Original subtitles

[Episode 16]

[Nanhuai Army Headquarters]

This military report just came in.

The Qi Army has launched a sudden attack on Luanjiang City, held by the Cheng Army.

The Cheng Army is urgently requesting our help.

But the Qi Army is at its peak now.

If we intervene rashly, we'll invite trouble.

It's not worth the risk.

I agree.

We've just recruited many new soldiers.

They haven't finished their training yet.

Sending an unready army on a long expedition would be far too risky.

We should fortify our base and see how things unfold.

- Let's wait and see. - Caution is best at a time like this.

- Exactly. - Let's wait and see.

What is it?

Do you have an idea?

The Qi Army has deployed tens of thousands of troops.

Why go to such great lengths for a mere Luanjiang City?

What are you implying?

I believe that once the Cheng Army falls,

their real target will be our military stronghold in Pingzhou.

Pingzhou's rough terrain makes it easy to defend.

They wouldn't attack it.

Father.

Good reminder.

I'll send more troops there to prepare for battle.

That's all.

[Xiangxi Hotel]

Then it's settled.

- Alright. - Take care.

No need to see us out.

How does a lady this pretty end up a drunkard?

Li, tell me.

Is Yu Chang Xuan hiding someone at Maple Mansion?

What kind of drunk talk is that?

How is that possible?

Rui Tong and I go there every day.

Chang Xuan is just busy with military affairs.

Liar.

Then let me drive you there, and you can see for yourself.

When we get there, you can search every inch of the place.

See if you can find a single soul.

That's enough. No more drinking.

Men are all alike.

Always bullying me.

Always.

Don't you dare remember how pathetic I look today.

I'm basically your sister-in-law.

Master Chang Xuan.

Master Chang Xuan.

How is Miss Ye today?

She had a good appetite.

I think Miss Ye and you are getting along better and better.

You came in so quietly.

Why didn't you say something?

A poem just came to mind.

"The peach tree is young and elegant. Brilliant are its flowers.

The lady is going to her future home. And will order well her chamber and house."

Nonsense.

These aren't even peach blossoms.

No flower is as beautiful as you.

I passed by Hengyuan Jewelry today and saw a pair of earrings.

I thought they'd suit you perfectly.

Then put them on for me.

Do they look good?

Beautiful.

Yu Chang Xuan.

You promised to give me time.

We agreed to take things slow.

I'll do whatever you say.

Come in.

Master Chang Xuan, everything is ready.

I've prepared a surprise for you tonight.

Okay.

Tonight's fireworks are just for you.

Thank you.

- It's beautiful. - Like flowers. So pretty.

Are you cold?

I'll have a servant fetch you a blanket.

I'm fine. My shawl is in the living room.

I'll get it myself.

- I'll go with you. - I'll be right back.

- It's so beautiful. - It really is.

- This one is pretty too. - It's like a dream.

- So beautiful. - It is.

- There are plenty more. - It's so beautiful.

Look!

Go check on Miss Ye. Why isn't she back yet?

Yes, sir.

Master Chang Xuan.

The bleeding has stopped. But her body is cold.

Monitor her temperature and pulse and document the readings.

Yu Chang Xuan.

I'll agree to your terms.

I must have owed you in a past life.

Master Chang Xuan, Miss Ye is awake.

But she is very weak right now. She needs rest.

So all the wonderful days were just a setup.

Just when I had the most hope, you tried to kill yourself.

You used that to get back at me.

You win.

You can leave.

Whether you live or die...

let's never see each other again.

Go.

Mr. Ma.

Love in this world must be mutual.

It cannot be forced.

But your appearance has completely disrupted my life.

We'd best not cross paths ever again.

Yu Chang Xuan, do you have any idea how much I hate you right now?

I want you to suffer forever.

I wish you'd rot in hell!

Yu Chang Xuan.

I'll agree to your terms.

I must have owed you in a past life.

Go.

Tanghulu for sale!

Sweet and delicious Tanghulu!

Mom, slow down.

The doctor said you just had surgery.

You need rest to recover.

Look who's talking.

You're so pale, with no color in your cheeks.

I'm fine.

I just caught a bit of a cold a few days ago.

Xue Ting's sentence was reduced thanks to Han Zhi.

Shouldn't we prepare a gift and thank her in person?

No need.

I mean...

Han Zhi is busy preparing for her graduation exams.

When she's available, I'll thank her properly.

I just hope Xue Ting can come home soon.

So our family can finally be reunited.

Mom, let me help you back inside.

[Nanhuai Army Headquarters]

The Qi Army has taken the Cheng Army's territory.

Its vanguard is now advancing along the valley rapidly towards Pingzhou.

Chang Xuan saw this coming.

His prediction was spot-on.

Where is the 7th Brigade stationed?

As you ordered, they've built fortifications on the front line.

We must drive the Qi Army back to Luanjiang City.

Commander-in-Chief, please allow me to lead the troops into battle at Luanjiang City.

