Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 19)

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.

Xu Qi An, how dare you!

Are you accusing the Lord of the North?

The Lord of the North?

Yes, Your Majesty.

It's been years since he last returned

to the capital, hasn't it?

Your Majesty,

do you have any plans

to summon him back to the capital?

For all these years,

I've never beat you at chess.

It's become rather dull.

Your Majesty,

chess is like cultivating the mind.

I'd be honored

to play with you again.

You will play with him.

Cultivate your mind.

Yes, Father.

I wouldn't dare.

I know nothing of the power dynamics in the court.

My only focus is on solving this case.

How could I make such accusations?

Lord Wei was right.

You really are an interesting person.

Will you

serve me?

It would be my greatest honor.

However, I am already an advisor of Princess Lin An.

Though I was deceived into it, the fact remains.

If I were to pledge allegiance to you now,

it might stir rumors.

I'm unbothered by such gossip,

but I fear it could tarnish your reputation.

Such things won't bother me either.

Then I vow to serve you with unwavering loyalty.

- Get up. - Yes, Your Highness.

I'm taking you to Wenyuan Pavilion.

Yes, Your Highness.

Come here and take a look.

Within the boundaries of the capital,

aside from those in the palace,

Yunlu Academy,

and the Astronomical Bureau,

this is the only artifact capable of blocking the Qi Observation technique.

Which treasure are you interested in?

That string of Bodhi beads.

That'll be 600 taels, sir.

Thanks!

(No way.)

(Could it have been Zhou Chi Xiong in the carriage back then?)

(No, it couldn't be.)

(Jin Lian said the person in there was a woman.)

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Nothing. I've gone through all the records here,

but there's still no mention of a related artifact.

The variety of artifacts is vast.

It's impossible for all of them to be documented in the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Looks like today's search will yield nothing.

However, I did recall one incident

that might be connected to an artifact.

About a year ago,

Lord Yu's daughter, Princess Ping Yang,

fled the capital to escape an arranged marriage.

Father was furious

and ordered the sorcerers of the Astronomical Bureau

to track her using Qi Observation technique,

but they found nothing in the end.

Could it be that Princess Ping Yang

also had an artifact on her?

I can't say for certain.

However, there's one person

who was particularly close to Ping Yang.

Someone you know quite well.

Don't tell me...

Lin An.

Your Highness, the weather is so nice today.

It's a perfect day for kicking ball.

Your Highness, I just went to Guiyue Restaurant

and bought your favorite snacks

and some chilled yogurt.

They're absolutely delicious.

You haven't eaten yet.

How about getting up and having a taste?

Xu Qi An

is a conniving dog,

a scoundrel!

Your Highness.

You are a noble princess of this empire,

favored by His Majesty.

You have countless capable

and talented people at your disposal.

Don't obsess over one insignificant Xu Qi An.

He can write poetry.

What's so important about poetry?

Even without the Poetry Conference,

with your brilliance,

you can still overshadow Princess Huai Qing.

- Really? - Of course!

Then tell me, what brilliance do I have?

You guys tell me!

Big, beautiful eyes.

A wonderful temperament.

Excellent at playing shuttlecock.

And you raise cats.

See, Your Highness?

They casually mentioned four amazing qualities right away.

Your Highness...

I am a proud princess of Dafeng,

favored by His Majesty.

While I may lack talents...

That's not true!

While I may lack talents,

I can gather the most brilliant minds under my wing as my advisors.

You're right.

There are countless skilled and clever people in this vast empire.

Xu Qi An is just one talent.

Consider him a gift from me to Huai Qing!

That's the spirit, Your Highness!

You've finally bounced back!

Bounced back, indeed!

I thought Xu Qi An would at least struggle with some sense of loyalty

and be torn between me and Huai Qing.

But no,

he didn't hesitate for even a moment.

Who am I?

I am Dafeng's number one princess!

I have my pride too.

From this day forward,

I swear never to see him again.

We are sworn enemies!

Yes! Sworn enemies!

Your Highness, I'll start searching for new advisors for you immediately.

I refuse to believe

that in this vast empire,

only Xu Qi An can match our needs.

- That's right. Let's leave right now! - Come on!

Your Highness!

Lord Xu is at the door, requesting an audience.

Xu Qi An,

what are you doing here?

Miss Gang, I'm here to see Huai Qing...

I mean, Princess Lin An.

Could you please let her know?

Her Highness is furious.

She won't see you. Go away.

Her Highness is angry?

Who's the fool that upset her?

Tell me, and I'll deal with him!

