01x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows
palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin,
by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 4]

[Western Marketplace]

Tanghulu!

I want some!

Mister, one for you?

Mr. Zhan, aren't you going to have one?

What a joke.

A man like me would never
eat something like Tanghulu.

Thanks.

[Qiaoxiang Pavilion]

Is it closed?

Why don't we visit another shop,

Si?

No need for that.

Qiaoniang kept the door open for me.

You should head inside, then.

I'll wait for you out here.

All right, Zhan.

Tanghulu.

Tanghulu.

- Mr. Zhan!
- Tanghulu!

Mr. Zhan!

Sir,

I thought a mature man

shouldn't be eating this.

I'm a mature man

when Si is around.

When it's just you and me,
I'm the boss.

I don't care.

[To Miss Si.
Please retrieve it at any time]

So sweet.

Mr. Zhan.

Look who's here.

You got away with

disrespecting the Marquis
of Changxing's heir apparent.

This time,

you won't be as lucky.

He was my brother-in-law.

Why do you care?

I don't like the look on your face.

What do you want?

You want a fight?

Fine by me.

But with all the people walking around,

the officers will show up

as soon as

we start fighting.

That takes the fun out of it.

Do it elsewhere.

Very well.

But Mr. Zhan, your injury...

Tell Si

I have matters to tend to.

Your father is here!

After him!

Do you see him?

No.

Over here?

No.

I'm right here.

Jiang Zhan!

Mr. Jiang.

The fruits look fresh and delightful.

Freshly picked?

Yes.

I'll try one.

Put it on my family's tab.

Certainly. Thank you, sir.

This is delicious!

Thank you!

A lone wisp of smoke rises
from the desert,

as the sun sets on the long river.

A perfect depiction

of Ling'an sunset.

This city is thriving.

However, the sunset is underwhelming.

Hold on.

And who might you be?

How dare you mock our beautiful sunset?

You're living in a bubble.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well then,

where is the best sunset?

[Lu Chuchu, Yu Qi's junior]

The frontier, of course.

A lone wisp of smoke rises
from the desert,

as the sun sets on the long river.

Have you heard it?

That depicts the scenery
of the frontier.

As if

you've been there yourself.

Of course I have.

I've roamed the world.

It's my wish to witness

the wonders the world has to offer.

You're wasting my time.

And you're wasting mine too!

Toys!

Sir.

Miss, what do you need?

I'll have one.

It's eight wen.

Very well.

Cursed thief!

You talked to me

so your buddy could

steal my money!

What?

What money?

Stop pretending.

Give it back.

Hold on, lady.

Only the righteous win the argument.

Are you crazy?

Who are you calling crazy?

You, of course!

What a waste of your good looks.

You...

What?

Come down here if you dare.

What is this?

Give it back.

Pull me up!

Don't get physical!

I want my money back!

Do I look like

a thief to you?

You look arrogant and wayward.

You stole from me

because you lost your family wealth!

What now?

Help!

She is molesting me!

Shut it!

You're the thief here.

She is robbing me!

Help!

I won't waste my time on you.

Since you deny it,

I'll take this instead.

But...

I thought everyone around here

was a good swimmer.

How don't you know

how to swim?

Please disperse.

Sir.

I'll have a hot cup of tea.

Right away.

Thanks.

Alright.

Is he dead?

Wake up.

Wake up!

Open your eyes!

Wake up!

- Mr. Zhan!
- Wake up!

Mr. Zhan!

Ji! Hurry, it's Mr. Zhan!

Wake up!

Zhan!

Si, I'm right here!

Zhan!

Zhan, are you hurt?

No.

You promised me you wouldn't

go near the river!

I told you

to never go to any rivers.

I forgot.

How could you?

You made a promise!

You can't swim!

You can't be at the river!

Calm down, Si.

I promise.

I swear!

I don't need you to swear.

I need you to be safe.

You can't swim.

I'm worried

when you come to the river.

I'm sorry.

