1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,000 MkvDrama.net 2 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:14,560 ♪Trapped in this tiny world♪ 3 00:00:15,040 --> 00:00:18,440 ♪I'm crushed into dust♪ 4 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:23,000 ♪I meddle around without any mercy♪ 5 00:00:23,320 --> 00:00:26,160 ♪I'm my own pawn♪ 6 00:00:26,520 --> 00:00:30,360 ♪I sigh at my fate♪ 7 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:35,360 ♪Numerous people are under my control♪ 8 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:41,880 ♪All the sand is washed away♪ 9 00:00:44,280 --> 00:00:47,880 ♪An old dream fades♪ 10 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:54,560 ♪A bumpy path lies ahead♪ 11 00:00:56,040 --> 00:00:58,880 ♪Traps within traps, I never make mistakes♪ 12 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:02,000 ♪I take a risk at every step♪ 13 00:01:02,280 --> 00:01:07,400 ♪Even in disputes, I break through with my life♪ 14 00:01:07,880 --> 00:01:10,280 ♪Schemes within schemes, I prison myself♪ 15 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:13,600 ♪Each link swaps bluff and truth♪ 16 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:16,480 ♪The world is my Weiqi game board♪ 17 00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:22,120 ♪Everything's just fleeting♪ 18 00:01:23,720 --> 00:01:28,320 ♪The play begins♪ 19 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:32,520 ♪No return is expected♪ 20 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:37,880 ♪The flame is gone, whether we win or lose♪ 21 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:40,360 ♪The wind never ceases. I hold the reins♪ 22 00:01:40,360 --> 00:01:41,480 [Ashes To Crown] 23 00:01:41,480 --> 00:01:45,680 [Adapted from Xixing's novel, Empress of the State of Chu] 24 00:01:46,470 --> 00:01:49,000 [Episode 24] 25 00:01:49,340 --> 00:01:51,780 [One Month Earlier] 26 00:02:06,900 --> 00:02:07,700 Stay still. 27 00:02:08,980 --> 00:02:10,540 The wound is just starting to scab. 28 00:02:15,100 --> 00:02:15,940 Take it easy. 29 00:02:20,540 --> 00:02:21,380 I am alive? 30 00:02:21,700 --> 00:02:22,420 Yes. 31 00:02:22,660 --> 00:02:23,420 Even the Underworld 32 00:02:23,740 --> 00:02:25,540 wouldn't dare claim a soul with such a baleful aura. 33 00:02:26,500 --> 00:02:27,380 It's a blessing 34 00:02:28,340 --> 00:02:29,860 to be alive. 35 00:02:30,620 --> 00:02:31,220 Here, 36 00:02:31,980 --> 00:02:32,860 have some water. 37 00:02:40,700 --> 00:02:41,820 Careful. 38 00:02:43,100 --> 00:02:45,220 The wound missed 39 00:02:45,660 --> 00:02:47,140 your heart by a hair. 40 00:02:50,420 --> 00:02:51,340 What about the Northern Desert King? 41 00:02:51,700 --> 00:02:52,700 Nothing left to bury. 42 00:02:53,260 --> 00:02:54,620 With the internal strife over there, 43 00:02:54,940 --> 00:02:56,300 they will not be able to bother us for a while. 44 00:03:01,940 --> 00:03:02,660 Do not move. 45 00:03:02,660 --> 00:03:04,220 Why are you so stubborn? 46 00:03:04,220 --> 00:03:04,620 Lie back down. 47 00:03:05,540 --> 00:03:06,340 I must go back. 48 00:03:07,020 --> 00:03:07,820 I know 49 00:03:08,300 --> 00:03:09,860 you are longing to see Zhao. 50 00:03:10,220 --> 00:03:11,540 But surviving comes first, 51 00:03:11,540 --> 00:03:12,300 alright? 52 00:03:13,180 --> 00:03:14,620 The Capital is in turmoil, 53 00:03:14,940 --> 00:03:15,660 but rest assured. 54 00:03:16,380 --> 00:03:17,300 I will find someone 55 00:03:17,380 --> 00:03:18,580 to let her know you are alive. 56 00:03:19,220 --> 00:03:20,580 Besides, if you go there now, 57 00:03:20,860 --> 00:03:22,540 how would you protect her? 58 00:03:27,220 --> 00:03:28,140 Zhao, 59 00:03:29,620 --> 00:03:30,380 wait for me. 60 00:03:36,560 --> 00:03:38,820 [One Day Earlier] 61 00:03:40,500 --> 00:03:41,220 Jiu. 62 00:03:43,700 --> 00:03:44,940 The moon is full again. 63 00:04:01,180 --> 00:04:05,300 ♪Broken walls and withered branches, trapped in the mire♪ 64 00:04:05,860 --> 00:04:08,700 ♪Yet still striving to reach for the sky♪ 65 00:04:08,700 --> 00:04:11,860 ♪My pride is torn down and my body is sacrificed♪ 66 00:04:16,300 --> 00:04:18,700 ♪Through biting winds and frost I go♪ 67 00:04:19,180 --> 00:04:21,500 ♪I light a lamp, my lone abode♪ 68 00:04:22,180 --> 00:04:23,580 ♪Half my life adrift♪ 69 00:04:23,820 --> 00:04:27,700 ♪This lonely shadow finds no haven to moor♪ 70 00:04:30,100 --> 00:04:30,900 ♪The spark smolders in the crack♪ 71 00:04:30,900 --> 00:04:31,700 Jiu. 72 00:04:32,380 --> 00:04:34,180 ♪And roars in the blaze♪ 73 00:04:34,180 --> 00:04:37,260 ♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪ 74 00:04:37,940 --> 00:04:40,180 ♪Fate imprisons me♪ 75 00:04:40,180 --> 00:04:44,900 ♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪ 76 00:04:45,140 --> 00:04:49,460 ♪Even if hope is faint, I remain proud♪ 77 00:04:49,460 --> 00:04:53,540 ♪A mayfly will cross the ocean, however long it takes♪ 78 00:04:53,540 --> 00:04:56,140 ♪However it ends up, I'll go my own way♪ 79 00:04:56,140 --> 00:04:57,060 It really is you. 80 00:04:58,940 --> 00:05:00,700 ♪With no fear of the distance♪ 81 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:04,700 ♪Born from decay, fireflies still burn♪ 82 00:05:05,220 --> 00:05:05,980 It's me. 83 00:05:05,980 --> 00:05:08,860 ♪With sword in hand, I'll pierce the dawn♪ 84 00:05:09,460 --> 00:05:13,980 ♪Let these scars all over me become♪ 85 00:05:14,300 --> 00:05:18,260 ♪My new pride♪ 86 00:05:31,340 --> 00:05:32,580 Your Highness, you shouldn't go. 87 00:05:37,820 --> 00:05:39,740 Xie Yanfang has been plotting for so long, 88 00:05:41,020 --> 00:05:43,020 all for this trap at the hunting grounds. 89 00:05:44,780 --> 00:05:45,820 If I don't walk into it, 90 00:05:46,980 --> 00:05:48,020 how can he reveal his true colors? 91 00:05:48,980 --> 00:05:50,580 What if he truly intends to kill you? 92 00:05:58,780 --> 00:05:59,580 Then I'll bet 93 00:06:03,260 --> 00:06:04,180 on who can outlast 94 00:06:06,020 --> 00:06:07,180 the other. 95 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:13,540 Yanlai? 96 00:06:16,020 --> 00:06:17,220 You're alive. 97 00:06:20,620 --> 00:06:23,060 Xie Yanfang. 98 00:06:24,420 --> 00:06:25,700 Frontier Troops, heed my command. 99 00:06:28,860 --> 00:06:29,340 This is 100 00:06:30,460 --> 00:06:31,900 the Token to mobilize the frontier troops. 