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Marry Me

Episode 21

Ministry of Justice

Excuse me.

May I know who is presiding over the case?

Why am I the only one called to be questioned?

Don't ask.

You'll know once you go inside.

Hurry up

Awe-inspiring Righteousness

My lord,

we've brought Ju Mu'er.

You may go.

Yes, my lord.

Greetings, Lord Yun.

I called you here today...

for a routine questioning.

No need to panic.

We're the only ones here.

Considering our relationship,

you need not be so polite with me.

As you pointed out, we're just acquaintances made through music.

Nothing more than that.

Why exactly did you ask me to come?

There were signs of fighting at the scene of Consort Li's death.

His Majesty believes it to be a murder case...

and ordered for a thorough investigation.

I'll answer everything truthfully, without fail.

Come with me.

Take a seat, Mu'er.

The incident happened within the inner palace.

It is very serious.

Wujin Imperial Guards should be the ones handling it.

But because you are now a member of the Long family,

I was appointed to lead the investigation to avoid hearsay.

I understand, Lord Yun.

This is this year's first batch of new tea leaves.

Have some.

Mu'er.

I remember you used to love this tea.

Thank you, Lord Yun.

But things are different now.

You don't have to bring up the past.

-Mu'er. -Lord Yun.

Please get down to business.

If there's anything you'd like to know about Consort Li's death,

I'm ready to speak what I know and hopefully provide you with leads.

Another failure.

Long Teng,

this fake body weighs less than half of Consort Li,

but the qin string still broke under the load.

-Xiao Liu. -Here.

Bring me the strings from another qin shop.

My lord,

we've tried the strings from every qin shop in the capital.

None looked like the murder weapon.

Actually,

we had brought the weapon to compare with those at the shops.

None of the shop owners could tell us where the weapon came from.

To prevent any oversight, we decided...

to bring back all the available strings to double check.

Alas, it was all for naught.

We didn't find anything.

I did some research on that as well.

In order to prevent qin strings from breaking,

they are usually made with wild silk yarn.

But even with the highest quality silk yarn,

it wouldn't be able to hold the weight of a body.

What Young Master Yue said is correct.

Whatever we select is basically like finding a needle in a hay stack.

Moreover, the culprit came prepared.

They left the clue behind,

meaning they knew it wouldn't expose them.

So even if we continued investigating this lead,

it wouldn't amount to anything.

Consort Li died from her throat being cut with qin string.

Her body was then hung from the beam.

The killer is cruel and heartless.

It's not something a normal person could do.

If we can't find any clues from the qin string,

I'm afraid it'd come to a dead end.

Thank you for your help today, Imperial Physician Wang.

I've gathered everything I wanted to know.

I'll consult with you again if I need your expertise.

You are most welcome, Lord Long.

I shall take my leave.

Brother.

Who was it that took Mu'er away?

All three of us are eye-witnesses.

Why was she the only one called?

Could it be that they think she's the killer?

I have to go help her.

Calm down.

How do you expect me to calm down?

Wujin Imperial Guards were supposed to take charge of this case.

Why is someone else the presiding judge?

Ju Mu'er is your wife, a member of the Long family.

It's only right that I stay out of it.

Besides, I don't think the person in charge...

would make things difficult for her.

So don't worry.

How do you know?

It's him?

Might as well be someone else.

I feel more uneasy that Mu'er is in Yun Qing Xian's hands.

In my eyes, that Yun Qing Xian...

is worse than Kun Palace's Shu Bo.

Young Master Yue.

Not so loud, please. This is the palace.

What about the palace?

What I said is true!

Those two men, one's a hypocrite, the other is a jerk.

Why do Mu'er and I always end up dealing with such...

May I ask why you've come to the crime scene, Lord Shu?

I heard you were struggling to find any clues with the case.

So I came here to see if I could help you with anything.

But I didn't expect to see Young Master Yue here.

Lord Shu must have been busy ensuring His Majesty's safety last night.

But you still offered to come help.

You are truly a reliable imperial official.

But Wujin Imperial Guards are the ones handling the case.

So why are people of Kun Palace here as well?

Collect the evidence.

Yes, sir.

What is this about, Lord Shu?

Sorry if I offended you.

I'm just carrying out my duty.

