Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

[Adapted from Fuhua's novel, Mrs. Mei's Way of Love]

[Episode 15]

When I took you away,

I left a hidden talisman on the door.

Spell-Revealing Talisman

reveals the type of art used by anyone who enters.

If the visitor practices dark or evil arts,

it glows black.

If they practice Taoist arts,

it shines white.

For an ordinary person,

no light appears.

What does the vermilion glow mean?

An evil cultivator.

What?

Master once mentioned this.

Why don't I remember?

Evil cultivators

practice evil arts from the Western Regions.

They use flesh and blood as a guide

to activate their spells.

Although their power is limited,

their cultivation methods are extremely cruel.

Your poisoning wasn't by chance.

Someone orchestrated it.

But

when did I get poisoned?

I eat and live with you,

so why am I the only one affected?

I didn't touch

the wine at the banquet.

I didn't touch the food either.

You mean

Pei Jiya is behind all this?

But why would he do that?

If it was intentional,

then it was

all part of his scheme.

Besides,

he mentioned the realms in Chang'an.

And now it involves evil arts.

We must be cautious.

Then

how?

Head back

to Changxi Palace right away and report what happened.

I'll go back to Chang'an

to find out his true intentions.

Okay.

Wu Zhen!

Wu Zhen!

♪Frost and snow conceal the fall's glow♪

♪Alone I linger, waiting for dawn to show♪

♪This love I bear, too deep to flee♪

♪I'd give my all just for your peace♪

♪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?♪

- Are you alright? - Are you alright?

Jiya.

Long time no see, Zhen.

[Chang'an]

Have you heard of what happened at Ruyi Pavilion last night?

I heard the Princess has a new lover.

Ms. Wu is truly as ever.

[Mei Mansion]

So,

you're coming to me for help?

Right.

Si, you attend various banquets.

Do you know any gatekeepers?

I actually do.

How can I help you?

On my way back from outside the city,

I saw someone suspicious.

I need to ask about him

to ease my mind.

If you're not in a hurry,

I'll need two days

to get familiar with the gatekeepers.

Then I'll know what to ask.

Alright, thank you, Si.

No problem.

Oh, right.

On my way back,

I overheard people talking about Ms. Wu.

Is she alright?

She's doing great.

You haven't been in Chang'an for a day,

and Zhen has already moved on.

The favored has changed.

Your chapter's closed.

Everyone in Chang'an is talking

about the Princess

seen in close company

with a young master in Ruyi Pavilion.

A young master?

Alright, the joke's over.

Some of it

is real, some made up.

So which part's real, and which isn't?

They were close, yes. The new flame? Just a rumor.

What do you mean by that?

It means

he's not her new flame,

but her childhood companion,

her uncle's adopted son.

The eldest son of the Pei family in Kun,

Pei Jiya.

I am Pei Jiya from Kun.

Spell-Revealing Talisman

reveals the type of art used by anyone who enters.

What does the vermilion glow mean?

An evil cultivator.

[Duke of Wu's Mansion]

Mr. Mei,

you're back.

Where's Ms. Wu?

In the backyard.

There's a guest.

So, it is you.

Why are you here?

So, the one you came to Chang'an for

is Ms. Wu.

Isn't it unexpected?

So, you came for Jiya.

I heard about your story

from Jiya.

What did he say?

I told her the story

of how we met.

Turns out you two already know each other?

It's truly surprising.

What kind of story?

Don't you know

what you did?

Don't worry.

I merely stated the facts.

You and I met by chance.

Later, we encountered bandits.

My maids, Wu and Zhen, were terrified.

It was you who came to the rescue.

Later, you dined with us,

and we had a long talk.

You hold the girls' hearts, even now.

Oh, right, Zhen.

He hoped we'd stay true to one another.

See?

How generous.

He's always been.

Mr. Mei, what brings you here?

What about

Mr. Pei?

You taking interest in others? That's rare.

Their family business

started with aromatics.

Jiya made the trip

for the Incense Contest

and is now staying here.

Please forgive me.

I have always enjoyed making incense,

and am quite sensitive to smells.

Ms. Wu,

yesterday you drove my carriage away,

leaving me walking all the way back.

My leg injury must have relapsed.

So,

I'll have to trouble you for a few more days.

I'm afraid it's inappropriate.

How can an outsider stay in the inner courtyard

of the Duke's Mansion?

If you can stay,

so can I.

You and I are not the same.

Zhen and I are childhood sweethearts.

I lived here when I was young.

Ms. Wu and I share a bond forged in fire.

I also stayed here a few days ago.

That's enough.

You can both stay.

My place

is big enough anyway.

Ms. Wu,

wasn't Mr. Mei going to move out?

Why did he suddenly come back?

You knew he'd return?

I didn't.

I just heard Jiya mention

their encounter in the western outskirts.

So, I guessed

Mr. Mei might come back.

