Love of Nirvana (2024) s01e07 Episode Script
Episode 7
♪Flower petals have fallen,
piling as high as mortal mercilessness♪
♪Gone with the wind,
as if it has never existed♪
♪I ask for more time♪
♪To rewrite our stories♪
♪We travel together in joys and woes♪
♪Blood bathes this entangled destiny♪
♪For the next reunion
in the troubled times♪
♪We tread a treacherous path♪
♪To find each other♪
♪Wars and bleakness,
the bright moon shines upon the city♪
♪I will offer my bravery♪
♪Fighting relentlessly♪
♪All for no regrets♪
♪In this life-and-death battle,
I will not back down♪
♪Withstand enduring time♪
♪Someone at the end of the world
never leaves♪
♪I brave the grim haze
to be with you once again♪
=Love of Nirvana=
(Based on Xiao Lou's novel of the same name)
=Episode 7=
I thank Your Majesty for
your care and protection.
But my reputation
is a small matter.
If war breaks out between
the two nations again,
it will cause great
suffering for the people.
That would be the true crime.
I humbly request to lead
the investigation of the case.
I vow that within ten days,
I will uncover the
truth behind the fire.
And find out what
really happened.
Within ten days.
What if you can't
uncover the truth?
Then I beg Your Majesty
to hold me accountable
for the failure of the peace
talks and the renewal of conflict.
Are you aware
of the consequences
of these words?
If you fail to find
the real culprit,
you will not only be
unable to return to the court,
but you will also lose your
title as Marquis of Jian Ding.
You won't be able
to keep your rank.
I will ensure this case
becomes an indisputable one.
I will not let the peace
talks fall through.
Please, Your Majesty,
grant me this opportunity.
Very well.
I will grant you your request.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Do not disappoint me.
Your Majesty,
there is one more matter
I wish to ask for your approval.
Speak.
The maid I recently took in
had brief contact
with the assassin.
I wish to take her along
during the investigation
as she might help
uncover useful clues.
Is this a trivial matter
for me to handle?
Do you intend to
work me to death?
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Go now.
My Lord,
Pei Yan has already requested
permission from His Majesty
to investigate the fire case.
Jiang Ci will accompany
him in the investigation.
We originally wanted
to use the fire at the villa
to remove Pei Yan
from the picture.
Who would've thought
he would still be the
one in control in the end.
Did you personally see Pei Yan
escorting His Majesty out
of the mansion that night?
I saw it with my own eyes.
I dare not leave
out any details.
How was His Majesty's
expression at that time?
His expression was very complex.
But there was no anger.
Who did His Majesty meet
while he was in the mansion?
It should be
Madam Rong Guo.
Madam Rong Guo?
Yes.
Was Jiang Ci present?
She was.
Then it all makes sense.
His Majesty secretly
visiting a minister’s widow
must not be leaked.
If Pei Yan is smart,
he would have killed
that girl that night.
Bringing Jiang Ci along
for the investigation
is Pei Yan negotiating
with His Majesty
to spare Jiang Ci’s life.
He’s turning a
pretense into reality.
By the way, my Lord,
Ping Shu has reported
that Jiang Ci
is from Jiangjia
Village in Liang'an.
What do you plan to do with her?
Originally, I
would’ve killed her.
But now it seems
she still has some use.
Stop.
The Guards of Light
are the last line of
defense for His Majesty.
They are the sharpest
blade in this world.
This blade
should not be wrapped
in soft, luxurious silk.
Nor should it retreat.
You must know
that anyone can retreat,
but the Guards of Light cannot.
Your Majesty, I greet you.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Why is it that after
your promotion,
you seem unhappy?
It is an honor to receive
Your Majesty's favor.
How could I be unwilling?
But the better Your
Majesty treats me,
the more
I think of
my brother, who was lost
and separated from me.
Back then, the two of us
relied on each other for survival.
We fled from Bingzhou to
Qingkang to escape the chaos.
I was useless.
I couldn't protect
my younger brother.
He ended up being
sold into slavery.
And even worse,
I don’t even know
if he’s alive or dead.
Rise.
Get up.
Consort Wei, you place great
importance on sibling affection.
And you care so much
about your brother.
It truly moves me.
Rest assured.
I promise you,
I will find your brother
as soon as possible.
Ah Zhao.
Ah Zhao.
Ah Zhao.
Who would have thought,
that the slave boy
from ten years ago
would become the person
I trust the most today.
Even if Commander
Wei is highly capable,
it is only because
Your Majesty is merciful
and personally kept him
by your side to nurture him.
The Teng Rui case
is of great importance.
Pei Yan is investigating
it while under suspicion.
We need someone to
stabilize the situation.
No!
No!
Lord Marquis.
Look.
Lord Marquis.
Commander Wei is here.
Young Master.
I hope I’m not late.
Just in time.
Commander Wei, I must say,
you really do spoil your maid.
You pamper her quite a bit,
don’t you think?
During an investigation,
there are bound to be
moments of confusion.
The maid is quick-witted,
and if she serves
tea at the right time,
it can ease our fatigue.
Well then,
have you made any
discoveries, Young Master?
Your master is so troubled,
why don’t you go make tea?
I’m just here to run
errands for Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis,
allow me to help.
Judging from the scene,
the Ministry of Justice’s
inspection was thorough.
The source of the fire
did indeed start
from this curtain.
At exactly the hour of Xu,
Teng Rui was eating roast lamb.
A maid even served
him tea to aid digestion.
Go quickly,
warm up some wine.
He even asked the maid
to warm up several more
pots of wine to bring over.
By the third quarter
of the hour of Xu,
the fire broke out.
Teng Rui’s room
suddenly burst into flames.
Did you find out
anything about the people
who roasted the
lamb for Teng Rui?
Yes, we did.
They are all workers
from the Yuelai Inn.
According to them,
after Teng Rui finished
eating the roast lamb,
he said he was cold.
so he didn't ask them to
remove the charcoal fire.
At the first quarter of the hour of
Xu, the maid watched them leave.
They left.
Which means,
the culprit entered
Teng Rui's room
sometime between the first quarter
and the third quarter of the hour of Xu.
Could it really have
been an accident?
The villa was heavily guarded.
For the culprit to have entered
without anyone noticing
would have been
nearly impossible.
However, if they took
advantage of the banquet
when there were
many people around,
and slipped in unnoticed,
it wouldn’t be impossible.
What do you think, San Lang?
From the first to the third
quarter of the hour of Xu,
the people at the banquet
should be able to
vouch for each other.
We can rule out quite
a few suspects that way.
But I heard that
at the first quarter
of the hour of Xu,
San Lang left the
banquet for a while.
He only returned at the
second quarter of the hour of Xu.
During that time,
no one saw you.
I am truly ashamed to admit,
at the time, I suddenly had
a craving for the porridge
on the banquet table.
But it had cooled.
So I thought,
I’d go to the kitchen to
get a bowl of hot porridge.
Who was in the
kitchen at that time?
Xiao Ci.
Miss Jiang's culinary skills
are truly remarkable.
That night,
I was indeed with Commander Wei.
I even made porridge
for him to drink.
Why didn’t you
tell me this earlier?
It was my oversight,
I ask for Lord
Marquis' forgiveness.
