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{\an8}ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL
ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU
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ONE MONTH LATER
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Your Majesty.
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At ease.
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You don't seem too well.
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Do you need more days off?
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Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.
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I have been blessed by divine favor,
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and after the treatment,
I have made a great recovery.
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Even though I have
submitted my qilin badge,
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I must not forget my duty
as the Deputy Director of Astronomy.
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I will do my absolute best
to meet your expectations.
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Great.
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We're at the end of the year.
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The year-end blessing ritual
is a major event.
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It determines the peace of our nation
and the well-being of our subjects.
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Prior to this,
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we simplified the Winter Solstice Ceremony
due to circumstances.
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And now, we must do our utmost
to prepare meticulously
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for the Southern Suburb Ceremony.
It must be solemn.
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I hereby request that you assist
the Ministry of Rites
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on behalf of your bureau
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to exemplify our devotion
for our subjects.
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Much obliged.
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You are a hardworking and dedicated man,
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but you must take care of your body too
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if you wish to serve me for the long term.
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Thank you, Your Majesty.
I will do everything I can.
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Zhu Qing. Look at this place.
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It's beautiful.
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You see everything, including the palace
and the markets nearby.
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On the west, you can
even see the Taiji Palace.
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The Palace Servants' Quarters
are over there.
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The Imperial Medical Office is over there.
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And that place should be
the Palace Investigation Bureau.
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I can't see it clearly.
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It should be
the Palace Investigation Bureau.
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It's windy up here.
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As you just recovered from your ailment
and are still weak,
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let's head back.
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When the cold wind
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meets the remaining warm current,
snow will fall.
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The harsh wintry wind,
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accompanied by heavy snow,
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freezes the land.
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- Winter is cold.
- Deputy Director.
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The end of the year is upon us.
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The old must be removed
to welcome the new.
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We must organize
the ceremony that His Majesty
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has been expecting properly.
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We have many things to do.
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The old must be removed
to welcome the new.
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After installing the heating pot,
even the corridor feels like spring.
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I don't feel cold at all.
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How nice it is to be in the palace.
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You have a heating pot
in the corridor too.
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Deputy Director,
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we only have this recently.
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They saw that the weather had turned cold,
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so they specially added this.
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The servants get to enjoy
the benefits too.
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We feel warm as well.
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I see.
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How thoughtful and generous
of His Majesty.
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Deputy Director Xiao, you probably have
to enter the imperial palace frequently.
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In this cold climate,
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having the heating pot is reassuring.
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You did all this for Mr. Xiao.
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Why can't you tell him?
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People said the heating pots
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were mere considerations from His Majesty,
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but His Majesty and Consort Shu
don't even take that route.
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You are just worried about
Mr. Xiao's weak constitution.
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He's weak because of me.
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Besides, the heating pots
bring comfort to the servants too.
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It's not just for him.
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I wonder who's more stubborn?
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You or Mr. Xiao?
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However,
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I think Mr. Xiao misses you too.
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That's his problem.
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This is…
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Consort Shu said
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that everything she had
was bestowed by Your Majesty.
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Only her hair is truly hers.
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Hence, she gave it to Your Majesty,
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in hopes that Your Majesty
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can grow old with her.
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Speaking of which,
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she has always held an excellent banquet
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after the Southern Suburb Ceremony.
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Get her
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to hold it this year as well.
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Understood. I shall relay the message.
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Look. Another winning hand.
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You caught it with your hands.
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Of course, you'll get a winning hand.
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No rules in the Chupu game forbid me
from catching with my hands.
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You've been in this chamber
for a while now.
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Why is your nose still red?
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And your eyes too.
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It's cold, and you have things to do.
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You don't have to come here every day.
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When I was working
in the Palace Investigation Bureau,
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you asked me to spend more time with you.
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And now that I'm free, you are sick of me.
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Oh, you!
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You lost again. One horse left. Pay up.
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I bear His Majesty's edict!
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Given Consort Shu's gentle disposition,
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His Majesty wants Consort Shu
to return at once
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to assist in the preparation
of the Southern Suburb Ceremony.
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Please make the necessary arrangements
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lest His Majesty be disappointed.
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Yes.
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It's the end of the year.
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The banquet after
the Southern Suburb Ceremony
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is very important.
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Will you help me organize it?
