Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 18)

Something is wrong.

Open the gate.

He's dead.

What? He's dead?

I'm afraid Taikang County's magistrate is involved in the case in Sangbo.

When I went to interrogate him,

I was still one step too late. He was silenced.

He was a key criminal designated by Lord Wei himself.

How did he die?

The cause of death is unknown.

We need the coroner to perform an autopsy on him.

The criminal of Sangbo has died in Jingyao Prefecture.

However, this truly has nothing to do with me.

My Lord, we're willing to assist you in your investigation.

The Three Bureaus and Six Ministries are under your command, My Lord.

The death of Taikang County's magistrate is an accident.

It has nothing to do with you.

Thank you, My Lord.

Don't mention it.

I heard from Lady Cai Wei

that you've done me a huge favor at the Ministry of Justice yesterday.

I was just lifting a finger.

It's the same for me.

If that's the case,

I shall take my leave first.

Master, sorry for the trouble.

Master, sorry for the trouble. Let me see you off.

Master, thank you for coming here.

Why are you thanking me?

I didn't do anything to help you out.

So, regarding the poetry collection...

Naturally, I'll find them for you.

Master, a page was set aflame during your inner reflection.

I'm ignorant.

I've never seen such a powerful spell before. I wonder how it works.

This is one of our academy's spell books.

It was compiled from the secret teachings of our academy.

This is a great treasure.

You can use all of the spells here

by setting the respective pages aflame.

I see. I'm ignorant indeed.

But please pardon me as I can only give you the poetry collection later.

This is an urgent case. And, I'm inexperienced.

I'm afraid I have no time to write poems

for quite some time.

If so, let me make a copy of our spell book for you

so that it can assist you. What do you think?

That's an excellent idea.

If so,

about the poetry collection...

Of course.

Of course.

Master, take care.

Chun, I heard that Taikang County's magistrate died in the cell.

What did Chen Han Guang say?

This is the autopsy report. Take a look.

There are no external wounds. And, no poison was detected.

He died for no apparent reason.

Lady Cai Wei interrogated the clerks and jailers on duty that night.

She has confirmed that they're innocent.

This also confirms

that the magistrate died in his dreams.

Was he killed in his dreams?

What does it remind you of?

I only heard that the Dark Deity

of the Three Clans is the only being that's capable of this feat.

Three Clans?

(If it were the Three Clans, )

(Master Jin Lian would've heard about this case.)

Besides that,

there's only one other group capable of this feat.

The wizards.

The wizards?

Come with me.

Have you ever heard of the Wizard God Sect?

I heard it from my uncle before.

He said they were divine beings that were not categorized by battle grades.

Is the Divine Wizard Sect established by them?

The Wizard God is a deity worshipped by the northern nations collectively.

The Wizard God Sect holds supreme power in the northern territories.

It's just like the Celestial Realm Sect in the western regions.

15 years ago,

Yunzhou's the Lord of the West had a conflict with the Wizard God Sect.

In one night, 2,000 elite troops died without making a sound.

There were no wounds on them.

They all laid down their weapons and fell into a deep sleep.

In the end, even the Lord of the West died in his sleep.

Since then,

Yunzhou became a land without a ruler.

Bandits were everywhere,

and disasters plagued the land.

According to the Night Guardians' secret scouts,

it's likely that the Wizard God Sect has made it their base in Dafeng.

If this case is truly related to Yunzhou,

it'll make the case much more complicated.

I have the feeling

that the end of the Gengzi Year

- is surely the beginning of a great turmoil! - Wait.

You're making me dizzy with your stories.

Our only duty is to investigate cases. Don't do this to me.

Ning Yan, where are you going?

To arrest Zhou Chi Xiong.

(Capital Military Command, Suzhou)

Yang Gong has entered the city.

Got it.

What should we do now?

(Yang Chuan Nan, Yunzhou Commander-in-Chief)

What do you mean by that?

You're asking the obvious here.

Since he's here, you have to hand your authority to him.

Since that's the rule,

we should follow it, then.

Do you not understand?

The emperor sent Yang Gong to Qingzhou to be the intendant

because he was afraid you might become too influential.

