1
00:00:13,567 --> 00:00:15,067
Look at the pinwheel drums!

2
00:00:15,067 --> 00:00:18,500
(Premium Medicinal Herbs)

3
00:00:27,533 --> 00:00:28,800
What's wrong with the child?

4
00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:29,933
What's wrong with the child?

5
00:00:30,133 --> 00:00:31,067
Quick, take a look!

6
00:00:31,700 --> 00:00:33,667
He suddenly collapsed
while he was walking.

7
00:00:33,667 --> 00:00:34,833
Whose child is this?

8
00:00:35,467 --> 00:00:36,467
Poor thing.

9
00:00:46,633 --> 00:00:49,067
(Baicao Herb House)

10
00:01:13,667 --> 00:01:14,933
Thank you all for saving me.

11
00:01:15,300 --> 00:01:16,567
If the opportunity ever arises,

12
00:01:16,933 --> 00:01:18,700
I'll surely repay your kindness one day.

13
00:01:19,500 --> 00:01:20,400
It was nothing.

14
00:01:20,467 --> 00:01:21,633
There's no need to repay us.

15
00:01:22,567 --> 00:01:23,200
Zhen Zhu.

16
00:01:23,767 --> 00:01:24,700
Leave him some money.

17
00:01:25,700 --> 00:01:26,767
I'm not a beggar.

18
00:01:26,767 --> 00:01:27,667
I don't want charity.

19
00:01:31,800 --> 00:01:32,567
My father

20
00:01:32,633 --> 00:01:33,933
was once a military commander.

21
00:01:34,367 --> 00:01:35,667
He died in battle two years ago.

22
00:01:36,633 --> 00:01:38,167
My mother was heartbroken

23
00:01:38,300 --> 00:01:39,400
and followed him in death.

24
00:01:40,167 --> 00:01:40,867
After that,

25
00:01:40,867 --> 00:01:42,633
I was sent to Gudu Garden.

26
00:01:42,667 --> 00:01:44,767
The wages I earn carrying cargo
at the docks are enough

27
00:01:45,033 --> 00:01:46,233
to support myself.

28
00:01:47,300 --> 00:01:48,500
What's Gudu Garden?

29
00:01:48,633 --> 00:01:51,267
It's a place that takes in the
orphaned children of fallen soldiers.

30
00:03:12,833 --> 00:03:13,567
=Blossoms of Power=

31
00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:16,433
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

32
00:03:16,500 --> 00:03:19,467
=Episode 7=

33
00:03:19,867 --> 00:03:22,133
(Gudu Garden)

34
00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:31,633
Liang, let me help.

35
00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:32,867
Pack that a little tighter.

36
00:03:34,233 --> 00:03:34,833
Well done.

37
00:03:34,900 --> 00:03:36,333
You'll make a fine soldier someday.

38
00:03:39,567 --> 00:03:40,433
Bring two more.

39
00:03:40,433 --> 00:03:41,000
Come on.

40
00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:42,133
Lay it a little thicker here.

41
00:03:42,133 --> 00:03:44,333
Don't let the storm
leave the children out in the cold.

42
00:03:44,333 --> 00:03:45,000
All right.

43
00:03:51,700 --> 00:03:52,800
Spread it out evenly.

44
00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:53,433
All right.

45
00:03:53,533 --> 00:03:54,233
Yes, over here.

46
00:03:54,233 --> 00:03:54,833
Got it.

47
00:03:54,967 --> 00:03:55,600
Pull.

48
00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:57,633
I'll get that for you.

49
00:03:57,667 --> 00:03:58,567
Tie it down securely.

50
00:03:58,667 --> 00:03:59,233
There.

51
00:04:00,300 --> 00:04:01,067
Go get some rest.

52
00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:06,967
Come here.

53
00:04:07,533 --> 00:04:08,267
Let me take a look.

54
00:04:12,767 --> 00:04:13,633
Careful.

55
00:04:15,900 --> 00:04:16,667
Slowly.

56
00:04:17,300 --> 00:04:18,000
Your Highness,

57
00:04:18,400 --> 00:04:19,467
please let me do it.

58
00:04:19,467 --> 00:04:20,733
These children are badly injured.

59
00:04:20,767 --> 00:04:21,800
Your status is too noble.

60
00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:23,300
No need
for you to do this yourself.

61
00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:28,500
Have you forgotten why these children

62
00:04:28,500 --> 00:04:29,467
became orphans?

63
00:04:30,333 --> 00:04:32,167
If their fathers
hadn't fought so bravely,

64
00:04:32,167 --> 00:04:34,167
defending our nation
and laying down their lives,

65
00:04:34,300 --> 00:04:35,733
they could have lived carefree lives.

66
00:04:37,267 --> 00:04:39,033
What right do I have
to shrink from this?

67
00:04:39,833 --> 00:04:41,000
I spoke out of turn.

68
00:04:41,233 --> 00:04:42,667
I'm willing to accept punishment.

69
00:04:42,833 --> 00:04:44,167
Report back for twenty strokes.

70
00:04:44,267 --> 00:04:45,200
Yes, Your Highness.

71
00:04:48,133 --> 00:04:48,633
Come.

72
00:04:49,033 --> 00:04:50,200
Let me put some ointment on it.

73
00:04:51,333 --> 00:04:52,500
No.
I don't want to. 

74
00:04:52,500 --> 00:04:53,133
It hurts.

75
00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:54,133
You're a brave young man.

76
00:04:54,167 --> 00:04:55,467
A real man doesn't cry over blood.

77
00:04:55,467 --> 00:04:56,333
What's a little pain?

78
00:04:56,367 --> 00:04:56,967
Hold still.

79
00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:01,567
I don't want to!

80
00:05:10,567 --> 00:05:11,600
Putting on ointment hurts.

81
00:05:12,167 --> 00:05:13,600
That's why I brought candied fruit.

82
00:05:14,633 --> 00:05:17,033
The bravest child gets three pieces.

83
00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:20,033
The ones who aren't
as brave only get one.

84
00:05:20,633 --> 00:05:21,500
So,

85
00:05:21,600 --> 00:05:22,933
are you the bravest child?

86
00:05:27,367 --> 00:05:28,667
I'm the bravest.

87
00:05:30,033 --> 00:05:30,633
Come on.

88
00:05:49,300 --> 00:05:50,033
Go play.

89
00:05:54,767 --> 00:05:56,000
Thank you for your help today.

90
00:05:56,567 --> 00:05:57,933
Think nothing of it.

91
00:05:58,233 --> 00:05:59,667
I still owe you

92
00:05:59,833 --> 00:06:01,400
my thanks for the Anxi Defense Map.

93
00:06:02,267 --> 00:06:03,200
However,

94
00:06:03,633 --> 00:06:05,667
I have another favor to ask today.

95
00:06:05,667 --> 00:06:06,467
Please, go ahead.

96
00:06:15,467 --> 00:06:17,167
This child is exceptionally gifted.

97
00:06:17,300 --> 00:06:19,067
Though still young,
he's proud and unyielding.

98
00:06:19,067 --> 00:06:20,333
He refuses to be bent by poverty.

99
00:06:20,333 --> 00:06:21,467
He's a born soldier.

100
00:06:21,867 --> 00:06:23,167
I'd like to ask you

101
00:06:23,167 --> 00:06:25,067
to take him to
the army camp for training.

102
00:06:25,200 --> 00:06:26,433
If you think so highly of him,

103
00:06:26,733 --> 00:06:28,067
he must be exceptional.