Young Master, please
don’t blame Miss Jiang.
It must be because
my reputation
outside is so terrible,
that I frightened Miss Jiang.
San Lang, don't be offended.
No harm done.
Young Master is simply following
orders to investigate the case.
It’s only natural to
thoroughly investigate
every detail.
We mustn’t overlook any clues.
An Cheng!
Order a full
investigation of the villa,
within a ten-mile radius.
Yes,
Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis,
look at this.
That damned faceless cat!
If I can help Lord
Marquis catch him,
I might have a chance to
get my little clay cat back.
If the faceless cat
got his hands on
Teng Rui's daily
records through me,
there might be clues left behind
in the places involved.
How exactly did
the culprit get in?
They just won’t give up.
You’re quite clever,
always clinging to Pei Yan
or Cui Liang.
But too bad,
you’ve still ended up alone.
Lord Marquis is
right over there.
If you dare kill me here,
you won’t get away.
Miss Jiang, you
underestimate me.
I have countless ways
to make you disappear
without a trace,
without anyone knowing.
Help! Help!
Help!
Help!
Help me!
Xiao Ci!
Xiao Ci!
Lord Marquis, I’m fine.
Commander Wei,
San Lang!
Commander Wei, San Lang!
Commander Wei, San Lang!
San Lang!
Wake up! Commander Wei!
Commander Wei!
San Lang!
Come!
I’ll prepare some medicine.
San Lang!
What happened?
Shameful.
I came here to look for clues,
but I wasn’t careful
and fell into the water.
Luckily, Miss Jiang saved me.
I called for help earlier,
but no one heard me,
so she jumped in
herself to rescue me.
Young Master,
today
I’m afraid I can’t
continue the investigation.
An Cheng,
take Commander Wei
and get him some clean clothes.
San Lang,
go back and rest quickly.
Alright.
Come.
Miss Jiang, I will never forget
your life-saving grace.
In the future,
if you ever need help,
don’t hesitate to ask.
Just let me know.
Xiao Ci,
are you alright?
Speaking of
How did you end
up with San Lang?
Must have been a blind
cat catching a dead rat.
Be careful not to catch a cold.
Go change into
dry clothes quickly.
Yes.
Take out your
luggage, let me see.
The city hasn't
been very safe lately.
San Lang has arrived.
Lord Marquis,
wipe your face to
wake yourself up a bit.
I also made some
porridge and light dishes.
Once it's ready,
I'll bring it over.
Alright.
Xiao Ci,
make some tea for me first.
Yes.
San Lang,
nothing serious,
it's already fine.
Did Young Master
discover any clues?
If the assassin
wanted to kill Teng Rui,
there are only two
ways to enter the villa.
One,
disguise themselves,
and sneak in somehow.
But we checked everyone
who entered the
villa that night.
No one was suspicious.
What about the other way?
The other is someone
highly skilled in martial arts,
who could bypass all the
guards using lightness skill,
and not be detected.
But,
the world is full
of martial experts.
It's like finding a
needle in a haystack.
I think
there's another possibility.
Using force against force,
letting them fight
among themselves.
Could it be that
San Lang is implying
Lei Zhen?
Well,
I’m not like Young Master,
a righteous gentleman.
When I encounter such matters,
I tend to think,
perhaps someone under Teng Rui
was dissatisfied with him,
and wanted to
use this opportunity
to kill
Teng Rui.
However, when Lei Zhen caused trouble
at the gate of the Marquis's residence,
it didn’t seem fake.
Commander An is indeed
as upright as Young Master.
The more upright
a person is,
the more they suffer.
Please, explain in detail.
Your Majesty tasked you with
uncovering the truth of this case.
The truth is important,
But even if you go
through all that trouble,
and find the real culprit,
what difference would it make?
As long as the
culprit is from Liang,
war between Liang and
Wei will inevitably resume.
What happens after
the truth is revealed
is what we should be
more cautious about.
Are you saying, Sanlang,
that the key to this case
is not in finding out
who really killed Teng Rui,
but rather how to prevent a
war between Liang and Wei?
If the culprit is someone
outside of Liang,
perhaps even from Wei,
then this matter
could be resolved peacefully.
I understand your intentions
and concerns, Sanlang,
but
since I was tasked with
investigating this case,
I cannot fabricate
the truth in secret.
I must stay true to the facts.
You are right, my lord.
In this world, black is black,
and white is white.
We can't distort the truth.
Watch the water carefully,
be careful not to get burned.
I was only expressing
my suspicions casually.
In the end,
it will be up to you,
my lord, to decide.
I do have someone in mind
as a suspect.
Yueluo,
Xiao Wuxia.
Xiao Wuxia?
Who is Xiao Wuxia?
Xiao Wuxia,
is the son of the former
lord of Yueluo, Xiao Haitian.
His whereabouts are
currently unknown.
Yuelou has been under
our control for 20 years.
If anyone has
such abilities now,
it’s likely only him.
If the killer is from Yuelou,
then it could indeed
silence the Wei people.
Could he really
be from Yuelou?
We need to probe deeper.
What’s wrong?
Are you alright?
Did you get burned?
I’m fine.
The porridge and side
dishes I made should be ready.
I’ll bring them over.
Let’s all have
some breakfast first.
Sounds good.
Come.
This is my special porridge.
See how it tastes.
Lord Marquis.
Xiao Ci,
I’ve never had
such sweet and
fragrant porridge before.
The taste lingers in my mouth.
Truly unforgettable.
You have great skill.
I even gave this
porridge a name.
It’s called
‘No Bitterness Porridge.’
‘No Bitterness Porridge?’
That’s an interesting name.
Indeed, it’s
straightforward but not plain.
How did you come
up with that name?
In life,
we experience many
flavors—sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy.
If a bowl of porridge
can temporarily soothe
some of that pain,
then it’s as good as it gets.
Commander Wei,
what do you think of
the porridge’s taste?
It’s too sweet.
I don’t like sweet things.
Then next time,
I’ll try to make a
less sweet porridge
for everyone to try.
Young Master,
pardon my frankness,
but no matter how
much we discuss,
it’s all speculation.
There’s no hard evidence.
To be honest,
I do have a plan in mind.
I just need San Lang’s help.
Help?
There were actually
two people that night
I haven’t questioned thoroughly.
You mean Fan Yi and Tong Min?
Exactly.
That day in the court,
they were imprisoned
for dereliction of duty.
I haven’t had a chance
to question them yet.
But from my position,
if I question Tong Min,
it might seem like
I’m covering for him.
So, Young Master,
you want me to—
it would be best
if San Lang questioned them.
I can go in and out
of the prison easily.
If possible,
I’d like San Lang
to take my maid along.
I—
The prison is no
place for a maid.
Young Master, have
you thought this through?
If I ultimately fail
to uncover the truth,
Tong Min will be
sentenced to death.
He’s already imprisoned,
so how can I not be worried?
Therefore,
I would like my maid
to bring him some food.
I have no problem with that,
but—
Is Miss Jiang willing?
I will follow Lord
Marquis' orders.
Good.
In that case,
once everything is arranged,
I will come to the residence
personally to fetch Miss Jiang.
Thank you, Commander Wei.
