1 00:00:01,668 --> 00:00:05,046 ORIGINAL STORY BY NATSU HYUUGA 2 00:01:33,259 --> 00:01:34,928 {\an8}THIS STORY IS A WORK OF FICTION, AND NAMES OF CHARACTERS, 3 00:01:35,011 --> 00:01:36,429 {\an8}ORGANIZATIONS, AND OTHER OFFICIAL TITLES ARE ALL FICTIONAL CREATIONS. 4 00:01:36,513 --> 00:01:38,264 Old man! 5 00:01:41,184 --> 00:01:42,185 Old man! 6 00:01:54,906 --> 00:01:57,283 I hope old man's doing well... 7 00:02:00,370 --> 00:02:03,790 Oh, right. Yesterday, after the garden party... 8 00:02:03,873 --> 00:02:05,250 What are you saying? 9 00:02:05,333 --> 00:02:08,128 The minister who ate the poison needed a lot of treatment! 10 00:02:08,211 --> 00:02:09,587 A patient should rest! 11 00:02:11,923 --> 00:02:14,467 Thanks to them, I slept well. 12 00:02:14,551 --> 00:02:16,594 But I shouldn't have slept until noon. 13 00:02:22,308 --> 00:02:24,686 I'd feel weird not wearing my freckles... 14 00:02:29,899 --> 00:02:32,861 You should've taken the day off today. 15 00:02:32,944 --> 00:02:37,365 That's not acceptable. If you need anything from me, just ask. 16 00:02:37,448 --> 00:02:39,367 Oh? Your freckles... 17 00:02:39,450 --> 00:02:43,621 I feel weird without them. Can I keep my face like this? 18 00:02:43,705 --> 00:02:45,665 Of course. You're right. 19 00:02:45,748 --> 00:02:48,835 Everyone rushed in demanding to know who my lady-in-waiting was. 20 00:02:48,918 --> 00:02:50,295 It was hard! 21 00:02:50,378 --> 00:02:53,506 - I'm so sorry about that. - It's fine. 22 00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:56,801 Oh, Gaoshun's been here since this morning. Do you want to talk to him? 23 00:02:57,385 --> 00:03:01,431 He looked bored, so I asked him to weed the garden. 24 00:03:02,390 --> 00:03:03,808 Weeding the garden... 25 00:03:03,892 --> 00:03:07,770 He was seated in a high position at the garden party... 26 00:03:07,854 --> 00:03:09,314 He's such a diligent man... 27 00:03:10,231 --> 00:03:11,900 I'm sure that man is also 28 00:03:11,983 --> 00:03:15,653 collecting his own group of lady-in-waiting fans. 29 00:03:16,946 --> 00:03:20,033 May we borrow the drawing room? 30 00:03:20,658 --> 00:03:21,910 Certainly. 31 00:03:21,993 --> 00:03:23,661 - Hongniang? - Yes, my lady. 32 00:03:23,745 --> 00:03:27,665 I feel like Hongniang's eyes are glistening too... 33 00:03:28,374 --> 00:03:30,335 This is for you, from Sir Jinshi. 34 00:03:32,170 --> 00:03:36,090 This is the soup that Lady Gyokuyou was meant to drink. 35 00:03:36,799 --> 00:03:39,427 - Yes. - How thoughtful of you. 36 00:03:40,887 --> 00:03:42,972 - Don't eat it, all right? - I won't. 37 00:03:43,765 --> 00:03:48,019 Silver corrodes quickly. The soup is oxidized. 38 00:03:48,102 --> 00:03:51,105 - It won't taste good. - It's about the taste...? 39 00:03:51,189 --> 00:03:53,358 Did you carry this with your bare hands? 40 00:03:53,441 --> 00:03:55,985 No. I didn't touch the bowl. 41 00:03:56,069 --> 00:03:58,529 I just dipped in a spoon to see if it was poison. 42 00:03:59,197 --> 00:04:01,950 After that, I wrapped it quickly with cloth. 43 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:05,703 Please wait a minute. 44 00:04:05,787 --> 00:04:07,872 Snip, snip, snip. Clatter, clatter, clatter. 45 00:04:09,332 --> 00:04:13,086 - Cotton, powder, and a brush? - Yes. 46 00:04:13,169 --> 00:04:14,379 What will you do with these? 