Original subtitles

Episode 4

Perhaps Xie Loubai is not the poet.

A woman seems more likely.

This…

Your Highness.

What happened here?

Nothing.

The servants reported that they saw something ominous.

- That's right. - Yes.

- There was nothing. - Ominous?

Why didn't I see it?

The servants must have been mistaken.

Everything's fine then.

Everything is fine. Carry on with the banquet.

- All right. - Okay.

- Let's go. - Let's go back.

- Let's go back and have another drink. - That's right.

Chang'an is the imperial capital.

There can't be so many strange things.

Where's that lamp?

Where did it go?

I'll go out and look.

Did you see the Shadow Demon again?

The Bone Relic is gone again.

Yes, it was still here before the banquet.

Did it grow legs? We can't seem to catch it.

We can only take the Shadow Demon away first.

Wait.

There's something you have to do.

Young Master.

Why are you here?

Just now,

I saw something.

A man and a woman alone in a dark room. That's…

You're right.

Lady Wu is really like what they say.

She is indeed flirtatious.

She's looking for a man to marry into her family.

Young Master Mei is a lucky man.

- That's right. - He's very lucky.

He's indeed lucky.

Regardless of her intentions…

…women are different from men.

She should pay attention to her reputation.

- Yes. - You're right.

You're right.

Show yourself.

Little Kitty entrusted you to me.

So, I'll help you this time.

Young Master.

Don't worry.

I'll bring him to you now.

Thank you, Young Master.

Thank you, Lady Liu.

I'm truly honored to meet you here.

It's an honor for me, too.

I really liked the poetry collection you gave me.

Every word truly shows your feelings.

Your story is impressive.

Lady Liu, you flatter me.

However,

I heard that it wasn't written by you.

My lady, that's a funny joke.

Who started such a rumor?

It was me.

Just now…

Ghost.

- It's a ghost. - Take a good look at her.

- Do you not recognize her? - Young Master.

You…

What do you want?

What trick are you playing?

Thank you, Young Master.

You're the one who brought Yunyi here.

Who's Yunyi? I don't know her.

About three to four years ago,

Yunyi was famous for her talent in Chang'an Brothel.

You were her patron.

This glass lantern was Yunyi's favorite.

The figure on the lantern is Yunyi.

But you took the lantern.

You mended it, and then, you gave it to me.

Lady Liu, what do you mean?

I don't understand.

Young Master.

Young Master.

You…

Don't come near me.

Young Master.

Let me help you remember

how you deceived this world to become a scholar?

Let go of me!

I don't know you.

Back then, I was stuck in a brothel.

You passed by the building on a horse.

Riding on a horse, so dashing and charming.

All the women were mesmerized.

I thought I had finally met a great man.

Your gaze…

told me to give you my heart.

"Living in the mountains and the valley is like a dream."

"A luxurious life is not necessarily so remarkable."

That's a good poem.

I used to love writing poems.

But because I lived in a brothel,

I never went out.

Few people knew me.

I also didn't want to use poems as a way to increase my value

and attract customers.

After I met you,

I entrusted you with my silver and my poems

so that you could help me publish them.

After I gave you my poems,

I never heard about them again.

Every time I asked,

you said that they were naive and ordinary

and claimed that no one liked them.

Until one day,

I saw a poetry collection.

Someone!

Help!

Flipping through the pages…

…I realized they were all my work.

But they were published under your name.

When you took my poems as your own

and earned the reputation of a talented scholar,

did you ever feel guilty?

Help! Help!

Every one of Yunyi's carefully crafted words

ended up becoming your glory.

You were so shameless back then.

Now, you're afraid?

Young Master, you have to give me an explanation.

What explanation?

Who do you think you are?

You're just a nameless courtesan.

What's wrong?

Do you think it's that easy to publish a poetry book?

If it were under your name,

your poetry would never be published.

But that poetry collection was written by me.

Written by you?

But it's not the poetry that they like.

Poems by Xie Loubai

They like my name.

It doesn't matter whether your poems are good or not.

In fact, you should thank me.

Otherwise, this poetry collection

would never have been published.

Young Master!

When you heard about what happened to Yunyi,

not only did you feel no guilt,

but you even claimed that she forced you to marry her.

However, because you refused, she killed herself out of spite.

I didn't. You're lying!

Xie Loubai.

You still won't admit it.

I can't believe it.

You gave Yunyi's item to me.

