Original subtitles

The conflict between Li and Wei has become chaotic.

And you intend to establish your own faction in the future.

Do you wish to make this chaos even worse?

As a man,

one must not be a fence-sitter.

As a minister,

one must not switch sides frivolously.

That is all I have to say.

Zheng! Zheng!

Are you here?

Zheng, Mrs. Zhao asked you to go back for lunch.

Young lady, why don't you come in and sit for a while?

I'm not going into a villain's house.

Thank you, Mr. Scholar.

Why do you call me Mr. Scholar?

My sister said your carriage was full of books.

I won't disturb your rest, My Lord.

Please pretend I was never here.

Let's go.

Was that man really the Marquis of Wu'an?

He just broke a cup. So what?

The Marquis of Wu'an is nothing special.

His skills seem to have been improving.

[Pursuit of Jade]

[Episode 11]

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Changyu!

Qianqian?

Which young lady has been doing dirty, exhausting work all day

yet is still this pretty?

Hop on. I'll take you home.

No need. I'll go back myself.

Usually, I'd let you be,

but today I kept you here late

because there were too many banquets.

It's already dark.

I'm worried about you walking alone at night.

Get in.

It's okay. I can manage it alone. You go.

Well then, thank you.

[Fan's Braised Meat Shop]

Come out.

Your Lordship.

[Xie Wu, Blood-Robed Cavalry Guard] [Xie Qi, Blood-Robed Cavalry Guard]

Your Lordship,

we are late.

You may rise.

How many of you came?

Just Xie Qi and me.

We were afraid of being noticed,

so we didn't bring the other guards along.

Your Lordship, fortunately you are safe.

Unfortunately, Xie Yi and Xie San

died because of me.

We brothers once swore

to keep you safe

even at the cost of our lives.

No one from the Xie family

would die in vain.

All of us are hoping you return soon.

That Wei Xuan is running rampant in the army.

He flaunts his power every day.

The brothers can hardly wait to tie him up

and throw him to the wolves.

Let him be.

Before long, a bloody battle

between us and Prince Changxin in Chongzhou is inevitable.

Storing grain is the top priority right now.

The Court refuses to release grain.

Wei Xuan has accepted Prime Minister Wei's military order

and plans to requisition grain locally.

Sixteen years ago,

it was in Jinzhou where the Xie Army

suffered a crushing defeat due to lack of provisions and support.

I absolutely cannot repeat the same mistake.

Wei Xuan is ambitious for great achievements.

It's only a matter of time before he loses to Prince Changxin.

Let's just go with the flow

and let Wei Xuan and those idiots under his command

serve as bait

to lure Prince Changxin to lead troops south.

By then, I will have my own strategy.

So, Your Lordship, you don't plan to return to camp for now?

You go back first

and spread the news of my death.

The more people know, the better.

Yes.

Go now.

Yes.

The braised pork is sold out today.

The pig head meat was very popular.

Really?

A few days ago, Mrs. Wang said her daughter is getting married

and ordered half a side of pork from me.

Won't that mean more work for you?

I welcome this kind of work.

Who is it? Who are you?

I'll go out and take a look.

Qianqian, don't come out now.

I'll deal with them.

Beat her.

Who sent you?

Was it him?

Why won't he let me go after all these years?

Help! Help!

Changyu, watch out!

Don't run!

This voice sounds familiar.

Butcher Guo.

Butcher Guo?

Mrs. Fan...

Heroine Fan.

Mommy!

I just lost my mind for a moment.

You've gone against me time and again.

That doesn't look like losing your mind for a moment.

Someone paid us

to kill you.

Who?

Who?

Who?

Who!

Changyu!

Since we're selling one,

we might as well sell two!

Go to hell!

Bastard! Come at me if you have the guts!

I'll come at you then!

Changyu!

I...

Changyu! Changyu?

Are you okay?

[Xigu Lane]

Yan Zheng, did you see Changyu?

What's happening here?

-She was drugged. Go get some water. -Okay.

Honey, come help.

Hello, sir. Hello, sir.

What's happening here?

What?

My butt... hurts.

Hurts?

Where does it hurt?

My butt!

Your butt what?

My butt hurts!

Why hasn't the pain killed you?

Despicable man!

Please spare me.

Please spare me!

I'm not a bandit from Qingfeng Stronghold.

I was bullied by those two broads—

no—

those two ladies from Yixiang Restaurant.

I just wanted to scare them.

Guo!

You took your grudge against Fan Erniu

out on this poor orphan girl?

Are you even human?