I have a piece of good news to inform you regarding the case.

Kun Palace has arrested the culprit responsible for Consort Li's murder.

The reason we're here is to collect the evidence on site.

Ministry of Justice

Last night, I was told to stay in the room...

to guard the qin Consort Li was using for her performance.

I never left the room.

Before I left her residence,

nobody else came in aside from Consort Li.

So I suspect that...

the killer must have known about Her Highness' plans.

They swiftly carried out the crime while I was away.

Everything I just said is what I know...

of Consort Li's murder last night.

But...

Are you unsure of something?

Consort Li was in a frenzy when she came knocking on the door.

She couldn't talk straight.

She seemed in shock.

She had ran all the way from her chambers to the maid's room.

If the killer was out for blood,

why didn't they kill her in her chambers?

Instead, they went through trouble to get to the maid's room...

to then murder her.

Did I say something wrong?

Why aren't you saying anything?

I'll be frank.

This morning,

the Ministry of Justice received a notice from Kun Palace.

It said the killer is someone from the palace.

They've identified her and found conclusive evidence.

Who is the killer?

How could it be her?

Lord Shu.

There's one thing I don't understand.

Kun Palace claims that they've caught the culprit.

What exactly made you so sure that a palace maid is the murderer?

Do you have proof, Lord Shu?

This case is pretty straightforward.

After the incident,

I had gone to the palace harem to check the night roster.

At the time of the incident,

Ji Yan was the one on duty.

Naturally, she would have the keys to the palace doors.

According to testimonies from the guards,

to ensure the safety of all those present at last night's banquet,

the palace doors were kept closed during the event.

In such a fortified palace,

it'd be hard for even a bird to trespass.

She was the only one able to move freely.

Kun Palace is confident that Ji Yan is the killer.

But where's the proof?

How do you prove that she killed Consort Li?

Lord Shu did not provide any details.

All he said was, it's indisputable.

Ridiculous.

How could they accuse someone just because he said it's indisputable?

Calm down.

I felt the investigation was hastily conducted.

There are many unanswered questions.

That's why I wanted to talk to you to see if there are other concerns.

What about Ji Yan?

Where is she right now?

She's detained at Kun Palace.

Even with your deductions,

it is not sufficient to prove that Ji Yan is the culprit.

Besides, what would be her motive for murder?

We'd know soon enough once Kun Palace is done with the interrogation.

Lord Shu is indeed very meticulous.

But there's something I'm bothered about.

Noble Consort Shu passed out from shock the other night.

Those present found it to be suspicious.

How would you explain that?

Are you trying to question Kun Palace's credibility?

Why would Kun Palace frame at a mere palace maid?

I'm afraid you've misunderstood. I'm only...

Since the case has many doubts,

and you've begun questioning the suspect,

why not let the Wujin Guards assist you?

We could help determine circumstantial evidence.

After all, Consort Li's death involves the inner harem.

It must be dealt with utmost care.

I hope you'll prioritise the interests of the whole.

I'm ready to go with you to Kun Palace right away.

As you wish.

Interrogating is putting it lightly.

In truth, it's more like a forced confession.

How did you get to know Ji Yan?

If anything is bothering you, you can be honest with me.

I'll do my best to help.

If you have doubts about the case,

why didn't you bring it up directly?

As it currently stands,

Wujin Imperial Guards failed to find any clues despite sealing off the scene.

All I have are assumptions.

How can I argue my case?

Then...

Why are you helping me?

I suppose you've misunderstood me.

I said this when I became an official.

I joined the officialdom...

for the betterment of the country and the people.

I stand by these words.

As an imperial official,

I'm pressured by the top,

but that does not mean I'd ignore the plight of the innocent...

and disregard the truth.

Are you actually Lord Yun...

or Brother Yun?

My dear.

I didn't know you had a guest.

I didn't mean to interrupt.

Why did you come?

I worried that you'd forget to eat due to work.

So I made a few dishes and brought them here for you.

Lord Yun, I've told you everything I know.

If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave.

Wait.

I...

I'll get someone to escort you.

There's no need, my lord. Thank you.

Stay safe on the way, Ms Ju.

Thank you, Mrs Yun.

Since you called her here to be questioned,

you should've made sure she got home safely.