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I already come
to see you every day anyway.
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I'd love to do this.
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{\an8}FUCHANG COUNTY PRINCESS MANOR
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Both the surface and the end
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of the universe are limitless.
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I know more than 100 stars.
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The Orion Constellation.
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The Big Dipper.
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The Gemini.
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The Dubhe.
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The Merak.
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The Orion Constellation.
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The Gemini.
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The Big Dipper.
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The Dubhe.
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The Merak.
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We're just sands
in the sea of the universe.
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Yet in the same universe,
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it's possible that two people
will never meet
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each other.
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You're foolish.
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My question
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cost you 15 years of your life.
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Do you regret it?
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I never regret the choice I made.
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Besides,
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I really want to answer
every question you have.
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ZI, CHOU
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THE MISALIGNED SEVEN STARS
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Greetings, Your Majesty, Consort Shu,
and County Princess.
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Your Majesty, the auspicious hour
has been decided accordingly.
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I came to invite Your Majesty
to sign with the cinnabar brush.
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My dear, since you are
organizing the banquet,
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you can sign it for me.
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Thank you, Your Majesty.
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{\an8}TWELFTH MONTH OF THE YEAR OF DINGCHOU
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Don't go.
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Deputy Director Xiao!
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- Quick! Put out the fire!
- Put out the fire!
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Quick.
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Take him to the Imperial Medical Office.
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No need.
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I'm sorry.
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Please punish me, Your Majesty.
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This isn't your fault.
But the banquet is near.
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I do not wish to see another accident.
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Take Consort Shu back to rest.
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And tell the Palace Investigation Bureau
to come here.
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Yes.
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Peiyi.
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It is a shocking event.
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Please return and rest.
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You can count on me. Don't worry.
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Deputy Director Xiao,
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I count on you and Peiyi
to investigate this.
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I will do my best.
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Autopsy isn't my expertise.
After you, Your Ladyship.
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What is going on?
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Your Ladyship? Mr. Xiao?
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What do we do now?
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You're the boss. Are you asking me?
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00:14:33,960 --> 00:14:35,960
I'm not working in the bureau anymore.
So I'm asking you.
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No unusual coloration
under the tongue or nails.
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It's not poison.
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Bring him back and examine carefully.
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The banquet demands my attention.
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If there is nothing else,
I will take my leave.
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Mr. Xiao is so cold.
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It's good that he's keeping
some distance from me.
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Those near me will suffer misfortune.
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Staying away is the best decision.
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That way, I don't have to worry
that he'll suffer any misfortune one day.
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Don't jinx it.
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Are you all right, Deputy Director Xiao?
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Coughing blood again?
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Quick.
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Eat this.
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I fear we'll have to ask Prosecutor Gu
to send us more medicine.
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00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:33,920
You still need to take it.
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00:16:34,520 --> 00:16:36,840
Speaking of him, he has a noble soul.
200
00:16:36,920 --> 00:16:38,560
This is an expensive pill.
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00:16:38,640 --> 00:16:40,440
It might cost his monthly wage.
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00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:45,440
Is it very expensive?
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00:16:45,520 --> 00:16:46,920
I don't know medicine, but I've picked up
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a thing or two by working
with Deputy Director since young.
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00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:53,080
The rhinoceros horn
and pearls in the pill cost a lot.
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00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:55,680
It can cure the blood-coughing symptoms
caused by a bloated liver.
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00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:02,680
This thing perforated the intestines.
208
00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:05,319
There are blood clots in his abdomen.
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00:17:09,560 --> 00:17:10,599
What is this?
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00:17:12,839 --> 00:17:13,800
Iron caltrops?
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00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:16,599
Do you know this?
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00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:18,800
What is this?
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00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:20,599
- This is…
- This is…
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00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:23,839
- Is it for spinning threads?
- It seems too small
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00:17:24,440 --> 00:17:25,800
for spinning threads.
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00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:30,960
Perhaps it fell from a weapon?
217
00:17:31,040 --> 00:17:33,200
Yu Shishun. Shut it
if you don't know anything.
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00:17:34,360 --> 00:17:36,800
It's too small. I can't see it clearly.
219
00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:39,360
No one will swallow an iron caltrop,
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00:17:39,440 --> 00:17:41,520
regardless of how small it is.