Look, I am perfectly fine.

I'm safe.

See?

But you fell into the river.

I am totally right.

Sorry for the trouble.

Are you

my brother's friend?

What friend?

She is a bandit!

Stop staring.

This is your fault.

Si,

we had a short conversation.

She called me a thief's accomplice

when her money was stolen.

She even took my money.

Outrageous!

Since it's not you,

take this back.

It is mine all along.

Why? Do you think you can
get away with this?

Miss,

you may keep the money.

Si, what are you doing?

It's partly my brother's fault

that you lost your money.

Consider this

a token of our gratitude.

Never mind.

It's a misunderstanding.

I shouldn't

take advantage of him.

I understand.

I'm sure you are

a reasonable person.

How about this?

Consider this a loan from me.

Judging by the looks of it,

you are new to Ling'an.

You will need money

for many things.

Please accept the money.

When you can afford it,

come to the Count of Dongping's Mansion

to return it.

You are a nice person.

Much nicer than your brother.

I appreciate your help, miss.

You're welcome.

Don't worry,

I will return the money someday.

Sure.

Goodbye.

Si, you are letting
the bad guy walk free.

Shut it.

But my money...

By the way, my name is Lu Chuchu.

What's your name?

My name is Jiang Si.

Very well. I'll remember it.

Miss Jiang, may we meet again.

Take care.

Oh no.

I lost my money.

Zhan,

it's better to make friends than enemies.

Miss, how do you know

the formulas?

This ratio is correct.

And that too.

Have a sniff, Si.

It smells great.

Am I doing it right?

I learn the formulas

from books.

That's impressive.

Unlike me,

I can't even read.

I am blind to knowledge.

Silly.

If you want to learn,

I'll teach you everything.

Give me the bangle.

But Miss Si,

why do you need a fragrance
that helps with sleep

at the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion?

I'm used to my own bed.

I'll get nightmares

at a new place.

Miss Chi?

Niu?

Niu?

None of you is getting away with this.

I got you!

Get over here!

Get over here!

Miss Chi, it's your turn.

It's your turn now.

Come on.

Quick.

Come on.

Come on.

Get over here!

Come on.

Running away?

Did I say you could run?

[A modest gentleman cultivates humility within]
Did I tell you to run?

Did I say so?

How dare you!

You shouldn't have run!

Run, I dare you!

Did I say you could run?

[Marquis of Changxing's Mansion]

Qian.

Pei.

[Jiang Qiao, Jiang Si's elder cousin,
the third girl among siblings and cousins]

Qiao.

You are all here.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

Sorry for the trouble.

Not at all.

I'm so glad

you are willing to be here.

It has been an exhausting ride

to come here.

The meal in the reception hall.

Come on.

[Main Hall
of the Capital Administration Office]

Chief.

I checked the Tianxiang Pleasure House

Jiang Zhan mentioned.

I didn't find

anything suspicious.

We lack viable leads.

There isn't much we can do.

I came to Ling'an

to investigate

the infiltration of Nanwu.

Some hard work is needed.

It won't be easy.

But now...

What's the matter?

Since I got the position,
I must do my job.

The Capital Administration Office's
top priority

is locating Madam Xiu's daughter.

Yes.

I'll get the files.

This way, please.

Qian,

this garden is huge.

The peonies are beautiful.

Once we finish dining,

we can all take a walk

in the garden.

Si, take a seat here.

Qiao, have a seat.

You may make yourselves at home.

Don't be strangers.

Qian, should we not

greet the Marchioness?

I told her

about your stay here.

She mentioned

you should get some rest

after you arrive.

You may meet her tomorrow morning.

Qiao is like

the old me.

She is overly cautious

and afraid of making mistakes.

You must all be hungry.

Dig in.

Daring, I am back.

Xingyu.

- Xingyu.
- Xingyu.

Your sisters are all here.

Wonderful.

Qian!

Let go of me!

You smell great.

Let go of me!

You still want to run?

