Original subtitles

HENING GATE

You shouldn't have talked back to Wanning.

You should've informed me first.

It would have been too late.

Shen Yurong cannot be injured or die

at that night's palace feast known by everyone in the city.

Wanning would never endure this insult.

Don't think she won't do anything to you. She may have long wanted to do that.

That's great.

I want to see

in what way she will act against me.

She might not rule out killing you.

I will be careful.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

Xiao Heng.

If you were gone,

I can't trust anyone around me anymore.

Your Majesty,

a trusted subordinate is used to doing the dirty work.

It's unavoidable to get hurt.

But rest assured.

I won't die.

Your Highness.

Last night, Zhennv Hall's chief

was sent to Hui City's prison thousands of miles away.

There is no news for now.

-You may go. -Yes, Your Highness.

KILL AT ONCE

Meixiang,

send this to the Li Residence.

Yes, Your Highness.

Shen Yurong, what are you being so fussy about?

You have a lot of nerve.

How dare you embarrass me in public!

Doesn't Your Highness think you're too absurd at times?

His Majesty organized that feast.

If any of the students got injured instead of me,

Your Highness will be punished by His Majesty.

No matter how Your Highness dislikes Jiang Li,

you shouldn't humiliate yourself.

How dare you talk back to me!

Maids!

Forget it!

Isn't this what you want?

What do you mean?

You want me dead!

That's nonsense.

Wanning!

Do not put yourself at risk again

just to test Jiang Li.

I cannot protect you all the time.

I already killed her.

I even went back to Qingcheng Mountain

to the place where I buried her

and saw her corpse buried in the mud with my own eyes.

But don't you find it strange that those from Zhennv Hall just disappeared?

Something is fishy.

So what?

I am by Your Highness's side.

Your Highness, can you tell me

what I should do

to put your mind at ease?

All right.

You look so pitiful.

I won't make you kneel as punishment tonight.

Dress your wound well.

I'll wash you up tonight.

HENING GATE

Your Majesty,

did you discuss national affairs until this hour again?

Yes.

That's why I have come here to relax and unwind.

Come here.

I will give you a massage.

Your Majesty,

I wish to go to Tianxiang Temple in a few days

to worship for a period of time.

Why do you want to go there all of a sudden?

I just thought of Empress Dowager Xia.

At this time before,

she would always stay and pray at Tianxiang Temple for blessings.

Now, I also wish to go and take a look

and also fulfill my filial duty.

Thank you for the thought.

After Mother's demise,

you were the only one who went to me.

If it weren't for you,

I might never taste

Mother's glutinous rice balls in sweet rice wine again.

You still remember.

I love children the most.

Back then,

it was comforting

to me.

Road.

-This word is "road." -Road.

This word is "light."

-Jiang Li! -Light.

I know you're feeling down,

so I brought my favorite snacks for you.

Who says I am feeling down?

Stop pretending.

Something huge happened at Wanfeng Hall.

How can I not know about it?

Things will be tough for you now.

Young Master,

why are you always sarcastic?

He did not say anything wrong.

No matter what conflicts we had in the past,

it was fine on the surface.

But after last night, we totally had a falling-out.

Jiang Li,

what will you do now?

Go to Luyang, to the Ye family.

That is right!

How could I forget?

You still have

a filthy rich maternal family who rolls in money

and is the wealthiest in their area.

And His Majesty himself

had just appointed Ye Shijie as the Ministry of Revenue's Vice Director.

The Ye family now has connections in both official and business circles.

If you reconcile

with the Ye family,

forget about Uncle Yuanbai.

Even Grandmother will see you differently.

Why do you suddenly want to go to the Ye family?

You just established your reputation in the capital.

Isn't it a pity to leave now?

Duke Su,

I am here now.

What is the matter of life and death you stated in your message?

Consort Li wants to bring you to worship Buddha.

Thank you.

Your play

has brought more and more actors

and it's becoming more interesting.

To ensure this play doesn't end poorly,

I want to remind you of this.

