Original subtitles

Your Highness, you asked me to keep an eye

on news about Young Master of Miraculous Craft.

Guess what happened? Overnight,

Jiabao Restaurant and Yong'an Pavilion both

started to have people tell stories about Young Master of Miraculous Craft.

I felt something was fishy.

It was only later that I learned

Chef He Wu of Jiabao Restaurant

and Accountant He An of Yong'an Pavilion are

both Eunuch He's sworn brothers.

You even know about

their sworn brotherhood?

Cats have their ways,

and dogs have theirs.

Not only do I know that they are sworn brothers,

but I also know that Eunuch He

gained the Empress Dowager's trust

because before Empress Dowager He entered the imperial palace,

her wet nurse

and the mother of the second daughter-in-law

of Eunuch He's seventh uncle

are cousins.

There is a lot of such news in Jiankang

that only someone like me

can find out.

Otherwise, why...

Why would His Highness recruit me?

I'm taking my leave.

The Directorate of Armaments, Prince Changsha,

Xie Huaigui, and the Empress Dowager.

The battle back on Jiuzhang Plain

was jointly orchestrated by them.

Since the Empress Dowager dared to push Young Master

of Miraculous Craft into the storm,

she must have cut off

all her connections to this matter.

The fake Xiao Sheng is

probably already dead.

I wrongly blamed Young Master Yao.

This fallout won't reach the Empress Dowager.

At most, Xie Huaigui will take the fall.

It's killing two birds with one stone anyway.

What should we do now?

If we let the rumors spread,

I'm afraid a mutiny will really happen in the army.

[Key to the Phoenix Heart]

[Episode 6]

[Prince Jing'an's Mansion]

Do you have any idea what they are saying out there?

They say our Prince Jing'an's family

disregards the lives of Beifu soldiers

and shelters the culprit

to please the noble clans!

If it leads to a mutiny in the army,

can you still be the Heir of Prince Jing'an?

I know you didn't do it, Yao.

I trust you.

You actually suspected me?

No matter how worked up I am,

I would never be this reckless.

If Prince Jing'an's household loses the trust of the Beifu soldiers,

what good

would it do for me?

Yao, haven't you held

a lot of grudges against me all these years?

Yes, that is true.

Over the years,

how many letters have I written you,

asking to join the battle?

You've returned them all

and even sent them back to Mother,

making her watch me every day.

Also...

Also what?

Nothing.

We are talking about you.

If you keep letting this go on,

once you lose the army's trust,

how terrifying would it be on the battlefield?

You should at least send Xie Jiayu back to the Grand Tutor's Mansion

to clearly show everyone your attitude.

My attitude has always been clear.

Yao,

Xie Jiayu is not Young Master of Miraculous Craft.

Whoever says she is should show the evidence.

There's no need to respond

to these baseless rumors.

You...

That's how it is.

Seems like as long as His Highness stays in the capital,

the turmoil just won't end.

Someone wants to sow discord

between His Highness and the Beifu soldiers.

You don't seem to worry about the dispute between the Empress Dowager

and Prince Jing'an's household.

My concern lies elsewhere.

His Highness is probably really in love with Xie Jiayu.

You just realized it?

So you knew it earlier but didn't tell me!

That's because I bet that the two of them

won't end up together.

Why?

Xiao Wuyi

always gets whatever he wants.

Really?

Then... Then Jiayu and Prince Qi...

Yeah,

there is nothing Xiao Wuyi

wants but cannot get.

But no matter how much he likes her,

what if he doesn't want it,

or simply doesn't even dare to have it?

You're wrong.

Many things in this world can be given up,

but not love.

How about we make a bet then?

Okay.

You know what?

My husband and I used to bet a lot,

and I never lost.

Then you'll definitely lose to me this time.

Actually, I forgot to tell you.

I have one more advantage in winning.

Oh, no. Jiayu still doesn't know that

Ziqi isn't Xiao Wuyi's child.

And our relationship with His Highness—

has she not figured it out?

No way, I must go tell her right now.

Calm down.

His Highness didn't ask us to tell her yet.