My butt...

Say no more.

Do you think the fire isn't big enough?

Do you want to blow the roof off?

It hurts!

Just to scare them?

Didn't you drug her?

What exactly did you want?

I wanted to knock them out first...

And then?

Speak!

Then destroy her meridians...

Is that all?

And sell her to the mountains...

Stop!

Yan, doing this

will only dirty your hands.

How he should be punished

is for the authorities to decide.

The authorities? If I hadn't been here today,

something bad would have happened to Changyu.

If you accept your fate, who can save you?

I will take

my own revenge!

Stop!

No!

Yan Zheng!

Don't kill him.

It's not worth it.

Are you okay?

Lie down.

Rest assured and sleep.

I won't kill him.

Alright, don't cry.

I have plenty of strength.

Look.

My hands are fine,

and my feet are fine too.

Stop crying.

Changyu...

Help me get a basin of warm water, okay?

Okay.

How is it? Does your head still hurt?

Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere else?

If you had killed someone for me

and gone to prison,

my head would really hurt.

Promise me.

Don't get into trouble.

Don't worry.

I'll be fine.

Manager, the doors and windows are locked.

The water vats for fire are full.

And I've assigned the boys

to take shifts to guard every two hours.

Do you have any other orders?

Manager, is there going to be a war?

Add 2 more locks tomorrow.

There are already 3 locks on 2 doors.

You still want to add more?

Yes.

Add one more layer,

and reinforce the door frames with iron.

Okay.

Mom.

Were you good today, Bao'er?

Very good.

I didn't go out at all.

I finished all the homework you left for me.

Such a good boy?

Let's be this good tomorrow too, okay?

[Luyuan]

Great move!

Great...

An Xu, so you know how to play Go?

Just a little.

How about playing a round with me?

Sure.

Alright.

That was satisfying!

Let's play another round tomorrow.

Okay.

Headmaster.

When I was young, I read a fragment of a Go manual

called "The Mystery of Qi."

I heard that your Library has over 10,000 books.

I wanted to find it,

but I haven't been able to yet.

This book

is indeed not in the Library.

However,

in the Gongsun family's collection,

there is actually a complete volume.

Unfortunately, it is my grandfather's treasure

and cannot be lent out.

A gentleman does not take what others love.

It is natural for Old Mr. Gongsun

to cherish treasures.

However...

Although it cannot be lent out,

I can copy the fragment of the Go manual

and give it to you.

Thank you, Headmaster.

[Penetration and Subtlety]

A ruler

should bear the responsibility of protecting the common people.

Consort Dowager An,

our new student An Xu

is actually the Princess Royal in disguise.

I have noticed this

and dare not keep it hidden.

I report it for Your Highness's consideration.

[Yixiang Restaurant]

Qianqian?

Qianqian?

Where is she?

Changyu.

You scared me.

You asked me to come,

but you weren't here.

I was about to leave.

Go sit down.

Are you feeling better?

I'm fine.

You sent me medicine and food.

I've even gained weight.

How about you?

Were you scared that night?

If you're afraid,

you can tell me.

Don't bottle it up.

It was nothing.

I've seen it all.

Just because a bad guy scared me with a stick,

does that mean I should be scared to death?

But your husband...

He was quite scary that night.

He's not usually like that.

He just can't stand anyone hurting me.

I know.

You two love each other,

and it makes everyone jealous.

By the way,

look at this.

Times are chaotic now.

We must learn to protect ourselves.

What is this?

Cornel water.

I got a bigger bottle this time.

Last time it ran out at a critical moment.

This should be enough.

If sprayed in the eyes, it causes swelling, pain,

and temporary blindness for 3 days.

I didn't know cornel could be used like that.

Is this what you used on Butcher Guo?

If that's the case,

garlic, ginger, and peppercorns could work too.

That Guo got off easy.

Headmaster?

I remember someone playing Go with me

from a distance in the Fengyu Pavilion.

Our moves went back and forth, breaking stalemates again and again.

Who is playing Go here?

Looks like the game isn't over.

I'll place it here.

Is that so?

That was really a meeting of kindred spirits.

Another white piece was placed!

Look.

Your Highness,

I think someone is inviting you to play.

I'm the one who intruded on someone else's game.

I also have a friend

who is excellent at Go.

But...

we've never met.

What a coincidence.

Go reveals a gentleman's virtue.

Although I haven't seen my opponent,

I can glimpse his thoughts through the game.

Playing remotely is like having a conversation.

It's all about

that moment of connection.

How do I compare

to your friend?

