Original subtitles

♫ By the riverside ♫

♫ I sow a seed of karma ♫

♫ Forlorn fates intertwine ♫

♫ Written in the stars ♫

♫ Should your passion smolder out ♫

♫ Will you give up on your ideal world? ♫

♫ Our past can only be entrusted to memories ♫

♫ I'm mooning over you ♫

♫ Amidst loneliness ♫

♫ Berthed in sleepless nights ♫

♫ You're my desire ♫

♫ That teems underneath ♫

♫ I'm drowned in your beautiful eyes ♫

♫ I'm mooning over you ♫

♫ Next to the Three-life Stone ♫

♫ I cross the Bridge of Forgetfulness ♫

♫ Gazing at moonlit nights ♫

♫ The moon appears brighter because of you ♫

♫ Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze ♫

♫ Gazing at moonlit nights ♫

♫ The moon appears brighter because of you ♫

♫ Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze ♫

[The Legend of Anle] [Adapted from a novel by Xing Ling]

[Episode 31]

Lengbei,

the Crown Prince is all right now, yes?

He's fine.

That's good.

By the way,

is the Grand Chancellor of the Left really one of our people?

He was killed by the Crown Prince on the streets in public.

Would he... Would he chase me out of the capital too?

Shuang,

as long as I'm here,

I will keep you safe.

I'll listen to everything you say, Lengbei.

Is there something else troubling you?

There are things

I didn't want to involve you,

but...

I am your closest kin in this world.

If there's anything you need from me,

I'll do my best.

All right.

[Yuanshui Pavilion]

You don't have to thank me.

I made a lot of mistakes when I tried to become the Crown Princess.

Besides,

with Official Luo's intelligence,

he would've uncovered the truth

even without my help.

It is thanks to you.

Actually, if you hadn't visited me today,

I was going to see you one last time.

I've been dreaming of becoming Di Ziyuan for ten years.

A dream of ten years.

It's time I wake up.

Actually, what we did to you wasn't fair from the very beginning.

It was my choice, after all.

I am leaving.

Where are you going? Tell me. I'll make arrangements for you.

That won't be necessary. I'm going home.

Official Luo is meticulous.

He even investigated the origins of a beggar he picked up from the side of the road.

But I must thank him.

If it weren't for him,

I wouldn't even know where my hometown was.

When are you leaving?

Tomorrow.

Di Ziyuan,

the journey ahead is long and arduous.

Let us part ways here.

[Lingxiang Pleasure House] Cloth for sale. Check out my cloth.

Mu Qing,

is this where they used to drink and make merry?

But they're unlikely to return.

After all, things have changed.

Things have changed...

But

how come I can still feel and hear

their joyful laughter here?

If I could choose,

I would like to drink and have fun with them here too.

You have your own life.

You've seized it.

Mu Qing,

you're right.

This is no place for me to stay.

I'll be free

once I leave the capital.

Don't worry.

No matter what happens in the future,

I'll be right by your side.

Let's go.

[Lingxiang Pleasure House]

Ye. Official Luo.

You two are late.

A feast without liquor? This won't do.

You're right. I'll have Linlang get us some liquor.

No need.

We have liquor right in this room.

This is Official Luo's wedding liquor.

In two days,

I'll be going back to the Northwest,

and Ziyuan will be returning to Jingnan.

Tonight may be the last time we get to drink together.

So much has happened

since I returned to the capital.

I know

we might never be the same again.

So let's forget everything and drink to our hearts' content tonight, shall we?

Let's drink to our hearts' content tonight, shall we?

Whoever doesn't drink tonight is a coward.

Here.

I shall oblige.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

You can't even hold your liquor, yet you still drink.

I'm soberer than you at the moment.

I remember clearly the time

you brought 30,000 naval forces to marry me.

Honestly, Di Ziyuan,

you behaved like such a scoundrel that I was actually a little scared.

Ziyuan, you dared to tease Ye.

You're really something.

When I heard there was a female pirate trying to take advantage of you,

I thought to myself, "Someone even feistier than me?

I must meet this woman."

I didn't expect it to be you.

