1 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:30,920 {\an8}‪ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL ‪ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU 2 00:01:37,480 --> 00:01:38,720 RUISHENG, PALACE MAID 3 00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:44,280 Ruisheng… 4 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:54,600 ‪GRACE ACCUMULATED, BLESSINGS REFINED 5 00:01:57,720 --> 00:02:01,640 SONG OF THE WEEPING CHILD 6 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:04,440 HANLIANG HALL 7 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:09,880 Your Ladyship, my stomach hurts so much. 8 00:02:09,960 --> 00:02:11,880 Her belly swelled overnight. 9 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:13,080 It looks as though she's about to give birth. 10 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:17,120 Your Ladyship, am I going to give birth soon? 11 00:02:17,200 --> 00:02:18,080 Please save me. 12 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:23,840 Your Ladyship, 13 00:02:23,920 --> 00:02:26,400 back in my hometown, I heard of a woman with the same condition. 14 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:29,320 She died before the child was born. 15 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:32,920 I have nothing to do with it. 16 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:35,400 I'm not its mother. 17 00:02:35,920 --> 00:02:39,800 Your Ladyship, I don't want to die. 18 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:43,440 Your Ladyship, 19 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:47,480 I've also heard that these things feed off the mother. 20 00:02:47,560 --> 00:02:49,680 Is it going to eat me alive? 21 00:02:49,760 --> 00:02:51,240 If you die, 22 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:53,360 wouldn't whatever is in your belly die too? 23 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:57,480 Oh no! It's moving! 24 00:02:57,560 --> 00:03:00,240 It's moving! It's moving. 25 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:04,240 Your Ladyship, that needle is so long. 26 00:03:04,960 --> 00:03:07,680 What if you poke whatever is inside and anger it? 27 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:08,840 Please don't. 28 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:13,600 In that case, bear with it for now. 29 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:15,520 After noon, when the yang energy is strongest, 30 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:18,080 I'll return to drive out evil spirits for you. 31 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:27,000 The food is not bad for such a deserted hall. 32 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:31,200 When Lady Wang was still alive, meals like this were nothing special. 33 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:34,480 But ever since she suddenly passed away at the start of the month, 34 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:37,080 all the other maids at Hanliang Hall have been dismissed. 35 00:03:37,160 --> 00:03:38,800 Only the two of us remain. 36 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:41,720 Our rations have been cut. 37 00:03:42,680 --> 00:03:44,520 Still, there's meat and vegetables. 38 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:45,600 It could be worse. 39 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:49,320 We just eat whatever the Imperial Food Service sends. 40 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:50,840 These past few days, 41 00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:52,720 the food has suddenly gotten much better. 42 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:55,160 I couldn't say why. 43 00:04:00,720 --> 00:04:02,520 Hanliang Hall and the other nearby quarters 44 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:04,120 each have only two or three maids. 45 00:04:04,200 --> 00:04:06,560 {\an8}The meals are all the same. 46 00:04:09,840 --> 00:04:10,960 I don't need to read it. 47 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:14,560 The food wasn't handed directly to the maids, was it? 48 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:17,720 That was my oversight. With so many places to deliver meals to, 49 00:04:17,800 --> 00:04:19,680 we just left the boxes at the door 50 00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:21,519 and let the maids collect them. 51 00:04:27,880 --> 00:04:29,240 Does Your Ladyship suspect 52 00:04:29,320 --> 00:04:31,560 someone may have tampered with Hanliang Hall's food? 53 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:37,520 Where are you going? 54 00:04:37,600 --> 00:04:39,480 Mr. Xiao finishes his shift at the end of the Si hour. 55 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:40,880 I'm going to ask him to help with a ghost hunt. 56 00:04:41,680 --> 00:04:43,840 So that's why you said "after noon." 57 00:04:44,360 --> 00:04:47,240 You wanted to see Mr. Xiao. 58 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:52,320 Things have been quiet in the palace. I haven't seen Mr. Xiao in a while. 59 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:54,640 Otherwise, I wouldn't bother him with something this minor. 60 00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:59,240 I really am the one who knows you best. 61 00:05:04,520 --> 00:05:05,800 Let's go. 62 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:10,040 I was saving that for last! 63 00:05:27,560 --> 00:05:28,400 After you take this, 64 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:30,320 the symptoms should subside within two hours. 65 00:05:30,840 --> 00:05:31,680 It smells like an herbal soup. 66 00:05:31,760 --> 00:05:33,400 It's called the Three-Purity Tonic. 67 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:34,640 It disperses foul energy, 68 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:36,200 repels evil, and calms the spirit, 69 00:05:36,280 --> 00:05:38,480 protecting one from evil spirits. 