful "flowers." 707 00:43:09,280 --> 00:43:10,320 LANTERN SHOP 708 00:43:10,960 --> 00:43:13,720 Look. These lotus lanterns do look like flowers. 709 00:43:14,440 --> 00:43:15,280 We've found the "flowers." 710 00:43:15,360 --> 00:43:17,160 That stall was the last place Lou Chuo passed by. 711 00:43:17,240 --> 00:43:18,320 Before that, it was this lantern shop. 712 00:43:19,040 --> 00:43:20,080 Let's keep walking. 713 00:43:23,240 --> 00:43:25,600 This must be where he thought people were talking about him. 714 00:43:26,200 --> 00:43:28,680 Groups of young women chattered, 715 00:43:29,320 --> 00:43:30,360 all gossiping about me. 716 00:43:30,440 --> 00:43:31,720 That's so funny. 717 00:43:31,800 --> 00:43:34,520 The gutter he mentioned should be nearby. 718 00:43:35,560 --> 00:43:37,160 ‪Look at it! How nice. 719 00:43:52,200 --> 00:43:53,400 It's the smell of face powder. 720 00:43:53,920 --> 00:43:55,880 Strange. This alley is so narrow, 721 00:43:55,960 --> 00:43:57,080 and there are no mansions around. 722 00:43:57,160 --> 00:43:58,920 Who here would use so much powder? 723 00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:00,960 Unless there's a tavern or brothel nearby. 724 00:44:07,800 --> 00:44:08,760 We're here? 725 00:44:10,760 --> 00:44:11,600 Hanguang Lane? 726 00:44:11,680 --> 00:44:14,400 So Lou Chuo ran into Hanxiao near the spot where he killed Hu Da? 727 00:44:18,280 --> 00:44:19,760 According to Hu Da's coachman, 728 00:44:19,840 --> 00:44:22,680 he was only gone for less than an hour each time. 729 00:44:22,760 --> 00:44:25,720 To get back to Linglong Residence in time without being noticed, 730 00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:28,120 he could only have come this far. 731 00:44:28,200 --> 00:44:29,840 This building is within this range. 732 00:44:29,920 --> 00:44:32,400 But the Inner Guards have already checked. 733 00:44:32,480 --> 00:44:35,000 All the taverns and residences claimed they never received Hu Da. 734 00:44:35,800 --> 00:44:36,840 Let's go take a look. 735 00:44:44,440 --> 00:44:47,240 {\an8}XIUHONG HOUSE 736 00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:07,160 ZHENNIANG 737 00:45:07,240 --> 00:45:09,880 Madam, sir, what brings you here? 738 00:45:10,480 --> 00:45:13,080 Do you sell silk or embroidery here? 739 00:45:13,160 --> 00:45:14,400 Embroidery. 740 00:45:14,480 --> 00:45:16,640 But you don't come to this ward often, do you? 741 00:45:17,840 --> 00:45:20,360 - How can you tell? - We only do business with merchants, 742 00:45:20,440 --> 00:45:21,880 never private customers. 743 00:45:25,040 --> 00:45:27,120 No wonder you can afford such fine benzoin resin incense. 744 00:45:27,720 --> 00:45:29,240 We owe it all to our loyal clients. 745 00:45:30,440 --> 00:45:32,880 Supplying embroidery to merchants must require a lot of embroiderers, right? 746 00:45:33,840 --> 00:45:35,800 - Seven or eight. - That's not so many. 747 00:45:35,880 --> 00:45:38,520 A truly skilled embroiderer can do the work 748 00:45:38,600 --> 00:45:39,640 of ten ordinary ones. 749 00:45:41,040 --> 00:45:42,080 How was Hanxiao? 750 00:45:44,680 --> 00:45:45,680 Who is that? 751 00:45:46,880 --> 00:45:48,120 You don't know her? 752 00:45:48,200 --> 00:45:49,240 Never heard of her. 753 00:45:49,320 --> 00:45:51,360 There was a murder in Hanguang Lane a few days ago. 754 00:45:51,440 --> 00:45:52,680 Did you hear? 755 00:45:53,400 --> 00:45:55,680 Sir, stop. You're scaring me. 756 00:45:56,280 --> 00:45:57,920 - You knew the victim? - No, I didn't. 757 00:46:00,440 --> 00:46:03,120 I've never seen such a grand embroidery house. 758 00:46:03,200 --> 00:46:05,080 Would you mind showing us around? 759 00:46:05,680 --> 00:46:07,960 Though we're open for business, 760 00:46:08,040 --> 00:46:09,680 this is still a private residence. 761 00:46:09,760 --> 00:46:10,800 We only welcome regulars. 762 00:46:11,640 --> 00:46:12,880 We've been here for a while. 763 00:46:12,960 --> 00:46:14,360 Why haven't we seen a single embroiderer? 764 00:46:15,000 --> 00:46:16,840 They just finished a big job a few days ago. 765 00:46:16,920 --> 00:46:17,800 They're all resting. 766 00:46:18,440 --> 00:46:19,480 Do all your embroiderers live here? 767 00:46:20,440 --> 00:46:21,280 Yes. 768 00:46:24,760 --> 00:46:25,600 It's awfully quiet. 769 00:46:27,320 --> 00:46:29,920 They're all young ladies. They're out enjoying themselves. 770 00:46:33,520 --> 00:46:34,480 Please, stay here. 771 00:46:35,200 --> 00:46:36,800 What are you doing? You startled the guests! 772 00:46:36,880 --> 00:46:37,880 It's nothing! 773 00:46:39,040 --> 00:46:40,560 It was probably just a rat.