After all, the two provinces of Qingyun are jointly governed,

and the intendant of Qingzhou also holds actual power over Yunzhou.

That Yang Gong is something else.

I heard

that he graduated from Yunlu Academy.

He took one of his students' poems and passed it off as his own.

Most likely, he's here to obtain fame, wealth, and power.

What's with Dafeng and the bunch of fools?

What do you want to do, then?

Just give me the word,

and I'll assassinate him.

We need to plan this through.

I can't stand your timid nature.

That darned Emperor Yuanjing.

Miao Zhen!

What's wrong? It's not like the royal family pays me.

Sparrow Heroine,

you eradicate bandits

in Yunzhou,

punish the wicked,

and protect the peace there.

I will thank you on the people's behalf.

However, rules are rules.

I still serve the imperial court after all.

I have to have some sense of propriety.

Where are you going?

This room stinks of corruption. I can't stand this.

- General Li. - What is it?

Recently, a new leader has emerged at the bandit stronghold 80 miles away.

They've been robbing people lately. They've been running rampant.

Continue to inquire about them.

Once the time is up, we shall storm their base with Flying Sparrow Army.

- Yes, ma'am. - You may leave.

Go now.

Master, are you done already?

(Su Su, Heaven Clan)

That was unsatisfying.

Look at you. Your old ailment is acting up again.

This area is filled with mountain ridges. Beware of the cold wind.

Got it.

Is it because of Yang Chuan Nan again?

It's troublesome to deal with people from the imperial court.

Although, in name, he appointed you as his Cavalry General,

you're just helping him out because he's a friend.

If you're upset about it,

you don't need to yield to his rule.

But if we set sights on the entire Yunzhou,

he's the only court official who supports us in eradicating bandits.

We can only blame the old fox Emperor Yuanjing for this.

Everyone, something has happened in the capital again.

What happened? Is Emperor Yuanjing dead?

Both the inner and outer cities of Dafeng have been sealed off.

No one is to enter or exit the place.

I'm sure something has happened.

No. 1, have you heard anything through the grapevine?

(This is interesting.)

(Master Jin Liang)

(asked No. 1 instead of asking me when I'm a Night Guardian.)

The explosion under Sangbo Lake,

the destruction of Yongzhen Nature Temple,

the disappearance of the thing sealed under Sangbo Lake,

No. 3, do you have any clues related to them?

What a coincidence.

The academy has obtained some clues

through various channels.

I have roughly organized the details of the case.

The Kui Tribe?

Impossible.

What can the Kui Tribe use to blow up Sangbo Lake?

Upon investigation, it was found

that the Kui Tribe obtained saltpeter through Mount Dahuang.

After that, they turned it into gunpowder.

Zhou Chi Xiong, Hundred-Commander of the Jinwu Guards,

smuggled it into the city and blew the lake up.

After the explosion,

Zhou Chi Xiong ran away with his family members.

If so, the lead is cut off.

Not necessarily.

In my opinion, the court will issue a warrant soon.

It's either Zhou Chi Xiong leaves Dafeng

or hide in somewhere safe.

Where do you guys think he'll hide?

Isn't it obvious?

Of course it's Yunzhou.

No. 2, you're quite influential in Yunzhou.

Can you investigate Zhou Chi Xiong on my behalf?

(Great job.)

(To No. 1, No. 2 is more reliable than the local authorities.)

I refuse to help you out.

I'll provide you with rewards.

No. You serve the imperial court.

I refuse

to help you out.

(This won't do.)

(If No. 2 doesn't help him out, )

(Yunzhou is too vast for us to investigate.)

(There's no way we can find Zhou Chi Xiong.)

No. 2, you said you owed me a favor for rescuing No. 6.

- Does it still count? - Of course.

I, Li Miao Zhen, am a woman of my word.

All right, then. Keep a lookout for Zhou Chi Xiong in Yunzhou.

We'll be even, then.

As for No. 1, you'll owe me a favor for this.

What do you two think?

- Deal. - Deal.

(Wizard God Sect)

Lord Wei, Xu Qi An is here.

Greetings, Lord Wei.

During yesterday's morning court session,

I saw the progress of the cases you were investigating.

You did a great job.

