01x16 - Episode 16

[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 16]

Put me down.

It's going to rain.

I'll carry you to that grove ahead.

Let's go.

Careful.

I...

When I was a kid,
every time it thundered,

my sister would be scared.

I got used to it.

Which foot is hurt?

Let me see.

It's fine.

Let me check.

I'm good.

What's wrong?

My feet are covered with mud.

When you saved me,

mud was all over me.

Show me.

It was sunny just now.

Why did it rain so suddenly?

When will the rain

stop?

Will it

delay our journey?

Zhan has built a fire.

I wonder

if it will get put out.

Until the rain stops.

It might be a bit painful.

Bear with it.

Where did you

learn this?

When I was young,

I'd scale the walls to play outside.

I often twisted my foot
when I landed poorly.

So I learned to fix it over time.

After I dug a dog hole,

I never twisted my foot again.

How do you feel now?

It's recovered?

The weather is strange.

The sky is clear, but it's pouring.

♪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♪

The tree is huge.

Gentlemen and ladies,

this tree

has been standing here
for over one hundred years.

It's said

there's an immortal from above

who always rests on the top of the tree

whenever passing by.

This tree stays green all year round

and sprouts new leaves every year.

It's an auspicious omen.

So

villagers from all around

come here

to make wishes.

Each time the wind chime sounds,

it represents a word of blessing.

And when the immortal hears them,

they will come to grant the wishes.

Will all the wishes

come true?

If you pray wholeheartedly.

I have the most sincere heart.

I'll make one.

I'll make one.

Let's take a look.

Hey.

Don't look at mine.

I'm going somewhere else to write it.

I want to write one too.

I also want to make a wish.

You can't read or write.

You can't do it.

I'll write it for Aman.

What's your wish?

I want the main branch to be all well.

Nothing for yourself?

[Wish the main branch be all well]
If you're well, I'll be well.

Here you go.

I'll help her to hang it.

Long Dan, I want to hang it myself.

Give it back to me.

I'm hanging it for you.

[May I bring honor to the family
and serve the country]

[May I roam the world as a true heroine]

♪A sudden glance,
just like our first meeting♪

♪Feelings remain,
but things are ever unclear♪

[May Jiang Si]

♪Memories replay♪

♪My heart hesitates♪

♪Can I make it through
another long night?♪

Are you done?

I'll help you.

♪Afraid of losing you again♪

Don't read it.

I won't.

♪The pain lingers deep inside♪

♪Leaving dreams incomplete♪

♪I count the petals as they fall♪

[May I bring honor to the family
and serve the country]

[May I roam the world as a true heroine]

♪Each one a time I've thought of you♪

[May the nation be peaceful]

[May the main branch all be well]

♪Past lives fade like smoke,
can the dreams be undone?♪

♪I still can't let you go♪

♪No matter how far the journey takes me♪

♪If love is strong,
what is there to fear?♪

[May all stay as they are]

♪Can I make it through
another long night?♪

♪Afraid of losing you again♪

♪The pain lingers deep inside♪

♪Leaving dreams incomplete♪

May Jiang Si's wish come true.

May all stay as they are.

Chief.

You didn't hang it for Miss Jiang?

♪Past lives fade like smoke,
can the dreams be undone?♪

[May Jiang Si's wish come true]

♪No matter how far the journey takes me♪

♪I'll do anything to save♪

♪Our shared past♪

Didn't you say Sang Qi

would be transferred to
the execution ground on the outskirts?

It's been six hours.

Is your intel accurate?

More than one informant

received the news.

It should be solid.

The troublesome Mr. Yu

has finally left Ling'an.

Now is the best chance

to save Sang Qi.

They're here.

The person leading the way

is Mr. Zhen, the Deputy Magistrate.

It can't go wrong.

Sang Qi.

Now.

Watch out.

Arrest them alive.

Retreat.

Stop him.

It's still late.

Let's go back
to the Capital Administration Office.

The rain's getting heavier.

Let's find

a shelter first.

Good idea.

Be careful.

[Shan'an Hall]

[Shen Xin'er from Shan'an Hall]
I'm terribly sorry

for startling you all.

[Madam Shen, the owner of Shan'an Hall]
I'm the owner of Shan'an Hall.

My surname is Shen.

Madam Shen,

we're from Ling'an.

We were caught in a heavy downpour
along the way

and hoped to take shelter here
for the night. Would that be all right?

Of course.

If so, we must trouble you.

Madam,

you wore a mask just now.