47 00:04:15,046 --> 00:04:17,966 At the apothecary I worked at, to prevent pranks, 48 00:04:18,049 --> 00:04:21,344 we applied dye to containers you weren't supposed to touch. 49 00:04:21,427 --> 00:04:23,179 I'm doing a version of that now. 50 00:04:23,763 --> 00:04:27,684 It's easy. Add some powder to a rolled up cotton ball, 51 00:04:28,518 --> 00:04:30,687 and apply it on the container. 52 00:04:30,770 --> 00:04:34,107 After that, I'll take off the extra powder using this brush. 53 00:04:36,776 --> 00:04:39,821 - Here it is. - I see a white mark. 54 00:04:39,904 --> 00:04:43,283 This is the spot where someone touched the surface. 55 00:04:43,366 --> 00:04:47,370 Any spot touched by a fingertip leaves some sort of mark. 56 00:04:47,453 --> 00:04:51,249 This is especially true for silverware that corrodes easily. 57 00:04:51,332 --> 00:04:54,711 Silverware is always wiped down with a cloth before being used. 58 00:04:55,378 --> 00:04:58,631 In that case, the fingerprint left on this bowl now belongs to 59 00:04:58,715 --> 00:05:01,718 the person who held this bowl after it was cleaned? 60 00:05:02,302 --> 00:05:03,428 Exactly. 61 00:05:04,262 --> 00:05:06,222 The size and the location of the fingerprint 62 00:05:06,306 --> 00:05:09,267 is enough to tell us how they held it. 63 00:05:10,018 --> 00:05:11,436 The person who held this bowl... 64 00:05:13,229 --> 00:05:14,188 What's wrong? 65 00:05:18,776 --> 00:05:20,278 It's nothing. 66 00:05:20,361 --> 00:05:24,240 My guess is there were a total of four people that held this bowl. 67 00:05:24,324 --> 00:05:25,408 Four people, you say? 68 00:05:26,367 --> 00:05:29,495 First are the three that touched around the bowl. 69 00:05:30,121 --> 00:05:33,708 The person who served the soup, the person who carried the bowl, 70 00:05:34,834 --> 00:05:36,544 the food taster for Lady Lishu, 71 00:05:37,920 --> 00:05:42,800 and finally, one more. A third party who touched the rim of the bowl... 72 00:05:42,884 --> 00:05:47,555 I think it's safe to assume that the poison was placed by this third party. 73 00:05:48,639 --> 00:05:50,516 If that's true, why is the fingerprint 74 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,936 of the food taster found on a high-ranking concubine's bowl? 75 00:05:54,729 --> 00:05:56,522 It's simple. 76 00:05:56,606 --> 00:06:01,152 The food taster for Lady Lishu swapped it on purpose to trouble her. 77 00:06:01,235 --> 00:06:03,821 - Not knowing it was poison. - She swapped it? 78 00:06:05,114 --> 00:06:06,282 It's bullying. 79 00:06:06,365 --> 00:06:08,576 A lady-in-waiting bullying. 80 00:06:08,659 --> 00:06:11,162 - To a high-ranking concubine? - So you don't believe it? 81 00:06:11,996 --> 00:06:13,289 Please tell me. 82 00:06:14,665 --> 00:06:19,378 I want to warn you in advance that this is my personal speculation. 83 00:06:19,462 --> 00:06:20,838 That's no problem. 84 00:06:20,922 --> 00:06:24,926 Do you remember Lady Lishu's outfit at the garden party? 85 00:06:25,009 --> 00:06:27,804 Yes. It was a flashy, pink costume. 86 00:06:28,554 --> 00:06:30,139 Normally, if a concubine 87 00:06:30,223 --> 00:06:33,101 chooses an outfit that is too similar to Lady Gyokuyou's, 88 00:06:33,684 --> 00:06:36,562 the attendants would recommend a different outfit. 89 00:06:36,646 --> 00:06:40,900 If not, the attendants would wear outfits that match their lady. 90 00:06:41,776 --> 00:06:45,613 However, all her ladies-in-waiting were wearing white. 