Thank you, San Lang.
I don't understand.
Why is Lord Marquis letting
Miss Jiang visit Tong Min?
This matter is critical.
If there’s any mistake in
delivering the message,
won’t it affect
solving the case?
San Lang’s suspicion
has not yet been cleared.
Lord Marquis—
Sending Miss Jiang
to go with Commander Wei alone
is a way to test him.
But when Teng Rui’s
incident occurred,
Commander Wei
was at the banquet.
It would have been difficult for
him to be in two places at once.
If the real culprit
did indeed use lightness
skill to bypass all the guards
and remain undetected,
he must possess
extremely high martial skill.
In all of Qingkang,
there are only a few
with such abilities.
Moreover,
San Lang is just
as cunning as me.
This matter is too important.
We must verify things carefully.
What’s your plan to
verify it, Lord Marquis?
Tomorrow, find an opportunity
to leave the two of them alone,
then secretly observe
if there are any
unusual actions.
If San Lang passes the
test without suspicion,
then in the future,
we can work
together without worry.
Moreover,
ensure Miss Jiang's safety.
Yes.
Xiao Ci,
Lord Marquis.
I’ve prepared everything.
You’ve worked hard.
Lord Marquis, you’ve been
exhausted investigating the case.
If I can help you,
I’m happy to do so.
Your hand is burned.
I’m fine.
You cook every day.
Keep something on hand,
just in case.
Alright.
Thank you, Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis, don’t worry.
I will definitely ask
Deputy General Tong
about all the
details of that night.
You understand my intentions.
Lord Marquis is worried
about Deputy General Tong
and concerned about this case.
You know
Deputy General Tong
has always been loyal.
If Commander Wei
interrogates him,
he will definitely be cautious
and won’t reveal the truth.
That’s why I’m going.
Xiao Ci, you are indeed clever.
It’s just a small trick.
Not worth mentioning.
Lord Marquis, you
should rest early.
Xiao Ci.
I can't accompany you.
You’ll have to go with San Lang.
Are you afraid?
Although Commander
Wei has a bad reputation,
he’s fairly good-looking.
People say you can quench
your thirst by imagining plums.
For me, it’s like looking
at a face to calm my fear.
Then,
how do I compare to him?
In my heart,
Lord Marquis is a
noble gentleman,
unmatched by anyone.
Sir,
without proper permission,
you cannot enter.
Commander An, why
don’t you wait outside?
Miss Jiang and I will go inside.
Just now, in the carriage,
you reacted quickly.
If it weren’t for you,
I wouldn’t have to
sneak around like this.
Who was sneaking around
to slip into Fanglin Garden?
As I recall,
you even took a pot of wine.
I deserved it, I admit it.
But you,
you’ve committed
so many murders.
You’ll face retribution
sooner or later.
I saved your life.
Are you repaying
kindness with hatred?
You belong to me.
How could I repay
kindness with hatred?
Nonsense.
Who belongs to you?
You think I’m the murderer?
Then tell me,
at the time of the crime,
I was right in front of you.
How could I have
gone to the villa to kill?
You have so many subordinates,
of course you could
have ordered them.
The villa was heavily guarded.
The place was sealed tight.
Only someone with
high-level martial arts
could have entered.
That’s exactly what
your Lord Marquis said.
You've seen my subordinates.
You've witnessed their skills.
Tell me,
which one of them
has that ability?
Moreover,
I’ve already shown
Pei Yan the right path.
It’s him who refuses to take it.
The Lord Marquis is nothing
like you, so despicable,
calling a stag a horse!
It’s not that he
refuses to do that.
It’s just that naming the
killer as a Yuelou man
has far greater benefits
than blaming the Wei people.
Do you know why An
Cheng was eavesdropping?
Because Pei Yan
doesn’t trust me at all.
And he doesn’t trust you either.
If my identity is exposed,
you’ll be in the same boat.
When that happens, Pei Yan
will be completely
disappointed in you.
I’m afraid
You talk as if I
trust either of you.
You walk your broad highway,
and I’ll walk my narrow bridge.
We’ve never been
on the same path.
Deputy General Tong.
Miss Jiang?
Why is it you?
I was ordered by
the Lord Marquis
to bring you some food.
The Lord Marquis has
shown me such kindness.
Even if I die, it’s worth it.
Deputy General Tong,
we’re investigating
this case right now.
I need you to tell me everything
that happened that night,
without missing a single detail.
I’ll pass it on to the Lord
Marquis, word for word.
He will surely save you.
Don’t worry.
Commander Wei is assisting
the Lord Marquis
in this investigation.
Speak freely.
That night,
Fan Yi and I were on patrol.
When we reached
Teng Rui's courtyard,
it was the second
quarter of Xu hour.
It’s really tough on you,
Deputy General Tong.
It’s obviously the
Madam’s birthday banquet,
but you’re out here
enduring the elements.
Why don’t you go
back and grab a bite?
I’ll stand guard here.
I, Tong Min, am not
someone who neglects his duties.
Let’s go.
Reporting, Deputy General Tong.
Everything is normal.
Master Teng has
quite an appetite.
Not eating at the banquet,
but instead,
having his own feast here.
I saw through the window,
Teng Rui was still happily
eating roasted lamb.
A few days ago,
Master Teng complained
about our southern
lamb being too gamey.
He wanted
northern-style roast lamb.
Our cooks couldn’t prepare it.
So their people
brought in northern lamb
and hired chefs from
the Yuelai Restaurant.
I’ve investigated these
people thoroughly.
There’s no issue.
Let’s go.
I continued patrolling.
And then?
And then,
Fan Yi and I
circled the house,
but found nothing unusual.
We now suspect
the thief sneaked into the villa
between the first and
third quarter of Xu hour.
During that time,
did anything happen?
Nothing happened.
Well, except for the strong
wind that night, does that count?
Deputy General Tong,
the wind is too strong here.
Let’s patrol somewhere else.
When Fan Yi and I reached
the back of the house,
the north wind was howling.
He quickly pulled me away.
If you’re going to
interrogate Fan Yi,
I’m coming too.
That’s not quite
appropriate, is it?
If you don’t let me come,
I’ll go back and tell
the Lord Marquis!
Fan Yi was your planted man.
What’s wrong?
Afraid to take me with you?
You’ve certainly
learned to act the part.
Commander Wei,
please save me.
I beg you, save me.
Fan Yi,
your negligence in duty
caused Teng Rui's death
at the Pei family villa.
How am I supposed to save you?
It was just a moment
of carelessness,
but it’s not a crime
punishable by death.
I’ve contributed
greatly to Da Liang.
Doesn’t merit
balance out my crime?
You can say that
to me all you want,
but if the emperor hears it,
you know
what the outcome will be.
Right now,
be honest and confess.
That’s the only way
to redeem yourself.
Small bet, small bet
Place your bets.
Place your bets.
I don’t believe it.
Come on, place your bets.
Open it.
Open
Come on
Commander Fan,
these 30,000 gold,
when do you plan to pay it back?
I only owe you 3,000 gold.
3,000?
Do you think we’re
running a charity?
What bank doesn’t
charge interest?
I’m an official of the court,
you dare to extort me?