Consort Li is His Majesty's favorite consort.

So I've heard.

What is your next move?

Avoid conflict...

And do not act hastily.

You think

that Ye Shijie treats you well, right?

Or you won't be willing to reconcile with the Ye family now.

He's a decent person

and he looks quite handsome too.

Compared to me,

even if he falls a bit short,

if he can keep protecting you,

that is a good thing.

Besides,

if you always spend time together...

It'll also make it easier for you to approach Liu Xu.

Jiang Li!

What are you talking about?

What nonsense is that?

Both of us are best friends for life.

I would never fall for her.

What are you talking about?

-Jiang Jingrui. -It's impossible for me to like her.

My goodness.

Why are you two doing this?

You are making me feel embarrassed.

Why are you doing this?

JIANG RESIDENCE

Miss,

her ladyship had a falling-out with the Ye family before.

Now, you're going alone to make amends.

I worry you might be treated unfairly.

That's why I must go all the more.

It must also be Jiang Li's wish.

I want to help her mend things with the Ye family.

Miss,

you're really so nice to her ladyship.

Actually, I have my own selfish reason.

I remember Luyang is not far from Huaixiang.

Jiang Li is famous in the capital now.

I can take a breather now.

I want to go back to Huaixiang.

At that time, Shen...

That person

said my father was convicted

and executed.

Perhaps no one buried him at that time.

It has been so long,

so I should go back and check.

Quickly.

Liu Xu and Ye Shijie should have arrived long ago.

-Hurry up. -All right.

Liu Xu.

Liu Xu.

Why did you start eating?

I've long been here and waited for a very long time.

But none of you came,

so I went around on my own.

Where's Ye Shijie?

Ye Shijie?

I think

-he'll be the last one to arrive. -There's no need.

I now announce

that all our expenses tonight for food, drinks, and entertainment

will be paid by Ye Shijie.

Agreed!

When he arrives,

-I'll walk around with you again. -All right.

There he is.

Shiije,

thanks to us getting first place in the Annual Exam,

you got an official position.

That's right.

Mr. Ye,

you have to treat us tonight.

I'm sorry.

I forgot to tell you something.

My second uncle is in the capital on business

and will return to Luyang in a few days.

So

I'm afraid I can't celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with you.

That's no fun.

We already agreed that

the last person to arrive would cover the expenses.

You're not paying

and not joining us.

That's right.

-That's no fun. -Yes, it's no fun.

Everyone.

I'm Ye Shijie's second uncle.

I came at a bad time today

and disturbed your fun.

I'm very sorry

about that.

How about this? I've reserved a table at the restaurant.

If you don't mind,

let's have a meal together.

It's all right.

It's hard to see anything from the restaurant upstairs.

Besides, we don't want to disturb you two

when you are talking.

All right. Let's go then.

Uncle.

Since you're inviting us sincerely,

I also want to catch up with you.

Sure.

Jiang Jingrui,

show Liu Xu around and have fun.

Let's meet later on.

Are they leaving just like that?

Exactly. That's no fun at all.

What a letdown. We're not friends anymore!

I'm going home.

What are you doing?

Liu Xu,

I know of a game over there that requires two people to play.

-There are prizes too. -Who wants to play with you?

Since we're already here, let's go together.

I swear.

It'll be really fun.

Let's go and play together.

All right then.

I'll play one round.

If it's not fun, I'll go home.

All right. Come on.

Shijie mentioned you long ago.

But I never expected you to have grown up to be

such an elegant lady after all these years.

When you called out to me,

I was so surprised.

I almost didn't recognize you.

Please come this way.

It has been a long time since you've seen me.

Of course you won't recognize me.

That's why we need

to celebrate today's reunion properly.

You're right.

Come and take a seat.

Jiang Li,

it's all thanks to you

that His Majesty valued Shijie

and appointed him as an official,

bringing honor to our family.

I heard about your good reputation

as soon as I entered the capital yesterday.

Here. This drink is to thank you and to celebrate.