91 00:06:47,490 --> 00:06:50,827 That made it seem as if Lady Lishu, who was wearing pink, 92 00:06:50,910 --> 00:06:53,579 was a clown who couldn't read the room. 93 00:06:53,663 --> 00:06:55,498 Attendants are meant to support their lady. 94 00:06:56,457 --> 00:06:58,751 If so, that day... 95 00:06:58,835 --> 00:07:02,004 You can't even understand your own position as an attendant? 96 00:07:02,088 --> 00:07:04,257 To think you recommended a pink outfit for her! 97 00:07:06,008 --> 00:07:08,469 Lady Ah-Duo's attendants were reprimanding 98 00:07:08,553 --> 00:07:11,055 the incompetence of Lady Lishu's attendants. 99 00:07:11,848 --> 00:07:13,975 In the rear palace, 100 00:07:14,058 --> 00:07:16,436 surrounded by enemies, the only people concubines can trust 101 00:07:16,519 --> 00:07:18,729 are her own ladies-in-waiting. 102 00:07:18,813 --> 00:07:22,608 The young Lady Lishu merely followed the recommendation of her attendants 103 00:07:22,692 --> 00:07:23,734 and wore that outfit 104 00:07:24,360 --> 00:07:27,321 and was shamed publicly on purpose. 105 00:07:27,405 --> 00:07:28,906 She had no idea. 106 00:07:29,824 --> 00:07:33,369 Not only that, but they also swapped meals 107 00:07:33,453 --> 00:07:36,289 to trouble Lady Lishu even more? 108 00:07:36,372 --> 00:07:41,377 Yes, without knowing it was poison. Though it ended up saving her life. 109 00:07:43,754 --> 00:07:45,256 Their methods are dirty. 110 00:07:47,550 --> 00:07:49,177 Why would they do such a thing? 111 00:07:49,969 --> 00:07:53,389 Lady Lishu is in the unique position of being the former emperor's concubine, 112 00:07:53,473 --> 00:07:55,933 then entering monkhood soon after. 113 00:07:57,185 --> 00:07:59,979 She had been educated since childhood 114 00:08:00,062 --> 00:08:02,607 that a wife serves her husband. 115 00:08:02,690 --> 00:08:06,319 People must think that it is extremely immoral of her 116 00:08:06,402 --> 00:08:08,696 to marry her late husband's son. 117 00:08:10,865 --> 00:08:12,492 I think the print left on the rim 118 00:08:13,409 --> 00:08:16,120 belongs to the culprit who added the poison. 119 00:08:16,704 --> 00:08:20,875 - She held the rim to mix in the poison. - I see. 120 00:08:21,876 --> 00:08:24,462 You must not dirty the area where a high-class person's lips touch 121 00:08:24,545 --> 00:08:26,422 with your fingers. 122 00:08:26,506 --> 00:08:27,882 Hongniang taught me that. 123 00:08:29,008 --> 00:08:31,052 Those are my speculations. 124 00:08:32,845 --> 00:08:36,098 - Can I ask you one thing? - What is it? 125 00:08:38,392 --> 00:08:41,896 Why did you try to cover for the food taster attendant yesterday? 126 00:08:45,024 --> 00:08:48,152 I'm just curious. I won't pursue this any further. 127 00:08:51,781 --> 00:08:53,324 The life of an attendant 128 00:08:53,407 --> 00:08:56,661 is worth much less than that of a concubine. 129 00:08:59,163 --> 00:09:02,792 Especially the life of a food taster... 130 00:09:09,674 --> 00:09:11,884 I'll think of a good excuse for Sir Jinshi. 131 00:09:12,718 --> 00:09:14,136 Thank you very much. 132 00:09:17,974 --> 00:09:21,352 I have to thank her in some way 133 00:09:21,435 --> 00:09:22,687 for swapping the bowls. 134 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:26,607 I did get to taste the poison, after all. 135 00:09:28,067 --> 00:09:32,488 I really should've swallowed that soup... 136 00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:38,995 - That's all. - I see. 137 00:09:39,870 --> 00:09:42,498 You're clever at wording things, as usual. 