Although we haven't met,

your Go skills are better than theirs.

Once I get your "The Mystery of Qi",

my skills will improve even further.

Perhaps...

I'll be able to meet him soon.

In that case,

when you meet,

you must play a game together.

Young Master!

Y-Young Master! Someone from home is here.

Home?

Your Highness.

I have been ordered to ask you to return to the palace.

[Seeking Truth in the Classics]

I don't know how the Consort Dowager learned

that you swapped identities with Mr. An

and came to study at Luyuan Academy.

What did Mother say?

Her Highness has confined Mr. An.

She's furious about this.

She originally allowed you to return to the Capital next month,

but now you'll have to return to the palace today.

Your Highness.

I've had people seal the backyard.

No one will notice your departure.

The academy will claim An Xu withdrew for personal reasons.

This will save everyone's face.

You are thorough, Nanny.

I apologize for my incompetence.

Your Highness, please.

Master,

for the past half month,

have you been the one playing Go with me?

I did not expect that

the one playing chess here every day

would be a lady.

Right.

Those who can be in Guangling Temple every day

could only be the monks of the temple.

I overthought it.

To play Go remotely in this pavilion

implies a destined bond.

Gongsun, why sever this connection?

I am but a carefree idler,

with nothing to my name.

How could I dare to hold up such a lady?

It was fine when I didn't know she was a girl.

But now that I know,

it would be improper to disturb her further.

I remember

someone playing Go with me from a distance in the Fengyu Pavilion.

Our moves went back and forth,

breaking stalemates again and again.

I also have a friend

who is excellent at Go.

But...

we have never met.

What a coincidence.

Perhaps...

I'll be able to meet him soon.

Please.

Do you know why I came back?

The road ahead is long.

I only wish for Your Highness to return to the capital safely.

You knew my identity long ago?

I only found out your identity the day before yesterday.

When you first arrived at the academy,

I noticed that you were a woman.

Who is An Xu?

An Xu.

He's calling you.

Mr. An.

You look so outstanding,

♪ I just don't want to ♪

magnificent,

♪ Keep weighing every word ♪

♪ And hiding in time in silence ♪

and distinguished.

I just didn't expect

♪ It's not that I don't believe in karma ♪

that you were actually the current Princess Royal.

♪ That I'm being stubborn ♪

♪ Some endings have long been ♪

I came to this academy for someone.

♪ Weathered through a thousand years ♪

♪ Traced by those who come after ♪

♪ Compared to fading away in sorrow ♪

♪ I'd rather fight ♪

♪ Life's bitterness ♪

♪ Comes from love ♪

♪ Love, yet so hard to hold ♪

♪ Like holing a torch in the wilderness ♪

That the Princess Royal favors our academy

♪ Time sings a mournful song ♪

is an honor for us all.

♪ Gathered little yet parted often ♪

♪ Just as tears fall into the long river ♪

This is the Go manual I copied for you as I promised,

♪ I must dive into the starry stream ♪

"The Mystery of Qi."

♪ Don't mind me ♪

♪ Everything has happened ♪

I'm giving it to you now

♪ A thousand years from now no one's blood will remain warm ♪

as a parting gift.

♪ Let them laugh and mock ♪

♪ I just want you to remember me ♪

♪ Don't care about ♪

♪ Leaving a name in history ♪

♪ I only want to leave a mark in your life ♪

♪ I will let go ♪

♪ After taking this one last gamble ♪

♪ Don't mind ♪

♪ The carved stones or constellations ♪

♪ I'll cast all karma behind me ♪

♪ Playing war with the lords ♪

♪ Leaving no trace of fate ♪

Headmaster. Headmaster.

It is so late. Why are you still up?

An asked me to pass this letter to you.

So it was her.

In this game of Go,

I was utterly crushed.

[Composed]

Your Highness.

Since Princess Royal returned from the river region,

she has stayed behind closed doors

and barely touched her meals.

It seems Gongsun Yin has no affection

for the Princess Royal.

If she knows,

she would be heartbroken.

The Gongsun family even sent a personal letter,

sincere in their words.

I was a little surprised.

But with Her Highness's temperament,

she probably won't give up easily.

Shu is still young

[Consort Dowager An, Mother of Qi Shu]

and doesn't understand all the complexities.

The Gongsun family may have prestige,

but after all, they are not a suitable match.

You are right, Your Highness.

How should we persuade Her Highness?

Grand Tutor Li has a reputation for virtue in court.

His eldest grandson, Li Huai'an,

is said to have achieved much in the Northwest.