Chang Xuan.

You lack the experience to command on your own.

Then let Uncle Zhang come with me. He'll oversee and guide the operation.

Also, the Nanhuai Arsenal's new weapons are already in mass production.

The first batch is nearly ready.

With these weapons, we'll surely win this battle.

Commander-in-Chief, please give me this chance.

Alright.

I'll have Uncle Zhang and your brother-in-law go with you.

You must win this battle.

Failure is not an option.

Yes, sir! I won't let you down, Commander-in-Chief.

Shouldn't you reconsider going to Luanjiang City?

Hey, don't be so hasty.

I know you're hurting.

But don't put yourself in danger.

I've already decided. That's it.

Is this because of Ye Ping Jun?

Don't mention her name again.

She has nothing to do with me.

What do you mean by "nothing"?

You--

Chang Xuan, think about it again.

This...

See that?

He's still acting tough.

Ye Ping Jun must have broken him. That's why he's like this.

Don't presume to know him.

We both know he's been waiting for a chance to prove himself.

Yes, that's part of it.

I'm not finished yet.

Rui Tong, let me tell you.

Nothing escapes my eyes. You hear me?

Keep an eye on him. You...

By the time you act, it'll be too late.

What's wrong with you people?

[Yu's Mansion]

This one, too.

Bring another box.

Salvia, goji berries, deer antlers, and bird's nest.

If I don't pack these now, you won't find any in that godforsaken place.

These are fine things.

And this one.

I almost forgot. Go find two chefs.

He doesn't know how to cook.

- Okay. - Go ahead.

Why?

There's no need, Bao Ru.

Mom.

Ginseng, deer antlers, crabs, shrimp, and rose dew.

Have you packed them all?

Yes, I have.

And the maids and servants in this house.

Pack them all into that box for Chang Xuan.

Don't you worry. I've thought of everything.

It's best to pack Father's whip too.

It might remind him to behave.

Are you quite finished?

Bao Ru, that's enough.

He's going to war, not running a business.

- How's he supposed to manage all that stuff? - Exactly.

What's wrong with caring for my son?

This all happened so suddenly.

I haven't had time to prepare.

My mind is all over the place, and I can't stop worrying.

Didn't I arrange for Zhang Xiao Xian and Bing Wen to accompany him?

Usually, he gets credit for others' hard work.

But true gold must be refined by fire.

This is an opportunity he fought for himself.

Let him gain some experience.

I'm still worried.

Father already said he has a strategist and a brigade commander with him.

He's a grown man. What could go wrong?

I think he needs some real battle experience.

A few hits won't hurt.

Look at Xiao Bei Chen from Jiangbei.

Only a year or two older, yet he's already a legendary soldier--

Yu Qi Xuan.

You sure get excited when talking about someone else's brother, huh?

You think he's better than yours?

Then go ask him to be your brother.

If you look down on your brother, get out.

Out! Don't take up space here.

- That's enough. - This list--

It's not that she looks down on her brother.

Exactly.

[Pillar of the North: Xiao Bei Chen] Is this the Xiao Bei Chen you mentioned?

Yes. Thank you, Father.

You, check this against the list.

Why are you looking for me?

Miss Ye.

Did you know Chang Xuan is heading off to fight at Luanjiang City the day after tomorrow?

That's none of my concern.

None of your concern?

Chang Xuan got your Jiang Xue Ting out safely.

And you don't care what happens to him, huh?

He's the one who forced everything.

Now you expect me to care about him.

How does that make sense?

Fine.

You can blame him or resent him all you want.

But let me tell you this.

Jiang Xue Ting was a spy in the Yu Army.

Surely Chang Xuan didn't force him to do that, did he?

Given his crimes, he should have been executed.

Why is he walking free?

Because Chang Xuan begged the Commander-in-Chief, all for you.

He knelt all night through the wind and pouring rain.

And another thing, about your mother's surgery.

You didn't really think the hospital did its best out of some kindness, did you?

It was Chang Xuan.

He drove to Jinping overnight to keep the specialist who could do the surgery.

He crashed on the way and got hurt, but didn't even stop to get treated.

When the surgery was over, he rushed back to tell you the good news.

And how did you treat him?

That knife of yours almost stabbed him right in the heart.

I... didn't know any of this.

That's because he never wanted you to know how much he did for you.

Yes, he used to be quite a jerk.

He said many hurtful things to you and forced you to stay by his side.

But that's because...

he never knew how to love someone properly.

Miss Ye.

I came here today to tell you all this,

not to make you feel sorry for him, nor to beg you to like him.

How you feel for him is between the two of you.

But he's done so much for you

and you had no idea.

It's not fair to him.

Or to you.

A telegram from "Blacksmith."

It's confirmed that Yu Chang Xuan will lead the Yu Army to Luanjiang City.

Kuang Bing Wen will be his deputy, and Zhang Xiao Xian his advisor.