138 00:09:43,124 --> 00:09:47,712 - Is that so? - It's clearly an inside job, right? 139 00:09:47,795 --> 00:09:50,006 Yes, looking at the circumstances. 140 00:09:51,507 --> 00:09:53,259 You put it so simply. 141 00:09:54,343 --> 00:09:58,431 Because of this, I haven't slept since yesterday. I haven't even changed. 142 00:09:58,514 --> 00:09:59,890 I want to stop thinking. 143 00:10:00,766 --> 00:10:02,977 Your true nature is coming out. 144 00:10:03,060 --> 00:10:06,397 - No one's here. It's fine. - I'm here. 145 00:10:07,106 --> 00:10:09,942 - That doesn't count. - Yes sir, it does. 146 00:10:10,026 --> 00:10:14,447 - There's no way to trick you, is there? - I've known you too long for that. 147 00:10:14,530 --> 00:10:18,367 It's troublesome to be taken care of by someone since you were born... 148 00:10:19,910 --> 00:10:22,747 Sir Jinshi. Your hair clip is still in your hair. 149 00:10:22,830 --> 00:10:25,750 Oh, shit. I totally forgot. 150 00:10:25,833 --> 00:10:27,752 It was hidden in your hair. 151 00:10:27,835 --> 00:10:31,047 I don't think anyone figured out your true status. 152 00:10:31,130 --> 00:10:32,715 Keep this, will you? 153 00:10:33,924 --> 00:10:36,260 Don't treat it so roughly. 154 00:10:37,637 --> 00:10:42,266 This can only be worn by those with special status. Be careful. 155 00:10:42,933 --> 00:10:45,645 - I know, I know. - No, you don't. 156 00:10:47,521 --> 00:10:49,106 All right, then. I'll be off. 157 00:10:54,862 --> 00:10:56,072 Time for work... 158 00:10:59,659 --> 00:11:03,371 - So, did you receive any hair clips? - Yeah. 159 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:08,125 I see. That means... 160 00:11:09,502 --> 00:11:11,087 You can leave the rear palace! 161 00:11:14,006 --> 00:11:17,551 - What did you say? - You can leave the rear palace? 162 00:11:18,177 --> 00:11:19,970 Give me the details! 163 00:11:21,847 --> 00:11:22,973 Yes, ma'am... 164 00:11:25,393 --> 00:11:28,145 In the rear palace, you can't meet men from the outside, 165 00:11:28,813 --> 00:11:33,442 but with special permission, men could take palace women outside. 166 00:11:33,526 --> 00:11:34,443 I see. 167 00:11:34,527 --> 00:11:38,030 So that's what the hair clips being given out in the garden party mean. 168 00:11:38,114 --> 00:11:39,740 Exactly! 169 00:11:39,824 --> 00:11:44,412 Alternately, you can use hair clips to ask to be let out of the rear palace. 170 00:11:45,204 --> 00:11:48,916 I see. Thanks, Xiaolan. I'll give it a try. 171 00:11:50,376 --> 00:11:51,502 You're very welcome! 172 00:11:52,378 --> 00:11:54,713 Maomao, thanks for the hawthorn fruit! 173 00:11:55,339 --> 00:11:56,757 It was delicious! 174 00:12:01,429 --> 00:12:06,350 I've received four hair clips in total. Out of those, two were from men. 175 00:12:07,268 --> 00:12:12,189 Wait. If they lost their "male parts," are they not called men...? 176 00:12:13,023 --> 00:12:14,233 Apothecary! 177 00:12:15,651 --> 00:12:16,569 ‪Okay. 178 00:12:21,824 --> 00:12:24,910 Sir Lihaku, a palace woman from the rear palace is here. 179 00:12:24,994 --> 00:12:26,454 What? All right. 180 00:12:28,164 --> 00:12:32,168 What should I do? An obligatory hair clip was taken seriously... 181 00:12:32,251 --> 00:12:35,087 But I'd hate to turn down a beauty's invitation... 