She's just an ordinary witness.

You need not worry, my dear.

Come.

Young Master...

Thank goodness you're back.

Young Mistress has been waiting inside for hours.

Good that she's home.

I thought she would've gone back to the wine house.

Wait...

Not entirely good.

Young Master, the mistress doesn't seem to be in a good mood.

Brace yourself, Young Master.

Young Master,

there is something fishy about Ji Yan's arrest.

How did you know about it?

Yun Qing Xian told you?

The more I think of it,

the more I think something is wrong.

Listen to me, Mu'er.

This matter doesn't concern you.

But Ji Yan was a big help when I was in the palace.

She looked out for me.

Now she's suddenly arrested.

I can't just do nothing.

Think about it.

She works at the palace harem.

She has no connections with Consort Li.

There is totally no reason for her to kill her.

Besides, she is an old friend of my master's.

While guiding me through the palace,

it felt like she was trying to tell me something.

And then she was suddenly arrested.

Isn't that too much of a coincidence?

Even so, it's better for you not to get involved.

But I'm an important witness to the case.

I can't not do anything.

By the way,

did you find any clues at the crime scene today?

Nothing.

But, big brother has gone to Kun Palace.

He won't let Shu Bo force her to confess under torture.

I bet Kun Palace would make her life hell regardless.

If only I had been more cautious and didn't step away. Perhaps...

Perhaps Consort Li wouldn't have died.

And I wouldn't have gotten her into trouble.

Ju Mu'er.

Listen to me.

It's not your fault for what happened.

If you hadn't ran off to get help,

Consort Li might not have been the only death.

God is looking out for you. That's why you're alive.

The killer came prepared.

They had planned to kill Consort Li on the night of the banquet.

So don't blame yourself.

It's alright.

I'm here.

It's going to be okay.

Where did you find this?

I discovered it at the crime scene.

The palace is closely guarded and ran like a tight ship.

Servants keep the grounds clean at all times.

Logically speaking, there shouldn't be dust found in Consort Li's palace.

Smell this.

This smells exactly like that powder.

An incident happened the night before the banquet.

According to witness testimony,

they claimed to have seen unclean things.

In addition, I found the same ash-like powder in a corner.

What was burned to leave behind such ash?

I don't know.

But based on first impression,

it seemed to be some kind of special incense.

Judging from that,

the two cases could be the work of the same person.

Startling Noble Consort Shu before...

was probably to find out the palace's layout...

in order to carry out the actual crime.

Sound probable.

If that's the case,

Ji Yan is even more unlikely to be the culprit.

She knows the palace like the back of her hand.

There's no need for her to do that.

Moreover, she's served in the palace for many years.

If she had wanted Consort Li dead, she could've done it a long time ago.

Why wait until now?

The culprit must be someone else.

Big Brother.

Evidence is lacking and there are many doubts.

But Kun Palace is rushing to close the case.

They're putting all the blame on Ji Yan.

What exactly are they planning?

I'm afraid we can only solve it by finding the actual culprit.

Brother,

how is Ji Yan?

I attended the hearing at Kun Palace today.

They basically used force to make her talk

Ji Yan is in tatters.

But she still stands by her innocence.

Will the case get a retrial?

Most unlikely.

Nobody from the harem spoke up for her.

During the banquet,

no one was with her.

She was the only one on night duty.

If Kun Palace pushes that narrative,

I'm afraid her sentence is set.

Brother,

please don't tell Mu'er about this.

Including the ash we found.

I know where you're coming from.

Don't worry. I won't mention anything.

Miss, I heard from the guards...

that Consort Li was murdered last night during the banquet.

She supposedly died horribly.

Do you think there really are ghosts in the palace?

Something similar happened to you before too.

Many palace maids and guards said they...

Don't talk about this matter, you hear?

Especially in front of Aunt.

Never bring it up, okay?

Yes, I understand.

I wonder if Sister Mu'er asked to see you...

because of this incident as well.

Actually, I'm here with a favour to ask.

Right now, you're the only person who can help me.

No need to be so polite, Ms. Ju. You can tell me.

Please accept my thanks beforehand.

Thing is,

I came to see you because of Consort Li's death.