101 00:06:32,340 --> 00:06:33,700 Seize the rebel, 102 00:06:34,780 --> 00:06:35,700 Xie Yanlai, at once. 103 00:06:52,580 --> 00:06:54,300 You have survived a brush with death. 104 00:06:55,940 --> 00:06:57,980 How gratifying. 105 00:06:59,660 --> 00:07:00,700 It's a pity, though, 106 00:07:02,620 --> 00:07:04,460 that someone will die. 107 00:07:07,340 --> 00:07:08,140 Do not harm her! 108 00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:10,380 What, 109 00:07:13,060 --> 00:07:14,460 does your heart ache for her? 110 00:07:16,260 --> 00:07:17,820 Then go die in her stead, 111 00:07:18,020 --> 00:07:19,860 using this poisoned dagger Her Highness prepared 112 00:07:19,860 --> 00:07:21,660 for the two of us. 113 00:07:21,660 --> 00:07:22,580 Don't listen to him. 114 00:07:23,260 --> 00:07:24,300 Frontier Troops, heed my command. 115 00:07:24,740 --> 00:07:25,360 Execute... 116 00:07:25,380 --> 00:07:26,540 Your Highness, have you forgotten 117 00:07:27,700 --> 00:07:29,780 the Frontier Troops answer only to this token? 118 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:32,140 You told me that yourself. 119 00:07:37,100 --> 00:07:37,780 Yanlai. 120 00:07:39,620 --> 00:07:40,180 Do it! 121 00:07:40,220 --> 00:07:40,820 Stop! 122 00:07:44,780 --> 00:07:45,460 Don't. 123 00:07:55,860 --> 00:07:56,500 Don't. 124 00:07:56,900 --> 00:07:58,340 The dagger is poisoned. 125 00:07:58,860 --> 00:07:59,460 Indeed, 126 00:08:00,300 --> 00:08:02,380 the Golden Finch Venom has no cure. 127 00:08:03,460 --> 00:08:05,100 Think carefully 128 00:08:06,620 --> 00:08:09,340 whether her life is worth yours. 129 00:08:10,060 --> 00:08:10,660 No. 130 00:08:11,300 --> 00:08:12,620 Jiu, don't. 131 00:08:13,420 --> 00:08:13,980 Jiu. 132 00:08:14,180 --> 00:08:14,980 Will you keep 133 00:08:17,300 --> 00:08:18,660 your word? 134 00:08:19,580 --> 00:08:21,060 - Certainly. - Jiu. 135 00:08:21,780 --> 00:08:22,940 Don't. 136 00:08:24,060 --> 00:08:25,420 The dagger is poisoned. 137 00:08:25,820 --> 00:08:26,380 Don't. 138 00:08:41,620 --> 00:08:42,260 That will do. 139 00:08:51,380 --> 00:08:52,260 Let them leave. 140 00:09:01,180 --> 00:09:01,820 Mr. Xie, 141 00:09:02,140 --> 00:09:03,300 why let them go? 142 00:09:03,660 --> 00:09:04,980 I want to see 143 00:09:07,260 --> 00:09:09,020 how a cornered beast 144 00:09:09,860 --> 00:09:11,940 breaks out of its cage. 145 00:09:14,900 --> 00:09:17,020 Mr. Xie, please take this first. 146 00:09:32,900 --> 00:09:33,460 Jiu. 147 00:09:34,140 --> 00:09:34,700 Jiu. 148 00:09:35,180 --> 00:09:35,740 Jiu. 149 00:09:36,100 --> 00:09:36,620 Jiu. 150 00:09:37,780 --> 00:09:38,300 Jiu. 151 00:09:38,660 --> 00:09:39,260 Jiu. 152 00:09:39,940 --> 00:09:40,500 Jiu. 153 00:09:48,020 --> 00:09:48,780 I'm sorry. 154 00:09:50,380 --> 00:09:51,340 I feel utterly useless 155 00:09:52,980 --> 00:09:54,780 for failing to kill Xie Yanfang for you. 156 00:09:56,420 --> 00:09:57,340 Don't worry about me. 157 00:10:00,300 --> 00:10:00,900 Go. 158 00:10:02,860 --> 00:10:03,460 Go. 159 00:10:03,460 --> 00:10:04,420 Jiu, don't fall asleep. 160 00:10:04,620 --> 00:10:05,980 I don't need you to kill him for me. 161 00:10:06,260 --> 00:10:06,820 Jiu. 162 00:10:07,460 --> 00:10:08,820 We were of the same blood. 163 00:10:10,380 --> 00:10:11,860 Yanlai, I must trouble you 164 00:10:13,740 --> 00:10:15,940 to join me on the road to the afterlife. 165 00:10:17,380 --> 00:10:18,100 Chu Zhao, 166 00:10:19,260 --> 00:10:20,620 can we have 167 00:10:21,380 --> 00:10:23,140 a proper talk now? 168 00:10:24,020 --> 00:10:25,900 Do you truly wish 169 00:10:26,380 --> 00:10:28,580 to watch him die in such agony? 170 00:10:29,980 --> 00:10:31,940 I know the Golden Finch Venom. 171 00:10:32,900 --> 00:10:33,820 As it takes effect, 172 00:10:34,620 --> 00:10:37,100 it feels like fire burning through one's internal organs 173 00:10:38,020 --> 00:10:39,700 before one coughs up blood and dies. 174 00:10:40,500 --> 00:10:42,380 His face will contort, 175 00:10:43,740 --> 00:10:45,340 his body will wither, 176 00:10:45,860 --> 00:10:47,300 and he will die slowly 177 00:10:47,740 --> 00:10:49,560 in agony. 178 00:10:49,560 --> 00:10:50,520 Zhao, don't believe him. 179 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:51,120 Chu Zhao. 180 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:54,860 Do you want to save him? 181 00:10:55,020 --> 00:10:55,700 Zhao. 182 00:10:58,620 --> 00:10:59,580 Don't listen to him. 183 00:11:00,500 --> 00:11:02,540 He came for you, and he is dying for you. 184 00:11:03,500 --> 00:11:05,300 Do you really not want to save him? 185 00:11:07,620 --> 00:11:09,660 You should. 186 00:11:13,980 --> 00:11:16,340 This is the Nanjiang Millennium Snow Lingzhi. 187 00:11:16,980 --> 00:11:17,940 It can keep him alive. 188 00:11:18,860 --> 00:11:20,020 As long as I live, 189 00:11:22,540 --> 00:11:24,180 so shall he. 190 00:11:27,300 --> 00:11:27,900 Zhao. 191 00:11:28,400 --> 00:11:28,820 Zhao. 192 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:30,060 How ironic. 193 00:11:30,740 --> 00:11:32,340 You intended to kill me, 194 00:11:34,020 --> 00:11:34,900 yet you've ended up 195 00:11:34,900 --> 00:11:36,780 killing your most beloved. 196 00:11:38,020 --> 00:11:38,620 Zhao. 197 00:11:40,100 --> 00:11:40,660 Zhao. 198 00:11:43,020 --> 00:11:44,780 Don't listen to him. 199 00:11:45,140 --> 00:11:46,140 I'm not afraid of death. 200 00:11:47,620 --> 00:11:48,540 Don't agree to his terms. 201 00:11:49,500 --> 00:11:50,260 I beg you. 202 00:12:10,860 --> 00:12:11,460 Zhao. 203 00:12:17,660 --> 00:12:18,740 Are you still 204 00:12:20,620 --> 00:12:22,380 thinking of killing me? 205 00:12:25,260 --> 00:12:26,700 Then think carefully. 206 00:12:28,620 --> 00:12:29,580 If I die, 207 00:12:30,620 --> 00:12:32,460 Yanlai dies with me. 208 00:12:33,260 --> 00:12:34,260 Will you kill me, 209 00:12:35,060 --> 00:12:37,140 or save your beloved? 210 00:12:39,780 --> 00:12:41,060 Just promise 211 00:12:41,540 --> 00:12:42,980 to return to court 212 00:12:44,540 --> 00:12:46,260 and serve as a puppet for the Xie Clan, 213 00:12:47,940 --> 00:12:49,940 and I shall sustain his life. 214 00:12:51,500 --> 00:12:53,500 I can hand Yu 215 00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:56,540 and the State of Chu to you. 216 00:13:01,660 --> 00:13:02,260 Zhao. 217 00:13:04,260 --> 00:13:05,500 Do you remember... 