Original subtitles

[Episode 1]

In the year 907 AD,

Zhu Wen, military governor of Xuanwu, overthrew Tang and established Later Liang.

Thus, the Great Tang Dynasty,

which had ruled China for 289 years, officially fell.

China entered the bloody and chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period,

a time of immense suffering for the people.

In the year 923 AD,

Li Cun Xu, the military governor of Hedong,

conquered Later Liang and established Later Tang.

Just thirteen years later,

a new military governor of Hedong, Shi Jing Tang,

borrowed troops from the Khitan to conquer Later Tang

at the cost of ceding the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun,

and establish Later Jin.

To secure Khitan support, Shi Jing Tang did not hesitate

to acknowledge Yelv De Guang, the Khitan ruler ten years his junior

as his godfather. [Shi Jing Tang, Emperor of Later Jin]

He later became the infamous "Son Emperor".

Years of continuous war left fields deserted. [Zhangyi Right Camp]

- Move it! - Social order was destroyed.

During the Tianfu Period, a drought hit Guanzhong Region.

People died of hunger everywhere.

Tax collectors' horses trampled through villages.

As the poem of Wei Zhuang goes,

Outside the gate of armies corpses lay heaped.

Of millions of households not one remained.

By order of Marshal Zhang Yan Ze, Military Governor of Zhangyi, it is decreed:

Households near Anding County must each contribute one dan of military supplies.

If grain is insufficient, flesh will suffice.

No! No!

No!

Marshal!

In Prefectures of Jing and Yuan, there are 38,000 households.

Heaven cherishes all life.

If an army feeds on the people, then it is no better than a beast.

Useless wretch!

[Zhang Yan Ze] [Military Commissioner of the Zhangyi Army]

How did I raise a coward like you?

[Zhang Huai Su, Zhang Yan Ze's adoptive son]

Will you kill him?

If you don't kill him,

I'll kill you and use you as army rations!

A son's life is given by his father.

Kill me if you wish to, Father!

I only beg that you spare these innocent commoners.

My dear eldest son.

Since you cannot bear them eating others' flesh,

then cut your own flesh to feed them.

Buddha, my son is compassionate,

wishing to emulate you in cutting his own flesh to feed his comrades.

Good.

- Zhang Shi! - I'm here.

Cook him.

Marshal! [Zhang Shi, Military Governor of Zhangyi Army]

Marshal, please calm down!

The eldest young master is filial and pure.

Marshal, please show mercy!

I have more than just this one son.

In the Jingyuan Army,

tens of thousands of men are all like my flesh.

But...

If someone wishes to starve my flesh,

I will grind his bones and make rations of them.

[Ten days later]

[The Garrison Mill]

[Zhao Kuang Yin] [Courtesy name Yuan Lang, Zhao Hong Yin's son]

[Zhao Hong Yin] [Deputy Inspector, Imperial Guard Headquarters]

[Jingzhou, station of the Zhangyi Army]

Bring out the the Emperor's command insignia.

The army only obeys the Marshal's orders.

We don't need any other orders.

Now that the Marshal is not in camp,

even if the heavens themselves came,

they can only wait here.

I kindly request you to make a report.

Deputy Capital Guard Commander of the Imperial Guard, Zhao Hong Yin,

holds the insignia here

to summon the Secretariat Director of the Zhangyi Army, Zhang Shi,

to the palace for interrogation.

The Emperor's decree must be treated seriously!

The Emperor?

He said "the Emperor".

Do you know him?

No.

Father, stalling isn't a solution.

Let me try to give him a few horseshoe-shaped gold ingots.

Kuang Yin, this is the gate of a military headquarters.

We must not act rashly.

Understood.

Sirs.

Excuse me.

I'm puzzled about a matter and would like to seek your advice.

I've heard that to face the insignia is to face the Emperor.

Facing the Emperor's insignia,

the entire army bows its head, and generals kneel in respect.

Why have the rules changed here?

You're just a kid.

Absolutely ignorant of what's proper!