221
00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:43,600
That's easy. Just conceal the caltrop
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00:17:43,680 --> 00:17:45,720
inside a pill or honey paste.
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They will be digested after two hours.
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{\an8}PRESCRIPTION
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{\an8}Minister Liu was haunted by anxiety.
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00:17:53,080 --> 00:17:55,560
He took a calming pill every day
to calm himself.
227
00:17:55,640 --> 00:17:58,280
This is the diagnosis and prescription
found on his table.
228
00:17:59,960 --> 00:18:01,000
Come with me.
229
00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:08,040
This is where he usually worked.
230
00:18:08,120 --> 00:18:10,880
He took the pills often,
so he placed them here.
231
00:18:11,640 --> 00:18:13,680
The pills were placed
in a high-traffic area,
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00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:16,360
easy for unscrupulous parties
to tamper with.
233
00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:25,880
They are indeed
the calming pills made in my shop.
234
00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:29,640
After we make the pills,
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00:18:29,720 --> 00:18:31,400
the patient will come and retrieve them.
236
00:18:32,200 --> 00:18:34,600
But there's something wrong
with the pills.
237
00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:36,200
What's wrong?
238
00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:38,520
Miss, take a look.
239
00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:41,360
These two have a shell
240
00:18:41,440 --> 00:18:43,520
and this one doesn't.
241
00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:47,160
The shell-less one,
does it feel or taste any different?
242
00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:49,680
Yes, but not much.
243
00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,520
You're to take several pills at once.
244
00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:54,480
It'll be even harder
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00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:56,880
to notice the difference
if you mix them when you take them.
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00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:12,680
It's cold at night.
247
00:19:12,760 --> 00:19:15,560
Your Ladyship,
don't stand too long in the cold.
248
00:19:16,640 --> 00:19:18,840
I'm fine. It's not windy now.
249
00:19:19,920 --> 00:19:22,880
I'm glad you're back, Your Ladyship.
250
00:19:22,960 --> 00:19:24,360
It makes me more confident
in the investigation.
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00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,280
And you won't be if I don't come back?
252
00:19:28,360 --> 00:19:31,480
Haven't you been doing well?
You don't need me.
253
00:19:33,760 --> 00:19:35,400
Boss.
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00:19:35,960 --> 00:19:38,600
Your presence is reassuring.
255
00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:41,120
All the more reasons for me to leave.
256
00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:45,200
With me here,
you'll think you have a way out.
257
00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:50,920
Boss, are you not coming back at all?
258
00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:55,400
I got involved in this by chance.
259
00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:58,400
We'll see if I'll return for real
in the future.
260
00:19:58,480 --> 00:20:00,720
I still keep your things where they are.
261
00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:03,120
The bureau is as it was when you left.
262
00:20:03,720 --> 00:20:06,560
Everyone misses you.
263
00:20:21,680 --> 00:20:24,080
The eastern wind thaws the ice,
turning it into snow.
264
00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:27,040
As the cloud parts and the Sun appears,
the spring light feels gentle.
265
00:20:27,960 --> 00:20:31,160
The southern wind is mild,
and smoke rises from the wet soil.
266
00:20:31,760 --> 00:20:34,480
The drizzling rain does not cease,
signaling the hot summer.
267
00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:39,680
The western wind is strong,
268
00:20:39,760 --> 00:20:41,400
and the yellow leaves shed.
269
00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:43,760
As the sky is clear
and the clouds are thin,
270
00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:45,040
the autumn breeze feels cool.
271
00:20:46,600 --> 00:20:49,800
The harsh wintry wind,
accompanied by heavy snow,
272
00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:53,360
freezes the land. Winter is cold.
273
00:20:56,800 --> 00:20:58,760
I forgot to move it.
274
00:20:59,480 --> 00:21:02,360
It sounds creepy at night.
275
00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:07,520
It points toward the north.
The wintry wind is harsh.
276
00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:09,640
I suppose it'll snow soon
in the Western Capital.
277
00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:13,480
I don't want you to be upset
when you see it.
278
00:21:16,360 --> 00:21:17,280
I'm fine.
279
00:21:19,480 --> 00:21:23,000
Years pass by as the wind blows.
280
00:21:23,080 --> 00:21:24,840
The season changes.