I can't hold a candle to you, Princess Anning.

You came straight here after you entered the capital to fight me.

You were so arrogant and audacious. I can't compare.

I had so much fun that day.

Things haven't been the same since.

If we're talking about how one carries oneself,

there's no other like our Crown Prince.

All the things he did in Jiangnan.

I was not present,

and I've only heard of the stories,

but even then, the tales were riveting.

He maintained composure

amidst all those disaster victims.

You are brave indeed.

Well, I'm more impressed by you.

Who doesn't know

the name of Luo Mingxi in the capital?

Your name can cease children's cries.

In layman's terms, it's called love whatever job

one takes up.

I tried and tested

every single one

of the interrogation techniques

I used to find the most efficient.

How could they not be effective?

- Here. - Here.

When it comes to reputation, no one can beat the Crown Prince.

He has been harping on the fact

that he will marry no one

but Di Ziyuan for more than ten years.

The entire capital knows about this.

But then again, Your Highness,

the woman you wanted to marry was right before your eyes.

How could you fail to recognize her?

♫ Alas, my yearning has come to naught ♫

And you.

Your childhood friend was right in front of you.

Why did it take you so long to recognize her?

- I... - You and Luo Mingxi.

One grew up among pirates,

and the other at the bottom of the Ministry of Justice.

Anning and I, on the other hand, one a pampered prince,

and the other a female general on the battlefield.

We know nothing of these games and ploys.

That's right.

Well, in that case,

I suppose

Ziyuan and I weren't being fair.

♫ But it was merely a dream ♫

Of course.

- Here. - Cheers.

♫ The broken strings reverberate ♫

♫ Unable to feel each other in our hearts ♫

♫ Lamenting how hasty love and hate is ♫

Your Highness.

With the information you provided us, we've gathered the troops.

On your command, we shall capture the cities.

Then, finally, we'll seize Qingnan,

and the Northern Qin Cavalry shall take the capital of Jing.

I'll leave for the Northwest soon.

We will be able to coordinate with the troops at the borders then.

It's still a long time before your birthday,

but it looks like

I won't be able to celebrate it with you.

When I return to Jingnan,

it will be the season of the Flower of Longing.

Fields of Flowers of Longing will bloom.

It will be much grander than the lantern you gave me.

If you don't mind the rabbit lantern that cost three copper coins,

I'll make one for you every year.

A lantern made by the Crown Prince of Jing himself

is one-of-a-kind.

Perfect for the one-of-a-kind Ren Anle.

I'd rather not.

It's a long way between the capital and Jingnan.

Your Highness, don't go to all this trouble just for a lantern.

Besides,

Your Highness will discover much brighter and more colorful lanterns

as well as a woman who cherishes the lanterns you gift her.

Ziyuan,

that day at the bottom of Huayuan Mountain,

I know

you were as reluctant to leave as I was.

Even if I don't leave the capital,

you and I can never stand side by side.

There's too much between us, too much that burdens us.

Your mind is as clear as a mirror.

You knew how it would end between us, didn't you?

That's right.

It was because I was so aware

that I couldn't stop it

that I didn't want to stop or leave

that day

at the bottom of the mountain.

You didn't stop that night,

so don't ever stop.

Your Highness promised to show me a world of peace and prosperity.

I am waiting to see it.

Ziyuan,

you and I

may never see each other again.

I wish you

health and happiness

for your every birthday.

Your Majesty, report from the frontline.

Several cities at the borders have turned against us.

Jiang Yu must have planned this before he died.

They are attacking us from within.

That Jiang Yu!

How many forces can we still mobilize at the borders?

Only my troops in Qingnan City

and General Tang Shi's troops in Junxian City.

Your Majesty, our defense at the border is at risk.

I request permission to return to the Northwest.

No.

If the Northern Qin attacks,

you'll be facing them all by yourself, unable to make an impact.

I am a general of Jing.

A general's duty is to protect their country and people.

All right.

Request permitted.

Thank you,

Your Majesty.

Anning,

you are not only the Defender of the Northwest

but also my daughter.

