Original subtitles

[Episode 2]

What a quick ship! [Qian Hong Chu]

It's a swift coastal skiff.

At this distance, they can use arrows and crossbows

to nail us to death one by one on this ship.

Which Master of Qinhuai House is present?

Please come aboard for a talk.

This is Black Cloud Longsword. [Yu Wen Xiu]

The sword is his life. [Great Executive of Huanglong House]

It must never be held in another's hand.

Let him hold it.

Li Yuan Qing of Qinhuai House pays respects to the Great Executive.

So, it is Grand Master Li in person.

Please forgive my discourtesy.

My visit is indeed presumptuous.

You are not to blame.

A state has its laws, and a family has its rules.

Though the sea is shrouded in storms,

it is not a place beyond the law.

I have roamed the world,

without receiving a single coin from the Kingdom of Wuyue,

or a single grain from the King.

As to the laws of Wuyue,

what have they to do with Qinhuai House?

Though Huanglong House may be insignificant,

we still have eight warships, sixteen swift skiffs,

and countless cargo vessels,

traveling to and from Goryeo, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and Srivijaya.

On the East Sea,

we are the law.

You may take the ships,

but not the men and cargo.

- Guards! - 500 catties of pure gold.

I'll buy these men and cargo.

800.

600.

750.

The world has been fragmented and in chaos for at least five decades.

No one has had an easy life.

650 catties.

Indeed.

We're all making a living in troubled times.

Every household has its own difficulties.

700 catties.

If even a tiny fraction is missing,

you may return and prepare for battle.

700 catties it shall be.

As for that lad outside, give him to me as a bonus.

1,000 catties.

I'll buy the men and cargo.

750 catties for the men and cargo.

250, for myself.

I am the young master of Shanyue House.

These Southern Tang bandits captured me and demanded the cargo as ransom.

Great Executive, just detain the men, the ship, and the cargo.

Then send me along to Hangzhou.

You'll get a thousand catties of pure gold, not a single speck will be missing.

Great Executive, this kid is talking nonsense.

Don't be deceived by him.

Sailing on the sea, honesty comes first.

700 catties of pure gold. It's settled.

Great Executive, you're truly a gentleman with virtue.

You have my admiration.

The boy outside, 250 catties.

Do you want to buy him?

I'll raise you!

300 catties.

I'll buy myself.

It's 300 now.

Do you want to bid on?

What is your connection with Cheng Zhao Yue?

Cheng Zhao Yue has two daughters.

One is 16, and the other is 12.

He does have a son,

still in swaddling clothes.

Who exactly are you?

Why do you claim to be the young master of Shanyue?

I...

Uncle is asking the questions.

You'd better tell the truth.

If you tell one lie, I'll cut off one of your ears.

If you tell two lies, I'll cut off both.

If you tell three lies,

your nose will be gone.

I'm cold.

That's the truth.

But my head is hot.

[Huanglong Island, The East Sea]

Armor.

Mountain-patterned armor, black-hammer armor, both available.

I even saw a set of Mingguang armor.

Li Yuan Qing... [Eldest Lady Yu, Grand Master, Huanglong House]

He was a Southern Tang spy leader,

and commander of the Black Cloud Troops.

Why would he go through such trouble to travel far across the waves

to come to Wuyue to buy armor?

Southern Tang's troops aren't so poor as to be in such a state.

He must be selling armor on behalf of others.

Qinhuai House doesn't need to buy armor.

He bought all the people.

He's trying to keep you from finding out the supplier's identity.

Maybe we can ask that kid when he wakes up.

This kid resembles someone.

250, you're awake.

Drink this.

What time is it?

Where I am? [Sun Tai Zhen, childhood name Zhen Niang]

You had a fever all night. [Lady Yu's daughter]

You've sweat a lot.

It stinks in here.

This bed is probably ruined.

Uncle prescribed the medicine for you.

Take it and you'll feel better.

Have this. It's sweet.

You must be hungry.

Your food is outside.

