Original subtitles

Episode 20

Miss, be careful.

Sure enough.

Feelings do fade away over time.

Miss, what are you talking about?

It's nothing.

I feel cold again all of a sudden.

Mistress Hua, are you here

to look for Her Highness again?

Miss Qi, are you here to see Her Highness, too?

No, I came to see you.

Oh, right.

I should call you Miss Hua now.

- You're divorced. - Miss!

Miss Qi, please watch what you say!

Miss...

Why are you looking at me like that?

You have been lucky all your life.

Though you're divorced

there's no need to be so sad.

There are many people

who are in worse situations than you.

Qi Ruxin, how have I offended you?

You have had it too easy so far.

That's why I hate you to the core.

By the way

I heard that your brother died.

- Miss! - Heaven is fair after all.

Say another word about my brother

and I'll make sure you cannot speak

for the rest of your life.

What, do you think you can scare me?

Miss Hua, please forgive my Miss.

The assassins

at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet

gave her a great fright.

She is still in a state of shock

and hence unable to think straight.

Mistress.

Miss Hua, are you here to see Her Highness?

Miss.

Yes.

I just came out of the study room

and ran into you here.

I guess we do have an affinity.

Come to think of it, you haven't been

to Zhong's Garden for a long while.

That's right.

Miss Hua, if you come to Zhong's Garden again

please come visit me at my compound

so that I have someone to chat with

and not be so lonely

living here at Zhong's Garden.

Aren't you hospitable!

Sister Qi hasn't been herself lately.

She has been saying inappropriate things.

If she has offended you somehow, Miss Hua

I apologise on her behalf.

I hope you won't take it to heart.

I won't.

I tend to speak my mind.

For some reason

I felt like I liked you a lot

the very first time I saw you.

You've returned to the Hua family

and regained freedom.

I'm really happy for you.

Speaking of which, whenever I see you

I do feel a sense of familiarity.

Since you have extended the invitation

may I have the honour

to go to your compound today?

I'm more than happy!

Miss Hua, we haven't seen you around.

What were you busy with?

Nothing much. It's just that I have been

looking for my brother's murderer.

Isn't this what Magistrate Wang should do?

Miss Hua, why are you intervening?

The magistracy investigation

is constrained by red tape.

It's quicker to investigate on my own.

Besides, I'm the assassin's target

so I'm not going to let him off so easily.

Miss Hua, you are so brave and wise.

Why wasn't she surprised

that I was the assassin's target?

Does she know something?

- Miss Meng... - Why are you two together?

Where are you going?

Lord.

I met Miss Hua by chance just now.

We were having a good time

so I invited her to go to my compound

to carry on.

In that case, please leave.

I need to talk to Hua Qian.

Yes, Lord.

No wonder it's been decided that

Miss Meng would be your wife-to-be.

I see that she's polite

and has a good sense of propriety.

Nothing has been decided.

But why does it sound like...

you're jealous?

I heard that you were here.

I put down what I was doing

and came to see you.

Why were you leaving as soon as you saw me?

Lord, if you wanted to see me

why didn't I see you

during the two hours I was with Her Highness?

You showed up only after Meng Yifei and I

made plans to spend time together. Why?

What made you angry?

I was rude.

Please forgive me, Lord.

I am leaving.

Qian.

Lately, I have many things to take care of.

I almost couldn't find time

to come and meet you today.

I thought I had made myself clear that day.

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

A little more waiting won't bother me.

After all, you have become

the daughter of the Hua family again.

Lord.

You tend to oversimplify the problem.

Things between you and me

are beyond our feelings.

Do you mean Lord of the Zhong family

is simple-minded?

You're also interested in me, aren't you?

I know. You tend to worry a lot.

But I meant what I said to you that day.

You can come to me any time.

As I said, that won't be necessary.

I have given orders at the Star Reaching Tower.

The employees work on fragrance formulas

on the ground floor.

No one is allowed to go to the eleventh floor.

It's exclusive to you.

You can go there

whenever you feel like it.

You can enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet

when you are there.