Lord Wei, you're busy with plenty of affairs.

I just didn't want to cause trouble for you.

The imperial court has issued a warrant for Zhou Chi Xiong.

However, it'll be difficult to locate him within half a month.

Do you have any other ideas?

I speculate

that Zhou Chi Xiong might escape to Yunzhou.

Therefore, I've requested No. 2, who's in Yunzhou, to arrest him for me.

Yunzhou, huh?

That'll work.

But Yunzhou is much more complicated than you think.

You need time.

Lord Wei, you're right.

Have you tried

investigating magical weapons?

Magical weapons?

Zhou Chi Xiong's presence was hidden.

Even the sorcerers from the Astronomical Bureau couldn't detect him.

There are two possibilities.

First scenario,

the spellcaster is way beyond our league.

Second scenario,

he's using a magical weapon that can help conceal his presence.

This is Zhou Chi Xiong's profile. Take a look.

He's only Rank Eight.

(So, Lord Wei has been helping me out in secret.)

Lord Wei.

What is it?

Initially, I wanted

to report my progress to you immediately. But I...

It doesn't matter.

I would be wary too if I had to face someone

who once wanted me dead.

Foster Father, your carriage is ready.

I'm going to enter the palace.

Xu Qi An.

You will come with me.

Leave the temples and courts

and explore the martial arts world?

That's right.

The temples and courts don't suit you.

The martial arts world is your playground.

You would've already left the capital under my arrangement

had it not been for the case of Sangbo Lake.

Since there's no way to reveal the truth,

you can become the Night Guardians' spy.

Be my blade.

A blade that cannot be shown.

What do you think?

Is it upsetting for you?

It's fine as long as I can stay alive.

Forget about being a blade. I can even become your slave.

It's difficult to lurk in the dark.

As a spy, you have to cast away your name

and leave your family behind.

You might even

die without anyone knowing.

I don't feel like exploring the martial arts world yet.

I wish to do everything I can to reveal the truth.

As for your personality,

you're flexible on the outside but rigid on the inside.

And, you're a bit extreme at times.

I admire your personality,

but I dislike it at the same time.

I know

that there are issues with

the Night Guardians' yamen for a long time.

I know that very well.

However, this is human nature.

Light and dark intertwine.

How many people like Li Yu Chun are there?

If all of the Night Guardians behave like him,

how can we suppress all of the civil and military officials?

I understand the reasoning behind it.

But since I've witnessed some of the occurrences myself,

I have to do something about it.

There are long-standing issues with the organization.

You cannot rush things.

When you join the officialdom,

you have to think twice before acting.

You have to know

that no fish can survive in water that's too pure.

Instead of charging recklessly,

why don't you

take it slow

and take them down one by one?

I understand.

(Dafeng's Palace)

Greetings, Lord Wei.

Greetings, sir.

This is Xu Qi An, the main official in charge of the Sangbo case.

Sir, please take him

to see Princess Royal.

You flatter me.

Princess Royal?

Wenyuan Pavilion

stores records and scrolls related to magical weapons.

Ask Princess Royal to take you there.

Yes, sir.

Today's the Poetry Conference. Your Highness, did you sleep well?

I slept well.

Usually, the Spirit Dragon will interact with us

whenever we're near the pond.

What's wrong with it today?

I've been here for some time,

yet there are no movements at all.

You may not know,

but after the ancestral ceremony at Sangbo,

it was as if the Spirit Dragon was frightened.

On the day of the memorial, a long howl echoed over the pond.

After that, it sunk into the depths.

It wasn't willing to come out no matter what Father did.

It wasn't willing to interact with the royal family.

Without the Spirit Dragon,

there's no point in choosing this place for the Poetry Conference.

It's so far away from my place.

My mood has been spoiled.

Your Highness, have you memorized everything?

Don't worry.

Not only have I memorized them,

but I've also memorized their origins and histories.

Let's wait for today's trivial session

as I show off in front of Huai Qing.

Greetings, princes.

Greetings, princesses.

The Poetry Conference is nearing.

We came here to rehearse our performance.

Master, thank you for agreeing to be our host.

It's fine.

I also wish to witness the flair of Dafeng's royal family.