The Emperor is established by the Marshals and Lords,

and the Marshals and Lords are supported and elevated by us fighting men.

That is to say,

we grunts are the benefactors of the Lords and Marshals,

and thus the benefactors of the Emperor.

Right, everyone?

Yes, yes, yes!

The Emperor bestows the insignia upon the Marshals and Lords in gratitude.

It's certainly not meant for you to flaunt and tyrannize with in the military camps.

Nobody move!

Listen to him.

Don't move recklessly.

I have little strength, and my hand is unsteady.

I hope not to take this sir's life.

Request the Secretariat Director of the Zhangyi Army,

Military Governor Zhang Shi, to step forward.

The Emperor has questions.

You don't know your place.

Good-for-nothing wretch.

You are Zhang Shi?

Your secret memorial has been received by the court.

Father!

Father!

Pursuers!

Judging by the horse beats, at least a squad.

Take him. Get moving!

Spread out!

Listen up, all of you!

Aim for the horses, not the men!

Understood.

I am the Deputy Capital Guard Commander

of the Imperial Guard Infantry and Cavalry, Zhao Hong Yin.

Returning here to report.

Open the gates!

[Kaifeng Prefecture, the capital prefecture]

At this time, Zhao Kuang Yin had not yet even obtained

an official position of the third-class in the army.

As a scion of a military family whose ambition was to become a military governor,

Zhao Kuang Yin simply could not comprehend that in this world

there could exist a military governor like Zhang Yan Ze,

who was utterly devoid of conscience.

He did not understand how such a cruel beast

could have become a military governor holding power of life and death over a region.

He understood even less what the sovereign and his ministers

in the great hall could possibly be discussing faced with such a merciless beast.

The eldest young master was slit across the throat by the Marshal.

He was then cooked in public.

[Shi Jing Tang]

Sending people to the mill,

to ground flesh into dust

was what Huang Chao would do, not my military governor.

A high-ranking minister is involved.

I believe this matter [Shi Chong Gui, Prince of Qi]

should be thoroughly investigated.

This man framed my military governor,

and sowed discord between a ruler and his minister.

Cage him and send him to Jingzhou.

Let Zhang Yan Ze decide how to deal with him.

Your Majesty!

Every word I have spoken is true.

I beg Your Majesty to discern the truth.

I beg Your Majesty to discern the truth.

Your Majesty!

I beg Your Majesty to discern the truth!

Your Majesty!

Zhao Hong Yin.

I'm here.

What a good job you've done.

My life is forfeit.

I deserve death!

[Feng Dao, Courtesy name Ke Dao] [Director of the Secretariat]

You are an old-timer, present since the first year of Tongguang.

You are demoted to Commander.

You are to remain in the Imperial Guard Command.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I don't understand.

Where is the justice?

Where is the law?

All because he's a military governor?

It's because he holds over ten thousand troops.

That is the justice.

That is the law.

A soldier becoming a Marshal who can even devour his own son.

He's worse than a beast.

- Kuang Yin. - Am I not right?

I have found you a wife, the third daughter in your Uncle He's family.

Let's settle the marriage early.

I've always upheld integrity and righteousness.

The Khitan saved me out of righteousness,

so I should repay them with honesty and by keeping my promises.

Now, An Chong Rong is going to attack the Khitan.

That'll put me in an unfavorable position.

This battle must be fought.

Logistics precede the army.

Within Military Governor Du Chong Wei's jurisdiction,

a million hu of grain was collected, but only three hundred thousand was reported.

The rest filled his own pockets.

The tribute from the Kingdom of Wuyue

is already on its way.

Yes.

I still have Wuyue.

The Kingdom of Wuyue faces the sea to the east,

and borders Min to the south.

The rest of its territory is surrounded by its powerful neighbor, Southern Tang.

Wuyue submits and pays tribute to the Central Plains dynasties for protection.

The Central Plains dynasties have continuously [The Western Court, Hangzhou]

bestowed favor upon the Qian kings of Wuyue,

intending to leave hidden landmines in the rear of Southern Tang.