281
00:21:24,920 --> 00:21:27,600
Some people move on faster, some slower.
282
00:21:28,360 --> 00:21:30,400
But we all move on eventually.
283
00:21:32,040 --> 00:21:33,920
Keep it. I think it's nice here.
284
00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:40,600
FUCHANG COUNTY PRINCESS MANOR
285
00:21:40,680 --> 00:21:43,840
Your Ladyship, I have delivered
the thing you asked me to.
286
00:21:43,920 --> 00:21:46,880
But please don't ask me to do it again.
287
00:21:46,960 --> 00:21:49,560
I'm not good at lying.
288
00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:56,520
Your compass broke, didn't it?
289
00:21:56,600 --> 00:21:57,440
I know
290
00:21:57,520 --> 00:21:59,360
it belonged to your master,
so it meant a lot to you.
291
00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:01,600
I've been meaning
to find you a good replacement.
292
00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:03,920
I asked around
293
00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:05,720
and found this compass…
294
00:22:07,040 --> 00:22:10,040
that was used by Li Chunfeng.
I came to give it to you.
295
00:22:12,840 --> 00:22:14,800
Judging from Mr. Xiao's reaction,
296
00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:17,080
I think he figured out that I didn't buy
297
00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:19,000
the pills and the compass.
298
00:22:20,760 --> 00:22:21,920
Thank you, Gu.
299
00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:23,120
The restaurants in the Western Capital
300
00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:24,880
have begun offering
winter seasonal dishes.
301
00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:26,440
Pick one. It's on me.
302
00:22:26,520 --> 00:22:27,880
It's not that, Your Ladyship.
303
00:22:27,960 --> 00:22:29,480
It's not a hassle. I just…
304
00:22:30,160 --> 00:22:32,120
I understand. Thank you, Gu.
305
00:22:57,920 --> 00:22:58,760
Blood.
306
00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:00,280
There's blood!
307
00:23:02,120 --> 00:23:02,960
Another victim.
308
00:23:04,040 --> 00:23:06,120
The victim is a performer
from the Music Office.
309
00:23:07,080 --> 00:23:08,400
She was a musician from the Music Office
310
00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:11,400
called Su Zhuo'er. She was kind,
311
00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:12,840
definitely not a troublemaker.
312
00:23:14,800 --> 00:23:16,600
When was the drum placed here?
313
00:23:17,200 --> 00:23:20,360
These drums are here
for the dance performance at the banquet.
314
00:23:20,440 --> 00:23:22,240
They were placed here
more than ten days ago
315
00:23:22,320 --> 00:23:23,400
for our rehearsal.
316
00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:25,720
But no one was guarding
317
00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:27,280
these instruments.
318
00:23:27,360 --> 00:23:29,040
PAVILION OF SONG AND DANCE
319
00:23:35,040 --> 00:23:37,760
The drum skin has been refastened,
in a very amateur way too.
320
00:23:38,720 --> 00:23:41,160
A musician knows to take
good care of their instruments.
321
00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:42,720
The culprit is unlikely to be a musician.
322
00:23:44,520 --> 00:23:46,240
Dismiss everyone. Keep the drum here.
323
00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:47,600
Don't let anyone near it.
324
00:23:48,560 --> 00:23:49,640
Yes.
325
00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:54,600
The drum is huge.
326
00:23:54,680 --> 00:23:56,200
How could the culprit carry so much water
327
00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:57,760
in such a short amount of time?
328
00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:02,640
The copper pot, intended
for fire relief, contains water.
329
00:24:04,600 --> 00:24:05,840
The inside of the drum is clean.
330
00:24:06,360 --> 00:24:08,480
There's no blood or spraying pattern.
331
00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:10,000
The victim was inserted after she died.
332
00:24:10,600 --> 00:24:11,440
The culprit placed the body
333
00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:13,600
inside the pre-heated water
so that the blood slowly seeped out.
334
00:24:14,800 --> 00:24:16,880
Then, he refastened the drum skin
335
00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:20,040
and let the body be discovered
the next day.
336
00:24:23,280 --> 00:24:25,240
As for how he heated the water up…
337
00:24:31,240 --> 00:24:32,360
Lime, I knew it.
338
00:24:33,760 --> 00:24:36,120
After putting the body inside the drum,
add some lime,
339
00:24:36,200 --> 00:24:37,520
and the water temperature will rise.
