Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 13)

No. 3. For No. 6,

- you... - A scholar will die for his friends.

What No. 6 said before this

was so touching and it opened up my eyes.

A righteous person like No. 6

should not be arrested.

And he shouldn't be tortured by the Night Guardians!

As No. 6's comrade,

this is the right thing to do.

Don't worry. Even if this will cost me my life,

I'll have no regrets.

Well said! No. 3, your noble character

is an example for all of us.

Unlike No. 4,

who constantly preaches morality

but vanishes without a trace

when real trouble arises.

Look at you.

Didn't I already say I wasn't in the capital last night?

What right do you have to judge me?

Aren't you always bragging about

being the Sparrow Heroine?

Don't you have wings? Why don't you fly over?

Fly over?

If I fly to the capital,

the first thing I'll do is stab you in Lingbao Court!

All talk and no action.

I'll be waiting, little swallow.

Just you wait! Looks like you can't wait to lose your head to me.

My head's right here.

If you want it, fly over and take it.

- You just wait. - I'm waiting.

Just you wait!

Guang Xiao, what's on your mind?

Thinking about girls, obviously.

I heard you went into Tower of Valiance again yesterday.

And I heard you even dismissed Lord Yang and Lady Nangong.

Who told you that?

The people involved.

Lady Nangong went to see Boss.

She yelled about you for four hours in Chunfeng Hall.

Looks like my days at Chunfeng Hall

are numbered.

I've had enough!

So what if she's powerful and rich?

I must speak my mind today!

Huai Qing isn't worthy of her reputation at all!

She ruined my future.

She cast me aside the moment she found someone new.

I was blind

to be deceived by her!

Huai Qing ruined me!

Huai Qing ruined me!

She framed me!

Huai Qing ruined me!

She said there was a thousand-year-old Lingzhi mushroom on the mountain.

I ate it,

and now I'm blind!

Huai Qing ruined me!

Huai Qing ruined me!

Huai Qing?

A beggar,

a prisoner,

a blind physician,

one after another, they'll appear before Xu Qi An today

to pour out their tragic tales.

And the cause of all their misfortune? Only one,

"Huai Qing ruined me."

We've made arrangements to ensure everyone on the street is in on it.

The story won't spread beyond here,

but it'll be convincing enough

to make Lord Xu believe it.

Perfect. By the time we're done,

Xu Qi An will steer clear of Huai Qing at the mere mention of her name.

Then I'll reveal my true identity,

offer him my support, and show him I will forgive and forget.

And he'll think

I'm generous

and feel

indebted to me.

Brilliant as always, Your Highness.

Your Highness, Xu Qi An is here to see you.

This is fake too.

Weren't you supposed to be blind?

Kneel!

What's the meaning of this?

Your Highness,

this is absolutely shocking.

I ran across these schemers who dared to publicly slander you

with malicious accusations.

Outrageous!

Such actions are unforgivable.

Xuan Zi, take them away immediately.

Interrogate them and find out who's behind them.

- Now. - Yes, Your Highness.

No need.

I've interrogated them.

These aren't just unruly troublemakers

causing harm for no reason.

Someone is orchestrating this

to tarnish your reputation.

Your Highness,

do you know who's behind this?

You'll never guess.

The person behind this despicable scheme

is none other than your own sister,

Princess Lin An.

And to my shame,

I also uncovered her motive during my questioning.

Princess Lin An orchestrated all of this

because she wanted to recruit me.

And what do you think about it?

Your Highness,

there's nothing to think about.

While Princess Lin An may want to recruit me,

she clearly doesn't understand my character.

Otherwise, she wouldn't resort to such methods.

She would know my principle, a loyal subject never serves two masters.

Don't be so quick to dismiss her.

From the lengths she's gone to,

it's clear she sincerely wants to recruit you.

Are you sure you won't reconsider?

- I see now. - See what now?

The reason you tested me before.

Very impressive, Your Highness.

With your unparalleled intelligence and sharp instincts,

you must have known all along about Lin An's intentions to recruit me.

That's why you tested my loyalty last time,

to see if I would waver.

Wow, you figured that out too.

Fret not, Your Highness.

I'm going to prove my loyalty

with actions.

I'll take these scoundrels back to yamen to be punished.

No need!

I already understand your loyalty.

However, there's something suspicious about this matter,

and I want to interrogate them myself.

Xuan Zi,

keep an eye on them.

As for you,

go handle your other matters.

Alright then. I'll take my leave.