218 00:13:07,180 --> 00:13:08,300 your promise... 219 00:13:10,220 --> 00:13:11,580 to grant me a wish? 220 00:13:14,060 --> 00:13:15,060 I want you 221 00:13:16,900 --> 00:13:18,220 to refuse his terms. 222 00:13:19,580 --> 00:13:20,860 From now on, whatever wish you hold, 223 00:13:21,260 --> 00:13:22,500 you may ask it of me. 224 00:13:23,100 --> 00:13:24,820 Come fire or high water, 225 00:13:25,500 --> 00:13:26,700 I will see it fulfilled. 226 00:13:28,340 --> 00:13:29,140 I honor my promises 227 00:13:29,460 --> 00:13:31,700 and never renege. 228 00:14:03,020 --> 00:14:04,380 Forgive me, Jiu. 229 00:14:05,660 --> 00:14:06,540 I had to 230 00:14:07,860 --> 00:14:09,380 break my word now. 231 00:14:27,940 --> 00:14:28,540 Jiu. 232 00:14:29,500 --> 00:14:30,140 Jiu. 233 00:14:55,020 --> 00:14:56,020 In court, 234 00:14:56,020 --> 00:14:57,780 you follow my lead from here on. 235 00:14:58,740 --> 00:15:01,100 Only then can Yanlai's life be guaranteed. 236 00:15:06,380 --> 00:15:08,820 Frontier troop stipends shall be reduced by thirty percent, 237 00:15:09,460 --> 00:15:11,180 and the funds shall be redirected to the southern grain transport. 238 00:15:12,660 --> 00:15:14,700 Frontier troop stipends shall be reduced by thirty percent, 239 00:15:15,100 --> 00:15:16,860 and the funds shall be redirected to the southern grain transport. 240 00:15:17,460 --> 00:15:19,220 Xie Xuan from the Xie Clan... 241 00:15:20,300 --> 00:15:21,860 Xie Xuan from the Xie Clan... 242 00:15:22,420 --> 00:15:24,460 is promoted to Senior Counselor of the Grand Commandant's Office... 243 00:15:24,940 --> 00:15:26,860 is promoted to Senior Counselor of the Grand Commandant's Office... 244 00:15:27,700 --> 00:15:28,980 effective immediately. 245 00:15:29,780 --> 00:15:30,780 effective immediately. 246 00:15:31,780 --> 00:15:34,460 This year's autumn tax shall be raised by twenty percent 247 00:15:34,780 --> 00:15:35,940 to fill the state treasury. 248 00:15:36,620 --> 00:15:38,740 This year's autumn tax shall be raised by twenty percent 249 00:15:39,540 --> 00:15:40,740 to fill the state treasury. 250 00:15:41,140 --> 00:15:41,700 Your Highness, 251 00:15:42,100 --> 00:15:43,900 the frontier is bracing for war. 252 00:15:44,220 --> 00:15:45,300 Cutting military pay at such a time 253 00:15:45,620 --> 00:15:46,740 may not be wise. 254 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:52,740 The Northern Desert has withdrawn. The frontier stands secure. 255 00:15:53,460 --> 00:15:54,980 No need for surplus military expenditure. 256 00:15:57,980 --> 00:16:00,780 The Northern Desert has withdrawn. The frontier stands secure. 257 00:16:02,060 --> 00:16:03,780 No need for surplus military expenditure. 258 00:16:06,380 --> 00:16:07,420 I believe 259 00:16:07,620 --> 00:16:09,740 Her Highness has a valid point. 260 00:16:10,780 --> 00:16:12,940 - Seconded. - Seconded. 261 00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:15,500 Then it is settled. 262 00:16:16,500 --> 00:16:17,500 What does Your Majesty think? 263 00:16:19,060 --> 00:16:20,660 The Grand Princess has considered everything. 264 00:16:21,460 --> 00:16:22,460 I am reassured. 265 00:16:47,060 --> 00:16:48,700 Your Majesty is still growing. 266 00:16:49,420 --> 00:16:50,140 Do eat more. 267 00:16:53,060 --> 00:16:54,340 I dreamed of Uncle Yanlai yesterday. 268 00:16:54,580 --> 00:16:55,300 One does not speak while eating. 269 00:16:57,300 --> 00:16:58,340 He was teaching me... 270 00:16:58,340 --> 00:16:58,900 Your Majesty. 271 00:17:01,260 --> 00:17:01,980 If anyone deserves your consideration, 272 00:17:02,300 --> 00:17:03,580 it is Uncle Yanfang. 273 00:17:04,220 --> 00:17:05,740 It is his supervision of the canal transport 274 00:17:06,540 --> 00:17:08,900 that keeps the grain from Jiangnan flowing. 275 00:17:09,460 --> 00:17:10,460 Without the Xie Family, 276 00:17:11,100 --> 00:17:13,140 How can this kingdom be held securely? 277 00:17:13,740 --> 00:17:15,300 Is Uncle Yanlai still alive? 278 00:17:24,740 --> 00:17:26,020 I will not let him die. 279 00:17:29,420 --> 00:17:30,260 The soup has grown cold. 280 00:17:31,020 --> 00:17:32,140 Fetch a hot one. 281 00:17:47,220 --> 00:17:48,060 She's handled 282 00:17:48,700 --> 00:17:49,860 all matters you entrusted 283 00:17:49,900 --> 00:17:50,580 during this morning's court session. 284 00:17:51,220 --> 00:17:52,740 She has an excellent memory. 285 00:17:54,620 --> 00:17:55,740 At tomorrow's court, 286 00:17:56,540 --> 00:17:58,620 propose a thirty-percent increase in commercial taxes, 287 00:17:59,340 --> 00:18:01,060 citing the reasons stated above. 288 00:18:02,700 --> 00:18:04,380 Has the medicine been delivered to Cangmu Stronghold? 289 00:18:04,660 --> 00:18:05,500 They have collected 290 00:18:05,500 --> 00:18:06,340 it. 291 00:18:07,620 --> 00:18:09,100 I gave Chu Zhao my word. 292 00:18:09,860 --> 00:18:11,300 As long as I draw breath, 293 00:18:13,140 --> 00:18:14,900 Yanlai shall not die. 294 00:18:18,540 --> 00:18:20,780 I cannot break faith with her. 295 00:18:35,460 --> 00:18:36,100 Your Highness, 296 00:18:37,620 --> 00:18:38,420 Mr. Xie 297 00:18:38,580 --> 00:18:39,820 vomited blood again this morning. 298 00:18:40,540 --> 00:18:41,420 The Imperial Physician fears 299 00:18:42,460 --> 00:18:44,340 he may not survive the winter. 300 00:18:46,020 --> 00:18:48,180 How many days remain 301 00:18:49,700 --> 00:18:50,740 until His Majesty's twelfth birthday? 302 00:18:51,340 --> 00:18:52,140 Your Highness. 303 00:18:53,020 --> 00:18:54,660 Twenty-five days. 304 00:18:58,740 --> 00:19:00,140 Twenty-five days. 305 00:19:11,500 --> 00:19:12,420 It seems 306 00:19:14,940 --> 00:19:16,780 I cannot pull through after all. 307 00:19:16,980 --> 00:19:18,100 Mr. Xie, please do not say 308 00:19:18,100 --> 00:19:18,900 such ominous things. 309 00:19:21,140 --> 00:19:23,180 Why fear death? 310 00:19:25,940 --> 00:19:27,740 Yu is about to take the reins himself, 311 00:19:29,740 --> 00:19:30,820 and he carries 312 00:19:32,300 --> 00:19:34,740 the blood of the Xie Family. 313 00:19:34,820 --> 00:19:36,340 Yet should anything happen to you, 314 00:19:36,380 --> 00:19:37,660 and Her Highness seizes this chance to consolidate power... 315 00:19:40,340 --> 00:19:42,260 I sacrificed so many lives 316 00:19:43,300 --> 00:19:44,740 to forge an emperor 317 00:19:44,740 --> 00:19:46,180 from the Xie Family. 