Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

[Episode 14]

The taste of Five Minerals Powder is really...

Quite a few were talking nonsense yesterday.

Some said they encountered demons.

Some said they stumbled upon a fairyland.

All sorts of wild stories.

I think becoming an immortal

is not as fun

as spending three days and nights in Pleasure Lane.

Tell me about it.

Chang'an lies beneath the gaze of the Emperor.

It's brimming with Yang energy.

This is no place for evil spirits.

Exactly.

Mr. Huang, I swear it's true.

I really saw Five Minerals Powder.

So you did go to the Yu'nong Pavilion?

I... Well...

It's not what you think.

We've got the sights of Chang'an and Pleasure Lane to enjoy.

Beauty is right in front of you,

yet all you see is Five Minerals Powder?

As Mr. Mei's cousin, you're truly something else.

But Five Minerals Powder

is not easily obtained...

It really is Five Minerals Powder.

Search!

Catch up!

Snake Lord,

the Cat Lord's plan worked like a charm.

Now people are saying

the owner of Yu'nong Pavilion abused Five Minerals Powder

and accidentally let it get into the water supply,

causing many people to have hallucinations

after drinking it.

That diversion tactic of Cat was brilliant.

We shut the place down

and put an end to those rumors about the Demon Market

among the mortals.

It seems the commotion has died down.

What a coincidence, Ms. Liu.

Mei Si, what are you doing here?

I heard there were rumors about a demon realm

and fairyland in Pleasure Lane,

so I thought I'd check it out.

Turns out Five Minerals Powder was the cause.

Why would you look into these rumors?

I read White Snake's Chronicles of the Uncanny.

The afterword says

White Snake wrote it for his beloved.

I thought it was quite clever.

Really interesting.

I want to learn from him.

How do you plan to do that, Mei Si?

Well, I always enjoy painting.

I thought I'd collect tales of the strange

and turn them into a picture album.

It would be a unique gift.

If I give it to you,

Ms. Liu, I'm sure you'll like it.

Let's go.

Ms. Liu.

But

White Snake is really interesting.

Ms. Liu didn't glare at me just now.

She must like the idea.

Sir,

they all say my peaches

didn't turn out well this year.

You should buy elsewhere.

There. Go buy from him.

It's alright.

Sir, please bag some for me.

Are these peaches good?

Sir, Miss,

I'm really sorry.

I'm getting old.

I can't

taste much anymore.

Are the peaches sour?

Yes.

It's alright.

I like sour ones.

Why do you like sour fruit?

When I was little, there was an

early-ripening peach tree where I lived.

Its fruit was small and tart.

Even sourer than these.

But I looked forward to its fruit every year.

Because nobody else

wanted those peaches. They were all mine.

Sir, I'm glad you like them.

Here.

Have some more.

- Alright. - Take a few more.

Well,

peach trees aren't easy to grow.

If they overripen,

the fruit turns bitter, tart,

and sour.

The good times

are always too short.

Thank you, sir.

I hear the summer flowers on West Hill will bloom soon.

Shall we go see them the day after tomorrow?

Alright.

Senior Zhuyu sent word for me to go outside the city to buy a horse.

Seems he's come around.

I wonder if he's thought of a way

to deal with the Demon Market.

But even if he hasn't, it's fine.

As long as he stays away from that temptress,

he's still a great disciple of Changxi Palace.

Master Shuangjiang.

Ms. Huzhu.

Master Shuangjiang, what brings you to Ruyi Pavilion?

I'm here for a meal.

Sir, would you prefer drinking or listening to music?

I want to book a whole table for a banquet!

Ms. Huzhu,

you told me

this

would be enough for a feast here, right?

No, maybe you should...

Sir, this way please.

Let's go.

Ms. Huzhu, you really didn't lie to me.

Eat up.

What's wrong?

Is the food here not to your liking?

That's not it.

Actually,

I'm not just here for a meal tonight.

I have to go to South Street later.

It's so late.

Why are you going there?

Zhuyu asked me to buy a horse.

Buy a horse?

Has Mr. Mei come into money?

He's not riding a donkey anymore?

It's for the journey.

The journey?