Xuan Zi,

guard them well and keep Her Highness safe.

Got it.

Bye!

Are you alright?

What's going on with you?

How could you get exposed?

At first, we stuck to the mission

and insisted it was all Huai Qing's doing.

But who would've thought

Lord Xu actually knows a great scholar

from the academy?

A gentleman should be honest,

and so should an ordinary man.

Before meeting the scholar,

we held firm.

But then they used

Inner Reflection technique on us.

He even beat us up.

Our bodies and spirits were put through the wringer.

Your Highness, we really couldn't hold out any longer.

Alright, alright.

Xuan Zi, give each of them 20 taels

- and send them home. - Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Come on.

Easy. Sorry about this.

Your Highness,

what do we do now?

Who would've thought Lord Xu was this sharp?

Our plan

has backfired now.

That speech of yours, never mind the Princess Royal,

even I'm deeply moved just hearing about it.

She did seem pretty shaken.

To think Huai Qing

was so wary of you initially.

Exactly.

She even tested me with her words before,

which left me puzzled for a while.

But then Lin An handed me the perfect opportunity

to prove my loyalty.

So now you've earned Her Highness's complete trust?

Not just the Princess Royal.

Yesterday, I also showed off a little in front of Lord Wei.

He seems to have trusted me now.

Aligning yourself with two major powerhouses in one day,

Ning Yan,

we owe it all to you.

Prosperity for our family is just around the corner!

What are you saying, Second Uncle?

I'll still need to consult you in the future.

After all, when it comes to serving others with devotion,

you're the true expert.

No, no.

The student surpasses the teacher.

You're clearly taking it to the next level.

My martial skills

came from you, didn't they?

No, no. The younger generation always surpasses the old,

each one better than the last.

No, no.

You'll always be the best, Second Uncle.

No, no. The world belongs to your generation,

the future is yours, everything is yours.

There wouldn't be us without you.

Second Uncle, let me kowtow to you.

Don't be too modest, Ning Yan!

No, no, I insist.

No, no.

(Night Guardians)

Lord Tao.

Where is Xu Qi An?

No idea. He was here just a moment ago.

Lord Li.

Where is Xu Qi An?

Why are you looking for Xu Qi An again?

I've got my eye on this Copper Guardian.

Tell him to report to Weiwu Hall.

What's that supposed to mean?

Lord Jin has taken a liking to him

and sent me to bring him over.

Can you believe this kid's ridiculous luck?

Don't touch it!

Go back and tell Lord Jiang

that I say no!

You dare refuse Lord Jiang?

Let me make this clear, I'm not here to ask for your permission.

Lord Jiang is waiting.

Even if Lord Jiang himself came here today, I'd say the same thing,

no.

Are you out of your mind?

You dare disrespect Lord Jiang?

Whoever it is, I don't care,

let me tell you something, if you think you can just waltz into

my turf and walk off with my men, think again!

Have you been drinking fake wine or something?

You're the one drinking fake wine!

Strutting around my turf like you own it, who do you think you are?

You've got a filthy mouth, you know that?

Who are you calling filthy?

Say it again!

You!

You dare disobey Lord Jiang?

Fine! Call me filthy if you want!

Listen here, don't talk to me again!

So, Xu Qi An is

that quick-witted clerk from Changlu County who solved the tax money case.

The one who cracked the tax money case

just by reviewing the case files?

Yes. Now I'm in charge of the murder case of Count Ping Yuan.

Although Lord Wei is shouldering the court's pressure for me,

I can't afford to slack off.

Otherwise, Lord Wei might question my capabilities.

That kid's investigative skills

are just the kind of talent I need.

You have an eye for talent.

Once Lord Tao brings him in,

we can assign him to investigate Count Ping Yuan's murder case.

There's more to why I want him

under my command.

What's that?

This kid has close ties to the Astronomical Bureau.

If I can bring him under my banner,

I'll have a channel to acquire magical tools from the Bureau,

which would greatly enhance our combat capabilities.

Boss!

What is it?

Li Yu Chun kicked me out.

- What? - Foster Father, I've made up my mind.

I want Xu Qi An under my command.

Why?

I have some major cases to investigate lately.

Xu Qi An is talented in arrests and solving cases.

He'd be perfect to assist me.

I guarantee he'll receive the best training under me.

Foster Father,

I have plenty of cases as well.

As for training, Xu Qi An has made significant progress under my command.

Everyone can see that.

Yang Yan, I gave up the position of Commander-in-Chief to you.