But there's something you don't know.

Yunyi is not an ordinary person.

Her spirit came from a century-old lamp.

But her demonic power is weak.

She never dared to do evil.

You mean…

she was a demon from the start?

Once the glass lamp went out,

I became my true form

and turned into this lantern.

Then, I waited until you lit up this lantern again.

Young Master.

I kept this one last breath

so that I can see…

what your fate will be…

…for deceiving the world.

Help!

I won't plagiarize anymore. I won't do it anymore!

Help!

I won't plagiarize anymore! I won't do it anymore!

Help!

All right, Yunyi.

Let's end it here.

I know you have unfinished business.

That's why you appeared again.

But taking his life isn't the best revenge.

Yunyi.

Someone asked me to tell you something.

What is it?

Instead of killing him,

we should expose his evil deeds to the world.

Let him be disgraced and despised by the world.

Let him watch

the reputation he stole crumble down with his own eyes.

It's much more appropriate…

than letting him die.

All right.

That's a good idea.

You got this chance because of the Bone Relic.

I'm afraid you're going to die soon.

I once longed to capture the true love of the human world.

But didn't expect the human heart to be like ice

that attacks you with a piercing cold.

The vows we made

were also gone with the wind.

Poetry is hard to find.

Without poetic meaning, life is indeed boring.

Coming to this world…

and having this experience…

is more than enough.

Yun…

It seems that she's dead.

She only wanted…

Xie Loubai to get what he deserves.

Since she has left now,

I don't think she has any regrets left.

- Hypocrite! - You darn hypocrite!

Apparently, Xie Loubai and Lady Yunyi

were in a physically intimate relationship.

He even took advantage of her trust,

took her manuscript as his own,

- and stole her poems. - What a monster.

Lady Yunyi couldn't seek justice

and died in resentment.

Last night, at the Liu Manor banquet,

his guilt crept up on him and felt haunted by a demon.

In the end, he got so scared that he went crazy.

What a satisfying ending.

The more famous Lady Yunyi's poetry is,

the worse Xie Loubai's reputation shall be.

That's how it should be.

Xie Loubai deserves to live in Yunyi's shadow.

Sir, you're right.

That's why they say, "What goes around comes around."

Yes, well said.

Tai Chi Gate

Lady Wu Zhen.

Lady Wu Zhen.

Are we already here?

Lady Wu Zhen, mind your etiquette.

My lady, you should come back home more often.

Stay away from Lady Hu Zhu.

Otherwise, she'll be a bad influence on you.

Why is my sister looking for me?

It's about your marriage, of course.

I knew it.

These past few days,

I've read Young Master Mei's paper several times.

Mei Zhuyu is indeed a talented man.

His mindset and stature

are different from the young masters from rich families.

Those young men only care about the prosperity of Chang'an.

They shut their eyes and ears to the suffering of the world.

They also avoid bizarre incidents.

None of them expected

the hidden danger behind all the splendor.

So…

What do you mean by all this?

What I mean is, Young Master Mei is quite capable.

You're interested in him,

and fate seems to be bringing you together.

You should try to get to know him.

Why are you giving up so quickly?

Didn't you ask Mingzhuang to tell me

that we aren't suitable?

Why are you changing your mind now?

I…

Did I say that?

Yes.

Or maybe not.

Zhen'er and I have been fighting for 20 years.

We've always gone against each other.

We've never been on the same side.

Why are you so obedient this time?

So am I wrong for being obedient?

Your Majesty is so hard to please.

Hard to please?

Who's hard to please?

Your Majesty!

- Yes. - Your Majesty, look.

You've spoiled her too much.

What does that have to do with me?

It's you!

Every now and then, you give her new toys.

Look at how spoiled she is.

She's fickle, ungrateful,

and plays with people's hearts.

Your Majesty, don't be angry.

If Lady Wu Zhen doesn't like him,

it must be my distant cousin's fault.

If she's this picky, no one will be good enough for her.

She might as well go and marry an immortal!

Where are you going, my dear Empress?

Consort Mei.

Here.

Are you all numb from kneeling?

Mm.

Zhen'er.

You've suffered a lot.

- Your Majesty. - Hmm.

You've suffered a lot, too.

To be honest,

I'm on your side.

Mm.

After all, getting married is no fun.

I'm a living example.

Is that so?

Look at them.

Look at them.

They get along quite well.