-Here's a toast to you. -You're too kind, Uncle.

I can't take all the credit.

I should toast to you.

The festive season

is good for a family reunion.

Why didn't you visit the Jiang Residence?

I came to the capital

for business matters.

Shijie knows about this.

So I came in a hurry

and I didn't inform the Jiang family in advance.

I'm afraid of troubling them if I visit suddenly.

Since it's for business matters,

wouldn't it be more convenient with the Chief Secretariat's help?

Of course.

But we haven't had much contact

with the Jiang family for years.

And earlier, there were

some misunderstandings too.

So

it might be too presumptuous of us.

I know, Uncle.

It was my fault because I was young and ignorant.

Now, I'm more mature.

I felt regretful for many years.

If you agree,

I'll mediate for you.

That would be great.

Then

I'll pay a visit tomorrow.

Is that a good time?

Of course.

Since you're visiting the Jiang family,

we should respond.

Respond?

What if I visit the Ye family in Luyang overmorrow?

This way,

both families will become closer.

Do you want to go to Luyang?

Well,

Jiang Li,

you might need approval

from Chancellor Jiang for that.

If you mention it,

I'm sure my father won't stop me.

Let's eat first.

The dishes are getting cold.

You just want me to mediate

but not see the Ye family?

What nonsense is that?

Of course I welcome you to the Ye family.

Then please mention it

to my father tomorrow

when you visit the Jiang family.

It's settled then.

All right.

Sure. Let's eat first.

-Come on. -My friends are waiting for me,

so I won't be eating.

Uncle.

Shijie.

Enjoy your meals.

I'll walk Jiang Li out.

Jiang Li

sure is something.

Have you planned to return to Luyang early on?

After all, the Ye family is my maternal family.

After all these years, some misunderstandings must be cleared.

Why so sudden?

Do you still remember how we were set up

-at the palace? -Yes.

My sister and cousin were involved in it.

Both of them?

How can that be?

Now you know my situation

in the Jiang family.

Are you still wondering

why I suddenly want to go back to Luyang?

Since you see me as your cousin,

I'll do my best to protect you

in the capital in the future.

Thank you.

Let me see you off.

Uncle is still waiting for you.

You should go back first.

I'll go by myself.

All right.

My lord, we got the tickets to the theater.

Tonight's play is The World of Mortals by Little Taohong.

Are you going to watch Little Taohong tonight?

Aren't you afraid they'll notice and come after you?

In my opinion, let's just arrest this troupe first

and take our time investigating.

That's the safest way.

It may be safe,

but we will miss the show.

My lord, your life will be at stake.

-Do you still want to watch it? -You'd alert the enemy.

Are you telling me what to do?

Lu Ji is right.

We must play the long game to catch a big fish.

I not only need to watch it,

but I will also find someone to watch with me

to make it convincing.

Find someone?

Who?

Do we need to do that?

I can watch it with you.

What a fool.

Hey, Lu Ji.

Why are you so talkative today?

I get it.

Do you want to see the play?

Fine.

You can go.

Find

a delicate lady.

You must be joking.

There are only male secret guards.

A lady?

Do you mean Jiuyue?

We might as well pick anyone from the street.

Then pick anyone from the street.

Ms. Jiang,

his lordship wants to invite you to the theater for a chat.

If you refuse...

Come on.

WATCHING THE SEA AND SKY

Where is Wen Ji?

Duke Su, why do you want to see me?

Can you change your opening line?

-Duke Su, do you have nothing to do again? -Yes.

So I'm inviting you to watch a play.

Can I repay a favor that way?

Watching a play to repay a favor?

You're quite calculating.

If you don't agree,

I'll leave.

Fine.

Two favors left.

You sure know how to do the math.

I don't want you to suffer losses.

I'm always calculating.

Choose any of the three teas.

Too bad I don't know tea.

I can only pick one randomly.

I'm sorry for letting down your kindness.

It's nothing complex.

It may taste bitter, astringent, fresh, or sweet.

Different people like different teas.