What if she misunderstood it?

Then we can enjoy watching His Highness make a fool of himself.

Don't you want to see that?

I do.

Darling, it's rare for you to be in the mood

to invite me to such a place.

Fields, shops, and accounts

are all here.

What I brought from my Princess's Mansion before

and what your Xie family owns

have all been divided clearly.

I've brought your favorite rice cakes, Darling.

The vendor, Li, said...

I've also told the butler the details of the daily chores.

Just accept this divorce paper.

[Divorce Agreement]

I don't agree.

Lord Xie, why bother putting on an act?

Darling, we've been married for 20 years after all.

We've been married for 20 years,

but you've never loved me.

You, Lord Xie, play tricks to gain power

and manipulate people as you like.

You know I'd hold back for fear of causing collateral damage.

If I exposed Li Mao's true identity,

he would die, and Jiayu would definitely suffer agony.

So you had nothing to fear.

You knew my temper

and that once the secret was exposed,

my attitude would definitely be like this.

Yet you still did it.

Since you've made your choice,

then I've also made my decision.

At this point,

I'm not asking for your opinion anymore.

But we still have our daughter, Jiayu.

When you plotted for her to enter Prince Jing'an's Mansion

and for her to use the repeating crossbows to murder the Beifu soldiers,

did you still remember that she's your daughter?

Right,

she is not your biological daughter.

But you have doted on her for years.

And she has called you Father for just as long!

Darling, I...

I also had no other choice.

What I did was

the best choice for the greater good.

For your own selfish desires, you caused

the deaths of 30,000 soldiers who defended our state.

Was this your best choice?

You, Lord Xie, who once devoted yourself

to the greater good, followed by scholars all over the world,

have now become the very person you used to despise the most.

You don't want Jiayu,

but I do want her.

If you feel even the slightest guilt

towards Jiayu or me,

sign this divorce paper,

and from now on, we'll cut ties with you.

Whether you succeed or fail in the future,

Jiayu will only be the daughter of me, Princess Yunzhao.

You must not force Jiayu to do anything for you.

Otherwise, I don't mind bringing you down with me.

Darling, where will you go then?

Jiankang is not the Capital.

There is no Princess's Mansion here.

The world is vast.

Wherever I end up in the future,

it will have nothing to do with you, Lord Xie.

Xie Huaigui,

I've had no regrets.

I hope you won't regret today either.

Xie Huaigui,

after over 20 years of marriage,

allow me to scheme against you this once.

You want Li Mao to be the Emperor?

No way.

Over 100 years after Ye was founded,

Emperor Wenxi and Empress Wenxi attempted to reform,

yet it threatened the interests of noble families.

Northern Qin took the chance to invade the south,

while the nobles stood by and watched.

Emperor Wenxi died in battle while leading his troops.

The pregnant Empress Wenxi

[Empress Wenxi]

ordered the imperial family and the nobles to flee south,

yet she stayed in the Capital alone

to hold off the Northern Qin army,

and eventually died in a fire,

leaving behind the final words—

when the Phoenix Heart Token appears, peace shall be restored in the world.

You are late.

I rushed here upon hearing

my brother's death.

Any news on the person I asked you to find?

We've spread the word.

But it has been more than 20 years.

I'm not sure how many of them are still alive.

Today's medicine is ready.

Madam Ruisheng said I must watch you finish it, Your Highness.

You have drafted and discarded the charter for military reform

over and over again.

Can you really figure it out?

What is this?

I almost forgot.

The porter sent this over,

saying it's a letter for Lady Xie.

[Yunzhao]

What is Xie Jiayu doing?

She asked someone to buy osmanthus honey

and is still making hawthorn cakes,

because she dislikes the sour hawthorn bought a few days ago.

Li Mao will starve to death if he's seriously waiting

for her hawthorn cakes to whet his appetite.

No, Your Highness, take your medicine first,

or Madam Ruisheng will scold us again.

You're blocking my light.

It's so dirty! Go away.

It's sweet enough.

Not enough.

Mao and Lejun like sweets.