104
00:06:29,567 --> 00:06:30,233
Very well.

105
00:06:30,300 --> 00:06:31,267
I'll take him in.

106
00:06:31,467 --> 00:06:32,833
A soldier without a strategy

107
00:06:32,833 --> 00:06:34,000
is nothing more than a brute.

108
00:06:34,367 --> 00:06:35,767
Besides teaching him martial arts,

109
00:06:35,767 --> 00:06:37,233
please also teach him to read and write

110
00:06:37,233 --> 00:06:38,367
and study military strategy.

111
00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:39,867
I won't let you down.

112
00:06:39,900 --> 00:06:41,400
Since you've been blessed with talent,

113
00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:42,567
make the most of it.

114
00:06:42,633 --> 00:06:44,433
Study hard
and master every skill you can.

115
00:06:44,667 --> 00:06:45,633
When you grow up,

116
00:06:45,633 --> 00:06:47,667
become a soldier like your father,

117
00:06:47,667 --> 00:06:49,333
standing tall with unwavering resolve.

118
00:06:49,567 --> 00:06:50,100
Yes.

119
00:06:50,100 --> 00:06:51,233
Rest assured, Your Highness.

120
00:06:51,233 --> 00:06:52,233
I'll study hard.

121
00:06:53,567 --> 00:06:54,600
Go pack your things.

122
00:07:02,267 --> 00:07:03,233
It's getting late.

123
00:07:03,300 --> 00:07:04,233
I should be going now.

124
00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:07,000
Your Highness.

125
00:07:09,267 --> 00:07:10,567
There's something I'd like to ask.

126
00:07:11,500 --> 00:07:12,633
Please, go ahead.

127
00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:18,267
Gudu Garden, which shelters
fallen soldiers' orphans,

128
00:07:18,600 --> 00:07:20,367
has always been funded by the military.

129
00:07:22,067 --> 00:07:22,833
Today,

130
00:07:23,033 --> 00:07:25,800
I saw with my own eyes how neglected
and run-down this place has become.

131
00:07:26,267 --> 00:07:27,300
It made me wonder...

132
00:07:27,667 --> 00:07:29,600
If even the meager funds for Gudu Garden

133
00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:31,000
have been embezzled to this extent,

134
00:07:31,333 --> 00:07:34,300
What about military supplies, which cost
hundreds or thousands of times more?

135
00:07:34,633 --> 00:07:36,467
Could they have also been embezzled?

136
00:07:37,100 --> 00:07:38,600
You have been thinking about this too?

137
00:07:40,500 --> 00:07:42,200
A few coins
in a corrupt official's pocket

138
00:07:42,367 --> 00:07:44,200
could mean several lives lost in battle.

139
00:07:45,733 --> 00:07:47,200
But this is only my suspicion.

140
00:07:47,467 --> 00:07:48,933
So I'd like to ask your brother

141
00:07:48,967 --> 00:07:51,367
to secretly investigate
the military supplies in northwest.

142
00:07:51,733 --> 00:07:53,200
I'll also conduct

143
00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:54,633
a thorough inspection of my own camps.

144
00:07:54,733 --> 00:07:55,633
It's a worthy cause.

145
00:07:56,067 --> 00:07:57,933
I'll write to my brother
as soon as I return.

146
00:07:58,400 --> 00:07:59,767
I won't let you down.

147
00:08:00,933 --> 00:08:01,767
Thank you.

148
00:08:12,833 --> 00:08:13,467
Your Highness,

149
00:08:13,933 --> 00:08:15,233
don't you think

150
00:08:15,233 --> 00:08:17,567
the heavenly maidens in temple murals

151
00:08:17,933 --> 00:08:18,667
must look

152
00:08:18,800 --> 00:08:20,233
just like the Commandery Princess?

153
00:08:23,300 --> 00:08:24,667
To most people,

154
00:08:25,033 --> 00:08:26,400
the children of Gudu Garden

155
00:08:26,467 --> 00:08:27,833
are as insignificant as ants,

156
00:08:27,867 --> 00:08:29,533
deserving contempt more than pity.

157
00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:31,500
The Commandery Princess
is not only kind,

158
00:08:31,767 --> 00:08:33,233
but also sees talent beyond status.

159
00:08:33,867 --> 00:08:36,067
She has never looked down on
those of humble birth.

160
00:08:38,133 --> 00:08:39,267
I truly admire her.

161
00:08:39,667 --> 00:08:42,067
The Noble Consort always says
she wants to find Your Highness

162
00:08:42,067 --> 00:08:44,633
the finest noble lady
in the imperial capital.

163
00:08:45,833 --> 00:08:47,067
But if you ask me,

164
00:08:47,367 --> 00:08:50,133
only the Commandery Princess
is worthy of Your Highness.

165
00:08:56,667 --> 00:08:58,600
I'm the one
who must become worthy of her.

166
00:09:04,767 --> 00:09:05,833
Vice Minister Cui said

167
00:09:06,267 --> 00:09:08,200
he thoroughly investigated Ye Qi.

168
00:09:08,633 --> 00:09:10,000
(Auspicious Radiance)
He found the Hexi Army

169
00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:10,867
under Ye Qi's command

170
00:09:11,267 --> 00:09:12,900
had top-quality weapons

171
00:09:13,433 --> 00:09:14,467
and warhorses,

172
00:09:15,133 --> 00:09:16,600
on par with the Imperial Guard.

173
00:09:18,467 --> 00:09:19,667
With an army this strong,

174
00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,433
it's no wonder he wants
to replace the Duke of Wei.

175
00:09:23,567 --> 00:09:25,967
But as Commander-in-Chief of Hexi,

176
00:09:27,133 --> 00:09:28,567
where did he get so much money?

177
00:09:29,233 --> 00:09:30,333
More than ten years ago,

178
00:09:30,467 --> 00:09:32,033
Ye Qi rescued a minor official

179
00:09:32,033 --> 00:09:34,133
in charge of the local
horse administration in Anxi.

180
00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:36,633
The man was exceptionally capable
and rose through the ranks.

181
00:09:36,767 --> 00:09:38,367
With Ye Qi's backing,

182
00:09:38,667 --> 00:09:40,833
he rose from
a horse administration official

183
00:09:41,467 --> 00:09:42,833
to Minister of Revenue.

184
00:09:43,400 --> 00:09:44,767
Minister of Revenue...

185
00:09:46,500 --> 00:09:47,267
Dong Biquan?

186
00:09:51,733 --> 00:09:53,267
If Ye Qi amassed that much wealth,

187
00:09:53,333 --> 00:09:54,900
he most likely embezzled military funds.

188
00:09:55,067 --> 00:09:56,233
Dong Biquan

189
00:09:56,233 --> 00:09:57,600
would naturally turn a blind eye.

190
00:09:59,267 --> 00:09:59,800
Your Highness,

191
00:10:00,667 --> 00:10:01,733
I've long heard

192
00:10:01,900 --> 00:10:04,300
that officials
in local horse administration

193
00:10:04,300 --> 00:10:06,267
often lend horses
to foreign merchants in secret

194
00:10:06,267 --> 00:10:07,500
to transport tribute goods.

195
00:10:08,167 --> 00:10:08,967
It seems

196
00:10:09,367 --> 00:10:10,367
Dong Biquan

197
00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:12,233
must have had
plenty of dealings with them.

198
00:10:12,833 --> 00:10:14,367
If we're investigating the poison,

199
00:10:14,467 --> 00:10:15,733
that's another lead to follow.

