Original subtitles

Chang'an

Rumor has it

that there's a hidden place in Chang'an.

It's called Demon Underworld,

ruled by Cat Lord and Snake Lord.

Their whereabouts are mysterious.

Apart from the two lords and their four assistants,

other demons aren't allowed to wreak havoc in the Mortal Realm.

It's also a way to avoid their sworn enemies.

That's right.

Their sworn enemies are the Changxi Palace Celestial Masters.

They helped the court in establishing Bureau of Mystic Investigations

to investigate strange cases

in the hope of eradicating all evil spirits.

The two sides fought openly and schemed in secret.

In the end, Changxi Palace fell into decline and chose seclusion.

Since then, Demon Underworld held sway over both realms

and maintained peace between humans and demons.

Bureau of Mystic Investigations has become nothing but an empty title,

despised by all.

Wandering spirits cast eerie shadows as they pass.

Trouble is bound to return. Take my advice.

Here in Chang'an,

it's safest to step out after dawn

and return home before midnight.

Episode 1

There's a demon.

Where do you think you're going?

Who's there?

- Let's split up. - Yes!

Stop!

Get him!

- Hyah! - Hyah!

Ruyi Pavilion

Waiter.

Bring two more plates of beef.

All right.

What?

Where did the cat come from?

Wu Zhen, County Princess Qinghe Cat Lord of Demon Underworld

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Search the place.

Huang Yi, Chief of Imperial Patrol Guards

Chief Huang.

Lady Hu Zhu.

Hu Zhu, Ruyi Pavilion's Shopkeeper, Cat Lord's Assistant

Chief Huang, are you here to drink again?

I'm here on business.

I'm afraid some villains have broken into your place.

Villains?

I only have beauties here.

Where are the villains?

I clearly saw someone just now.

I won't fuss over your bar tabs.

Today, I have an important guest.

Don't you dare ruin my business.

More important than me?

The young marquis of Yu'an Residence

has splurged to book out the place today.

He wants to propose to Lady Wu on her birthday.

- I managed to avoid him. - Avoid who?

Gu Changhuai, Yu'an Residence's Young Marquis

Young Marquis?

You can avoid anyone, but not me.

I've been waiting for you here for a long time.

Why are you looking for me?

I heard that tomorrow is your birthday, so I've prepared a gift for you.

Where's the gift?

Here.

- What is this? - The marriage proposal.

What kind of gift is this?

I'm offering myself as a birthday gift to you.

Ah…

How many caravans of jewelry is this?

This fine horse belongs to the young marquis of Yu'an Residence.

Who is this betrothal gift for?

Zhuyu, we're already off duty.

Stop working the case.

Look.

We're just in time for Lady Wu's betrothal festivities.

Ruyi Pavilion

Waiter, how much is it?

Three coins.

Thank you, sir.

Sir, aren't you going to watch the fun?

What's there to watch?

- Is this your first time here? - I've been here for over a month.

You've been here for a month,

yet you still haven't heard of this celebrated figure?

Lady Wu's name is Wu Zhen, the daughter of the Duke

and the sister of the Empress.

The Emperor himself appointed her County Princess Qinghe.

She's also infamous for her rakish ways.

I'm long past the prime age for marriage

and my reputation is in tatters.

We've only known each other for a month.

Now you're here to propose marriage?

My ancestors must truly be smiling down on us.

You sure like to joke around.

In the end, all a woman truly seeks

is to be a wife and a mother.

From now on,

you won't be an outcast who can't get married in Chang'an.

This is my real birthday gift to you.

Wouldn't it be improper if you gave me nothing in return?

I don't think that's appropriate.

Everyone knows we're both wild at heart

and not bound by rules.

On this joyous day of our betrothal, passion may overtake us.

One night of giving in to passion

isn't really such a big deal.

You have a point.

Young Marquis.

Come here.

Ruyi Pavilion

You…

Ruyi Pavilion

Here, have a peach to replenish your strength.

You're unbelievable. How could you kick him down the building?

You struck without any sense of restraint.

You broke my window.

You greedy and petty fox.