I chose the bitter one.

You clearly picked

the sweetest aged tea.

But you said it tastes bitter.

It shows there's something bitter

in your heart.

Duke Su, you must be joking.

Maybe my taste buds are different from others.

What's bitter to others

might be sweet to me.

What do you

consider bitter then?

The fate of humans,

love, hate, affection, feud.

There are many bitter things in this world.

Is love and affection

bitter to you?

Duke Su,

did you invite me to watch a play

just to talk about love and affection?

-Can't I? -No, you can't.

Let's watch the play.

WATCHING THE SEA AND SKY

-Marvelous! -Nice!

Impressive skills!

Great moves and agility!

Li, you sure know how to appreciate a play.

-With long sleeves fluttering -I can see you're engrossed in watching.

-Everyone danced and sang together -This play is really good.

The best part is yet to come.

The singing echoed for a long time

The wind blows on the branches, Causing shadows to sway

The gentle breeze carries

The fragrance of flowers far away

-Great! -Marvelous!

I'll give you a reward.

Thank you, Duke Su.

I'm truly grateful.

Duke Su,

what do you think about today's play?

You should not ask me...

but this lady beside me.

It's vigorous and rhythmic.

It's deeply satisfying and exhilarating.

You are knowledgeable about plays.

No wonder you are Duke Su's esteemed guest.

Not only does this lady know about plays,

she also knows how to perform.

Leave her alive.

Be sure to find out the mastermind.

Take her away.

-Yes. -Yes.

Thank you, Duke Su.

You offered to dress up my wound,

so I don't owe you a favor.

If you consider this a favor,

I'll get someone else to dress it.

Are you that afraid of owing me favors?

Favors are also debts.

They need to be repaid in the end.

People already carry heavy burdens in life.

Having too much debt is a hindrance.

But you wished me a bright future during the guqin test.

Have you forgotten about that?

Are you blaming me now?

The moment you invited me to this theater,

I appeared to be your esteemed guest.

But in reality, I'm just your cover

to let your people hide in ambush

and lower the troupe's guard.

As for saying

that I blame you...

Not really.

I'm grateful

to be useful to you, Duke Su.

Ill-gotten wealth from the capital

is gathered into the troupe.

Using your performances as a cover,

they're transported to the north

to provide money for Prince Cheng to recruit soldiers and buy horses.

That was your deal.

Am I right?

I'm not in the mood today to argue with you.

Treason is punishable by death.

I'll pay three times the amount Prince Cheng pays you

to risk your life for him.

Do you really think a performer like you

can become the Princess Consort?

I'm annoyed.

Lu Ji, carve the "play" word on her face,

make her a mute, cut off the tendons in her limbs, and throw her out.

If Prince Cheng still wants you,

I'll give you three taels for travel expenses.

What's wrong with his lordship today?

He usually enjoys interrogating them.

What are you waiting for?

Don't do it.

Fine. I'll tell you.

Didn't you arrest them?

Why do I feel like you're in a bad mood?

Are you keeping things from me too?

Fine. Forget it if you don't want to tell me.

They tried to kill you,

so it seems you've gotten in their way.

The north isn't prosperous.

Prince Cheng has been recruiting soldiers for years,

draining his resources.

Cutting off his source of income in the Central Plains

is like choking him.

They could have come at me

much earlier.

What's your plan now?

I have a feeling

that salt trafficking is just one way to make money.

There must be a more significant one.

How did it go with the assassin?

She gave me some intel.

She said Prince Cheng

has a secret training ground for assassins in Luyang.

She's just one of them.

If we don't destroy it,

your trusted ministers

might be assassinated one by one

before Prince Cheng makes a move.

So are you going to Luyang personally?

Yes.

Chancellor Jiang,

I'm here to express my gratitude for being appointed.

That was His Majesty's grace. It has nothing to do with me.

Why express gratitude?

I'm afraid you didn't come here

without a reason.

I can't hide anything from you.

This is my second uncle, Ye Mingxuan.

He came from Luyang and brought some small gifts.

