Original subtitles

♪The world decays, in gloom I stray♪

♪Right and wrong, in frost engraved♪

♪On dreams of love, blades clash and sway♪

♪Alone I ride, blood still unswayed♪

♪Through heaven's mirth and earth's despair♪

♪Toasting the moon, I drink the chill air♪

♪Though hearts like battlefields may be♪

♪Let fate write its uncertainty♪

♪From this life to the great unknown♪

♪Who'll stand with me, on thrones unknown?♪

♪I'll wander through this life to guard you♪

♪Through mortal realms, serene I roam♪

♪With you, the world becomes my home♪

♪Unbroken, bold, as I have sworn♪

♪I'll roam this life, and feel no torn♪

♪Our souls embraced, no regret born♪

♪By twilight's lamp, though night be worn♪

♪Through deepest dark, I'll find the morn♪

=Fight For Love=

=Episode 13=

This really isn't appropriate.

I was thoughtless.

I really was.

But I have a favor to ask.

I can't see you

without Her Highness's permission.

But it's about Her Highness.

I had to resort to this unwise plan.

(Eldest Princess's Mansion)

Your... Your Lordship.

What are you doing here?

Tell me.

Why is she here?

You think some of the followers

of Her Highness

have hostile intentions?

Why do you say that?

The gifts I made for Her Highness

ended up in Qiju Store.

I made them myself.

There are many of them,

yet they're unique.

I don't think Her Highness

sold my gifts.

So, it means

someone stole them.

I see many followers here.

How is one follower

selected?

Talent is valued.

That's all?

Looks are just an added bonus.

So one has to be both talented

and handsome

for Her Highness to even notice him.

So, are you clear

about their backgrounds?

Is she clear?

Of course.

We do check their backgrounds

and histories.

This is strange.

Don't you suspect me

of stealing them?

If I suspected you,

I wouldn't be telling you.

I'm just worried.

It will be bad enough

if he just wants money.

But if he wants to hurt Her Highness,

things will be worse.

Mrs. Wei, I didn't know

you and Hanmei were so close

that you met up at night.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Yes.

Tell me.

I'll hear what you have to say

before I decide whether to punish you.

Your Highness,

Mrs. Wei...

She asked me not to tell you.

Well, Your Highness.

I... I made the decision alone

to meet Mr. Xue.

He didn't know anything.

But just now, you called me Hanmei.

Shortly after you lost your husband,

you took a fancy to my follower.

You've changed so quickly.

It's quite a surprise.

What can I say?

Perhaps it's my destiny

to be entangled in matters of the heart.

In that case,

I will give Hanmei to you.

What do you say?

Please forgive me.

I was just joking.

Please don't take it seriously.

I know I was wrong.

Punish me as you wish.

I don't care how you

conduct yourself out there.

But this is my mansion.

You can't see any of my men

without my permission.

For the sake

of our past acquaintance,

I'll let it slide this time.

But if it happens again,

I won't let you off.

Do you understand?

I understand.

Forget it.

Even if I offered

that Hanmei could go with you,

he wouldn't be willing.

Your Highness,

Mrs. Wei was

only joking.

She admires you.

She wanted to be close

and give you a perfect gift,

but didn't know what to say.

So, she sneaked in like that.

That's right.

My reputation

isn't the best.

But I know my limits.

I came up with this foolish plan

just for a chance to get closer to you.

In that case,

I won't punish you.

I do want a gift.

What I need right now

is a perfect solution.

What is that?

You can count on me to get it for you.

One hundred thousand taels?

Why don't you

have your followers

put their heads together?

If they had any good ideas,

I wouldn't be asking you.

Last year, there were floods across the nation.

His Majesty allocated funds

for those victims.

That has put a strain on the national treasury.

If my brother

had any other choice,

he wouldn't have come to me for money.

Those prominent nobles in the capital

meet and have a banquet

every few days.

Such a luxurious life.

But when we need money

for disaster relief,

they tighten their purse strings

for fear of bad impacts

on their decadent lives.

They turn a blind eye while our people suffer

and our soldiers struggle

on the borders.

My brother can't force them.

But I'm not afraid to play the villain.

If those nobles and officials

would donate money

to fill the treasury,

all the problems

of civilians and armies

could be solved.

This is exactly

what bothers Her Highness.

Hanmei has thought of a way

to help me persuade those people

to contribute.

All we need is the right opportunity.

Mr. Xue is clever.

He certainly lives up to being your favorite.

That's right.

Hanmei is the most capable follower

I've ever had.

Mrs. Wei,

have you got an idea?

Your Highness,

may I use Qinxi Valley?

Qinxi Valley?

It has hills and streams.

So, it's a perfect place

for nobles to gather.

You want me to hold

luxurious banquets

like they do?