So you know their tastes quite well.

What are you doing here?

Don't worry, you don't need to watch me.

I won't run around

and cause you trouble.

I know

some people have been giving you a hard time recently

over Young Master of Miraculous Craft.

You know that?

Xiao Wuyi, do you really think I'm stupid?

That day at the Conscription Office,

the Commander of the Imperial Guards made it so clear.

Someone used the storybooks

to claim that I am Young Master of Miraculous Craft

and harmed the Beifu Army.

If you don't punish me,

someone will put the blame

on you instead.

If I run around,

wouldn't that cause you trouble?

What you said that day was harsh,

but I've understood.

By the way.

This is a letter from your mother.

Put it in the back for me.

I'll read it later.

Xie Jiayu.

What now?

The dusk scenery is lovely.

Go get me a soft couch.

I want to enjoy the sunset here.

Go back to your own courtyard to enjoy it!

I have no time for that.

After the Double Ninth Festival's sacrificial ritual,

I can arrange a meeting between you and Li Mao.

Don't you want it?

It'd be great if I could have a cup of freshly brewed Biluochun

to moisten my throat.

Okay, I'm going to make tea for you right now.

Don't waste time.

It's getting a bit chilly.

Go get me a robe.

Are you going to let me make the hawthorn cakes or not?

You've promised

to let me meet Mao on the Double Ninth Festival, huh?

Why would I lie to you?

Fine, then just boss me around.

Today, whatever you say goes.

And you said you wanted to watch the sunset?

[Little Xiao Wuyi]

[Little Xiao Yao]

Protect Sheng!

Stop there!

Stop!

Stop running!

Sheng!

Father!

Father!

Take your brother and leave!

Go!

Brother!

Brother!

♪ One glance stirs heart's doom, near yet far ♪

♪ This fleeting moment ♪

♪ Tugs the threads woven by fate ♪

♪ Bound tight evermore ♪

♪ Sharing all the years together ♪

♪ Peace I find nowhere but by your side ♪

It's too sweet.

♪ Bear witness with our souls ♪

I can't indulge myself in it.

♪ Fear no partings or wax and wane ♪

Why are you still here?

I just woke up.

Are they for Li Mao?

No.

This plate is for Ziqi.

This piece is for my mother.

And this for Ruisheng;

this for Yuanji.

This last piece is for the Dowager Princess.

I just made them all while I was at it.

This one is for Lejun.

This one is for Mao.

Don't get them mixed up.

A love poem?

No peeking!

I'm not interested at all.

Oh, right,

you have Yuanji and Ruisheng.

If you were to receive love poems,

you'd get two.

Hold on.

And who is this for?

Thanks for arranging a meeting between Mao and me.

It's such a shabby thank-you gift.

Take it or leave it. Return it to me if you don't want it.

I have things to handle at my place.

What's wrong?

The blindness happened again.

It took about 2 hours to recover.

I'll do acupuncture for you.

How much time do I have left?

It is caused by blood stasis in your head.

If we can't find a way to treat the stasis,

you might survive 3 to 5 years.

Or maybe...

just one day.

We must not let anyone else know about this.

If anyone asks,

just say I have an arrow wound on my chest.

This is not a long-term solution.

I, Xiao Wuyi, cannot have a weakness.

Three to five years

are enough.

Don't worry.

I will do everything I can

to find a cure.

What's up, My Lady?

My father and mother are divorced.

This is a decision I made after long consideration.

But this has nothing to do with you.

You are still our daughter.

Yaoyao, between husband and wife,

besides love, there should also be understanding

and respect.

They're companions on the journey of life.

I hope you can understand this early,

suffer less from the agony of love, hate, and partings,

and find peace of mind.

I plan to leave Jiankang

to travel through Ye.

I will be back in a few days.

I will leave letters for you.

Besides, as for your father,

he has his struggles.

Don't blame or hate him,

but don't trust him blindly either.

Keep this in mind.

Who is up ahead, blocking my way?

[Liu Yu'e, senior maid of Empress Wenxi of the previous dynasty]

It's you?

You're not dead?