318 00:19:47,380 --> 00:19:49,460 I will not let that effort go to waste. 319 00:19:50,540 --> 00:19:51,220 No one can resist 320 00:19:51,220 --> 00:19:53,340 the allure of power, 321 00:19:54,900 --> 00:19:56,380 especially 322 00:19:57,540 --> 00:19:58,940 a young emperor. 323 00:19:59,980 --> 00:20:02,420 A true emperor 324 00:20:03,540 --> 00:20:04,540 will never endure 325 00:20:04,540 --> 00:20:06,140 being a puppet for a lifetime. 326 00:20:07,300 --> 00:20:09,340 Once Yu assumes direct rule, 327 00:20:10,700 --> 00:20:12,540 he will never tolerate 328 00:20:12,900 --> 00:20:14,660 Chu Zhao's manipulation. 329 00:20:16,660 --> 00:20:17,780 When the time comes, 330 00:20:18,700 --> 00:20:20,660 we shall give him one final push. 331 00:20:23,060 --> 00:20:25,140 I have an agreement with Yu. 332 00:20:27,100 --> 00:20:28,220 The very first decree 333 00:20:28,260 --> 00:20:29,820 he issues upon assuming direct rule 334 00:20:32,260 --> 00:20:35,020 shall be the annihilation of the Chu Clan. 335 00:20:41,660 --> 00:20:42,260 Your Majesty, 336 00:20:43,980 --> 00:20:44,780 the military treatise... 337 00:20:46,740 --> 00:20:48,260 I have no desire to learn such things today. 338 00:20:52,500 --> 00:20:53,900 Uncle Yanfang said 339 00:20:54,900 --> 00:20:57,780 that reading people is like reading the stars. 340 00:21:01,220 --> 00:21:02,180 Your Majesty, 341 00:21:03,340 --> 00:21:05,500 the art of reading the stars is for the imperial astronomers. 342 00:21:09,460 --> 00:21:10,340 Grand Princess, 343 00:21:10,820 --> 00:21:11,780 I am the ruler, 344 00:21:12,540 --> 00:21:13,700 and you are my subject. 345 00:21:16,660 --> 00:21:18,340 Your Majesty will soon assume direct rule 346 00:21:18,780 --> 00:21:20,260 and must weigh all matters carefully. 347 00:21:20,780 --> 00:21:21,860 This is for your good. 348 00:21:23,260 --> 00:21:24,300 For my good? 349 00:21:24,980 --> 00:21:26,580 Search your heart. 350 00:21:27,340 --> 00:21:29,300 Do you truly hope for me to rule, 351 00:21:29,740 --> 00:21:30,540 or 352 00:21:31,580 --> 00:21:32,860 are you desperate for me 353 00:21:32,900 --> 00:21:33,900 to remain a puppet emperor 354 00:21:34,260 --> 00:21:36,380 so you may keep the reins of power? 355 00:21:37,540 --> 00:21:38,140 Your Majesty, 356 00:21:38,820 --> 00:21:39,500 I have never... 357 00:21:39,500 --> 00:21:40,260 Never? 358 00:21:40,940 --> 00:21:42,820 Why do you act with such high-handedness 359 00:21:43,340 --> 00:21:44,900 whenever I face critical affairs of state? 360 00:21:45,260 --> 00:21:47,220 Why do you obstruct me at every turn 361 00:21:47,580 --> 00:21:48,900 whenever I propose a different course? 362 00:21:49,980 --> 00:21:50,740 Chu Zhao, 363 00:21:51,260 --> 00:21:52,740 is the taste of absolute power 364 00:21:53,020 --> 00:21:54,260 so sweet 365 00:21:54,740 --> 00:21:55,700 that 366 00:21:56,980 --> 00:21:59,140 you never intended to let go? 367 00:22:05,500 --> 00:22:07,260 Is that truly how Your Majesty sees me? 368 00:22:07,460 --> 00:22:08,020 Enough. 369 00:22:09,260 --> 00:22:10,700 Save your excuses. 370 00:22:11,500 --> 00:22:12,100 Guards, 371 00:22:12,580 --> 00:22:14,580 escort the Grand Princess back to her palace 372 00:22:15,540 --> 00:22:17,140 and confine her there to reflect on her transgressions. 373 00:22:25,460 --> 00:22:26,100 Your Majesty, 374 00:22:27,660 --> 00:22:29,780 please forgive my presumption. 375 00:22:41,500 --> 00:22:43,540 Just as Young Master Yanfang expected. 376 00:23:11,500 --> 00:23:12,900 Kneel. 377 00:23:14,460 --> 00:23:17,780 We congratulate Your Majesty on assuming direct rule. 378 00:23:21,420 --> 00:23:22,420 Ministers, 379 00:23:22,780 --> 00:23:23,860 rise. 380 00:23:24,340 --> 00:23:25,820 - Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty. 381 00:23:27,020 --> 00:23:27,860 My elder sister 382 00:23:28,100 --> 00:23:30,700 entered Taiji Hall bearing the decree of supervising the court 383 00:23:31,260 --> 00:23:32,980 and governed in my stead. 384 00:23:33,260 --> 00:23:35,140 Now that the land is at peace 385 00:23:35,580 --> 00:23:36,820 and I have assumed my rule, 386 00:23:37,220 --> 00:23:39,100 she has earned her rest. 387 00:24:03,340 --> 00:24:04,500 I, Chu Zhao, 388 00:24:05,020 --> 00:24:06,980 congratulate Your Majesty on assuming direct rule. 389 00:24:28,260 --> 00:24:30,420 I have an edict to announce. 390 00:24:32,500 --> 00:24:33,700 Why would His Majesty deliver it 391 00:24:33,740 --> 00:24:35,140 in person? 392 00:24:35,940 --> 00:24:37,540 It is the first decree 393 00:24:37,540 --> 00:24:38,780 of His Majesty's direct rule. 394 00:24:39,020 --> 00:24:40,380 It is of great significance. 395 00:24:41,500 --> 00:24:44,540 Upon receiving this divine charge to govern the state, 396 00:24:44,820 --> 00:24:45,940 I remain ever diligent, 397 00:24:46,100 --> 00:24:48,060 my thoughts centered solely on the state and its people. 398 00:24:48,500 --> 00:24:50,220 Chu Ling and Chu Zhao 399 00:24:59,780 --> 00:25:00,900 have demonstrated steadfast loyalty, 400 00:25:01,180 --> 00:25:02,740 ever mindful of the greater good of the state. 401 00:25:03,140 --> 00:25:04,980 The frontier is the shield of the state, 402 00:25:05,220 --> 00:25:06,300 upon which the state's security depends. 403 00:25:06,700 --> 00:25:08,780 Chu Ling, the Guard General, 404 00:25:09,340 --> 00:25:10,900 having stood guard at the frontier for decades, 405 00:25:11,300 --> 00:25:13,660 repelled invaders and secured the state with extraordinary feats. 406 00:25:14,060 --> 00:25:15,260 Chu Zhao, the Grand Princess, 407 00:25:15,620 --> 00:25:18,100 left the palace to campaign in her father's stead. 408 00:25:18,260 --> 00:25:20,700 Peerless in valor, united in purpose with her father, 409 00:25:20,820 --> 00:25:22,620 she expanded and defended the state. Their monumental achievements stand 410 00:25:23,020 --> 00:25:25,300 as a glorious example for all subjects of the state to follow. 411 00:25:29,700 --> 00:25:32,180 Yet Xie Yanfang, head of the Xie Clan, 412 00:25:32,740 --> 00:25:33,900 steeped in generations of imperial favor 413 00:25:34,180 --> 00:25:35,300 and raised to one of the Three Excellencies, 414 00:25:35,700 --> 00:25:37,460 was bound by duty to serve with utter devotion 415 00:25:37,740 --> 00:25:38,660 and uphold the order of the realm. 