All I'm asking for is Xu Qi An to join my command.

The position of Commander-in-Chief was always mine.

When did it become something you 'gave up'?

Foster Father, I don't want to be Commander-in-Chief anymore.

I'll give up the magical tools the Astronomical Bureau sent over either.

- I just want Xu Qi An. - I don't care about the magical tools either.

- I just want Xu Qi An. - I want Xu Qi An, Foster Father.

I want Xu Qi An, Foster Father.

This is between you two.

Keep me out of it.

Fine, give me a straight answer.

What will it take for me to get Xu Qi An?

I'll give you a straight answer.

You'll never get him.

You...

Lord Yang, I have something important to report.

Go ahead.

Lord Jiang is trying to take Xu Qi An.

What?

My Lord, just waiting here like this won't do any good.

Why don't you go back first?

We'll notify you when the time comes.

It's fine.

Lord Yang.

You're just in time, Lord Yang.

Could you transfer Xu Qi An to my command?

No.

What if I insist?

We'll settle it by the books.

Have you heard?

Lord Jiang and Lord Yang are at the training ground.

Apparently, they're settling things by the book

over a Copper Guardian.

No way. Would two Gold Guardians really

go to such lengths over a Copper Guardian?

This morning, Tao Man went to ask Li Yu Chun for the Copper Guardian,

but he refused. They got into a huge argument,

and then each went to find their Gold Guardian.

It's rare to see high-ranking martial artists face off.

- Let's go watch! - Let's go!

What's going on with Yang Yan and Jiang Lv Zhong?

Two Gold Guardians

going head-to-head over a mere Copper Guardian,

it's so unbecoming.

They're embarrassing themselves in front of their subordinates.

You don't understand.

This Copper Guardian

isn't just any ordinary one.

Yang Yan,

you're doing this for real?

If we're fighting, let's do it seriously.

Fine!

They're here to fight for him too?

Lord Jiang, it seems you're not fully informed.

The Copper Guardian you're all fighting over

is rated First Tier.

First Tier?

Yang Yan, your opponent is me!

(Let them fight.)

(The more, the better.)

(As long as he's not under Yang Yan's command, )

(I don't care who ends up with him.)

What did she just say?

She said,

"the Copper Guardian you're fighting over

is rated First Tier."

First Tier?

Xu Qi An?

I just advanced to Second Tier,

and he's already First Tier?

Where is everyone?

Where did they all go?

Hurry up! We're going to miss it.

Guys, where are you headed?

To watch the Gold Guardians fight.

Come on!

Gold Guardians fighting?

Wait for me!

That punch was incredible.

Buddy, what's the story here?

I heard there's a new Copper Guardian rated First Tier.

The Gold Guardians are fighting over him.

Since the Night Guardians were established,

there's never been a First Tier before.

That sounds cool.

That's the disparity of life for you.

By the way,

what's this Copper Guardian's name? Which hall is he from?

Why do you want to know?

Are you dense?

This guy's clearly got a bright future.

While he's still just a humble Copper Guardian,

we have a chance to connect with him. Better seize the opportunity.

Good point!

Does anyone know who this Copper Guardian is?

I think

he's from Chunfeng Hall.

I heard his surname is Xu.

Still just a Copper Guardian.

That's right.

Which one of you is Copper Guardian Lord Xu from Chunfeng Hall?

That should be me.

Lord Xu, Lord Wei requests your presence.

Come with me.

Buddy, I can't go see Lord Wei with this.

Throw it away for me. Drinks are on me later.

Lord Wei! He's going to meet Lord Wei!

Lord Wei,

you wanted to see me?

- Come. - Yes, My Lord.

Yang Yan has advanced by mastering the essence of intent in combat.

His spear technique is polished to a fine edge.

If he continues to refine his physique,

he'll undoubtedly break through to Rank Third

within ten years.

As for Lv Zhong,

his vitality is extraordinary,

and his physique is unmatched.

If he integrates his martial arts

into his combat style

as Yang Yan has,

his future achievements will be no less impressive.

So,

have you decided who you'll follow?

I wouldn't dare.

There's something you wouldn't dare?

About being No.6 of Tiandi Faction,

it happened so suddenly.

- I had no choice but to... - Enough.

I'm not blaming you.

Sit down.

This concerns your future,

so

I want to hear your honest thoughts.

On the field,

Gold Guardians clash;

off the field,

idlers gather.

Over a First Tier,

both now play second fiddle.