Your Highness, you're going to find Crown Prince Wenxi, aren't you?

[Palace of Eternal Peace]

Hawthorn cakes?

Why did Yaoyao suddenly make these?

I don't like sour food.

I just got something for her to do.

If you don't like them, I'll throw them away.

I won't let Yaoyao's kindness go to waste.

There's also a letter.

She told me to take care of myself,

said everyone in Prince Jing'an's Mansion treated her very well,

and told me not to worry.

She also mentioned that Young Master of Miraculous Craft

has caused a stir lately,

putting both you and the Beifu Army through a lot of trouble.

She is young.

Sometimes her words are offensive,

but she is kind in nature.

Please bear with her more.

You don't need to worry about Xie Jiayu.

She can mess around as she likes in Prince Jing'an's Mansion.

The priority right now is the Double Ninth Festival Ceremony.

The Empress Dowager already made a move against Young Master of Miraculous Craft,

trying to stir up a mutiny in the army,

so she definitely has

a backup plan for the Ceremony.

These are the hawthorn cakes Yaoyao made.

I saved 2 pieces for you.

It's all my fault,

having dragged you down with me.

You look so haggard now.

Give it a try.

What is this?

Did the Empress Dowager do it?

Her Majesty made me practice calligraphy

and didn't allow me to lower my arms.

If I lowered them,

the needles would prick me.

Brother,

when will this kind

of life ever end?

[Prince Jing'an's Mansion]

Look at this bow.

You must remember to tighten up

these two spots.

And it must be made of cowhide.

Also...

What are you doing?

I am teaching Da to practice writing.

Mao used to teach him.

Now that Mao is not here,

I have to do it.

Alright, Da.

That's all for today's lesson.

I gave you the copybooks just now.

You must practice hard with them.

I'll go see Da out.

Your Highness.

These are the latest weapon designs by the Secondary Consort.

They are the standard types used by the fallen Lieutenant Generals,

but more exquisite and detailed.

She paid a hefty price

and had Da find the best blacksmith in the city

to rush the production.

Should we stop her?

In the name of Young Master of Miraculous Craft?

It's anonymous.

Da is mute anyway.

He won't leak it to others.

Then let her do it.

[On the day of the Double Ninth Festival Ceremony]

Is everything ready?

Everything is set.

At the auspicious hour,

the sacrificial ritual for the Beifu Army can begin.

Today, you're representing His Majesty.

The civil and military officials

and the people of Jiankang all have their eyes on you.

I will bear your instructions in mind, Your Majesty,

and will certainly not lose the imperial dignity.

If His Majesty weren't in such poor health,

it wouldn't be your turn.

Alright.

You may leave.

Your Majesty, His Highness seems quite obedient.

The more obedient he is,

the harder it is for the resentment in my heart

to fade.

I have fought for half a century.

Did I just pave the way for someone else?

How is the preparation of the weapons

designed by Xie Jiayu?

They have been rushed to completion.

Very well.

Then let's wait and watch tonight's great show

of discord between the Beifu soldiers and generals.

Let's see how Xiao Wuyi

will handle it.

Belt.

Sword.

Couldn't you get them yourself?

Man.

The Double Ninth sacrificial ritual tonight

will be crowded.

Don't run around.

Remember,

once you step out of this room,

you'll no longer be Xie Jiayu.

Your name is Qing Long.

I know.

Today I am Young Lord Xiao's bodyguard,

Qing Long.

Then how should you address me?

Xiao Wu...

Your Highness.

And then?

I'm at your command whenever you need anything, Your Highness.

I am willing to lay down my life for you,

come what may, Your Highness!

Am I usually this much of a bootlicker?

We should put on a full show.

Give me your sword.

Hurry.

Your suit looks great.

Give it to me as well.

Why do I have to be the one to be replaced?

Come here.

Let go of me, Yan Yue!

Are you even a woman?

Stop right there!

I, Qing Long, will definitely keep you safe, Your Highness.

Where are Father and Mother?

Father is going to play leaf cards.

Mother said she's not into festivities.

Double Ninth is to honor the elderly.

