Sir, here he is. Hong Luo, a Merchant of Yueliang Kingdom, (Employment system issued by Imperial Court)
needs to enter Dafu Market, Anle Community, (Dafu Market, Anle Community, Ning’an City, Dayong)
Ning’an City, Dayong, for transactions. Relying on the background
of the royal family, this profiteer has nothing to fear, and travels between countries to collect and sell information. Over there. If Guo Yun bought the secret letter I wrote to Nandong Kingdom and used it to accuse me
of collaborating with the enemy and treason, it would be an inexplicable death penalty. Don’t worry, sir. Today we have deployed arrangements. We will be able to get this letter ahead of Guo Yun. Look at this piece of jade. Here. And ear of wheat. Not in the sleeve. Watch out. Sorry, sir. What are you doing? I’m so sorry. I didn’t notice. What’s wrong with you? Sorry. Not in the hat. Mr. Bi. Sorry. Let me clean it for you. Not in his arms. Scare him as planned. Yes. Step aside. What’s going on? Catch the thief! Catch the thief! No. Catch the thief! Step aside. Catch the thief! Come back. Got it. The letter should be hidden
in the bead on the belt. =Episode 1= (Peace, Hanhui Pavilion) Little girl. This is you. Tie it over there. Horses cannot be hitched here. I can put it wherever I want. Exactly.
What? According to the article 21 of chapter 5
of the Yong Dynasty's regulations, horses are not allowed to be tied
along the streets of Dafu Market. Please take the horse to the stable. Who do you think you are? What's going on outside? Leave me alone. It’s Hong Luo who’s in a dispute
with a vendor downstairs. It’s none of your business. Sell your noodles. Don’t worry, sir. Our men have been there. Just lead Hong Luo into the restaurant. Calm down. Sir. Easy. There is a stable behind our restaurant. I'll take your horse there. Sir, this way, please. Here it is. Come in, please. Wine for you. Please take a seat. Sir, please. Sir. What do you want? The most expensive one. The most expensive one. Sure. One serving of milk sheep pot. Sir. How can you take milk sheep pot
without lamb wine? Take a try. But that's not how to drink the wine. Sir. He’s way too wary. It’s hard to take actions. The person who contradicted
Hong Luo just now is the noodle seller? Yes. One noodle for Table Peony of Zuiwanchun. One more poached egg. When it's done, send it over. Okay. Your noodle. I didn’t order it. Piss off. You asked someone to order it. It’s you again. Two pennies for the noodle. Three pennies for the egg. A total of five pennies. You are courting death. Beat him. The bead. The bead. The bead is missing. The bead. Come on. Look for it. Come on. Look for it. Block the restaurant. None of them can get out. Stop. Hurry up. Sir, easy. Sir. Let's think of another way. You have caught the wrong person. This... Boss. We’ve searched. No found. Where is my bead? You got the wrong person. Then why did you run? I’m just an errand man. Of course I have to run. I was in a hurry to deliver lamb wine
to the guests. It would delay business. If I can't find the bead today, none of you can leave. No worries. Let’s think of a way. Man. Don't you know how to solve crimes? To tell you the truth, a few days ago, he was the one who helped my wife find out the case-dough I hid. Man. Do him a favor. He dropped my noodles. I don't want to help him. That noodle... Before I dropped it, my bead was still there. Then it was gone. The bead was lost
when you dropped the noodle? It was lost at that time. Right. (At that time, I was only concerned
about my noodle) (and didn't notice someone stealing) (But why did it happen at that moment) Have you ever gotten up before I came in? No. (I was taken advantage of) I can help you. You really didn't order the noodle. Someone took advantage of our conflict to deliberately make me irritate you. Someone? Who? Show me your belt. Here you are. (A scratch) (The chopsticks are clean) (Bowls and chopsticks are unmoved) Where are the guests at that table? The guest of Table Magnolia
has just paid the bill. I don’t know if he left or not. It’s me. (Grease on cuffs) But I'm only here for a meal. Search him. No need. The bead isn’t with him. But he did a favor. The person who stole the bead is the dancer. What? The bead is inlaid on the belt. The fat around your waist is so thick that it sticks to the bead when you sit down. It is only convenient to take action if someone provoked you to stand up. The dancer then scraped the bead off with a thin wire. So there is a very fine scratch on the belt. It’s you. Hold on. The bead has been transferred. But you can check her hands. She did steal it. The best place to assist the dance is your seat. You sit behind him, the easiest to take action. You blocked the restaurant when it was stolen. But he ran out the first time to sell the dummy, so that he had time to transfer the bead again. Sir. Go. This is the bead I lost. How do you know the bead is here? The fishlike smell on his cuffs suggests that he transferred the bead (Fishlike smell)