How's that? My poetry skills are improving, aren't they?

Focus on your martial arts training instead.

First Tier Xu.

How did it go? What did Lord Wei say to you?

We had a casual chat. He asked me which Gold Guardian I wanted to choose.

What did you say, First Tier Xu?

We'll talk about it later. Let's watch for now.

Me!

Foster Father, you wanted to see me?

They've all stepped up.

Why haven't you?

Not interested.

Didn't you say

you wanted Xu Qi An under your command?

What's changed?

You already know the answer.

Yang Yan has been acting like I don't exist lately,

and it's all because of Xu Qi An.

That's why

you leaked the news about his First Tier ranking?

I just wanted to take Yang Yan down a peg.

Alright.

Call them all back.

Yes, Foster Father.

Has Xu Qi An made his choice?

Who did he pick?

Think about it,

if I choose Lord Yang,

wouldn't that make the other Gold Guardians lose face?

How would I ever navigate the Night Guardians after that?

True.

So, you chose Lord Jiang?

His fiery personality means no one would dare

mess with you if you're under him.

That's even worse.

Not only would I be insulting Lord Yang,

but I'd also be seen as someone

who's fickle and opportunistic.

Over time,

that kind of tension would create a rift,

and working together would become unbearable.

That makes sense.

So, are you planning not to choose anyone at all?

Of course I'll choose.

But

I'll let someone else make the choice for me.

Someone else?

Have someone else choose? What do you mean by that?

Who won?

I did.

If I hadn't held back my energy,

do you think you'd last ten rounds?

If I had used my spear,

you wouldn't last a single round.

Bold words.

- Why don't we test that theory? - Bring it on.

- Sure! - Yang Yan.

Yes, Foster Father.

Serve tea.

Yes, Foster Father.

Xu Qi An has stated

that regarding his reassignment,

he has his own thoughts on the subject.

What did he say?

With my current understanding of the Gold Guardians,

I'm not yet able to make the most accurate choice.

That's not difficult.

If you want to refine your martial skills, choose Yang Yan.

If you want to strengthen your physique,

Jiang Lv Zhong is the best option.

I don't prioritize martial prowess.

Or rather, as a Night Guardian,

my pursuit isn't just about pure physical strength.

Then what is it?

My Lord, do you remember

why you rated me as First Tier?

Our young Copper Guardian said

that this poem

represents his thoughts.

You asked Lord Wei to decide for you?

That's right.

Since either choice could end up being wrong,

I figured I'd stay quiet

and leave the decision to Lord Wei.

Then why bother writing that poem?

Isn't that unnecessary?

That's where you don't get it.

If I had immediately asked Lord Wei to decide for me,

it might've left the impression

that I'm timid and indecisive.

But by presenting the poem,

I accomplish two things. First, I clearly demonstrate my stance

as a principled and loyal Guardian.

Second, by using the poem to express my ideals,

I strengthen my connection with Lord Wei.

After all, he must've liked my poetry to rate me

as First Tier in the first place.

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant!

Xu Qi An, you're killing two birds with one stone!

Come here, let me take a good look at you.

No, wait, I'll come to you.

Let me see if you've got 800 tricks up your sleeve.

Get out of here.

It's just basic strategy.

Knowing your boss's preferences and leveraging them

is a skill every employee should master.

Employee?

Guardian.

Remarkable.

If Lord Wei picked a Gold Guardian for you, it's definitely the best one.

So,

can you pull some strings and get us transferred over there too?

You two want a transfer?

Silver Guardians don't have it as good as Gold Guardians.

Lord Xu, Lord Wei's reassignment order has arrived.

Which Guardian did Lord Wei assign him to?

I don't know.

Lord Li has summoned you.

Make way.

Clear the path!

Clear the way for him!

Lord Xu is on the move!

Applause!

Boss.

Is this really your decision?

This...

This is Lord Wei's decision.

I heard you went to Tower of Valiance.

You mean to say it wasn't your choice?

Of course not.

I'm just a humble Copper Guardian.

What choice do I have?

But I still mustered the courage to argue my case.

I asked Lord Wei

if I could stay in Chunfeng Hall,

if I could remain under your command.

Stay under my command?

Boss,

honestly,

at first, I did think about leaving.

But after all the time I've spent here,

I've come to see myself

as part of Chunfeng Hall.

When I step into this room,

when I go out

on a case,

I feel it.

Even though

you may still have some misunderstandings about me,

from the bottom of my heart,

I really want to stay with Chunfeng Hall.

