EPISODE 19

Sit down, Sister-in-law.

I heard that you've been looking for your personal maid...

Xi'er?

Do you have any news of her?

Nope.

Then I'm off.

Don't be in such a hurry!

Sister-in-law, if only you knew it were going to come to this...

What do you mean?

For the past few days, there has been talking going around the residence...

that your personal maid went missing, Young Mistress.

And you've been looking around really hard for her.

Everyone is saying that this sister-in-law of mine is really kindhearted...

that she even treats a servant so well.

But...hearing that reminded me of something.

Sister-in-law,

I happened to overhear

you and Xi'er arguing.

I refuse to listen! You're just a liar!

I'm going to announce it to the whole world!

Don't you go too far!

Don't think that I wouldn't dare!
At the worst, both of us will just die together!

I...

Sister-in-law, you've recalled it?

Yeah! That was a really weird quarrel!

Xi'er is just a servant, and she dared to answer back to her mistress?

What did she say?
"If you're like this! I am going to reveal everything!"

That sounds strange to me.

How can there be such a bold servant?

But what's more strange

is that you patiently tried to persuade her.

Even though at the end, you seemed impatient.

And you've got Xi'er all upset when she left.

Which is why I say, if you had known it would come to this, you wouldn't have done that.

Sister-in-law, you can't even control your own maid.

And you've caused her to ran away from home which in turn causing you to loose face.

Unfortunately, can't you feel yourself

that wildly searching

and displaying a haggard appearance for others...

Sister-in-law, even I feel embarrassed for you.

This...this doesn't concern you.

Of course, it doesn't concern me.

The runaway was your maid.

My maid is admirably at home embroidering flowers for me.

I invite you to come over, but I'm just reminding you -

Just because my Aunt has boasted of you and my cousin looks upon you highly,

means that you can think highly of yourself!

Qianqian, you've no respect for the elders!

You even gossip about your sister-in-law, Young Madam's family issues.

Huh! If she had the guts to do it, then she shouldn't be after of other speaking about it!

What have I said wrong?

Respect for the elders?

If you want to count who is more elder, she is just an in-law!

Serving her sister-in-law is also her duty!

What right have you to speak of duty?

Said a girl gossiping!

Return to your room!

Brother!

She's just your sister-in-law!

Let's see how long you can protect her.

Madam,

Qian Qian doesn't understand things. Don't let it weigh upon your heart.

It's fine. She's right anyway.

I've prepared some wine and food in the garden.

Would you be willing to do me the honor?

Thank you, Cousin. I wish to be alone.

It seems like you're still mad at Qian Qian.

You're right.
-I...

She's caused you pain.

No. No. I don't blame her.

It's I who's wrong.

Then would you give me this chance to act as a Brother?

And apologize on behalf of my younger sister.

Qianqian is still young and say things without thinking first.

For my sake,

please forgive her this once.

Xiao Xuan,

You're truly different from all the other ladies I've met.

What are the other ladies like?

Let's speak of those close by.

Qian'er, her action is stuck up and self-centered.

The model for a lady.

I know. I'm a little wild.

I didn't mean it that way.

Actually, you're fine this way.

A girl who grew up in the open air of Ermei Mountain,

is much better than ladies who grew up in rich homes.

That's right. I was happy in the time spent at Mount E'mei.

You are free everything without worries.

It's nothing like here.

True, Aunty is from a proper (rich) family.

From a young age, she was well known for her talent.

So, she a bit more strict with rules than most other people.

Yuanbao grew up in such rules.

He has a bad temper and say things without thinking of others.

But he has a good heart.

Yuan Bao, this man...

You said he say things without thinking is not correct.

As an investigator all these years,

Every day, he is with the petty thieves, criminals,

and prostitutes, these types of people.

So, from what I've observed, he does not speak down to them.

In fact, he treats everyone equally.

Because in his eyes, everyone is their own individual.

He doesn't especially favor anyone.

Perhaps it's because he was raised in luxury and comfort.

However, it's not surprising.