to a plate of fish. Steamed river fish can't hide the bead. The steamed sea bass is almost finished. The spicy boiled fish's oil broth is so hot that may burn the bead. Only the eye of chub is the best place. Amazing. Who ordered the fish? It’s... Chunguang Pavilion on the second floor. Go. Hurry up. (The carriage axle is three feet long) (The sedan is four feet long) (The depth is three feet long) (One can only turn right
at the intersection ahead) (Cut a shortcut) (Xu’s Garment)
(to catch up with them) Sorry. Look, Zhang Ping. Zhang Ping. Why is he in such a hurry? Exactly. He must be looking for a kitten and puppy
for someone else. The road ahead too narrow to make through. I still have time. The first popcorn in capital. The first popcorn in capital. Take a try. The first... (Zhang’s Grocery Store) What are you doing? Are you from Zuiwanchun Restaurant? My husband is dead. Why should I go to the restaurant? Sorry. Man. Man. Where are they? Did you catch them? No. I am so exhausted. Man. Thank you today. Tell me what you want. Pay me for the bowl. Two pennies. Only the bowl? Nothing else? You didn’t order the noodle. You don’t have to pay for it. What? Hot... (Hanhui Pavilion) Hot pancakes. The last ones. Zhang. Where have you been? It’s getting dark. Didn't we agree yesterday that I'll pay the wages today? We’d both go home early
and eat delicious food. I remember. Zhang. What did you do? Why did you make so little money today? I told you a long time ago to focus on selling noodles and don't get into trouble. Look, your brother-in-law earns so much money every day. A scholar is selling noodles on the street. It’s really a disgrace to the educated class. Zhang did this because of poverty in his family. Why is it a disgrace to the educated class? What’s more, he took third place in the metropolitan
examination of Xichuan County. What about you? Let’s go. You’ve got scholarly honor. This is called self-abandonment. Yes. Scholar, farmer, artisan and merchant. Merchant is the most humble. Who do you call humble? Make it clear. What? Scholar, farmer, artisan and merchant are all the foundation of the country. There is neither lowliness nor nobleness. You... Who are you? Lan Jue. Or you can call me Peizhi. This... Mr. Lan. Mr. Lan. Shun was employed when plowing the fields, Fu Yue was employed when building walls. Before they became officials, some of the senior officials in the court sold calligraphy on the street, and some lived in ruined temples. Don't underestimate the business
in the marketplace. You are right, sir. This is the real insight. Sorry for the offense today. We are leaving. You are Mr. Lan, Vice Minister of Rites? This is Chen Chou. Greetings to Mr. Lan. Zhang Ping. Zhang Ping. Greetings to Mr. Lan. Mr. Lan. Your name is Zhang Ping? The imperial examination is coming soon. You are not studying at home
to prepare for the exam, but selling noodles on the street. Are you having trouble? Because of poverty. Most of the scholars who came here for the exam were funded by their families. Your willingness to be self-reliant is quite rare. I am an orphan. Mr. Lan. He’s always like this. Don’t you mind. Never mind. That being the case, why don't you find an official or a wealthy gentry for a pushover? If you are interested, I can recommend it for you. Are you familiar with the Highest Judiciary? Why are you so insensible and picky? I’m not familiar with the Highest Judiciary. But my family happens to lack an accountant. Would you like to try? Then I'd rather sell noodles. Forget it. I won’t push you. If you change your mind in the future, come to the official office
of the Ministry of Rites to find me. I am Lan Jue, Vice Minister of Rites. Sir. What do you think? Could it be that he was instructed by someone to do it on purpose? No difference from my original judgment. Just a hothead. To be cautious, find someone to check him. Yes. Fortunately you used the escape plan today. Otherwise, today... As solemn as the wind under the pine tree, and as bright as the moon in the forest. I didn't expect Mr. Lan to be so approachable. Oh. Say something. Oh. Oh. If it weren't for Mr. Lan today, you would have been bullied