How can these two elders not go?

No way.

I'll go get Mother with us.

If Mother doesn't want to go,

we shouldn't force her.

It's crowded tonight.

We can just

bring Mother several pots of chrysanthemum wine.

Mother, let's go.

I want to see the lanterns,

buy sugar figures, and ride a boat.

You have so many wishes.

Did you practice acupuncture today?

How many poems did you recite?

There will be a large crowd in front of Shenwu Gate today.

Make sure to watch Ziqi closely.

Don't let him run around.

Remember, you must return before 7 PM.

He must be in bed by 7 PM.

That's too early.

If you don't behave well tonight,

what I promised you won't count.

Father,

don't worry.

I'll be good and won't run around.

You promised to take me horseback riding in the northern suburbs.

It's getting late.

Where is Jiayu?

Her?

Good thing she didn't come.

Forget about her.

At least she won't cause me trouble again.

I heard that today they were specifically

erecting a monument for the 30,000 soldiers of the Beifu Army.

[Monument of Loyalty]

Who are you again?

Qing Long.

Then stand straight.

Is everything ready?

Everything has been arranged.

Let's begin.

By His Majesty's decree.

Your Highness.

In the Battle of Jiuzhang Plain,

the Beifu Army destroyed the enemy

and brought peace.

They defended the land with their lives

and achieved great merits.

Today is the Double Ninth Festival.

We've erected the Monument of Loyalty before Shenwu Gate

to honor heaven, earth, and spirits,

hoping those loyal souls

can return to their homeland.

This is also to express my grief.

Wish His Majesty good health.

May the empire endure forever.

May the 30,000 heroic souls above

bless Ye!

It's a day to climb high, admire

chrysanthemums, and pray with 1,000 lanterns.

Today, I rejoice with you all.

Thank you, Your Highness.

The entertainment and lantern festivities will begin shortly.

Wait here with Yan Yue.

I'll go get Li Mao here.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Is the Beifu Army happy today?

The souls return to their homeland,

and grief lingers in our hearts.

Piles of bones for the sake of the world.

What is there to be happy about?

It seems that

you, Young Lord Xiao, still

hold a grudge against me.

I dare not.

I'm here to borrow someone from you, Your Majesty.

Who?

His Highness, Prince Qi.

For what?

To have a drink.

It's a day for climbing high,

drinking, and admiring chrysanthemums.

We should celebrate with the people.

The Beifu generals and I

have set up a banquet at Jinguan Pavilion,

waiting for Prince Qi to join us in drinking,

to show harmony between the ruler and subordinates.

You're using harmony between the ruler and subordinates as a reason.

If I don't agree,

wouldn't it equal causing discord between them?

I...

Never mind.

You may go with Young Lord Xiao.

I wouldn't dare to take the blame for the discord

between the ruler and subordinates.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.

Do you think His Highness is

going to seek harmony

with the Beifu soldiers tonight,

or going to find

Xiao Wuyi's Secondary Consort?

Your Majesty,

my brother wouldn't dare to deceive you, Your Majesty.

Tonight, I actually want him to deceive me.

His Highness and the minister's consort

being both assassinated at the Double Ninth Lantern Fair,

a death like this would also go down in history.

What do you think Xiao Wuyi's expression will be when he finds out?

It will surely be with mixed feelings

and very interesting.

Wuyi.

You even got changed?

Where is Jiayu?

There were too many people just now.

I didn't even see you guys.

You really prefer your love over friends.

I got you out of the Empress Dowager's hands,

and you didn't even say thank you.

Thanks.

Save it.

I took a risk to let you two meet this time.

Whether to stay or leave,

you must make up your mind.

I got it.

Your Highness. Your Highness.

We are here to protect you, Your Highness.

Protect me?

Mao, let's go.

Thanks, Xiao Wuyi.

We're off.

Let's go.

Xiao Wuyi!

Yuanji, Madam Ruisheng.

What's wrong?

Something is fishy tonight.

Something serious is going to happen at the Double Ninth Ceremony.

Something serious?