If that's the case,

you must be Princess Huai Qing's personal eunuch.

Why haven't I seen you before?

I reside within the palace, and I don't show up in public often.

However, I'm in charge of

all of Her Highness's affairs.

However, I have something

that I must say today.

Aren't you Princess Lin An's...

What was that?

I mean,

Princess Lin An favors you.

However, you're close to Princess Huai Qing too.

Aren't you afraid that Princess Lin An might find out?

I couldn't care less about her.

Ning Yan, you're gutsy indeed.

But how will you explain yourself to Princess Lin An, then?

Explain myself to her?

What a joke.

Why should I explain myself to her?

I know that Lin An is trying to recruit me.

But my intention is clear. I only intend to serve Princess Huai Qing.

I'm sure Lin An knows that too.

Please.

My Lord, you're extraordinary indeed.

You flatter me.

The moon.

This is the first round.

According to the tag,

all of you need to write a poem related to the moon.

It shall be done in an orderly manner.

Those who fail to connect the poem

will have to drink alcohol as punishment.

Will anyone

volunteer to be the first?

If so, I shall initiate the process.

Moon's down, raven's caw,

and the frost-filling skies,

River maples, fishing lights,

and the sleep of eternal gloom.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Excellent.

That was an excellent poem.

Princess Lin An,

it's been several months since we last met.

Seems like I have to look at you in a different light.

Sir,

what are we...

My Lord, you may not know,

but the princes and princesses are discussing poetry today

in order to prepare for the Poetry Conference.

Princess Royal has been preparing for this for a long time.

I will be content if the work that I've done

is beneficial to her even in the slightest amount.

Is that the male escort?

My Lord, please wait a moment.

Do you guys have a death wish?

Did you guys forget about the rules?

Sir, we know our faults now.

But this is our first time seeing Lord Xu.

We couldn't help but stare at him.

(So, even the palace knows about me now, huh?)

What's there for you to stare at?

Have you two not seen men before?

We have.

But this is our first time seeing a male escort.

That's right. And, he's Princess Lin An's male escort.

(So, Lin An told everyone that I was his male escort, huh?)

(Is she trying to drive a wedge between me and Princess Royal?)

(I'm afraid Princess Royal has heard of this by now.)

(This won't do.)

(I have to make her give up on me today.)

By the water's edge, amidst the misty spring scenery,

the clear waves ripple, reflecting the sky and cloudy serenity.

Gang.

Excellent poem.

This poem

sounds majestic indeed.

- Indeed. - Excellent.

- Excellent. - Excellent poem.

- Continue. - The endless passage of time,

with the clear waters flowing on, holds a melody full of affection...

What do you mean by this? Do I have to bow to you now?

That's not it.

Copper Guardian Xu, what are you doing here?

I came here with Lord Wei. I'm looking for Princess Royal.

Is that so?

Let's drop the topic for now.

How's Her Highness doing?

Everything is going smoothly as of now.

It's all thanks to the poems you wrote.

That's not it. I'm not talking about the Poetry Conference.

Don't you know what's going on?

Now, I...

Everyone in the palace is saying that I'm her...

They say that I'm Princess Lin An's male escort.

That's a baseless accusation.

I would never do such a thing.

- I'm sure... - I'm sure she's trying to drive a wedge between you two.

Princess Royal won't fall for such a petty trick.

I'm glad to hear that.

- I thought... - Don't worry.

Her Highness doesn't blame you for this at all.

And, she sympathizes with you.

She believes that you're a loyal subject.

Her Highness is wise and understanding indeed.

Your Highness!

It's your turn.

I'll give it a shot, then.

Your Highness!

A flock of crows passes through, crossing the water to drink,

while a spring swallow returns, mistakenly identifying its kin.

Wait. What does she mean? Is she trying to avoid me?

Her Highness is quite far away. I'm afraid she didn't see you.

- She did see me. - She didn't.

- We saw each other! - Just trust me!

Gang, listen to my explanation.

- Leave! - Gang, I just arrived.

Don't tell me she believed the rumors? Gang!

Her Highness will definitely find you later!

Come back and explain yourself!

What is he doing here?

He said he had something urgent to handle.