200
00:10:18,767 --> 00:10:20,700
The autumn grain shipment is due soon.

201
00:10:21,467 --> 00:10:22,767
If we're going after Dong Biquan,

202
00:10:23,967 --> 00:10:25,267
let's send this year's grain

203
00:10:25,767 --> 00:10:27,033
to the right place.

204
00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:35,200
Prince Lie asked my brother

205
00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:37,167
to investigate
the military supplies and payroll.

206
00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:38,767
He wrote back

207
00:10:38,967 --> 00:10:40,833
that only half
of this year's military funds

208
00:10:40,900 --> 00:10:41,900
ever reached northwest.

209
00:10:42,833 --> 00:10:44,667
I wonder how things are in Shunan.

210
00:10:45,167 --> 00:10:46,200
The same as every year.

211
00:10:46,567 --> 00:10:47,967
The military budget has been skimmed.

212
00:10:48,067 --> 00:10:49,133
The grain and cloth

213
00:10:49,133 --> 00:10:50,400
are always inferior substitutes.

214
00:10:50,467 --> 00:10:51,767
Why not report it to the court?

215
00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:53,833
Everyone knows what's going on.

216
00:10:53,833 --> 00:10:54,833
It's the same every year.

217
00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:56,500
Losses in transit,

218
00:10:56,500 --> 00:10:58,033
and poor-quality supplies.

219
00:10:58,033 --> 00:10:59,533
They have no shortage of excuses.

220
00:10:59,567 --> 00:11:01,633
If you accept them,
they'll deny everything afterward.

221
00:11:01,633 --> 00:11:03,733
But if you insist on checking
everything before accepting it,

222
00:11:03,733 --> 00:11:05,233
they'll drag it out until you give up.

223
00:11:05,433 --> 00:11:06,767
And if you make too much of it,

224
00:11:06,767 --> 00:11:07,367
they might even

225
00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:08,800
turn the blame on you.

226
00:11:09,867 --> 00:11:11,333
Now that the realm is at peace,

227
00:11:12,133 --> 00:11:13,667
the damage from embezzled military funds

228
00:11:13,900 --> 00:11:15,367
isn't obvious.

229
00:11:15,733 --> 00:11:17,800
But if disaster or war breaks out,

230
00:11:17,967 --> 00:11:19,000
and the treasury runs dry,

231
00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:20,833
it will become the root of chaos.

232
00:11:21,233 --> 00:11:23,333
In truth, every military camp
wants to investigate.

233
00:11:23,967 --> 00:11:25,900
But the Ministry of Revenue is airtight.

234
00:11:25,900 --> 00:11:27,067
There's simply no way in.

235
00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:29,033
Then...

236
00:11:29,033 --> 00:11:30,367
let's start with Gudu Garden.

237
00:11:31,867 --> 00:11:32,667
Gudu Garden?

238
00:11:33,767 --> 00:11:35,967
Gudu Garden is also funded
by the military budget.

239
00:11:36,167 --> 00:11:37,467
And it's the least noticeable

240
00:11:37,467 --> 00:11:38,900
and most overlooked branch.

241
00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:41,067
Prince Lie and I both believe

242
00:11:41,267 --> 00:11:42,500
it's full of loopholes,

243
00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:44,500
making it the easiest place
to uncover evidence.

244
00:11:44,633 --> 00:11:46,067
A fine idea.

245
00:11:48,667 --> 00:11:49,400
However,

246
00:11:50,167 --> 00:11:52,767
since when did you and Prince Lie

247
00:11:52,767 --> 00:11:53,633
start working together?

248
00:11:55,333 --> 00:11:57,333
Prince Lie may seem hot-tempered,

249
00:11:57,667 --> 00:11:59,200
but he's an honorable man at heart.

250
00:11:59,767 --> 00:12:01,967
We're not close.

251
00:12:02,733 --> 00:12:03,733
We just happened

252
00:12:03,867 --> 00:12:05,367
to work on the same case.

253
00:12:05,500 --> 00:12:08,267
You're closest to the Crown Prince.

254
00:12:10,100 --> 00:12:12,667
You see that he's frail
and want to find a backup.

255
00:12:12,667 --> 00:12:14,033
You're playing both sides.

256
00:12:15,467 --> 00:12:16,800
Never mind playing both sides.

257
00:12:17,233 --> 00:12:19,733
What if I were to explore
a few more options?

258
00:12:21,767 --> 00:12:24,033
That's what I like about you.

259
00:12:24,267 --> 00:12:25,633
Any other young lady,

260
00:12:25,633 --> 00:12:26,900
if she had such thoughts,

261
00:12:26,900 --> 00:12:28,167
would keep them to herself.

262
00:12:28,167 --> 00:12:29,200
But you're different.

263
00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:31,533
You don't hide a thing.
You're completely open about it.

264
00:12:38,467 --> 00:12:40,733
Why haven't you
changed your Spring Snow Fragrance?

265
00:12:44,633 --> 00:12:46,000
My mother passed away young.

266
00:12:46,133 --> 00:12:47,167
It was

267
00:12:47,633 --> 00:12:49,200
her favorite fragrance.

268
00:12:51,467 --> 00:12:53,867
I know you keep wearing it
to remember her.

269
00:12:54,433 --> 00:12:56,033
But your mother

270
00:12:56,500 --> 00:12:58,867
would never want you
to expose yourself because of her

271
00:12:58,867 --> 00:13:00,167
and bring death upon yourself.

272
00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:02,633
I have an idea.

273
00:13:03,367 --> 00:13:05,567
I can use Spring Snow Fragrance
as the base note

274
00:13:05,867 --> 00:13:07,800
to create a fragrance for men.

275
00:13:08,433 --> 00:13:09,133
That way,

276
00:13:09,233 --> 00:13:10,967
you can wear it openly from now on.

277
00:13:14,433 --> 00:13:15,900
Thank you, Xihe.

278
00:13:17,467 --> 00:13:18,333
Don't thank me.

279
00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,133
Just send me
those 3000 elite troops sooner.

280
00:13:28,700 --> 00:13:29,400
Your Highness,

281
00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:30,667
the Commandery Princess's people

282
00:13:30,667 --> 00:13:32,333
have started looking into Gudu Garden.

283
00:13:34,967 --> 00:13:35,867
Gudu Garden?

284
00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:44,233
Dong Biquan

285
00:13:45,100 --> 00:13:47,167
keeps the Ministry of Revenue
under tight control.

286
00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:48,700
No matter how thorough my arrangements,

287
00:13:48,733 --> 00:13:50,433
there are always
things I can't account for.

288
00:13:51,267 --> 00:13:52,967
An overlooked place like Gudu Garden

289
00:13:52,967 --> 00:13:54,800
is the perfect place
to follow the trail.

290
00:13:56,400 --> 00:13:56,967
Wait.

291
00:13:59,233 --> 00:14:00,967
Quietly let Dong Biquan know

292
00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:03,500
that Gudu Garden is being investigated.

293
00:14:04,833 --> 00:14:05,867
Only when cornered

294
00:14:05,900 --> 00:14:07,133
will he take desperate measures.

295
00:14:07,400 --> 00:14:08,000
Go.

296
00:14:09,500 --> 00:14:10,533
Yes, Your Highness.

297
00:14:16,567 --> 00:14:19,033
First someone hijacked
the military supplies,

298
00:14:19,433 --> 00:14:22,000
and now they're
investigating Gudu Garden.

299
00:14:22,267 --> 00:14:24,333
They're leaving me no way out!