I'll go get it.

Lord Shui Qiu.

Lord Shui Qiu. [Shui Qiu Zhao Quan, Commander of Liaoqian]

I'm Xue Wen.

Are you sure?

Was it truly a swift coastal skiff?

Absolutely. A swift skiff.

The Mingzhou Navy?

No.

The Mingzhou Navy wouldn't appear there at that hour.

Then who could it be?

Huanglong Island. [Qian Hong You]

As brothers, the Sixth Prince is so proper and sensible,

and the Seventh is so alert and reasonable.

Yet, the Ninth Prince never puts anyone's mind at ease.

Talking about this now is useless.

It seems this time,

you and I will have to leave for this affair.

Do you know the identity of Li Yuan Qing?

The great proprietor of Qinhuai House in Southern Tang.

How do you know?

I overheard your conversation on the ship.

Why were you on Qinhuai House's ship?

Can I... refuse to answer this question?

Then answer this one.

Do you know who the cargo vessel that night belonged to?

Shanyue House.

How do you know?

Can you tell me?

Yes. I guessed.

You fool.

Then make a guess.

What kind of goods were they trading that night?

Well...

I really have no clue.

I will tell you then.

They were trading armor.

What was exposed is no ordinary item.

You...

It was armor.

An official family hides one set, and they'll face a grave crime of treason.

If the theft and sale of armor is exposed, it warrants death by a thousand cuts.

All men in the family will be killed, and women will become public courtesans.

So, you mean...

the old master's investigating this? [Du Zhao Da]

It might not be that soon.

We just have to act swiftly.

There'll still be time to remedy matters.

Marshal.

[Dai Yun]

Anything different about the rewards issued from the treasury this time?

No, nothing.

They seem more fitting than before.

More fitting than before?

What do you mean?

The rewards issued from the treasury were often either black or gray.

But this time, it's bright red.

The color is so vibrant and beautiful.

Take it home, and mothers and wives can make clothes from it.

Wearing such robes makes one very dignified.

Were all of them red?

We in the Central Guard all received bright red.

I heard that some other units got green,

some blue, and also black and gray.

So, it seems they are all mixed colors.

Thank you for the report.

You may leave.

I'll take my leave.

That scoundrel He Cheng Xun!

He sure thinks himself bold.

[Yan Tong, Commander of the Second Unit of the Imperial Household Guards]

Yan the Third, you mad?

How dare you storm the treasury!

Do you have a death wish?

Listen up, all of you!

In this courtyard,

it is Commander He and the First Unit who are in charge.

Our only task is to lock up all the account rooms and warehouses.

Then we'll withdraw outside the courtyard.

We only need to guard the perimeter,

allowing no one in, and no one out.

Before noon tomorrow,

if a single mouse runs out, or an ant crawls in,

it will be our fault.

- Yes, sir. - Yan Tong!

I will report this sealing of the treasury immediately!

There's no need for that.

Old Marshal.

Tomorrow morning, I have arranged with the Prefect of the Eastern Court

to thoroughly search the treasury.

All of the the accounts, receipts, and inventory,

shall be sealed from this moment on.

After tomorrow's search, inspection, and audit,

I will report to the Great King in person.

Then, whoever deserves death will lose his head.

Proceed.

[Accounts]

This old bastard acted too suddenly,

leaving no room for maneuver.

Everything else's not an issue.

But the armor hasn't been replenished yet.

There's no way to balance the accounts if the checks go on tomorrow.

This old executioner is trying to put me to death.

What if we break open the account room locks and balance the accounts?

What a brilliant plan.

How did you come up with it?

Newly made accounts can be detected,

and on top of that, if you break the locks open,

aren't you just declaring yourself guilty?

There's no way to hide.

With all rooms locked,

I can neither do the accounts, nor replenish the armor.

Do we just sit here and wait for punishment?

I have a plan.

I just don't know if you are brave enough for it.

A knife is at our throat. What else is there to fear?

Come closer.