For Mr. Pei?

Quite unexpected.

Not exactly.

Rather, it's Jiya

who seems off.

So, what do you think

of those two, Ms. Wu?

Still playing the messenger, are you?

I'm all ears, Ms. Wu.

I'll just be impartial,

observing from the sidelines.

Mr. Mei, how do I look in this outfit?

Mr. Pei,

was our encounter merely a coincidence?

There are no accidents in this world.

Everything is predestined.

Then last night,

did you go into my room?

Did you lose something?

No.

Good to know.

There's no need to guess

why I came to Chang'an.

The Incense Contest may be the official excuse,

but I couldn't care less about it.

What truly matters to me

is Zhen.

I can tell.

You said

there was someone you admired.

Did you mean Zhen?

Yes.

Since you care so much about her,

why did you say you were not meant to be?

I have my reasons.

It seems that in your heart,

she isn't that important.

Mr. Mei,

your room is ready.

Please rest at your convenience.

Mr. Pei,

you should've used a stronger poison.

I still can't

bring myself to be ruthless.

[Duke of Wu's Mansion]

We used to play this all the time as kids.

Back then, there weren't many variations,

and the arrows weren't nearly this refined.

Life is always getting better.

I think childhood was better.

Back then, it was just you and me.

You used to pitch better

when you were little.

Yes, I haven't played in years.

I heard you like romance tales.

These are trending.

I thought you'd like them.

I don't like them anymore.

They're filled with tales

of women choosing suitors

and lovers sharing tender affection.

Boring.

Though a bit cliché,

they have happy endings, don't they?

Happy ending?

How so?

Just because they're married?

The priority in a woman's life

is to find a desirable husband.

Why?

What?

I said, why is it

that the priority in a woman's life

is to find a desirable husband?

For a woman of such tender grace,

a sheltered home is owed,

where she is treasured and guarded

for all her days.

Jiya, you're right.

The paramount thing in a woman's life

is to find a reliable support.

Another demon came for him?

This book demon is useless.

Indeed.

Do you have all kinds of books here?

What book

are you looking for?

The geezers from the Four Sects made me go reinforce the barrier.

I came here to find a way.

The barrier?

Are you...?

I am the Cat Lord.

I need to ask you something.

Do you remember that candy cake recipe

from back then?

I do.

Why hasn't Snake Lord come?

Perhaps it will be a while.

I've brought you some food.

I didn't order any.

Someone told me to.

I've told you over and over

to cut back on the sugar.

See? Now you've got a toothache.

Stop nagging.

This is for your good.

Don't worry.

I'll go to the meeting

on your behalf.

It was the toothache and your bad mood talking

when you scolded Elder Hui.

Those old guys wouldn't dare lay a finger on you.

Thank you.

I am willing to clean up after you, My Lady.

I thought Wuzishu banned this candy.

He said it's too sweet

and ruins demons' teeth.

Why are they selling it again?

I don't know.

I heard you've been rather dazzling lately,

always flanked by a pair of fine men.

You seem unusually well-informed.

Trust me, I didn't ask for it.

It's just that this news

is creating a huge stir in Chang'an.

I couldn't avoid it even if I tried.

You called me here

just to lecture me?

Actually,

there's something.

You're asking me for a favor?

Isn't the Incense Contest coming up soon?

I've been a judge for all these years.

But these past few days,

my body has been a bit inconvenient.

Are you about to shed your skin?

I can't stand you reptilian demons.

Always shedding your skin at the drop of a hat.

Tell me,

are you going to help or not?

Beg me.

Please.

Alright, I'll help.

But...

But what?

Speaking of judging the Contest,

I know nothing about incense.

How can I be one?

Many experienced judges will come.

You just need to agree with them.

And Ling Xiao will also be there.

He will help you.

My business is done.

I won't disturb you anymore.

Zhen...

My Lady,

it's time for your hot spring bath.

I know

I went too far before.

I hope you won't hold it against me.

I've gone over demon law for days.

I could probably do it backwards by now.

I asked Mystic Bee to make

this candy cake secretly.

Does it still taste the same as before?

I assume your power

is almost restored.

It's time for a hot spring bath.

Be careful.

What's going on?

I'm just popular, I guess.

Tomorrow morning,

I'll escort you to the Incense Contest, Ms. Wu.

Zhen, what's this about?

Tomorrow,

I probably can't watch the excitement.

Someone entrusted me

to be a judge.

Then may I ask for

a touch of leniency tomorrow?

The Incense Contest.

The judges

are renowned incense experts

such as Mr. Xie and Mr. Gao.

But, My Lady,

remember to stay away from them.

Why?

You beat Mr. Xie's nephew

and didn't spare Mr. Gao's either.

But

the most formidable one

is today's chief judge,

An Biluo.

Master An is here!

Greetings, everyone.

- Master An. - Master An.