They're inseparable.

But what about me? I have no one to eat with.

I might as well be free and live on my own.

Sometimes, I wonder

why I even married them.

Marrying them is great!

The lantern has dispersed now.

Where will the Bone Relic go?

When I went to the study that day,

the Bone Relic was no longer in the lantern.

Now that it's gone, what should we do?

Xiaozhen, think about it carefully.

Who could have taken the Bone Relic?

Could it be Mei Zhuyu?

Why would he take it?

Did the Bureau of Mystic Investigations take it as evidence to solve the case?

We can't let the Four Factions know about this.

Otherwise, those old demons will stir up trouble again.

It's too late.

The elders already know about it.

How did they find out?

Elder Hui

Elder Jin

Elder Zi

When I went to the hot spring to bathe,

I ran into the Rat Demon from the Hui Faction, Qishi.

We chatted while we were in the hot spring together.

I accidentally let it slip.

You can talk nonsense all you want,

but how dare you speak about this?

They were just chatting.

Why are you so angry, Snake Lord?

The Shadow Demon matter is over.

But Cat Lord…

never mentioned the problem with the Bone Relic to us.

What? Are you disrespecting the Four Factions' supervision now?

Elder Hui.

I'm sure Cat Lord wouldn't do that.

Maybe she has just been busy with work.

That's right, Elder Hui.

You're overthinking it.

I didn't tell the Four Factions about this

because I originally wanted to find the Bone Relic first

before informing everyone.

The Bone Relic is nothing unusual.

There are many grudgeful creatures in the world.

The occasional appearance of an Bone Relic

is not something to be surprised about.

Since both of you

think so lightly of an Bone Relic,

then I suppose bringing it back to Demon Underworld

will be a piece of cake.

I've already started looking for it.

Actions speak louder than words.

Why don't we set a time limit?

If Cat Lord doesn't bring back the Bone Relic,

we'll have to settle all old scores…

with you.

Elder Hui.

All right.

I promise you.

Within five days,

I'll surely bring the Bone Relic to you.

It's a deal.

Lord Shu.

Lord Shu.

What's wrong?

Huh?

Are you angry?

I had no other choice but to do this.

It's my duty.

- Otherwise... - I've said it before.

I hate those who oppose her the most.

You're funny, Lord Shu.

I don't like jokes.

You know that.

Qishi.

So how's that matter going?

It's my fault.

There's so much work in the city,

yet, she has to find the Bone Relic now.

I wonder if Cat Lord can handle it.

- Why don't I help her? - There's no need.

She has me.

I've asked someone to investigate.

There's no trace of the Bone Relic in the Bureau of Mystic Investigations,

Mei Si's residence, or the Liu manor.

There's only Mei Zhuyu left then.

Lady Wu, why are you here?

To see you, of course.

Do you think

I came all the way here to admire flowers?

Why are you here to see me?

I'm mesmerized by your beauty. I couldn't control myself.

I know it's your day off, so I came to play with you.

I didn't expect the road in front of your house to be so lousy.

On my way here,

I sprained my ankle and my shoes got dirty.

What should I do now?

Which ankle did you sprain?

Hmm?

The bones are fine.

Do you know medicine?

A little.

You're not just handsome,

you're talented too.

Since Lady Wu is fine now,

- then... - I'll go in and rest for a bit.

Wait!

Do you know how to cook?

Hmm…

Your Highness, what would you like to eat?

- Anything. - Please come in.

Focus on one thing

The house doesn't look big.

Where exactly is it?

Focus on one thing

Young Master.

I think Her Highness is serious about you.

Don't talk nonsense.

Lady Wu is just having some fun.

She won't come here every day.

Why is it you again?

I was just passing by, so I came to eat.

You, no…

Lady Wu.

You keep coming to my house.

It's inappropriate.

If others see you, it will ruin your reputation.

Don't worry.

You're not that popular.

No one saw me.

I already have a bad reputation.

It can't get any worse.

Eat up.

Young Master.

I heard that you're very knowledgeable, so I came to learn from you.

Wenhua, prepare the utensils.

Gifts are here!

This is Ruyi House's new wine.

What took you so long?

We've been waiting for you. Give it to me.

Lady Wu, how did you get in?

I climbed over the wall.

I've been searching for days, but I still can't find the Bone Relic.

Could it be on him?

Young Master.

You may look like a weak scholar,

but you're actually quite strong.