340
00:24:37,600 --> 00:24:39,440
Just enough for blood
to seep into the water.
341
00:24:44,040 --> 00:24:47,920
Go find out
who was with Su Zhuo'er last night.
342
00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:50,800
The ministers in the Music Office
must know something.
343
00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:05,040
You're quick.
344
00:25:05,600 --> 00:25:08,760
You hid the pots,
but you can't hide the smell.
345
00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:11,880
Madam. Have mercy.
346
00:25:13,960 --> 00:25:16,760
Relax. I don't care if you drink alcohol.
347
00:25:16,840 --> 00:25:17,760
I'm here to investigate.
348
00:25:18,560 --> 00:25:20,040
But if you help me,
349
00:25:20,120 --> 00:25:22,160
I'll help you too.
350
00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:26,760
All right. I'll speak.
351
00:25:26,840 --> 00:25:27,680
- Come.
- Come.
352
00:25:28,840 --> 00:25:29,720
Cheers.
353
00:25:31,280 --> 00:25:32,960
- Come.
- People like us
354
00:25:33,040 --> 00:25:34,640
hold our drinks very well.
355
00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:35,920
Yet for some reason,
356
00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:37,480
we became drunk very quickly last night,
357
00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:40,400
as if the liquor was stronger than usual.
358
00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:42,560
Su Zhuo'er drank ten cups in one go.
359
00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:44,680
- When she left, she was very drunk.
- You're leaving already?
360
00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:46,880
Did she tell you
361
00:25:46,960 --> 00:25:48,600
where she was going
or who she was meeting?
362
00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:50,600
No.
363
00:25:50,680 --> 00:25:52,120
When she left at that time,
364
00:25:52,200 --> 00:25:53,960
she said nothing, and we never pried.
365
00:25:56,360 --> 00:25:59,320
Your Ladyship, I examined
the residence of Su Zhuo'er.
366
00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:00,800
This is the maid who shared
a chamber with her.
367
00:26:00,880 --> 00:26:03,200
The victim didn't even
unroll her bed last night.
368
00:26:03,280 --> 00:26:05,160
She probably was killed
before she returned home.
369
00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:09,000
Do you remember what Su Zhuo'er wore
when you last saw her?
370
00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:12,200
A small dark green coat.
A thick one at that.
371
00:26:13,080 --> 00:26:15,360
Your Ladyship,
anything wrong with her attire?
372
00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:19,000
It's winter, yet she wasn't wearing a lot.
373
00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,760
Where did her coat go?
374
00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:26,240
Her coat was left in the bushes.
375
00:26:26,320 --> 00:26:28,960
She was probably tackled down here.
376
00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:31,640
Perhaps someone forced himself on her.
377
00:26:32,960 --> 00:26:35,400
But there are no wounds
or signs of rape on her.
378
00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:38,720
Don't tell me she took off her clothes
and lay there.
379
00:26:38,800 --> 00:26:41,640
Old man once told me that during winter,
380
00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:44,000
drunkards were often frozen
to death naked by the street.
381
00:26:44,080 --> 00:26:46,240
Under the influence of alcohol
and extremely low temperature,
382
00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:48,560
one might begin to hallucinate
and feel warm.
383
00:26:49,160 --> 00:26:51,280
They will begin removing their clothes
before they succumb to the cold.
384
00:26:51,360 --> 00:26:54,080
The culprit knows
the performers drink every night.
385
00:26:54,160 --> 00:26:56,440
He might even know the custom
that if one wants to leave early,
386
00:26:56,520 --> 00:26:58,440
one will have to drink
with everyone first.
387
00:26:58,520 --> 00:27:00,320
So, he tampered with the liquor.
388
00:27:00,880 --> 00:27:02,720
If the culprit appeared
during the pre-determined time,
389
00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:04,640
Su Zhuo'er wouldn't have died.
390
00:27:04,720 --> 00:27:06,000
What's cruel is that the culprit
391
00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:08,240
probably waited in the dark
392
00:27:08,760 --> 00:27:12,040
until Su Zhuo'er died from the cold.
393
00:27:12,120 --> 00:27:14,840
And then, he placed her body
394
00:27:14,920 --> 00:27:16,640
inside the drum and let her blood out.