Don't take it off yet.

It startled me.

You may not know,

but this clinic is in a remote area.

Among travelers passing by here,

some are bandits.

[Miraculous Healing]
I always have to be on my guard.

Jiang,

I'll take a look around.

Go ahead.

I never

allow strangers

to stay overnight here.

But today's rain

is quite unusual.

If you were really caught in it,

I need to help you out.

Madam,

we mean no harm.

Once the rain stops,

we'll leave immediately.

We won't trouble you further.

This is my daughter, Shen Xin'er.

We rely on

each other.

Thankfully, we run this clinic

and sustain ourselves

through healing skills.

Xin'er,

go make some noodles for them.

It'll warm them up.

No need to trouble yourself.

Thank you, miss.

It's no trouble. Let her.

Aman.

Madam,

please accept this.

This is not an inn.

It's just a rundown shack.

How could I take your money?

If you don't accept it,

we won't feel right staying.

Please take it.

If so, thank you.

I'll accept it.

Rest up.

I'll prepare noodles for you.

All right. Hurry.

Sorry to trouble you, madam.

All right.

[Dedicated and Focused]
Ethical and skilled.

[Benevolence and skillful]

Here you go.

Eat it while it's hot.

Enjoy it, miss.

Thank you.

Here are your noodles.

Thank you.

Everyone gets one.

Thank you, Miss Xin'er.

Thank you, madam.

You're welcome.

I was too anxious.

That's why we fell into their trap.

They replaced someone with Sang Qi.

Could Sang Qi be dead?

I'll send someone to investigate.

If he's still alive in prison,

we'll find a way to get him out.

Why are Si and the rest taking so long?

We should set off now.

This is bad!

Mr. Yu, Mr. Zhan!

This is bad!

What happened?

Miss Si has a fever.

She was fine last night.
What could have happened?

I don't know.

Perhaps Miss Jiang

has a weak constitution.

Plus, she got rained on.

That's why she's burning up.

What should we do?

Don't worry.

The reputation of Shan'an Hall
for healing

is well-deserved,

even beyond

this village.

I'll take a look at her.

She's a lady.

You can't go inside.

Xin'er, come with me.

Thank you so much, madam.

Madam Shen,

please take a look at her.

Her fever is getting worse.

She was fine last night.

Why is she burning up all of a sudden?

She has a weak constitution,

and she caught a cold.

That's why the fever came.

Madam Shen, speaking of which,

I think I saw something strange

last night.

Could this old house

be haunted?

Could that be why Jiang Si...?

Miss,

that's possible.

This old house

has been here for years.

But we have nowhere to go,

so we can only stay here.

I'll perform acupuncture for Miss Jiang

and brew a medicinal concoction.

That should help.

All right. Thank you, Madam Shen.

It's been a while.

Let's go inside.

Let's go.

Just now,

I performed acupuncture on Miss Jiang.

Men can't go inside.

Acupuncture will only suppress

the cold in her body temporarily.

She's deficient in both blood and qi.

Also, I'm out of herbs.

The priority now

is to get ice

to lower her fever.

I'll go buy some. Where can I find it?

Thirty li west of the village entrance,

there's an ice cellar.

Understood.

Hurry up.

Miss,

do you remember

the prescription I told you?

Yes.

Those ingredients must be bought

from the specific apothecaries
I mentioned.

All right, I'll go now.

Aman, Chuchu.

All right.

Hurry back.

All right. Quick.

Don't worry.

I'll watch over her.

Take your time. Don't be too anxious.

Xin'er,

bring Miss Jiang some water.

Yes.

There are some dandelions left.

I'll get some.

All right. Please.

Watch over her.

Understood.

Thank you, madam.

Don't mention it.

Sir.

Madam.

Have some water.
Don't overheat yourself.

Thank you, madam.

You should go and rest.

I'll take care of this.

You're sweating. Drink up.

Why hasn't Chief returned yet?

Miss Xin'er,

please

look after Miss Jiang for me.

Also,

where's the washroom?

Over there.

All right.

Thank you.

Miss Jiang, time to take your medicine.

Miss Jiang.

What are you doing?

You're sick, Miss Jiang.

You should take...

I won't drink your medicine.

Aman!

Chuchu!

You suspect me?

Why shouldn't I?

No wonder I kept feeling

someone touching my hand

while I was sleeping.

How could a girl

have such a habit?

Girl?

You think you're smart, don't you?

You're a man!

I was interested in you
from the moment I saw you.

Help, Zhan!