Even though Kun Palace claimed to have caught the culprit,

the case is still riddled with doubts.

So I'd like to ask you to bring me into the palace...

so I can check the crime scene again.

You want to go to the palace and personally investigate?

That's right.

No, the harem is haunted.

You should keep away.

Ms Ju,

as an eye witness,

you only need to provide your testimony.

Why take the risk to enter the palace?

Honestly speaking,

I don't want anyone to be wrongfully accused,

while the real culprit remains free.

I should be asking my husband to take me,

but he doesn't want me to get involved.

He's also keeping information from me.

The clock is ticking.

If we don't find the real killer,

I'm afraid Ji Yan would finally give in.

So you're saying that...

my father misjudged the case and arrested the wrong person.

Miss, Sister Mu'er didn't mean it that way.

That's exactly what I meant.

I think your father made the wrong deductions about the case.

Okay, I'll bring you into the palace.

But my purpose is not for you to investigate the case,

but to prove to you that my father never misjudges.

Is this where it happened?

This...

was where Consort Li was hung from.

Namo Amitabha...

Everything is clean and in order.

Looks like they cleaned the room.

How are you going to investigate?

It's the Kun yue qin.

How did you determine the murder weapon to be the Kun yue qin?

In this world, humans lie,

the truth can be manipulated.

But sound does not lie.

When two things come into contact, they will make a sound.

But when it comes to the sound of qin, I'm certain of my hearing.

When the qin string brushes against the skin...

and makes it bleed,

it will create...

a trembling sound.

How are you able to discern such a discreet sound?

I briefly lost my sight before,

so I'm more sensitive to sound.

I keep thinking something is off.

I finally got it after mulling over it just now.

The discreet sound I heard...

wasn't made from any normal qin.

It sounded more like a special string.

It's made for the Kun yue qin.

Uniquely found in Ximin Kingdom.

That's why nobody was able to find any clues thus far.

Based solely on a hardly-discernable sound,

you're able to determine that the string of a Kun yue qin is the murder weapon?

I'm sure of it. It's the Kun yue qin.

The Kun yue qin has a short body,

with very thin strings.

Most people would mistake it.

But I've seen it before when studying under my master.

So I can confidently say that it's the Kun yue qin.

If you don't believe me, you could compare it to the murder weapon.

You'll see.

What was that?

Don't be scared. I'll protect you.

Be careful, Ms Shu.

Young Master?

Just a misunderstanding.

Long Residence

Mu'er!

At least give me a chance to explain.

I...

I went to the palace because some clues didn't make sense.

I had to go there to confirm.

I barely did anything before someone entered.

So I had to hide in the wardrobe.

I never expected you to come through those doors.

Then are you hiding anything else from me aside from this?

I...

Stop pretending.

I already know.

All the crucial information regarding Consort Li's case...

You've known for a long time.

But you didn't tell me.

Don't point your finger at me.

Tell me, why did you show up at the crime scene then?

Didn't you promise not to investigate?

So why secretly investigate on your own?

Besides, I did this...

-for your... -For my own good.

You don't want me to get involved.

I know.

That's why I went to ask Ms Shu for help.

Let's call it even. We'll both take a step back.

Why do you seem to know everything?

Because no walls are truly air-tight.

Alright.

I know you're angry.

You did what you thought necessary.

You're honest about it.

I'm in the wrong.

Since you admit you're wrong,

will you agree to take a vow with me?

In the future,

no matter what happens,

you promise to discuss with me.

Don't try to take it on by yourself, okay?

Okay.

I promise you.

Do I have to discuss everything with you?

Which matter do you mean?

The matter of you and me.

Young Master.

Young Master!

What are you standing around for?

I have something to report.

Zhaoyu Palace

Father, I didn't know you were here.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Where were you, Chen'er?

Are you hiding something from me?

Su Qing.

Yes, my lord.

You're always with the Young Lady.

You must have been a bad influence for her.

Seems that you've gotten ahead of yourself.

My lord, please have mercy!

Father, I know my mistake.

Please let Su Qing go.

-What mistake? -I...

I was wrong to bring someone into the palace without permission.

Father, I'm repenting on my mistake.

Su Qing has taken good care of me.

Please don't punish her.

Let her go.

Chen'er.

Don't blame me for being strict.