416 00:25:39,100 --> 00:25:41,140 Instead, harboring treacherous intent 417 00:25:41,380 --> 00:25:42,500 and behaving with monstrous depravity, 418 00:25:42,820 --> 00:25:44,540 he colluded with the Northern Desert bandits 419 00:25:44,780 --> 00:25:45,820 to invite catastrophe, 420 00:25:46,260 --> 00:25:48,180 [Kill Zhong Changrong at Xinggu Pass] leaving the frontier ravaged by war 421 00:25:48,420 --> 00:25:49,980 and the populace displaced. 422 00:25:50,260 --> 00:25:52,620 By forming internal factions to purge the loyal, 423 00:25:52,820 --> 00:25:54,380 he sought to usurp power 424 00:25:54,580 --> 00:25:55,820 and deceive the throne, 425 00:25:56,100 --> 00:25:58,140 his crimes too numerous to recount. 426 00:25:58,620 --> 00:25:59,660 Most abhorrent 427 00:25:59,940 --> 00:26:00,980 remains the tragedy at Wei Village, 428 00:26:01,460 --> 00:26:03,140 where for personal gain, 429 00:26:03,540 --> 00:26:06,020 he emboldened foreign enemies to engage in arson and slaughter, 430 00:26:06,260 --> 00:26:07,700 sending the entire village 431 00:26:07,820 --> 00:26:08,900 to an unjust death. 432 00:26:09,100 --> 00:26:11,060 Such atrocities 433 00:26:11,180 --> 00:26:12,940 are beyond human reason, 434 00:26:13,180 --> 00:26:14,420 an abomination to all existence. 435 00:26:14,980 --> 00:26:16,020 The laws of this land are unyielding, 436 00:26:16,300 --> 00:26:17,860 and they will not stand for such wicked defiance. 437 00:26:18,300 --> 00:26:19,780 Though I ascended the throne in my youth, 438 00:26:20,100 --> 00:26:21,620 I bear the legacy of my ancestors 439 00:26:21,980 --> 00:26:23,420 and the trust of the people. 440 00:26:23,660 --> 00:26:25,140 I shall act with uncompromising resolve 441 00:26:25,380 --> 00:26:26,700 to purge all treachery and corruption. 442 00:26:27,100 --> 00:26:29,660 All titles and ranks of the Xie Clan are hereby stripped. 443 00:26:30,100 --> 00:26:31,860 Their lands, estates, silver, and valuables 444 00:26:31,980 --> 00:26:33,060 shall be confiscated. 445 00:26:33,460 --> 00:26:34,660 All adult males of the Xie Clan 446 00:26:34,780 --> 00:26:36,140 shall be beheaded forthwith. 447 00:26:36,340 --> 00:26:37,460 The women and children 448 00:26:37,500 --> 00:26:38,780 shall be exiled to the far frontier as slaves. 449 00:26:39,140 --> 00:26:41,220 Any pupils, former subordinates, or accomplices involved in his crimes 450 00:26:41,420 --> 00:26:42,580 must surrender within ten days. 451 00:26:42,860 --> 00:26:45,220 Those captured after the deadline shall face punishment threefold. 452 00:26:45,500 --> 00:26:47,820 This decree is proclaimed across the state. 453 00:26:48,060 --> 00:26:49,420 Whoever colludes with the enemy, betrays the state, 454 00:26:49,700 --> 00:26:51,060 or harms the people 455 00:26:51,140 --> 00:26:52,180 shall be executed 456 00:26:52,420 --> 00:26:53,460 with their entire clan, 457 00:26:53,620 --> 00:26:54,700 to uphold the laws of the state 458 00:26:54,940 --> 00:26:55,980 and serve as a warning to all. 459 00:26:56,340 --> 00:26:57,900 May my ministers and I together 460 00:26:58,180 --> 00:27:00,500 purge this corruption and restore a prosperous age. 461 00:27:01,460 --> 00:27:02,780 Your Majesty, please reconsider. 462 00:27:03,180 --> 00:27:05,500 Mr. Xie is your own in-law. 463 00:27:05,900 --> 00:27:06,900 Censor, mind your words. 464 00:27:07,300 --> 00:27:08,100 I am a Xiao, 465 00:27:08,580 --> 00:27:09,380 not a Xie. 466 00:27:10,100 --> 00:27:12,660 The state belongs to the Xiao Family. 467 00:27:13,180 --> 00:27:14,500 I bring down the Xie Family 468 00:27:14,980 --> 00:27:16,420 to save all the people. 469 00:27:17,620 --> 00:27:18,380 Issue the decree. 470 00:27:18,740 --> 00:27:20,060 Kowtow! 471 00:27:37,020 --> 00:27:37,540 Mr. Xie, 472 00:27:37,820 --> 00:27:38,380 His Majesty 473 00:27:38,900 --> 00:27:40,260 has decreed that your clan be purged. 474 00:27:52,220 --> 00:27:53,260 What did you say? 475 00:27:53,940 --> 00:27:54,980 This is the imperial edict 476 00:27:55,260 --> 00:27:56,580 His Majesty announced during this morning's court session. 477 00:27:57,060 --> 00:27:58,620 He proclaimed that Chu Ling and Chu Zhao's monumental achievements 478 00:27:58,820 --> 00:27:59,660 shall be honored by the state, 479 00:28:00,220 --> 00:28:00,820 while you are guilty 480 00:28:01,740 --> 00:28:02,780 of heinous crimes, 481 00:28:03,140 --> 00:28:04,300 and your entire clan 482 00:28:05,020 --> 00:28:05,980 is to be utterly eradicated. 483 00:28:27,020 --> 00:28:28,140 Absurd. 484 00:28:30,740 --> 00:28:32,740 Profoundly absurd. 485 00:28:35,260 --> 00:28:36,340 How dare he? 486 00:28:41,100 --> 00:28:42,260 Mr. Xie, we must leave at once. 487 00:28:42,500 --> 00:28:43,980 The Imperial Guard will reach Gaoyang shortly. 488 00:28:48,220 --> 00:28:48,980 Leave? 489 00:28:51,740 --> 00:28:52,980 Where to? 490 00:28:54,140 --> 00:28:55,780 Flee to the frontier 491 00:28:59,700 --> 00:29:01,580 or live in obscurity? 492 00:29:03,020 --> 00:29:04,860 How could I suffer 493 00:29:07,660 --> 00:29:10,220 such humiliation? 494 00:29:10,660 --> 00:29:11,300 Mr. Xie, 495 00:29:12,140 --> 00:29:13,140 while there is life, there is hope. 496 00:29:13,380 --> 00:29:14,300 We leave now 497 00:29:14,500 --> 00:29:15,380 and figure out 498 00:29:15,540 --> 00:29:16,620 the rest later. 499 00:29:46,140 --> 00:29:50,420 [Xie Residence] ♪Xie Yanfang betrayed the state♪ 500 00:29:50,980 --> 00:29:55,420 ♪And opened the door to the Northern Desert's blade♪ 501 00:30:05,780 --> 00:30:06,380 Zhao, 502 00:30:07,260 --> 00:30:08,100 it is over. 503 00:30:13,420 --> 00:30:14,300 Not yet. 504 00:30:54,020 --> 00:30:54,900 Your Highness, 505 00:30:56,580 --> 00:30:58,260 it took you long enough. 506 00:31:22,020 --> 00:31:22,860 Look. 507 00:31:24,260 --> 00:31:25,740 Yanlai has finally gotten 508 00:31:26,660 --> 00:31:28,140 exactly what he wanted. 509 00:31:32,420 --> 00:31:34,340 I remember him arriving at the Xie household 510 00:31:35,660 --> 00:31:37,380 at eight years old. 511 00:31:38,300 --> 00:31:39,740 He was so timid 512 00:31:40,740 --> 00:31:42,300 and fearful of everything. 513 00:31:42,820 --> 00:31:44,740 I held his hand 514 00:31:45,500 --> 00:31:47,020 and taught him to read 515 00:31:47,580 --> 00:31:48,820 [Xie Yanlai] and write. 