70 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:43,880 HANLIANG HALL 71 00:05:45,080 --> 00:05:45,920 Fangsheng, 72 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:48,440 if that thing calls you "Mother," 73 00:05:48,520 --> 00:05:49,880 it must want something from you. 74 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:51,560 Did it ever say anything to you? 75 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:54,000 No, 76 00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:57,360 it just keeps calling me "Mother." 77 00:05:57,960 --> 00:05:59,120 I don't know what it wants. 78 00:06:01,800 --> 00:06:02,640 Forgive my boldness, 79 00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:04,880 but does Your Ladyship think 80 00:06:04,960 --> 00:06:07,960 we staged the ghostly apparition? 81 00:06:09,440 --> 00:06:10,640 Why would you say that? 82 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:15,360 Hanliang Hall is secluded. Only we saw the apparition. 83 00:06:15,440 --> 00:06:17,760 No one else can vouch for us. 84 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:20,160 The shadow was frightening, 85 00:06:20,240 --> 00:06:23,680 but all these days, it never truly harmed us. 86 00:06:24,520 --> 00:06:26,520 Your Ladyship doesn't believe in ghosts. 87 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:28,720 If I'd only heard about this, 88 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:30,080 I would've thought it was just a trick too. 89 00:06:30,680 --> 00:06:32,800 No, we didn't make this up! 90 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:35,560 Of course we believe you. 91 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:38,360 It's the person behind the apparition who has an ulterior motive. 92 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:43,840 We're just powerless palace maids. 93 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:45,880 Why would anyone come after us? 94 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,320 Think carefully. Have you ever crossed anyone? 95 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:54,920 We haven't been in the palace long. We barely know our way around. 96 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:57,760 Since Lady Wang passed, we've hardly spoken to anyone, 97 00:06:57,840 --> 00:06:59,520 let alone offended anyone. 98 00:07:00,280 --> 00:07:02,640 Fangsheng might speak a bit harshly sometimes, 99 00:07:02,720 --> 00:07:05,080 but that's hardly enough for someone to seek revenge like this. 100 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:09,360 Was there anything else unusual before all this happened? 101 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:11,920 We only came to Hanliang Hall with Lady Wang 102 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:13,040 a few months ago. 103 00:07:13,120 --> 00:07:15,600 It's always been lonely and quiet here. 104 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:18,200 Frankly, it's quite dull. Nothing strange ever happened before. 105 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:21,040 The tune you heard that night. 106 00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:22,160 Had you heard it before? 107 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:24,680 I'm no musician, 108 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:27,960 but it did sound a bit familiar. 109 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:30,440 Right. 110 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:34,320 Lady Wang often played her ruan and sang alone. 111 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,160 Now that I think about it, 112 00:07:36,240 --> 00:07:38,120 the melody that night was rather similar. 113 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:43,240 What day did Lady Wang pass away? 114 00:07:43,320 --> 00:07:44,920 The sixth day of this month. 115 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:47,520 It's been almost half a month now. 116 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:53,080 The apparition first appeared on the 12th, 117 00:07:53,160 --> 00:07:54,960 the seventh night after Lady Wang's death. 118 00:07:55,560 --> 00:07:57,000 Could Lady Wang have returned? 119 00:07:57,960 --> 00:08:00,080 {\an8}HANLIANG HALL 120 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:21,760 Mother. 121 00:08:25,360 --> 00:08:26,680 Mother. 122 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:29,760 Mother. 123 00:08:30,600 --> 00:08:31,440 Who are you? 124 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:41,120 Mother. I want Mother. 125 00:09:28,960 --> 00:09:31,160 That way. But the person probably got away. 126 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:32,200 I'll go after them. 127 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:35,720 Your Ladyship! 128 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:41,800 Did you find anything? 129 00:09:56,920 --> 00:09:57,760 I see. 130 00:09:58,360 --> 00:09:59,240 The simplest method 131 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:02,440 and one that leaves the fewest traces is to use moonlight. 132 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:05,880 The alley is cluttered everywhere except this wall. 133 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:07,720 The person used bronze mirrors 134 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:10,200 to reflect moonlight onto this north wall. 135 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:20,160 Would you like to test your theory? 136 00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:22,800 Go ahead. 137 00:10:49,360 --> 00:10:50,480 The shadow's too blurry. 138 00:10:57,040 --> 00:10:58,400 It's too dark inside. 139 00:11:00,680 --> 00:11:02,160 Maybe the moon has moved, 140 00:11:02,680 --> 00:11:05,000 so the mirrors can't catch enough light now. 141 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:08,720 It's only been about a ke, and the sky is clear. 142 00:11:08,800 --> 00:11:10,160 The brightness hasn't changed much. 143 00:11:25,080 --> 00:11:26,160 Something's missing here. 144 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:48,160 At the Astronomical Bureau, we use pinholes to observe eclipses. 145 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:51,800 But to get a clear shadow, you need something like this to focus the light. 146 00:11:52,800 --> 00:11:53,920 Whoever did this is meticulous. 147 00:11:54,520 --> 00:11:57,440 They only slipped up because of our sudden appearance. 