Original subtitles

Episode 3

Eh!

Why don't I give you a tip?

I heard that Yuzhen Pavilion

also sells aphrodisiac incense.

Why don't you buy some?

He's so pretentious.

These lowlifes

love to bully the weak.

Wu Zhen?

What are you doing?

It has been a few days. I've missed you.

Come test new fragrances with me.

Is this how you invite someone?

You doused me in it!

This is Ling Xiao's new fragrance dew.

It's said that mixing it with water can calm one's mind.

All the better, since I won't come down.

Lady Wu, you have humiliated me.

You must still be in love with him!

No.

I just…

wanted to humiliate you.

- You... - Mr. Xie, you call yourself a scholar.

But first, you do not teach others.

Second, you don't help the people.

Third, you are not chivalrous.

Fourth, you don't help the poor.

You always use your family's name.

You only care to indulge in women.

I am known for my mischief.

I accept my ill repute.

But if you admire me for my good looks,

I'll look down on you.

- You... - Me? What about me?

- Mr. Ling Xiao. - Eh!

Put Mr. Xie's fragrance on my tab.

Sure.

I don't want word to get out

that Mr. Xie's family cut off his allowance

and can't afford to pay you.

Wh... Who needs you to pay?

Is there no need?

Pay for it yourself then.

Pay for it yourself.

Pay for it.

Don't take it to heart.

Wu Zhen has always liked to play music with male prostitutes.

This isn't the first time.

Little Zhuyu, do you know why Wu Zhen

always breaks the rules and is always out of line?

This has to do with the incident 18 years ago.

Have you heard of the Heavenly Fire Disaster?

Yes.

That night, the Wu sisters were out traveling.

But Wu Zhen got lost.

She was found unconscious,

remaining so for three months.

The Wu family had already made the funeral arrangements.

But then…

She just woke up?

- That's right. - Then what happened?

She changed drastically.

The Wu family, seeing that their daughter had recovered,

doted on her.

In all of Chang'an,

only her sister dares to lecture her.

No one dares to offend her.

That's why

I've been thinking about it.

Let me warn you.

Don't offend Wu Zhen.

You can't afford to.

There's one more thing.

My wife's father,

the newly-appointed Minister Liu, has a celebration in a few days.

All guests will be prestigious and influential.

My father wants you to represent the Mei family.

Go and broaden your horizons.

Forget it. I have something more important to do.

What is it?

I heard that the Bat Demon caused a ruckus a few days ago

because of the Bone Relic.

Shu is searching for it now.

I'm sure he'll find it soon.

Here it is.

Strange phenomena occurred at the jewelry shop at night.

It could be the Bone Relic. It should be investigated.

Who are you?

Mei Zhuyu of the Bureau of Mystic Investigations.

I overheard you speaking with Commander Xu.

Can you tell me the details?

This is what happened.

I was sleeping at night.

Suddenly, I heard a voice.

The monster always appears after sunset.

Why don't you come at night?

All right.

- It's getting late. I should go. - Huh?

The sun is setting. I should go.

You've been a good host.

Where did the Bone Relic go?

Sir, why don't you enter?

I don't dare to.

Hmm.

Bureau of Mystic Investigations sent him?

Who is it?

Are you all right?

I was attacked by a demon!

I'm injured!

Was it a cat just now?

A cat?

Did the demon escape?

That's a relief.

Sir, my treasures!

My room is full of treasures. Did you touch any?

I mean no offense.

These are all precious. I fear you can't afford to pay.

See if anything valuable is damaged.

This lantern is a gift for Minister Liu's celebration.

It could break with a touch.

Celebration?

Boss, did you get into a fight?

Don't mention it.

Not only did I not find the Bone Relic,

I almost got discovered as well.

Here.

There's no hurry.

The Bone Relic is lifeless,

but it's full of tricks.

It'll eventually cause trouble.

We will find traces of it.

Mm.

Keep an eye on it.

- Mm. - Don't worry.

What is this?

It's a new medicine.

It's a lost ancient remedy.

It can help you cleanse your bones and become a full demon.

How is it? How do you feel right now?

I kind of want to…

Hmm?

What should I do?

I'll get caught!

I think

it looks quite nice.

Do you have a tail?

It's with her.

Boss!

Luckily, the ears are gone.

How dare you, demon? Prepare to die!

You're old, and you just got back.

Aren't you tired?

Why are you playing around?

I'm a disciple of Changxi Palace.

I told you.

Changxi Palace is long gone.

It closed and left.

Uh… Don't mind me.

Let's talk about you and your sister.

Did you offend her again?

As you know,

I'm old and unmarried.

As long as I'm at home,

I'm offending her.

You're right.

Your sister is a bit strict with you.

But I believe

that deep down, she still loves you.

Although I can't help you deal with her,

my heart will always be with you.

Thank you so much.

Tell me. What's the matter?