I hope you will like it.

Chancellor Jiang,

it has been a long time.

Mingxuan.

Why didn't you inform me in advance

of your visit?

Well...

Father.

Father,

we met at the Lantern Festival

and had a good conversation.

I couldn't stay out too late,

so I invited Shijie

and Uncle Mingxuan to visit.

Please take a seat.

It has been a while since you've been in the capital, right?

Yes.

I came this time

to handle some business matters

and to visit my nephew.

After all, he has been away for so long,

so the family can't help but worry.

You'll be working in the imperial court together,

so I have to rely on you to look after him.

That's too kind.

Ye Shijie is talented.

Even without my guidance, he can achieve

great success on his own.

How is Old Madam Ye's health?

She's all right.

But her energy

is declining year by year.

As she gets older, she misses her family more.

So this time,

I have a presumptuous request.

Jiang Li has never been to Luyang

since birth.

I wonder if you would allow me

to take Jiang Li back

to visit Old Madam.

A trip to Luyang?

Yes.

Jiang Li didn't want to when she was a child.

But now, she's all grown up.

I've asked for her opinion.

She also wants to go back to visit.

Luyang is far away

and Li'er has just returned.

It's not suitable to go south now.

Don't you think?

Father,

I've never been to Luyang.

If you permit

and if Uncle Mingxuan is willing to take me,

while nothing is going on at school

since the Annual Exam is done,

I'd like to visit Luyang.

It's a long journey

and you've never been to Luyang.

You may not get used to it there.

Father, you're worrying too much.

If I can get used to staying at Zhennv Hall

in Qingcheng Mountain,

Luyang is much livelier than Zhennv Hall.

Your mother said

Consort Li wants to take you to worship Buddha

in the next few days.

The imperial decree may arrive soon.

During this time,

it's better for you to stay in the capital.

Since Li'er wants to go to Luyang,

you should just let her go.

Mother.

As for Consort Li,

she can go after she comes back.

Let's have Shuran talk to her.

Consort Li is kind and compassionate.

She will surely understand.

Because of the Annual Exam,

Li'er suffered a lot.

Let her go out and relax.

Besides,

Old Madam Ye

used to dote on Li'er.

Now that she's all grown up,

she should pay her a visit.

Actually, Li'er discussed this with me earlier.

Do you really not know

Consort Li's true intention

of having Li'er worship with her?

What's done is done.

Even if Li'er really made a mistake,

can you say Ruoyao and Yu'e

were completely innocent?

As the head of the family,

you can't be so biased.

Li'er just came back from Zhennv Hall

and you want her to suffer in the mountains again.

It's good that Shuran interacts with Consort Li.

But it's your job

as her husband

to help her decide what to say and what not to say.

Shuran

is selfish.

She might say something inappropriate

that reaches His Majesty's ears.

You, as the Chancellor,

being constantly asked about family matters

isn't good.

Think about it.

That girl must be going to Luyang

to avoid worshiping Buddha

and to find support there.

It's obvious

that she knows she has no standing in the Jiang family.

You should use this chance to please your father

and improve your reputation

among noble ladies.

When she comes back,

make sure she has no place in the capital.

Are you listening to me?

Is my engagement

with Zhou Yanbang really canceled?

-There will be better matches. -However,

I truly like him.

Yao'er,

you are still young.

When you grow up, you'll realize

that affection and love are

the least valuable things in the world.

I only want Mr. Zhou.

I have found another suitable man for you,

so don't mention him again.

IMPROVE VIRTUE AND EXPAND ACHIEVEMENTS

Shijie.

-Jiang Li! -Jiang Li!

Take this.

These are your favorite snacks.

This can cool you down from the heat.

-It doesn't spoil easily. -Tong'er.

Have more of it.

Here's mine.

These are my favorites,

these are my mother's favorites,

and these are my father's favorites.

You can eat them all.

Be careful on your journey.

Tong'er.

You gave me so many delicious foods,

which are all your favorites

and your parents' favorites.