182 00:12:35,171 --> 00:12:37,089 {\an8}THE JADE PAVILION: MAOMAO 183 00:12:37,173 --> 00:12:40,968 I only gave a clip to one attendant from the Jade Pavilion. 184 00:12:41,051 --> 00:12:42,595 That means... 185 00:12:44,305 --> 00:12:45,598 It's her! 186 00:12:46,974 --> 00:12:49,852 So, how should I refuse her? 187 00:12:52,438 --> 00:12:54,064 Excuse me. 188 00:12:57,026 --> 00:12:57,943 Sorry for the wait. 189 00:12:58,569 --> 00:13:00,279 Wait, who are you? 190 00:13:00,946 --> 00:13:05,868 - I hear that a lot. - Makeup really changes your looks. 191 00:13:05,951 --> 00:13:07,328 I hear that a lot too. 192 00:13:09,371 --> 00:13:12,291 And to call on me, of all people? 193 00:13:13,083 --> 00:13:15,085 I'd like to visit home. 194 00:13:15,169 --> 00:13:19,465 Home? Do you even know what this means? 195 00:13:19,548 --> 00:13:22,259 I hear that it's possible to visit home temporarily 196 00:13:22,343 --> 00:13:24,428 if you can be my guarantor. 197 00:13:24,512 --> 00:13:26,472 You've got some nerve. 198 00:13:26,555 --> 00:13:30,392 An attendant like you, asking a soldier like me to be a guarantor? 199 00:13:31,227 --> 00:13:32,394 Exactly. 200 00:13:33,479 --> 00:13:37,316 And you called me all the way here just for that? 201 00:13:37,399 --> 00:13:38,234 Yes. 202 00:13:38,317 --> 00:13:42,029 Shall I call you bold or reckless? 203 00:13:43,322 --> 00:13:45,032 So what? 204 00:13:45,115 --> 00:13:49,453 You're asking me to be used as a tool so you can visit home? 205 00:13:49,537 --> 00:13:53,916 Not at all. I have something in mind to gift you for the favor. 206 00:13:57,211 --> 00:13:58,087 THE VERDIGRIS HOUSE REFERRAL: MEIMEI 207 00:13:58,671 --> 00:14:01,423 How about a flower-watching party at the Verdigris House? 208 00:14:04,134 --> 00:14:05,427 The Verdigris House? 209 00:14:05,511 --> 00:14:09,265 You're joking! That brothel is worth a year's salary! 210 00:14:09,348 --> 00:14:13,894 No need to worry. You'll understand once you see this referral. 211 00:14:13,978 --> 00:14:17,147 Pairin. Joka. Meimei. 212 00:14:18,357 --> 00:14:20,234 I can't believe this even more now! 213 00:14:20,317 --> 00:14:23,612 Even high-ranking officials can barely afford those Three Princesses! 214 00:14:23,696 --> 00:14:26,907 If you can't believe me, it can't be helped. 215 00:14:26,991 --> 00:14:30,119 I'm sorry for taking your time. 216 00:14:30,202 --> 00:14:32,830 - Wait... - This is extremely unfortunate. 217 00:14:32,913 --> 00:14:36,542 I'll ask elsewhere. Please pretend I never asked... 218 00:14:38,335 --> 00:14:41,255 Does this woman have other offers? 219 00:14:41,338 --> 00:14:44,258 And they're rose quartz and silver hair clips? 220 00:14:44,341 --> 00:14:47,052 They're both of higher statuses than me! 221 00:14:47,136 --> 00:14:48,762 Who is this girl? 222 00:14:49,388 --> 00:14:51,765 Does this mean that this offer is legitimate...? 223 00:14:51,849 --> 00:14:54,018 No, it's too suspicious! 224 00:14:54,101 --> 00:14:58,981 But if it's really true, I'd never have the chance to meet 225 00:14:59,064 --> 00:15:00,524 the Three Princesses again... 226 00:15:01,108 --> 00:15:02,818 What should I do? 227 00:15:04,778 --> 00:15:06,697 So, what will you do? 228 00:15:14,830 --> 00:15:16,624 I accept my loss. 229 00:15:16,707 --> 00:15:18,918 Congrats, Maomao! 