148 00:11:57,520 --> 00:11:58,760 Let's try again. 149 00:12:23,280 --> 00:12:24,360 Your Ladyship! 150 00:12:33,200 --> 00:12:34,720 Mr. Xiao? 151 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:37,800 Did you two create that ghostly shadow just now? 152 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:40,040 The culprit used a polished disc to focus the light 153 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:42,280 and tied these paper cutouts with thin thread. 154 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:43,440 They moved the apparition 155 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,240 by controlling the cutouts like shadow puppets. 156 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:48,320 And by moving them closer or farther away, they made the shadow larger or smaller. 157 00:12:49,040 --> 00:12:50,640 Not only did they create a ghostly apparition, 158 00:12:50,720 --> 00:12:53,120 but they also deliberately fed Fangsheng food that bloated her stomach. 159 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:56,480 They went to all this trouble not for money or murder, 160 00:12:56,560 --> 00:12:57,560 but just to scare people? 161 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:02,680 Exactly. 162 00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:05,480 If you've already created an apparition, 163 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:08,160 why stop at just scaring a few unlucky maids? 164 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:10,200 Why not go after someone's life? 165 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:15,720 You're from the Palace Investigation Bureau. 166 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:18,120 Isn't it a bit improper to say such things? 167 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:24,880 The perpetrator used bronze mirrors and a polished disc. 168 00:13:24,960 --> 00:13:26,880 They're both clever and meticulous. 169 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:29,320 Now that they've slipped away tonight, will we ever find them again? 170 00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:32,760 Mr. Xiao will make the culprit show themself to us. 171 00:13:45,960 --> 00:13:47,760 I thought the incense ash in these corners 172 00:13:47,840 --> 00:13:50,640 was just to comfort the maids, since it's dark and gloomy here. 173 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:52,640 But it seems there was another purpose. 174 00:13:56,040 --> 00:13:58,040 The steps are light, and the stride is long. 175 00:13:58,120 --> 00:13:59,720 These are Her Ladyship's footprints. 176 00:14:06,520 --> 00:14:09,280 These two prints show more weight on the right side. 177 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:10,400 They're yours, Miss Wuren. 178 00:14:12,760 --> 00:14:14,640 Even I can't recognize my own footprints. 179 00:14:15,960 --> 00:14:17,880 Because your hand was resting on your right shoulder, 180 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:19,320 your weight shifted that way. 181 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:21,280 Now look at these. 182 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:32,280 The sole isn't made of cotton or leather. 183 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:34,280 It's hemp rope. 184 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:37,120 Even with brocade socks, these shoes would rub your feet raw. 185 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:39,520 No one of high status in the palace would wear such shoes. 186 00:14:43,200 --> 00:14:44,320 Judging by the size, 187 00:14:44,840 --> 00:14:47,240 they should be about the same height as Prosecutor Gu. 188 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:51,520 But when I fought them, they seemed about my size. 189 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:53,840 With all the clutter in the alley 190 00:14:53,920 --> 00:14:55,640 and the ground uneven, 191 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:57,200 it's hard to judge. 192 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:01,480 A short person with large feet. 193 00:15:01,560 --> 00:15:04,320 They are probably a man. 194 00:15:05,960 --> 00:15:07,720 They were certainly strong. 195 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:10,680 I struggled quite a bit when grappling with them. 196 00:15:11,840 --> 00:15:13,000 Wait. 197 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:14,880 Their voice sounded like a woman's. 198 00:15:16,280 --> 00:15:18,000 If someone is skilled at vocal mimicry, 199 00:15:18,080 --> 00:15:22,400 they can imitate a woman's singing or a baby's cry perfectly. 200 00:15:22,920 --> 00:15:25,560 So, it is likely they aren't a woman. 201 00:15:25,640 --> 00:15:27,200 You both make good points. 202 00:15:28,520 --> 00:15:29,480 We both make good points? 203 00:15:30,080 --> 00:15:32,840 So the person's both male and female? 204 00:15:34,080 --> 00:15:35,160 Look here. 205 00:15:36,040 --> 00:15:38,040 The edges of these footprints aren't clear. Most are quite blurry. 206 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:41,680 The toe is especially indistinct, and there are scrapes at the back. 207 00:15:41,760 --> 00:15:43,520 Small feet in oversized shoes? 208 00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:48,160 I didn't get a clear look at their build, but from the shoe prints, 209 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:50,720 they can't be taller than five chi seven cun. 210 00:15:50,800 --> 00:15:54,440 They're either a tall woman 211 00:15:54,520 --> 00:15:55,960 or a slight man. 212 00:15:59,720 --> 00:16:01,480 The left footprints are deeper than the right ones. 213 00:16:01,560 --> 00:16:04,000 That means they tend to lean left when walking. 214 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:10,840 So after all this, we still don't know if it's a man or a woman. 215 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:14,680 Are we going to just wait until tomorrow night to try again? 216 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:16,920 We've already alerted them today. 217 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:19,280 Even if they want to repeat the trick, they won't act until next month. 