300
00:14:24,767 --> 00:14:25,433
Minister Dong,

301
00:14:25,967 --> 00:14:28,167
the grain shipment was already short

302
00:14:28,167 --> 00:14:29,167
when it left our hands.

303
00:14:29,367 --> 00:14:30,833
If they launch a full investigation,

304
00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,433
His Majesty will surely find out.

305
00:14:32,767 --> 00:14:35,267
If we fail to recover it,
we'll be blamed for negligence.

306
00:14:35,867 --> 00:14:37,567
But if they do recover it,

307
00:14:37,900 --> 00:14:39,067
it'll be even worse.

308
00:14:40,633 --> 00:14:43,167
All the embezzlement

309
00:14:43,633 --> 00:14:44,967
will come to light.

310
00:14:45,133 --> 00:14:45,900
For now,

311
00:14:46,733 --> 00:14:48,633
we have to pay for it ourselves

312
00:14:48,867 --> 00:14:50,433
and replace the stolen grain.

313
00:14:50,667 --> 00:14:52,233
Keep people from talking.

314
00:14:53,167 --> 00:14:54,167
Replace it?

315
00:14:54,600 --> 00:14:55,433
We...

316
00:14:55,900 --> 00:14:58,333
can buy grain cheaply from elsewhere

317
00:14:58,567 --> 00:15:00,267
and make up part of the shortage first.

318
00:15:00,767 --> 00:15:02,333
That'll keep the army from unrest.

319
00:15:02,867 --> 00:15:05,667
Once we're through this,

320
00:15:06,133 --> 00:15:07,800
we'll make a long-term plan.

321
00:15:20,667 --> 00:15:21,367
Tian Yuan.

322
00:15:21,867 --> 00:15:23,633
Go find a grain merchant
for Dong Biquan.

323
00:15:23,867 --> 00:15:25,833
Let him buy enough low-priced grain

324
00:15:25,833 --> 00:15:27,000
to cover the shortage.

325
00:15:27,467 --> 00:15:28,500
Once the deal is done,

326
00:15:28,667 --> 00:15:30,767
go to the prison and find two inmates.

327
00:15:31,500 --> 00:15:32,333
Understood.

328
00:15:36,400 --> 00:15:39,167
The Commandery Princess has been
relentlessly investigating Gudu Garden.

329
00:15:39,167 --> 00:15:40,567
Dong Biquan had a guilty conscience.

330
00:15:41,167 --> 00:15:43,200
That gave him the final push.

331
00:15:43,367 --> 00:15:44,867
Speeding up his downfall.

332
00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:47,433
Once again, I've seen firsthand

333
00:15:47,567 --> 00:15:50,967
that your strategies are every bit
the equal of the Commandery Princess's.

334
00:15:54,867 --> 00:15:56,167
As if fate itself,

335
00:15:56,833 --> 00:15:58,833
we're destined to walk the same path.

336
00:15:58,967 --> 00:15:59,600
Your Highness,

337
00:15:59,600 --> 00:16:01,000
why make it sound so complicated?

338
00:16:01,267 --> 00:16:02,000
Just say it.

339
00:16:02,067 --> 00:16:04,033
You think everything
about her is wonderful.

340
00:16:11,500 --> 00:16:13,367
(Taiji Hall)

341
00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:14,433
Your Majesty,

342
00:16:14,800 --> 00:16:15,567
five days ago,

343
00:16:16,033 --> 00:16:19,033
two convicted prisoners escaped
from the prison outside the capital.

344
00:16:19,667 --> 00:16:20,267
In the end,

345
00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:22,633
they were captured
at an abandoned estate

346
00:16:22,633 --> 00:16:23,633
outside the capital.

347
00:16:24,167 --> 00:16:25,067
Not only that,

348
00:16:25,733 --> 00:16:28,333
but several hundred dan
of grain were also found there.

349
00:16:28,967 --> 00:16:30,633
The grain sacks

350
00:16:31,267 --> 00:16:33,000
bore the markings of tax grain.

351
00:16:35,333 --> 00:16:37,400
Who owns that estate?

352
00:16:38,233 --> 00:16:39,500
Our investigation found

353
00:16:39,867 --> 00:16:42,367
it belongs to Dong Biquan,
Minister of Revenue.

354
00:16:48,900 --> 00:16:50,367
Your Majesty,

355
00:16:50,367 --> 00:16:52,467
I do own an estate outside the capital,

356
00:16:52,500 --> 00:16:54,833
but I've been tied up
with official duties all these years

357
00:16:54,833 --> 00:16:56,167
and have no time to look after it.

358
00:16:56,167 --> 00:16:57,667
So I simply let it fall into disrepair.

359
00:16:57,867 --> 00:16:59,033
I believe

360
00:16:59,167 --> 00:17:01,867
someone may have thought
it was abandoned,

361
00:17:01,867 --> 00:17:03,033
occupied it without permission,

362
00:17:03,033 --> 00:17:04,500
and used it for criminal activities.

363
00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:05,833
That is entirely possible.

364
00:17:06,667 --> 00:17:07,433
Your Majesty,

365
00:17:07,933 --> 00:17:09,867
there are countless estates
outside the capital.

366
00:17:10,200 --> 00:17:11,733
Why did those two convicts

367
00:17:11,733 --> 00:17:13,667
just happen to flee to mine,

368
00:17:14,167 --> 00:17:16,667
and expose a stash of tax grain there?

369
00:17:16,667 --> 00:17:17,967
I believe

370
00:17:19,267 --> 00:17:22,000
someone deliberately framed me.

371
00:17:22,500 --> 00:17:24,767
I beg Your Majesty to see the truth.

372
00:17:25,267 --> 00:17:26,400
Vice Minister Cui.

373
00:17:27,333 --> 00:17:28,400
Yes, Your Majesty.

374
00:17:35,033 --> 00:17:36,400
Do you have any evidence

375
00:17:36,667 --> 00:17:39,600
proving the tax grain
is connected to Minister Dong?

376
00:17:41,067 --> 00:17:42,200
Your Majesty,

377
00:17:43,733 --> 00:17:44,967
a grain merchant from Jiangnan

378
00:17:44,967 --> 00:17:47,933
has submitted evidence that Minister
Dong intended to sell him grain.

379
00:17:47,967 --> 00:17:49,633
Every piece of evidence is conclusive.

380
00:17:49,933 --> 00:17:51,100
And the amount of grain

381
00:17:51,100 --> 00:17:53,600
matches exactly what was found
at Minister Dong's estate.

382
00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:54,467
I'm innocent!

383
00:17:54,733 --> 00:17:56,933
I... I truly am innocent!

384
00:18:01,100 --> 00:18:02,867
I wasn't trying to sell grain.

385
00:18:04,167 --> 00:18:06,467
I was trying to buy it.

386
00:18:08,967 --> 00:18:10,267
Why were you buying grain?

387
00:18:11,400 --> 00:18:12,233
Your Majesty,

388
00:18:12,367 --> 00:18:14,167
after the autumn
grain shipment was seized,

389
00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:15,733
I...

390
00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:18,767
I feared... feared Your Majesty
would be worried.

391
00:18:18,767 --> 00:18:19,767
So I thought

392
00:18:20,433 --> 00:18:22,567
I'd first purchase part
of the autumn grain,

393
00:18:23,500 --> 00:18:24,733
allocate it to the military,

394
00:18:25,167 --> 00:18:26,633
and keep morale steady.