Let go of me!

I forgot

to send someone

to inform you.

I didn't know

you'd come at this hour.

Pardon my behavior.

Take care of them.

I'll be in my study.

Yes, Xingyu.

Take a seat.

Qian,

does your husband

dine with you every day?

Yes.

You must be a loving couple.

Don't make fun of your sister.

These are the files on all missing girls

over the past five years.

Such a lot.

All are unsolved.

Indeed.

Chen Yushuang?

Niuxing Street.

Yan Qianrou. The right-wing
of the southern district.

[Map of Ling'an City]

Chief, what's wrong?

Do you notice something?

These marks

are the missing girls'

last known locations.

These are the locations
where the missing girls

were seen over the past year.

Do you notice it?

Whether it was five years

or a year ago,

this part

[Baihu Bridge]
never saw any disappearances.

The artificial mountain

uses rocks from South Lake.

This is called the Bayin Pavilion.

Qian.

The peonies are gorgeous.

You came at the right time.

Had you come any later,

they would have withered.

Why don't we

take a closer look?

I'm not used to the scent

of peonies.

Perhaps

I can take a rest at the pavilion.

You go ahead.

I'll keep you company.

Sure.

Si, you could come with me.

Alright.

Chief.

Those two were bribed

just recently.

Will they even

help us?

We're here, so stop talking.

Come on.

Sir, I'm sorry!

I've learned my lesson!

Indeed.

I was too blinded by my greed

for money.

I made a mistake.

It's not about that.

Have you seen this girl?

Who is it?

At the beginning of the year,

this girl went missing.

Where are you going?

I'm right here.

Nowhere to run.

Jump if you dare.

Sir.

Please have mercy on us.

We wouldn't dare get involved

with the official's business.

Official?

More than one girl has gone missing.

This is a huge case.

It

was the Marquis
of Changxing's heir apparent.

The girl came here

with him.

He

brought the girl

to my stall

for some wontons.

Just when a customer

was about to leave,

he bumped into Mr. Cao.

The customer apologized,

but he wouldn't let it slide.

Things got ugly.

That's right.

Tons of people saw it.

The girl even

tried to calm him down.

This time of the year,

the peonies are late
into their blooming season.

The peonies

I saw elsewhere

always look

somewhat spiritless.

But look at these.

They look marvelous!

This flower too.

Same as that one.

They bloom like rosy clouds.

What a breathtaking sight.

Si, what's wrong?

I'm fine.

There is a stench
in the flowers' scent.

I know this smell.

Rotting corpses.

Could it be that
beneath these flowers...

How beautiful!

Qiao, don't touch it.

Si, why can't I touch it?

I caught a stench

from the flowers.

Don't you smell it?

Now that you mention it,
I think there is.

This is my bad.

Neither gold nor silver.

What metal is this hairpin made from?

It's copper.

A copper hairpin?

Even the servants of this mansion

wear golden and silver

hairpins.

Why is there a copper hairpin

here?

If corpses were buried

beneath the garden,

maybe this hairpin

belonged to a victim.

Ladies, is there a problem?

Xingyu.

Hello, Xingyu.

Si and I are viewing the flowers.

Could a human being
really be this cruel?

I need an opening

to start investigating.

The peonies on this plot of the garden

are blooming more beautifully
than the others.

Enjoy your time viewing them.

Pei, come and have some perilla drink.

Qian,

Si looks truly amazing.

When she stands in the flower bushes,

her beauty outshines even the flowers.

Even Xingyu couldn't help

but take another look.

This is delicious!

Did I upset you?

You're not wrong.

Not just among us,

barely anyone in Ling'an

could match Si's

beauty.

Having a sister

as beautiful as her,

I'm honored.

She may have the looks of a goddess,

but she won't get a husband

as great as yours.

Xingyu is gentle and well-composed.

He is the prestigious heir apparent

of the Marquis of Changxing.

But look at Si.

She called off her engagement.

I doubt she will find a suitor.