No, thanks.

It's on a high floor

and climbing stairs is too tiring.

I don't want to go there again.

Look what the cat's dragged in.

It's rare that you come here, Lord.

Did you have a conflict with Hua...

the daughter of Butler Hua today?

Lord, you came here to ask about this?

The son of the Hua family just passed away

so Hua Qian is now

the only daughter of Butler Hua.

No matter what conflicts you had

I hope you can yield to her.

You want to protect Hua Qian.

Why bother finding an excuse?

What did you say?

Judging by your look

you probably can't get what you want

like me.

Looks like I'm not the only one

feeling miserable.

What do you know?

I know what I should know

and what I shouldn't know.

Why? Are you going to silence me, Lord?

Lord, please forgive her.

Miss was scared out of her wits

at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet

and hence, she cannot think straight.

Keep an eye on her

and make sure she keeps her mouth shut.

I have better things to do

than to gossip about people.

It's fun not getting what you desire.

Just let me savour this pleasure alone.

Miss!

Zhong Xiwu...

You may be Lord of the Zhong family

but you're as pathetic as me

because you can't get the woman you want.

I am not like you.

Chen Yuan.

Lord.

Send someone to keep an eye on her.

Noted.

Concubine Mu, I am Banxia, your new maid.

The housekeeper sent me.

Isn't Zisu coming back?

The housekeeper said he couldn't contact Zisu

who went back to her hometown for a visit.

He was afraid that you would be short of maids

so he sent me here to serve you.

He'll continue sending people

to look for Zisu.

I see.

Miss, Huang said he had news.

Miss Hua, our men just sent news.

They saw a man in black

sneaking out of Zhong Residence.

Did you find the whereabouts of that man?

Yes, the figure disappeared

into a room on the second floor of an inn.

An inn?

It's an inconspicuous inn

where people of all kinds stay in it.

And then?

The guards who followed him were cautious

and didn't confront him

instead they...

All Around Inn

Sir, here's your wine. Please enjoy.

- Hey, Innkeeper! - Sir.

Do you have any vacant rooms?

Just a moment. Let me check.

We have vacant rooms

on both the first and second floors.

Which floor do you prefer?

I want the leftmost room on the second floor.

Sir, what would you like?

- A pot of wine. - Sure.

Unfortunately, that room is occupied.

When will the room be available?

I'm used to staying in that room.

The guest in that room will leave tomorrow.

Why don't you take the room next door?

Can you get them to exchange rooms with me?

I only want to stay in that room.

I'm afraid this is not appropriate.

Those two guests have been staying in that room

for several days.

Why did they stay for so long?

Are they merchants?

I don't know.

They are probably tourists from somewhere

since they had been inquiring about

Donghuang Mountain in the past few days.

All right. You know what to do.

Got it!

Donghuang Mountain?

I've been reborn

but his escape route remains the same.

Are you sure it's tomorrow?

Have our guards been spotted?

Obtaining this information was effortless.

Do you think the other party

intentionally leaked this information to us?

I don't think so.

But just in case

the guards who tracked down the man in black

split up on purpose.

One went to the counter to make some inquiry

while the other sat in the lobby

and pretended to be a customer

to observe the surroundings.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary

so I don't think it was a trap.

The man in black was careless

and didn't realise that he was being followed.

Careless?

Is it really that simple?

Never mind.

I'd better not forego an opportunity.

At worst, I'll wait there every day.

Now, go gather more men

and take as many people with you as you can

and set an ambush at the foot of the mountain.

Go in batches.

Remember to keep a low profile.

Be inconspicuous when making your way there.

I will be there tomorrow.

Noted, Miss.

Did you prepare the carriages?

Let's hurry along.

Get them.

Miss Hua, we're making a scene.

I'm afraid

it will draw the attention of the soldiers.

This is my intention.

This will expose the mastermind.

Well...

Don't worry.

He won't dare call for help

when the city is under martial law.

Master, don't worry about me.

Just run!

Do your worst, Hua Qian.

Are you serious about killing me?

Do you think you can escape punishment

after murdering me?