Under this delicate balance,

Wuyue has long been free from war.

Commerce flourishes, and the people live and work in peace.

It can be called a land of happiness. [Armors and Arms Ready for Battle]

Last year in Jianzhou,

our army ran out of provisions, thus suffering defeat.

Tens of thousands of our comrades died there.

[Qian Hong Jun, Commissioner for Pacification of the Eastern Court]

We, the surviving ones, simply cannot understand.

With just one word from that Son Emperor, [Zhou Ping, Infantry Officer]

the Great King sent all provisions to the Central Plains.

Why is it so difficult for us to receive our rewards?

How is that right?

Having lived in peace for too long, you've grown fussy.

How dare you discuss the Great King's commands here?

[Hu Jin Si, Right Commander of the Inner Cavalry and Infantry Guards]

Hong Jun pays respects to Lord Hu.

Old Lord, we cannot bear such words.

King's orders resplendent,

who dares to neglect them?

It is only to seek rewards for the comrades who risked life and limbs last year

that we hope to make it clear to the Eldest Prince.

Old Lord, as a veteran commander of the army,

you definitely understand the intricacies within.

Enlisted in the army in the second year of Tianfu,

you must be at least 65 now.

Old Lord, this humble general was born in July.

I have turned 66.

Back then, the rebellion of Xu Zai Si

caused the Late King great distress.

It was the current King who shared his father's burden,

becoming a live-in son-in-law of the Tian family in Xuanzhou,

thus settling the aftermath.

I remember at that time, everyone feared the difficulty of the matter.

Everyone was unwilling to follow.

When the Great King went to Xuanzhou,

he only took you, his sole long-time attendant.

The past is gone.

Thinking of it makes one sigh.

It is the duty of us ministers to share the King's burdens.

You are loyal,

so surely you would not cause your lord trouble.

Strip Zhou Ping of his armor,

drag him out, and behead him.

Old Lord, Old...

Eldest Prince!

Eldest Prince! I protest my innocence!

I protest my innocence!

- Eldest Prince! - Lord!

These soldiers in the army fear authority but do not cherish virtue.

Having lived in peace for too long,

they inevitably become lazy and negligent.

Lord, but...

Since you've been granted military authority,

you should not belittle yourself.

Yes.

You watched Hu Jin Si kill Zhou Ping? [Qian Yuan Guan, King of Wuyue]

It happened too suddenly.

I had no time to intervene.

When Zhou Ping followed me to the Tian family then,

I promised him one thing.

If we could return alive, I would protect him for the rest of his life.

Zhou Ping...

He gathered a crowd to demand rewards and disrupted military morale.

[Yuan De Zhao, Courtesy name Ming Yuan] [Academician of the Tongru Institute]

King Wu Su's final instruction was not to harm our fellows.

The bond of brotherhood,

once severed, is hard to mend.

Convey my order.

Open the inner treasury.

Give Zhou Ping a grand burial

and distribute the rewards tonight.

[Imperial Household]

[This responsible officer is appointed to open the inner treasury,]

[give Zhou Ping a grand burial, and distribute the rewards.]

The inner treasury [He Cheng Xun, Commander]

is the King's private property. [First Unit of the Imperial Household Guards]]

It's not controlled by any external treasury.

Without the King's direct order,

not a single coin or bolt of silk can be disbursed.

I have my duty.

Officer, please forgive my rudeness.

[Shen Wen Qi, Courtesy name Ru Yu] [Chief Secretary of the Eastern Court]

Commander, look carefully.

This is the King's handwritten order.

I am uncouth and cannot verify the authenticity.

I've sent an officer to summon Marshal Dai of the inner guard.

Please wait a moment.

The King's order is urgent. I'm afraid I cannot wait.

I cannot verify it.

I cannot in honor obey. I apologize for the offense.

Before Marshal Dai arrives,

whoever approaches within ten paces of the gate is to be killed.

Understood.

[Office of Records]

The situation?