Everyone has their own hateful qualities.

Yuan Bao is just like that.

By being fussy and nitpicking, he reaches his expectations for anything.

Including his mother.

I remember him in his childhood saying...

He was looking for the world's best woman who was worthy of his talent.

With good looks, good scholarship, good temperament, and coming from a good background. All these traits must be met.

In the Capital, there are many suitable women.

They were regarded as gold, selected to be the ideal wife.

But Yuan Bao wouldn't spare them even a glance.

He said they weren't good enough, saying "They don't match my blocks of gold."

Women from rich families from the Capital,

he felt that even they weren't good enough?

Yeah. That's what he said himself.

He said that although they were born into good families,

but when it comes to quality, they were just low level girls.

Iliterate, vulgar, unbearable.

That's why the regular, average girls

such as you, comparing to them, is way better.

And only you, could attract his attention.

And only you can caused him to be sad.

Xiao Xuan, even though Yuanbao didn't say it,

but his heart is truly satisfied with you.

He's finally found a wife who is perfect for him in every way.

Wouldn't you say so?

We don't even know each other, but for her own benefit, the Empress Dowager,

forcing us to marry.

Is this fair to us?

You don't like this arranged marriage?

I just don't like to be controlled by someone else.

So you too are a match in heaven.

One is the Young Master of the Jin Family and the other is the daughter of the Jiang Family.

Background and status, everything is a perfect match.

If there is even a little bit of mismatch,

I think our picky Young Master will not be able to accept it.

I'm a little drunk. I'll leave first.

Yu Qi Lin. One day you'll see Yuan Bao's true colors.

Who is it walking without watching?

Madam. I'm sorry.

Ah Fu was walking without watching. Are you alright?

I'm fine. What's that in your hand?

These 3 paintings are given to Young Master by the Young Master of the Jin Chao Family.

Saying that, it's something, something...beauties of House of Beauties.

Young Master was very happy,

but after another look, he said it was a copy. It's fake.

Young Master was so upset.

He rushed me to have the paintings burnt.

Copies?
- Yes.

That's right, but to me, they look good even if fake.

Do we have to burn it?

Our Young Master must be blinded.

Just one look and he said it's fake.

Won't even listen to my opinions, must burn them.

Wished I could keep them, but I won't dare.

It's good to see you back.

Come!

What do you think? Are these 2 paintings good?

I especially asked the Young Master of the Jing Jie Family to draw this for me.

He had put a lot of work into it.

How is it? Do you like it?

I don't understand art.

If you don't understand art, you can just look at it.

Even looking, I won't understand

Okay, then just stand there and look at it would be fine.

I just realized that we've been together for a while and yet I've not given you anything.

You lack nothing coming from House Jiang.

It would be dull if I give you something like jewelries or jade.

So I thought I'd draw you your portrait.

When it's done, I'll hang it in the house. So don't move.

I don't want it!

Why?

I...You doing these for me...

I don't like all of them.

I'm mean to say that one day, even you will dislike them.

So just forget about it.

It's not for you, I'm doing it sincerely for me

Can't I like it? Stand there. Don't move.

Xue...

What's the matter? You looked so down.

You are not even putting together the medicine or testing the medicine.

Where is that gentle and kind patient of yours?

Xue'er is ignoring me.

What? Breaking up already?

Giving up?

She's in a bad mood. She asked me to leave her alone.

I said "I can make your mood better".

She chased me out.

What? Did Xiao Xuan kick you out too?

I'm not as incapable as you.

But ever since Xi'er when missing,

those two are so down all day.

Can't you tell?

That's right.

What was Xi'er thinking?

Not staying by her master.

Run away for what!? Causing Xue'er to ignore me.

You're right, Xiao Xuan is the same way.

Ever since Xi'er went missing,

all I hear all day is "How is it? Any news?"

"Leave me alone".

Then do you have any clues?

None.

But Xi'er missing is really odd.

No one saw her leave the household.

Her bags are here too.