You're just an escaped slave.

So what if I killed you?

Don't play games with me.

You clearly know who I am.

Do I? Who are you then?

I have the nerve to arrest you

but do you dare call for help?

I'll leave you to decide if you want to

admit to causing harm to the Hua family.

If you surrender now

I'll tell the guards to stop

and we can have a discussion.

Otherwise, we'll fight until you die.

Master...

Don't.

Long time no see, Junior Lord Wu.

How did you know I would come here?

You told me so yourself.

Nonsense!

I'll leave Huangcheng tomorrow

via Donghuang Mountain pass.

Go expose me as fast as you can.

Let's see who will believe a fugitive like you.

Your dull mind

won't be able to figure this out.

Throw them into the carriage behind mine

and take them back.

Go spread the word tomorrow.

I want everyone in Huangcheng

to hear about this.

The Hua family went to great lengths

and caught...

an escaped slave.

Noted, Miss.

How dare you arrest me!

Aren't you afraid of jeopardising

the long-term collaboration

between the Zhong family and the Wu family?

Why didn't you say this

when you were arrested?

Junior Lord Wu appeared in Huangcheng

uninvited

despite the end of his study tour.

If your identity is revealed

wouldn't that also reveal the Wu family's plot

of stealing the fragrance formula?

When that happens

will there still be any collaborations

between the Zhong family and the Wu family?

Who said I wanted to steal

the fragrance formula?

I just...

stayed in Huangcheng for a few more days.

Is that true?

Then, explain why you needed

to lie low in Huangcheng.

Or should I hand you over to the magistracy

for investigation?

Hua Qian.

I didn't realise how ruthless you could be.

I'm ruthless?

You carried out the banquet massacre

and expected no one to retaliate?

How do you know that?

This wound seems to be almost healed.

Why don't you explain how you got hurt?

It seems that the person who fought with

Hua Rongzhou in the valley was indeed you.

I asked how you knew about it.

How did I know about it?

I'd say you gave yourself away.

What do you mean?

If it wasn't someone I knew

he wouldn't know that

Hua Rongzhou was looking for me in the valley

and even told him which way to go.

Or perhaps I should say

Mu Yao has betrayed you?

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

You're a devoted man. How touching.

I wonder if Mu Yao would be moved

if she knows?

What gift do you think I should give her

so she would know it's you right away?

A finger?

An eye?

Or one of your ears?

You vicious woman!

Why not the tongue?

Nothing good comes out of your mouth anyway.

Just take it out on me.

I'm doing exactly that.

It's your tongue I want to cut off

and your finger too.

It's also your eyes I want to pierce.

Didn't you say that we could have a discussion

if I surrendered?

Have you given me a chance to talk?

It's not one of my men who killed your brother

at the banquet.

Then who is it?

I don't know either.

Are you saying

there was another group of assassins?

Yes.

Why did you pose as a member of the Ge family

to carry out the assassination?

Since you know how I feel about you

do you trust me?

Trust you to do what?

I'll take you away.

Why should I leave with you?

Because you're the only one I love.

So what? You like me

and I must go with you?

Are you sure you want to share

your husband with Hua Qian?

Shut up!

Don't tell me you haven't noticed

that Zhong Yelan has started

to have feelings for Hua Qian.

He didn't agree to divorce Hua Qian at first

because he knew you were going to

take down Hua Qian.

He wanted to make use of his position

to shield Hua Qian

from being implicated by the Hua family.

Later on, he changed his mind

and agreed to divorce Hua Qian.

It wasn't because of you

but because Hua Qian insisted on

getting a divorce

so he granted her wish.

If you still have doubts

why don't we make a bet?

Between you and Hua Qian

let's see who he will choose.

Fine.

How do we do it?

I know the reason even if you won't tell me.

Anyway, you are in my hands

so let's see if Mu Yao will come find you.

- Leave her alone! - Why should I?

There's nothing between Mu Yao and me.

What happens to me doesn't concern her.

Look at you.

You're the junior lord

of the largest herb supplier.