by those two scholars again. I told you many times not to set up a stall here. But you didn’t listen to me. There are many customers here, so it is easy to make money. Many customers? You sold noodles for a day. But no one ever sat here. Are you kidding me? Wait! Chen Chou. Clean it up for me. Zhang. Where are you going? (The futon in Chunguang Pavilion) (hasn’t been put down,) (indicating that) (no one has ever sat there) (Feiyu Pavilion) (You have been in Feiyu Pavilion) (From here) (you saw I had a conflict with Hong Luo) (So you wanted to use me) (After the truth was revealed,) (you led me to) (the pre-arranged Chunguang Pavilion next door) (And you transferred us away) (with the arranged carriage) Who are you? (Fructus Amomi) Fructus Amomi is tribute, mainly for stomach problems. How could a restaurant afford it? We are so lucky today. When we were selling noodles, we met Mr. Lan, the Vice Minister of Rites. The Ministry of Rites administers the imperial examination. Did you notice? The floor of Daifuku Market is muddy. But when Mr. Lan came here today, the uppers of his shoes and the hem of his clothes were clean. Mr. Lan of course came by carriage. But he left on foot. Where was the carriage when he returned? Why do you worry about such trivial matters? I heard that Minister Gong will retire soon. Work harder. In the future, all matters related
to the imperial examination will be handled by Mr. Lan. Chen Chou. I think it's a bit strange for him
to come to the noodle stall. Mr. Lan, why are you walking today? I'm just taking a walk. Goodbye. We act rashly this time. I'm afraid it will not be easy to take action next time. Hong Luo is lustful by nature. A honey-trap would work. Ask Miss Xie Hao from Banyue Pavilion
to take actions. (Jingan Community, Lan’s Mansion) Sir. Will there be any trouble
caused by Guo Yun? He was sent to other places by me. He is not expected to return
for another three to four days. Guo Yun is so vicious. In order to fight for the position
of Vice Minister of Rites, he even wants to kill you. If he hadn't wanted to buy the secret letter in the bead
from Hong Luo, there wouldn't have been so much trouble. Forget it. Official circles are just like that. If I were to get such a handle, I would never be soft-hearted. Here. By the way, do you know that there are countless people who have come to Lan’s Mansion
to give gifts these days? But Mr. Lan didn't take any of them to avoid arousing suspicion. Avoid arousing suspicion? If so, why did he recruit me to work as an accountant in his mansion? Isn’t it good? Right now, the scholars in the capital who want to be the disciples
of Mr. Lan are oversubscribed. But God dropped the opportunity on your head. You have to take the chance. But I only want to go to the Highest Judiciary. Zhang. I know that you came to the capital to take the exam to find the expert detective Mu Yesheng
who you admire in the Highest Judiciary. Mu Yesheng. Who is Mu Yesheng? Is he in the Highest Judiciary? Is the "Strange Night Talk" he wrote made up? The Highest Judiciary written in his book is so real. He must be there. At least he used to be there. Listen. Get along well with Mr. Lan. And your enrollment is not far away. Chen Chou. Aren’t you Mr. Know-it-all of the capital? Can you help me find out if Mr. Lan has stomach problems? Sir, your stomach trouble struck again. I'll ask the kitchen to make you
something warm. No need. Miss Xie Hao has already made arrangements. Three days later, she will lead Hong Luo
to Banyue Pavilion to take actions. Your birthday party is also scheduled there. How is the investigation of Zhang Ping? We have checked. He has no background, and is just a scholar who loves
to investigate cases. Sir. Just now at the back door, there was a man rummaging through
the trash can outside the courtyard, whose behavior was very suspicious. What was he looking for? The Fructus Amomi you used. But before he could pick it up, I scolded him away. The medicine residue in the restaurant
has been cleaned up. The smell. The Fructus Amomi has a strong smell. Where is he now? Higher. Zhang. Are you mistaken? How could Mr. Lan steal a bead? That’s why I’m seeking confirmation. Well. If you made a mistake, we’d offend him. Not finding out who was behind the bead stealing made me feel uncomfortable. Then what about our imperial examination? What should we do next? Look for the dregs. Stop. It’s you. Sir. Take a seat. Do you know how serious it is to break into an official's residence
without permission? According to the law, those who break into the houses
