Original subtitles

[Moonlit Reunion]

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

[Episode 18]

Mr. Mei, how did you know about Conscious Imbuement?

Records Repository at Xuanjian Division

have records of such dark arts

from sixty years ago.

You can even remember that.

You have a really good memory.

Si was harmed without reason today. It's really eerie.

Ms. Wu, are you alright today?

Safe and sound.

And you, Mr. Mei?

All is well.

How long do you plan to

stay at the Duke's Mansion this time?

You once said

you could afford to keep even a few more people like me.

Being able to afford it is one thing.

Whether I want to or not is another.

After all, you said you were leaving,

but now you're refusing to go.

It makes people wonder.

You said you don't care what others think.

What if I want to care now?

You know, my father keeps asking

whom I would choose between you and my cousin.

I need to come up with excuses for you

to stop him from misunderstanding.

Right, Jiya?

It's so late.

Jiya, what are you doing here?

I was worried

when you didn't return,

so I came to check.

You've probably forgotten.

I love to revel

and feast every night.

So

it's normal for me to come home late.

Nothing to worry about.

Zhen, you're still as witty as ever.

But

Mr. Mei, why are you here?

Did you go enjoy

music and dance with Zhen?

Just ran into each other.

Mr. Mei, you and Zhen seem to have a connection.

Ms. Wu and I are indeed connected.

Zhen, it's getting late.

Let's go back.

Jiya, watch out!

Mr. Pei, you should watch your step in the future.

I have Zhen with me,

so no need for your concern.

Chang'an isn't all that great.

Not as lively as Kun.

What's so lively about it?

The people live peaceful lives.

If you don't believe me,

why not come back with me and see?

Kun is now beautiful with pristine nature

and remarkable talent.

I'm sure you won't want to leave.

I'll think about it.

I'm sleepy. I'm going to bed.

Mr. Mei,

do you think Zhen will say yes to me?

I don't know.

I think

she will.

No one else could hold her in their heart

like I do.

And I've done that for over a decade,

treating her

like a real treasure.

By the way,

you once offered blessings to me and her.

Surely you won't

go back on your word.

What I said was that

if you truly care for each other,

heaven will not disappoint your wishes.

I just don't know

if you and Ms. Wu truly feel the same.

[Purchased by Mr. Pei from Chang'an]

This lantern is for you, Mr. Pei.

In the future, you should really

watch your step at night.

My Lord, don't be angry.

That guy can never compare to you.

What an eyesore.

Chang'an is so peaceful.

I wonder how the ink

is doing right now.

I'll have it sealed in the Demon Prison

to prevent any further trouble.

Zhen, are you staying in the Demon Market tonight?

I've had quite a day.

It wasn't easy bringing it back.

I need to go home and rest.

Fine.

Shu,

since you're going to the Demon Prison,

could you help me fetch something while you're there?

Mr. Shu.

Mr. Shu, are you heading to the Demon Prison?

Yes.

Do you want me to go with you?

I've got nothing else to do anyway.

Are you really free today?

After dealing with An Biluo,

Snake Lord granted me two days off.

I've got plenty of time to spare.

So I've just been wandering around.

I've heard there's been some trouble in the human realm again.

Is the Cat Lord alright?

Someone cast dark arts on this ink stick.

Fortunately, it was brought back.

The Cat Lord wasn't hurt.

This little thing

caused so much chaos in Chang'an?

Are you a dog demon?

This smell.

Something's off.

What's wrong?

It's Qilin Horn Resin.

Qilin Horn Resin?

No wonder this ink stick is so powerful in transforming through dark arts.

There might be more to this.

Elder Bai.

Mr. Shu, are you here to memorize the Demon Laws again?

The Demon Laws are on the first floor.

Well then...

Feel free to look around.

I'll attend to my duties.

Elder Bai,

I thought managing the Demon Prison was arduous.

Didn't expect you to be slacking off here.

Mr. Shu, you've got it all wrong.

I'm utterly swamped with work.

Let me tell you...

Which floor was Xuan Hui originally imprisoned on?

He's on the third floor.

Please lead the way.

Let's go.

The Demon Prison has three floors.

Those with deeper sins are imprisoned on higher floors.

Xuan Hui started on the first floor.

After escaping and being caught three times,

he was moved to the second.