218 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:20,520 Next month? 219 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:24,040 Past the third quarter moon, the moonlight won't be this bright. 220 00:16:27,120 --> 00:16:28,080 Then how do we continue the investigation? 221 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:34,600 Look into the thread tied to the paper cutouts. 222 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:38,520 This thread… 223 00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:42,640 It is smooth and slips easily. 224 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:44,440 It's thicker than ordinary silk thread, 225 00:16:44,520 --> 00:16:46,880 very tough, and hard to break. 226 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:53,600 Look closely. The mark will fade soon. 227 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:01,040 This ruan seems unused. 228 00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:02,960 I suppose so. 229 00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:05,079 Most of Lady Wang's clothes and belongings 230 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:07,920 were burned after the funeral. 231 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:12,960 These were her favorite things when she was alive. 232 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:14,839 Her parents passed away. 233 00:17:15,359 --> 00:17:18,960 {\an8}It's said she had a cousin doing business in Huzhou, 234 00:17:19,040 --> 00:17:20,160 {\an8}but he hasn't arrived in the Western Capital yet. 235 00:17:20,760 --> 00:17:23,359 So these belongings of hers are still here in the palace. 236 00:17:24,040 --> 00:17:25,880 When was Lady Wang granted her title? 237 00:17:25,960 --> 00:17:26,960 Why don't I remember it? 238 00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:29,200 About half a year ago. 239 00:17:30,040 --> 00:17:33,040 That was right after Princess Ningyuan passed away. 240 00:17:33,120 --> 00:17:34,280 You weren't paying attention to other matters. 241 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:39,240 Was Lady Wang ever pregnant? 242 00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:41,040 No. 243 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:48,000 That was her favorite dressing case. 244 00:17:48,080 --> 00:17:50,120 She never let us near it when she opened it. 245 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:52,360 She would spend ages playing with the things inside, 246 00:17:52,440 --> 00:17:53,920 crying and laughing. 247 00:17:54,000 --> 00:17:57,000 The joints fit so tightly. They must be mortise-and-tenon joints. 248 00:17:57,080 --> 00:17:58,800 Without knowing the pattern, 249 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:02,040 forcing it open might break the case. 250 00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:05,080 Let me give it a try. 251 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:15,560 You've figured it out? 252 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:24,480 These round pieces that look like flower centers 253 00:18:24,560 --> 00:18:26,800 can be linked together to form the Wings mansion. 254 00:18:26,880 --> 00:18:28,880 A few of the stars were out of place. 255 00:18:28,960 --> 00:18:32,440 Once they're set in the right order, the box will open. 256 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:39,880 Impressive as always, Astronomer Xiao. 257 00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:55,080 These are Lady Wang's treasures? 258 00:18:56,760 --> 00:18:59,360 DU'S MANSION 259 00:19:01,480 --> 00:19:02,520 Take a guess. 260 00:19:03,440 --> 00:19:06,160 - At what? - You need me to spell it out? 261 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:10,280 What are you doing here? 262 00:19:11,360 --> 00:19:12,200 What, 263 00:19:12,280 --> 00:19:14,360 did you dream of that plump lady again? 264 00:19:15,120 --> 00:19:16,160 Watch your mouth. 265 00:19:16,680 --> 00:19:19,920 Don't slander someone's reputation for no reason. 266 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:23,920 Feeling protective already? 267 00:19:25,760 --> 00:19:28,640 I'm retired. Leave me alone. 268 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:31,560 I'm not here to make you taste-test medicine. 269 00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:34,040 I need your help identifying these items. 270 00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:37,880 Fine, leave them here and get going. 271 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:42,880 When will I get your wedding invitation? 272 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:45,560 That'll never happen in your lifetime. 273 00:19:46,440 --> 00:19:48,080 When are you going to leave? 274 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:51,320 Always mentioning my sore spots. 275 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:56,880 Time to get back to that romantic dream. 276 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:06,680 Wuren bought every kind of thread she could find on the market. 277 00:20:06,760 --> 00:20:07,840 But to identify the exact type, 278 00:20:07,920 --> 00:20:09,960 I'll need your help, Mr. Xiao. 279 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:15,360 How about this one? 280 00:20:26,720 --> 00:20:27,720 It feels the same. 281 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:31,600 It has the same sheen too. This should be it. 282 00:20:33,560 --> 00:20:34,600 That's it. 283 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:41,080 The mark matches as well. 284 00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:44,800 Are you two reading palms? 285 00:20:46,080 --> 00:20:46,920 Read mine too. 286 00:20:48,360 --> 00:20:49,880 We've found the thread. 287 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:54,520 You figured it out from a palm reading? 288 00:20:54,600 --> 00:20:55,760 The silk-wrapped string? 289 00:20:56,840 --> 00:20:57,880 That rings a bell. 290 00:20:57,960 --> 00:21:01,280 It's called the silk-wrapped string because it's silk wrapped around silk. 291 00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:02,400 It's very tough 292 00:21:02,480 --> 00:21:05,000 and used as strings for instruments like the pipa and the ruan. 293 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:07,040 But commoners mostly use gut strings instead. 