395
00:18:27,167 --> 00:18:29,200
The autumn grain was seized.
This is no small matter.

396
00:18:29,667 --> 00:18:31,767
Yet Minister Dong
tried to cover it up on his own.

397
00:18:32,267 --> 00:18:32,867
May I ask,

398
00:18:33,633 --> 00:18:34,967
where did the money come from?

399
00:18:40,033 --> 00:18:41,000
Your Majesty,

400
00:18:41,567 --> 00:18:43,800
if the Ministry of Revenue
has embezzled public funds,

401
00:18:44,100 --> 00:18:46,167
it will spread panic
throughout the court

402
00:18:46,167 --> 00:18:48,667
and even among the common people.

403
00:18:49,267 --> 00:18:52,033
This is a crime that threatens
the very foundation of the realm.

404
00:18:52,633 --> 00:18:53,967
I request

405
00:18:54,767 --> 00:18:57,033
a full investigation
of the Ministry of Revenue.

406
00:18:58,567 --> 00:19:00,700
- Your Majesty, authorize
- Your Majesty, authorize

407
00:19:00,733 --> 00:19:02,100
- a full investigation
- a full investigation

408
00:19:02,100 --> 00:19:04,100
- into the Ministry of Revenue.
- into the Ministry of Revenue.

409
00:19:06,300 --> 00:19:07,067
Granted.

410
00:19:30,633 --> 00:19:32,667
What brings the Crown Prince here?

411
00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:34,500
The Ministry of Revenue's corruption,

412
00:19:35,867 --> 00:19:37,267
the empty treasury,

413
00:19:38,033 --> 00:19:39,433
and Ye Qi's rise to power

414
00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:42,233
were all brought
about by you, Minister Dong.

415
00:19:43,367 --> 00:19:44,667
Your Highness,

416
00:19:46,067 --> 00:19:49,067
you actually knew
about my connection to Ye Qi.

417
00:19:55,567 --> 00:19:59,000
You planned all of this
from the very beginning.

418
00:19:59,433 --> 00:20:01,100
After the autumn grain was seized,

419
00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,600
I thought replacing the missing grain

420
00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:05,467
would be enough to cover it up.

421
00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:08,600
Instead, you turned it
into irrefutable evidence.

422
00:20:10,867 --> 00:20:12,833
Whether it was embezzling
the autumn grain

423
00:20:12,833 --> 00:20:14,400
or siphoning off military supplies,

424
00:20:14,967 --> 00:20:16,400
both are capital crimes.

425
00:20:17,067 --> 00:20:20,267
I underestimated you.

426
00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:21,933
Minister Dong,

427
00:20:22,833 --> 00:20:24,933
what's the point
of dwelling on that now?

428
00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:27,767
Your crimes are beyond forgiveness.

429
00:20:28,267 --> 00:20:29,800
But if you answer my question...

430
00:20:32,567 --> 00:20:34,433
I can spare the rest of your household.

431
00:20:36,967 --> 00:20:38,833
What does Your Highness wish to know?

432
00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:46,033
There is a rare poison
from the Western Regions.

433
00:20:46,800 --> 00:20:49,500
It is made from more than a dozen
poisons from Persia and the Uyghurs.

434
00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:51,033
It is exceedingly rare.

435
00:20:51,633 --> 00:20:53,733
Its effects can only
be suppressed temporarily.

436
00:20:53,733 --> 00:20:54,933
It can never be fully cured.

437
00:20:56,533 --> 00:20:59,133
When you oversaw horse affairs
at the Court of Imperial Stables,

438
00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:00,967
did you ever hear of such a poison?

439
00:21:01,733 --> 00:21:04,300
I once knew

440
00:21:04,733 --> 00:21:07,467
a foreign merchant
who dealt in banned drugs.

441
00:21:07,633 --> 00:21:10,100
He mentioned a rare poison
from the Western Regions.

442
00:21:10,600 --> 00:21:13,467
It sounded very much like
what Your Highness described.

443
00:21:13,733 --> 00:21:14,867
What is his name?

444
00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:17,033
What does he look like?

445
00:21:17,100 --> 00:21:19,567
Which market did he frequent?
Which trade route did he travel?

446
00:21:19,567 --> 00:21:20,800
Tell me everything you remember.

447
00:21:20,933 --> 00:21:22,600
Leave nothing out.

448
00:21:25,767 --> 00:21:30,233
Can Your Highness
truly spare my wife and children?

449
00:21:37,467 --> 00:21:38,033
Believe me,

450
00:21:39,067 --> 00:21:40,567
and there may still be hope.

451
00:21:41,733 --> 00:21:44,067
If not, your entire household
will still face execution.

452
00:21:49,267 --> 00:21:49,967
There's no rush.

453
00:21:52,433 --> 00:21:54,233
Think it over carefully, Minister Dong.

454
00:21:55,633 --> 00:21:58,967
(Duke of Wei's Manor)

455
00:22:00,033 --> 00:22:02,933
I heard His Majesty praised
Crown Prince's benevolence today.

456
00:22:03,767 --> 00:22:04,600
Indeed.

457
00:22:05,500 --> 00:22:06,600
Benevolent to the very end.

458
00:22:07,733 --> 00:22:09,433
That doesn't sound

459
00:22:09,667 --> 00:22:11,767
like your true opinion, Your Highness.

460
00:22:12,433 --> 00:22:13,300
Why not?

461
00:22:13,967 --> 00:22:14,867
Toward his officials,

462
00:22:14,900 --> 00:22:17,433
he argued that the families should not
be punished for their crimes

463
00:22:17,433 --> 00:22:18,767
and spared their wives and children.

464
00:22:18,867 --> 00:22:20,167
A display of mercy and compassion.

465
00:22:20,167 --> 00:22:20,800
(Fucui Pavilion)

466
00:22:20,800 --> 00:22:21,667
Toward the military,

467
00:22:21,767 --> 00:22:24,600
he donated the East Palace's own wealth
to replenish military provisions,

468
00:22:24,633 --> 00:22:26,633
steadying morale and putting
the greater good first.

469
00:22:27,100 --> 00:22:28,033
Toward His Majesty,

470
00:22:28,067 --> 00:22:30,833
he proposed that military supplies
be distributed on schedule,

471
00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:33,100
showing the responsibility
expected of the heir apparent.

472
00:22:33,233 --> 00:22:35,467
From top to bottom, inside and out,

473
00:22:35,600 --> 00:22:37,233
no one has a bad word to say about him.

474
00:22:38,500 --> 00:22:40,000
Nor can anyone find reason to doubt him.

475
00:22:40,633 --> 00:22:41,833
What I cannot tell is

476
00:22:42,233 --> 00:22:43,500
whether all of this

477
00:22:43,800 --> 00:22:45,100
comes from genuine benevolence,

478
00:22:45,733 --> 00:22:47,200
or from a masterfully laid scheme.

479
00:22:48,467 --> 00:22:49,467
Your Highness,

480
00:22:50,100 --> 00:22:51,567
could the Crown Prince

481
00:22:51,567 --> 00:22:53,767
really be that calculating?

482
00:22:54,933 --> 00:22:56,633
Aren't we living proof?

483
00:22:56,967 --> 00:22:58,767
Even now, we still
can't see through him.

484
00:23:00,067 --> 00:23:01,033
Xihe.

485
00:23:03,667 --> 00:23:04,633
Have you heard?

486
00:23:04,767 --> 00:23:05,767
His Majesty has ordered

487
00:23:05,767 --> 00:23:07,033
that military grain supplies
be fully replenished.

