Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 10]

What's the situation now?

The Yao Army

has advanced more than 20 li forward.

They're expected to reach our borders by dusk tonight.

Pass down the order:

count the weapons,

prepare the troops,

and all officers ranked Lieutenant and above

should report to the main tent for instructions.

Yes, Commander.

Go back to the city immediately

and check if Jin'an is at home

and whether he's injured.

Yes, Commander.

I made your favorite pear blossom pastries

and wanted to bring them here while they're still warm.

But it seems

this isn't a good time.

Military matters are urgent.

You'll have to wait.

The Yao Army has been resentful ever since

their defeated last time because of our fake defense map.

This time they'll surely come prepared.

With Shi Du, someone I have defeated before, leading the troops,

there's nothing to fear.

But according to reports,

the Yao Army

has deployed 50,000 troops,

far exceeding our military strength.

I'm afraid we

need to respond with caution.

Indeed,

I've heard

Shi Du has a strategist named Liu Yun by his side.

This man is full of tricks,

we must be extremely careful.

You are indeed wise.

However,

in this battle we must use our wits.

In military strategy,

the supreme tactic is to attack the enemy's mind.

Fighting against superior numbers,

creating an illusion of strength is crucial.

Our forces

are less than 20,000,

but we'll claim to have 40,000.

This way,

when the battle begins

and they only see half our claimed numbers,

they will surely think we're holding troops in reserve,

making them hesitant to commit fully.

Furthermore,

the Yao Army is penetrating deep into our territory

without thorough knowledge of the terrain.

The northwestern plains

are the best place to break through,

but they only know it's flat land,

unaware of the trenches there.

When the time comes,

we'll feign defeat and retreat,

luring them into the narrow passage.

By the time they realize they've fallen into our trap,

they'll already be trapped in the narrow terrain.

As long as we

position archers in the high ground beforehand,

we can wipe them out completely.

Wait.

Her plan is clever,

but it still has flaws.

With this strategy,

victory is within our grasp.

What brilliant plan, General.

Stop there!

I wonder how many arrows we have in our arsenal.

Are they enough

to kill all the Yao soldiers on the spot?

If we can't stop them,

they'll keep coming in waves,

walking over dead bodies of their own.

This pass

would be impossible to defend.

What kind of beasts

would trample over their own brothers' bodies

to charge forward?

Let him in.

The enemy

has already arranged civilians as suicide troops.

So, after the vanguard withstands our ambush,

reinforcements will surely follow.

Since this is the situation,

we must see it through.

We must burn

that passage

to completely block the enemy forces.

Shoot!

Also,

those civilians at the front,

if they don't resist stubbornly,

there's no need to slaughter them all.

The Changfeng Army aims for victory,

not massacre.

The Changfeng Army

has won a great victory!

Changfeng Army will triumph!

Changfeng Army will triumph!

Changfeng Army will triumph!

We've won! Victory!

Our first battle was successful,

and Yao's remaining forces have retreated to their camp.

This time,

the enemy's morale has been severely damaged.

If we fight again,

we'll surely have the advantage.

This tough battle

has only just begun.

Send orders

for all troops to take shifts and prepare,

remain vigilant at all times,

and never let down their guard.

Yes.

Where is Jin'an?

Outsiders are strictly forbidden to move freely in the camp.

I've arranged for him to stay in the barracks

under special guard.

Go bring him here.

General,

this man's identity is unknown.

He has repeatedly put you in danger,

and now he's offering military advice

with such insight,

which makes him highly suspicious.

Therefore, I believe

keeping him close to you

is truly inappropriate.

Recently,

though there have been many troubles,

since he entered our household,

he hasn't shown any signs of betrayal.

But General,

his strategy today

shows how wise and insightful he is.

If he's deliberately lying low,

it could lead to endless trouble later.

Just follow my orders.

As for the rest,

I know what I'm doing.

Yes.

Sir.

Sir!

You nearly scared me to death!

Is the carriage ready?

Sir,

great news!

The Yao Army

has retreated!

Is this true?

Absolutely true.