294 00:21:07,120 --> 00:21:08,920 Only wealthy families or the Music Office in the palace 295 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,280 can afford silk-wrapped strings. 296 00:21:10,360 --> 00:21:12,840 Lady Wang used to work at the Music Office. 297 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:35,320 Does Your Ladyship like this piece? 298 00:21:38,960 --> 00:21:39,800 My mother loved it. 299 00:21:41,480 --> 00:21:45,040 When my father left for war, she always played it at home. 300 00:21:55,120 --> 00:21:56,680 It's the incense that's making my eyes water. 301 00:22:00,360 --> 00:22:01,360 This version 302 00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:04,160 was commissioned by His Majesty for last year's Shangsi Festival. 303 00:22:04,240 --> 00:22:05,320 Didn't you know about it? 304 00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:08,360 I truly didn't. 305 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:10,680 But when I was a child, I did hear 306 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:12,840 the Princess Consort of Duan was skilled at the pipa. 307 00:22:14,320 --> 00:22:15,280 Really? 308 00:22:16,240 --> 00:22:17,440 I had long forgotten. 309 00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:21,440 Mr. Xiao, let's make a bet. 310 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:23,320 We're here to find the truth, 311 00:22:23,400 --> 00:22:25,040 not to compete. 312 00:22:26,600 --> 00:22:29,480 Just say it if you're afraid of losing. At worst, I'll tease you a little. 313 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:32,080 What are we betting? 314 00:22:33,280 --> 00:22:34,320 The winner decides. 315 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:38,800 Who do you think it is? 316 00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:41,080 Many musicians here use silk-wrapped strings, 317 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:45,200 but we deduced that the person was less than five chi seven cun tall, 318 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:46,240 had strong hands, 319 00:22:46,320 --> 00:22:49,160 and leaned left while walking. 320 00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:52,480 Looking now, since they're all sitting, 321 00:22:52,560 --> 00:22:56,240 I'd say it's between the pipa player and the guqin player. 322 00:22:58,320 --> 00:22:59,160 You first, Your Ladyship. 323 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:01,200 I bet on the guqin player. 324 00:23:01,280 --> 00:23:05,360 The black-clad figure that night looked similar to her in build. 325 00:23:05,440 --> 00:23:08,440 All she lacks is a pair of oversized shoes. 326 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:09,680 That's your only reason? 327 00:23:11,080 --> 00:23:12,800 The key is her hands. 328 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,480 Her performance involves 329 00:23:15,560 --> 00:23:17,640 wide finger spans and high speed. 330 00:23:17,720 --> 00:23:21,040 Her hands are not only nimbler but also larger than most. 331 00:23:21,120 --> 00:23:23,640 She must be quite skilled at manipulating paper cutouts. 332 00:23:25,360 --> 00:23:29,160 But many of the musicians on stage could fit the criteria. 333 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:34,080 I think it's more likely to be the pipa player. 334 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:36,040 That night, when you struggled with that person, 335 00:23:36,120 --> 00:23:37,440 they relied on their right hand for strength. 336 00:23:37,520 --> 00:23:39,800 A pipa player's left hand is agile for fingering, 337 00:23:39,880 --> 00:23:42,200 and their right hand is strong for plucking. 338 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:44,120 That matches the black-clad figure. 339 00:24:04,600 --> 00:24:07,800 JIN AHAO, MUSIC OFFICE MUSICIAN 340 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:19,920 Why isn't he singing? 341 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:23,520 Your Ladyship, Mr. Jin only plays the pipa. He never sings. 342 00:24:23,600 --> 00:24:25,400 What's this piece called? 343 00:24:25,480 --> 00:24:26,360 "Crossing a Thousand Mountains." 344 00:24:28,480 --> 00:24:30,760 {\an8}CROSSING A THOUSAND MOUNTAINS 345 00:25:06,680 --> 00:25:08,080 Everyone else is back there collecting their reward. 346 00:25:08,680 --> 00:25:09,920 Where are you sneaking off to? 347 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:14,680 A young lady like you shouldn't be here alone. 348 00:25:16,600 --> 00:25:17,440 Why not? 349 00:25:18,040 --> 00:25:19,520 I'm of low status. 350 00:25:19,600 --> 00:25:20,800 Being seen with me would sully your reputation. 351 00:25:20,880 --> 00:25:23,120 You really aren't like other men. 352 00:25:23,200 --> 00:25:26,120 No wonder the guqin player said it took luck to meet you. 353 00:25:26,200 --> 00:25:28,600 I'm not worth your interest, madam. 354 00:25:29,160 --> 00:25:30,040 I'll take my leave. 355 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:32,840 What's the rush? 356 00:25:33,360 --> 00:25:34,200 Stay and talk to me. 357 00:25:34,280 --> 00:25:35,600 Please show some restraint, madam. 358 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:40,920 ‪Oh my. 359 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:41,840 Did I hurt you? 360 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:48,480 Are you injured? 361 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:52,400 It's common for musicians in the Music Office to have injuries. 362 00:25:52,480 --> 00:25:54,840 But how did you end up with bruises from playing the pipa? 363 00:25:55,480 --> 00:25:57,320 Who did this to you? I'll get justice for you. 364 00:25:57,400 --> 00:25:59,160 I've never crossed anyone. 365 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:00,520 Thank you for your concern. 366 00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:09,480 Let go of me! 367 00:26:10,360 --> 00:26:13,240 We clearly met at Hanliang Hall on the night of the 17th, 368 00:26:13,320 --> 00:26:14,680 yet you act like a stranger. 