Let go of me.

Help, Zhan!

Shout out all you want.

No one will respond to you.

Help, Zhan!

Xin'er.

How can you do this?

She's of top quality.

Don't ruin her

before she's sold.

I like her.

Not this time.

Something interesting is going
to happen later.

Behave.

Fine.

What are you doing?

Stay still.

Hold him down.

Miss Jiang.

Take her.

Chief, it's my fault.

I couldn't keep Miss Jiang safe.

She was abducted by a g*ng of bandits.

The moment we arrived,

she fell ill and then
was taken by bandits.

This is too much of a coincidence.

Sir,

you've wronged me.

I took you in out of kindness.

I've told you there were bandits

threatening the people here.

My poor daughter

almost got abducted. These sneaky bandits!

Yu,

the priority is to find my sister.

Let's report it to the yamen.

The officials
will search faster than we can.

Aman and I will check the area again.

Maybe we could find something.

We must search around now

before it's too late.

We must report to the yamen!

Who's sounding the drum?

So it's you two commoners

disturbing my night.

[Magistrate Jia]
Do you admit your fault?

Sir,

some bandits stormed into Shan'an Hall

and abducted my sister.

Please send your men to search for her.

Bandits?

Well, then.

Leave your report here.

Once she's been missing for two days,

I'll have my men

search for you.

What?

You're county magistrate.

How could you afford the consequences

if anything happens due to your delay?

This is the yamen.

I'm only acting
according to the protocols.

Who are you to question me?

If anything bad happens to her

under your jurisdiction,

you'll

be stripped

of your position.

How dare you?

Who are you?

How dare you threaten me?

Stand right there.

Someone.

Tell those two

to sell the goods immediately.

We have trouble here.

Yes, Master.

[Price: One hundred liang]

If we sell off this batch,

we'll make quite a profit.

Especially Jiang Si,

an official is interested in her.

He offered a higher price.

Mother,

I also like Jiang Si.

Can we not

sell her?

Anyway,

we have money now.

You short-sighted brat.

Listen.

That girl's appearance

is highly valuable.

Do you even realize

how big of a loss it would be

if we didn't sell her?

I'm telling you, give up on her.

Go away.

Go.

Go out and keep watch.

Yu,

what should we do?

Mr. Zhan, Mr. Yu.

Master Qin,

what happened to you?

I came here to report a case.

My wife, Arong, went missing.

Your wife is gone too?

Some time ago,
when I was in your residence,

she wrote to me

saying she wasn't feeling well

and wanted to go to Shan'an Hall
for treatment.

And

It's Shan'an Hall again.

I never heard from her since.

I was worried about her condition,

so I rushed back.

Arong.

Arong.

Arong.

Arong.

Arong.

Master Qin, you're back.

Madam Li,

have you seen Arong?

What happened to my house?

Uh...

Tell me.

I went to report a case,

but that darned official

doesn't care about the people.

[Shan'an Hall]

This is bad.

Something's wrong
with that woman and her daughter.

Madam, you bring new goods here.

Let me see.

Oh, this little chick.

Get your dirty hands off her.

She has a high value.

Yes.

Take her to the room at the back.

Hurry.

Keep an eye on her.

Chief.

Did you find her?

No. Nothing on this side.

Nothing in this room either.

I found knockout powder.

Look.

Seems like the shadow I saw last night

was real.

They probably wanted

to drug me,

but changed their minds
when they realized

I knew martial arts.

Mr. Yu,

this is our fragrance powder.

Miss Si must've left this behind.

Where did you find it?

Right at the entrance.
It's scattered all the way out.

Let's go.

[Shan'an Hall]

[Arong]

Where's this place?

A shabby shack in the mountains.

There are many others like this

around here.

They're all used to confined

women who got tricked

by that mother and her son.

You too?

But I'm not like you.

I'm married,

so no one would take me.

What's your name?

Arong.

It's been a long time

since someone asked me that.

Arong,

haven't you tried to escape?

How could I not have tried
if I had a chance?

But their men are guarding
the place outside.

They pretend

to be kind physicians,

but in reality,

they're running this vile business.

They made a fortune from it

and hired people to keep watch over us.

You won't succeed.

I've tried many times.

Every time they caught me,

they beat me mercilessly.

Even if I manage to escape,

it wouldn't make a difference.

I've already

been assaulted

by that vile son.

I...

Arong,

we'll find a way

to get out of this place.

Think about your family.

We mustn't give up.

My husband.