The frontline has just

sent news of a great victory.

I

wouldn't dare to lie.

I never thought that lady

actually had some skill.

They're just a bunch of infantry soldiers

copying from military manuals.

If not for your lordship commanding

this battle from the rear,

planning strategies and stabilizing morale,

Lucheng would

have fallen long ago.

This woman is playing dirty tricks!

I warned against underestimating the enemy.

Now our army has suffered heavy losses.

[Counsellor of Yao, Liu Yun]

General Shi, what's your plan?

It's all my fault,

for not

heeding your words before.

I plan

to let our troops rest and recover,

wait until morale is restored,

then attack Lucheng again.

What does you think?

So we're just going back like this?

Since we've started this war,

we must see it through,

just not right now.

Send word

to our people inside Lucheng to take action.

Yes, sir.

General.

Know yourself and your enemy, coordinate inside and outside forces,

and victory will be certain.

Now that

the threat to Lucheng has been resolved,

I must celebrate.

All my recent

exhaustive efforts weren't in vain.

I've heard there's a brothel in Lucheng

with a unique style.

Would you

be interested

in experiencing it yourself, sir?

What quality could a frontier town possibly offer?

However...

it wouldn't hurt to take a look.

Just to

experience the local customs.

General.

You deserve great merit

for today's victory.

Isn't there anything you want to ask?

We've been through so much together,

I understand your intentions.

If something's really wrong,

I don't need to ask.

You'll tell me yourself.

Actually, those strategic plans

seemed like they were already in my mind.

Somehow,

they just came out on their own.

I don't understand why either.

Perhaps

you're just learning things by

living here.

Maybe.

The military camp is no place to linger.

I've instructed Ji Ran

to escort you back first.

All right,

I'll wait for you at home.

Wait.

Though the Yao Army has retreated,

it's still chaotic outside.

Those clothes from the general's mansion

are bound to attract attention.

Change before you leave.

Change here?

Yes, here.

No wounds.

How is this possible?

Was I mistaken?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

You should hurry back.

What's the matter?

Are you all right?

I'll go get a physician.

It's fine.

It happens all the time.

I just need some sleep and I'll be fine.

All the time?

When did it start?

Probably...

since the Battle of Lucheng.

So it started after I came to you.

Actually, I don't think so.

Come to think of it,

it started long ago.

With the recent border conflicts,

even the healthiest body would be exhausted.

It has nothing to do with you.

Then promise me,

once the fighting eases,

you'll let Lu Xin

examine you properly.

Sure.

Mr. Ji.

When will

this war be over?

I'm not trying to spy on military matters.

I just want to know

when the General can return home.

Why do you care

when the General returns?

Mr. Ji,

why have you stopped?

Who are you really?

What do you mean, Mr. Ji?

Don't you recognize me outside the camp?

Since you appeared,

the General has faced danger multiple times.

She's always been cautious,

yet you show up with an unknown background

and find every way to stay by her side.

I'll ask you once more:

who are you really?

I was in trouble when I came here

and was fortunate the General saved me.

That's the only reason

I'm alive and by her side.

I only wish to repay her kindness.

What about the flame mark on your neck?

Before you appeared,

there was a child in the army named Jin'an too.

You showed up

and he disappeared.

You both have the same flame mark on your necks.

Could you be the same person?

Mr. Ji,

there are many things I don't understand either.

I can't remember either.

No matter how much you pressure me,

I can't tell you what I don't know–

Speak.

It seems

he won't let this go easily.

But my strength is depleted,

and I have no power to fight back now.

Mr. Ji, are you planning to

act first and report later?

If you deal with me without authorization,

aren't you afraid the General will hold you accountable?

My life belongs to the General.

For her safety,

I'm willing to take all the blame.

He's dead?

It happened so suddenly.

I couldn't save him in time.

Who gave you permission to act on your own?

I have failed in my duty

and deserve to die for it.

But General,

this man refused to talk even as he was dying,

he must be hiding something.

Please think–

Enough!

He just helped us defeat the enemy,

and based on your mere suspicion,

you decided whether he lives or dies?