Many people here are from military households,

hiding among the commoners.

I bet something big will happen tonight.

His Highness said we must return to the Mansion before 7 PM.

Did he prepare for this in advance?

Where did this brat go again?

You go back to the Mansion first.

I'll go find him.

Yao, you have trouble walking.

So why don't you go with us?

You guys leave first.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

Does it look like a fish?

It looks a bit like a pig.

Sir, please make me another one.

Alright, alright.

-Thank you, sir. -Thank you.

Her Majesty has really put a lot of effort into it.

What is she going to do next?

Your Majesty, please help me get justice.

I was beaten up by Xiao Wuyi.

You idiot.

Did you catch the person who hit you?

N-No.

If you didn't catch anyone,

how can I help you get justice?

You good-for-nothing.

Bear it yourself.

It seems that

they failed, too.

Since it is the Double Ninth Festival today,

you don't need to stay here

to keep an old woman like me company.

You must be bored stiff in the palace lately.

Go and have some fun.

Your Majesty...

Please show mercy, Your Majesty.

Have you thought through

what I said just now?

Will you choose your older brother or Xie Jiayu?

Yaoyao.

Don't you want to ask me why I broke my promise?

Why didn't I show up on the day

of our appointment?

Xiao Wuyi and my father both told me that

you did it for the world

and for the peace of Jiankang.

Mao,

let's not talk about this today, okay?

Let's make prayer tablets.

[May Xie Jiayu be safe and well every year.]

Why do you only wish me safe and well?

Being safe and well is enough.

In the old days,

you'd always write some sentimental poems that I couldn't understand.

Then I would sell them for a good price.

And we would buy wine to drink.

Lejun and we would

sit on the roof of Prince Qi's Mansion together,

watching the myriad lights of Jiankang.

How did everything change so suddenly?

Well, that is all in the past.

Let's go hang the prayer tablets.

I'll hang mine here.

Okay.

[He Yuanji, Pei Runheng]

He Yuanji... Pei Runheng?

[The pure radiance remains as before, engraved in my mind.]

Yu Ruisheng, Duan Qichang, Duan Ziqi?

[Yu Ruisheng, Duan Qichang, Duan Ziqi]

[With jade-like longing, love is etched upon my heart.]

Oh, my God.

So that's how it is.

I once thought

that our forced separation was already the greatest misfortune.

I didn't expect Xiao Wuyi to be even more miserable.

Ruisheng and Yuanji both love someone else.

Duan Ziqi?

No way...

Ziqi isn't his biological child either!

Hurry, hurry.

Let me hide these two prayer tablets deeper inside.

Xiao Wuyi cares so much about his reputation.

He definitely wouldn't want others

to know such an embarrassing thing.

Mao, don't leak it to him, no matter what.

We can't hit Xiao Wuyi where it hurts.

Let's go now.

Jiayu.

Look at this little fish I bought.

What do you think? Do you like it?

It's really nice.

I think it suits you perfectly.

Thanks for arranging a meeting between Mao and me.

Do you want some?

You can have it all.

It's so good.

Don't you like it?

Of course I do.

But no matter how much I like it,

if it's not mine,

I just can't have it.

It's not yours?

Then can I eat it?

Young Lord Xiao.

Where are you going in such a hurry?

I just haven't seen Jiayu in a long time.

The Empress Dowager told you to lead Xie Jiayu to the Monument of Loyalty,

right?

Since Xiao Wuyi doesn't want to go back to the Northern Border,

he will never have to.

When your brother ascends the throne in the future,

do you think he could tolerate

a powerful minister like Xiao Wuyi?

Think carefully

whether you'll help me

and your brother

get rid of this threat today.

All you have to do is lure Xie Jiayu

to the Monument of Loyalty

at a quarter past 7.

If Xie Jiayu learns that you're trying to harm her today,

what would she think?

Sorry, excuse me.

Be careful, Yaoyao.

He's the fake Xiao Sheng who bought the repeating crossbow!

It's that swindler!

Yaoyao!

We did it, Your Majesty.

Xie Jiayu took the bait.

Stop there!