How much did I help you earn from the young marquis?

You can never have too much money.

Huang Yi and those guards didn't get suspicious, did they?

They can't do anything without any clues.

I've arranged for them to have a drink.

The smell of blood. You fought with the demon just now.

It's the demon that keeps harming people.

Where's the demon?

It ran away.

But after fighting with it,

I've found some clues.

That demon might be just like you.

It's driven by greed.

What do you mean?

Do you still remember the last few assault cases?

The first victim was Madam Cui, Official Ding's wife.

She went home to visit her family that day.

She dressed up nicely and wore jewelry.

The second victim was Miss Tian, Official Tian's daughter.

She's a regular customer at the jewelry shop in the city.

She likes to dress up.

The third was a Hu merchant from the western market.

That Hu merchant is from a gold-rich land in the Western Regions,

flashing gold all over himself.

And this latest female victim was wearing a pair of gold earrings.

It seems like we need to set up a trap to lure it out.

Lady Wu Zhen.

Mingzhuang, Servant of the Wu Manor

It's you, Mingzhuang.

It's Lady Wu Zhen's birthday tomorrow.

Her Majesty asked me to bring you a gift.

It turns out that my gift has arrived early.

That's right.

Her Majesty also said that in previous years,

she had carefully selected name cards of 20 eligible young gentlemen in Chang'an

but could never find one to your liking.

This year, she has spared herself the trouble.

She ordered all the noble families

to submit the birth details of every suitable man they've got.

She's certain you'll land yourself a great husband.

My sister is doing it all for my own good. I'll meet them right away.

Mingzhuang, pass it on.

I, Lady Wu,

will hold a birthday banquet at Ruyi Pavilion tomorrow.

All distinguished ladies and talented gentlemen are invited.

Yes.

Are you really going to meet them?

Tell them I won't accept any birthday gifts tomorrow.

However, the attendees must dress up

and wear gold.

Zhuyu, please help me.

Every time I see Commander Xu, he scolds me.

I'm a coroner, but I'm sent to transcribe case files.

At this rate, I'll be sent to clean toilets.

I'm so pitiful.

I don't know much about your affair.

I'm afraid I can't be of much help.

Of course you can.

I've heard about it.

You're quite talented.

If you hadn't missed those three questions and ended up ranked seventh,

you wouldn't have had the bad luck to be assigned to our bureau.

I can't bend the rules to help you.

But it's really different today.

I heard Commander Xu went to a banquet yesterday

and got teased about us being freeloaders.

If I go to him now,

he might just send me straight to the Record Library.

What?

Record Library?

Yes.

That place is so creepy.

All the old clerks who used to run the Record Library

suddenly quit for no good reason and went home.

Commander Xu is worried about being short-staffed.

Are you sure that

angering him will get you sent to the Record Library?

Yes.

Since we're colleagues, I'll help you this time.

Let's go.

Xu Luan, Commander of Bureau of Mystic Investigations

Those nerds at the magistrate's office

all think the case is weird and ominous.

They're avoiding it.

Imperial Patrol Guards have searched the whole city for days

but didn't find anything.

When the city is in turmoil, they pass the case to us.

What's the use of having you?

Commander Xu.

You, come here.

You seem quite talented.

Speak boldly and bravely.

What do you think?

You're dedicated to serving the people with integrity.

Now that thefts and strange cases plague Chang'an,

you surely won't just stand by and do nothing.

Tackling what ordinary folks can't and cracking cases others can't.

That's what you strive for and what the bureau demands.

Well said.

I think

we can't rely solely on questioning and recording statements to file away.

We must truly seek out the thieves.

I'm sure you'll lead by example

and personally visit the scenes.

When that time comes, neither cunning criminals nor demons

will escape your grasp.

- You... - This way,

you won't have to be labeled a freeloader every time you step outside,

forced to stew in silence all alone at home.

You…

You…

scram to Record Library!

Will do, Commander Xu.

I'll go too.

Huh?

- We'll go too. - We'll go too.

Record Library

You're from the Mei family after all.