Exactly.

You'll hold banquets,

lavish ones.

Those people love banquets

and they're big spenders.

So, we can hold an auction banquet

that will attract them.

Auction banquet?

Your Highness,

you can entrust me

with this banquet.

I can also draft a list

of necessary guests.

Your Lordship.

How is Ms. Chu doing?

Was she punished?

Don't worry.

They talked quite civilly.

Nothing bad happened.

Ms. Chu is awesome.

She sneaked in there.

Her Highness didn't punish her.

I even heard

Her Highness might allow her

to pick from the followers.

Followers?

Yes.

Just now,

why did you say that?

You almost got me into trouble.

What if Her Highness

decided to punish us?

She has a soft spot for you.

So, she wouldn't blame you.

Besides,

you helped her solve an urgent problem.

She will appreciate

this gift very much.

(Youban Pavilion) But...

Her Highness has many manors.

Many of them are more grand

than Qinxi Valley.

Mrs. Wei,

why did you pick that place?

Do you think

that's inappropriate?

Not at all.

Located on the outskirts,

it's quite a distance.

It's a remote,

but great location.

Located south of Huajing City,

it attracts wealth.

Besides,

you must keep in mind

what I told you.

Make sure no one harms Her Highness.

Alright. It's settled, then.

By the way,

if you need to see Her Highness again,

just send word.

Don't climb walls.

But I have a feeling

you were using me tonight.

So, now,

we're even.

We are.

Her Highness noticed you seemed to enjoy

the pastries on the table.

She had this prepared

for you to take home.

Thank you.

Wen Yun?

Thank you, Mr. Xue,

for showing her the way.

I remember the way out.

Thank you, but no need to see us out.

To the outside world,

I favor Hanmei

(Eight Characters) for his looks

and talent.

No one could possibly know

he would have found his way into my heart

even without the looks

or the talent.

No.

No.

Don't.

Don't be scared.

I'm here.

I'm here with you.

Your Highness,

shall I stay with you

throughout the night?

Once someone of the royal family

was involved in a fight for the throne,

it would be a tragedy.

Fortunately, Mr. Xue had medical skills

and healed all your scars.

He healed more

than just the scars.

Do you actually believe

the excuse

Mrs. Wei gave?

Chu Yu never seeks me out

unless she wants something.

This time, she even climbed in.

And her acting was terrible.

If you didn't believe her,

why did you agree

to her auction banquet?

Chu Yu is intriguing.

I'm also curious to see

what she's going to do.

And besides,

I do need a banquet like that.

We'll enjoy the show.

Mrs. Wei is certainly one of a kind.

I had no idea

you and she

were so close.

Right under my nose,

the two of you made eyes.

What?

Are you

having an interest

in this special lady?

Are you angry again?

You're free

to like anyone you choose.

I'm the Eldest Princess.

Must I bind you to me?

Right.

You're right, Your Highness.

It's entirely my freedom

to choose which woman I favor.

What's so funny?

When I offered to let you go with her,

you refused.

If you really meant it,

I would have no choice but to obey.

After all,

I'm merely a follower.

Get out!

As you wish.

I'll take my leave.

You're really leaving.

Now, you're obedient.

Why the long face?

Because I didn't tell you?

I knew you would come,

but why did you start with Xue Hanmei?

If there's a problem

with one of those followers,

I should start

with an acquaintance.

But Xue Hanmei

isn't an acquaintance.

What if he's the one

who has a problem?

You're being strange.

I...

You...

You could just speak.

Why did you move over?

And you...

You touched me.

Just a gentle stroke.

You look a bit pale.

Do you feel unwell?

Really unwell?

Then tell me what's wrong.

Tell me about it.

Come on. You can whisper.

Sit back there,

and I won't be angry.

Who said you were angry?

(Marquis of Zhenguo's Mansion)

Xiaoqi,

are you here for me?

You cute little thing.

Chu Yu,

give it a new name, will you?

I think Xiaoqi is a good name.

Right, puppy?

If my brother were still alive,

would you really marry him?

Why did you ask

such a weird question?

If...

I mean, if.

Your brother was one of the best men

in this world.

If he were alive,

he might have met another girl.

But in this world,

there are no "ifs".

What should I bring to the auction banquet?

How about I bring you?

I won't give you up.

(Virtue Shines Brightly)

Be with me.

If you refuse,

I'll tell everyone

that you're trying to hit on me.

What scares you?

Does this mean

you like me?

I don't like you.

If you don't like me,

why would you hide

my bell?

If you don't like me,

why would you get jealous

when you saw me

talk to another man?

If you don't like me,

why can't you even look at me now?

Back in the Spring Breeze House,

you were the first man I saw.

I know you like me.

Am I right?

Wei Yun.

Why would I have a dream like that?