Commander Fan,
since you understand
that you hold a
government position,
if this gets out of hand,
who do you think it will affect?
You must be more
aware of that than we are.
I really don’t know anything.
That night,
everything
was checked and patrolled
according to procedure.
There were no abnormalities.
I really don’t know
how the assassin infiltrated.
Fan Yi.
You've been in
the army for years.
How could you make
such a basic mistake?
Unless
there's someone behind you,
secretly manipulating you.
You do realize that
colluding with assassins
will result in your
body being torn apart
and your entire family executed?
No!
I didn’t collude
with any assassin!
Commander Wei,
for the sake of our
years of service together,
both serving His Majesty,
I beg you,
please plead for mercy
on my behalf before His Majesty.
Commander Fan.
I am Jiang Ci,
a maid of Marquis Jian Ding.
I have something to ask you.
On the night of the crime,
was it windy behind the house?
Yes.
It was very windy.
Deputy General Tong and I
patrolled behind the house,
and it was freezing.
Seeing nothing unusual,
we left.
Miss Jiang,
how is Tong Min?
Deputy General Tong is fine,
don’t worry.
It’s rare for me to get out.
I’d like to visit the market.
I can also buy some ingredients
to prepare something
nourishing for the Lord Marquis.
He’s been working hard,
investigating day and night.
Miss Jiang is considerate
of the Lord Marquis,
truly rare.
I’ll accompany you.
Then
Commander Wei?
It’s fine.
Since I promised
the Lord Marquis
to bring Miss Jiang
back safe and sound,
I certainly can’t leave early.
Miss, come and see
these fresh flowers.
These are flower seeds.
Take them home, plant them, and
they'll bloom into beautiful flowers.
I’ll take this one.
Here.
Alright, it's packed for you.
The vegetable
market is just ahead.
Let’s go have a look.
Fresh flowers for sale!
Flower seeds!
Come, look at my fresh flowers.
Brother, give me some money.
Give me some money, brother.
Go ask the man in the purple.
Ask that brother up ahead.
Brother, give me some money.
Please, give some, brother.
You’re not planning to do
anything to An Cheng, are you?
I’m not foolish enough
to commit a crime in
broad daylight on the street.
Now, talk.
What do you want from me?
You’re from Yuelou City.
Yuelou City?
That day, I made a bowl
of "Not Bitter Porridge."
You were the only one who
noticed the taste was different.
I just said
I don’t like sweet things.
You said it was too sweet.
And you agreed
with the Lord Marquis
and Brother Cui.
You said it was too sweet,
but in fact, it
wasn’t bitter enough.
Is that so?
Not Bitter Porridge initially
tastes sweet and mellow.
Then, a bitterness follows.
The taste lingers sweetly.
It has a unique flavor.
It’s because there’s
a flower inside,
a Lingjiu flower,
sweet yet bitter.
This flower only
grows in Yuelou City.
And "Not Bitter
Porridge" as well.
In this world,
those who know
"Not Bitter Porridge"
and have tasted
its authentic flavor
are few and far between.
It’s just a bowl of porridge.
But that day in the tree,
you were ready to kill me,
yet when you saw
the Yuelou Journal,
you hesitated.
Later, you even
casually mentioned
Yuelou to me.
And?
Yuelou people
are naturally handsome.
Lian’er was,
and so are you.
So,
you purposely said
that the porridge
was your creation,
waiting for me to expose you.
I was gambling.
Gambling on what?
Gambling that you are a wanderer
without a home to return to.
For wanderers,
their homesickness
is hard to suppress.
But you guard
your heart too well.
It’s too hard to find any clues.
So
I had no choice but to use
a dish from your
homeland to test you.
Even if it just stirred
a small flicker of
emotion, it was enough.
Even if
I am from Yuelou City,
what can you do about it?
Give me back my clay cat.
Otherwise, I’ll tell
the Lord Marquis,
and you won’t be able to escape.
Really?
If I told you that
if anything happened to me,
the people of Jiangjia Village
would die with me,
would you believe me?
I hit the mark.
Do you think you can
use them to threaten me?
They’ve called me a wild
girl since I was a child.
Always giving me cold looks,
throwing stones at me.
I hated them so much,
why would I care
about their lives?
But I’m an outsider anyway.
It’s not worth it
to have a full-blown
fight with you.
Tell you what,
just give me back my clay cat.
I already told you,
the mountain is hidden
The waters stretch far.
I promise you, we
won’t meet again.
And I won’t ruin
your plans anymore.
Jiang Ci,
it’s not that I’m purposely
making things difficult for you.
We each serve our own masters.
You have places you want to go,
and I have things I want to do.
You have a master?
Who is it?
He’s even more
ruthless than I am.
It’s better if you don’t know.
Is it the Xiao Wuxia
the Marquis mentioned?
You’re not Xiao Wuxia.
If you're so familiar
with "Not Bitter Porridge,"
then you should know
that "Not Bitter Porridge"
is just a common street food.
Xiao Wuxia is the young
master of Yuelou City.
How could he be
wandering the streets,
eating something so lowly?
And how could a bowl of porridge
stir up his homesickness?
Was the one who broke
into the courtyard that night
him?
Questions you shouldn’t ask,
you shouldn’t ask.
All I can tell you
is that I never went
to the courtyard,
and I never killed anyone.
But the Marquis
will still suspect you.
As long as Pei Yan believes you,
he will believe me.
What do you mean?
As long as Pei Yan believes
you won’t betray or deceive him,
then my actions,
which are naturally
linked to you,
will not be questioned either.
But in my view,
Miss Jiang,
you probably wouldn’t want
to deceive him anymore.
As long as the Marquis
no longer suspects you,
you'll return my clay cat to me.
Of course.
Alright.
It’s a deal.
In the future, if you
have something to say
but it’s inconvenient to speak,
just make a signal
with the moon.
When the time comes,
I'll find a place
to meet with you.
Once I’m done
with this, we’re even.
There’s nothing more to say.
Alright.
Here.
No need for change.
Alright, alright, thank you.
Thanks.
Why did you pack me
all these vegetables?
The person spying
on us has returned.
Commander An.
When did he start following us?
As long as Pei Yan
hasn’t been dealt with,
this situation
is likely to repeat many times.
But that’s fine.
If An Cheng reports back,
Pei Yan will trust it more.
What are you doing?
You still don’t
understand a man’s heart.
♪Pluck a red bean, cherish you♪
♪Deep within♪
♪A flower of affection blooms
without fading♪
♪Forever in love♪
♪Fold a kite, let it fly with the wind♪
♪Into sweet dreams♪
♪The beautiful moments we shared
last through time♪
♪We never leave each other♪
♪My love sees
the sun rising and the moon setting♪
♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪
♪Two hearts bound to each other♪
♪Like flowing water,
love and hate continue♪
♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪
♪You are still there when I turn back♪
♪As passionate as we first met,
I hold your hands through eternity♪
♪Time cannot separate us♪
♪Our longings go on♪
♪My love sees
the sun rising and the moon setting♪
♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪
♪Two hearts bound to each other♪
♪Like flowing water,
love and hate continue♪
♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪
♪You are still there when I turn back♪
♪As passionate as we first met,
I hold your hands through eternity♪
♪Time cannot separate us♪
♪Our longings go on♪
piling as high as mortal mercilessness♪
♪Gone with the wind,
as if it has never existed♪
♪I ask for more time♪
♪To rewrite our stories♪
♪We travel together in joys and woes♪
♪Blood bathes this entangled destiny♪
♪For the next reunion
in the troubled times♪
♪We tread a treacherous path♪
♪To find each other♪
♪Wars and bleakness,
the bright moon shines upon the city♪
♪I will offer my bravery♪
♪Fighting relentlessly♪
♪All for no regrets♪
♪In this life-and-death battle,
I will not back down♪
♪Withstand enduring time♪
♪Someone at the end of the world
never leaves♪
♪I brave the grim haze
to be with you once again♪
=Love of Nirvana=
(Based on Xiao Lou's novel of the same name)
=Episode 7=
I thank Your Majesty for
your care and protection.