395
00:27:17,560 --> 00:27:20,080
What kind of grudge deserves
such an elaborate plan?
396
00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:22,960
Your Ladyship,
397
00:27:23,040 --> 00:27:26,560
don't you think the culprit's motive
and actions are contradictory?
398
00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:29,360
- How so?
- The culprit was careful.
399
00:27:29,440 --> 00:27:31,960
He killed Su Zhuo'er
without leaving a trace.
400
00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:33,400
Therefore, he must be quite discreet.
401
00:27:33,480 --> 00:27:36,080
Yet he put her inside the drum
intended for the banquet performance.
402
00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:38,320
Doesn't that mean
he wants people to find out?
403
00:27:39,360 --> 00:27:41,840
This feels familiar, doesn't it?
404
00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:44,040
Liu Guanghan?
405
00:27:45,760 --> 00:27:48,800
The culprit hid iron caltrops
inside the victim's honeyed pills,
406
00:27:48,880 --> 00:27:50,640
killing him silently.
407
00:27:51,240 --> 00:27:53,680
Yet he also arranged it in a way
that Liu Guanghan
408
00:27:53,760 --> 00:27:55,200
would die before His Majesty.
409
00:27:55,280 --> 00:27:56,960
The death of both victims
is carefully planned,
410
00:27:57,040 --> 00:27:58,360
yet mysteriously arranged.
411
00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:01,880
He wants the body to be publicly displayed
without exposing himself
412
00:28:01,960 --> 00:28:03,360
or being suspicious.
413
00:28:03,440 --> 00:28:05,320
Are you sure it's done by the same person?
414
00:28:05,920 --> 00:28:07,480
But why?
415
00:28:08,360 --> 00:28:09,880
To sabotage the banquet?
416
00:28:12,040 --> 00:28:14,240
It's too early to jump to conclusions now.
417
00:28:22,480 --> 00:28:23,560
How come Peiyi isn't here?
418
00:28:24,720 --> 00:28:25,920
We had a game of Chupu just now.
419
00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:27,960
We toppled a cup of water
and she was all wet.
420
00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:30,440
I didn't want her to look improper
before Your Majesty,
421
00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:31,480
so I asked her to get changed.
422
00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:35,640
I see you have pretty much recovered.
423
00:28:36,440 --> 00:28:38,320
I have already made a full recovery.
424
00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:40,000
All thanks to Peiyi's company, of course.
425
00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:42,160
That little girl
426
00:28:42,240 --> 00:28:43,800
has been distraught lately.
427
00:28:43,880 --> 00:28:45,520
I'm glad you're keeping her company.
428
00:28:53,880 --> 00:28:57,520
Your Majesty. I'm worried about her too.
429
00:28:58,120 --> 00:29:02,000
While she often forces herself
to be cheerful before me,
430
00:29:02,520 --> 00:29:04,320
I know she is miserable.
431
00:29:05,360 --> 00:29:07,360
She has suffered enough.
432
00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:10,160
I don't want to see her like this.
433
00:29:10,920 --> 00:29:12,480
I understand your concerns.
434
00:29:12,560 --> 00:29:14,600
But she needs to deal
with her problem personally.
435
00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:17,760
Your intervention
might do more harm than good.
436
00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:24,440
Your Majesty,
437
00:29:24,520 --> 00:29:27,000
Deputy Director Xiao Huaijin is here.
438
00:29:30,160 --> 00:29:32,400
Greetings, Your Majesty, Consort Shu.
439
00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:34,560
Great timing.
440
00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:38,040
I've been re-reading Zhuangzi lately.
441
00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:41,400
The line, "Today, I forego myself,"
442
00:29:41,480 --> 00:29:45,440
resonates with me deeply.
What do you think of that?
443
00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:47,240
I wouldn't dare comment.
444
00:29:48,560 --> 00:29:50,360
To be one with everything
is to discard your self.
445
00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:52,560
It means to forego
your self and your constraints,
446
00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:55,360
let go of your obsessions
and return to your originality.
447
00:29:56,280 --> 00:29:57,640
I don't need your explanation.
448
00:29:57,720 --> 00:30:00,400
I want to hear your opinion about it.