I'm doing this for your sake.

You're too naive and gullible.

You must not trust other people so easily.

But, Ju Mu'er honestly doesn't look like a bad person.

Moreover, she found an important clue related to the case...

in the maid's room of Consort Li's palace.

Regarding Consort Li's case,

the culprit has been caught and questioned.

Plus, Kun Palace have collected all the evidence from the crime scene.

What else could she possibly find?

She seems to be able to hear discreet sounds most people would miss.

I think...

it is related to the murder weapon.

Father.

Could you maybe have really made a mistake?

Maybe you did wrongfully accuse Ji Yan as Consort Li's murderer.

Preposterous!

How could you not believe your own father?

I...

I will get someone to investigate...

what Ju Mu'er said.

But the case isn't something you should be concerned with.

You should stay in the palace more and keep your aunt company.

As for the rest,

I'll take care of it.

You're right, Father.

I understand.

But...

Su Qing...

Go on.

Thanks, Father.

Come.

You're all dismissed.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Looks like we have another busybody.

She's just a girl from the wine house.

There's no need for alarm.

Don't worry, my lady.

I've got everything planned out.

I won't let her get in the way.

Better to err on the side of caution.

That Ju Mu'er had spent some time with Consort Li.

We can't be sure if she found something she shouldn't have.

Young Master, I went to Six Arts Court to collect the rent.

Lin Yue Yao's two assistants not only refused to pay,

they tried to beat me up.

They said our previous agreement has been voided.

I also heard that...

Six Arts will no longer accept new members starting today.

All lessons will be halted starting tomorrow.

Why?

No idea.

Uncle Yue, Uncle Li.

-You're back. -Young Master.

I'll leave now, Young Master.

Uncle Li, your clothes is dirty.

Little Master.

Choked yourself?

Sorry about that.

When did that get onto your clothes?

I knocked over the incense burner during the scuffle with the two girls.

Could it be her?

This is the clue you found?

I hope you haven't forgotten what you said and promised just now.

I remember this smell.

Two weird incidents took place in the palace harem.

Big brother and I both discovered the same powder...

in the palace on those two occasions,

believed to be ash remnants of burned incense.

Now, try to recall back.

Where is Ms Lin of Six Arts originally from?

Can you think of anything different about the qin used in her lessons?

Lin Yue Yao isn't from Central Plains.

I previously tried to find out more about her background,

but did not find anything.

As for her qin...

I didn't pay attention to it.

That's right.

Looks like it's imperative that we pay the owner of Six Arts a visit.

Six Arts Court

Come on.

We're here as thieves.

Why are you being so showy?

Go.

What...

What are you looking at?

Nothing.

I was just reminded of the scene at Shi Residence.

It's always trouble when I'm with you.

You shouldn't be smiling.

Quietly.

You!

Who's there?

Go.

Thank goodness she didn't come after us.

I told you not to look but you still did.

You looked so why not me?

I'm also a lady.

Plus, what kind of a loser are you to peep at her bathing?

I did it for your sake.

For my sake?

I didn't want you to feel inferior.

Long Yue!

I hope you didn't forget...

why we came here for.

Find evidence.

It's a Kun yue qin.

This is the same qin string that killed Consort Li.

Mu'er, look at these.

These incenses don't seem any different.

They're like the ones we use at the inn.

Nothing is wrong with the incenses.

But if you mix them together, they turn into a drug.

If one uses too much of it, they will start hallucinating.

Looks like Lin Yue Yao is now the prime suspect.

Let's not alert the enemy.

We'll take away the evidence.

Let's go.

Madam, what's happened?

We have to leave immediately.

I'm afraid we've been exposed.

Wait.

Young Master, the qin Lin Yue Yao uses is the Kun yue qin.

She has to be the culprit.

We should let big brother know.

Get them!

Who's there?

-Go! -Quick!

I was too late.

Are you okay, Ms Ju?

I'm fine. Thank goodness you showed up.

It's late. Why are you out here?

I happened to be passing by.

I'm curious why you two are out and about.

And almost got killed.

Who were those people?

Oh no, Young Master, we need to go back to Six Arts.

- Follow me. - Yes, sir.

Six Arts Court

Sir, Six Arts Court has been vacated.

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