369 00:26:14,760 --> 00:26:16,000 I'm deeply hurt. 370 00:26:16,840 --> 00:26:18,680 That night, I was performing at Lady Su's palace. 371 00:26:18,760 --> 00:26:19,600 I never saw you. 372 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:23,640 I checked. 373 00:26:23,720 --> 00:26:26,000 You were indeed at Lady Su's palace that night, 374 00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:29,400 but you left without collecting your reward. 375 00:26:29,480 --> 00:26:31,360 Lady Su's sister hasn't forgotten you. 376 00:26:31,440 --> 00:26:34,720 She even brought your reward to you today, 377 00:26:34,800 --> 00:26:36,720 an inlaid rosewood pipa. 378 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:38,480 You would've loved it, 379 00:26:38,560 --> 00:26:42,280 but you left so quickly that she missed you again. 380 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:45,080 When did leaving without collecting a reward 381 00:26:45,600 --> 00:26:46,520 become a crime? 382 00:26:46,600 --> 00:26:48,280 It isn't, 383 00:26:49,280 --> 00:26:52,480 but using tricks to haunt the palace and deceive people 384 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:53,440 is a serious offense. 385 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:26,720 JIN 386 00:27:39,520 --> 00:27:42,240 Most people would see only the mother-of-pearl flowers, 387 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:44,720 but these bits of shell actually 388 00:27:44,800 --> 00:27:46,840 form the Wings mansion, which governs music. 389 00:27:51,120 --> 00:27:54,600 Such an exquisite case is rare, 390 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:55,880 yet there are two 391 00:27:56,480 --> 00:27:57,760 in this palace. 392 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:02,200 You should know where the other one is. 393 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:06,960 There's also a polished disc just like yours 394 00:28:07,040 --> 00:28:08,280 now with the Palace Investigation Bureau. 395 00:28:08,880 --> 00:28:11,040 We found it under a window at Hanliang Hall. 396 00:28:11,120 --> 00:28:12,800 If you keep denying it, 397 00:28:13,840 --> 00:28:15,120 we can compare them directly. 398 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:26,120 How careless of you. 399 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:28,760 Why didn't you destroy your ghostly props after using them? 400 00:28:33,560 --> 00:28:34,640 Still won't talk? 401 00:28:35,600 --> 00:28:38,440 Then I'll have to arrest you for disrupting order 402 00:28:38,520 --> 00:28:39,840 in the inner palace. 403 00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:45,080 I expected more from you, Your Ladyship. 404 00:28:45,760 --> 00:28:48,040 But it turns out this is all you've got. 405 00:28:48,920 --> 00:28:53,000 How else was I supposed to get you, Lady Wang's good friend, to talk? 406 00:28:53,720 --> 00:28:54,560 You… 407 00:28:55,680 --> 00:28:56,800 How did you know? 408 00:28:58,520 --> 00:28:59,720 Mr. Xiao's divined it. 409 00:29:19,720 --> 00:29:23,760 Women in the Music Office are often harassed by nobles. 410 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:27,400 To avoid trouble, I always dress as a man. 411 00:29:28,960 --> 00:29:30,280 Yet you still can't hide your charm. 412 00:29:30,880 --> 00:29:32,200 Please don't tease me, Your Ladyship. 413 00:29:32,840 --> 00:29:34,880 It's difficult to get into the Music Office. 414 00:29:35,600 --> 00:29:38,720 We musicians take pride in our craft. 415 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:42,000 I was chosen from the commoners to serve here 416 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:44,680 and was bullied a lot at first. 417 00:29:45,760 --> 00:29:47,120 Luckily, I met Yushu. 418 00:29:47,200 --> 00:29:49,800 You lack skill. You are unfit for this post. 419 00:29:49,880 --> 00:29:51,400 If I lacked skill, 420 00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:52,520 how would I have been chosen into the palace? 421 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:57,200 Who knows what you relied on to get in? 422 00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:02,440 Skill speaks for itself. Let's compete and find out. 423 00:30:06,960 --> 00:30:09,400 She performed on the streets. What about you? 424 00:30:09,480 --> 00:30:11,240 Background doesn't matter. 425 00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:14,400 Is it not skill that counts here? 426 00:30:14,480 --> 00:30:16,320 Since when do we judge by background? 427 00:30:19,200 --> 00:30:20,240 ETERNAL SUMMITS, CEASELESS STREAMS 428 00:30:20,320 --> 00:30:21,960 Yushu came from a wealthy family 429 00:30:22,840 --> 00:30:25,600 and entered the palace to refine her art. 430 00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:27,760 She was proud 431 00:30:28,360 --> 00:30:30,840 and despised scheming and currying favor. 432 00:30:31,560 --> 00:30:35,440 Because of her, my days here became easier. 433 00:30:36,680 --> 00:30:38,880 We played and composed, 434 00:30:39,840 --> 00:30:41,680 and more than three years passed in a blink. 435 00:30:42,280 --> 00:30:43,800 I grew up an orphan. 436 00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:46,640 Her parents had long passed as well. 437 00:30:47,160 --> 00:30:49,120 We agreed that, after finishing our service, 438 00:30:49,200 --> 00:30:50,720 we would leave the palace and travel together. 439 00:30:50,800 --> 00:30:52,240 The day was so close, 440 00:30:53,280 --> 00:30:54,440 but it all changed that night. 441 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:13,440 Your Majesty. 442 00:31:20,520 --> 00:31:23,920 I have heard this piece many times at the Music Office. 443 00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:25,760 It was always gentle and restrained. 444 00:31:26,520 --> 00:31:29,640 But tonight, you played it boldly and freely. 445 00:31:29,720 --> 00:31:32,560 It felt wild and full of exhilaration. 446 00:31:32,640 --> 00:31:34,320 It was something entirely new. 447 00:31:35,200 --> 00:31:36,360 You played well. 448 00:31:37,520 --> 00:31:40,280 Yushu reinterpreted the piece. 449 00:31:40,360 --> 00:31:42,240 I merely accompanied her. 450 00:31:45,920 --> 00:31:48,480 Such grandeur and force 451 00:31:48,560 --> 00:31:51,800 came from a woman's interpretation? 