230 00:15:19,001 --> 00:15:21,670 To think that Maomao would beat us... 231 00:15:21,754 --> 00:15:25,132 - I'm so glad! - You must've met someone wonderful! 232 00:15:26,300 --> 00:15:27,384 Thank you. 233 00:15:27,468 --> 00:15:29,845 Why are you so carefree? 234 00:15:29,929 --> 00:15:32,389 It's okay. I'll bring back souvenirs. 235 00:15:32,473 --> 00:15:35,434 - How did you meet this man? - I just went with the flow... 236 00:15:36,226 --> 00:15:40,022 From the looks of it, she doesn't know the meaning of hair clips at all. 237 00:15:40,105 --> 00:15:42,483 Yes. I'm certain. 238 00:15:42,566 --> 00:15:45,277 Geez. I feel the worst for him... 239 00:15:48,155 --> 00:15:49,448 This is so fun. 240 00:15:51,283 --> 00:15:53,535 What face would he make? 241 00:15:53,619 --> 00:15:57,414 Oh, gosh. Looks like there's going to be another drama... 242 00:15:57,498 --> 00:15:59,375 Jinshi, having finished his work, 243 00:15:59,458 --> 00:16:02,211 got bored and came to visit 244 00:16:02,294 --> 00:16:05,798 the day after Maomao's departure. 245 00:16:05,881 --> 00:16:10,135 Maomao left with some mysterious man... 246 00:16:16,642 --> 00:16:18,602 To visit home for three days! 247 00:16:19,770 --> 00:16:23,357 My home, the pleasure district, is not so far away. 248 00:16:24,441 --> 00:16:27,069 After crossing the fence and moat of the rear palace, 249 00:16:27,152 --> 00:16:29,113 it's within walking distance. 250 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:33,867 How extravagant, riding a carriage for this distance... 251 00:16:33,951 --> 00:16:36,745 But the Three Princesses at the Verdigris House 252 00:16:36,829 --> 00:16:40,666 are almost a god-like idol admired even by regular people, after all... 253 00:16:41,542 --> 00:16:44,628 It's an honor to be able to witness them even once. 254 00:16:44,712 --> 00:16:46,880 We're almost there! 255 00:16:48,674 --> 00:16:49,842 It's the pleasure district! 256 00:16:53,137 --> 00:16:57,558 There are girls that come to the district wanting to become like their idols, 257 00:16:57,641 --> 00:16:59,351 but it's not so easy. 258 00:17:00,227 --> 00:17:02,855 Even for apprentices, or courtesans-in-training, 259 00:17:02,938 --> 00:17:04,690 there's no guarantee she'd sell. 260 00:17:07,276 --> 00:17:10,070 - So this is the Verdigris House... - Yes. 261 00:17:10,154 --> 00:17:10,988 VERDIGRIS HOUSE 262 00:17:11,071 --> 00:17:13,407 It's very dignified. 263 00:17:13,490 --> 00:17:17,369 It's a historical brothel with a full lineup from middle-ranking to 264 00:17:17,453 --> 00:17:18,787 the highest ranking courtesan. 265 00:17:20,372 --> 00:17:22,041 Long time no see, Granny! 266 00:17:23,375 --> 00:17:24,293 How's everyone doing... 267 00:17:29,673 --> 00:17:31,633 What do you mean, "Long time no see"? 268 00:17:31,717 --> 00:17:32,718 You idiot! 269 00:17:32,801 --> 00:17:35,721 Are you okay? What's wrong with this old woman? 270 00:17:36,388 --> 00:17:40,100 That's Grams, the owner of the Verdigris House. 271 00:17:40,184 --> 00:17:41,393 Brings me back. 272 00:17:41,477 --> 00:17:44,146 This is how I used to vomit poison back in the day. 273 00:17:44,855 --> 00:17:46,774 What? So this is the very rich patron? 274 00:17:47,524 --> 00:17:51,320 He has a handsome face, and a good body too. 275 00:17:51,403 --> 00:17:54,239 I hear you got promoted young. 276 00:17:54,323 --> 00:17:57,785 Granny, that's not something to say to someone's face. 277 00:17:57,868 --> 00:18:00,162 Hey, go get Pairin. 