But my reputation
is a small matter.
If war breaks out between
the two nations again,
it will cause great
suffering for the people.
That would be the true crime.
I humbly request to lead
the investigation of the case.
I vow that within ten days,
I will uncover the
truth behind the fire.
And find out what
really happened.
Within ten days.
What if you can't
uncover the truth?
Then I beg Your Majesty
to hold me accountable
for the failure of the peace
talks and the renewal of conflict.
Are you aware
of the consequences
of these words?
If you fail to find
the real culprit,
you will not only be
unable to return to the court,
but you will also lose your
title as Marquis of Jian Ding.
You won't be able
to keep your rank.
I will ensure this case
becomes an indisputable one.
I will not let the peace
talks fall through.
Please, Your Majesty,
grant me this opportunity.
Very well.
I will grant you your request.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Do not disappoint me.
Your Majesty,
there is one more matter
I wish to ask for your approval.
Speak.
The maid I recently took in
had brief contact
with the assassin.
I wish to take her along
during the investigation
as she might help
uncover useful clues.
Is this a trivial matter
for me to handle?
Do you intend to
work me to death?
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Go now.
My Lord,
Pei Yan has already requested
permission from His Majesty
to investigate the fire case.
Jiang Ci will accompany
him in the investigation.
We originally wanted
to use the fire at the villa
to remove Pei Yan
from the picture.
Who would've thought
he would still be the
one in control in the end.
Did you personally see Pei Yan
escorting His Majesty out
of the mansion that night?
I saw it with my own eyes.
I dare not leave
out any details.
How was His Majesty's
expression at that time?
His expression was very complex.
But there was no anger.
Who did His Majesty meet
while he was in the mansion?
It should be
Madam Rong Guo.
Madam Rong Guo?
Yes.
Was Jiang Ci present?
She was.
Then it all makes sense.
His Majesty secretly
visiting a minister’s widow
must not be leaked.
If Pei Yan is smart,
he would have killed
that girl that night.
Bringing Jiang Ci along
for the investigation
is Pei Yan negotiating
with His Majesty
to spare Jiang Ci’s life.
He’s turning a
pretense into reality.
By the way, my Lord,
Ping Shu has reported
that Jiang Ci
is from Jiangjia
Village in Liang'an.
What do you plan to do with her?
Originally, I
would’ve killed her.
But now it seems
she still has some use.
Stop.
The Guards of Light
are the last line of
defense for His Majesty.
They are the sharpest
blade in this world.
This blade
should not be wrapped
in soft, luxurious silk.
Nor should it retreat.
You must know
that anyone can retreat,
but the Guards of Light cannot.
Your Majesty, I greet you.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Why is it that after
your promotion,
you seem unhappy?
It is an honor to receive
Your Majesty's favor.
How could I be unwilling?
But the better Your
Majesty treats me,
the more
I think of
my brother, who was lost
and separated from me.
Back then, the two of us
relied on each other for survival.
We fled from Bingzhou to
Qingkang to escape the chaos.
I was useless.
I couldn't protect
my younger brother.
He ended up being
sold into slavery.
And even worse,
I don’t even know
if he’s alive or dead.
Rise.
Get up.
Consort Wei, you place great
importance on sibling affection.
And you care so much
about your brother.
It truly moves me.
Rest assured.
I promise you,
I will find your brother
as soon as possible.
Ah Zhao.
Ah Zhao.
Ah Zhao.
Who would have thought,
that the slave boy
from ten years ago
would become the person
I trust the most today.
Even if Commander
Wei is highly capable,
it is only because
Your Majesty is merciful
and personally kept him
by your side to nurture him.
The Teng Rui case
is of great importance.
Pei Yan is investigating
it while under suspicion.
We need someone to
stabilize the situation.
No!
No!
Lord Marquis.
Look.
Lord Marquis.
Commander Wei is here.
Young Master.
I hope I’m not late.
Just in time.
Commander Wei, I must say,
you really do spoil your maid.
You pamper her quite a bit,
don’t you think?
During an investigation,
there are bound to be
moments of confusion.
The maid is quick-witted,
and if she serves
tea at the right time,
it can ease our fatigue.
Well then,
have you made any
discoveries, Young Master?
Your master is so troubled,
why don’t you go make tea?
I’m just here to run
errands for Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis,
allow me to help.
Judging from the scene,
the Ministry of Justice’s
inspection was thorough.
The source of the fire
did indeed start
from this curtain.
At exactly the hour of Xu,
Teng Rui was eating roast lamb.
A maid even served
him tea to aid digestion.
Go quickly,
warm up some wine.
He even asked the maid
to warm up several more
pots of wine to bring over.
By the third quarter
of the hour of Xu,
the fire broke out.
Teng Rui’s room
suddenly burst into flames.
Did you find out
anything about the people
who roasted the
lamb for Teng Rui?
Yes, we did.
They are all workers
from the Yuelai Inn.
According to them,
after Teng Rui finished
eating the roast lamb,
he said he was cold.
so he didn't ask them to
remove the charcoal fire.
At the first quarter of the hour of
Xu, the maid watched them leave.
They left.
Which means,
the culprit entered
Teng Rui's room
sometime between the first quarter
and the third quarter of the hour of Xu.
Could it really have
been an accident?
The villa was heavily guarded.
For the culprit to have entered
without anyone noticing
would have been
nearly impossible.
However, if they took
advantage of the banquet
when there were
many people around,
and slipped in unnoticed,
it wouldn’t be impossible.
What do you think, San Lang?
From the first to the third
quarter of the hour of Xu,
the people at the banquet
should be able to
vouch for each other.
We can rule out quite
a few suspects that way.
But I heard that
at the first quarter
of the hour of Xu,
San Lang left the
banquet for a while.
He only returned at the
second quarter of the hour of Xu.
During that time,
no one saw you.
I am truly ashamed to admit,
at the time, I suddenly had
a craving for the porridge
on the banquet table.
But it had cooled.
So I thought,
I’d go to the kitchen to
get a bowl of hot porridge.
Who was in the
kitchen at that time?
Xiao Ci.
Miss Jiang's culinary skills
are truly remarkable.
That night,
I was indeed with Commander Wei.
I even made porridge
for him to drink.
Why didn’t you
tell me this earlier?
It was my oversight,
I ask for Lord
Marquis' forgiveness.
Young Master, please
don’t blame Miss Jiang.