without permission will be killed without guilt. Sir. We are not up to anything bad. It's just that after meeting you today, we admire your personality and admire your demeanor. So... So we came to find out about
your daily preferences. Why do you want to know this? It is convenient for us to give gifts. You came in the middle of the night. What a perfect timing. There are too many people in the daytime. You also came to find out my preferences? Do you drink tea with Fructus Amomi because you have stomach problems? Tea? We usually take Hu people's Daye tea, not that exquisite. I didn’t expect you to know Fructus Amomi. But this is Alpinia zerumbet. The two are similar in shape, but there are subtle differences. Fructus Amomi has a strong smell and can treat stomach problems. Alpinia zerumbet is astringent, and is just a spice to enhance the taste. I don't have stomach problems. If you are trying to please me, it’s a wrong step. Zhang Ping. It is not what scholars should do to show off their talents and take advantage of it. Instead of finding out my preferences, you’d better concentrate on
studying for the exam. Considering that you are first offenders, I will let you go this time. Thank you, Mr. Lan. Sir. You can’t just... Send them away. Go. Sir. Are you really going to let them go? He has no evidence. (Three days later) Raise the lantern. (Hanhui Pavilion) Are you finished, Chen Chou? Are you still thinking about Mr. Lan? It’s been three days. Just give up. We had a conflict with Mr. Lan. We have to give a gift to turn the page. Mr. Lan will hold a birthday banquet at Banyue Pavilion tonight. I have a gift ready. Let’s go there to ease the relationship. Zhang. Show me your attitude. Zhang. What are you thinking about? Have you answered what I say every day? Have you ever told me what's on your mind every day? I will only be dragged down being your friend. This... Chen Chou. Where did you say Mr. Lan is having a banquet tonight? (Pingkang Community, Banyue Pavilion) Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Let’s go over there. This is Banyue Pavilion. So splendid. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! So lively. Yes. Indeed. (It’s indeed the carriage I was chasing) (It's really you) (Banyue Pavilion)
Zhang, follow me up. Don't run around. Stop. We have tickets. This way, please. Zhang. That is the number one actress in the capital, Miss Xie Hao. Her puppet dance has become popular in the capital recently. The attic above should be the legendary No. 1 private room Peony Pavilion. It is said that those inside are the most powerful people in the capital. Let's go over there. Let’s look for Mr. Lan. Everyone is here. Okay. Mr. Lan. (Jia Fugui, owner of Banyue Pavilion)
When shall we start? Some distinguished guests
haven't arrived yet. Okay. Mr. Lan. (Ji Wen, Vice director of the Ministry of Rites)
There is no need to wait any longer. I haven't seen Mr. Gong
attend anyone's banquet in the ten years since I entered the court. (Shao Zhi, Vice director of the Ministry of Rites)
Mr. Lan's unsurpassed mind is unrivaled in the Ministry of Rites. If it weren't for the background, I’m afraid... Whether Mr. Gong comes or not, I can't be rude. Please forgive me if there is any lack of hospitality. Here comes Mr. Gong. (Minister of Rites, Gong Songming)
I have been waiting for you for a long time. It's my honor for you to come. The way to be an official is to be honest and upright. You are right, sir. Zhang. There are so many rooms in Banyue Pavilion. When can we find him? Let's split up. Zhang. We are here today to celebrate his birthday and make amends. After a while, when you see Mr. Lan, you should be sincere and give him the gift. Look for him now. Okay. Let's split up. Mr. Lan, what do you mean? Why give us porridge and side dishes? Yes. I have never been back to my hometown Guangling
since I arrived at the capital, and I haven’t had rouge rice for decades. It is my great honor that Mr. Gong and all colleagues
are willing to come. But I really dare not bother you with this mere birthday. I invite you to get together today out of another intention. I prepared a gift for you, professor. Please accept it. Since I became an official