Marshal Dai's name kept them off for now.

If it were not Shen Wen Qi who came,

we would not be in such a haste.

[Du Zhao Da, Commander of the Inner Court]

Shen is intelligent and resourceful.

If I appear here now, he will surely be suspicious.

Why isn't Cheng Zhao Yue here yet?

Someone has been sent to him.

[Shanyue House]

[Cheng Zhao Yue] [Grand Master of Shanyue House]

It occurred abruptly.

The Commander and the Supervisor are waiting for you anxiously.

I beseech you to enter the palace without delay.

There is not enough plain-colored silk in the treasury.

Even if I go, I cannot produce it.

Master, this matter is of the utmost importance.

If the secret comes to light,

I'll be implicated, along with the Commander and the Supervisor.

Even the Marshals will face punishment.

So will the Commander.

If plain-colored silk is insufficient, then make up with variegated colors.

You may go.

Can enough assorted colors be gathered?

Yes, if crimson green and indigo blue are both gathered.

- But... - Enough of your nonsense.

We're out of time here.

What else is there to worry about?

Open storerooms Right Bing, Ding, and Wu.

Prepare wooden boxes.

Yes.

The Chief Secretary of the Eastern Pacification Office

in charge of confidential documents, Shen Wen Qi,

pays respects to Lord Hu.

Where is He Cheng Xun?

Get out here.

Your humble general He Cheng Xun, pays respects to the Old Lord.

Who gave you the impudence

to openly defy the King's orders within the royal palace?

Please calm down, My Lord.

I've realized my mistake.

It's because of Marshal Dai's orders

that Lichun Courtyard is the King's...

Decades ago, when the old king mobilized his army,

I was the Left Commander of the Inner Guard.

Dai Yun's mother hadn't even got married then.

You're using him to pressure me?

I was blinded by greed.

I deserve death.

I will accept punishment and disposal from you.

The King's orders are absolute.

If we delay and ruin an important matter,

I will set up a big pot before all the commanders and soldiers,

and stew you.

Orders received.

You bunch of fools.

Still lazing around?

Hurry up and move the things out!

Quick!

Quick!

Everything has been prepared.

I dare not delay official business.

Commander He.

I did not supervise the selection in the storeroom.

The receipt will be given to you at a later date.

I understand. Official matters take priority.

Please do not trouble yourself with the receipt.

In three days, I will come to your residence to collect it in person.

Are there issues with these silks and fabrics? [Qian Hong Chu, Qian Yuan Guan's ninth son]

The silks and brocades used when rewarding soldiers

have always been black or gray.

Even if the color is one grade higher, it is at most blue.

Scarlet, green, and indigo blue are reserved for officers.

Commoners using them is an overstep.

Indeed.

Fifth rank officers and above wear scarlet.

Sixth and seventh ranks wear green.

Eighth and ninth ranks wear indigo.

First, rewards have always been of solid colors.

This time, they are of mixed colors.

This is very unusual.

Second, I held the King's order.

Yet he dared to defy it, refusing to comply until Lord Hu arrived.

His audacity is astonishing.

Third, when issuing rewards,

officials from each department enter the warehouse to select,

then wrap, box, and transport them back.

But he did not let me enter the warehouse.

He directly packed them and sent them out,

using hundreds of wooden boxes,

all of which must written off on the ledger.

Is he going to pay the cost of these boxes by himself?

Fourth, when issuing rewards,

a receipt is signed immediately upon disbursement.

Yet, he didn't even ask for proof on the spot,

merely saying he would come to collect it later.

Although this is convenient,

it doesn't accord to regulations.

Then it is clear.

There's a thief within.

What on earth is going on?

I truly was blinded by greed.

[Dai Yun, Commander of the Inner Cavalry and Infantry Guards]

Such nonsense meant to fool outsiders might work on Shen Wen Qi,

but that's it.

To brush off me...

You are pushing your luck!

The inner guard armies have always been under your command, Marshal.

Now, out of nowhere...

a Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Cavalry and Infantry,

comes asking to open the inner treasury without informing you.