It must be because
my reputation
outside is so terrible,
that I frightened Miss Jiang.
San Lang, don't be offended.
No harm done.
Young Master is simply following
orders to investigate the case.
It’s only natural to
thoroughly investigate
every detail.
We mustn’t overlook any clues.
An Cheng!
Order a full
investigation of the villa,
within a ten-mile radius.
Yes,
Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis,
look at this.
That damned faceless cat!
If I can help Lord
Marquis catch him,
I might have a chance to
get my little clay cat back.
If the faceless cat
got his hands on
Teng Rui's daily
records through me,
there might be clues left behind
in the places involved.
How exactly did
the culprit get in?
They just won’t give up.
You’re quite clever,
always clinging to Pei Yan
or Cui Liang.
But too bad,
you’ve still ended up alone.
Lord Marquis is
right over there.
If you dare kill me here,
you won’t get away.
Miss Jiang, you
underestimate me.
I have countless ways
to make you disappear
without a trace,
without anyone knowing.
Help! Help!
Help!
Help!
Help me!
Xiao Ci!
Xiao Ci!
Lord Marquis, I’m fine.
Commander Wei,
San Lang!
Commander Wei, San Lang!
Commander Wei, San Lang!
San Lang!
Wake up! Commander Wei!
Commander Wei!
San Lang!
Come!
I’ll prepare some medicine.
San Lang!
What happened?
Shameful.
I came here to look for clues,
but I wasn’t careful
and fell into the water.
Luckily, Miss Jiang saved me.
I called for help earlier,
but no one heard me,
so she jumped in
herself to rescue me.
Young Master,
today
I’m afraid I can’t
continue the investigation.
An Cheng,
take Commander Wei
and get him some clean clothes.
San Lang,
go back and rest quickly.
Alright.
Come.
Miss Jiang, I will never forget
your life-saving grace.
In the future,
if you ever need help,
don’t hesitate to ask.
Just let me know.
Xiao Ci,
are you alright?
Speaking of
How did you end
up with San Lang?
Must have been a blind
cat catching a dead rat.
Be careful not to catch a cold.
Go change into
dry clothes quickly.
Yes.
Take out your
luggage, let me see.
The city hasn't
been very safe lately.
San Lang has arrived.
Lord Marquis,
wipe your face to
wake yourself up a bit.
I also made some
porridge and light dishes.
Once it's ready,
I'll bring it over.
Alright.
Xiao Ci,
make some tea for me first.
Yes.
San Lang,
nothing serious,
it's already fine.
Did Young Master
discover any clues?
If the assassin
wanted to kill Teng Rui,
there are only two
ways to enter the villa.
One,
disguise themselves,
and sneak in somehow.
But we checked everyone
who entered the
villa that night.
No one was suspicious.
What about the other way?
The other is someone
highly skilled in martial arts,
who could bypass all the
guards using lightness skill,
and not be detected.
But,
the world is full
of martial experts.
It's like finding a
needle in a haystack.
I think
there's another possibility.
Using force against force,
letting them fight
among themselves.
Could it be that
San Lang is implying
Lei Zhen?
Well,
I’m not like Young Master,
a righteous gentleman.
When I encounter such matters,
I tend to think,
perhaps someone under Teng Rui
was dissatisfied with him,
and wanted to
use this opportunity
to kill
Teng Rui.
However, when Lei Zhen caused trouble
at the gate of the Marquis's residence,
it didn’t seem fake.
Commander An is indeed
as upright as Young Master.
The more upright
a person is,
the more they suffer.
Please, explain in detail.
Your Majesty tasked you with
uncovering the truth of this case.
The truth is important,
But even if you go
through all that trouble,
and find the real culprit,
what difference would it make?
As long as the
culprit is from Liang,
war between Liang and
Wei will inevitably resume.
What happens after
the truth is revealed
is what we should be
more cautious about.
Are you saying, Sanlang,
that the key to this case
is not in finding out
who really killed Teng Rui,
but rather how to prevent a
war between Liang and Wei?
If the culprit is someone
outside of Liang,
perhaps even from Wei,
then this matter
could be resolved peacefully.
I understand your intentions
and concerns, Sanlang,
but
since I was tasked with
investigating this case,
I cannot fabricate
the truth in secret.
I must stay true to the facts.
You are right, my lord.
In this world, black is black,
and white is white.
We can't distort the truth.
Watch the water carefully,
be careful not to get burned.
I was only expressing
my suspicions casually.
In the end,
it will be up to you,
my lord, to decide.
I do have someone in mind
as a suspect.
Yueluo,
Xiao Wuxia.
Xiao Wuxia?
Who is Xiao Wuxia?
Xiao Wuxia,
is the son of the former
lord of Yueluo, Xiao Haitian.
His whereabouts are
currently unknown.
Yuelou has been under
our control for 20 years.
If anyone has
such abilities now,
it’s likely only him.
If the killer is from Yuelou,
then it could indeed
silence the Wei people.
Could he really
be from Yuelou?
We need to probe deeper.
What’s wrong?
Are you alright?
Did you get burned?
I’m fine.
The porridge and side
dishes I made should be ready.
I’ll bring them over.
Let’s all have
some breakfast first.
Sounds good.
Come.
This is my special porridge.
See how it tastes.
Lord Marquis.
Xiao Ci,
I’ve never had
such sweet and
fragrant porridge before.
The taste lingers in my mouth.
Truly unforgettable.
You have great skill.
I even gave this
porridge a name.
It’s called
‘No Bitterness Porridge.’
‘No Bitterness Porridge?’
That’s an interesting name.
Indeed, it’s
straightforward but not plain.
How did you come
up with that name?
In life,
we experience many
flavors—sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy.
If a bowl of porridge
can temporarily soothe
some of that pain,
then it’s as good as it gets.
Commander Wei,
what do you think of
the porridge’s taste?
It’s too sweet.
I don’t like sweet things.
Then next time,
I’ll try to make a
less sweet porridge
for everyone to try.
Young Master,
pardon my frankness,
but no matter how
much we discuss,
it’s all speculation.
There’s no hard evidence.
To be honest,
I do have a plan in mind.
I just need San Lang’s help.
Help?
There were actually
two people that night
I haven’t questioned thoroughly.
You mean Fan Yi and Tong Min?
Exactly.
That day in the court,
they were imprisoned
for dereliction of duty.
I haven’t had a chance
to question them yet.
But from my position,
if I question Tong Min,
it might seem like
I’m covering for him.
So, Young Master,
you want me to—
it would be best
if San Lang questioned them.
I can go in and out
of the prison easily.
If possible,
I’d like San Lang
to take my maid along.
I—
The prison is no
place for a maid.
Young Master, have
you thought this through?
If I ultimately fail
to uncover the truth,
Tong Min will be
sentenced to death.
He’s already imprisoned,
so how can I not be worried?
Therefore,
I would like my maid
to bring him some food.
I have no problem with that,
but—
Is Miss Jiang willing?
I will follow Lord
Marquis' orders.
Good.
In that case,
once everything is arranged,
I will come to the residence
personally to fetch Miss Jiang.
Thank you, Commander Wei.
Thank you, San Lang.
I don't understand.