You should focus on your business

instead of doing stupid things.

The Wu family will decline because of you.

Besides, I don't care what happened

between the two of you.

Do you expect me to be moved by your devotion

and help you two be together?

So, you knew the reason.

Why bother asking her again?

So what if I knew?

Asking her gives me room for negotiation.

By the way

throw the other man out.

We shan't waste medicine on him.

He's not worth it.

You are indeed a changed person.

No wonder she sensed danger.

I shouldn't have made that bet.

I was never going to win.

Men! An intruder in Hua Residence!

Go over there! Go!

- Did you see him? - No.

Let's go over there. Hurry!

Someone broke into Hua Residence last night.

Miss Hua, are you okay here?

Did you catch him?

No.

What?

The guards in this house are useless.

They couldn't even catch a random intruder.

How about this?

Go tell my father that I feel disturbed

due to the intruder

and I don't think I'm able to sleep well

in the next few days.

So, he should borrow a few guards

from Magistrate Wang

for around half a month.

Noted. I'll inform Butler Hua right away.

Your injury healed just in time

and you were able to help me with the task.

Rest assured, Miss.

No one knows what happened last night.

I have no doubt about your agility.

Magistrate Wang's guards

belong to the government.

Even if they may not be skilled

they're not mere guards of Hua Residence.

Whoever has plans to spy on Hua Residence

is going to think twice.

You look nice in this colour.

Thank you for coming.

Huang, you don't have to be so polite.

This way, please.

Zhong Residence

Who's there?

I let you go.

Why did you come back?

Concubine Mu, Hua Qian captured my master.

Is it the escaped slave

that she claimed she captured?

Yes.

Guard Cang managed to escape.

He sent us the information

so we're sure it's true.

Your master's whereabouts were a secret.

Even I didn't know.

How did Hua Qian find out?

We don't know either.

Why did you come to see me today?

Hua Residence now has

magistracy guards keeping watch.

If we barge in to rescue him

we might alert them.

So?

Master has told us repeatedly

not to disturb you

but the matter is urgent.

Concubine Mu, please save our master.

I brought it upon your master.

Don't worry.

I won't leave him in the lurch.

Go back now.

Trust me to...

bring your master to you in one piece.

Thank you, Concubine Mu!

Mu Yao...

What led you to become what you despise?

Miss.

Magistrate Wang's guards have been here

for almost a week.

And it has been pretty peaceful in here.

I heard from Huang

that they were talking about leaving.

This is unexpected.

It was surprising how patient they were.

Miss, have you figured out what to do next?

Miss.

Miss Meng sent you another invitation card.

Meng Yifei

Miss, are you still going to

decline her invitation?

I have nothing to do anyway.

Let's go out for a walk.

Miss Hua, please have a seat.

Come and taste this tea.

This is the Dragon Musk tea

that my father brought for me from the south.

I'm grateful that he thinks of me

despite being occupied with work.

I don't serve it to just anyone.

I'm so lucky.

After you left Zhong's Garden that day

I was hoping we could talk again.

Unfortunately, you kept declining my invitation

saying you were busy.

I finally got my wish fulfilled today.

I'm sorry, Miss Meng.

I was rather busy lately.

Really?

I thought that was an excuse.

So, what are you busy with?

Coincidentally

I caught a fugitive a few days ago

when I was looking for an escaped slave.

And it turned out the fugitive was involved

in the banquet assassination that happened

a few days ago.

So, I have been busy

trying to find out what he knows.

That's good.

Hopefully, the murderer will get convicted

and receive the punishment he deserves.

I hope so too, Miss Meng.

It's rare that you come here.

We must have a good time.

People come and go in Zhong's Garden

but I rarely meet someone like you

whom I can chat with.

I thought you and Miss Qi were very close?

Sis Qi seems like a different person these days.

But she won't tell me what happened.

She must have been dealt a great blow

that caused her to be in this state.

The truth is, Sis Qi has a sharp tongue

and may be harsh with her words

but she means well.

Sometimes the more she feels guilty

towards someone

the harsher she is with her words.