Did he really say that?

Your Highness, why are you still smiling?

He's so shameless.

He's clearly going against you,

but still acting like nothing is wrong.

But

I did lie to him first.

He upset me once,

so I suppose we're even now.

Hang on, Your Highness,

didn't you just say you two were sworn enemies?

Yes,

but don't I also say

I'll kick you out of the palace all the time?

Those are just words of anger,

they don't count.

No, Your Highness.

If you let him off this easily,

he'll think you're a pushover.

He won't take you seriously

in the future.

You're right.

I have to teach him a lesson.

It's been two hours now.

She hasn't sent me away,

but she hasn't come out to see me either.

Could it be

she is trying to teach me a lesson?

(Shaoyin Palace)

Waiting like this won't solve anything.

(I've got an idea.)

Is he still here?

Who?

Yes, he's still here.

He really is sincere.

Bring him in.

Your Highness!

You can't.

Why?

If he can't endure

a little heat as a test of his loyalty,

how can you expect him to serve you with unwavering dedication?

I understand,

- but... - Your Highness!

Lord Xu just passed out outside.

He passed out?

He said he's been standing too long under the blazing sun.

The heat overwhelmed him,

and it aggravated the old wounds

from when he fought the Silver Guardian a few days ago.

I didn't tell him to stand in the scorching sun.

He said it's a show of sincerity.

Sincerity?

Lord Xu also said that if he can't endure this small test,

how can he ever serve you with unwavering loyalty in the future?

Those are my words!

Your words?

He also said we should leave him be.

He'll wait until you forgive him, Your Highness.

He swore to endure the blazing sun,

to wait until the end of time.

He's sweet-talking me.

Smooth talker!

He thinks he can earn your forgiveness with this nonsense. Dream on!

Bring him in.

No!

Your Highness!

You're just going to let him off like that?

We've taught him a lesson now.

But he's clearly doing this on purpose!

I know.

But with the sun so harsh out there,

even if he weren't injured,

he'd still get heatstroke.

Your Highness,

don't forgive him so easily.

Gang, let's just let it go.

- Your Highness... - Gang...

- Your Highness... - Gang...

I forbid it!

As long as I'm here, you're not going out to see him.

Who's the Princess here?

Who calls the shots in Shaoyin Palace?

It's you, of course.

Bring him in then.

Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Lord Wei.

The moon sets, crows cry, frost blankets the skies;

a fisherman's light

reflects my sleepless sorrow.

Spring's colors vex the weary...

Is this really a poem by Lin An?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, even the scholars at the Imperial Academy have praised

Princess Lin An's remarkable progress.

They've even said that with time,

Her Highness will undoubtedly become a rising star of poetry,

rivaling Princess Huai Qing.

- Truly, she is my daughter! - Yes.

Once she finds her spark, she has potential.

Yes.

Wei Yuan, take a look at this poem Lin An composed.

Congratulations, Father.

Looks like Lin An is ready to shine at the Poetry Conference.

What do you think?

Ensure this is well preserved.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

the Spirit Dragon has just surfaced.

The Spirit Dragon?

It has been some time since I last saw it.

However, it seems unusually restless today,

or rather, agitated.

A few of the princes attempted to ride it,

but they were all thrown off.

Strange.

The Spirit Dragon is usually gentle and obedient

toward the royal family.

Why would it suddenly act out?

- Let's check it out. - Yes, Father.

Eunuch, please wait.

Were any of my Night Guardians by the lakeside today?

Yes. Lord Xu,

who composed a poem that received much praise from the crowd.

Why do you ask, Lord Wei?

Nothing.

What's gotten into you?

The princes have played with you since they were little.

Why did you toss them into the water?

It's been years since I've come to see you.

Perhaps you've been feeling lonely.

Your Majesty, your benevolence shines eternal.

As soon as you arrived, the Spirit Dragon became so exuberant.

Its earlier odd behavior

must have been due to missing you.

(Shaoyin Palace)

- Your Highness. - Your Highness, he's awake.

Your humble servant have come to see you, Princess Lin An.

My humble servant?

Yes, your humble servant.

Didn't you already leave with Huai Qing?

Why have you returned?

Lord Wei ordered me to.

For the sake of the case, I had no choice but to go.

Once the matter was resolved, I came immediately to seek your forgiveness.

What is there to forgive?

I've made three mistakes.

First, I failed to congratulate you promptly

on winning first place at the Poetry Conference.

Second, as your advisor,

I failed to realize you were upset.

- Third... - Enough. Just get to the point.

- What's your real purpose here? - Purpose?