After I leave,

please take care of yourself, Your Majesty.

[Jiaxian Gate]

- Anning. - Ye.

Ye. Why are you here?

I was going to get you some cloud cakes,

but I didn't have enough time.

I'll have someone deliver them to you in a few days.

I'm not a child anymore.

Besides, Lengbei has already prepared everything.

Anning,

take care of yourself

in the Northwest.

Don't worry.

Leng, support my sister.

Rest assured, Your Highness. I will protect General Anning.

Anning!

Ziyuan.

Anning, why didn't you tell me you were leaving?

Thank goodness I made it. This is for you.

A year in court, and you've picked up the habit of giving gifts.

You like to drink. Strong alcohol isn't good for your health.

With this, you'll practice restraint.

Ziyuan.

Ye.

You two are the ones that have been the kindest to me in the capital.

I'll never forget my days

in the capital.

Take care.

You too.

I'm off.

Safe travels.

Yuanqin, can't you and Anle stay?

Young Lady has no reason to stay here anymore.

What about you?

Don't you have a reason?

Yuanqin, look.

[Token] I have an access token to the palace now.

Haven't you always wanted to see the "Solitary Smoke in the Vast Desert"

in the Jade Mirror Hall?

There's also the unique book compiled by Founding Emperor.

The lost weiqi manual.

I know you're interested in those. We can view them together.

What about Young Lady?

Anle...

She wouldn't stop you from staying.

All these years, she bided her time in her quest.

Not a day has she lived for herself.

The only thing I can do

is to be by her side.

Your Highness,

I will be leaving as well.

You and I will never meet again.

You shouldn't concern yourself with me anymore.

♫ In the swaying seas ♫

♫ I see you in your fluttering red attire ♫

I am still the Crown Prince of Jing State.

I will have a lot of matters to attend to.

I won't have time to worry about others, of course.

♫ I can't help but stand in awe ♫

That is reassuring.

♫ Shouldering great burdens ♫

Ziyuan,

♫ The world is but a fleeting dream ♫

will you write to me when the Flower of Longing blooms in Jingnan?

♫ Intoxicated by your enchanting smile ♫

No.

Your Highness said you would not concern yourself with me anymore.

I will do the same.

♫ A kind gentleman as elegant as jade ♫

♫ Tonight, let our souls and dreams unite ♫

♫ Together, we toast to heaven and earth ♫

♫ Rip off the mask of hypocrisy ♫

♫ Shatter schemes and deceptions ♫

♫ The autumn wind of our homeland blows, my eyes tear ♫

♫ The night is dark ♫

♫ Let yesterday be bygone ♫

Yuanqin.

♫ Turn around and head into smoke of war and flames of battle ♫

It's time to go.

♫ Lend me the light ♫

♫ The years are stripped from us ruthlessly ♫

Thank you for seeing me off, Mr. Wen.

♫ Still, I dream of us reuniting ♫

It is a long journey ahead.

♫ In a song that never ends ♫

Let's bid farewell.

♫ I dare not sing of my love for you ♫

Yuanqin...

♫ In chatter and laughter, all fade into nothingness ♫

♫ A kind gentleman as elegant as jade ♫

♫ Tonight, let our souls and dreams unite ♫

It's all over.

♫ Together, we toast to heaven and earth ♫

Yet, even if I refuse to admit it,

the happiest I have ever been in my life was the year

I came to the capital.

Your Highness, we met again.

Your Highness. I'm really happy today.

[Crown Princess] You could've escaped,

but you chose to stay and play along with me.

You drank my liquor. You're mine now.

Ren Anle, I know you.

You're just like Ziyuan. You don't live life against your will.

[Jing]

[Capital]

[Qingnan City]

[Qingnan City Outpost]

Several cities were seized by Northern Qin.

If the Northern Qin launches a sudden attack and breaks through Qingnan Mountain,

they will be able to strike the heartland of Jing.

General, after investigation,

I discovered that all commanders of the cities that were lost

have either been assassinated or turned against us.

The Northern Qin Army couldn't have done so without detailed maps and lists of our forces.