449
00:30:01,160 --> 00:30:03,880
Can you recall what Ziqi
of the Southern City looked like
450
00:30:03,960 --> 00:30:05,360
when he forewent himself?
451
00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:11,400
He looked withered and emotionless.
452
00:30:12,320 --> 00:30:15,040
You look withered and emotionless too.
453
00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:17,240
Have you foregone your self?
454
00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:21,880
Your Majesty,
455
00:30:22,920 --> 00:30:26,920
Deputy Director Xiao just recovered,
and he's busy.
456
00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:31,080
When you're consumed by work,
you fail to see things clearly.
457
00:30:42,120 --> 00:30:43,640
Are you waiting for me, Mr. Xiao?
458
00:30:44,240 --> 00:30:48,200
Your Ladyship,
I have some questions for you.
459
00:30:51,280 --> 00:30:52,680
Don't worry, Mr. Xiao.
460
00:30:53,280 --> 00:30:54,680
After the banquet,
461
00:30:54,760 --> 00:30:57,640
I will request His Majesty again
to annul the marriage arrangement.
462
00:31:00,760 --> 00:31:02,840
The marriage arrangement
is the result of my willfulness
463
00:31:02,920 --> 00:31:04,200
and your bid for time.
464
00:31:05,280 --> 00:31:07,400
From now on, we will walk separate paths
465
00:31:07,920 --> 00:31:09,080
and have nothing to do with each other.
466
00:31:40,680 --> 00:31:41,640
Inspector Du,
467
00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:46,680
initially, I wanted to share
this pot of liquor with you
468
00:31:46,760 --> 00:31:47,960
during the wedding ceremony.
469
00:31:49,280 --> 00:31:52,800
But it seems like
it's just my wishful thinking.
470
00:31:54,480 --> 00:31:57,840
You worried that after she left you,
she'd be in trouble,
471
00:31:57,920 --> 00:31:59,200
and you asked me to look after her.
472
00:32:00,320 --> 00:32:02,120
I did try supporting her.
473
00:32:03,840 --> 00:32:05,240
I even fantasized
474
00:32:06,360 --> 00:32:07,920
growing old with her.
475
00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:11,320
But fate can be cruel.
476
00:32:11,920 --> 00:32:15,480
And in the end, I am where I am right now.
477
00:32:18,600 --> 00:32:19,960
I am selfish.
478
00:32:22,520 --> 00:32:24,600
I've studied astrological charts,
both old and new.
479
00:32:25,600 --> 00:32:28,120
I know the name
of every star in the world.
480
00:32:30,520 --> 00:32:32,160
Yet I do not know
481
00:32:34,080 --> 00:32:35,240
the path ahead of me.
482
00:32:43,880 --> 00:32:45,000
Inspector Du,
483
00:32:46,320 --> 00:32:47,880
please provide some guidance.
484
00:33:05,520 --> 00:33:06,520
I see it now.
485
00:33:08,920 --> 00:33:11,480
You too think you placed the duty
on the wrong person.
486
00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:14,840
I failed you.
487
00:33:16,360 --> 00:33:17,600
I failed her.
488
00:33:25,520 --> 00:33:26,480
In that case,
489
00:33:28,800 --> 00:33:30,280
let's share this liquor.
490
00:33:49,400 --> 00:33:50,480
Inspector Du,
491
00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:53,640
you really are biased toward her.
492
00:33:55,040 --> 00:33:56,320
After what I said,
493
00:33:57,600 --> 00:33:59,800
you even refused
to drink the liquor I brought.
494
00:34:05,480 --> 00:34:06,400
Whatever.
495
00:34:08,400 --> 00:34:09,520
It's my fault.
496
00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:17,239
Stop!
497
00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:18,520
Help!
498
00:34:18,600 --> 00:34:19,440
Stop!
499
00:34:20,440 --> 00:34:22,280
- Stop!
- Stop!
500
00:34:22,360 --> 00:34:23,600
- Stop running!
- Stay right there!
501
00:34:23,679 --> 00:34:24,520
Stop running!
502
00:34:24,600 --> 00:34:25,480
- Stay right there!
- Stop running!
503
00:34:25,560 --> 00:34:26,679
Stop!
504
00:34:28,560 --> 00:34:30,600
- Stop running!
- Stop running!
505
00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:36,120
Capture them all.
506
00:34:36,199 --> 00:34:37,159
Wait.