But Your Highness, don't worry. I've sent him away.

Luckily, you discovered him early.

Seems like Xu Qi An is a formidable foe.

Don't you think that Foster Father values him too much?

How long did it take for you to share a carriage with Foster Father?

Three years.

Even I took one year and four months to achieve that, you know?

But Xu Qi An achieved that in less than three months since joining us.

He knows how to adapt to Lord Wei's temper.

- That's not strange. - Foster Father likes Li Yu Chun too.

That's not it.

I'm sure there's another reason behind it.

Where does Xu Qi An come from?

What? Do you intend to form a marriage alliance with Lord Wei?

Hurry and tell me.

Just tell me already.

Xu Qi An comes from the capital.

His hometown is different from Lord Wei's.

They're not from the same place.

Are you sure about that?

Yes.

- Guys, aren't you all tired? - Here comes your talent.

Yan?

Guys, my boss is here.

You all may put me down now.

I'm serious.

Sorry for the trouble. It must've been tiring.

Guys, you all may go now.

Go now. It's fine now.

Xu Qi An.

You come from the capital, right?

Yes or no?

I guess so.

- Have you already been to Wenyuan Pavilion? - Not yet.

Have you met Princess Royal, then?

I guess so.

You met Princess Royal but didn't go to Wenyuan Pavilion, huh?

Why did you come out, then?

I don't know why either.

Just when I was about to speak with Princess Royal upon seeing her,

they carried me out,

just like what you guys saw.

Let me tell you what's going on.

The wheel of fortune turns, you know?

Don't think that you're very popular

and that everyone likes you, you know?

Wait.

Why are you taking a dig at me?

Ning Yan.

Sir?

Ning Yan, Princess Royal is requesting your presence.

Lead the way.

Your Highness, it's your turn.

The last word in your first verse needs to be the word "water."

That's a tough one.

Your Highness, what's wrong?

In all of the poems Xu Qi An had given me,

none of them end with the word "water."

What should we do, then?

Brother, I think she has to drink this time.

Huai Qing is the only person

who hasn't received any punishment as of now.

She does live up to her reputation as the most talented woman in Dafeng.

- Fill up her cup. - Time to drink.

Lin An is already impatient. Am I right, Brother?

Come on, drink up.

That's right. Drink up.

Drunk, he knows not the sky is afloat in the water.

A boat laden with sweet dreams weighs down the starry river.

What are you doing...

Drunk, he knows not the sky is afloat in the water.

A boat laden with sweet dreams

weighs down the starry river, huh?

Excellent poem.

This is an elusive poem indeed.

It's opposing yet rich in meaning.

May I know who you are?

I'm Xu Qi An.

I'm also one of Princess Huai Qing's guests.

Xu Qi An? That name sounds familiar.

Isn't that Lin An's male escort?

I came all the way here to look for you.

I was mistaken.

Mister,

which princess's guest are you?

Master.

A confidant is hard to find,

and a bosom friend is the rarest kind!

What have I done to deserve

the recognition of both princesses at the same time?

I'm fearful

and grateful at the same time.

Unfortunately, just as a fine horse cannot bear two saddles,

a loyal subject cannot serve two masters.

Although I'm just a minor figure,

I have my own principles to abide by.

Princess Huai Qing, you have shown me great recognition.

Without you,

I don't know where I'll be.

I would've been at the mercy of others.

As for Princess Lin An,

as a princess, I'm sure you can appreciate

my desire of repaying one's favor.

As for the offer you've given me,

I'm deeply honored and surprised by it.

However, I have no choice but to refuse your offer.

Your Highness, please don't put me on the spot here.

Princess Huai Qing, the male escort incident is purely a misunderstanding.

May we clear up this misunderstanding

so that I can regain your trust?

I...

I...

Your Highness, you still don't trust me, huh?

I, Xu Qi An, hereby swear a vow.

I am willing to give my heart and soul

and to dedicate myself completely

to Princess Huai Qing alone.

This...

Is he mistaken?

You got the wrong person.

- Over here... - Sir, that's enough.

That's Princess Huai Qing.

Princess Lin An, stop pulling such childish tricks.

- Your Highness! - Lin An!