You've violated military law

by acting without orders.

When we return to the city,

you'll be thrown in prison immediately.

Right now,

take a team and search for him.

Bring him back alive if possible,

or at least recover his body.

I...

understand my orders.

I still have so many questions for you to answer,

so you're not allowed to die.

You must come back alive.

Sir.

Beautiful lady,

drink up.

Sir,

I really can't drink anymore.

Drink.

I truly cannot drink anymore.

Can't drink?

I'll feed you myself.

Open your mouth.

Be good.

You wretch!

How dare you ruin my good time!

I can't handle alcohol well,

I don't mean to offend you.

Please forgive me, sir.

Tears on your pretty face,

how can I

not teach you a proper lesson?

Wine.

Sir,

punishing this girl is a small matter,

but if you harm yourself with anger,

my heart

would break.

You're the sweetest.

Since you're

so considerate,

tonight I will

certainly give you some special attention.

You little slut!

How dare you compete with me for his favor!

Sir, please wait a moment,

don't let her ruin our fun.

I'll report this to the madam

and have you beaten black and blue!

Go quickly.

I can't let you suffer in my place,

he'll torture you to death.

Don't worry,

I can handle it.

It seems

that strange power has saved my life again.

That's so unexpected of Ji Ran.

He's usually so quiet and reserved,

yet he's so

ruthless and decisive in action.

I should return to the general's mansion first.

Sir.

Sir.

[Granary]

Who's there?

There's an emergency at the front line.

I've been sent by the Military Supervisor

to inspect the granary reserves.

Open the door.

Opening the granary is a serious matter,

always requiring the general's orders.

We haven't

received any prior notification.

Lord Li is specially appointed by the imperial court

with the emperor's decree to supervise military affairs.

Even the general must follow his orders.

If you don't recognize this token,

do you expect him

to come all the way here himself?

-We dare not. -We dare not.

Beautiful lady.

Bring me some water.

Put out the fire, quick!

Quick!

Hurry!

Water!

Water!

Signal flare!

Catch her!

Quick!

Take this

and report to the military camp.

Go!

Yes!

General.

It's coming from the direction of the granary.

General!

The city reported that

a woman with Li Zhangyi's token

claimed she needed to inspect the granary,

but instead set fire to it,

causing severe damage.

What's her background?

No idea.

She's already escaped.

This was

left at the scene.

This is from Yao State.

The granary is a highly secured location

with multiple layers of defense,

yet she moved freely in and out.

She must

be a spy planted by Yao State.

It seems Li Zhangyi fell into their trap.

This signal flare is intact.

The news probably

hasn't been sent out yet.

How much longer does our army need to recover?

We can move out at dawn.

Though we won this battle,

the enemy has 50,000 troops,

greatly outnumbering us.

Now that our supplies have been burned,

we shouldn't stay any longer.

Send the order:

we break camp after dawn!

Yes, General.

Luo Teng.

Take this back to the general's residence

and tell them

that before dawn,

they must capture that woman.

Yes.

Sir.

I've cleared out everyone

from the entertainment house.

But Yunge...

What about her?

She wasn't among them.

You!

I deserve to die!

Useless fool.

Li Shuang is about to return to the city.

If Yunge falls into Li Shuang's hands,

and she learns about the lost token

and how all the burned supplies

are due to my negligence,

do you know what the consequences will be?

Sir, please don't worry,

you are the military supervisor

personally appointed by the Emperor.

Surely they wouldn't dare.

You know nothing!

If Yunge is truly a Yao spy,

they could easily accuse me

of treason.

Dying hundred times over

wouldn't be enough a punishment for me!

It's all your fault!

For persuading me to go to that brothel,

causing so much trouble.

Let me tell you,

if I'm implicated,

you won't live either.

Sir, please be wise!

I truly didn't know!

Please have mercy, sir.

Considering how loyally

I've served you,

spare my life.

Enough!

At this point,

there's only one way out.

We absolutely cannot let

Li Shuang meet Yunge alive.

Sir, you mean...