The Northern Qin spies of the Grand Chancellor of the Left

must have infiltrated our army and stolen military information.

Despicable Northern Qin wolves.

Run a background check on all the soldiers,

especially this year's recruits.

We must not let these spies get away.

Yes.

Most of our troops' details have been recorded.

I'll go through them as soon as possible.

As a precaution,

check the people we brought back

from the capital as well.

- Understood. - Go.

General, you've had a long journey.

Would you like to rest before going through the military reports?

The Northern Qin has been planning this for a long time.

The two countries are on the verge of war.

Not only can I not rest, but I also must be even more vigilant.

[Lingxiang Pleasure House]

Official Luo, His Highness is here.

Luo Mingxi.

I've known you for so many years,

but you've never brought me here

to this charming abode of yours.

This is where I live. Why should I bring you here?

Why can't I come

if others can?

If you're as beautiful as Linlang

and can serve me,

you can come every day.

You know

it's not Linlang I'm talking about.

So this is where you and she planned everything?

Yes.

Where is she now?

It doesn't matter where she is

once she's left the capital, does it?

You say you don't care,

yet here you are, looking at old things and missing her.

You're such a liar.

When have I ever lied to you?

You, on the other hand,

have kept a lot of secrets from me over the years.

I know

everything you've done for the last ten years

is to clear the Di family's name.

But I want to thank you.

I'm grateful for all the help you've given me over the years

and, more importantly,

for doing everything to protect Ziyuan.

Your Highness surprised me

with what you did to help her too.

Here. To Your Highness.

It's not easy to save the orphaned descendants of the Di family with sheer courage and will.

Luo Mingxi,

do you remember the game of weiqi

we played many years ago?

The white piece wasn't here in the first place.

Someone's sleeves must have touched it and misplaced it.

It's the black piece that's wrong.

It's the white piece.

Fine.

Even if the board is messed up, I still win.

The board is in disarray. The game must be disqualified.

Why hold on to the original game?

Your Highness, you've studied the art of kingship since you were a child.

Don't you know how to weigh the pros and cons and adapt?

Luo Mingxi, are you always this impolite?

That's enough. It was just a misplaced piece.

There's no use in bickering. How about another game?

- No. - No.

Even if I was the Crown Prince,

you wouldn't budge or give in.

You've always been that way.

That's just how I am.

I've never changed, and I never will.

Han Ye,

I didn't tell Ziyuan about Wen Shuo.

I know.

If you could find out that the Grand Chancellor of the Left was a spy of the Northern Qin,

then you would also know

the reason I was forced to do what I did.

Ziyuan didn't mention a word about it,

which means

you probably didn't tell her

that her own brother, Di Jinyan,

is still alive.

You've done so much for her,

but you've never said anything. Who am I to tell her in your stead?

But

I think she has a right to know about Di Jinyan.

I haven't figured out how to tell her yet.

Moreover,

compared to her situation, Di Jinyan's case would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor.

That's right.

She may have left,

but the undercurrents that beset the capital

have never ceased.

The Northern Qin has invaded the border.

Jing is in a state of turmoil, internally and externally.

Look over there.

[Sifang House] Fire! Fire!

Fire!

Your Highness!

- The princess is inside! - You can't go!

- Don't go! - It's too dangerous!

The princess is inside! Let me go!

Your Highness!

Your Highness, I got the news as soon as I arrived.

There was a fire at Sifang House. The fire was too intense.

The Imperial Guards have just put it out.

They didn't manage to save

Princess Mo Shuang of Northern Qin.

What?

Princess Mo Shuang of Northern Qin

was burned to death.

There was a fire at Sifang House,

and they didn't manage to rescue Northern Qin's Princess Mo Shuang.

Your Majesty,

I don't believe the fire was an accident.

What do you mean?

Your Majesty,

the Sifang House is heavily guarded.

How could there be a sudden fire?

Furthermore, we haven't found Princess Mo Shuang's body yet.

This does not appear to be an accident.

This means it was a scheme.

What would be their objective?

War.

What Northern Qin wants is a battle to the death.

Princess Mo Shuang's death

is the best excuse to wage war.