I'm only here to apologize.

Didn't you

swear to follow Huai Qing,

unwavering and loyal to the end?

Didn't you?

What happened? Did she not accept you?

She did offer,

but I refused.

Your Highness, you've always treated me with sincerity.

How could I change allegiances so easily?

Huai Qing's token?

- She forced it on me. - You deceitful, two-faced scoundrel!

Looks like

you still don't understand me.

Understand what?

You don't understand the helplessness of someone like me,

a commoner with no power.

In a time

of political storms,

when fear and uncertainty reign,

my family was dragged into the tax money scandal

and offended Vice Minister Zhou.

I was imprisoned three times and faced execution.

It was Princess Huai Qing who recommended me to the Night Guardians

and saved my family from ruin.

Tell me,

how could I refuse her?

I'm nothing more than a condemned man awaiting execution.

If it weren't Princess Huai Qing,

but a prince,

a minor official, or even a eunuch

offering me a lifeline,

how could I say no?

Isn't that right,

Princess Lin An?

Alright.

Get up.

Although I hold Princess Huai Qing's token,

my heart

will always belong to you, Your Highness.

Spare me your sweet talk.

I'm not buying it.

You embarrassed me in front of everyone...

But it was because I lied to you first.

Besides,

I don't really know Wei Yuan well,

and I didn't ask the Imperial Astronomer to give you the black-gold sword.

I only said I did

because I wanted to

earn your loyalty.

After everything that had happened,

let's call it even.

Your Highness,

you are so understanding.

From now on,

focus on being my advisor.

As for Huai Qing...

If you're worried that you can't refuse her,

I'll figure something out to keep you

from being caught in the middle.

That would be for the best.

Your Highness,

I've been thinking about settling down.

Huh?

Settling down firmly in your service.

Have you lost your mind?

What is this?

This is my unwavering heart to you.

I've told you,

flattery won't work on me.

If there's nothing else, you can leave now.

Is there something else you want to say?

No.

Then go.

I'll

take my leave

then.

Stop dragging your feet.

If you've got something to say, spit it out.

Actually, there is something.

Do you happen to know

Princess Ping Yang?

Your Highness,

Lord Xu has managed to meet with Princess Lin An, as you expected.

They are now walking toward the imperial garden together.

What have you found?

Princess Ping Yang might be connected to the Sangbo case,

but it's just a theory at this stage.

The case is still tangled,

and her whereabouts remain a mystery.

To uncover the truth, I need you to tell me everything you know

about her disappearance.

Promise me you won't share this with anyone else.

I swear,

this stays between us.

I don't even know where to begin...

Ping Yang was my closest friend in the palace,

the kindest soul

I've ever known.

Lin An, come quickly!

Coming!

Here, hold this.

(Princess Ping Yang)

Lin An, hand me the scissors.

- Catch, Lin An. - Alright.

We mustn't let anyone find out.

Hurry!

We grew up together.

Of all the people in the entire Dafeng,

she understood me the most.

Despite our noble status,

being born into the royal family

meant we were taught to be composed and graceful from a young age,

never really free to be ourselves.

Lin An!

You and Ping Yang, a princess and a county princess no less,

climbing trees to pick pomegranates?

What kind of behavior is this?

Come now, calm down.

Let's sit and talk.

But we were fortunate

to find each other and become best friends.

She was like

a reflection of me in a mirror.

Still dare to climb trees for pomegranates?

Watch me!

I thought

life would just pass quietly.

We would grow up, get married,

and grow old.

But...

I never expected her

to have such big ambitions,

to be braver than I ever could be.

Are you referring to

Princess Ping Yang's decision to escape her arranged marriage?

At the time, I didn't realize it,

but now I see it clearly.

Perhaps it all started when we met him in Qinglong Hall.

That moment

planted the seeds of her escape.

Qinglong Hall?

He was

a traveler of Qinglong Hall.

His name is Heng Hui.

- Here. - Thank you.

- And this. - Thank you.

During that time, we often visited Qinglong Hall

to help those unfortunate children.

Lin An.

Are you alright? Don't cry.

You'll be fine.

It won't hurt anymore once I apply medicine later.

(Heng Hui)

Heng Hui appeared during that time.

As we kept meeting,

we gradually became acquainted.

Jianzhou lies northwest of the capital of Dafeng.

If you take the waterways from Jiangzhou, you'll reach Jianzhou eventually.

The region is famed for its rugged mountains

and treacherous waters,

earning it the name "Heaven's Barrier."