Qian,

we are sisters.

I feel obliged to warn you.

You should

keep an eye on Si.

Keep her away

from Xingyu.

Cao Xingyu

won't relent until he gets

the girl he wants.

Jiang Si should blame

her alluring beauty

and the lack of support

from the Duke of Anguo's Mansion.

I shouldn't feel guilty for doing this.

Miss Si.

Qian.

Why don't you

spend a while longer there?

The flowers look amazing,

but the scent is too intense for me.

I can't stand it.

I could even get bored

by the most stunning view.

Come on.

Sit down and get some rest.

Bring them

the perilla drink.

Are you tired?

My servants can take you to your rooms.

You're in charge, Qian.

The side courtyards where Xingyu stays

have been empty.

Qiao and Pei,

you two may stay at the western one.

Si will be in the eastern one.

How is that arrangement?

Isolating me to make me an easy target.

Fine by me.

At least I can keep Qiao

out of this.

Why does Si

get to have the whole courtyard?

Pei.

Qian.

I don't want to share it

with Qiao.

She is boring.

It's no fun.

I can stay with Si
in the Western Courtyard.

Pei takes the Eastern Courtyard.

Great!

Pei is concerned

she will startle you
when she grinds her teeth in sleep.

Qiao, are you worried?

If it doesn't bother you,

so be it.

Si, we haven't met in ages.

Could I go to your room

for a chat tonight?

She is getting impatient.

I fell for the trap once.

It won't happen again.

We just met not long ago.

If I took more of your time,

Pei would be jealous,

thinking I wanted to make you

mine.

Pei hasn't seen you

in a long time.

I'm sure she has so much

to tell you.

That's right, Qian!

Very well.

I'll go to Pei tonight.

Tomorrow, it's your turn.

It's hard to bring him down.

But it won't stop me

from making him pay for his sins.

Si suffered great humiliation!

How can we swallow this?

I must make Cao Xingyu suffer

even if it cost

my own life!

Let's go, Si!

We'll go to the authorities!

Ancheng, you mustn't do it!

No one steps out of this hall!

Grandmother, what is that
supposed to mean?

Ancheng, this is enough.

At this rate,

Si's reputation will be ruined for good.

She will forever be shunned

by the Duke of Anguo's family!

You're more worried

about your daughter losing face!

Is that more important

than Si's honor?

Si is my niece.

I'm worried about her too.

Of course we are worried

now that she has been mistreated.

But given the Marquis' influence,

filing a report

won't make a difference.

You are powerless against him.

Uncle Anmou,

you're worried we might offend him

and ruin your career, right?

That's not true!

Let's go!

If you walk out of that door,

Ancheng, you are walking over

my dead body!

Old Madam, we wouldn't dare!

Old Madam!

Old Madam, please!

Mother, don't do it!

Father.

Father.

Si.

[Haitang House]

I've failed you.

I talked to people

who were hurt by that fiend.

But no one would testify

against him.

Many families have lost

their daughters.

I suspect it's his doing as well.

More girls

are missing?

It's only my speculation.

I can't prove it.

How can I file a report?

Father, forget it.

Let's not pursue this further.

Aunt Xiao is right.

He didn't get what he wanted.

If this matter escalates,

I will be ashamed

to face my husband

and mother-in-law.

Miss Si,

Miss Qiao is here.

Si?

Qiao?

Shouldn't you be in bed?

Si,

could I stay with you?

I'm used to sleeping alone.

I'm not used to sleeping

in a different room.

I need someone familiar by my side

to fall asleep.

Please stay with me.

But I'm used to sleeping alone.

I can't fall asleep.

Just let me stay tonight,

alright?

Nuo, get the bed ready.

Well, Qiao,

you can sleep inside.

Si, I prefer sleeping on the outer side.

I didn't think you were

so particular about sleeping.

Please go along with me tonight.

Let me take this side.

You should sleep...

It's getting late.

Let's go to bed.

Qiao didn't come along last time.