452 00:31:53,080 --> 00:31:54,160 Why can't it be a woman? 453 00:31:54,240 --> 00:31:55,080 You… 454 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:19,880 Miss, prepare yourself 455 00:32:20,480 --> 00:32:22,080 and come with me. 456 00:32:24,760 --> 00:32:26,040 Please. 457 00:32:27,360 --> 00:32:30,160 At the time, we didn't know 458 00:32:30,680 --> 00:32:33,360 what that summons meant. 459 00:32:37,480 --> 00:32:38,320 Yushu. 460 00:32:40,560 --> 00:32:41,640 Yushu. 461 00:32:42,800 --> 00:32:45,320 Yushu, don't ruin your hands. 462 00:32:46,600 --> 00:32:47,960 You still need to play the ruan. 463 00:32:48,840 --> 00:32:50,880 - I hate this so much! - Yushu. 464 00:32:51,440 --> 00:32:52,320 Yushu! 465 00:32:56,040 --> 00:32:57,040 Thank you 466 00:32:58,240 --> 00:33:00,880 for not asking why Yushu cried 467 00:33:01,640 --> 00:33:02,560 or why she was reluctant. 468 00:33:03,520 --> 00:33:06,200 - She didn't want to remain in the palace. - No. 469 00:33:06,880 --> 00:33:08,200 We were going to leave 470 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:11,800 and finally live freely. 471 00:33:13,160 --> 00:33:16,240 We planned to see snow in the eighth month 472 00:33:17,320 --> 00:33:19,560 and sail a thousand li in a single day, just like in the poems. 473 00:33:20,160 --> 00:33:21,800 But after that night, 474 00:33:23,080 --> 00:33:27,880 she was forever trapped within the palace as Lady Wang. 475 00:33:30,160 --> 00:33:32,800 Was Lady Wang's child the Emperor's? 476 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:36,520 I don't know. 477 00:33:37,440 --> 00:33:39,760 Didn't you cause disturbances at Hanliang Hall 478 00:33:39,840 --> 00:33:41,960 to make us discover her pregnancy? 479 00:33:42,800 --> 00:33:43,720 Yes. 480 00:33:44,440 --> 00:33:45,400 But I was never certain. 481 00:33:46,040 --> 00:33:47,360 Yushu never told me directly. 482 00:33:48,400 --> 00:33:51,080 I know that after moving to Hanliang Hall, 483 00:33:51,160 --> 00:33:52,560 she was never summoned again. 484 00:33:52,640 --> 00:33:56,080 I saw her become quieter, pretending to be strong. 485 00:33:56,160 --> 00:33:59,920 She said she liked the peace, 486 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:01,880 and that it gave her plenty of time to work on music. 487 00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:05,080 But I knew she was just trying to make me feel better. 488 00:34:05,160 --> 00:34:07,240 She did not mind being neglected by His Majesty, 489 00:34:07,320 --> 00:34:11,040 but how could she accept living out her days like that? 490 00:34:11,719 --> 00:34:12,840 She never talked about it, 491 00:34:13,880 --> 00:34:15,239 so I kept quiet as well. 492 00:34:16,320 --> 00:34:18,440 In time, we just got used to it. 493 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:21,000 But two months ago, 494 00:34:22,320 --> 00:34:23,440 she began to change. 495 00:34:32,040 --> 00:34:33,880 You have been coming less often. 496 00:34:35,320 --> 00:34:36,280 It's getting hot. 497 00:34:42,280 --> 00:34:44,040 I wrote something new. Take a look. 498 00:34:51,600 --> 00:34:53,840 CROSSING A THOUSAND MOUNTAINS 499 00:35:26,600 --> 00:35:29,040 You seem brighter lately. 500 00:35:29,680 --> 00:35:30,960 Did something good happen? 501 00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:39,320 Ahao, 502 00:35:40,160 --> 00:35:43,080 do you remember we once planned 503 00:35:43,880 --> 00:35:45,640 to travel the rivers and see the snow? 504 00:35:46,360 --> 00:35:47,200 Of course. 505 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:49,920 In six months, you'll be able to leave the palace. 506 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:52,480 When that day comes, 507 00:35:53,680 --> 00:35:54,840 you must go and do it all. 508 00:35:58,280 --> 00:35:59,160 I wish 509 00:35:59,920 --> 00:36:01,120 I could go with you. 510 00:36:03,640 --> 00:36:06,000 I wish I could go with you. 511 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:10,240 Actually, 512 00:36:11,280 --> 00:36:13,720 I sensed something was wrong with her that day, 513 00:36:14,560 --> 00:36:16,360 but when I saw she'd found new hope in life, 514 00:36:16,440 --> 00:36:17,600 I was happy for her 515 00:36:18,480 --> 00:36:19,920 and didn't think much of it. 516 00:36:21,640 --> 00:36:23,560 But when I saw her off… 517 00:36:41,760 --> 00:36:42,680 Yushu. 518 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:45,080 You… 519 00:36:48,400 --> 00:36:49,680 After that, 520 00:36:50,400 --> 00:36:51,680 Yushu never came again. 521 00:36:52,760 --> 00:36:53,880 Musicians from the Music Office 522 00:36:54,520 --> 00:36:56,720 can only enter the inner palace when summoned, 523 00:36:57,400 --> 00:36:58,920 so it was hard for me to see her again. 524 00:37:00,560 --> 00:37:02,240 The next news I heard of her 525 00:37:03,920 --> 00:37:05,440 was of her death. 526 00:37:07,240 --> 00:37:08,720 She was murdered. 527 00:37:09,320 --> 00:37:10,480 Why are you so certain? 528 00:37:11,760 --> 00:37:13,240 Yushu was always healthy. 529 00:37:13,320 --> 00:37:15,480 How could she die of a mere cold? 530 00:37:15,560 --> 00:37:18,960 Besides, she was pregnant but didn't dare report it. 531 00:37:19,680 --> 00:37:20,720 I suspect… 532 00:37:22,200 --> 00:37:24,120 She must have been killed. 533 00:37:24,920 --> 00:37:26,160 I have to get justice for her. 534 00:37:26,240 --> 00:37:29,160 So that's why you caused disturbances at Hanliang Hall? 535 00:37:30,800 --> 00:37:33,840 Before entering the palace, I studied vocal mimicry. 536 00:37:34,480 --> 00:37:36,400 I only meant to create some commotion. 537 00:37:37,040 --> 00:37:38,800 Even if the Palace Investigation Bureau didn't react, 538 00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:40,560 the murderer would surely hear of it. 539 00:37:41,760 --> 00:37:43,040 As long as they reacted, 540 00:37:43,560 --> 00:37:45,400 - I could… - You could what? 541 00:37:49,200 --> 00:37:52,040 There wasn't much more I could do. 542 00:37:52,880 --> 00:37:54,440 Did Lady Wang have any other close friends? 543 00:37:55,280 --> 00:37:57,120 Back at the Music Office, 544 00:37:57,200 --> 00:37:58,840 she was always with me 545 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:00,840 and never met with others alone. 