He's also a man of great appearance

and could be considered a suitable match.

Perhaps we should find a chance

and arrange a meeting between him and Shu.

I'll make the arrangements immediately.

Shu,

don't blame me for being harsh.

No matter how unwilling you are now,

you'll understand in the future.

[Three days later]

A blind date with the Princess Royal?

It seems my grandfather

is still obsessed with his rivalry against Wei Yan

and wants to help me secure a footing

among the royal nobility.

In the end,

it's just party disputes.

It brings no benefit

to the stability of the state

or the welfare of the people.

My Lord.

The Grand Tutor is your grandfather.

You should try to persuade him.

I may be short-sighted,

but all these years at the border,

[To my grandson, Huai'an]

whether it was General He or the Marquis of Wu'an,

although they belong to the Wei faction,

they were fearless in battle

and good men who defended the border.

Grandfather has given orders.

I have no choice but to go back.

Fortunately,

the Marquis of Wu'an is still alive.

As long as he is here,

the Northwest will remain stable.

Dry weather!

[Tofu]

Beware of fire!

Lin'an is indeed a nice place.

If I can settle down one day,

I'd also like to live such a

carefree life like a drifting cloud.

Did Lord Li really return to the Capital?

I met him on my way home.

He said now that the matter with Guo has been resolved,

he must go back to Lucheng to report first,

then go to the Capital.

What else did he say?

He asked when my parents arrived in Lin'an

and if I remember what happened 16 years ago.

I was only 2 then.

How could I remember that?

I need to ask my grandfather about that.

Changning, we have roasted chestnuts.

Changyu, Zheng, look who's back.

[Be a Good Person]

Zheng didn't lie to me.

The falcon is really back.

You're so good at taming birds?

Maybe you just fed it too well,

so it couldn't bear to leave.

Is it that greedy?

Since you know how to come home,

I won't lock you in the cage anymore.

You can be free.

It's just like me.

Was it born of my mother too?

Yes.

Raising it also needs a lot of food.

Here.

The dream in the Fengyu Pavilion has ended.

Baffling.

Your Lordship,

that rascal Li Huai'an has really left Lin'an.

Mr. Gongsun's diversion tactic really worked.

I'm also curious about

what tricks that brat used.

By the way,

at the border between Yanzhou and Chongzhou,

bandits have been raiding military grain.

Wei Xuan was furious this time

and ordered them to be wiped out within 10 days.

What kind of bandits have a death wish

to repeatedly rob government grain convoys?

It must be Prince Changxin behind this.

That fool Wei Xuan

is about to fall into their trap.

Keep monitoring all recent intelligence

about the grain.

Yes.

Your Lordship,

it's late. You should head back and rest

before the Marchioness...

be-becomes suspicious.

My stupid mouth ran faster than my brain.

I blurted out my thoughts.

Let's go.

[Enjoy Yourself]

Manager.

Manager Zhao from the Lin'an Rice Shop

booked a private room on the second floor

to entertain an important guest.

Look,

he ordered our best wine and dishes.

Okay, I got it.

Go get things ready.

I'll go up to greet them in a moment.

Alright.

[Heaven-class]

Manager Zhao.

Taking time out of your busy schedule to visit Yixiang Restaurant,

it's truly an honor for us.

[Zhao Xun, Manager of Lin'an Rice Shop]

Manager Yu, you're too polite.

How is business today?

Business is good, of course.

May I ask who this guest is?

This is a rice merchant from the Capital,

Mr. Qi.

[Qi Min]

He's here to discuss some business with me.

So you are a distinguished guest from afar.

I hope the food and wine suit your tastes.

If you need anything,

please just let me know.

The food and wine are excellent.

Especially this Snow Bun Soup.

This is our signature dish.

To serve such an distinguished guest

is my honor.

Let me propose a toast to you.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Manager Yu, please wait.

Mr. Qi, you might not know,

but I haven't been running a shop in Lin'an for long.

But Manager Yu has been in business for years

and knows the local network best.

If you have any business ideas,

you could ask Manager Yu for advice.

What business are you planning, sir?

I am not familiar with the rice trade.

But if you want to collaborate with someone,

I can introduce you to a few managers.

Manager Yu, you are very experienced

in receiving guests.

It seems you really do know a lot of people.

Our shop serves guests from all over.

We believe harmony brings wealth.

In business,

it's always good to know more people.

It's all for business.

I understand.

Please enjoy yourselves.

I will go attend to other guests.

Please go ahead, Manager Yu.