507
00:34:40,639 --> 00:34:41,480
Greetings, Deputy Director Xiao.
508
00:34:41,560 --> 00:34:44,400
What did these people do
that you must use force on them?
509
00:34:45,840 --> 00:34:47,239
People have been holding
the ritual privately
510
00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:49,639
to summon Venus.
511
00:34:49,719 --> 00:34:52,000
This belief has misguided the people.
512
00:34:52,080 --> 00:34:53,239
Summon Venus?
513
00:35:00,320 --> 00:35:01,280
Deputy Director Xiao,
514
00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:03,680
it wasn't our intention
to capture the offenders in public,
515
00:35:03,760 --> 00:35:04,720
thus creating chaos.
516
00:35:04,800 --> 00:35:06,800
But similar things always happen.
517
00:35:06,880 --> 00:35:08,440
We do not have a choice.
518
00:35:19,040 --> 00:35:20,440
What is the summoning of Venus?
519
00:35:20,520 --> 00:35:22,880
Deputy Director Xiao,
are you aware of the nursery rhyme
520
00:35:22,960 --> 00:35:24,440
that's getting popular lately?
521
00:35:24,520 --> 00:35:25,680
Nursery rhyme?
522
00:35:25,760 --> 00:35:28,880
Five, four, three, two, one
523
00:35:28,960 --> 00:35:31,760
Fire, water, earth, wood, metal
524
00:35:31,840 --> 00:35:34,960
As Venus soars above ground
525
00:35:35,040 --> 00:35:37,960
The divine beast's roar
Silences the dragon
526
00:35:38,040 --> 00:35:41,880
When Venus descends upon the palace
527
00:35:41,960 --> 00:35:44,960
The world will know true peace
528
00:35:46,440 --> 00:35:48,080
What an interesting nursery rhyme.
529
00:35:48,720 --> 00:35:52,520
The popularity of the nursery rhyme
comes with a rumor.
530
00:35:53,200 --> 00:35:55,600
After Consort Shu
earns His Majesty's favor,
531
00:35:55,680 --> 00:35:58,160
our nation hasn't had any war or disaster.
532
00:35:58,240 --> 00:36:00,920
They say when Consort Shu was born,
533
00:36:01,000 --> 00:36:03,160
Venus appeared during the day.
534
00:36:03,240 --> 00:36:06,280
And rumor has it
that Venus will appear again.
535
00:36:06,360 --> 00:36:09,280
Whoever could summon Venus
would rise before all else.
536
00:36:09,960 --> 00:36:12,680
Venus appeared when Consort Shu
was born? That is nonsense.
537
00:36:12,760 --> 00:36:13,960
That has never happened.
538
00:36:14,040 --> 00:36:15,560
Indeed.
539
00:36:15,640 --> 00:36:18,840
But the more mystical the rumor is,
540
00:36:18,920 --> 00:36:20,320
the harder it is to get rid of it.
541
00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:22,160
Look at these kids.
542
00:36:22,240 --> 00:36:26,120
Their parents brought them
to summon Venus.
543
00:36:26,200 --> 00:36:27,560
Ask them to get up now.
544
00:36:28,640 --> 00:36:29,640
Everyone, get up now.
545
00:36:33,760 --> 00:36:36,160
Everyone, when Consort Shu was born,
546
00:36:36,240 --> 00:36:37,800
Venus did not appear.
547
00:36:37,880 --> 00:36:39,400
Do not believe the rumors
548
00:36:39,480 --> 00:36:41,000
or you'll just be manipulated
by someone else.
549
00:36:48,600 --> 00:36:50,480
You see, Deputy Director Xiao.
550
00:36:50,560 --> 00:36:53,040
This has persisted for a while now.
551
00:36:53,120 --> 00:36:55,720
You see this in Chang'an and Wannian.
552
00:36:56,440 --> 00:36:57,720
We have stopped this many times.
553
00:36:57,800 --> 00:37:00,600
Not only is our effort futile,
the people are getting more fanatical.
554
00:37:01,200 --> 00:37:03,200
We do not dare to take
more drastic measures,
555
00:37:03,280 --> 00:37:05,160
so we have submitted an emergency report,
556
00:37:05,240 --> 00:37:07,240
pending instructions from our superior.