250.

I raised the price.

300.

I don't care.

You're 250.

What do you want?

My mother and uncle wants to invite you to the front hall.

Didn't we meet during the day?

They've asked, and I've answered.

What else is there?

This is something different.

How is it different?

My elder brother has returned.

He wants to see you.

Your... elder brother?

Lord Shui Qiu.

Third Brother.

Can Hong You bring Hong Chu back?

He certainly can.

Rest assured.

[Lady Wu, Qian Hong Chu's mother]

Will Lady Yu take her anger out on Hong Chu?

Just relax. She's not that kind of person.

Let's rest early.

I'm afraid my health won't allow me to stay up late.

Great King!

Great King, an emergency!

Great King!

What happened?

Great King!

Open the door!

What's wrong?

Lichun Courtyard! The inner treasury!

Lichun Courtyard is on fire! [Huang Wei, Deputy Director of the Eight Halls]

Quick!

This rascal doesn't ever speak the truth.

He truly has his father's blood.

Madam, that comment is not very fair.

I didn't know that the famous Lady Master of Huanglong House

is my third brother's birth mother.

The Great Executive also never told me that you knew my father.

Seeing the Great Executive seizing the ship and killing the boatmen,

my heart almost jumped out of my chest.

I truly dared not act without caution.

Your caution is not wrong.

Had I known earlier where you were from,

I might have thrown you into the sea.

I wouldn't have kept you here for you to run your mouth.

- Mother. - Enough.

I won't ramble on with you youngsters.

I am tired and need to rest.

Let's leave matters to be discussed tomorrow.

We bid thee farewell.

All right.

You brothers can talk.

I am also tired.

Zhen Niang, A'You. Accompany me back to rest.

Yes, Uncle.

We bid thee farewell.

Third Brother.

I'll deal with you later.

Who is on duty today?

Who is it?

Great King, today is an even-numbered day.

It should be Lord Hu's turn to be on duty in the inner guard.

Where is He Cheng Xun?

Tell that scoundrel to get out here now!

[Hu Jing, Secretary, Ministry of Works]

I...

I...

I pay my respects.

Yan Tong?

Why is it you?

My Lord, I was at the side wing fighting the fire.

A few spots still need to be extinguished.

I mean, why are you here?

Where is He Cheng Xun?

Lord, this fire broke out suddenly.

I have been fighting the fire, and I have not seen Commander He.

Seize him.

Lord...

Spare my life!

I've been wronged!

I followed Marshal Dai's military order to seal off Lichun Courtyard.

Otherwise, even with the greatest courage, I would not dare to act on my own.

I've been wronged! Lord, I've been wronged!

Your Majesty, shall we summon a palanquin?

Lord.

Great King, I'm here.

A fire broke out in the palace.

Losing few side courtyards is not of great importance.

Notify everyone inside and outside not to act rashly.

Anyone who spreads rumors shall be...

beheaded.

Understood.

Great King!

Great King!

What's the situation?

The palace is not yet under martial law.

It is the perfect time to escape.

Delay another half an hour and it will be too late.

So, there's no better time to leave than now?

Commander He, did you see something?

Lord Hu just passed by carrying the King on his back.

Yan Tong was apprehended, mouth gagged.

Presumably, he hasn't been interrogated yet.

If he doesn't ask now, he will soon.

Let's go quickly.

Carrying on the back?

Exactly.

I'm afraid he's not well.

If he's really unwell, then that would be great for us.

What on earth is happening?

Great King!

What's the matter with him?

Quick, quick!

Madam.

Madam, please forgive my impropriety.

Please move to the side hall to rest.

Madam, please don't worry.

Tomorrow...

I will certainly shoulder the responsibility for this.

Find a reliable person.

Summon two palace physicians to Yaotai Courtyard.

Yes.

Be extremely cautious.

Be careful.

Do not leak any information.

Understood.

Hu Jin Si has always been astute and decisive.

It's impossible to deceive him.