Mr. Shu, let me out!

After six more times,

he ended up on the current third floor.

If he's caught again this time,

there might not be a place for him here.

This is where he's imprisoned.

Mr. Shu,

why are you taking Xuan Hui's Mirror of Clarity?

The Mirror of Clarity records the crimes of guilty demons.

I'm taking it

to ensure Xuan Hui is recaptured sooner.

This matter does not concern you.

True. None of my business anyway.

I couldn't care less.

Who's imprisoned in here?

No one.

This is the most secure cell

in the entire Demon Prison.

It restrains the demonic power of the prisoner.

Eighteen years ago, Malevolent Phantom struck at Chang'an.

We intended to capture it and imprison it here,

but it was killed by the previous Cat Lord.

So this cell has remained empty ever since.

Did it have any close followers?

Who knows?

The master is already dead.

Even if there were any remaining followers,

they should have been wiped out.

I see.

Qiangyijun!

Back then, Malevolent Phantom

proclaimed itself the greatest deity in the demon realm,

destined to control everything.

Yet now, it's been reduced to nothingness.

Malevolent Phantom.

What about a deity?

What about me?

In this world,

she is far more precious

than you or me.

What? Qilin Horn Resin?

What a coincidence.

A piece of Qilin Horn Resin

went missing at the Incense Contest in the mortal realm.

And now another one appears so soon.

It seems Chang'an is extremely wealthy.

Ling Xiao,

have you considered

that these two might actually be the same piece of Qilin Horn Resin?

These two are the same piece...

That makes sense.

No wonder Huang Yi and the others

couldn't find the missing piece

after the Incense Contest.

So this is the reason.

The Qilin Horn Resin is related to the ink demon.

Find another piece to cover this up.

Don't let the Jinwu Guard investigate further.

Golden-Winged Bird.

Coming, coming.

Ms. Huzhu, what do you need?

Search around the Demon Market.

I need a new piece of Qilin Horn Resin.

Alright.

Lately, the Golden-Winged Bird has been really hard to deal with.

It wouldn't even give me a discount.

Why is it so obedient today?

Because

I bought this tavern!

I'm its boss now.

You bought this tavern?

When?

When it stopped giving you discounts.

Stop...

- I would never... - I don't care if you come or not.

Ms. Huzhu,

I managed to find this

at the general store.

It's the only one in the entire Demon Market.

The only one?

Then it must be really valuable.

It's free.

Free?

Because that general store

is also mine.

The general store is yours too?

What other shops do you own?

What else don't I know?

[Wuzi Pavilion]

You're looking for Liu Taizhen?

Yes, Zhen.

Where exactly has Ms. Liu gone to recuperate?

People from Liu Mansion says she's been away for days

without any word.

Now there are rumors of demons in Chang'an again.

I'm worried something might have happened to her.

Those rumors have already died down.

Yes, they have.

But that doesn't mean there are no demons.

Though Lady Liu likes tales about demons and strange phenomena,

fondness is one thing.

If she actually encounters one,

she still needs to be cautious.

Don't worry. She'll be fine.

Zhen, according to the time you mentioned,

she should have returned by now.

That's true.

No, I have to go find her.

Stop playing!

Zhen, tell me,

where exactly has she gone?

South of Chang'an.

Luwei Mountain.

Thank you, Mr. Shu.

Snake Lord hasn't returned yet.

We should send someone to look for her.

But it shouldn't be Si.

There are many demons in those mountains.

It's not safe for him.

Zhen, you only care about people's safety,

yet you don't realize that having someone to love

is one of life's greatest blessings.

That matters far more than surviving alone.

I'm just putting myself

in their shoes.

[Duke of Wu's Mansion]

Come on.

Come on, come on.

Mr. Mei,

is there something wrong with the food?

No.

I just didn't expect

such a lavish breakfast today.

Mr. Mei, you usually eat simply, so you might not know.

My uncle is a Duke,

so this is quite ordinary for breakfast.

Zhen, come here.

Come have breakfast.

What were you all discussing?

Mr. Mei was surprised

by how sumptuous the breakfast here is.

I was just about to tell Uncle

about a reclusive master.

He's quite knowledgeable about cuisine.

I'll invite him here to take care of Zhen.

Don't bother.

Why, Jiya? Do you find the hospitality here lacking?