But Li Shuang is with the Changfeng Army,

it's difficult to make a move.

As a general, Li Shuang

cannot die mysteriously.

But what if she dies by a Yao soldier's blade?

That'd be killing two birds with one stone.

How brilliant, sir.

Using someone else's knife to kill,

eliminating Prince Li's concern

while keeping yourself safe.

Continue searching.

Even if you have to turn Lucheng upside down,

you must find Yunge,

dead or alive.

Also,

immediately send men

to replace all the city guards

with our own people.

Seal the city gates.

Until this matter is resolved,

Li Shuang must not enter the city!

Yes.

Urgent military report!

Urgent military report!

[General's Residence]

What is it?

Someone set fire to the granary.

The general orders

the arsonist be captured tonight.

Who did it?

It's only known it was a woman,

likely a Yao State spy.

This is our only lead.

Since she's been exposed,

trying to leave the city openly

won't be easy.

She must be disguised

and hiding somewhere in the city,

waiting for her chance.

Quickly tell Cuiyun

to make the arrangements.

Everyone from the mansion should team up in pairs

and search throughout the city,

especially in remote areas and poor alleys.

Don't let her escape.

Got it.

This scent...

it's the unique fragrance from Fragrance Garden.

The intruder moved so efficiently,

they must have come prepared.

If we don't find this person quickly,

once Yao State gets the news,

they'll surely strike again,

and then Li Shuang will be in danger.

I'm still one step too late.

Miss?

Miss?

What happened?

Who did this?

Li Zhangyi...

He claimed Yunge is a Yao State spy

and forced the madam to hand her over.

Yunge...

Is she the one with a sachet

embroidered with the characters "Yanzhi"?

That was my gift to her.

Yanzhi is my name.

Yunge would never do that.

She's been wrongly accused.

Say no more,

let me take you to a doctor.

No.

City...

City God Temple.

City God Temple...

Ms. Yanzhi...

Ms. Yanzhi!

Have you seen this person?

Have you seen this person?

Never seen them.

Have you seen this person?

I haven't seen them.

Have you seen this person?

Report!

Mission accomplished.

The granaries in Taijin have been destroyed.

General.

With the granaries destroyed,

Li Shuang will surely withdraw her troops back to the city.

When the gates of Lucheng open wide,

our army can seize this opportunity

to charge straight in

and launch a surprise counterattack.

Soldiers!

Follow me to battle!

The General has returned!

Open the gates!

Without Lord Li's orders,

I cannot open the gates.

They're not our men.

Li Zhangyi deliberately arranged this.

The Northern Commander is here!

Who does Li Zhangyi think he is?

Tell him to get down here and explain himself!

How dare you!

Lord Li is here by imperial decree.

You're just a minor officer,

how dare you be so disrespectful!

Luo Teng.

Officer Luo meant no disrespect.

I

will discipline him accordingly.

Please, Lord Li, give the order immediately

to let our troops enter the city.

The city's

granaries caught on fire.

I've ordered men to capture the suspect.

To prevent

the criminal from escaping during the chaos,

I hope the General

can wait a moment.

The situation is urgent

and brooks no delay.

The Yao Army

has mobilized 50,000 troops

and has spies hiding in our Lucheng,

plotting for a long time.

Sir, why are you delaying

at such a critical moment?

Li Shuang.

As a general,

I never expected you to be such a coward.

The battle has barely begun,

yet you're already thinking of retreat.

His Majesty ordered me

to supervise this military campaign.

I will fulfill my duty faithfully.

This battle

must be fought.

Delicious.

How is it?

Good wine, isn't it?

Yunge.

She's got something.

But not much.

So you're Yunge?

Take her away.

Your timing is impeccable.

A moment later

and I would have caught her myself.

Aren't...

Aren't you dead?

Do you only wish the worst for me?

I'm trying to catch someone here.

Jin'an.

It's alright, Sister Qiao'er,

don't worry.

The message has been sent out.

There's no time.

Come with me.

Who do you think you are?

Come with me.

Yes.

Yes.