How can you settle for such a minor post here?

So what if I'm from the Mei family?

Everyone has their own path and their own fate to face.

How interesting.

As soon as I came in,

I heard such a statement.

It's so righteous and admirable.

Mei Si.

Mei Si, The Mei Family's Fourth Son

I suppose your duties are nearly done by now.

What brings you here?

Here's the thing, Little Zhuyu.

Accompany me to a banquet.

Hmm?

I'm not interested.

Little Zhuyu.

Please help me.

Otherwise, Father will break my legs.

I don't mind helping you.

But tell me first.

What's going on?

Have you ever seen County Princess Qinghe of the Wu family,

Wu Zhen?

I've heard of her.

The Empress ordered all families to submit names of unmarried eligible men

for Lady Wu to check out.

You know how much the Empress dotes on her sister.

- Two years ago... - Cut to the chase.

Oh.

All families had to submit their name cards, right?

That arrogant Xie family

submitted as many as 19 bachelors.

We certainly weren't going to back down.

So I kept searching

back and forth

- until I... - Please, get to the point.

Including you, I've gathered 20 people.

Little Zhuyu.

So you're just there to fill the seats

and pig out.

Wu Zhen would never lower herself to you.

Uh… She'd never set her sights on you.

I swear this is definitely

a spotless,

respectable feast.

Ruyi Pavilion

By the way, Little Zhuyu, Wu Zhen is having a bad year.

Her Five Elements lack metal.

Those who attend the banquet should wear more gold accessories.

Here.

Wear this.

Wear it.

Come on. Let's drink.

- It's so lively today. - Yes.

Come on.

Duke Wu's family really knows how to show off their wealth.

Lady Wu has always been someone who enjoys life to the fullest.

Those from Xiangsi House dance quite well.

Little Zhuyu.

Stop reading. Work is done for the day.

Put down your files.

- Young Master Xie. - Young Master Xie

Xie Loubai, the Xie family's fifth son

Young Master Xie.

It's Genius Xie.

His poems are amazing.

Some people pay a lot of money for his poems.

Little Zhuyu.

That's the worst of the Xie family.

He's the fifth son, Xie Loubai.

Four years ago, he pursued Wu Zhen.

Xiaosi.

I'll take a look over there.

All right.

The Mei family?

Which branch is this young gentleman from?

Why haven't I seen him before?

Do the Mei family men have to report to the Xie family now?

Judging from his appearance, he's quite handsome.

Could it be that you just brought him along

to fill the numbers?

He's probably some household servant.

That's right.

Did you eat crap for lunch?

Your mouth smells awful.

I'm from a side branch of the Mei family,

sharing a great-grandfather with Mei Si.

A side branch of the Mei family?

I heard a young guy did come to Chang'an not long ago.

Are you the one who passed the Bureau of Mystic Investigations exam?

That's me.

I never thought their family had even more unlucky folks.

What nonsense is that?

The bureau has been practically defunct for decades.

Joining the bureau

might mess up his future.

Well, one must have a future to be messed up.

Choose your people wisely.

Don't make Lady Wu unhappy.

She might think

your family's friendship with the Wu family is only for show

if you bring such riffraff to fool her.

What do you mean by that?

You'd better watch your mouth.

Either the Mei family is trying to fool Lady Wu

or this guy has his own plans,

thinking he can use his looks to get Lady Wu

to spend a couple of nights with him

and score some favors.

Speaking of favors,

Lady Wu is holding a banquet today.

As you eat and drink, mind your manners.

A distant branch of the Mei family

dares to speak to us like this?

Looks like the Mei family is lax in raising their kids.

It's fine.

Our family is happy to step in.

No, what are you trying to do?

Let go of me!

You.

Go teach him a lesson.

Me?

Mm-hmm.

What are you doing, Young Master Xie?

Are you bullying someone at my birthday banquet?

Lady Wu, please don't say that.

We were only having a conversation.

Too bad,

this young man seems inexperienced in the world.

He's full of suspicion and quick to speak harshly.

He shows no respect at all.

Why should he respect you?

The person I like doesn't have to respect you.