If that's the case, let's disperse from the palace before anything happens.

Return and wait for your death.

Sir, how confident are you with your plan?

If the King's health problem is not serious,

there's only a 20-percent chance of success.

If he falls ill and never recovers...

Then what?

There is still an 80-percent chance.

Be honest.

Reporting to the Supervisor,

the King's pulse is extremely faint.

It feels rootless.

Speak plainly.

Yes.

This "cauldron-boiling" sign is the first of the seven fatal pulses in medicine.

The King...

I'm afraid...

The cause of illness?

Since the Filial and Devoted Crown Prince passed away last year,

grief has been in the King's heart, damaging his lung meridian.

In winter, he caught a cold, which lingered for nearly a hundred days.

His health was already crumbling.

The deep-seated illness entered his organs.

He was suddenly startled, and it all erupted at once tonight.

Is there any way to save him?

- We are incompetent. - We are incompetent.

Listen, all of you!

The King is critically ill.

There is suspicion and fear.

The situation is dire.

I need you to make the Great King wake up by whatever means.

Reporting to the Supervisor,

if we use gold needles on the Baihui, Sishencong, and Shenting points,

we might make the King wake up briefly.

However, this method stimulates vitality and accelerates the meridians.

It's easy to get a breath of life, but it will be extremely difficult to sustain.

I understand. Use the needles.

The needles...

I will take responsibility.

You will not be held accountable. Use the needles.

Yes.

Great King.

What time is it now?

Just past the sixth mark of the Zi hour.

I...

How much time do I have left?

Let me prostrate myself and beg Your Majesty to settle important matters.

Lord, stay.

Everyone else, leave.

Commander of the Capital Archery and Cavalry Army,

Marquis of Xi'an, Qian Hong You, is talented in both civil and military matters.

His knowledge spans heaven and earth.

At the risk of my unworthy life, I beg a withdrawal of this order.

What?

The Third Prince...

He does not meet your approval?

Since ancient times, when a ruler has true sons at his knee,

there has never been a reason to appoint an adopted son.

Although the Third Prince is your adopted son,

he is also the son of the Marshal's Mansion's Sun Ting Fu.

If the twelve prefectures of Wuyue, with its million soldiers and civilians,

are entrusted to an adopted son,

how can this not raise doubts at home and beyond?

How can it ensure peace within the court and among the people?

Emperor Ming Zong was not the biological son of Emperor Tai Zu.

Therefore, after Ming Zong's death, Shi Jing Tang usurped his family's empire.

Since the Emperor can be an adopted son,

then a good son-in-law can also be one.

My King.

The Central Plains have been in chaos for decades.

Fathers and sons suspect each other.

Sovereign and ministers are in disarray.

Heaven and earth are overturned.

Some things must be done as there's no other choice.

That's why...

they let mistakes ride.

As for Wuyue...

We have not reached such a state.

I agree with you on this.

Now...

Summon Hong Zuo to the palace.

The Great King summons the Sixth Prince.

Old Lord, what does this mean? [Qian Hong Zong, Deputy Commander]

The Great King's command is only to summon the Sixth Prince.

He did not summon the Seventh Prince.

Please wait outside the hall.

Father!

Father!

Father!

Father!

Father!

My dear, foolish child.

You finally gave up that etiquette between ruler and subject with me.

Everyone will eventually die.

There's no need to cry.

In the fourth mouth on last year...

when Fifth Son passed away,

I had you enter the Chancellor's mansion

to participate in and decide on government affairs.

You are someone who remains calm in the face of major events.

It's just a pity that

there's not enough time for you.

I had originally intended to support you for another year or two.

Father, please don't say that.

Please!

Take care of your health.

The state, the family,

the officials, nobles, and relatives,

the soldiers and civilians in 12 prefectures and 67 counties,

they can do without me.

But they cannot do without you.

Father!

Father!

[Liu Yan Chen, Commander of the Third Unit of the Imperial Household Guards]

Liu Yan Chen, I never knew that you are a man of courage and strategy.