I panicked and committed this foolish act

for fear of violating your military rules and regulations.

You are not foolish in the slightest.

You are too clever by half.

Having only commanded the First Capital of the Personal Guard for about two years,

you acquired two three-courtyard estates by West Lake and took nine concubines.

Do you think I'm blind?

I dare not deceive you, Marshal.

Since I became a commander, I have received many gifts.

Still, I have two principles.

I dare not neglect my duties.

The army's provisions and pay, I dare not embezzle.

If I have violated these two principles,

I am willing to be pierced by ten thousand arrows.

These matters are not for your glib tongue to decide.

Send inner treasury's financial records for the past two years to my residence.

As to whether you are guilty,

we must first verify everything clearly to ensure justice is served.

I humbly obey the Old Marshal's esteemed command.

Deceiving everyone and engaging in theft.

He Cheng Xun is merely a commander,

yet he openly steals and sells the royal family's private property.

His audacity is truly immense.

The inner treasury holds countless coins, silks, and other treasures.

These are all items rarely seen by ordinary people.

Once they enter the market,

the local officials of two Courts, and the various prefectures and counties,

could not possibly remain unaware.

How did he do it with no one noticing?

Eldest brother, Lord Yu Ru.

Have you ever seen boxes like this?

What's wrong with these boxes?

The government uses large boxes for storing and transporting silk and cloth, right?

The Eastern Court treasury only uses large three-feet square boxes.

We have indeed never seen such a small box

that is three feet long and one foot wide.

That's right.

Instead, I often see such small boxes.

In the Western Court city, the 18 shops with the "Shanyue House" signboard

all use this kind of small boxes to sell their cloth and silk.

Hong Chu, this is no small matter.

Don't get involved.

Be content with your fishing business.

I understand.

Distinguished guest, where do you come from?

Our master has been waiting in the Listening Rain Pavilion for you.

This way, please.

[Li Yuan Qing, Courtesy name Yun Qing] [Grand Master of Qinhuai House]

Yun Qing, I haven't seen you in a long time.

Cheng, kindly take a seat.

After you.

What dishes are there today?

Report them now.

Master, that young fisherman's boy who tried in the kitchen once has been invited.

It took me quite some effort.

Regarding knife skills for preparing raw fish,

even the veteran chefs have less than a thousandth of this lad's skills.

With Master Li's visit,

it's perfect to have him serve properly.

Matters of food and drink

are not of great concern to Yun Qing and me.

What's important is that the person must be reliable.

Please rest assured.

That young boy always hangs around the fish market docks.

Many old fishermen know him.

He's a local with a clear background.

Enough.

You may go.

Cheng, the Crown Prince has passed away.

Now, the Great King's health is not well.

Within the palace walls, which prince do you think will ascend to the throne?

Among the Princes,

the Eldest Prince has the highest reputation.

The Third Prince holds the strongest military power.

However, both of them are adopted sons.

The Eldest Prince is son of King Qian's elder brother's.

He is Lord Five's eldest son.

The Third Prince's original surname is Sun.

They are both false sons, not to be taken seriously.

Some say, Zhou Ping led the disturbance,

backed by Dai Yun.

What is your view of this matter?

If Marshal Dai truly backed him, Zhou Ping wouldn't have died.

[Qian Hong You, childhood name A'Zuo] [Commander of the Inner Guards Archer Units]

Dai Yun is my uncle by marriage.

I hold military power in the west.

Dai commands the guards within the court.

Even without the baseless rumors, for overall stability,

I implore you to relieve me of my military command.

The stability of Wuyue

relies on you all to uphold.

I will spare no effort, even at the cost of my life.

So, you mean...

Among the King's biological sons, there's someone promising?

The Sixth Prince can be described...

as mature and capable in statecraft.

Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince has arrived.

Let him in.

Yes.

Acting Grand Commandant,

Deputy Military Governor of Zhenhai and Zhendong,

Assistant to the Chancellor's Office, your subject, Hong Zuo,

pays homage to Your Majesty.