Lady Wu, are you joking?

I'm not joking.

Didn't you just say it yourself

that my husband is better-looking than you?

I didn't say he's better-looking.

So you know you can't compare to him.

Apologize to Young Master Mei then.

Apologize? Why should I?

What?

Do you want to get kicked out

just like the young marquis?

This servant took matters into his own hands.

It has nothing to do with me.

I'll leave him to you, Lady Wu.

Come here.

- Mei Xiaosi. - Hmm?

That pretty and delicate young man

has caught Wu Zhen's eye.

Little Zhuyu

is about to turn into a phoenix.

Young Master Mei.

Your Highness.

You can call me Lady Wu.

I just helped you out.

Aren't you going to thank me?

Thank you, Lady Wu.

But this servant was forced to do it.

Please don't give him a hard time.

You're so kind.

Forget it. Let's just say you did me a favor.

What?

They like to talk nonsense,

but one thing they said

was spot on.

You've got the kind of looks

that could fool people.

Unfortunately, I have a date tonight.

Let's have tea another day.

- No need. - Goodbye.

By the way, what's your name again?

I'm Mei Zhuyu.

Mei Zhuyu.

Did I let you go?

That young man said I was forced to do it,

so he won't blame me.

He doesn't blame you, but I do.

Today's banquet was for you.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I have to go now.

Stop pretending.

I've been observing.

Among all the guests,

you looked the most suspicious.

I suddenly aimed my arrow at you.

An ordinary person

would've instinctively dodged,

but you stayed perfectly calm.

I was stunned for a moment due to fear.

That's because you knew

the arrow couldn't hurt you.

Aren't you curious why I noticed that?

Well, I might as well tell you.

I'm not just Lady Wu.

You ran away when we fought yesterday.

So at today's banquet,

I told the guests to wear gold and silver to lure you into showing yourself.

The one you met yesterday wasn't me.

You're still playing dumb.

Don't think about running away today.

Little Zhuyu.

Today's wine is good, right?

Will you still go to banquets with me next time?

- Slow down. - Hmm?

What's that sound?

Huh?

Hey.

Are you that impatient?

Can't you wait for another day?

No. I thought I heard…

Lady Wu, are you all right?

Yes, I couldn't be better.

I'm sorry to disturb you.

Young Master Mei.

Why are you here?

What? Are you into this sort of thing?

Do you want to join in?

- Young Master Mei Si. - Young Master Mei Si.

Why are you drinking so much today?

I'm not drunk.

Record Library

No wonder they say this place is eerie.

It's infested with mildew and rot.

Chang'an is truly bustling

with spirits and demons.

With spiritual power unleashed,

all evil shall submit.

- This is not bad. - Take a look.

Fu Zhao

Welcome to Chang'an's Demon Underworld.

Chang'an isn't a place for you to wreak havoc.

Don't even think about it.

Although I'm here, I've never hurt innocent people.

How could you say that?

I saw you hurting someone two days ago.

That wasn't me.

That wasn't you?

It must have been my imagination then.

I know someone has been tracking her down in Chang'an.

I've been looking for her too.

Her?

Speak clearly.

Do you know what my true form is?

Come out.

Wu Zi Shu, Cat Lord's Assistant

Every time you're upset, you hide up there.

That's nothing new.

Now you're unexpected.

You catch demons in the Mortal Realm without telling me.

Tell me.

Why didn't you hand over the bat demon?

Because the murderer is someone else.

Look.

Earrings?

They always come in pairs.

Even these bat-patterned ones have a male and a female.

The male attended the banquet, while the female caused trouble.

The reason she attacked those wearing gold ornaments

was to search for her lost partner.

Even a tiny earring

can transform into a spirit, gaining a soul of its own.

Based on what he said,

they were forged into earrings in the previous dynasty

and worn by people.

Nourished by human spiritual energy,

they became spirits.

That's right.

For a century, we have lived side by side

as companions.

Half a month ago,

we first arrived in Chang'an and saw how lively it was.

I thought I'd take the chance to explore.