Hurry and summon the imperial physician!

- Your Highness! - Summon the imperial physician!

Hurry!

No need for that.

Summon the members of Astronomical Bureau.

Lin An once suffered a relapse at the Astronomical Bureau.

They have the right medication for her symptoms.

That's right. The Astronomical Bureau.

She'll be fine now.

Let's head to the Astronomical Bureau.

Hurry and summon the imperial physician!

It's fine. He'll regain consciousness soon.

- Let's go back, then. - Brother, come to my place.

- Mister, join us. - Let's go.

What's with the happy conversation?

It looks like a serious conversation to me.

I only found out about that just now.

That's the gist of it.

Your Highness, please pardon me

if I've offended you in any way.

The weather is great today.

Join me for a walk.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Why are they leaving? - I don't know.

- Where are they going? - I don't know.

Yesterday, Lingbao Court invented a new golden elixir.

I'll tell them to deliver one to you later.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

One golden elixir

in exchange for a chess piece.

It's reasonable, right?

It is.

Your Majesty, your formation is quite disorganized.

Let me organize it

for you.

Excellent methods.

All these years,

the one I value the most is you, Wei Yuan.

I would often think about

what if

you didn't join the palace.

What if you took the imperial examination instead?

If so, would there be an extra official in the empire?

If so, I wouldn't need to care about the trivial affairs.

Your Majesty,

aren't I serving you all the same now?

Wrong!

Didn't you see that?

There's an ambush here.

I know my fault now.

I'm inferior in chess.

If you don't get rid of it,

it'll surely cause trouble for you.

How's the investigation on the case in Sangbo?

The files sent by the Prefecture Office and Ministry of Justice are messy.

I remember

that the main official in charge is a criminal.

It's a Copper Guardian with the surname Xu.

That's right. His name is Xu Qi An.

He's quite resourceful.

He solved the cases related to the banner officials and Zhou Chi Xiong.

He was also the one who pointed out the location of the gunpowder.

I've heard of him before.

He has a clear train of thought.

He's an expert at solving cases.

Has he made any progress, then?

He has.

Magistrate Zhao of Taikang County

was found dead in the Prefecture Office's cell

yesterday before dawn.

Magistrate Chen has reported the case to me.

His cause of death was natural.

There were no external wounds.

Poison wasn't detected.

There weren't even any hints of suffocation and so on.

If it wasn't the Dark Deity of the Three Clans,

it must be the work of the wizards in the northern regions.

Tell me, then. How's your progress?

Your Highness,

Zhou Chi Xiong evaded the Qi Observation Skill and escaped the capital.

I'm sure he used a magical weapon to achieve that.

Therefore, I wish to use that as my breakthrough point.

Through tracking the magical weapons, I...

I already know all of that.

What else is there? Don't tell me that's all you got?

Your Highness, what else would you like to know?

I have reviewed your case records.

You found the Astronomical Bureau's sealing formation under Sangbo Lake.

And, the sealing pillars contained inscriptions from Heaven.

Did you continue your investigation on that?

Your Highness,

Lord Wei ordered me not to investigate the Sangbo Lake incident.

I dare not disobey his order.

And, regarding why the Kui Tribe blew up the Yongzhen Nature Temple,

that's another questionable point in itself.

That's also the other breakthrough point for the case.

Someone or something terrifying

is indeed sealed away under Yongzhen Nature Temple.

And, Father is the only person who knows about the secret.

Lord Wei didn't allow you to investigate it

because he's trying to protect you.

(She even knew that?)

Continue. Tell me your speculation.

Zhou Chi Xiong is merely a Rank Eight warrior,

yet, he was able to carry out such a grand conspiracy

and even use a magical weapon to escape.

I suspect that one of the officials is backing him up in secret.

And, this person might be related to the saltpeter case in Mount Dahuang

and the disappearance of the tax money.

Maybe there's a large organization behind their operation.

And, their goal is to...

What do you mean?

I dare not speak recklessly.

However, this case is related to the Kui Tribe.

And, they intend to unleash the sealed being or object under the lake.

It's more than just a game of power.

If one holds a position in the imperial court,

they'll have a chance to collude with the Kui Tribe in secret.