You're always like this.

Don't you find it a mouthful?

Even I am tired of your verbosity.

You are just a youth.

Why do you pretend to be mature and steady?

What's the matter?

Do you need me to grant you an honor of pretentious maturity?

I apologize.

Hong Chu is not much younger than you.

Look at the two of you.

One retains childishness,

while the other is pompous.

He's not in the Chancellor's mansion.

If one enters it,

will they cease to be my son?

Propriety cannot be neglected.

I just want you to call me "Father".

Is it really that difficult?

At home, we're father and son.

When discussing affairs...

we are ruler and subject.

This Sixth Prince is actually a remarkable person.

With such a mature and statecraft-minded prince in the inner court,

how dare you, this granary rat, so recklessly tamper with dealings?

When a family's estate grows,

and a state has been established for long,

it is inevitable that some foxes and rats will emerge.

I am merely a middleman.

Those who truly rely on these businesses to suck blood

and amass wealth are none other than these scions of nobles and generals.

Master, the first course is here.

Does it have a name?

This wine pot is made of the finest porcelain.

The wine is a new brew from our winery, named "Moonlit Night".

The fish is shaped into twenty-four arches,

thus named "Moonlit Night of Twenty-Four Bridges".

A fine name.

Yun Qing, have some.

Same to you.

Tender, fresh, and smooth, melting in the mouth.

Indeed, quite something.

Your reward.

Quick, express your gratitude.

I humbly thank you.

Enough. You may leave.

Steward Hou, wait a moment.

What is this person's name?

The fishermen at the fish market call him Nine Jin,

because they once saw him dive into the water

and catch a nine-jin fish barehanded.

As to his surname, that is unknown.

Upon seeing the gold,

he was neither dazed nor overjoyed, but instead startled.

It seems gold is not new to him.

Whenever kneeling or standing, his acts are perfectly measured.

This is the upbringing of a child from a prominent family.

His manners are flawless down to the last detail.

That man's boot soles have no mud, [Xue Wen, Qian Hong Chu's close attendant]

but they exude a salty, fishy smell.

He probably came by ship.

The sea waves are turbulent, so it must have been perilous.

Thus, the ship wouldn't be small.

This lad is actually a informant?

I will go capture him for interrogation.

It's too late.

Don't be so alarmed.

Too many people in the Western Court are keeping an eye on us.

We can't possibly capture everyone.

However, young as this man is,

he really has remarkable culinary skills.

He's probably from a prominent family.

Go to the Maritime Trade Office to check the ships

with three hundred liao or more entering port today.

Entry time should be between Mao and Si.

It should be easy to identify.

[The East Sea]

Don't bother hiding.

It's stuffy inside.

Come out.

I'm hungry. Is there any food?

You, watch your step!

Watch your step!

You two, lift gently!

Slow down!

Come.

Everyone, be careful!

Be so careless again, and you can jump in to be fish fodder!

All of you, hurry up and pack it!

Quick!

Pack it all up!

Quick!

Carry it away!

I must have lost my manners.

I am truly very hungry.

I appreciate your generosity and kindness.

How are you related to the Yu family's eldest daughter from Huanglong Island?

I... do not know who this Eldest Lady Yu is.

But I have indeed heard of the Huanglong pirates on the East Sea,

whose name strike fear.

So, you mean, you infiltrated Shanyue House

not for business.

That depends on what business you are doing with Shanyue House.

Everyone, slow down!

All of you, be careful!

Intruders!

There's trouble.

Huanglong House intruders.

Great Master, just leave for your affairs.

I've received a meal's grace and dare not leave without permission.

If you still don't trust me,

you can send one or two trusted aides to guard here.

Serve this young master well.

Do not slight him.

- Slow down! - Hurry up!

Stop!

Let me go!

Let me go, gentlemen!

Let me go!

- Let me out! - Behave!

Madam, I suppose there must be some misunderstandings between us.

You'd better be quiet.

Otherwise, I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to the dogs.