Guilty?

I was just citing an example.

What about you?

I don't know what's special about me

that makes you think of me differently.

I can see it clearly even when others can't.

I felt that you stood apart from the rest

ever since the first time I saw you.

And you escaped assassination twice.

After bad luck comes good fortune.

My father is Head Butler of the Zhong family's

business in the south

while your father is Head Butler

of the Zhong family.

If we can look after each other in the future

then our standing in Zhong's garden

will be strengthened.

Miss Meng, I don't understand

what you are talking about.

You're a smart girl.

Surely you understand what I'm talking about.

Lord has feelings for you.

I've been there so I know.

There will be many opportunities

where you and I can work together.

Miss Meng, don't make fun of me.

All right...

I won't make fun of you anymore.

Anyway, there's a long way ahead of us.

Let's have tea.

Okay.

Sis Hua, come here wherever you're free.

It's dirty. Just throw it away.

Yes, Miss.

Master, I saw where Concubine Mu was headed.

She seemed to be going to Hua Residence.

Master, Magistrate Wang's guards

are still in Hua Residence.

It would be unwise for

Concubine Mu to go there alone.

With her agility

avoiding those guards won't pose a challenge.

I believe Concubine Mu is going there

to see Mistress... I mean, Miss Hua.

Master, are you sure you'll ignore this?

Why should I care?

It's between them.

No one else should intervene.

But...

When Hua Qian left

she only took her belongings.

She didn't take the zither, chess

ink brush and ink stone that I gave her.

Send them to her when you have time.

Noted, Master.

Consider it done.

Miss...

Are you flustered just because I didn't take you

to Zhong's Garden?

Go and tell the chef

to make a few more dishes for dinner.

We'll eat together.

Yes, Miss.

Miss, Mu Yao is here.

How did it feel to climb over walls?

Where is he?

Who?

Don't play dumb with me.

What's the hurry?

You came here uninvited

and I just came back.

Can't I drink some water and catch my breath?

You freed his guard on purpose.

You wanted him to inform me, didn't you?

I don't have time to play games with you.

I have come as you wish.

Can you let him go now?

How did the cup offend you?

From where did you pick up

the bad habit of breaking cups?

You need to kick the habit.

Hua Qian!

Since you know that

you're here to beg me for help

shouldn't you be more polite?

I'm here now.

Do whatever you want to me.

Just let him go. He has nothing to do with this.

He has nothing to do with this?

Mu Yao, the cheek of you

to utter those word.

Are you saying Wu Shuomo was not involved

in the banquet assassination?

And the kidnapping incident at the cliff too?

I was the mastermind

and he was just a pawn.

That's true.

One came up with some plans

hoping to find an answer

while the other waited at the cliff foot

thinking he could win the heart of his beloved.

How should I define the two of you?

Ridiculous or pathetic?

- Why would you... - Next time

be sure to brush up your acting.

It is improbable for someone

to display no signs of shock or fear

upon awakening to discover herself

hanging off the edge of a cliff.

Fine.

If you want revenge, come at me.

Aren't you loyal to each other?

Both of you are vying to take responsibility

upon yourselves.

Why does it sound like

I'm the villain again this time?

Has Zhong Yelan become insignificant

to you now?

You took him from me

and now you think I let him down?

Don't be a hypocrite.

I took him from you?

I made you his concubine

and took the initiative to get a divorce.

What more do you want me to do?

Mu Yao, I thought you were smart.

How could you be so foolish?

Yes, I was foolish enough to think

I could sound him out that way.

Didn't you try

to destroy everything I owned?

You have succeeded.

He has started to develop feelings for you.

How stupid I must have been

to have lost to you previously.

You are proud and egoistic.

You would rather suffer

than lose your dignity.

You always blame others but yourself

when things go wrong.

Is Zhong Yelan the only man in this vast world?

Can't you live without him?

You live in such a small world!

Who are you to criticise me?

Weren't you the same?

Master, I've led the Hua family's guards there.

Good.

What should I do next?

Nothing.

Yes, Master.