Why is Lord Marquis letting
Miss Jiang visit Tong Min?
This matter is critical.
If there’s any mistake in
delivering the message,
won’t it affect
solving the case?
San Lang’s suspicion
has not yet been cleared.
Lord Marquis—
Sending Miss Jiang
to go with Commander Wei alone
is a way to test him.
But when Teng Rui’s
incident occurred,
Commander Wei
was at the banquet.
It would have been difficult for
him to be in two places at once.
If the real culprit
did indeed use lightness
skill to bypass all the guards
and remain undetected,
he must possess
extremely high martial skill.
In all of Qingkang,
there are only a few
with such abilities.
Moreover,
San Lang is just
as cunning as me.
This matter is too important.
We must verify things carefully.
What’s your plan to
verify it, Lord Marquis?
Tomorrow, find an opportunity
to leave the two of them alone,
then secretly observe
if there are any
unusual actions.
If San Lang passes the
test without suspicion,
then in the future,
we can work
together without worry.
Moreover,
ensure Miss Jiang's safety.
Yes.
Xiao Ci,
Lord Marquis.
I’ve prepared everything.
You’ve worked hard.
Lord Marquis, you’ve been
exhausted investigating the case.
If I can help you,
I’m happy to do so.
Your hand is burned.
I’m fine.
You cook every day.
Keep something on hand,
just in case.
Alright.
Thank you, Lord Marquis.
Lord Marquis, don’t worry.
I will definitely ask
Deputy General Tong
about all the
details of that night.
You understand my intentions.
Lord Marquis is worried
about Deputy General Tong
and concerned about this case.
You know
Deputy General Tong
has always been loyal.
If Commander Wei
interrogates him,
he will definitely be cautious
and won’t reveal the truth.
That’s why I’m going.
Xiao Ci, you are indeed clever.
It’s just a small trick.
Not worth mentioning.
Lord Marquis, you
should rest early.
Xiao Ci.
I can't accompany you.
You’ll have to go with San Lang.
Are you afraid?
Although Commander
Wei has a bad reputation,
he’s fairly good-looking.
People say you can quench
your thirst by imagining plums.
For me, it’s like looking
at a face to calm my fear.
Then,
how do I compare to him?
In my heart,
Lord Marquis is a
noble gentleman,
unmatched by anyone.
Sir,
without proper permission,
you cannot enter.
Commander An, why
don’t you wait outside?
Miss Jiang and I will go inside.
Just now, in the carriage,
you reacted quickly.
If it weren’t for you,
I wouldn’t have to
sneak around like this.
Who was sneaking around
to slip into Fanglin Garden?
As I recall,
you even took a pot of wine.
I deserved it, I admit it.
But you,
you’ve committed
so many murders.
You’ll face retribution
sooner or later.
I saved your life.
Are you repaying
kindness with hatred?
You belong to me.
How could I repay
kindness with hatred?
Nonsense.
Who belongs to you?
You think I’m the murderer?
Then tell me,
at the time of the crime,
I was right in front of you.
How could I have
gone to the villa to kill?
You have so many subordinates,
of course you could
have ordered them.
The villa was heavily guarded.
The place was sealed tight.
Only someone with
high-level martial arts
could have entered.
That’s exactly what
your Lord Marquis said.
You've seen my subordinates.
You've witnessed their skills.
Tell me,
which one of them
has that ability?
Moreover,
I’ve already shown
Pei Yan the right path.
It’s him who refuses to take it.
The Lord Marquis is nothing
like you, so despicable,
calling a stag a horse!
It’s not that he
refuses to do that.
It’s just that naming the
killer as a Yuelou man
has far greater benefits
than blaming the Wei people.
Do you know why An
Cheng was eavesdropping?
Because Pei Yan
doesn’t trust me at all.
And he doesn’t trust you either.
If my identity is exposed,
you’ll be in the same boat.
When that happens, Pei Yan
will be completely
disappointed in you.
I’m afraid
You talk as if I
trust either of you.
You walk your broad highway,
and I’ll walk my narrow bridge.
We’ve never been
on the same path.
Deputy General Tong.
Miss Jiang?
Why is it you?
I was ordered by
the Lord Marquis
to bring you some food.
The Lord Marquis has
shown me such kindness.
Even if I die, it’s worth it.
Deputy General Tong,
we’re investigating
this case right now.
I need you to tell me everything
that happened that night,
without missing a single detail.
I’ll pass it on to the Lord
Marquis, word for word.
He will surely save you.
Don’t worry.
Commander Wei is assisting
the Lord Marquis
in this investigation.
Speak freely.
That night,
Fan Yi and I were on patrol.
When we reached
Teng Rui's courtyard,
it was the second
quarter of Xu hour.
It’s really tough on you,
Deputy General Tong.
It’s obviously the
Madam’s birthday banquet,
but you’re out here
enduring the elements.
Why don’t you go
back and grab a bite?
I’ll stand guard here.
I, Tong Min, am not
someone who neglects his duties.
Let’s go.
Reporting, Deputy General Tong.
Everything is normal.
Master Teng has
quite an appetite.
Not eating at the banquet,
but instead,
having his own feast here.
I saw through the window,
Teng Rui was still happily
eating roasted lamb.
A few days ago,
Master Teng complained
about our southern
lamb being too gamey.
He wanted
northern-style roast lamb.
Our cooks couldn’t prepare it.
So their people
brought in northern lamb
and hired chefs from
the Yuelai Restaurant.
I’ve investigated these
people thoroughly.
There’s no issue.
Let’s go.
I continued patrolling.
And then?
And then,
Fan Yi and I
circled the house,
but found nothing unusual.
We now suspect
the thief sneaked into the villa
between the first and
third quarter of Xu hour.
During that time,
did anything happen?
Nothing happened.
Well, except for the strong
wind that night, does that count?
Deputy General Tong,
the wind is too strong here.
Let’s patrol somewhere else.
When Fan Yi and I reached
the back of the house,
the north wind was howling.
He quickly pulled me away.
If you’re going to
interrogate Fan Yi,
I’m coming too.
That’s not quite
appropriate, is it?
If you don’t let me come,
I’ll go back and tell
the Lord Marquis!
Fan Yi was your planted man.
What’s wrong?
Afraid to take me with you?
You’ve certainly
learned to act the part.
Commander Wei,
please save me.
I beg you, save me.
Fan Yi,
your negligence in duty
caused Teng Rui's death
at the Pei family villa.
How am I supposed to save you?
It was just a moment
of carelessness,
but it’s not a crime
punishable by death.
I’ve contributed
greatly to Da Liang.
Doesn’t merit
balance out my crime?
You can say that
to me all you want,
but if the emperor hears it,
you know
what the outcome will be.
Right now,
be honest and confess.
That’s the only way
to redeem yourself.
Small bet, small bet
Place your bets.
Place your bets.
I don’t believe it.
Come on, place your bets.
Open it.
Open
Come on
Commander Fan,
these 30,000 gold,
when do you plan to pay it back?
I only owe you 3,000 gold.
3,000?
Do you think we’re
running a charity?
What bank doesn’t
charge interest?
I’m an official of the court,
you dare to extort me?
Commander Fan,
since you understand
that you hold a
government position,
if this gets out of hand,
who do you think it will affect?