By the King's command,

I shall lead the inner palace troops.

Yet, you blocked me outside the palace walls.

Do you know that I can enforce military law and execute you?

Marshal, I dare not offend a superior.

Yet, this is my duty.

Once the gates are locked,

I dare not open them without the King's command.

The palace is ablaze with fire.

If the King faces any danger, can you bear the consequences?

Open the gates!

Let me enter to pay homage to the King.

If you are to kill me, I am willing to accept the punishment.

But I cannot open the gates without an edict.

You!

Dai Yun is still outside the palace gates.

Yes.

Commander of the Third Unit of the Imperial Household Guards, Liu Yan Chen,

did not open the gates.

Instead, he used a rope to lower himself from the palace wall

and is dealing with the Marshal face-to-face.

This Liu Yan Chen is promising.

Promote him to Deputy Capital Guard Commander.

Yes.

This is He Cheng Xun of the First Personal Guard Unit.

I have something urgent to report.

Your position at court is respectable,

but your military experience is insufficient.

When I ascended the throne,

I first grasped military power,

then the empire.

Marshal Dai...

He is a commander of the inner army with great prestige and authority.

I cannot but obey him,

and watch his show of force.

Yet, unexpectedly, less than an hour after I handed over the defense,

a great fire broke out.

I am responsible for the inner treasury, and I deserve punishment.

I was scared out of my wits,

not knowing to whom I could state my grievance.

Thus, I've ventured to report this case to you.

I deserve punishment.

He Cheng Xun.

Yes.

You are truly audacious to accuse a senior state official.

Do you know the consequences?

Every word I have said is true.

If there is a single lie, I would forfeit my life.

Seize him.

Father.

Marshal Dai's actions tonight were indeed improper.

Foolish child.

Remember this.

After you succeed the throne,

Hong Jun and Hong You

must not continue to command troops.

Otherwise...

you'll find peace hard to grasp.

Father, since none of the senior ministers can be trusted,

what should I do?

The previous king's final instruction.

Serve the great Central Plains state well.

Serve the great Central Plains state well.

Serve the gentry and people of the southeast well.

Serve the gentry and people of the southeast well.

Serve the generals and officers in the army well.

Serve the generals and officers in the army well.

If you can win over the military commanders,

you can naturally bestow favors.

Bestow favors.

If you cannot,

handle it decisively and courageously.

Never show womanly compassion.

I understand.

I will remember this well.

Father.

The Third Prince's archers are temporarily not a concern.

The key is Dai Yun.

He is the Commander of the Sixth Unit of the Imperial Guards,

a legitimate military commander in charge of troops.

Before dawn,

I can still use the pretext of rotating palace guard duty

to keep him outside the palace gates.

Once dawn breaks,

if he forces his way in, things will become difficult to manage.

He won't, will he?

The succession of the throne

is a matter of utmost importance.

Who would dare be careless?

In just a blink,

perhaps...

an old hen might turn into a duck.

Over the past hundred years,

there has never been a lack of treacherous ministers and rebels.

Old Lord.

The King summons you.

Lord.

Draft a final memorial.

Report to the Emperor in Bianliang.

Request that Qian Hong Zuo,

Deputy Military Governor of the Zhenhai and Zhendong armies

with the honorary title of Grand Tutor,

be appointed as Chief Minister

and King of Wuyue.

I shall obey the command.

After my death,

expel the Third Prince.

Strip him of his title and remove his military authority.

Strip him of the royal surname.

Restore his original surname.

Sun Cheng You.

I shall obey the command.

Do not harm his life.

Yes.

Hong Zuo.

Your son is here.

Hong Chu...

He is born irrepressible.

Do not restrain him too much.

Commanding armies,

governing prefectures.

Neither of these are his passions.

There are dangers and evils of human hearts...

You, as his elder brother,

must protect him well.

Yes.

Hong Zuo.

The southeast, Wuyue,

is entrusted to you.

My King!