Wei Yun,

how could you do this?

No.

Nothing happened between them.

What if I do it anyway?

(Qinxi Valley)

Ms. Chu Jin.

Ms. Chu Jin,

I thought you wouldn't come.

Thank you for the invitation.

It's your first invitation.

Of course I'd come.

Ms. Chu Jin.

Wenchang,

you're quite active.

When you don't even know love,

you won't understand.

She's the prettiest woman in town.

If I didn't move,

someone else would.

Why isn't General Chu here?

My brother is too busy with work

to come here.

That makes sense.

General Chu is a quiet man

and he doesn't like noisy places.

Oh, Ms. Chu Jin.

I've got a certain herb

that is good for General Chu's health.

I was wondering when I could deliver it.

Since we've met now,

please take it to him.

You certainly care about him.

Allow me to thank you on his behalf.

Quan'er.

Yes, My Lady.

This is for the herb.

If it's not enough,

I'll pay the rest another day.

You get me wrong.

That's not what I mean.

I'm just concerned

about General Chu's health.

I can't take the money.

You must take it.

Ms. Chu Jin,

I'm not helping General Chu

to earn any money.

You can reject it,

but I must give you some.

I can't take this.

Please, take it.

Ms. Chu Jin, take it back.

- What happened? - Take it.

- Weren't they fine? - No.

- Ms. Chu Jin. - Please, take it.

It's been a moment.

Why are you arguing?

Ms. Chu Jin misunderstood me.

She insists on paying me

for General Chu.

I can't take the money.

It's my rule.

I never take anything I don't deserve.

And it's right when a patient

pays for his treatment.

Miss Song, please, just take it.

Mrs. Wei is here.

She looks gorgeous.

The Marquis of Zhenguo

is really wealthy.

Her clothes

and jewels

are all exquisite.

I hadn't noticed before,

but today, she looks stunning.

Ms. Chu Yu,

you look gorgeous.

Are you saying

I wasn't gorgeous before?

You know

that's not what I mean.

I certainly know.

Jin.

Did you come with Linyang?

Ms. Chu Jin.

Here.

What is this, Mr. Song?

It's the auction banquet.

I know

you must have many treasures.

But since you're my guest,

I should prepare one for you.

So,

it's the birthday gift

I received last year.

Ms. Chu Jin,

hope you'll like it.

I thought you might think

I didn't have any treasures.

Not at all.

I invited you.

So, I wouldn't let you pay.

That's just good hospitality.

It's my rule, too.

Your literary talent has improved.

So has yours, Chang.

The color you used last time was nice.

Yeah.

You flatter me.

Glad you like it.

Of course. Let's go.

Gu...

It's a really nice place.

Yeah. The view over there is good, too.

It's too hot.

General Yao.

Mrs. Wei.

I've heard a lot about you.

I heard in the Battle of Baidi Valley,

you fought fearlessly,

regardless of life.

And you were wounded.

It's a blessing for our nation

to have a patriot like you.

I also saw how you knelt

in front of the palace gate all night.

You're extraordinary

just as people say.

Where is Young Marquis?

I was too busy working

to attend his succession banquet

or congratulate him.

I only had some gifts sent.

This time, I'm hoping

to congratulate him in person.

Yao Yong won't reject

Her Highness's invitation.

So, he will be there.

In that case,

let's split up.

One of us stalls Yao Yong at the banquet

while the other sneaks into his house

for some evidence.

Be very careful

during the banquet.

Don't have a problem with him.

Why do I have to be there?

I fight as well as you.

You didn't tell me before you

sneaked in there.

So, on this matter,

I have the final say.

Fine.

Since we can't agree,

let's leave our luck

in the hands of fate.

Coin toss.

Heads, you'll go. Tails, I'll go.

Deal?

(Yuanle Coin)

We had a deal.

Heads.

(Yao Mansion) I'll go to the Yao's.

How could a marquis like you

even cheat?

Thanks for your concern.

Wen Yun

is also busy working today.

Once he's done,

he will come.

Send word to my family.

Yes.

General Yao.

Are you leaving already?

I have a family emergency.

I'm too worried to stay.

I have to go.

Her Highness hasn't arrived yet.

Is it appropriate

for you to leave now?

The Eldest Princess is here.

Think about it.

Now that you're here,

if you leave now,

you will ruin

Her Highness's mood.

Master is out today.

The two of you must stay alert.

No one enters the study.

If anything happens,

let me know immediately.

(Wise and Wily) Yes.

Don't you remember

his warning?

Crows like shiny things.

They usually steal silver.

It will be fine.

If you don't go, I'll get it all.

Here's some more.

That's a lot.

- Go. - Come on.

(Wise and Wily)

Greetings, Your Highness.

Rise.