That is An Biluo.

Long time no see.

The finest incense artisan

of our time, no,

of the last hundred years.

- Master. - Master.

Ms. Wang.

His judgment

will largely determine today's outcome.

You're practically drooling.

Here he comes!

[An Biluo, an incense artisan]

May I ask who this lady is?

Master An.

Ms. Liu is unwell,

so she is unable to attend today.

This is the Empress's younger sister,

Ms. Wu of the Duke's Mansion,

also Princess of Qinghe County.

Greetings, My Lady.

Master An, there's no need for such formalities.

Do you, My Lady, also appreciate the art of incense?

Only a little.

Talking about incense in front of you

would be like showing off before a true master.

No one would ever claim to be an expert.

My Lady,

you agree, don't you?

You're being modest, My Lady.

Are you

Mr. Ling of Yuzhen Pavilion?

You actually recognize me?

I've heard about your incenses,

as they're well-known across Chang'an.

I'd be grateful

if you could share your insights

at the Contest.

How dare we offer insights, you...

You...

Master An recognizes me!

He really does!

I can't believe it!

Ling Xiao,

do you smell something weird?

What smell?

Smells like a loyal mutt.

A mutt?

Where is it?

The stink is intense.

Whose loyal mutt is it?

Mutt...

Wait, are you calling me that?

If it's for Master An, I'll take it.

The Incense Contest is divided

into four tiers: Common, Superior,

Exquisite, and Supreme.

The top-rated incense

will advance to the final round

based on its score.

The final winner will be chosen jointly

by the judges and everyone present.

And this year's reward

is the rare Qilin Horn Resin.

Zhen.

Why are you here?

Where's Ms. Liu?

Mr. Mei, you've really taken to joining the fun.

I wasn't at ease with you coming alone,

so I asked Si to bring me along.

Besides, Master An Biluo is joining us as a judge.

Please welcome Master An!

Let the Chang'an Incense Contest

commence!

I am from Jiuhe Incense Pavilion in Qi.

I've traveled beyond the seas for years

and found Moluo's agarwood,

blended with styrax oil and sealed for a hundred days

to create "Tranquil Wanderings."

Now, I present it to you all.

The formula is simple enough,

but what's so special about agarwood?

Mr. Gao is right.

I found it quite interesting.

There's a trace of Rock Honey in the woody aroma.

May I ask who you are, sir?

Pei Jiya from Kun.

It's him.

No wonder.

Your family's aromatics are renowned far and wide.

I've long heard

you're also quite proficient in incense making.

Even if you joined the panel,

no one would dare challenge you.

You may burn the incense.

There is some other aroma in it.

It's the smell of blood.

[Exquisite]

I didn't smell any aroma at all.

[Common]

He's probably got a cold.

His nose is stuffed.

Nonsense.

Master An's taste is extraordinary.

This is what true refinement looks like.

[Common]

My Lady,

may I ask what held it back from a finer rating?

I feel there is a hint of blood

in this aroma.

Blood?

Please enlighten us.

Although this incense is unusual,

its sourcing is far from effortless.

I heard that the laborers of Moluo

risk their lives,

climbing dangerous cliffs,

just to obtain the agarwood honey.

One can only wonder what toil and pain lie behind it.

I suppose you also considered this,

which is why you feel "Tranquil Wanderings"

is not worthy of its name.

Sir, you are

very knowledgeable indeed.

[Superior]

[Common]

[Common]

[Common]

It's a contest.

Why is he making eyes at Zhen?

This is "Echoes of Time."

"Echoes of Time"?

The name...

is a bit too plain.

This is my own creation.

Well.

Mr. Pei, please.

"Echoes of Time."

♪A sigh for mortal dust♪

♪As blossoms burn to dusk♪

♪Memories tint the heart♪

♪Carved in silence, fading unseen♪

♪Candle shadows carve through grief♪

♪Seasons turn in silent thief♪

♪Night rain murmurs, faint and slow♪

♪Tears fall quiet, lost below♪

♪I drift away with scattered stars♪

♪Glancing back at time's worn scars♪

♪You're the longing that defies the end of days♪

♪If the tale could turn anew, and reshape the skies♪

♪I would spend my life on you, in patient sacrifice♪

♪Let fate rise through the storm, as love begins again♪

♪Never could I forget♪

♪When oaths dissolve into oceans, drifting through the years♪

♪Memory walks beside me, ever close, forever clear♪

♪A will that never falters♪

♪Fading beneath time's quiet hush♪

♪If the tale could turn anew, and reshape the skies♪

♪I would spend my life on you, in patient sacrifice♪

♪Let fate rise through the storm, as love begins again♪

♪Never could I forget♪

♪When oaths dissolve into oceans, drifting through the years♪

♪Memory walks beside me, ever close, forever clear♪

♪A will that never falters♪

♪Fading beneath time's quiet hush♪