A good horse

will make the journey back to Qu quicker.

You're returning to Qu?

Yes.

So I also came here

to bid you farewell.

Our meeting was fate.

Once we part,

we may not meet again for a long time.

Ms. Huzhu,

take care.

Master Shuangjiang.

Ms. Huzhu,

we are close friends.

You don't want me to leave,

and neither do I.

But I have my duty.

I must see it through!

I just wanted to tell you

that horses aren't sold on South Street.

You need to

go to North Street to buy one.

Thank you, Ms. Huzhu.

With that little money,

he probably can't even afford a jug of wine on the table.

True.

Ms. Huzhu, since you're so well-off,

how about settling the bill for the fragrances?

Is this enough?

Yes.

But clearly, you're not as generous to me

as you were to Shuangjiang.

You talk too much.

Mr. Mei's cousin

has to busk on the streets just for a meal.

You're a centuries-old demon. Why compare yourself to him?

Sir,

the fragrances have been distributed.

Sir,

that was premium styrax.

Since when did we lower the price?

You talk too much.

It really isn't enough.

You're quite quick to settle matters.

What, Master Shuangjiang,

is your life now mine?

So Zhuyu buy the horse

to hitch it to a carriage?

Yes.

Ms. Wu's carriage is too eye-catching.

So Mr. Mei drove here himself.

Isn't he thoughtful?

What is Zhuyu thinking?

I thought he was leaving.

Why is he going to see the flowers?

In the storybooks at your place,

it's always men picking flowers for women.

Those storybooks are all mediocre.

There are also ones where women pick flowers for men.

I've been narrow-minded.

If we had brought that donkey,

it would've been just like last time.

Last time?

During our trip to the western outskirts,

I actually dreamed of you.

What did you dream about?

Acting frivolously.

No wonder you've been

acting weird ever since then.

It's fine.

As long as I get to dream of it too.

What a temptress.

What did you say?

Ms. Wu is a temptress!

Master Shuangjiang,

you can curse all you want,

but next time

could you pick a different word?

Stop with the "temptress" this and "temptress" that.

Is there a more fitting word?

What are you doing?

Just looking at you makes my blood boil!

Get lost!

It's a pity the blossoms are already fading.

If only there were magic

to make flowers bloom all year round.

Seasons change.

Flowers have their time.

Even with magic,

we shouldn't go against the natural order.

What are you smiling about?

I was thinking of the cat from Duke's Mansion.

Which one?

A tabby.

You're not afraid of it?

It's quite gentle.

We seem to get along.

It's not gentleness.

It's appreciation for charm.

It must like you for your looks.

And I happen to like that too.

Have you forgotten after being down the mountain for so long?

Those from Changxi Palace are not allowed to have feelings.

This isn't proper.

Young Lord,

sometimes you don't need to be so proper.

My

injuries should be almost healed.

I should leave Duke of Wu's Mansion.

You're leaving?

Yes.

What about me?

What?

Don't you

have anything else to say to me?

If you want to leave, then leave.

I can't force you to stay.

You're upright and honorable.

You want to keep your distance from me.

I should know my place.

Let's go.

Zhuyu,

wasn't that your carriage?

It's getting late.

We should hurry back to the city.

But we have no carriage, no horse.

We have legs.

Grab the bags.

[Mei Mansion]

Mr. Si?

Why hasn't it been delivered yet?

Master,

for some reason,

Mr. Si has locked the door.

Locked?

I knew it.

You rascal!

- Master. - Step aside!

Get up.

Get up!

If you were doing something serious,

why did you

Thank you

lock the door?

Father,

it's because of your years of influence

that I've decided to turn over a new leaf

and study diligently.

But

I was afraid you'd worry about my health.

You smooth-talker.

Who do you think you're fooling?

It was bad enough when you were obsessed with painting.

But now

you've picked up cockfighting, dog racing, and playing with a loach!

Father, it's not a loach.

It's not a loach?

Is it the reincarnation of Wenchang? [*Wenchang, the God of Literature]

Yes.

It is the reincarnation of Wenchang.

Father,

I went through great trouble, asking favors

and traveling far and wide

to bring it here.