Sit.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

All of you are

either nobles

or high-ranking officials.

I stated why I would

hold this auction banquet

on the invitation.

Since you're here,

you must be prepared.

I don't need to say more.

Hanmei.

The first item is from Her Highness.

This is a white jade ring.

It looks smooth

and shiny.

Truly priceless.

It was from His Majesty.

The one and only throughout the nation.

Her Highness did her part.

Let's see what you will offer.

(This is from His Majesty.)

(Who would dare to bid?)

Since nobody wants

to be the first bidder,

I will

start you off.

I bid 100 taels

for this jade ring.

No one else bids

for this white jade ring.

So, it's sold for 100 taels.

Congratulations, Your Highness.

- Congratulations. - Congratulations.

A gear lock.

I can open it.

When?

In a quarter.

You truly are awesome, Mrs. Wei.

You're brave enough to pioneer

and you have a sincere

and devoted heart.

You flatter me.

General Yao.

You went to the battlefront.

You must know

about the hard life of border soldiers.

I wonder

what treasure

you're going to offer.

How about I buy your dagger

with 80 taels?

What do you say?

Thank you, General Yao.

80 taels.

Sold.

General,

did you really not bring anything?

It's generous of you.

It's halfway through.

You may take a break.

Get my carriage to the gate.

We're going back.

Yes.

Help! An assassin!

North Qi assassin!

That's Ms. Chu Yu's voice.

Assassin? Where?

Such audacity!

Seal this place.

Yes.

How dare you?

The assassin ran back there.

Stay put.

Gu.

I'll lead some guards to get him.

I'll join him.

Granted.

Your Highness, there's an assassin.

My Lady.

Your Highness, an assassin sneaked in.

He was using a scimitar,

the kind only the North Qi people use.

That's a lie!

(Yao Yong secretly keeps weapons.)

General sent word back.

Wei Yun might be in here.

Only the study is unchecked.

Close in on it.

Don't let them run away.

(Wise and Wily)

Just now in the yard, I saw with my eyes

that you cut

your own arm.

Is that true?

Why would I do that?

Ms. Wang, did you see it wrong?

I swear I didn't.

And I swear

I saw what happened

and I'm telling the absolute truth.

Otherwise...

Otherwise, may I

be struck dead.

If Ms. Wang is telling the truth,

does that mean Mrs. Wei

made up the assassin story

to make people suspect

that Her Highness

is colluding with the North Qi?

We'll know

if Mrs. Wei was assassinated

after she's examined.

You used to be a physician.

Go check on her

and prove her innocence.

Yes.

General Yao, you're overstepping.

Since when

are you the master

of this place?

Why do you have the final say?

Your Highness,

I wouldn't dare.

I just want you to be safe.

And who do you think you are?

How can you be a physician

as he says you are?

Who can vouch for you?

Your Highness,

he went to battles with me.

There, I...

You want to vouch for your man,

no problem.

Then why do you

have to doubt

what Mrs. Wei says?

And besides,

he's a strange man.

How could he check on her?

General Yao,

what are you actually up to?

It was thoughtless of me.

Please summon an imperial physician

to examine Mrs. Wei.

Don't bother.

Tuantuan.

Yes, Your Highness.

Oh, no.

Let's go.

After him.

It's a cut of a dagger, not a scimitar.

That assassin was vicious.

Her wound is very long,

just like a red crescent moon.

It's a deep cut and looks dreadful.

He must have

stabbed her with great force.

Your Highness,

you need to figure out

how that assassin sneaked in here

and why he tried to kill Ms. Chu Yu.

Someone dared to kill

in broad daylight.

He was being outrageous.

How come?

You were always so fierce, weren't you?

Why did you get hurt this time?

Watch out, Chu Yu!

♪If not for dreams by windswept flight♪

♪How would my hand find yours tonight?♪

♪This moonlit glow, in dusk's soft veil♪

♪Hears heartbeats tell their secret tale♪

♪Thoughts ablaze like beacon's fire♪

♪Outline your form in golden lyre♪

♪Through thorns we've trod and trials passed♪

♪Each grief and joy forever cast♪

♪Let the fierce warmth within your gaze♪

♪Melt this war-torn world's cruel maze♪

♪Still through the frost, I'll walk with you♪

♪Our mountains and our streams anew♪

♪Dawns greet the spring we longed to see♪

♪Through meadows where wild larks soar free♪

♪Let countless sails cross this worldly tide♪

♪When lonely shadows turn to two♪

♪Through countless turns and all we've borne♪

♪No regret ever could be sworn♪

♪Dawns greet the spring we longed to see♪

♪Beneath heaven's vault, in harmony♪

♪Let tears now fall for yesterday's strife♪

♪We've reached this blossom-covered hill♪

♪I'll follow you through every dream♪