Of course not.

Since I intend to marry you,

it's only right that I think for you.

I hope you can live even better.

Jiya,

you mentioned the other day that you wished to marry Zhen.

Are you sincere about this?

Of course.

My mother hasn't been well lately

and can't manage the household.

So Zhen would become the mistress of the Pei family upon marriage.

I swear

I will never take concubines in this lifetime.

Good. Not taking concubines is good.

It seems you are wholeheartedly devoted to Zhen.

Mr. Mei,

do you have anything to say?

No.

Are you planning to take concubines?

Mr. Wu, you misunderstand.

I just haven't thought about marriage.

Mr. Mei, what do you think of the marriage

between me and Jiya?

That depends on how you feel about it, Ms. Wu.

Duke!

My Lord, My Lady.

Mr. Feng, what brings you here?

His Majesty and Her Majesty

want you to go to the palace.

They found out about me

buying magical artifacts again?

Sir, rest assured.

This time it's not about you.

It's about the Princess.

Yuanzhen?

The white camellia tree in the Imperial Garden

was the Princess's favorite.

For some reason, it suddenly withered and died.

So His Majesty and Her Majesty had it cut down.

The Princess has been heartbroken,

crying nonstop ever since.

Let's go. Slowly.

My Lord, it's time for your medicine.

Mr. Mei, I didn't expect you to have such tastes.

You enjoy playing the prowler, don't you?

If not for that,

how could I have caught you in such suspicious acts, Mr. Pei?

What are you talking about?

I've always been grateful

for your help at the inn.

How have I offended you?

Why would you frame me?

Creating tales of demons

and trying to cause chaos in Chang'an.

How is that framing?

Tales of the demons have existed since ancient times.

Lately, for some reason, the people of Chang'an have been bringing them up.

But they're just rumors.

Mei, Mei, why are you asking me about this so seriously?

You know the answer yourself.

Mr. Mei, why don't you come in and search?

I just want to remind you

that those who walk in darkness

will eventually be consumed by it.

My Lord.

Mr. Mei knows. Could this be trouble?

It's fine.

Anyway, we can't keep him alive.

There, there, no more tears.

Yuanzhen, be good.

That white camellia tree was always strange.

It bloomed for no reason and then withered for no reason.

It's ominous.

Yes.

It's not him that's ominous.

Don't you touch him!

Well...

Even if... Even if we don't cut it down,

it won't survive

in this state, will it?

It will.

He will get better.

He will bloom for me again.

He promised he'd always stay with me.

There, there.

It's just a camellia tree.

If you like it so much,

we'll plant more in the Imperial Garden.

Exactly.

It's not the same.

Not the same.

No other tree could ever be him.

Well... What...

What's so different about it?

Yuanzhen, stop crying.

Look what I brought you.

See?

Isn't it fun?

- Fun. - Not fun.

Fun.

Not fun!

How is it not fun?

She's close to you.

Comfort her.

State affairs are pressing.

You may attend to them.

Leave the rest to me.

We'll leave it to you.

Alright, alright, come on.

Go on, all of you can leave.

Go ahead.

We don't need you anymore. Go on.

Seems you don't need me either.

Aunt,

you understand me, don't you?

Yes, I understand.

Yuanzhen,

I remember

that white camellia tree was brought back

when you traveled south with your parents, right?

Can you tell me

what happened during that trip

that made you love that tree so much?

Mother!

Father!

Mother!

Father!

That night in the deep mountain forest,

it scared away the beasts

and kept me safe beneath him.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness, I've finally found you.

Come on.

His Majesty and Her Majesty are worried sick.

Your Highness,

are you injured anywhere?

What are you doing here?

Let's get back now.

Come on, let's go.

We can't leave yet.

He saved me.

He seems sick.

We need to save him.

It... It saved you?

But we don't have a gardener with us right now.

Your Highness, let's go.

Then take him back to the palace!

I'll get him the best gardener in the world!

Alright. Keep it alive.

We'll keep it alive.

First, let's go back, Your Highness.

Aunt,

I know.

Even the best gardeners in the world

say there's nothing they can do.

This time,

he's really gone.

Look.

See what this is.

This is...?

It's him.

You risked your life

to protect Yuanzhen.

Now your death is near, and your demonic soul is fading.

Do you regret it?