at the age of twenty, I’ve never accepted anything. It is an exception for me to come here today. If you want to give me a gift, I have to go. This thing has no worldly value. Please take a look before making a decision. Please take a look for my sake. (Handprints of Hundreds of Kids) This is collected from the ordinary people in Zichuan County. When the Yellow River burst its embankment, Zichuan suffered the worst disaster. Professor went to the disaster relief and saved thousands of lives. In order to thank you for your life-saving grace, the local people left the handprints of the newborn babies after the disaster and offered them above the incense table. Mr. Lan, thank you. I will take this painting. Please accept my worship. I know what’s on your mind. But I cannot promise to recommend you as the Minister of Rites. Don’t worry, professor. I know what to do. What are you doing? Looking for someone. Looking for someone? Why are you so stealthy? I’ve watched you for a long time. Don’t run! Take care. Sorry. Where is he? Cheers. Sir. Xie Hao has put the thing in the backstage as agreed. Mr. Lan. It’s you again. I have found proof. You were the one who stole the bead in the restaurant that day. Enough? I made it clear that day. I couldn't find any evidence
at your house that day, it must be because Fructus Amomi
has been replaced long ago. But you still ignored one thing. When in Daifuku Market, the carriage I overtook should be your cover-up. At that time, I wanted to block the carriage
with a bamboo pole, but I accidentally knocked over
a bucket of red paint, and the horse just stepped on it. Just now I checked the stable
of Banyue Pavilion. That horse is tied with your carriage. Paint is everywhere. How can you be sure that the paint on the horse's hoof was stained at that time? You are so whimsical. I should recommend you to write playbooks. Sir, you don't have to argue. You know if you stole the bead or not. Zhang Ping. What are you trying to do to follow me so hard? I just want to prove that my judgment is right. You used me to commit crimes. I have to find out. Also, you have to pay for my noodle. Two pennies for the noodle. Three pennies for the egg.
A total of five pennies. That’s all you need? Forget it. Zhang Ping. For the sake of you being a scholar, I don't want you to ruin your future because of a mistake. But if you continue to harass
and frame me maliciously, don't blame me for being merciless. If you are short of money, I’d donate money for you to buy books. I don't want your donation,
I just want your compensation. Since you still don't admit it, I will continue to look for evidence and find out all the ins and outs. Sir. This... Don't create more troubles. We’ll get the bead soon. He can’t do anything. Have you already met Mr. Lan? And then? I presented the facts to reason with him. But he just didn't admit it. I can only find more conclusive evidence to make him unable to quibble. You nerd! Come on! Look at you. What are you thinking about? You didn’t listen to me at all. What are you doing? Don't pull me. Hong Luo. Why is he here? Miss Xie Hao. I still want to have fun with you. Xie Hao? - Mr. Lan also mentioned Xie Hao just now.
- Miss Xie Hao. Stop. Can you just listen to me for once? It's a pity that I wrote the birthday poem for two days. Never mind. It can be sold for two pennies in the market. I spent ten pennies just for framing. It’s way too expensive. It doesn't take ten pennies to frame. You! Let’s watch the show. I managed to buy two tickets. It can’t be wasted. (Mr. Lan) (Why is he going to the backstage) Mr. Lan, Xie Hao. Sir. Xie Hao has put the thing in the backstage as agreed. (Hong Luo) (Xie Hao) Miss Xie Hao. (Could it be Mr. Lan asked Xie Hao) (to steal the bead from Hong Luo again) (and put it backstage?) (So) (Mr. Lan went backstage to get the bead) Focus on the show. Where is the bead? ♪Puppets are carved from wood♪ ♪Half god form, half ghost form♪ ♪It's not dawn when the songs are over♪ ♪A cold moon is hanging on the sparse lattice♪ Thunder and lightning. The effect is so realistic. Collaboration and treason cannot be redeemed by death. Tonight at 11 o'clock, I will reveal your crime. (Who took the bead ahead of me) (and left this note?) What kind of trick is this? So realistic. Isn’t that Miss Xie Hao? Miss Xie Hao. It’s Miss Xie Hao. It doesn’t seem to be a trick. The sky fire. The sky fire kills. What happened? Go. When a puppet does evil, his master must be executed. Here the corrupt official is ruining our country. (When a puppet does evil, his master must be executed.
Here the corrupt official is ruining our country.) ♪Puppets are carved from wood♪ ♪Half god form, half ghost form♪ ♪It's not dawn when the songs are over♪ ♪A cold moon is hanging on the sparse lattice♪ ♪Puppets are carved from wood♪ ♪Half god form, half ghost form♪ ♪It's not dawn when the songs are over♪ ♪A cold moon is hanging on the sparse lattice♪