Ah…

Liu Gongshen

has been promoted.

He's now the Minister of Personnel.

For his celebration,

go on my behalf.

Why don't you go yourself?

I've already been dismissed.

Also, this is a mosquito repellent cup

that I got for you on my trip.

Father, I'm begging you.

Can you stop bringing junk home?

- Our house is a garbage dump. - Eh!

These are rare treasures.

Zhen'er,

go on my behalf.

Go to the banquet.

Please.

I'm begging you.

All right.

I'll go.

My good daughter!

If you like these,

you can try them on.

All right.

It's such good material.

Sir, look at these.

Young Master Xie!

Young Master.

Has the item that I brought two days ago been repaired?

Yes.

Of course it has been.

Look.

- How is it repaired? - Huh?

Take a look.

A piece is missing.

I was careless.

How about this? Sir, pick any item in my shop.

I'll have it embedded. What do you say?

You know how to do business.

Very well.

I'll just pick one.

You can make more money.

Thank you. This way, please.

The quality of these is mediocre.

Hmm?

I'll take this.

Since you've taken a liking to it,

I'll have it embedded for you.

What do you think?

Sure.

This lantern is really rare.

Yes.

Light it up.

I wonder what kind of paint was used to paint this silhouette of a lady.

It's so vivid.

Yes.

Look, it's as if it will walk out of the wall.

You're right.

It would be even better if she could dance and hum a tune.

Dance and hum a tune?

That's right.

It would be best if she could cook

and tidy up the house for me.

That's right.

She turned around!

She…

- She turned around. - What do you mean?

I just saw her! She turned around!

She turned around. She…

- She… - Huh?

Stop this nonsense.

Wrap up this lantern.

- No, I… - Eh…

It's a gift for an important person. It can't be delayed.

No.

Liu Manor

Little Zhuyu,

when my father heard that you agreed to come, he was overjoyed.

- He praised me for persuading you. - Yes, you did.

I…

My last visit to the Liu manor

was five years ago.

That time,

I waited outside for half a day.

When Lady Liu finally came out,

I proposed to her.

I haven't been able to forget

how Lady Liu looked at me.

She smiled as if we were to be engaged.

And then,

she said this.

"All right."

"Leave."

Since then,

she has returned all the gifts I've given her.

She even said I wasn't allowed within three feet of the Liu manor

or she'll send dogs after me.

If Minister Liu wasn't holding a celebration,

I wouldn't get to enter the Liu manor again.

Sir, it's getting late.

- It's time to go. - Yes, let's go.

Let's go.

- I'll be here. - Wait.

Whose young master is this?

Huh?

What a shabby donkey carriage!

Yet, he still rode in it.

It's Young Master Mei of the Bureau of Mystic Investigations.

Not long ago, he offended County Princess Qinghe.

Oh!

So it's him.

I'm really sorry.

Are you all right?

Thank you for asking, Your Highness.

We're fine.

- We're fine. - We're fine.

The carriage His Majesty bestowed is a pain.

It requires two horses.

I prefer that small donkey carriage.

Huh?

It's exquisite and cute.

Is your back all right?

It's all right. I'm lucky.

Let's go. After you.

Slow down.

Looks like you're in a good mood today.

I'm really disappointed.

Don't worry.

I'm here.

I won't let other people's dogs bite you.

Liu Gongshen, Minister of Personnel

My father couldn't come to Chang'an.

He prepared gifts for you, Mr. Liu.

These are my father's treasures.

Huh?

Is this also the duke's treasure?

Yes.

Huh?

Eh?

Could it be that

a gentleman has feelings for Lady Liu

but accidentally mixed up the gifts?

But it doesn't look that good.

Indeed.

It seems like I'll need to find a chance to fix it.

- Could it be Mei... - Lady Wu gave it to me.

I heard that you two often fight.

It seems to be a show of goodwill from Lady Wu.

Congratulations.

You talk too much.

This is mine.

I'll give it away or throw it away as I please.

It's none of your business.

Roll it up.

Who is this from?

Mei Zhuyu of the Bureau of Mystic Investigations.

Greetings, Minister Liu.

So you're the Mei family's young son who returned to Chang'an.

I don't own much.

I hope you don't mind.

Thank you, Young Master Mei.

This inkstone is smooth to the touch.

Although it looks plain,

it's a good material that's durable,

just like Young Master Mei.

You're still young.

With some training,

you will have a bright future.

Thank you for the compliment, Minister Liu.

Minister Liu is magnanimous and kind.

You're right.

May Young Master Mei get over his frustration soon

and have a bright future.

Young Master Xie, are you looking down on Lady Wu?

What are you saying?

Didn't you hear what Lady Wu said?

Even if it is something that Lady Wu doesn't want,

others have no say in it.

So if you see me again in the future,

don't try to give me advice.

Young Master Xie, enough nonsense.

Bring out your gift.