I have no regrets

for saving Her Highness.

♪Blossoms drift, and the world grows pale♪

Of course,

I can allow you to possess an object

and gift it to Yuanzhen,

so you may stay together forever.

♪Vows of forever fade in the breeze♪

♪Without you, all fades into nothing♪

Cat Lord, thank you for granting this.

♪Past joys and sorrows tangle in dreams♪

I am willing to become a bound spirit.

♪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♪

Beheaded flower.

♪Petals drift, then fade from sight♪

♪How is falling for love not right?♪

Flower.

♪Your glance flickers, memories bloom♪

♪How can I find you through the gloom?♪

Let me put it on for you, alright?

♪What hope survives beyond the doom?♪

During my travels,

I often thought of home

and missed Yuanzhen.

If Her Majesty

could give Yuanzhen a little brother,

it would be so lively.

If Zhen starts a family,

it would be even more lively.

I heard Mr. Pei and Mr. Mei

are both staying at the Duke's Mansion.

Father, have you met them? What do you think?

I've met them.

But...

Well...

It's hard to choose a son-in-law.

But

after much thought

and careful consideration,

I think

Mr. Pei is better.

Most importantly, he won't take concubines.

So Mr. Mei wants to take concubines?

Not exactly.

He just doesn't want to get married.

Why?

He has no parents

and little wealth.

He may not be ready for marriage.

I've met Mr. Mei.

He is quite remarkable.

Father, don't be hasty.

Zhen should choose

someone she loves,

someone who will stay with her for life.

♪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♪

So tell us,

do you think Jiya is good?

♪I drift away with scattered stars♪

♪Glancing back at time's worn scars♪

It's nice to have someone

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

by your side.

Well, look.

Zhen thinks Mr. Pei is great.

Why is she being

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

so agreeable now?

You wouldn't understand.

Zhen has finally grown up.

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

She has finally grown up.

♪Never could I forget♪

Father,

there's one more thing I need to ask of you.

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

♪A will that never falters♪

♪Fading beneath time's quiet hush♪

[Duke of Wu's Mansion]

Gentlemen, apologies for the wait.

Uncle.

Come on!

Pour the drinks.

Sir, please forgive me.

I never drink.

Well, I know.

I know you can't hold your liquor.

But this isn't wine.

It's called Apricot Yellow.

Just a fruit drink.

Try it.

Go on, try it.

Jiya,

you can't say you don't drink.

Zhen is quite the drinker.

Come on.

Bottoms up.

Mr. Wu, my master can't hold his liquor.

None of your concern!

Come on.

Have a taste.

Do me this favor.

How is it?

Isn't it bursting with aroma, silky smooth on the palate,

and leaving a lingering finish?

Even nectar would pale in comparison.

What do you think?

How is it?

The wine is clear and strong,

with the sweet and sour flavor of fruit.

Truly exceptional.

Jiya, since you hold your liquor so well,

let's have enough today.

There's

plenty of wine!

Uncle,

about Zhen...

She can really hold her liquor.

Drink up. Apricot Yellow.

What are they doing?

Mr. Wu said

he intends to drink with Mr. Mei and Mr. Pei until they drop.

He told me to inform you

if you came back.

They're all drunk. You decide

whom to look after.

Father is testing me.

This move required some thought.

He didn't come up with it himself, did he?

I'm so dizzy!

I'm drunk!

So it was my sister's idea then.

I'm so dizzy!

Sir.

I'm drunk.

Zhen, you're back.

Those two young gentlemen have had quite a bit to drink.

Take care of them.

You,

you, and you.

Come with me.

Easy now.

So dizzy.

So dizzy.

Jiya, I'll take you to your room.

Mr. Mei, let me take you to your room.

Ms. Mingzhuang,

don't worry about me.

You may attend to your duties.

What did I say?

It seems Zhen cares more

about Jiya after all.

Zhen,

do you know

my feelings?

Of course I do.

Get some rest.

We'll go out tomorrow.

Mr. Mei, I thought you didn't drink?

You seem to hold your liquor well.

But drinking like this is such a waste.

Apricot Yellow should be savored slowly

to appreciate its flavor.

And this wine has a strong aftereffect.

You might have

overdone it drinking like that.

Weren't you seeing Pei Jiya off?

Why bother with me?

♪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?♪