516 00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:51,380 The very first character he learned to write 517 00:31:53,460 --> 00:31:55,580 was Xie, as in our family name. 518 00:31:56,860 --> 00:31:58,020 I told him 519 00:31:59,780 --> 00:32:01,180 never to forget 520 00:32:02,220 --> 00:32:03,740 his last name. 521 00:32:06,540 --> 00:32:07,580 Yet 522 00:32:08,540 --> 00:32:10,700 the clan elders, disdaining his lowly origins, 523 00:32:11,940 --> 00:32:14,260 refused to grant him the surname. 524 00:32:15,380 --> 00:32:17,420 So, I sent him to the Wei village to handle that business, 525 00:32:18,540 --> 00:32:20,060 promising that if he succeeded, 526 00:32:21,100 --> 00:32:22,660 I would persuade the elders 527 00:32:23,660 --> 00:32:25,420 to add him to the genealogy. 528 00:32:27,660 --> 00:32:28,820 Back then... 529 00:32:30,060 --> 00:32:31,260 he was over the moon. 530 00:32:33,100 --> 00:32:34,260 He never knew 531 00:32:35,340 --> 00:32:37,460 that I was the one who took Xiang... 532 00:32:39,780 --> 00:32:41,940 making him the lone scapegoat 533 00:32:42,540 --> 00:32:44,260 for the massacre at the Wei Village. 534 00:32:45,380 --> 00:32:46,540 And while he was investigating 535 00:32:46,580 --> 00:32:48,220 the Xie Family's medicinal storage, 536 00:32:48,940 --> 00:32:50,340 I had Du Qi 537 00:32:51,700 --> 00:32:53,100 kill the boy. 538 00:32:55,740 --> 00:32:57,020 He was just a child. 539 00:32:58,420 --> 00:32:59,580 What did he ever do to deserve that? 540 00:32:59,700 --> 00:33:01,180 His only mistake 541 00:33:02,300 --> 00:33:04,140 was that, after five years of captivity, 542 00:33:04,780 --> 00:33:07,220 he still wanted to testify for Yanlai. 543 00:33:25,900 --> 00:33:27,140 The irony of it all... 544 00:33:29,300 --> 00:33:30,460 is that the life-saving pill 545 00:33:31,260 --> 00:33:33,780 is useless without the second pill. 546 00:33:34,220 --> 00:33:35,820 My intention 547 00:33:36,420 --> 00:33:38,420 was that if Yanlai truly took it... 548 00:33:39,980 --> 00:33:41,540 I could save him 549 00:33:42,300 --> 00:33:44,660 when the poison set in, 550 00:33:44,900 --> 00:33:46,060 and he would be indebted to me 551 00:33:46,060 --> 00:33:47,700 for life. 552 00:33:51,300 --> 00:33:52,620 It comes back to me now. 553 00:33:54,540 --> 00:33:56,020 By a twist of fate, 554 00:33:56,900 --> 00:33:59,540 that is how your father met his end. 555 00:34:02,740 --> 00:34:05,180 Not entirely bad news, I suppose. 556 00:34:16,420 --> 00:34:17,460 Chu Zhao, 557 00:34:18,860 --> 00:34:21,020 you may bring down the Xie Family, 558 00:34:21,500 --> 00:34:23,980 but you cannot save Xie Yanlai. 559 00:34:25,020 --> 00:34:27,140 The Golden Finch Venom has no cure. 560 00:34:28,060 --> 00:34:29,660 He will die, 561 00:34:30,860 --> 00:34:34,660 and even before I do. 562 00:34:59,700 --> 00:35:00,860 Yanfang, 563 00:35:01,900 --> 00:35:03,220 despite all your calculating, 564 00:35:03,820 --> 00:35:06,020 you are still one move behind. 565 00:35:26,620 --> 00:35:27,860 Yanlai? 566 00:35:29,020 --> 00:35:30,260 Impossible. 567 00:35:33,260 --> 00:35:35,260 How are you still alive? 568 00:35:36,380 --> 00:35:37,420 Because all of this 569 00:35:39,460 --> 00:35:41,580 was a trap laid carefully for you. 570 00:35:42,900 --> 00:35:44,900 This dagger is forged with two sides, 571 00:35:46,380 --> 00:35:47,780 distinguished by gold and silver. 572 00:35:49,100 --> 00:35:50,100 I will coat the gold side 573 00:35:50,900 --> 00:35:52,700 with Golden Finch Venom in advance. 574 00:35:53,860 --> 00:35:55,300 We are going to stage a death scene 575 00:35:55,340 --> 00:35:56,340 right before his eyes. 576 00:35:57,940 --> 00:35:59,700 You will strike yourself with the silver, non-poisonous blade. 577 00:35:59,980 --> 00:36:00,660 The wound, however, 578 00:36:01,900 --> 00:36:03,220 must look absolutely real. 579 00:36:04,500 --> 00:36:05,780 Only a lie built upon a grain of truth 580 00:36:05,980 --> 00:36:07,260 can deceive them all. 581 00:36:08,180 --> 00:36:10,020 I will play the part of a hostage, forced back to the court 582 00:36:11,060 --> 00:36:12,860 to serve as his puppet, day after day. 583 00:36:14,800 --> 00:36:18,300 ♪Numerous people are under my control♪ 584 00:36:20,300 --> 00:36:21,660 I could kill Xie Yanfang, 585 00:36:22,540 --> 00:36:23,340 even at the cost of my own life. 586 00:36:23,780 --> 00:36:24,180 No. 587 00:36:24,780 --> 00:36:25,900 There will always be 588 00:36:26,340 --> 00:36:27,740 another Xie Yanfang. 589 00:36:28,700 --> 00:36:29,940 We must leverage the Xie Family's influence 590 00:36:30,020 --> 00:36:30,980 to keep the court in check, 591 00:36:31,640 --> 00:36:32,900 until Yu takes the reins. 592 00:36:33,940 --> 00:36:34,740 Yes, Your Highness. 593 00:36:37,940 --> 00:36:39,100 From that moment on, 594 00:36:39,660 --> 00:36:41,460 everything you saw was a lie. 595 00:36:42,620 --> 00:36:44,580 I knew you were after the Frontier Troops Token, 596 00:36:45,180 --> 00:36:46,660 so I instructed Zhong 597 00:36:46,860 --> 00:36:47,860 to feign submission. 598 00:36:49,340 --> 00:36:50,420 What I failed to account for 599 00:36:51,380 --> 00:36:52,460 was how far you would sink, 600 00:36:52,460 --> 00:36:53,580 raising your blades against the Longwei Army. 601 00:36:54,220 --> 00:36:55,700 This is the medicine Xie Yanfang sent. 602 00:36:56,420 --> 00:36:57,500 Using the cover of my convalescence 603 00:36:57,500 --> 00:36:58,260 at Cangmu Stronghold, 604 00:36:58,780 --> 00:37:00,420 I've been quietly gathering evidence of the Xie Family's crimes. 605 00:37:01,220 --> 00:37:02,020 Yet you were so intoxicated 606 00:37:02,020 --> 00:37:03,500 by the thrill of pulling every string 607 00:37:03,980 --> 00:37:04,900 that you let your guard down entirely. 608 00:37:04,980 --> 00:37:06,740 The officials you have promoted 609 00:37:07,220 --> 00:37:08,380 also allowed me to compile a complete list 610 00:37:08,380 --> 00:37:09,740 of the Xie Family's faction 611 00:37:09,820 --> 00:37:10,660 within the court. 612 00:37:11,060 --> 00:37:11,860 Jiu and I 613 00:37:12,780 --> 00:37:13,420 have always been working 614 00:37:13,420 --> 00:37:14,780 behind your back, 615 00:37:15,260 --> 00:37:16,020 tirelessly molding Yu 616 00:37:16,020 --> 00:37:17,500 into a capable ruler. 617 00:37:18,260 --> 00:37:19,180 Yunzhong Prefecture 618 00:37:19,660 --> 00:37:21,060 is the frontier stronghold of the Capital, 619 00:37:21,420 --> 00:37:22,220 easy to defend and hard to breach. 