278 00:18:00,245 --> 00:18:02,081 - She should be taking tea today. - Yes! 279 00:18:02,915 --> 00:18:07,377 - Pairin... - Are you confident in your arm muscles? 280 00:18:07,461 --> 00:18:09,421 I do train daily. 281 00:18:10,214 --> 00:18:12,883 Oh? Maybe this could work... 282 00:18:12,966 --> 00:18:14,593 Right this way! 283 00:18:15,511 --> 00:18:16,470 I'm nervous. 284 00:18:17,346 --> 00:18:20,057 - Good luck out there! - Thanks! 285 00:18:22,392 --> 00:18:25,312 Maomao. I can't deal with you. 286 00:18:25,395 --> 00:18:28,398 Disappearing for ten months without contacting us... 287 00:18:28,482 --> 00:18:32,361 I had no other choice. You didn't read the wood tablet I sent? 288 00:18:32,444 --> 00:18:36,323 Of course I did! Why else would I entertain a first-timer? 289 00:18:36,406 --> 00:18:38,617 I know. 290 00:18:38,700 --> 00:18:41,954 This is half of all I earned at the rear palace so far. 291 00:18:42,037 --> 00:18:44,039 I asked them to pay in advance. 292 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:46,333 This is Pairin we're talking about! 293 00:18:46,416 --> 00:18:48,293 This isn't enough at all. 294 00:18:48,377 --> 00:18:51,463 - Come on. It's just tea! - Idiot! 295 00:18:51,547 --> 00:18:54,967 You don't really think nothing's happening with those arms? 296 00:18:55,050 --> 00:18:56,051 You think? 297 00:18:56,135 --> 00:18:59,680 - But that's out of my control... - Of course not! 298 00:18:59,763 --> 00:19:02,015 I'll add it to your receipt. 299 00:19:02,099 --> 00:19:03,559 I can't pay... 300 00:19:03,642 --> 00:19:05,978 Then give me all your best customers! 301 00:19:06,061 --> 00:19:09,982 Like that one, someone young who I can keep squeezing out of! 302 00:19:11,066 --> 00:19:13,110 Could a eunuch be a customer? 303 00:19:14,027 --> 00:19:17,739 Not him. The courtesans would fall head over heels and run out of business. 304 00:19:18,782 --> 00:19:21,743 I'd feel bad about offering Gaoshun or the quack doctor... 305 00:19:23,245 --> 00:19:27,207 Maomao. Old man should be at home. Go to him. 306 00:19:31,378 --> 00:19:33,463 Just crossing a street from the pleasure district 307 00:19:33,547 --> 00:19:35,716 changes the scenery completely. 308 00:19:36,675 --> 00:19:40,470 The dilapidated houses, beggars, and the syphilitic streetwalkers. 309 00:19:42,598 --> 00:19:44,474 It hasn't changed at all. 310 00:19:58,947 --> 00:20:00,866 I'm home, old man. 311 00:20:00,949 --> 00:20:04,870 Oh, welcome home. You're late. 312 00:20:06,997 --> 00:20:08,874 I finally arrived home. 313 00:20:09,750 --> 00:20:13,712 I was out getting dye for my freckles that day. 314 00:20:13,795 --> 00:20:15,047 But then... 315 00:20:26,516 --> 00:20:28,310 I still have my term of service. 316 00:20:28,393 --> 00:20:30,938 - I'm going back in two days. - I see. 317 00:20:31,563 --> 00:20:34,441 I'm sleepy, but I want a bath. 318 00:20:34,524 --> 00:20:38,362 Go borrow the bath at the Verdigris House tomorrow. 319 00:20:40,239 --> 00:20:41,448 I'll do that. 320 00:21:00,175 --> 00:21:01,802 The rear palace, huh? 321 00:21:02,636 --> 00:21:04,429 Some trick of fate, huh? 322 00:22:36,063 --> 00:22:38,940 PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE 323 00:22:47,741 --> 00:22:49,910 {\an8}Next episode, "Wheat Stalks". 324 00:22:49,993 --> 00:22:51,828 {\an8}Subtitle translation by: Yukimi Ohashi