488
00:23:07,167 --> 00:23:07,933
I have.

489
00:23:07,933 --> 00:23:08,833
It's good news.

490
00:23:09,100 --> 00:23:10,367
I told my father

491
00:23:10,367 --> 00:23:11,300
about it.

492
00:23:11,667 --> 00:23:12,800
He told me to pay my respects

493
00:23:12,800 --> 00:23:14,567
to the soldiers
of Shunan who fell in battle.

494
00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:16,033
Would you like to come with me?

495
00:23:16,033 --> 00:23:17,467
To pay tribute to the fallen soldiers?

496
00:23:17,467 --> 00:23:18,067
That's right.

497
00:23:19,433 --> 00:23:20,933
Didn't the Duke of Wei

498
00:23:20,933 --> 00:23:23,667
also ask you to honor
the fallen soldiers of northwest?

499
00:23:24,167 --> 00:23:25,433
Of course he did.

500
00:23:26,067 --> 00:23:27,167
In that case,

501
00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:28,367
let's go together.

502
00:23:28,600 --> 00:23:29,267
All right.

503
00:23:30,567 --> 00:23:37,333
(Loyal Souls Shine Forever)

504
00:23:51,867 --> 00:23:52,767
Your Highness.

505
00:24:02,033 --> 00:24:03,233
Greetings, Prince Lie.

506
00:24:03,933 --> 00:24:05,100
Greetings, Your Highness.

507
00:24:07,200 --> 00:24:10,500
Are you here to pay tribute
to the fallen soldiers as well?

508
00:24:10,500 --> 00:24:11,033
Yes.

509
00:24:11,233 --> 00:24:12,167
My father always told me

510
00:24:12,167 --> 00:24:14,000
to come here every Qingming and
Ghost Festival to pay tribute to them.

511
00:24:14,067 --> 00:24:15,567
It's the same
for Commandery Princess.

512
00:24:15,600 --> 00:24:18,300
The Duke and the Marquis love their
country as they do their own family

513
00:24:18,300 --> 00:24:20,100
and cherish their soldiers
like their own sons.

514
00:24:20,133 --> 00:24:21,433
I have nothing but admiration.

515
00:24:23,167 --> 00:24:24,233
Why is

516
00:24:24,467 --> 00:24:25,467
this tomb empty?

517
00:24:31,833 --> 00:24:33,800
The soldiers fought bravely
on the battlefield.

518
00:24:34,033 --> 00:24:35,833
Many of them could not
even have their remains

519
00:24:35,833 --> 00:24:36,800
brought home for burial.

520
00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:38,567
All that could be laid to rest

521
00:24:38,967 --> 00:24:40,400
were broken arrows and jade pendants.

522
00:24:43,467 --> 00:24:45,233
They were heroes
who defended our country,

523
00:24:46,033 --> 00:24:48,667
and brothers who fought beside me
through life and death.

524
00:24:49,467 --> 00:24:51,400
Even if all that remains
is a single keepsake

525
00:24:51,833 --> 00:24:52,833
or a letter from home,

526
00:24:54,467 --> 00:24:56,467
I will bring it back
and give them a proper burial,

527
00:24:57,667 --> 00:24:59,700
so future generations
will remember them.

528
00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:02,633
Well said, Your Highness.

529
00:25:06,433 --> 00:25:07,633
Now that Dong Biquan has fallen,

530
00:25:07,767 --> 00:25:10,200
the funds withheld from Gudu Garden
have finally been restored.

531
00:25:11,167 --> 00:25:12,233
We owe it all to you.

532
00:25:12,867 --> 00:25:13,500
On behalf

533
00:25:13,900 --> 00:25:16,400
of the fallen soldiers
and the orphans they left behind,

534
00:25:17,900 --> 00:25:19,100
I offer my deepest thanks.

535
00:25:24,267 --> 00:25:25,400
Your hand is injured.

536
00:25:28,400 --> 00:25:29,267
It's only a scratch.

537
00:25:29,633 --> 00:25:30,167
It's nothing.

538
00:25:31,267 --> 00:25:31,833
Mo Yu,

539
00:25:32,633 --> 00:25:33,733
bring me the medicine kit.

540
00:26:22,100 --> 00:26:22,633
All done.

541
00:26:24,567 --> 00:26:25,467
Thank you.

542
00:26:42,067 --> 00:26:44,600
He's truly a remarkable young man.

543
00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:46,433
Among all the princes,

544
00:26:46,733 --> 00:26:48,967
Prince Lie is a rare military talent.

545
00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:52,433
It's rare to hear you speak
so highly of someone.

546
00:26:52,667 --> 00:26:54,200
Xihe, you may not know this.

547
00:26:54,267 --> 00:26:56,467
Prince Lie's maternal family,
the Rong family,

548
00:26:56,467 --> 00:26:57,767
comes from a family of generals.

549
00:26:57,933 --> 00:26:59,667
His maternal grandfather, General Rong,

550
00:26:59,667 --> 00:27:00,633
fell in battle.

551
00:27:01,033 --> 00:27:02,433
Of his four sons,

552
00:27:02,667 --> 00:27:03,800
two died in battle.

553
00:27:04,033 --> 00:27:04,967
A family of heroes.

554
00:27:05,467 --> 00:27:06,900
The Crown Prince is in frail health.

555
00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:08,233
If he were to die young,

556
00:27:08,233 --> 00:27:09,067
everyone knows

557
00:27:09,067 --> 00:27:10,567
Prince Xin is more than capable.

558
00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:11,867
Otherwise,

559
00:27:11,867 --> 00:27:14,500
His Majesty would never have
let the Rong family and Prince Lie

560
00:27:14,500 --> 00:27:16,233
hold military command for so many years.

561
00:27:20,267 --> 00:27:22,867
I just saw that Xihe seems to admire

562
00:27:22,867 --> 00:27:23,833
Prince Lie quite a bit.

563
00:27:24,067 --> 00:27:25,367
You're from northwest.

564
00:27:25,800 --> 00:27:28,567
Could it be that you prefer
more masculine men?

565
00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:32,467
Do not presume to know another's heart.

566
00:27:33,100 --> 00:27:35,633
Simply wait and see.

567
00:27:49,800 --> 00:27:50,300
Please.

568
00:28:00,300 --> 00:28:02,267
Crown Prince
always keeps his plans well hidden.

569
00:28:02,567 --> 00:28:04,000
He rarely summons all of us together.

570
00:28:04,667 --> 00:28:06,167
Is there something urgent today?

571
00:28:06,767 --> 00:28:07,800
These past few days,

572
00:28:09,467 --> 00:28:12,200
Commandery Princess Zhaoning
and Changying have grown quite close.

573
00:28:12,833 --> 00:28:13,933
And Zhaoning...

574
00:28:15,600 --> 00:28:17,433
It's hard for any man
not to fall for her.

575
00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:21,667
Your Highness,

576
00:28:22,300 --> 00:28:23,067
how about

577
00:28:23,267 --> 00:28:25,567
arranging an unmatched beauty
for Prince Lie?

578
00:28:26,100 --> 00:28:26,967
You mean...

579
00:28:28,433 --> 00:28:29,233
using a honey trap?

580
00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:33,667
I don't like using women
to achieve my goals.

581
00:28:34,800 --> 00:28:35,600
In this world,

582
00:28:36,433 --> 00:28:38,567
life is already unfair enough for women.

583
00:28:39,100 --> 00:28:40,167
I'd rather

584
00:28:40,933 --> 00:28:42,000
make use of men.