620 00:37:22,620 --> 00:37:24,020 But should the Northern Desert resolve its internal strife, 621 00:37:24,020 --> 00:37:24,860 return with force, 622 00:37:25,260 --> 00:37:26,940 and bring the surrounding minor states into the fold, 623 00:37:27,340 --> 00:37:29,540 a flanking assault could spell trouble. 624 00:37:29,660 --> 00:37:31,020 May I then send envoys 625 00:37:31,180 --> 00:37:32,780 to build ties with neighboring states and avoid war? 626 00:37:33,020 --> 00:37:34,500 A wise thought, Your Majesty. 627 00:37:35,660 --> 00:37:36,780 Military strength and diplomacy 628 00:37:37,100 --> 00:37:38,020 are both essential 629 00:37:38,060 --> 00:37:39,420 to the art of governance. 630 00:37:39,820 --> 00:37:42,300 Bear in mind that the greatest victory is to avoid war. 631 00:37:42,540 --> 00:37:43,260 Peace 632 00:37:43,900 --> 00:37:45,620 is what endures. 633 00:37:46,700 --> 00:37:47,740 Hold the sword as you would a fist. 634 00:37:48,420 --> 00:37:50,580 Loosen your grip even once, and all is lost. 635 00:37:52,220 --> 00:37:53,700 Zhao, I understand. 636 00:37:55,580 --> 00:37:57,100 Ruling is like a game of strategy. 637 00:37:57,420 --> 00:37:58,740 It matters not who moves first, 638 00:37:59,180 --> 00:38:01,980 only who has the last laugh. 639 00:38:03,660 --> 00:38:05,740 ♪Schemes within schemes, I prison myself♪ 640 00:38:05,740 --> 00:38:07,180 Much like what you are doing now. 641 00:38:09,760 --> 00:38:12,640 ♪The world is my Weiqi game board♪ 642 00:38:13,160 --> 00:38:15,700 ♪Everything's just fleeting♪ 643 00:38:15,700 --> 00:38:16,500 Yanfang, 644 00:38:16,980 --> 00:38:19,060 you always said the noble families were deeply entangled. 645 00:38:20,580 --> 00:38:22,260 So we learned from you, 646 00:38:22,780 --> 00:38:25,820 traced each root to its source, 647 00:38:26,460 --> 00:38:27,340 and 648 00:38:27,980 --> 00:38:29,260 pulled them all out. 649 00:38:36,540 --> 00:38:37,220 Yanlai, 650 00:38:38,540 --> 00:38:39,620 since you are alive, 651 00:38:40,300 --> 00:38:41,820 why not come home? 652 00:38:43,300 --> 00:38:44,500 After I pass away, 653 00:38:44,780 --> 00:38:46,660 the immense power of the Xie Family 654 00:38:46,660 --> 00:38:47,620 and the position of clan head 655 00:38:47,900 --> 00:38:49,260 will all be yours. 656 00:38:50,900 --> 00:38:52,980 Why make such a choice? 657 00:38:54,580 --> 00:38:56,780 What exactly are you trying to do? 658 00:38:58,260 --> 00:38:59,180 No one reads hearts well 659 00:38:59,220 --> 00:39:00,420 as you do. 660 00:39:02,180 --> 00:39:03,260 How can you not know 661 00:39:04,260 --> 00:39:05,500 that what I want 662 00:39:06,900 --> 00:39:07,660 is to take 663 00:39:07,660 --> 00:39:10,300 the Xie Family's century-old legacy with me to the grave? 664 00:39:24,220 --> 00:39:25,100 The clan elders 665 00:39:25,100 --> 00:39:26,580 must regret not killing me 666 00:39:27,820 --> 00:39:29,580 when they could, 667 00:39:30,460 --> 00:39:31,820 only for me, too low-born 668 00:39:31,820 --> 00:39:33,020 to enter the genealogy 669 00:39:35,820 --> 00:39:37,100 to end the Xie's bloodline for good. 670 00:39:38,220 --> 00:39:39,060 Yanlai. 671 00:39:40,940 --> 00:39:43,340 Seeing you like this, so deranged, 672 00:39:44,860 --> 00:39:46,860 I almost see myself. 673 00:39:50,860 --> 00:39:51,580 Indeed. 674 00:39:52,900 --> 00:39:55,140 I am the baby wolf you spent years shaping. 675 00:39:57,820 --> 00:39:58,540 Remember, 676 00:39:59,500 --> 00:40:00,660 my brother? 677 00:40:03,820 --> 00:40:04,940 We've won 678 00:40:06,700 --> 00:40:08,260 this game after all. 679 00:40:09,380 --> 00:40:10,220 Good. 680 00:40:12,500 --> 00:40:13,700 Splendid. 681 00:40:22,740 --> 00:40:23,580 Yanfang, 682 00:40:24,140 --> 00:40:25,260 do you know 683 00:40:25,900 --> 00:40:26,780 why you lost this game? 684 00:40:29,700 --> 00:40:30,980 For all your plotting, 685 00:40:30,980 --> 00:40:32,100 you forgot one thing. 686 00:40:33,740 --> 00:40:35,380 The most brilliant schemes 687 00:40:36,620 --> 00:40:38,020 are the ones that ensnare their maker. 688 00:40:39,340 --> 00:40:40,700 Xie Yanfang, you were so confident 689 00:40:41,100 --> 00:40:41,900 that you never doubted 690 00:40:41,900 --> 00:40:42,900 you were the one 691 00:40:42,900 --> 00:40:43,740 moving the pieces. 692 00:40:43,980 --> 00:40:45,740 Little did you know 693 00:40:45,740 --> 00:40:47,100 the very web you wove 694 00:40:47,820 --> 00:40:49,380 would be the one to close around you. 695 00:40:50,660 --> 00:40:51,540 Surprising, isn't it? 696 00:40:53,180 --> 00:40:53,940 The piece 697 00:40:55,020 --> 00:40:56,900 you thought to command at will 698 00:40:58,100 --> 00:40:58,780 has made you 699 00:40:59,780 --> 00:41:01,820 a discarded pawn of fate. 700 00:41:18,380 --> 00:41:18,980 Mr. Xie, 701 00:41:19,740 --> 00:41:21,060 Her Highness is but a woman. 702 00:41:21,660 --> 00:41:22,540 What does she have 703 00:41:22,940 --> 00:41:23,980 that makes you treat her 704 00:41:23,980 --> 00:41:24,860 so differently? 705 00:41:26,260 --> 00:41:26,900 She is... 706 00:41:29,300 --> 00:41:29,940 different. 707 00:41:31,780 --> 00:41:32,500 Chu Zhao. 708 00:41:51,260 --> 00:41:52,820 A move made is a move set. 709 00:41:54,060 --> 00:41:54,820 I lost. 710 00:41:56,420 --> 00:41:57,260 And I own it. 711 00:42:30,820 --> 00:42:32,220 I see no difference 712 00:42:32,900 --> 00:42:34,420 between people. 713 00:42:35,340 --> 00:42:36,740 But once a difference appears, 714 00:42:37,500 --> 00:42:39,100 the heart tilts. 715 00:42:39,980 --> 00:42:41,460 And a tilted heart 716 00:42:42,540 --> 00:42:45,340 becomes a prison. 717 00:42:50,620 --> 00:42:51,700 From this day onward, 718 00:42:52,500 --> 00:42:55,260 taxes across all prefectures shall be reduced by thirty percent. 719 00:42:55,940 --> 00:42:57,740 - Your Majesty is wise. - Your Majesty is wise. 720 00:42:58,180 --> 00:42:58,700 Furthermore, 721 00:42:59,300 --> 00:43:00,900 the laws of the State of Chu shall be revised. 722 00:43:01,700 --> 00:43:03,540 Anyone found colluding with foreign powers 723 00:43:04,140 --> 00:43:05,060 shall be held collectively responsible, 724 00:43:05,660 --> 00:43:06,820 and their entire clan shall be exterminated. 