What is she doing here?

Besides,

she was never this overbearing.

What went wrong?

I am Qian and Xingyu's target.

If Jiang Qiao stays with me,

she could be in danger.

If they could come after me,

they wouldn't

go easy on Jiang Qiao.

I'll make an exception.

I can't let her stay here tomorrow.

As for tonight...

Anuo!

Anuo! Get the lamp!

Anuo!

Aman, hurry!

Quick! The lamp!

Alright, you may go now.

Keep watch outside.

Yes.

Si.

Did you see him?

Cao Xingyu is a fiend!

Qiao.

You guessed it from the get-go.

Si, we must leave tomorrow.

Qian will do anything

to keep us here.

It's not like she can

ground us here.

Si.

Is Qian...?

Si, we must leave tomorrow.

Please.

No.

To Qian and her husband,

you don't know anything.

If you insist on leaving

tomorrow morning,

and given you were with me

when the pervert came by,

they will suspect

you've seen something.

Qiao, give me some time.

I'll take a look outside.

I'll go with you.

It's alright.

Mr. Cao went out at night.

He didn't look well when he returned.

Perhaps

he went to her because he was upset.

The girl had a short life.

Today is her doom.

Anzi, give me a hand. Quick.

I'll get a shovel.

Not my fault.

Don't come to me.

This... This is all Mr. Cao's doing.

You'll be buried soon.

We're missing a shovel.

Did someone move it?

No way.

The gardener cleaned the place.

No one would touch anything

after we scolded him.

Get a hoe. Start digging.

What is it now?

A hand...

A ghost!

Don't blame me.

You shouldn't

have seen this.

Do we have to k*ll her?

Let Mr. Cao handle it.

It's either her or us!

Help me out!

Quick!

I can't die here.

I can't!

Yu Qi?

Quiet. We need to go.

What are you doing here?

Commandant Yu,

you're not the greatest detective.

How could you not know

the Marquis' heir apparent

was my brother-in-law?

Now is not the time for jokes.

Had I not arrived,

you wouldn't even

be alive.

So, what are you doing here?

Investigating disappearances.

I suspect Cao Xingyu is involved.

Did he do anything to you?

He didn't.

Good.

Why were they trying to k*ll you?

Stay still if you want to live.

Listen up.

After finishing your work here,

you lay on the ground and dozed off.

You didn't see anyone.

Is that clear?

You didn't get it.

Look.

I found this in the bushes.

I saw them

burying a corpse.

I suspect

there is more than one victim.

He has no respect for the law.

Daughters of merchants
wear copper hairpins.

I'll confirm it tomorrow.

If Madam Xiu's daughter

is dead,

how will she take it?

Enough.

Stop worrying about the others.

Worry about yourself.

It's not safe here.

Come on.

Yu Qi.

I must stay.

Fine.

What reason do you have

to stay here?

If I left,

Cao Xingyu would

come after my family.

My sister is his official wife,

even though...

Even though she was

the one who lured me here.

Qiao

is too weak to fight,

but still trying to protect me.

And Pei...

Hold on.

What do you mean your sister

lured you here?

No.

It's not safe here.

I'm sending you home now.

And then,

I'll inform
the Capital Administration Office.

Yu Qi.

Don't be rash.

His Majesty favors
the Marquis of Changxing.

Cao Xingyu is his only son.

I know the risks.

Acting rashly

will only alert them.

Jiang Si.

I found a witness.

I located the crime scene.

If I lead an investigation here,

we can find the evidence.

It's futile.

We need proper preparations.

He could destroy the evidence

and eliminate the witnesses.

Hold on.

Did you do something

before I got here?

Anyway, just believe me.

I can't leave.

If I leave now,

he will be alerted.

You will never solve the case.

You won't bring justice
to those who lost

their daughters and sisters.

This mansion

is more complicated than it seems.

We need

a sound plan for this.

We mustn't be rash.

[The End of Episode 4]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges,
we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides,
beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