She can't be found outside. I think this silly girl

I'm afraid something bad might have happened to her.

It can't be.

I'm just speculating.

We will play by ear. Hopefully she is okay.

Looking at Xiao Xuan's condition,

if anything happens to Xi'er...

Look how pretty this flower is.

it'll look good.
- But such a large flower on the head...

It'll look really good.

Mistress. What's that over there?

A corpse!

A corpse!

Hurry! Anybody!

Come. It's here.

Xi'er!

Xi'er!

Xi'er!

How could this be? How could this be?

Xi'er wake up

Xi'er

Where did you notice the body?

She was in the pond

It's scary!
-It's nothing. Don't be afraid.

I'm here

Xi'er

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.

I have let Xi'er down

Xi'er was right

I am selfish and self-centered

If I hadn't runaway from my wedding

Then Xi'er wouldn't have died.

Me too

Since we've live here, many times she

begged me to take her away. Take her away. Take her away.

But every time I said to her

"Just wait. Just wait."

I was busy with my own matters, and never once considered her feelings.

I didn't think that she was living every day in anxiety.

And worry

I didn't think she would choose death to settle the problem.

The coffin doesn't need to be that good, but not that poor either.

Get 5 pieces of silver from the treasury.

No need to be frugal. Do what you have to.

Yes.

Miss.

Brother, you are truly concerned with everything.

You're meticulous even in handling the death of a maid.

A maid, to have had her funeral taken care of by the Head Butler...

It's worth her dying.

What nonsense are you speaking of?

What did you come here for instead of staying in your room?

Since when was I barred from entering my brother's quarters

Brother, don't you think that today's matter

makes Jiang Xiao Xuan suspicious?

What of today's matter suspicious?

The death of the maid!

Just think about it. The death of one's maid,

as a master, she was so shocked she couldn't utter a word

As if the maid that died was her own mother

Who is she faking her distress for?

You see her so sad and worried

Why do I feel like she is afraid of something

Brother, what do you think she is afraid of?

Don't make exaggerated assumptions

She should be afraid that her maid died. What's the big deal?

Yea, in your eyes Jiang Xiao Xuan is perfect

I am just saying,

You as a brother, should listen to his sister's words.

Qianqian, please don't play games with me

This has nothing to do with Jiang Xiao Xuan

Brother

Of course you would feel nothing is wrong

Anything you say goes.

Qian Qian will no longer bother Butler Liu.

Xiao Xuan, we should leave.

Royal ordained marriage.

I have taken your place and married into the Jin Family.

Your mother was right.

If the matter is exposed,

Not only will I be in trouble

But we will become a burden to both families

The first was Xi'er

So we should leave.

before we implicate everyone

Then your mother's son's issue?

Would you just give it up like that?

I must give it up

I cannot, on account of my wish, hurt innocent people

Especially now.

So I must give up.

Why is the room so dark?

I'll get the light.

Don't turn on the lights

I understand.

Because of Xi'er,

"Cut the love and accept the departure."
(meaning: I'm sorry for your loss.)

Yuan Bao!

It's fine.

Don't be upset. It's alright.

Master. Master.

I have something very important to say to you. Come here for a moment.

Take a seat. I'll be back quickly.

Come.

Master, come out.

What's so urgent, can't you see I'm busy.

It's regarding Xi'er.

Just now someone came and said...

What?

I need to tell you some bad news.

Xi'er did not commit suicide.

She was murdered.

In Xi'er's room, Liu Wen Zhao

were arguing about you.

She was thrown into the water.

And after a few days then floated up

As it looks,

The murderer must be from the household.

Xi'er was murdered

The situation isn't clear right now

Don't worry, I'll find the truth.

I'll do Xi'er justice.

Xi'er was strangled to death.

What?!

Jin Yuan Bao told me Xi'er's neck had strangle marks. She was strangled and then drowned

So her murderer must be from House Jin.

Who could be the murderer?

I've already thought about this on my way here.

Xi'er is a maid without family or background.

Our secret is the only thing that would have brought harm to her.