Are you trying to make me gain weight? Tong'er.

It's a long journey.

Who knows what you might lack along the way?

She won't lack anything.

The Ye family is a big merchant family. They lack nothing.

-I've already talked to Uncle Mingxuan. -I'm fine.

He'll take good care of her.

Li'er!

It's time.

We should leave.

JIANG RESIDENCE

Already?

I'm leaving now.

Jiang Li,

we've just met

and now you're leaving before we even have a meal together.

I am to blame during the Lantern Festival.

When Jiang Li comes back,

I'll make up for that meal, all right?

You're really thoughtful, Shijie.

You even remember that.

Who wants you to make it up?

I want Jiang Li to host it.

Because you owe me.

All right.

I'll be back soon to host it.

When I come back here,

I'll make them pay.

My lord.

Based on the information from Little Taohong,

we found out that the one in charge in Luyang

is Prince Cheng's trusted aide, Chu Lan.

However, Chu Lan isn't always in Luyang

and is elusive.

I've asked all our informants in Luyang

and found out he had a lover.

Wu Lan, the top courtesan at Xihua Brothel.

What about the Li family?

They bypassed Ye Shijie and directly made a move against the Ye family.

How did the Ye family react?

They're slow, unaware that they're already trapped.

If the Ye family can be so easily controlled,

it just shows they've had it too easy before.

When do we take action then?

It seems like we need to go to Luyang too.

My lord, that's quite a coincidence.

I heard Ms. Jiang Li

is also heading to Luyang today,

saying she's visiting her maternal family.

Get 15 canes as punishment.

What's it for this time?

Wasting informants in seeking useless information.

My lord, you told me before to keep an eye

-on Ms. Jiang Li. -Another five canes

for talking back.

CAPITAL

LUYANG

-Fu. -Master.

Go to the residence first

and inform Old Madam and Madam

that...

Forget it. We'll just do as we see fit.

-Just tell them I'm back. -Yes, Master.

YE RESIDENCE

Dear, I'm home!

Dear.

Jiang Li, come in.

Dear.

Dear!

I'm home!

Dear!

Dear!

What's going on? Where's everyone?

Master, someone went to the shop to return Soochow brocade again,

so Madam went to handle it.

Jiang Li,

your second aunt went to the shop to handle some matters.

I'll introduce you to them later.

All right.

Let's go.

Here we are.

It was a long journey.

Jiang Li,

get some rest inside first.

I need to take care of other matters.

It might take quite a long time.

Uncle Mingxuan,

we'll leave you to your work.

-We can take care of ourselves. -All right.

When your aunt returns,

I'll ask her to entertain you.

You don't know how nice your aunt is.

Miss,

why isn't there a single person here?

Are they trying to put you in your place?

Could the Ye family be in some kind of trouble?

MADAM ZHUO

The weather is getting cold.

Did you prepare Mingxuan's hand warmer?

Remember to use the red copper one.

Don't burn Mingxuan's hands.

Yes, Madam Zhuo.

Tell the servants to prepare some red dates.

When Mingxuan returns, I'll personally make chicken soup to nourish him.

Grind the dragon and phoenix round tea in my room

and sieve them finely.

I'll drink some good tea

with Mingxuan when he returns.

Yes, Madam Zhuo.

Madam Zhuo, do you know that

something huge happened to the Zhang family?

Really? What happened?

Mrs. Zhang is being

all dramatic at home.

She finally has it coming.

Do you know why?

It was because a little vixen

came to Zhang Residence yesterday.

Now, this is going to be fun.

What does the little vixen look like?

-Well, she looks just like... -Madam Zhuo!

A little vixen came to our house.

What?

Something big is going to happen.

XINZHU CHAMBER

Ye Mingxuan!

Ye Mingxuan, you unfaithful man! Come out!

Where is Mingxuan?

He just went out.

You little vixen,

how dare you come to the Ye Residence!

Watch how I deal with you!

-Madam Zhuo. -Come out!

Madam Zhuo!