It's been so long

since my husband
received a letter from me.

He must still be waiting for me.

Quiet.

Drink up.

What's taking Si so long

to deliver the food?

Go check on him.

You all keep drinking.

Come on.

Let's eat up.

Do the new chicks today

have a good market?

Is anyone taking them?

Oh, they're fine goods.

They're all fine.

Go.

Glad to hear that.

Keep drinking.

More.

We can't stop.

Come on. Drink up.

We can't stop.

That chick is such a fine lady.

Come on.

Who's there?

Run, I dare you.

Run.

I'll wait for you.

Arong!

Arong!

You two, go that way.

Yes. Let's go.

You, come with me.

Yes.

After her.

Quick.

Don't let her get away.

Stop right there.

Stop.

Stay where you are.

Stop.

She's over there.

You two, head that way.

Yes. Go.

We go that way.

Yes.

Where's she?

Hurry!

Nice running.

Are you still running?

Got her.

I'm bushed.

Where's Arong?

What Arong?

You mean

the woman who's carrying my child?

Mother. The one

who tried to run away with her.

What did you do to her?

When I caught her earlier,

I happened to check her pulse.

I never expected her to be pregnant
for months.

Before her belly starts showing,

sell her off to a pleasure house.

Bring her out.

Quick.

Arong.

Madam, she's here.

Arong.

Miss Jiang.

Arong!

Don't mind me.

What are you doing?

♪Life is like a wilting flower,
blooming and withering with the seasons♪

♪The wind leaves its trace,
swaying, yet holding firm♪

♪Not asking for more care
from the heavens♪

♪May I enjoy the blessings
in the days to come♪

♪Only wishing for a life
free from entanglements♪

♪Fate plays its tricks;
we are but mere mortals♪

Arong!

Arong!

♪Looking back, I dare not gaze too long
at the road I've traveled♪

Madam.

Arong!

Oh no.

Arong!

I have nothing to do with this.

Jeez.

I don't really wish to sell you off

if I could.

Later,

I'll dress you up nicely

as a parting gift.

♪Sighing in despair. Is it too late?♪

She'll start seeing guests tonight.

Get over her.

We've lost one here.

Take her away.

♪My feelings are numb.
Is it too much to bear?♪

Tie her up and keep watch.

♪How many regrets are left unfulfilled?♪

♪A chance to mend, to make it whole♪

♪An inch of longing, a lifetime untold♪

It's Magistrate Jia.

What a corruption.

No wonder.

This is just a token of my appreciation.

Not bad.

Let's charge in.

Let's go.

No.

Why?

We don't know
how many of them are inside.

If we act recklessly,

they might

harm Miss Jiang.

What should we do then?

Long Dan.

Yes.

Bring Mr. Zhen here now.

Yes, Chief.

Be careful.

Here you are.

You all stay here.

I'll take a look inside.

Be careful, Qi.

Just stay here

quietly.

I'll get you beautiful clothes.

Let's go.

Jiang Si.

I didn't see you when I got back.

I was so worried
something bad might happen to you.

I was terrified.

You're finally here.

Don't be scared.

Come with me.

We can't leave yet.

If we go now,

Madam Shen and Shen Xin'er

will destroy all the evidence.

And

more women

will fall prey to them.

All right.

I'll stay outside and watch over you.

Put this on.

Why did you even try to escape?

Your face is dirty.

You're nothing like a man.

You still have to listen to your mother

even though you're a grown-up.

What did you say?

Was I wrong?

However, I think

you have

a soft heart for women.

It wasn't your choice

to harm

all those women.

Besides, you dress as a woman.

How could you possibly

find a woman who loves you?

If you're arrested one day,

you'll be doomed.

What are you getting at?

You people

have already ruined my reputation,

and I have nowhere to go.

If I say

I'm willing to be with you,

will you

abandon your mother

and take me away immediately?

Do you mean it?

Do you think

I have other choices?

A woman is in a desperate situation

once her reputation is tarnished.

All right.

If you'll have me,

I'll take you away today.

We have plenty of money now.

But...

my mother is no easy person.

That money isn't mine yet.

Is there anything

that's very important

to your mother

that she'd risk herself

to protect it?

If you can

find it

and keep it in your possession,

she'll give you

anything you want.

I got it.

Dear, wait for me.

Xin'er!

Where's she?

She ran away.

Si!

Miss Si!

Zhan.

I thought

I would never see you again.

- Si.
- Jiang Si.

- Si.
- Zhan.

Are you all right?