You must be more
aware of that than we are.
I really don’t know anything.
That night,
everything
was checked and patrolled
according to procedure.
There were no abnormalities.
I really don’t know
how the assassin infiltrated.
Fan Yi.
You've been in
the army for years.
How could you make
such a basic mistake?
Unless
there's someone behind you,
secretly manipulating you.
You do realize that
colluding with assassins
will result in your
body being torn apart
and your entire family executed?
No!
I didn’t collude
with any assassin!
Commander Wei,
for the sake of our
years of service together,
both serving His Majesty,
I beg you,
please plead for mercy
on my behalf before His Majesty.
Commander Fan.
I am Jiang Ci,
a maid of Marquis Jian Ding.
I have something to ask you.
On the night of the crime,
was it windy behind the house?
Yes.
It was very windy.
Deputy General Tong and I
patrolled behind the house,
and it was freezing.
Seeing nothing unusual,
we left.
Miss Jiang,
how is Tong Min?
Deputy General Tong is fine,
don’t worry.
It’s rare for me to get out.
I’d like to visit the market.
I can also buy some ingredients
to prepare something
nourishing for the Lord Marquis.
He’s been working hard,
investigating day and night.
Miss Jiang is considerate
of the Lord Marquis,
truly rare.
I’ll accompany you.
Then
Commander Wei?
It’s fine.
Since I promised
the Lord Marquis
to bring Miss Jiang
back safe and sound,
I certainly can’t leave early.
Miss, come and see
these fresh flowers.
These are flower seeds.
Take them home, plant them, and
they'll bloom into beautiful flowers.
I’ll take this one.
Here.
Alright, it's packed for you.
The vegetable
market is just ahead.
Let’s go have a look.
Fresh flowers for sale!
Flower seeds!
Come, look at my fresh flowers.
Brother, give me some money.
Give me some money, brother.
Go ask the man in the purple.
Ask that brother up ahead.
Brother, give me some money.
Please, give some, brother.
You’re not planning to do
anything to An Cheng, are you?
I’m not foolish enough
to commit a crime in
broad daylight on the street.
Now, talk.
What do you want from me?
You’re from Yuelou City.
Yuelou City?
That day, I made a bowl
of "Not Bitter Porridge."
You were the only one who
noticed the taste was different.
I just said
I don’t like sweet things.
You said it was too sweet.
And you agreed
with the Lord Marquis
and Brother Cui.
You said it was too sweet,
but in fact, it
wasn’t bitter enough.
Is that so?
Not Bitter Porridge initially
tastes sweet and mellow.
Then, a bitterness follows.
The taste lingers sweetly.
It has a unique flavor.
It’s because there’s
a flower inside,
a Lingjiu flower,
sweet yet bitter.
This flower only
grows in Yuelou City.
And "Not Bitter
Porridge" as well.
In this world,
those who know
"Not Bitter Porridge"
and have tasted
its authentic flavor
are few and far between.
It’s just a bowl of porridge.
But that day in the tree,
you were ready to kill me,
yet when you saw
the Yuelou Journal,
you hesitated.
Later, you even
casually mentioned
Yuelou to me.
And?
Yuelou people
are naturally handsome.
Lian’er was,
and so are you.
So,
you purposely said
that the porridge
was your creation,
waiting for me to expose you.
I was gambling.
Gambling on what?
Gambling that you are a wanderer
without a home to return to.
For wanderers,
their homesickness
is hard to suppress.
But you guard
your heart too well.
It’s too hard to find any clues.
So
I had no choice but to use
a dish from your
homeland to test you.
Even if it just stirred
a small flicker of
emotion, it was enough.
Even if
I am from Yuelou City,
what can you do about it?
Give me back my clay cat.
Otherwise, I’ll tell
the Lord Marquis,
and you won’t be able to escape.
Really?
If I told you that
if anything happened to me,
the people of Jiangjia Village
would die with me,
would you believe me?
I hit the mark.
Do you think you can
use them to threaten me?
They’ve called me a wild
girl since I was a child.
Always giving me cold looks,
throwing stones at me.
I hated them so much,
why would I care
about their lives?
But I’m an outsider anyway.
It’s not worth it
to have a full-blown
fight with you.
Tell you what,
just give me back my clay cat.
I already told you,
the mountain is hidden
The waters stretch far.
I promise you, we
won’t meet again.
And I won’t ruin
your plans anymore.
Jiang Ci,
it’s not that I’m purposely
making things difficult for you.
We each serve our own masters.
You have places you want to go,
and I have things I want to do.
You have a master?
Who is it?
He’s even more
ruthless than I am.
It’s better if you don’t know.
Is it the Xiao Wuxia
the Marquis mentioned?
You’re not Xiao Wuxia.
If you're so familiar
with "Not Bitter Porridge,"
then you should know
that "Not Bitter Porridge"
is just a common street food.
Xiao Wuxia is the young
master of Yuelou City.
How could he be
wandering the streets,
eating something so lowly?
And how could a bowl of porridge
stir up his homesickness?
Was the one who broke
into the courtyard that night
him?
Questions you shouldn’t ask,
you shouldn’t ask.
All I can tell you
is that I never went
to the courtyard,
and I never killed anyone.
But the Marquis
will still suspect you.
As long as Pei Yan believes you,
he will believe me.
What do you mean?
As long as Pei Yan believes
you won’t betray or deceive him,
then my actions,
which are naturally
linked to you,
will not be questioned either.
But in my view,
Miss Jiang,
you probably wouldn’t want
to deceive him anymore.
As long as the Marquis
no longer suspects you,
you'll return my clay cat to me.
Of course.
Alright.
It’s a deal.
In the future, if you
have something to say
but it’s inconvenient to speak,
just make a signal
with the moon.
When the time comes,
I'll find a place
to meet with you.
Once I’m done
with this, we’re even.
There’s nothing more to say.
Alright.
Here.
No need for change.
Alright, alright, thank you.
Thanks.
Why did you pack me
all these vegetables?
The person spying
on us has returned.
Commander An.
When did he start following us?
As long as Pei Yan
hasn’t been dealt with,
this situation
is likely to repeat many times.
But that’s fine.
If An Cheng reports back,
Pei Yan will trust it more.
What are you doing?
You still don’t
understand a man’s heart.
♪Pluck a red bean, cherish you♪
♪Deep within♪
♪A flower of affection blooms
without fading♪
♪Forever in love♪
♪Fold a kite, let it fly with the wind♪
♪Into sweet dreams♪
♪The beautiful moments we shared
last through time♪
♪We never leave each other♪
♪My love sees
the sun rising and the moon setting♪
♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪
♪Two hearts bound to each other♪
♪Like flowing water,
love and hate continue♪
♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪
♪You are still there when I turn back♪
♪As passionate as we first met,
I hold your hands through eternity♪
♪Time cannot separate us♪
♪Our longings go on♪
♪My love sees
the sun rising and the moon setting♪
♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪
♪Two hearts bound to each other♪
♪Like flowing water,
love and hate continue♪
♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪
♪You are still there when I turn back♪
♪As passionate as we first met,
I hold your hands through eternity♪
♪Time cannot separate us♪
♪Our longings go on♪