Madam Zhuo, you can't do this.

Your status is noble.

How can you personally go and confront that little vixen?

You might fall for her trap if you're not careful.

What trap?

When a person is fuming with rage,

it's easy to act impulsively.

No matter how you beat or scold her,

won't it give the vixen a chance

to make up stories in front of Mr. Ye?

Madam Zhuo, don't dirty your hands.

Let me go and check things out first.

You're right.

I'll wait for you in my room.

You go.

I'll tear her apart today.

Just watch me.

Open the door!

Open this door now!

Who is it?

-Open the door now! -Coming.

Open the door. Do you hear me?

You must be the little vixen's sister.

Who are you?

Tell your mistress to show herself.

I'm asking who you are.

Who are you to ask who I am?

Tell your mistress to come out now!

Don't taint the Ye Residence!

How can you be so rude?

Mr. Ye

told us to stay here.

-You vixen! -Don't come in!

-Come out! -Get out!

You rude servant, if you want us to leave,

tell Mr. Ye to do it.

You bunch of vixens,

you want to do it the hard way.

Fine. Just wait!

Tong'er.

Who was that just now?

Why were you arguing?

Miss, we can't stay at the Ye Residence.

An aggressive maid just came

and told us to leave.

She even said you were a little vixen

and I'm the little vixen's younger sister.

I think the Ye family is trying to humiliate you.

Since that is the case,

we can go out first.

Let's see when Uncle Mingxuan returns.

How cocky.

That little vixen is taking advantage of Mingxuan's favor

and has no respect for me as the madam of the family.

That's right. This little vixen is so outrageous.

Madam Zhuo,

it's time for you to step in

and take care of this little vixen.

Since this little vixen is fearless,

see how I'll deal with her.

Madam Zhuo, could this little vixen

have sensed trouble

and gone to complain to Mr. Ye?

That little vixen.

Ye Mingxuan,

I won't let you off the hook.

Miss, where are we going?

Accompany me to visit an old friend.

An old friend?

Wait.

Are you here to see Qiong Zhi?

Qiong Zhi is not home now.

Where is she now?

If you're in a rush,

go and find her at Xihua Brothel.

Xihua Brothel?

That's the most famous brothel in Luyang.

XIHUA BROTHEL

Come again.

Please come inside.

My lord,

Wu Lan is very alert.

If we deploy controls in advance,

I'm afraid she'll notice something.

If we alert her,

-Chu Lan won't show up. -So?

We should disguise ourselves as customers,

get close to her, control her,

and use her to lure out Chu Lan.

What are you waiting for then?

Begin.

My lord,

who among us do you think looks more like a brothel customer?

Sir,

why didn't you only come now?

Did you get Wu Lan for me?

All right. Be patient.

Wu Lan will be here soon.

Come on. Sit here for a while.

Madam,

a lady is here.

Miss,

this isn't the place for you.

I'd like to see Ms. Qiong Zhi.

Our top courtesan

doesn't entertain female guests.

Top courtesan?

I'm not someone's wife who's here to cause trouble.

I'm here to inquire about something with Ms. Qiong Zhi.

Please grant me this favor.

Miss,

this is Ms. Qiong Zhi's room.

Who are you?

What else could a man come here be for?

WU LAN

You have a striking appearance.

Dressed in red,

you look even more charming than Wu Lan.

Since Wu Lan isn't here yet,

why not join me for tea?

How did you see through me?

I've been investigating cases for years.

No disguise can escape me.

Ms. Qiong Zhi.

QIONG ZHI

Miss, you must be in the wrong room.

Would you like to listen to music or have a drink?

This happens when some guests are having too much fun.

Duke Su,

do you really believe Little Taohong would give you information?

Since you know Little Taohong,

my trip here isn't a waste.

I came to ask you something, Ms. Qiong Zhi.

What's the matter? Do I know your sweetheart?

Maybe

I know your sweetheart.

I don't even know I have a sweetheart.

The son of Huaixiang's magistrate,

Xue Zhao.