If there was someone who wanted to know our secret,

but Xi'er wouldn't say no matter life or death...

We can't go!

We must find the murderer and avenge Xi'er

When I saw her,

she was already lying there.

I didn't notice any strangle wounds on her body.

Perhaps I was too upset to notice.

The last time I saw Xi'er

Was before Madam birthday celebration.

At that time, was there anything unusual that happened?

No.

When was the last time you saw Xi'er?

Before Madam's birthday celebration.

She was helping with the guests

After the celebration? Did you see her again?

No.

I just heard the other maids say she was helping preparations.

Only a while after the end did they realize they hadn't seen her in a while.

Were there any other suspicious activities

that could be related to Xi'er's death?

No.

When we were in Xi'er's room, we found this bag

Inside the bag was some things of your possession

It seems like she was stealing.

Xi'er couldn't have stolen.

It must be the murderer's decoy

Then according to you,

could Xi'er have offended anyone

to have provoked the murderer?

I... can't think of it.

Alright.

You guys leave first.

Stop! You can't go!

I know who the murderer is. It's her, Jian Xiao Xuan!

Don't speak nonsense! Yu...Xiao Xuan couldn't have killed Xi'er.

Qian Qian, I won't let you make a scene.

This concerns someone's life. It's not the time for you to display a grudge.

You don't believe me. I'll say it one by one.

Firstly, about a month ago,

when Jiang Xiao Xuan returned home, I saw her arguing with Xi'er in the garden with my own eyes.

Xi'er even threatened that if Xiao xuan continued, she will tell everyone

Jiang Xiao Xuan refused to agree, Xi'er cried and left

Secondly, Jiang Xiao Xuan has been looking for Xi'er high and low

but when she found Xi'er's body, she didn't make a sound

Didn't even cry

This kind of reaction...

Today, after we found Xi'er's body, Jiang Xiaoxuan

prepared her bags to run away in her room.

Think about it.

A maid's death. A master beside herself with panic, preparing a bag to hit the road.

If this isn't escaping, what is?

Xi'er was killed by you.

You still have the nerve to tell cousin that you don't know anything?

You murderer.

If cousin didn't question you, you would have left already

This bag,

Is it your's?

It's mine.

Did you pack your bags

to leave the Jin household?

I prepared the bag because I was planning to leave the Jin household.

Why?

I ask you why.

I can't tell you.

Of course you can't say it.

You killed her. You just wanted to escape from the crime.

Now that there are people and evidences,

You haven't imprisoned her? What are you waiting for?

Cousin, you must judge fairly and not be bias

Jiang Xiaoxuan

based on her accusations

What do you have to say?

I have nothing to say.

Why don't you have anything to say? Hurry and tell them
that you didn't kill Xi'er.

Hurry and say it.

Men,

lock her up.

Detective, this...

Lock her up.
-Yes.

Xiao Xuan.

Eat a little. You haven't eaten in a while.

I'm not hungry.

Why didn't you explain yourself?

Why did you let her wrongly accuse you?

Even though I was wrongly accused

But it is true that Xi'er died because of me

Because of you and killed by you are 2 separate things.

You are exceptionally intelligent.

Don't tell me you can't differ between the two

How would you like me to explain to Yuan Bao?

Xiao Xuan, when we were in prison

at East River,

How could you in such a short be behind bars again

That's right.

The time at East River...

Over there!

At the back!

For you.
-It should be done. It's for you to eat.

Shooting star! Make a wish!

I can't believe that the even at the East river

Was only three days ago

Yuan Bao?

Yuan Bao, what's wrong with you?

With just one word, you can set her free. Why have you imprisoned her here?

Is she even your wife? Quickly get her out of here

I didn't kill anyone.

I won't leave like that. The truth is shall prevail.

Why do you have to leave me?

I'm asking you why are you leaving me?

I can't tell you.

If we are fated to love each other,

why is it so painful?

What has covered your eyes,

that made you not value my efforts?

If love is about mutual protection,

why is it so bitter?