546 00:38:00,920 --> 00:38:02,440 As for the situation after her promotion, 547 00:38:03,400 --> 00:38:04,240 I don't know. 548 00:38:04,920 --> 00:38:06,600 Do you still have the sachet you mentioned earlier? 549 00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:17,320 I was going to give it back to her 550 00:38:19,120 --> 00:38:22,520 when she came to see me again. 551 00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:26,240 Here. 552 00:38:35,000 --> 00:38:38,840 Aside from this plectrum inside, there's nothing special about the sachet. 553 00:38:38,920 --> 00:38:39,760 However… 554 00:38:49,840 --> 00:38:50,680 Let's go. 555 00:38:51,520 --> 00:38:52,480 Your Ladyship. 556 00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:57,640 When will you arrest me? 557 00:39:00,120 --> 00:39:02,720 Mr. Xiao has already driven out the evil spirits at Hanliang Hall. 558 00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:04,600 The strange happenings are over. 559 00:39:04,680 --> 00:39:05,560 Why would I arrest you? 560 00:39:07,880 --> 00:39:08,720 Thank you, Your Ladyship. 561 00:40:39,680 --> 00:40:41,360 MUSIC OFFICE 562 00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:43,960 How did you realize Ahao was a woman? 563 00:40:44,520 --> 00:40:47,360 When we fought, I grabbed her wrist and knew immediately. 564 00:40:47,440 --> 00:40:49,120 Men and women have different bone structures. 565 00:40:49,200 --> 00:40:50,200 That can't be disguised. 566 00:40:50,720 --> 00:40:53,160 But I knew you'd figured it out before I did. 567 00:40:53,240 --> 00:40:55,720 I noticed from the way she stood up. 568 00:41:00,440 --> 00:41:02,560 So who won, Mr. Xiao? 569 00:41:03,280 --> 00:41:06,080 You caught her first, so you win. 570 00:41:06,160 --> 00:41:09,200 But you guessed right first. I'd say it's your win. 571 00:41:10,080 --> 00:41:11,080 Let's call it a tie, then. 572 00:41:18,760 --> 00:41:20,520 Lady Wang's medical records can't be taken out, 573 00:41:20,600 --> 00:41:21,440 so I copied them all down. 574 00:41:24,760 --> 00:41:26,280 SELECTED LADY WANG'S MEDICAL RECORDS 575 00:41:26,920 --> 00:41:27,760 That's it? 576 00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:28,840 This single page covers 577 00:41:28,920 --> 00:41:31,160 all her diagnoses and prescriptions over the past six months. 578 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:33,360 There's no record of pregnancy. 579 00:41:34,280 --> 00:41:35,480 "Died of a cold"? 580 00:41:36,880 --> 00:41:38,560 A 20-year-old woman's life, 581 00:41:38,640 --> 00:41:40,440 summed up in four words. 582 00:41:41,440 --> 00:41:42,800 What did the Medical Officer in charge say? 583 00:41:42,880 --> 00:41:45,000 He returned to his hometown to visit family ten days ago. 584 00:41:47,680 --> 00:41:51,280 In that case, let's go ask Lady Wang herself. 585 00:42:04,160 --> 00:42:06,720 The dirt was intentional. It's more convincing this way. 586 00:42:13,120 --> 00:42:15,000 This is the imperial mausoleum. No trespassing. 587 00:42:16,480 --> 00:42:17,840 Do I look like a trespasser to you? 588 00:42:19,120 --> 00:42:20,080 Your Ladyship. 589 00:42:22,280 --> 00:42:24,320 This is Lady Wang's cousin. 590 00:42:24,400 --> 00:42:26,040 Lady Wang died young. 591 00:42:26,120 --> 00:42:29,080 His Majesty spared no effort to locate her kin 592 00:42:29,160 --> 00:42:30,920 and gave him special permission to pay his respects. 593 00:42:31,000 --> 00:42:34,480 Lady Wang has already been encoffined and will be buried soon. 594 00:42:34,560 --> 00:42:37,480 If you wish to mourn her, Your Ladyship, 595 00:42:37,560 --> 00:42:40,000 you'll need to present proof of permission. 596 00:42:40,080 --> 00:42:41,520 His Majesty is compassionate. 597 00:42:42,120 --> 00:42:44,240 The presence of Lady Wang's relative is proof enough. 598 00:42:59,560 --> 00:43:02,040 {\an8}Wood shavings are highly flammable. Be careful with the candle. 599 00:43:02,120 --> 00:43:04,040 {\an8}LATE SELECTED LADY WANG 600 00:43:04,120 --> 00:43:05,440 These are pine shavings, 601 00:43:05,520 --> 00:43:06,920 used to keep out moisture and odors. 602 00:43:07,000 --> 00:43:09,320 But in this heat, they aren't much help. 603 00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:18,360 She suffered greatly before death. 604 00:43:18,880 --> 00:43:20,280 The contorted expression on her face 605 00:43:20,960 --> 00:43:22,800 shows she died in pain. 606 00:43:23,600 --> 00:43:24,600 Mr. Xiao, please take notes for me. 607 00:43:27,280 --> 00:43:28,440 Eyes wide open. 608 00:43:28,520 --> 00:43:30,200 Jaw tightly clenched. 609 00:43:30,800 --> 00:43:31,840 Skin bluish. 610 00:43:32,960 --> 00:43:35,640 It seems the medical records weren't truthful. 611 00:43:37,240 --> 00:43:38,280 So she didn't die of a cold? 612 00:43:39,920 --> 00:43:43,240 If she had, her complexion would be sallow, 613 00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:45,160 with her eyes and mouth closed. 614 00:43:51,600 --> 00:43:54,960 Fortunately, the ice has slowed down the decay. 615 00:43:57,120 --> 00:44:00,760 There are no obvious wounds or signs of impact, 616 00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:02,840 but… 617 00:44:07,440 --> 00:44:09,280 the skin is covered with red spots. 618 00:44:10,800 --> 00:44:11,640 A rash? 619 00:44:12,480 --> 00:44:13,840 It doesn't look like a surface rash. 620 00:44:14,600 --> 00:44:15,960 It's more like subcutaneous bleeding. 621 00:44:29,360 --> 00:44:31,880 So Your Ladyship didn't buy the flatbreads as offerings. 622 00:44:34,360 --> 00:44:37,360 If it were only a rash, heating wouldn't change anything. 623 00:44:37,960 --> 00:44:39,840 Was it injury or poisoning? 624 00:44:43,480 --> 00:44:45,480 The underside of the tongue is black. It was poisoning. 625 00:44:52,800 --> 00:44:54,680 The body's starting to decompose. It's hard to tell much by touch. 626 00:45:08,440 --> 00:45:10,120 So Lady Wang died of poisoning. 627 00:45:11,280 --> 00:45:13,000 The poison left only subtle traces 628 00:45:13,080 --> 00:45:15,520 that would've been missed without an autopsy. 629 00:45:16,040 --> 00:45:17,680 {\an8}But the two maids said 630 00:45:17,760 --> 00:45:19,760 {\an8}Lady Wang had no enemies. 631 00:45:19,840 --> 00:45:21,400 Why would someone poison her? 632 00:45:21,480 --> 00:45:24,240 Hate isn't the only reason people kill.