With its help, I'm sure to pass the exams this year.

It can even write. See for yourself.

It's the reincarnation of Wenchang. It can write.

It definitely knows how to write.

It really can write.

It...

It...

It truly is the reincarnation of Wenchang.

Look.

That's clearly a character!

Father, how do you even see a character there?

Look.

Oh, divine one,

I'll offer a fortune in gold

and sacrificial animals

to rebuild your statue.

- Just ensure my son - Father!

Give my little loach back!

- succeeds in the exams this year! - Father.

Just ensure my son succeeds in the exams this year!

If you really have feelings for him,

why rush to lay everything bare?

Keep him around a while longer.

Enjoy yourself while you can.

What's the point

if it's all ambiguous?

If he hasn't considered taking a step further,

it means

I'm not that important to him.

How rare.

This is the first time you've been lovesick.

Let me wallow in misery for a couple of days.

Fine.

I'll hire some dancers and musicians

to keep you company.

A few days of revelry,

and you'll forget that heartbreaker.

Alright?

We'll rest here tonight.

Let's eat first.

Enjoy.

You two,

this way please.

Are you here for a meal or lodging?

Two rooms and two bowls of plain noodles.

Also,

a plate of scallion-vinegar chicken, stir-fried okra with pork,

winter amaranth,

vinegar-marinated celery,

lamb stew,

and

pancake.

Can you finish all that?

Why do you care?

I can pay for it!

Please prepare it.

Zhuyu,

what is wrong with that guy?

It's not even autumn,

and he's wearing so much.

I'm sweating buckets.

Don't gossip about others.

Here are your room keys.

Please keep them safe.

Since you ordered so much food,

you should do some work too.

Take these bags into the room.

Alright.

Gentlemen,

are you here for a meal or lodging?

Can't you tell?

Look at our setup.

We're here

to rob you!

- To rob you! - To rob you!

You seem quite well-off, sir.

Stay back.

You think I'll listen just because you say so?

Who do you think you are, some immortal?

Still smiling?

Hand over your money.

Hand it over!

I don't have any.

What?

You refuse?

I don't have

a single penny on me.

Look at you, dressed like that.

You're traveling without money?

That's hard to believe.

I did bring some.

But my bags are in the room.

How about

I take you there to get it?

No need!

You think I'm new to this?

I've seen plenty of pretty boys like you

who fancy themselves

smooth talkers.

You think you can fool me?

Er.

Did you find the bags?

San, Si!

Head to the second floor!

Got it!

Where are you? Answer me!

They say greed knows no bounds.

It seems the ancients told no lies.

Does your room devour people?

Why hasn't there been any sound since they went up?

Why not go see for yourself?

Me?

They've all gone up.

You're falling behind.

Why is there still one who hasn't come up?

This one

is the smartest.

Waiter.

Report this to the authorities.

Hurry!

Move!

Get moving!

What are you glaring at?

Sir.

[Pei Jiya, Eldest Son of the Pei Family]

I am

Pei Jiya from Kun.

Thank you both for your help.

May I ask your names?

I'm Mei Zhuyu.

This is my cousin, Shuangjiang.

No need for thanks.

We acted out of self-preservation.

Gratitude should be repaid.

Have you had dinner yet?

Allow me to host you as a token of thanks.

Zhuyu,

why don't we...?

Thank you.

After you.

Mr. Shuangjiang, if you still have doubts,

feel free to ask.

Why

are you wearing so many layers?

I...

I'm ill.

Congenital.

I've been frail since childhood,

and I can't be exposed to light.

Even on the hottest summer days, I must bundle up.

How pitiful.

What's your next question, Mr. Shuangjiang?

None.

Mei, it is my honor

to meet you today.

You're clever and brave.

I'm deeply grateful.

I don't drink.

He doesn't like to drink.

Let me drink with you, Mr. Pei.

I'll just have tea instead.

You look travel-worn.

Have you come from Chang'an?

Yes, just traveling for leisure.

How nice.

I grew up in Chang'an

but left due to family matters.

Now I live in Kun.

I haven't been back in years.

I've long heard Chang'an is much quieter now.