What has stopped me from going forward,

that left me not caring about your helplessness?

There will be hardships even if it's a predestined romance.

There is no point worrying about the rights or wrongs.

Stepping back because of love is not a sign of defeat.

I just want to pass the days and nights holding onto your hand.

Master, I'm sorry.

You haven't slept for a few days. If you keep going like this

I'm afraid for your health

You should sleep for a few hours. Continue investigating tomorrow.

I'm fine, just leave it here.

Young master, you must remember to rest.

Yuan Bao, eat some food. Finish eating before you work.

Mother, I'm not hungry.

Here.

In a little while, I will give the Magistrate a note

To let him release Xiao Xuan

Mother

I will settle this matter myself. I will follow propriety.

This matter...

I must involve myself.

Because of a maid, a Jin Madam

has been imprisoned. What propriety.

The Magistrate is confused.

Is your brain also muddled?

Such a small matter could be settled with a few words

Yet, you beg the differ.

Causing our family to be a laughing stock to the whole city.

Mother, ignore what other people think.

I assure you that Xiao Xuan is innocent.

I'm a sheriff.

I want to clear her name. It's that simple.

Knowing Xiao Xuan's personality,

she would rather die in prison

then to leave without justice

Mother, believe me. Let me solve this myself.

You do it for the sake of her peace of mind.

but not for the sake of the face of our household?

Yuan Bao, Mother is disappointed.

Mom, I can't let this go

I hope you will understand.

Cousin,

Qian Qian, hurry back to your room.

If there's nothing, don't run about.

You're telling me not to run for my safety, right?

Qian Qian, let's go.

Qian Qian, stand still.

Return to your room and stay there.
If there is no reason, don't come out

Why?

Brother, why do you want to lock me up? Walking around in my own home

is also considered running about?

Don't you know what you have done?

Was it not you at the government office who accused Madam of killing Xi'er?

I'm not wrong.

Brother, you are speaking of Jiang Xiao Xuan.

Don't call her Madam.

Your mouth wrongs your heart.

Rubbish! I won't allow you say such things

I haven't.

Hasn't cousin said he's a sheriff?

I now have evidence. Why can't I bring it up?

Jiang Xiao Xuan is the murderer!

You!

Qian Qian, I'll say it one more time -

Jiang Xiao Xuan isn't the murderer. And I understand what you wanted.

Just that, "If it is yours, then it is yours. If it is not, then don't force it."

Yuan Bao's heart has no room for you.

No matter what you say or think

He will never love you

Brother, I understand your thoughts too,

but I can say the exact same to you.

Jiang Xiao Xuan has absolutely no feelings for you.

No matter what you say, you won't be able to move her heart

I've always liked cousin.

I don't care even if he doesn't have feelings for me,

as long as I'm by his side,

A replacement, concubine, or even a mistress...

I am willing to accept.

As long as there is not Jiang Xiao Xuan by his side

Miss.

Butler Liu, she has a point

Her deductions are right

Right now all the evidence is pointing at Madam,

It is something that can't be helped

Butler Liu, I know you have feelings for her

But does her heart have you?

Now isn't the time to hesitate

On one hand, it's a woman who doesn't like you.

The other is control over the Jin Household

This or that

Think about it clearly.

Butler Liu, this situation is also good

After all, Madam will be executed.

And Master's marriage will end.

At that time,

you may not have a chance to to switch the Madam.

This way,

she'll be yours till the end.

Isn't it so?

Yes

Those that belong to me, will be mine at the end.

Stop.

Someone is beating on the drum.

What's going on?

Seems like someone's at the office door striking the drum of injustice again.

Reporting!

Head Sheriff Jin, pardon me.

The Magistrate commanded me to hand this order to you.

requesting the magistrate to serve justice. And not indulge the murderer for personal reasons.

There are too many in the public observing.

We don't know when the news had reached their ears.

The magistrate has no alternative other than to give you 3 days to resolve this.

Otherwise...

Otherwise he'll bring this up to the Ministry of Justice.