725 00:43:54,660 --> 00:43:58,460 ♪Day after day, across these ancient hills♪ 726 00:43:58,460 --> 00:44:02,260 ♪Again and again, the old city cold and still♪ 727 00:44:02,260 --> 00:44:05,020 ♪Through dust and battle, I look back♪ 728 00:44:05,020 --> 00:44:08,260 ♪And find you waiting at journey's end♪ 729 00:44:09,820 --> 00:44:13,700 ♪Night after night, the hours drift on♪ 730 00:44:13,700 --> 00:44:17,420 ♪Year after year, our reunions end too soon♪ 731 00:44:17,420 --> 00:44:22,140 ♪Love so deep, yet fate so thin, why must it be so hard?♪ 732 00:44:24,260 --> 00:44:28,180 ♪Through joy and sorrow, we have shared it all♪ 733 00:44:28,180 --> 00:44:31,980 ♪Bound by a knowing no words can name♪ 734 00:44:31,980 --> 00:44:35,420 ♪Two lonely souls, huddling together for warmth♪ 735 00:44:36,460 --> 00:44:38,580 No luck with the hares, so you're after me now? 736 00:44:38,860 --> 00:44:40,380 You're just easier to catch. 737 00:44:41,020 --> 00:44:42,300 Every creature on these grasslands 738 00:44:42,460 --> 00:44:43,460 is cunning. 739 00:44:43,460 --> 00:44:46,820 ♪I sigh at the whims of merciless fate♪ 740 00:44:46,820 --> 00:44:47,780 I just had 741 00:44:49,180 --> 00:44:50,260 a nightmare. 742 00:44:51,940 --> 00:44:53,980 So even you have fears, General Xie? 743 00:44:55,300 --> 00:44:56,860 In the dream, death tore us apart. 744 00:45:00,300 --> 00:45:01,660 Don't say that. 745 00:45:02,620 --> 00:45:04,220 We still have many years ahead of us. 746 00:45:05,780 --> 00:45:06,380 Agreed. 747 00:45:08,740 --> 00:45:09,740 Then we shall guard 748 00:45:09,740 --> 00:45:10,780 Yunzhong Prefecture side by side, 749 00:45:11,780 --> 00:45:12,660 day after day, 750 00:45:13,980 --> 00:45:14,940 year after year, 751 00:45:15,820 --> 00:45:16,700 to the very end. 752 00:45:19,500 --> 00:45:20,380 I intend 753 00:45:21,460 --> 00:45:22,940 to expand the place 754 00:45:23,620 --> 00:45:24,380 where I used to live. 755 00:45:25,860 --> 00:45:27,500 Why the rush to renovate? 756 00:45:28,180 --> 00:45:29,020 There is every reason. 757 00:45:41,100 --> 00:45:42,380 I want to marry you. 758 00:45:42,820 --> 00:45:45,060 ♪Light shatters into silhouettes♪ 759 00:45:45,060 --> 00:45:45,940 Let's build a home together. 760 00:45:47,620 --> 00:45:48,260 What do you say? 761 00:45:48,380 --> 00:45:53,660 ♪A lingering mark on my palm♪ 762 00:45:54,420 --> 00:45:59,660 ♪Hooves thunder through the ashes of war♪ 763 00:45:59,660 --> 00:46:05,100 ♪Riding the wild wind straight into the dawn♪ 764 00:46:07,100 --> 00:46:09,540 ♪A vivid life♪ 765 00:46:09,820 --> 00:46:12,100 ♪Bathed in tears♪ 766 00:46:12,940 --> 00:46:15,940 ♪Surging toward the dawn♪ 767 00:46:16,780 --> 00:46:21,380 ♪Let it burn until there's nothing left♪ 768 00:46:21,860 --> 00:46:24,380 ♪We crown our pain like glory♪ 769 00:46:25,160 --> 00:46:26,840 In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year 770 00:46:27,000 --> 00:46:27,760 of Xingping, 771 00:46:28,400 --> 00:46:30,280 the Grand Princess withdrew into seclusion on account of illness. 772 00:46:31,080 --> 00:46:34,480 The Yunzhong frontier troops established the Princess's encampment. 773 00:46:34,580 --> 00:46:36,380 ♪I'd spend the rest of my life with you♪ 774 00:46:36,380 --> 00:46:39,260 ♪Even if longing turns to ash♪ 775 00:46:39,260 --> 00:46:41,380 ♪I'd still feel no fear♪ 776 00:46:46,380 --> 00:46:51,500 ♪You are the hope I sowed in bleakest dark♪ 777 00:46:51,500 --> 00:46:57,660 ♪Where a sharp blade rises from the dust♪ 778 00:46:59,220 --> 00:47:01,380 ♪A vivid life♪ 779 00:47:01,980 --> 00:47:04,100 ♪Bathed in tears♪ 780 00:47:04,820 --> 00:47:07,300 ♪Surging toward the dawn♪ 781 00:47:08,820 --> 00:47:13,420 ♪Let it burn until there's nothing left♪ 782 00:47:13,940 --> 00:47:16,500 ♪We crown our pain like glory♪ 783 00:47:16,780 --> 00:47:19,540 ♪Give that long-held wish a chance♪ 784 00:47:20,580 --> 00:47:25,140 ♪Let's run straight into the ruins♪ 785 00:47:25,500 --> 00:47:28,540 ♪I'd spend the rest of my life with you♪ 786 00:47:28,540 --> 00:47:31,500 ♪Even if longing turns to ash♪ 787 00:47:31,500 --> 00:47:33,300 ♪Into a timeless monument♪ 788 00:47:37,320 --> 00:47:41,920 ♪Broken walls and withered branches, trapped in the mire♪ 789 00:47:42,200 --> 00:47:44,680 ♪Yet still striving to reach for the sky♪ 790 00:47:44,720 --> 00:47:48,760 ♪My pride is torn down and my body is sacrificed♪ 791 00:47:51,000 --> 00:47:53,120 ♪The spark smolders in the crack♪ 792 00:47:53,200 --> 00:47:55,160 ♪And roars in the blaze♪ 793 00:47:55,240 --> 00:47:58,480 ♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪ 794 00:47:58,640 --> 00:48:00,880 ♪Fate imprisons me♪ 795 00:48:01,040 --> 00:48:05,840 ♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪ 796 00:48:05,840 --> 00:48:10,040 ♪Even if hope is faint, I remain proud♪ 797 00:48:10,040 --> 00:48:14,320 ♪A mayfly will cross the ocean, however long it takes♪ 798 00:48:14,320 --> 00:48:19,760 ♪However it ends up, I'll go my own way♪ 799 00:48:19,760 --> 00:48:21,720 ♪With no fear of the distance♪ 800 00:48:21,720 --> 00:48:25,440 ♪Born from decay, fireflies still burn♪ 801 00:48:25,440 --> 00:48:29,880 ♪With sword in hand, I'll pierce the dawn♪ 802 00:48:29,880 --> 00:48:35,240 ♪Let these scars all over me become♪ 803 00:48:35,240 --> 00:48:38,840 ♪My new pride♪ 804 00:48:53,640 --> 00:48:56,520 ♪Peril is everywhere in the palace♪ 805 00:48:56,520 --> 00:48:59,040 ♪Yet I smile to nobody but you♪ 806 00:48:59,040 --> 00:49:01,400 ♪Amidst the chaos♪ 807 00:49:01,400 --> 00:49:05,680 ♪I'll always be with you♪ 808 00:49:07,120 --> 00:49:09,240 ♪The spark smolders in the crack♪ 809 00:49:09,320 --> 00:49:11,280 ♪And roars in the blaze♪ 810 00:49:11,360 --> 00:49:14,600 ♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪ 811 00:49:14,760 --> 00:49:17,000 ♪Fate imprisons me♪ 812 00:49:17,160 --> 00:49:21,960 ♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪ 813 00:49:21,960 --> 00:49:26,160 ♪Even if hope is faint, I remain proud♪ 814 00:49:26,160 --> 00:49:30,440 ♪A mayfly will cross the ocean, however long it takes♪ 815 00:49:30,440 --> 00:49:35,880 ♪However it ends up, I'll go my own way♪ 816 00:49:35,880 --> 00:49:37,840 ♪With no fear of the distance♪ 817 00:49:37,840 --> 00:49:41,560 ♪Born from decay, fireflies still burn♪ 818 00:49:41,560 --> 00:49:46,000 ♪With sword in hand, I'll pierce the dawn♪ 819 00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:51,360 ♪Let these scars all over me become♪ 820 00:49:51,360 --> 00:49:54,960 ♪My new pride♪ 821 00:49:54,960 --> 00:49:55,960 MkvDrama.net