There's even a legend of an evil dragon lurking in the waterways,

stirring up storms

for any travelers who dare to pass.

Heng Hui was a traveler,

someone who had seen all the famous mountains, rivers,

and customs of Dafeng.

I envied him,

and I imagine Ping Yang must be too.

It's so sweet.

Try it.

Lower. A little lower.

You're amazing!

Then came the day

when Father arranged a marriage for Ping Yang.

Afterward, she asked me,

"If a person could grow wings,

would they be free from these high walls?"

I had a feeling then

that one day she would do something shocking.

But I never thought...

Lin An,

I'm leaving.

You can't!

How will you two avoid the royal patrols?

The Astronomical Bureau has Qi Observation technique.

If they catch you,

your lives will be ruined!

Lin An,

don't worry.

We've made all the necessary arrangements.

I just wanted

to see you one last time before I go.

- But... - The world is vast

and full of wonders.

I don't want to waste my life trapped in this gilded cage.

Heng Hui's travelog

only covers Dafeng,

but I want my footprints to span the entire world.

Lin An,

will you keep this a secret for me?

I will.

When I reach the southern lands,

I'll write to you.

Wait for me.

I promise, I'll come back for you.

And just like that,

Ping Yang left.

Princess Ping Yang's escape

concerns Lord Yu

and the royal family's reputation.

It could shake the entire court.

And it did.

It caused an uproar in the capital.

Even the family that was to be allied

through marriage suffered the fallout.

My uncle, Lord Yu,

retreated from politics.

I heard

that Lord Yu passed away from illness brought on by anger

over Princess Ping Yang's escape.

That's not true.

While Uncle was upset about Ping Yang fleeing the marriage,

it was the attacks from his political enemies

that ultimately drove him to collapse.

Political enemies?

Do you know who was it?

I don't.

Now there's only

my aunt left in the family.

She's been devastated,

bedridden,

and nearly cried herself blind.

Your Highness, don't blame yourself.

None of this is your fault.

The world is full of regrets

and cruel twists of fate.

You're right.

What matters now

is finding out where my Ping Yang is.

Has Princess Ping Yang ever resurfaced since?

Never.

Not even

for Uncle's funeral.

What if that Heng Hui wasn't a good person,

or they encountered danger on their journey?

Don't worry, Your Highness.

They left with a powerful artifact that can conceal their presence.

If they wanted to stay hidden,

it wouldn't be difficult.

Maybe.

But Ping Yang didn't intend to hide from me.

She told me all the places she planned to visit.

After everything blew over,

I discreetly sent people to search for her,

but it was like she vanished into thin air.

Vanished?

Did you try asking about Heng Hui

at the Qinglong Hall?

I did.

He was nowhere to be found too.

Even...

Even his only close associate disappeared.

You mean Heng Yuan?

Yes.

He's not someone you'd want to cross.

I see.

Thank you. The clues you've given me are incredibly helpful.

You've really been a great help this time, Your Highness.

Careful, Your Majesty.

- Father! - Your Majesty...

Don't hurt it!

Father,

what's wrong with the Spirit Dragon?

It's trying to run.

Stop it!

If you find any news about Ping Yang,

remember to let me know.

Of course.

Heaven

and

Earth Slash!

It's okay. I'm right here.

(Is it afraid?)

Don't provoke it!

Stop.

Protect Lin An.

Don't be afraid.

- Protect His Majesty! - Back off! It won't hurt anyone!

Don't be afraid.

It's alright.

Don't be afraid.

Come on.

Yes, come.

It's alright.

Don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid.

Good boy.

Father!

Hey, guys, this little chubby one is under your watch, right?

Does it eat a lot?

- Father! - Are you hurt?

Alright now.

It's alright. You're safe now.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

You've done well.

What is your name?

Your Majesty, I am Xu Qi An.

So, you are Xu Qi An.

Your Majesty,

this is indeed the very Xu Qi An investigating the Sangbo case.

He's also the one who cracked the tax money case.

A Night Guardian.

Lin An has told me about you before.

A promising young man indeed.

Father, Xu Qi An saved me.

Shouldn't he be rewarded?

Of course.

Night Guardian Xu Qi An,

you protected the princess.

You shall receive 1,000 taels of gold

and 500 bolts of fine silk.

That's not enough!

He saved my life, after all.

I'd like to request that you pardon

his death sentence.

I've granted him the opportunity

to atone for his crimes.

My word is law.

I can't just change it.

The deadline

remains at two weeks.

If you solve the Sangbo case within that time,

your death sentence will naturally be revoked.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Beast.