Order prevails across all realms.

Master Pei, what do you mean, all realms?

I meant

the ministries of the court are quite orderly.

Please don't take offense, sir.

I've always had a passion for making incense,

so I'm quite sensitive to scents.

Speaking of which,

the scents you carry

are quite complex.

Interesting.

What scents?

You have the scent

of newly tanned leather.

Is your saddle newly fitted?

How did you know?

There's also

a hint of medicine.

Mugwort and cinnamon.

Have you been injured recently?

You can even smell that?

And a trace of

a woman's scent.

Well...

That was a joke.

Mr. Mei is charming.

I'm sure many women admire him.

So I was just teasing.

Speaking of women,

I'm reminded of my childhood sweetheart.

I wasn't in good health

when I was a kid.

Others would avoid me.

Only she treated me differently.

We were kindred spirits, deeply connected.

But

things don't always go as one wishes.

My family moved far away to Kun.

We were separated

by a great distance.

This chronic illness

has caused me

much suffering.

But no matter how bitter it was,

I could endure it.

I always remember

that the only time I cried

was because of her.

Back then,

I was in poor health.

Even though I liked her deeply,

I didn't dare to propose to her.

Now that

I'm recovering,

so I rushed to Chang'an.

This time,

I won't let her down.

Pei, you've traveled all this way to Chang'an.

Your deep affection

is truly

moving.

What about you?

Do you have someone you fancy?

Yes.

Could you share your story?

To be lost in love is in our very nature.

But she and I

simply weren't meant to be.

I see.

You have a detached perspective.

But I'm just a mundane man.

I just want to marry her

and be together forever.

Mr. Mei,

won't you offer me a blessing?

Even across great distances,

hearts can remain close.

If you truly care for each other,

heaven will not disappoint your wishes.

Thank you.

This is the fullest I've eaten in days.

Master Pei is quite kind.

What do you think, Senior Zhuyu?

Strange.

Strange?

How?

Given our brief acquaintance,

Mr. Pei was too familiar.

Though he looks a bit frail,

he's quite warm-hearted.

Probably just likes to talk.

Maybe.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Probably just ate too much.

I'll be fine after some rest.

Give me your hand.

Well?

I'm not seriously ill, am I?

Your pulse indicates

you might have an upset stomach.

Alright.

But why is there also a sign of poisoning?

Let's find a physician.

What's going on?

Take care, you two.

- My Lord. - My Lord.

- The lock. - The lock.

That Mei fellow is quite cautious.

How did things go with the officials?

We've offered some silver.

The robbers

will be released in a few days.

The setup was flawless.

Don't worry, My Lord.

My Lord,

only the big guy's bag is in this room.

Shall we open it?

No need.

I have no interest in him.

My Lord,

I don't understand.

You meant to poison Mei Zhuyu.

But why only Shuangjiang was affected?

I used a scent-based poison this time.

It requires alcohol and food to take effect.

But Mei Zhuyu didn't drink or eat,

so it had no effect on him.

I see.

That Mei fellow is such a nuisance to you.

We should've made the poison stronger

and just killed him.

Word from Chang'an says

he has nothing to do with my cousin anymore.

He's just a defeated rival.

Why would I kill him?

Besides,

I'm a kind person.

- You're right, My Lord. - You're right, My Lord.

Forget it.

At least I got to see him.

And I know what kind of man my cousin likes.

Let's go.

To Chang'an.

♪Blossoms drift, and the world grows pale♪

♪Memory brews a bitter tale♪

♪Vows of forever fade in the breeze♪

♪Without you, all fades into nothing♪

♪Past joys and sorrows tangle in dreams♪

♪The deepest pain is parting's gleam♪

♪A lifetime vowed to share with you♪

♪Yet still beyond my reach, it flew♪

♪Petals drift, then fade from sight♪

♪How is falling for love not right?♪

♪Moonlight chills the breath I keep♪

♪I hold you close, but silence runs deep♪

♪Petals drift, then fade from sight♪

♪How is falling for love not right?♪

♪Your glance flickers, memories bloom♪

♪How can I find you through the gloom?♪

♪What hope survives beyond the doom?♪