The war between Northern Qin and Jing is inevitable.

Your Majesty,

Northern Qin wants more than the Northwest.

They want the entire Jing State.

The Northern Qin!

Send an envoy to Northern Qin

to repair diplomatic relations.

It would be best if force can be avoided.

Although this is essentially an undeclared war,

it's better to be prepared

than to wait for the other side

to send a letter of war.

- Yes. - Yes.

Deliver my decree.

Send this to Qingnan City with haste.

Tell Anning to reinforce the borders.

- Yes. - Yes.

[Anle Abode, Jingnan]

I can't do it. I'm better at swordplay.

Oh, you. You ought to calm down.

Why don't you go fishing with Young Lady?

Fishing?

Never mind.

Look at my head.

Am I so bored that mushrooms are growing on me?

But then again, a life like this is quite nice.

Yes.

More than anything,

I want you to know that you mean a lot to me.

I need you by my side.

[Han Zi'an's Tomb] So, as Crown Prince, I ask you

to stay with me.

My heart once fluttered for a woman named Ren Anle.

But I will protect Di Ziyuan

for the rest of my life.

Young Lady! You caught a fish!

Look! It's a big fish!

Yuanqin, I'll leave it to you.

All right.

Did you sleep well, Young Lady?

I had a dream.

But I'm awake now.

Let's go back.

All right.

Chief. A letter from the capital.

[The Northwest is in turmoil. His Majesty has ordered Anning to tighten border defenses.]

[War is imminent.]

Young Lady, what's wrong?

There's going to be a war.

[Qingnan City Outpost]

Fire at the Sifang House.

Mo Shuang disappeared without a trace.

I'm afraid there will no longer be peace

between Jing and Northern Qin.

There's one more thing.

We captured a Northern Qin spy

and found this secret report on him.

It documents everything their people did in Jing.

Mo Shuang's disappearance

must be a setup of the Northern Qin

to instigate a war.

Bai Zheng, investigate the army and ensure there are no fish that escape the net.

Yes.

I can't believe this was all the doing of Northern Qin.

Our country is as leaky as a sieve.

Deplorable.

[Assassination at the New Year's Eve banquet]

The Princess of Northern Qin is one of the candidates for the Crown Princess.

This must be the envoy they sent ahead.

You're well-informed about Northern Qin.

- Where were you last night? - I...

Anning, don't blame Lengbei. It's all me.

Anning.

General. You've been in a bad mood lately,

so I brought Mo Shuang over.

Watch out, Your Majesty!

He is close to the Princess of Northern Qin.

Also, the assassin's physique and wound.

I can't have

only Bai Zheng

hunt for the spies.

Lengbei, you go and investigate the camp too.

Yes.

The assassin at the New Year's Eve banquet really was you.

That's right. Keen eyes, General.

Lengbei, why did you betray Jing?

Why did you betray your brethren? Why did you betray me?

Tell me where the general's seal is.

General.

General!

It's Bai Zheng.

♫ If I bet my all on it desperately ♫

♫ I know my heart will be uneasy ♫

♫ I give up on my light and hide it under a bushel ♫

♫ You're the moon in my heart ♫

♫ I can't dream to own you ♫

♫ But I'm willing to forsake my life for you ♫

♫ I'd go the distance for you ♫

♫ May the light stay with you ♫

♫ Romance aside ♫

♫ I fight for your destiny alongside you ♫

♫ You're my dream from the bygone youth ♫

♫ Arriving at the end of my life ♫

♫ I bear no regrets. But when we reunite in our next life ♫

♫ Will you still remember me? ♫

♫ I've concealed my yearning for you ♫

♫ And guarded your smile ♫

♫ Please don't leave me in oblivion when we part ways ♫

♫ I'd go the distance for you ♫

♫ May the light stay with you ♫

♫ Romance aside ♫

♫ I fight for your destiny alongside you ♫

♫ You're my dream from the bygone youth ♫

♫ Arriving at the end of my life ♫

♫ I bear no regrets. But when we reunite in our next life ♫

♫ Will you still remember me? ♫