Did they do anything to you?

I'm fine. Don't worry.

Mr. Zhen,

we're arriving in Lingwu soon.

The journey is a bit bumpy.

Are you all right?

Long Dan, I'm good.

We must keep moving.

I'm fine.

Miss Si,

have you seen a woman

called Arong?

She's my wife.

Have you seen her?

Mr. Yu,

have you seen Arong?

Qin.

Arong...

Arong took her own life.

Really?

This is impossible.

No.

Arong!

Qin.

I'm going to k*ll these monsters.

Master Qin.

Master Qin.

Master Qin.

Hold this for me.

You're injured.

It's nothing. I'll help him.

Wait.

Master Qin.

Master Qin.

Calm down.

I'm going to k*ll them

to avenge Arong.

Master Qin, we have no idea

what's inside.

Going in now

is putting your life on the line.

Arong's died.

What does my life matter?

Who will avenge her if you die?

Nice brew.

I want more.

Sir, here's to you.

Let me pour you some more.

Cheers.

Why are you here again?

Magistrate Jia, you're incompetent,

and we're worried.

So of course, we had to return

to demand justice.

Ridiculous.

I don't have time

to argue with you pointlessly.

You corrupt official.

Your people are suffering,

yet you indulge yourself

in seeking pleasure here.

How dare you!

Get out of this place right now.

Or else,

I'll have you arrested.

I'm Yu Qi, the commandant
of the Capital Administration Office.

This case is now mine.

Oh, it's Commandant Yu.

Please pardon me.

I was too foolish
to recognize your greatness.

Please forgive me.

May I ask

what case

brings you here?

I believe you're well aware

of the mother and her son
from Shan'an Hall.

The son disguised himself as a woman

to as*ault, abduct,
and sell women into prostitution.

Do you have no idea at all
about all these?

I see.

You're talking
about Shen Xin'er and her mother.

They're well-received in the county

for their healing skills.

Magistrate Jia,

I'm truly impressed

by how you lie right through your teeth.

You turn a man

into a woman with mere words.

This is a misunderstanding.

Madam Shen gave you

a bag of silver

in the shack in the mountain, did she?

Mr. Jia.

Mr. Zhen.

"Officials do not fear my strictness
but my integrity.

The people are not convinced
by my ability but by my justice."

How would you ignore the truth

and misjudge the case

for your own greed?

You sit high above the people,

yet I'm merely

a lowly magistrate.

How can you possibly understand

if you haven't experienced it yourself?

If those innocent women

were discovered

to have visited

Shan'an Hall,

how would they ever

carry on with their lives?

Regarding Shen Xin'er's case,

I've obtained

solid evidence.

Mr. Jia,

you shielded criminals, abused the law,

and accepted bribes.

Guards.

Arrest him.

Yes.

- Hurry.
- Move.

Stay close.

Quick.

Hurry.

Master Qin!

I'm going to k*ll you all.

Master Qin, don't be impulsive.

I want to k*ll them

to avenge Arong.

Master Qin, you can't do this.

They deserve to die,

but if you k*ll them,

you'll be breaking the law.

You'll ruin yourself.

k*lling them now

would be too easy on them.

Do you know what the punishment is

for their crimes?

They'll be ex*cuted

and suffer a gruesome death.

Guards, take them away.

Please spare my son.

Move.

I'm begging you.

Qin,

where are you going?

After losing Arong,

I have nowhere to go.

I've thought of retreating to a temple,

where I may find solace.

I came to bid you farewell
before I leave.

Qin...

I've made up my mind.

Please don't try to stop me.

Master Qin,

let me see you off.

Si,

we've stayed in Lingwu County too long.

If I stick to our plan

and return to Lingshui
for the ancestral ceremony,

I'll miss the registration

for the Imperial Insignia Guards.

I've told Yu

and Mr. Zhen to protect you.

With them by your side,

I'll be more at ease.

In that case, you should get going.

Duty comes first.

When I reach Lingshui,

I'll explain everything to Yi.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry.

Let's go, Master Qin.

Take care, Miss Si.

Miss Jiang,

it's cold at night.

Don't catch a cold.

Zhen,

thank you for showing up on time.

Otherwise, Magistrate Jia

would've covered up

the case.

But you still look troubled.

I heard

many women

who went to Shan'an Hall before

were so harshly blamed

by their husbands' families
that they wanted to k*ll themselves.

I'm wondering

if I did the wrong thing.

Yes.

[The End of Episode 16]

♪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♪