When strange incidents began happening in Chang'an,

I finally realized Fu Xi

was going out of her way to find me.

I used to think

she simply had an obsession with gold.

So she was looking for you.

But last night, why did you show up at Ruyi Pavilion?

Bats have good hearing.

I heard her voice near Ruyi Pavilion,

so I wanted to tell her in person to leave me be and stop causing harm.

So I posed as a servant and slipped into the banquet.

I'll check the guests who attended the banquet again.

There's no need.

That female bat has likely already possessed someone else.

Thinking back to the day we fought,

she had probably already lost control.

If we don't find her soon,

more trouble is bound to follow.

When a demon falls into madness, one must be extremely cautious.

Xiaozhen.

You're a half-demon.

You have no power during the day.

I know.

Luckily, bats sleep during the day and come out at night.

I'll wait until night.

It's all my fault.

My demon power is weak.

I can't help you much.

Of course, you can help me.

Shu.

Can you go to Bureau of Mystic Investigations with me?

Certainly.

Bureau Of Mystic Investigations

This is top-grade tea. Please try it, Your Highness.

It's not bad.

Nieli.

Do you think County Princess Qinghe

really came here over missing gold and silver?

Well, it's hard to say.

I get the feeling her real interest lies in Zhuyu.

What exactly does she fancy about him?

His looks?

Is Young Master Mei avoiding me?

Uh…

You think too much.

How could he possibly dare avoid you?

Come here.

Come here.

We first met last night, and I felt quite a connection with you.

But you're so heartless.

You know I've lost my gold and silver,

but you didn't even comfort me.

Please tell us what happened.

We'll do our best.

What?

Is that brief, offhand remark of yours meant to be a comfort?

Mm.

Move aside.

With Your Highness gracing us today,

our bureau is basking in honor.

Whatever concerns you, concerns Mr. Mei as well.

He'll surely spare no effort

to see you satisfied.

Bi Tao, Xiangsi House

Xiangsi House?

Lady Wu, what brings you out?

I came to see you.

Perfect timing.

What? Did you happen to miss me?

Since you reported losing gold and silver last night,

the rules require a written complaint.

Can't you write it for me?

By the rules, it has to be in your own handwriting.

I have to think of a way

to make him leave.

I'm a bit hungry.

Please cook something for me.

What do you want to eat?

Anything is fine.

Something complicated.

The recent mysterious cases

are piled up in the Bureau of Mystic Investigations.

Perhaps I can find some clues in the case files.

Shu, go.

Lady Wu, what are you doing?

I'm checking out your workplace.

Lady Wu, this is an official site.

I'm afraid it's a bit inconvenient.

Why don't you eat in Commander Xu's room?

I'm sorry.

I got your clothes dirty.

I'm hungry and dizzy.

It's fine. Let's eat.

Hmm.

Have you changed your clothes?

Since you're in the room,

why didn't you open the door?

I'm too lazy to get out of bed.

I've written the complaint for you.

Just have Commander Xu stamp it later.

Didn't you say that

it must be in my own handwriting?

I think you're too lazy to write it, so I've made an exception this time.

My sister once reminded me

that in life, one must never take a wrong step.

Do you know why?

Why?

Because once you make a mistake and make an exception,

you'll do it again.

Just like how once you've broken the rules for the first time,

there will always be a second.

There won't be a next time.

I heard on my way here that

the road outside your place is in terrible shape.

It's long, narrow, and muddy.

No carriage can get through.

Your donkey cart

was left at a neighbor's by the crossroads.

I'm very curious.

Bureau of Mystic Investigations has neither money nor prospects,

so why do you still choose to stay?

To root out evil and uphold justice.

No matter where I work, it's the same.

All that matters is doing my job right.

To root out evil…

and uphold justice?

Looks like you really want to be a true gentleman.

Unlike me.

I only care about eating, drinking, and having fun day and night.

Everyone in Chang'an fears me,

curses me,

and whispers about me behind my back,

but I pay them no heed.

Without knowing one's hardships,

how can they follow the crowd and judge so easily?

Translated by Elaine Tan