Old Devil Yu finally lets his precious son face real battle.

He used to have his son pampered.

But on the battlefield, bullets have no eyes.

Whether emperor or commoner, everyone only has one life.

Commander, this is a golden opportunity to get rid of Yu Chang Xuan.

We don't even need to lift a finger.

Someone else will do it for us.

Let's sit tight and wait for the good news.

[Commander]

It was Chang Xuan.

He drove to Jinping overnight to keep the specialist who could do the surgery.

He crashed on the way and got hurt, but didn't even stop to get treated.

And how did you treat him?

That knife of yours almost stabbed him right in the heart.

He's had you in his heart for a long time.

He said many hurtful things to you and forced you to stay by his side.

But that's because...

he never knew how to love someone properly.

Excuse me. Please, let me through.

- Woof. - Woof.

- Woof. - Woof.

- Woof. - Woof.

- Woof. - Louder.

- Don't you know how to bark? - Woof.

- Woof. - That sounds terrible.

- Woof. - Woof.

[Zhao Cheng Hai]

[Deputy Regimental Commander, 9th Army Corps] Who didn't make a sound?

Woof.

Get them.

Still won't bark?

I'll teach you a lesson.

You little brat. Trying to be a hero, are you?

Give it to me.

- A hero, huh? - Don't!

- A hero, huh? - Stop!

Get lost!

Still won't bark?

Deputy Regimental Commander, if you keep going, you'll kill them.

So what if someone dies?

Don't I always take the fall for you guys?

Beat them to death. Now!

Hit them harder!

Enough.

If you want to learn how to be a man, you must first learn how to be a dog.

Understand?

I think those ears of yours are of no use.

There's no point in keeping them.

Do you dare to shoot?

Do you have the guts, you dog?

I'm a dead man either way.

I'm taking you with me.

Stop!

Put down your guns.

Put them down!

Put them down, now. Come on.

Corps Commander.

The telegram said you were still two or three days away.

I didn't expect you to get here so soon.

If I hadn't arrived early, how could I have seen all this?

From the looks of it, you really did live up to my expectations.

Corps Commander, I...

I had good reason to punish these soldiers.

They were caught brawling.

Look, they're all bleeding.

If word gets out, we'll be accused of lax discipline, and morale will collapse.

It would tarnish the Yu Army's reputation.

So I was just punishing them as a warning.

That's not true, Corps Commander.

It's his orderly, Ma Liu.

He keeps pocketing my pay and calls it a "tribute."

When I refuse, he finds ways to torture me.

We were truly driven to desperation.

You brat! You're lying!

I'm still here.

Are you going to make the call for me?

I wouldn't dare.

- Arrest Zhao Cheng Hai! - Yes, sir!

Corps Commander, why?

I have confirmed that Deputy Regimental Commander Zhao Cheng Hai

has long neglected his duties and made a habit of bullying his men.

His crimes are numerous.

We now have both witnesses and evidence.

What else do you have to say?

Corps Commander, is that all?

I plead guilty.

So tell me, what's my punishment? A fine?

The guns and ammunition my uncle donated could equip an entire regiment.

And I'm only a mere Deputy Regimental Commander.

I've put up with it all. Did I ever complain?

Since you've confessed, you'll be shot at once.

Shot? No way.

Even the Corps Commander has to show some respect.

He's just trying to scare him.

He won't actually kill him.

Corps Commander, you'd shoot me?

Do you know who my uncle is?

The Yu Army's food, its uniforms, and its bullets...

All of them were paid by the Zhao family.

I just bullied a few low-ranking soldiers.

And you're going to shoot me?

What about all that money my family put in?

Chang Xuan.

The Zhao family provides our army with massive funds and supplies every year.

His uncle is a titan in the business world.

And he has connections with the central government.

It's fine, Bing Wen.

I know exactly who he's connected to.

Yu Chang Xuan!

Yu Chang Xuan, you can't kill me!

Wait! Wait a moment!

Chang Xuan.

The Commander-in-Chief is on the phone.

He wants this man sent back to Nanhuai.

He'll interrogate him himself.

I knew no one could touch Deputy Regimental Commander Zhao.

They can't. Things will go back to how they were.

Shoot him first!

- Then I'll take the call. - Yes, sir!

- Yu Chang Xuan! - Chang Xuan.

You... let go of me!

Yu Chang Xuan, you can't kill me!

Yu Chang Xuan!

Let go!

Get off me!

- The Corps Commander really shot him. - He actually shot him.

How will he explain this to the Commander-in-Chief?

In the Yu Army, bullying soldiers is the whole army's disgrace.

Moreover, it is my failure in duty.

Starting today, those days are over.

Under my command, military rules will be enforced.

Rewards and punishments will be clear.

Regardless of your background or your rank,

the loyal and brave who earn merit

will be handsomely rewarded.

Conversely...

those who deceive their superiors or harm their comrades

will be executed without mercy like this man!

- Great! - Well said!