Let us see how presentable it is.

I do have a gift for you.

It's also for Lady Liu.

I know Minister Liu cares not for riches.

So I thought I would give you a gift

that Lady Liu can enjoy too.

This is…

I made this especially for Lady Liu.

It's a glass lantern.

Light it up.

This glass lantern is exquisite.

The holder even has embedded gems.

It must've been very expensive.

Not at all.

The woman on the lantern…

It's Lady Liu.

Please take a look.

There is a poem on there that I wrote.

"A languid life in the mountains and valleys is but a dream.

Wealth and nobility are not daunting.

From Shutai drifts a farewell over 3,000 miles.

Only for the title of the poem will all yearning fade."

- It's a good poem. - Excellent poem.

No wonder you're the scholar of Chang'an.

Your poem is romantic and touching.

Young Master Mei, you saw it too.

Are you looking for it?

Why?

Are you curious about me now?

Evil spirits are rare in Chang'an.

But judging from your expression,

you seem very calm about it.

I wouldn't say so.

After all, it's rare, but that doesn't mean it won't occur.

Now, you work in the record library.

Have you ever seen any scrolls about me there?

"Wu Zhen, the second daughter of Duke Wu,

is 24 years old

and still unmarried.

She has met over 80 bachelors

and rejected them all."

Wu Zhen

Duke Wu aims to become a Celestial Master.

He has been searching for masters for 20 years.

He has found many treasures

and been swindled of much money.

Having such a father,

I've learned it from him.

I see.

I heard that many demons take human forms.

Their temperament is no different from humans.

Maybe there's a demon

among us.

As for tonight…

If I'm not mistaken,

there should be a Shadow Demon.

Maybe it's the shadow of the glass lantern.

Shadow Demon?

You sure know a lot.

What a strange name.

How do you know it?

I grew up in the countryside.

I'm used to talk of demons.

Besides, you come from a prestigious family in Chang'an.

You must know why the Bureau of Mystic Investigations exists.

It's evident.

What's so strange?

I see.

So what can the head of the bureau do?

After all, when a demon is around,

people are bound to be anxious.

I've read about it in a book.

This kind of Shadow Demon hides in people's shadows.

It often appears as a shadow.

There are many guests tonight.

It's also time for lanterns to be lit.

The shadows flicker and blur.

Won't there be more hiding places for demons?

Here.

What's this?

My father bought it back from his trip.

A demon-exorcising treasure.

It cost a lot of money.

Duke Wu was deceived again.

Isn't it amazing?

What about you? Do you have any ideas?

Have you ever played the game of stepping on shadows?

What is that?

Light a candle in the room.

One person chases everyone.

The chaser wins by stepping on another's shadow.

The one who gets stepped on becomes the chaser.

At that time, Master…

It was my favorite game.

Later, I came up with a sure way to win.

Put out the candle first

so all shadows disappear.

Then move in the dark

and light the candle again.

Then you can easily step on someone's shadow.

Are you saying we can put out the candles,

lure the demon out of the main hall,

then find a deserted place

and make it appear right away?

What happens then?

After that…

don't we have your treasure?

I'll only help a bit.

- Why did the lights go out? - Eh?

What is this?

Guards! Light the candles!

Calm down.

We can't see. How can we drink?

Young Master.

You're so fast.

- A ghost! - A ghost!

Your man.

He's so heavy.

What's going on?

That Shadow Demon was near the study.

It was quite vicious.

What?

Young Master.

Young Master.

Which young master

are you looking for, demon?

The Bone Relic.

The Bone Relic turned it into a demon.

This is bad!

Minister, this is bad!

There's a ghost!

There's a ghost!

There's a ghost!

- Where? - Nonsense!

What is he saying?

Where is the ghost?

- Over there. - The ghost is there.

I saw it myself!

Are you all right?

Why are you here?

Did you find anything?

No.

I only saw the lantern from Xie Loubai.

Why did you give Lady Liu a portrait?

It wasn't from me.

Someone put the portrait among my gifts.

That person is…

- Xiaosi. - Xiaosi.

It's true that every person has an admirer.

What a pity.

Xiaosi's sincerity is misplaced.

You're so meticulous.

And you're so handsome.

Why did you compare yourself

to an item I don't want?

I was just borrowing your words.

You're too humble.

You're nothing special.

Lady Wu.

- Are you angry? - Don't belittle me.

How boring.

"Poems by Xie Loubai."

"From Shutai drifts a farewell over 3,000 miles.

Only for the title of the poem will all yearning fade."

- That's not right. - What's wrong?

What's engraved on the lantern

differs from the poem in the book.

Whether it's as written in the book

or as recited by Xie Loubai in public,

it's "from Shutai."

On this lantern, it's "from Zhangtai."

But why was this word changed?

Perhaps Xie Loubai is not the poet.

A woman seems more likely.

Translated by Renee Luk