585
00:28:42,400 --> 00:28:43,400
A handsome man trap?

586
00:28:47,733 --> 00:28:48,433
Me?

587
00:28:48,567 --> 00:28:49,933
Your martial arts are exceptional.

588
00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:51,367
Changying admires martial prowess.

589
00:28:51,433 --> 00:28:53,767
Prince Lie is well-versed
in every style of martial arts.

590
00:28:54,067 --> 00:28:55,667
After no more than five exchanges,

591
00:28:55,900 --> 00:28:57,600
he would figure out where I came from.

592
00:28:57,733 --> 00:28:58,833
I'm afraid...

593
00:28:59,367 --> 00:29:01,033
I could never escape his notice.

594
00:29:05,333 --> 00:29:07,433
I'd like to help ease
Your Highness's burden as well.

595
00:29:07,833 --> 00:29:10,100
It's just that Bu Shulin follows me
around every single day.

596
00:29:10,133 --> 00:29:11,300
Wherever I go, he goes.

597
00:29:11,333 --> 00:29:13,467
If I start meeting with Prince Lie,

598
00:29:13,567 --> 00:29:15,233
he'll definitely come and make trouble.

599
00:29:31,967 --> 00:29:34,000
Why are the three of you
looking at me like that?

600
00:29:34,033 --> 00:29:34,867
Your Highness,

601
00:29:35,800 --> 00:29:37,233
the three of us are all in agreement.

602
00:29:37,733 --> 00:29:38,433
This time,

603
00:29:39,267 --> 00:29:40,600
you'll have to handle it yourself.

604
00:29:43,500 --> 00:29:46,633
(Moyang Martial Hall)

605
00:29:53,167 --> 00:29:53,767
You.

606
00:29:54,367 --> 00:29:55,200
Don't move.

607
00:29:56,000 --> 00:29:56,500
Turn around.

608
00:29:56,767 --> 00:29:57,567
Who are you?

609
00:30:03,767 --> 00:30:05,100
You're just a sickly invalid.

610
00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:08,633
Hand over
everything valuable you've got.

611
00:30:08,800 --> 00:30:09,933
Don't make me do it myself.

612
00:30:10,000 --> 00:30:12,267
It's the imperial capital,
right beneath His Majesty's rule,

613
00:30:12,267 --> 00:30:13,500
and you're robbing me
in broad daylight?

614
00:30:13,500 --> 00:30:14,467
Quit dragging this out.

615
00:30:14,467 --> 00:30:15,233
(Crown Prince?)

616
00:30:15,233 --> 00:30:15,833
Hand it over.

617
00:30:17,633 --> 00:30:18,267
Is that all?

618
00:30:18,467 --> 00:30:19,567
That's really everything.

619
00:30:19,933 --> 00:30:21,200
Just so you won't report me,

620
00:30:21,367 --> 00:30:22,467
I'll send you on your way!

621
00:31:45,500 --> 00:31:47,033
Thank you for coming to my aid in time.

622
00:31:47,633 --> 00:31:49,100
If you hadn't arrived when you did,

623
00:31:49,100 --> 00:31:50,700
I would've been powerless to resist.

624
00:31:53,033 --> 00:31:54,167
There's no need to thank me.

625
00:31:54,500 --> 00:31:56,567
I'll have someone
escort you back to the East Palace.

626
00:31:56,567 --> 00:31:57,333
I'll take my leave.

627
00:31:57,467 --> 00:31:58,067
Changying.

628
00:32:02,367 --> 00:32:03,567
Will you keep me company

629
00:32:05,300 --> 00:32:06,267
and have a drink with me

630
00:32:06,833 --> 00:32:07,600
to calm my nerves?

631
00:32:15,033 --> 00:32:15,667
Huayong,

632
00:32:16,367 --> 00:32:17,300
it's so late.

633
00:32:17,600 --> 00:32:18,767
Why did you come out alone?

634
00:32:18,767 --> 00:32:21,100
I was feeling stifled,
so I came out for some air. Come.

635
00:32:27,033 --> 00:32:28,400
With this frail body of mine,

636
00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:30,000
I can only drown my sorrows in liquor.

637
00:32:30,300 --> 00:32:31,267
Unlike you, Changying,

638
00:32:31,733 --> 00:32:34,033
a young general
galloping across the battlefield.

639
00:32:34,400 --> 00:32:35,900
How exhilarating that must be.

640
00:32:37,367 --> 00:32:39,000
Yet here I am in the imperial capital,

641
00:32:39,033 --> 00:32:40,800
unable to reclaim
our lost lands for Daxing

642
00:32:40,800 --> 00:32:41,767
or expand its borders.

643
00:32:42,967 --> 00:32:44,767
What kind of young general
does that make me?

644
00:32:47,233 --> 00:32:47,867
Huayong,

645
00:32:49,367 --> 00:32:50,367
do you truly

646
00:32:50,400 --> 00:32:52,633
intend to marry
Commandery Princess Zhaoning?

647
00:32:52,867 --> 00:32:54,567
To seek the hand of a lady in marriage

648
00:32:54,767 --> 00:32:55,667
is no trivial matter.

649
00:33:02,700 --> 00:33:05,333
We both seek the hand
of Commandery Princess Zhaoning.

650
00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:06,633
Then let us compete honorably,

651
00:33:07,067 --> 00:33:08,067
open and aboveboard,

652
00:33:08,133 --> 00:33:09,733
each relying on his own merits.

653
00:33:09,733 --> 00:33:11,767
It need not damage
the bond between us as brothers.

654
00:33:12,467 --> 00:33:13,433
A true man

655
00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:15,667
should wield integrity as his sword.

656
00:33:16,667 --> 00:33:18,233
Even if one of us loses in love,

657
00:33:18,633 --> 00:33:20,867
we can still share
a drink beneath the rosy skies

658
00:33:21,267 --> 00:33:22,967
until we're both drunk
on the evening glow.

659
00:33:23,567 --> 00:33:24,300
Well said.

660
00:33:25,667 --> 00:33:26,267
Huayong,

661
00:33:27,067 --> 00:33:28,167
allow me to toast you.

662
00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:30,633
Come.

663
00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:37,733
Changying,

664
00:33:39,067 --> 00:33:40,433
will you accompany me tomorrow

665
00:33:41,000 --> 00:33:41,933
on a hunting trip?

666
00:33:52,433 --> 00:33:52,967
Changying,

667
00:33:53,033 --> 00:33:54,767
let's see which of us comes out on top.

668
00:34:07,400 --> 00:34:08,467
Come, Changying.

669
00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:09,633
Come.

670
00:34:10,700 --> 00:34:11,367
Huayong.

671
00:34:24,433 --> 00:34:25,800
There's an ancestral hall nearby.

672
00:34:25,900 --> 00:34:27,167
Why don't we take shelter there?

673
00:34:27,567 --> 00:34:28,200
All right.

674
00:34:31,033 --> 00:34:31,633
Let's go.

675
00:34:32,267 --> 00:34:38,100
(Loyalty Strong as Gold and Stone)

676
00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:43,800
"I would give my life
to save my country,

677
00:34:44,433 --> 00:34:46,100
and face death
as though returning home."

678
00:34:46,833 --> 00:34:47,767
This inscription

679
00:34:47,867 --> 00:34:49,833
(Meng Fei)
was written by General Meng himself.

680
00:34:50,200 --> 00:34:51,200
Its structure is upright,

681
00:34:51,333 --> 00:34:52,633
with powerful rhythm and flow.