Our soldiers have fought hard until now

and are completely exhausted.

Sending us now

would be sending us to our deaths.

A mere lieutenant

dares to undermine morale like this.

You!

Do you know I have the Emperor's authority

and can execute you without prior approval?

Report!

Sir.

Someone downstairs requests an audience,

claiming to be from the General's mansion.

Refuse it.

He brought a brocade box

and insists you must accept it.

Sir.

Where is he?

Below the city wall.

Bring him up.

Yes, sir.

You again.

I humbly beg Lord Li

to open the city gates

and let the Changfeng Army enter.

The Changfeng Army

is the last line of defense against the Yao State.

If they are defeated,

Lucheng will certainly be at the enemy's mercy.

Can you afford to

let that happen?

How dare you.

Are you threatening me?

I wouldn't dare.

By the way,

I've sent Yunge

safely to the general's mansion.

I assume you agreed to meet me

because you recognized

that sachet.

If you open the city gates

and let the Changfeng Army in,

I'll return Yunge to you.

It's never too late

to mend the fold, even after the sheep are lost.

Sir,

at this point ,

we might as well go all the way.

Since he's talking like this,

he's clearly trying to claim

that you're connected to Yunge.

You mustn't fall for his trap!

Report!

The Yao Army has launched a surprise attack

and is only 10 miles away.

Trying to negotiate with me?

Who do you think you are?

The Yao Army will be at our gates any moment.

As long as Li Shuang dies,

I can still rest easy.

You dare threaten an imperial official!

Jin'an!

If anything happens to Official Li,

do you think you can escape?

My life means nothing,

but Official Li,

your life is so precious.

To have a companion like you

on my journey to the underworld...

would be my greatest honor.

Report!

The Yao Army is

only three miles from the city gates.

Open the gates!

Open up!

I said open the gates! Are you deaf?

Wait!

General!

The Yao Army is at our gates.

Opening the gates now

would be like letting wolves into our home.

The civilians would be in danger.

Our only option

is to lure the Yao Army

to the dense forest outside the city,

then we might have a chance.

All troops, attention!

Follow me to fight the enemy,

and swear to share the fate

of Lucheng!

Share its fate!

Charge!

All of you, go over there!

Hurry up!

Sir!

Catch him!

Quick!

Yes!

Sir!

Kill them all,

leave no one alive!

General!

Our brothers can't hold on much longer!

♪ In my chest ♪

♪ A raging sea of fire burns ♪

♪ It stains your armor ♪

♪ As we stand side by side, passing through the mist♪

Are you alright?

I'm so glad you're alive.

♪ Tearing away the darkness of fate ♪

Be careful!

♪ The black and white of night and day ♪

♪ I'll always be there ♪

♪ One moment is a lifetime ♪

♪ Transcend the future of life and death ♪

♪ It's hidden in my heart, growing in my soul ♪

♪ I live only for you ♪

I want to kill Shi Du.

♪ The love in my bones and blood ♪

♪ Surges in the long night ♪

♪ Enveloped by the flames ♪

♪ Only you understand my heart ♪

♪ I fear no burns, indulging my unique love ♪

♪ I'm burning for you ♪

♪ I'll die for you ♪

♪ I've never changed my promise ♪

♪ Fate is revealed, you are my only love ♪

♪ With a pact of blood, I won't let go ♪

♪ Oh, I'll charge through the darkness ♪

♪ Oh, my faith exists only for you ♪

♪ We'll stand side by side, hand in hand, undefeated ♪

♪ Oh, my faith exists only for you ♪

Shi Du is dead.

Who else wants to join him?

General Shi Du has fallen in battle!

Run!

Run for your lives!

Retreat!

You've saved me multiple times.

You are a benefactor to me and the Changfeng Army.

But why do you always refuse to show your true face?

Who I am is not important.

But whatever you want to do,

I'll do my best to make it happen.

Whatever you wish to do,

I'll try my hardest to accomplish it.

Our blood oath may be real,

but my desire to protect you

is also real.

General,

the city gates are open.

This hero has impressive skills.

Who exactly is he?