What are you doing?

Young Master, you have such a slim waist.

Wu Zhen.

Have you really been going Little Zhuyu's house

to eat every day?

I'm sure you have other intentions.

I've been going there to see him.

I just stay for a meal out of convenience.

I don't know where your Little Zhuyu

found his servant, but he's quite a good cook.

Outside Chang'an.

On my way back to Chang'an,

I ran into a group of brokers leaving the city.

Wenhua was among them.

He lost his family, but he didn't want to leave as he grew up in Chang'an.

So I bought him and brought him back.

That way, we could take care of each other.

He has taken good care of you.

You have a joyful glow on your face.

A joyful glow?

I don't think that has anything to do with Wenhua.

Wenhua went to tie up the carriage.

I'll go ask the waiter for some tea.

Why are you treating us to a meal today?

Wu Zhen.

We haven't seen you for days.

Besides, what's with you two?

Not only are you eating free meals at his house,

but you even asked Father to look after him.

You haven't really fallen for Little Zhuyu, have you?

Young Master is good-looking.

Why can't I like him?

You two are not a good match.

Why do you say that?

Look. Given the status of the Empress and Duke Wu,

they must want you to find a man who's from a noble family

or a prestigious family.

My younger cousin has no money, no power,

and no ambition.

Of course, he's not suitable.

I don't care if he's from the imperial family

or a prestigious family.

The world is so big.

Not everyone is obsessed with fame and fortune.

The people and all living things

have their own way of surviving.

Look at Young Master Mei.

Everyone thinks he is powerless and out of tune with the world.

But I admire him.

He never succumbs to power.

He doesn't fawn over his superiors.

He never tries to please me because of my status.

He also doesn't turn his back on me when I'm being difficult.

He's not interested in love,

and he doesn't care about money or power.

Come to think of it, you're right.

When I look at him…

…it feels like he's a lonely beast.

In a world that doesn't belong to him,

he insists on sticking to his beliefs.

His beliefs?

Xiaosi.

Due to our backgrounds,

we're used to seeing the greediness in this world.

Hmm.

But he's so pure and honest that it's ridiculous.

Do you know what he said?

Huh?

"Eliminate the tyrants and protect the people.

- Rid evil by supporting justice." - Rid evil by supporting justice.

It's the same no matter where we do it.

We just have to do our jobs.

He just wants to do his duty.

It's only natural to like

a charming young man like him.

But his life is so lonely.

I told you to take care of him

to bring some warmth into his life.

I had no idea…

that you're just like me.

You're a romantic.

Liu Manor

Isn't he handsome?

I'm sorry, everyone.

I'm late.

I didn't expect the demons in the Liu manor to be so powerful.

Please tell Lady Liu…

…not to worry.

I'm here to save her today.

What demons?

Our manor is very peaceful.

You're the one who keeps coming to pester our lady.

- It's inappropriate. - Don't try to hide it from me.

I saw everything.

Mei Si.

What's all this nonsense?

My manor is very peaceful.

I'm healthy too.

Now that you've seen it for yourself,

- please leave. - No, I don't believe you.

If there's nothing wrong, why are you talking to me from afar?

There must be something going on.

I won't leave so easily.

I got these from the temple.

I'll ward off evil for you!

I'm here.

Release the dogs.

Boss, the time limit set by the Four Factions is almost up.

Did you find the Bone Relic?

Have some water.

Found it.

It's indeed easy to miss things under our noses.

The Bone Relic we've been looking for is actually on him.

He carries it with him?

Young Master Mei is just a mortal.

Yet, he wasn't tempted by the Bone Relic?

I'm not sure either.

No matter what, we have to get it back as soon as possible.

We might as well go all out.

- I'll just knock him out. - You can't do that.

He's from the Bureau of Mystic Investigations.

He's very cautious.

We have to be careful.

Don't worry about the Four Factions.

So what if we can't get it back?

Even if they cause a commotion, I'll hold up the sky for you.

What are you doing?

Ling Xiao mentioned the hot spring last time.

I'm thinking that if the ingredients are right,

could it be that the method of taking the medicine was wrong?

You don't want me to take a medicinal bath, do you?

You know me so well, Xiaozhen.

I'm planning to explore the method of medicinal baths.

- I think I have an idea. - Knock him out.

It seems…

you can only get one's personal item at a critical moment.

Who is it?

Translated by Chloe Chow