682
00:34:52,633 --> 00:34:54,833
Only one who is truly loyal
to his sovereign and country

683
00:34:55,100 --> 00:34:56,667
could write such calligraphy.

684
00:34:58,167 --> 00:34:59,667
I can almost picture

685
00:35:00,200 --> 00:35:01,767
his brush dancing across the page.

686
00:35:03,433 --> 00:35:04,633
You're a young hero yourself.

687
00:35:05,367 --> 00:35:06,833
No wonder you understand how he felt.

688
00:35:08,367 --> 00:35:09,000
Huayong,

689
00:35:09,500 --> 00:35:10,933
you're giving me far too much credit.

690
00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:12,867
How could I

691
00:35:13,200 --> 00:35:15,167
possibly compare myself
to the Martial Saint?

692
00:35:16,467 --> 00:35:17,267
Why not?

693
00:35:18,367 --> 00:35:19,433
Before you were even fifteen,

694
00:35:19,833 --> 00:35:21,100
you could draw a 150 kg bow

695
00:35:21,233 --> 00:35:22,667
and wield an eight-stone crossbow.

696
00:35:22,800 --> 00:35:24,333
The whole realm was astonished.

697
00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:26,367
At seventeen,
you entered the battlefield

698
00:35:26,833 --> 00:35:29,033
and captured or slew
enemy generals time and again.

699
00:35:29,233 --> 00:35:30,500
Before you even turned twenty,

700
00:35:30,567 --> 00:35:32,167
you had already become
your grandfather's

701
00:35:32,200 --> 00:35:33,200
most trusted general.

702
00:35:33,433 --> 00:35:35,000
In the campaign against Wenyu,

703
00:35:35,500 --> 00:35:36,800
you won thirteen major victories

704
00:35:36,900 --> 00:35:38,767
and earned a legendary name
on the battlefield.

705
00:35:39,167 --> 00:35:40,800
I didn't expect you to remember so much.

706
00:35:41,200 --> 00:35:42,000
Far more than that.

707
00:35:42,033 --> 00:35:44,600
Your heroic deeds have long spread
throughout the imperial capital.

708
00:35:45,567 --> 00:35:46,500
Your grandfather

709
00:35:47,467 --> 00:35:48,600
was especially proud of you.

710
00:35:53,200 --> 00:35:54,933
My grandfather devoted his life to war.

711
00:35:56,233 --> 00:35:57,000
I remember

712
00:35:58,000 --> 00:35:59,567
the last time he marched into battle,

713
00:36:01,067 --> 00:36:02,467
he was already sixty-four years old.

714
00:36:02,667 --> 00:36:04,800
He fought to defend our borders
for four full years.

715
00:36:05,967 --> 00:36:07,167
When he lay dying,

716
00:36:08,767 --> 00:36:10,467
he was still filled with grief and fury.

717
00:36:10,767 --> 00:36:12,667
With his last ounce
of strength, he cried out,

718
00:36:13,267 --> 00:36:14,167
"Kill the enemy!

719
00:36:14,867 --> 00:36:15,633
Kill the enemy!"

720
00:36:19,767 --> 00:36:21,633
To honor your grandfather,

721
00:36:21,933 --> 00:36:24,033
Father bestowed
these words upon his epitaph,

722
00:36:24,700 --> 00:36:25,967
"Heroic and Upright."

723
00:36:28,767 --> 00:36:30,067
He truly deserved

724
00:36:31,233 --> 00:36:32,667
those three words throughout his life.

725
00:36:35,500 --> 00:36:36,167
Changying,

726
00:36:36,433 --> 00:36:38,033
you now command the Anlan Army.

727
00:36:38,167 --> 00:36:39,933
If you also marry
Commandery Princess Zhaoning,

728
00:36:40,000 --> 00:36:41,767
more than half
of Great Xing's military power

729
00:36:41,767 --> 00:36:42,800
will fall into your hands.

730
00:36:42,800 --> 00:36:45,367
At court, those noble families
with their own agendas

731
00:36:45,567 --> 00:36:46,967
will surely unite against you.

732
00:36:47,267 --> 00:36:48,500
Under such immense pressure,

733
00:36:48,533 --> 00:36:49,600
Father, to protect you,

734
00:36:49,633 --> 00:36:51,700
will certainly strip you
of your military command

735
00:36:51,700 --> 00:36:53,967
and bring you back to the imperial
capital to serve as a court official.

736
00:36:54,033 --> 00:36:54,767
If that happens,

737
00:36:55,233 --> 00:36:56,767
you'll never again have the chance

738
00:36:56,767 --> 00:36:58,467
to fulfill
your grandfather's final wish.

739
00:37:10,000 --> 00:37:10,600
You're right.

740
00:37:11,200 --> 00:37:12,367
Everything you've said,

741
00:37:12,500 --> 00:37:13,633
I had never considered before.

742
00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:16,100
Thank you for your guidance.

743
00:37:17,433 --> 00:37:19,333
The young should aspire
to soar like great swans.

744
00:37:19,333 --> 00:37:21,333
They should ride swift steeds
across the open plains.

745
00:37:21,367 --> 00:37:22,167
You and I,

746
00:37:22,333 --> 00:37:23,267
shall stand side by side

747
00:37:23,833 --> 00:37:25,967
and fulfill our ambitions together.

748
00:37:42,200 --> 00:37:42,933
Your Highness!

749
00:37:45,467 --> 00:37:46,167
Who

750
00:37:46,367 --> 00:37:47,767
tried to harm Zhaoning?

751
00:37:47,767 --> 00:37:49,267
If she doesn't receive better treatment,

752
00:37:49,267 --> 00:37:51,933
I'm afraid she'll spend the rest
of her life confined to this sickbed.

753
00:37:51,967 --> 00:37:52,467
Your Highness,

754
00:37:52,533 --> 00:37:53,767
are you truly going in person?

755
00:37:53,767 --> 00:37:56,000
The extreme cold will worsen
the poison inside your body.

756
00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:57,233
The danger will be immense.

757
00:37:57,267 --> 00:38:01,433
♪How can you be this wonderful?♪

758
00:38:03,433 --> 00:38:06,367
♪I've hidden so many words♪

759
00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:09,800
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

760
00:38:10,667 --> 00:38:17,633
♪So never uncover♪

761
00:38:17,833 --> 00:38:20,167
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

762
00:38:21,300 --> 00:38:24,033
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

763
00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:30,333
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

764
00:38:32,100 --> 00:38:34,933
♪Every answer I gave♪

765
00:38:35,733 --> 00:38:38,567
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

766
00:38:39,367 --> 00:38:42,733
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

767
00:38:43,000 --> 00:38:46,300
♪How hard it truly was?♪

768
00:38:49,267 --> 00:38:52,700
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

769
00:38:53,700 --> 00:38:56,033
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

770
00:38:57,300 --> 00:39:03,067
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

771
00:39:04,467 --> 00:39:07,600
♪It's a shame I never could♪

772
00:39:08,067 --> 00:39:11,067
♪Give you a moon in return♪

773
00:39:11,167 --> 00:39:17,800
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

774
00:39:17,800 --> 00:39:21,467
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

775
00:39:22,367 --> 00:39:25,100
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

776
00:39:25,567 --> 00:39:28,667
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

777
00:39:29,133 --> 00:39:35,067
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

778
00:39:36,467 --> 00:39:40,033
♪You'll never♪

779
00:39:40,300 --> 00:39:49,767
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