What did Lord Wei say?

He thought it was strange.

Skipping over Gold Guardians

to choose me, a Silver Guardian,

anyone would find that strange.

That's just prejudice.

Gold Guardian, Silver Guardian,

at the end of the day, we're all Night Guardians,

serving the people.

There's no such thing as high or low status in that.

- Do you really believe that? - Always.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what I think.

Who am I?

I'm just a lowly Copper Guardian.

My voice carries no weight.

Lord Wei ultimately didn't listen to me.

Boss,

I owe you for this.

In the future, if the hall ever needs anything,

I, Xu Qi An,

will risk life and limb without hesitation.

No, Ning Yan,

- you don't have to... - Of course I have to.

Once a Guardian of Chunfeng Hall,

always a Guardian of Chunfeng Hall.

No matter where Lord Wei assigns me in the future,

my heart will always remain here,

with you,

and with Chunfeng Hall.

With those words,

I'm content.

I'll go get your reassignment order.

Here's your reassignment order.

Isn't it inappropriate to read it here?

(Li Yu Chun)

You didn't see that coming, did you?

Lord Wei actually listened to you!

Ning Yan...

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

I'm just overwhelmed.

Did Lord Wei really assign me to you?

It's personally written by Lord Wei.

No one can change it.

Completely unchangeable?

That's right. Not only is it final,

but to prevent anyone else from trying to take you,

Lord Wei even added a time clause.

Three years!

For the next three years, you'll stay under my command

without any further personnel changes!

Three years...

Li Yu Chun?

But doesn't that mean he is still under Yang Yan's command?

Lord Wei, even if Yang Yan is your foster son,

you can't favor him this blatantly.

How dare you!

How long has he been in there?

A while.

Looks like Boss isn't going to take the news easily.

He's a First Tier, after all.

Boss is bound to be in a bad mood for the next few days.

Let's hold off on applying any transfers for now.

I'm actually a little reluctant to leave Boss.

People aim higher,

water flows lower, right?

With the way things are going,

I'll be a Gold Guardian,

and you'll be a Silver Guardian.

True. All good things must come an end.

Let's buy him drinks at the Imperial Music Bureau.

Buy Boss drinks?

Why are you still sitting there?

Hang on.

Am I seeing this right? Did he just smile?

That's just his last shred of composure.

Alright, it's settled then.

From now on, we'll call each other buddies.

If anyone dares to mess with you,

they're messing with Chunfeng Hall,

and I won't let it slide.

Buddies?

His last desperate attempt to hold on.

Stick with me and work hard,

and I'll help you reach your full potential.

Work hard?

His last...

What are you two doing just sitting there?

- Get to work! - Yes, Boss.

Pick a place later.

Let's have a drink.

My treat!

Yes, Boss.

What did you call me?

Yu Chun.

Yu Chun.

There you go!

Ning Yan.

Ning Yan.

What's going on? Did I hear that right?

What's going on?

I'd like to know that too.

Come on.

Gold Guardian Song.

Do I still even have a chance of becoming a Gold Guardian?

Actually, I think it's pretty great that you're staying with us.

How about we grab a drink?

I'd like some time alone.

Lord Wei, please forgive me. That was out of line.

Since you've made your decision,

I will comply.

But may I know

why you chose Li Yu Chun?

Xu Qi An is clever

and unconventional.

He doesn't adhere strictly to rules and acts based on his instincts.

That's why

he needs a strict and uncompromising superior to balance him.

Li Yu Chun is someone

who doesn't tolerate any deviation from the rules.

If I assigned Xu Qi An to any of you,

conflicts would be inevitable.

That may be true,

but Li Yu Chun is only a Silver Guardian.

Will Xu Qi An respect his authority?

He will.

They are

cut from the same cloth.

Now that you've chosen me,

you must conduct yourself according to my principles.

As a Night Guardian,

you must not accept bribes,

abuse your authority,

or oppress the people.

Otherwise,

even if you're First Tier

or rise to a position higher than First Tier one day,

I will not tolerate it.

Yu Chun,

I will never forget that.

That

puts my mind at ease.

Today,

we're going to put work aside,

and just drink!

- Who's playing with me? - Me!

Rock paper scissors!

From now on, in Chunfeng Hall,

I've got your back. Cheers!

Once a Guardian of Chunfeng Hall,

always a Guardian of Chunfeng Hall!

What other games you have?

Gather around!

Follow the instructions I just gave and get to work!

Yes, sir!