Original subtitles

[Episode 20]

Let's go.

[Jingzhao Office]

Governor, you need to look this over.

All right.

Jin.

Prepare the carriage.

It's so late, you're still going back?

[Xiangqi House]

Stop the carriage.

What is it?

Your Highness, that person ahead looks like Princess Ding.

Follow her.

Yes. Follow her. Hurry.

Stop the carriage.

Your Highness, this...

Return to the mansion.

Yes.

You're awake, boy.

Where is Ye Li?

- Where is Princess Ding? - She's inside.

Your Highness, you're back.

Princess Ding interfered with Dali Court's duties.

She obstructed my arrest of Mo Jing Li and his accomplices.

Such contempt for the law...

I ask Your Majesties to pass judgment.

Your Majesties,

Lady Ye, Princess Li, is a newlywed.

Upon hearing of her husband's death,

she was overcome with grief and attempted suicide.

Her injuries are severe.

May I ask, Marquis Muyang, that if you insist on imprisoning her...

Must a life be lost to prove you're enforcing justice?

Enough.

Lady Ye has married Prince Li for only a few months.

As a newlywed in the inner chambers,

how could she know of Mo Jing Li's treason?

No need to cause more trouble.

Let her recover in peace.

I obey Your Majesty's command.

Ministers, are there any other reports?

I have a report.

I impeach Marquis Muyang.

Under the guise of investigating Mo Jing Li's treason,

he has made mass arrests of innocent officials.

This has caused unrest in the court.

Your Majesty.

I act under the Empress Dowager's decree to arrest the traitor, Mo Jing Li.

He repaid the imperial favor by forming a secret faction

to assassinate Yuan Fang.

I investigated his accomplices to root out the evil.

I am helping Your Majesty eliminate the threat of state.

I fail to see what I have done wrong.

Yet Prince Ding spoke for him.

Could it be that he's shielding a traitor?

You are using official duties to settle personal vendettas.

In just a single day, you raided the homes of over 30 officials.

Half of them have had conflicts with you.

The case is not yet clear, and the files are still under review,

yet you've made mass arrests and extorted confessions by torture.

Your Majesty.

Marquis Muyang is no longer investigating a case.

He is abusing his power to eliminate his rivals and imprisoning loyal officials.

Prince Ding, do not speak such nonsense before His Majesty.

Whether my words are true or not, the Marquis Muyang knows the truth.

You are slandering me!

This is the imperial court.

How can you bicker like this?

Have you no decorum?

This case has been entrusted to the Dali Court.

Prince Ding, as Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture, please stay out of it.

- But... - Let the investigation proceed.

Whether they are innocent or guilty,

we will only know after the inquiry.

Wait a moment, Your Highness.

After today's audience, did His Majesty give any instructions?

Your Highness, you may be clever,

but you know little of court politics.

Throughout all dynasties,

the crime of treason has always been the worst of all sins.

Do you really think His Majesty blames me for arresting too many people?

Then you are gravely mistaken.

His Majesty is only worried that I haven't made a clean sweep.

Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go.

Don't forget how your brother died.

And don't forget how you spent those six months in the imperial prison.

Prince Li escaped through the underground canal.

What do you plan to do?

A man like him won't accept a life of hiding.

If he ever resurfaces, I fear it will lead to a bloodbath.

I'll find a way to track him down.

Those assassins last night were no amateurs.

Senior Brother, be careful.

If you find any clues, do not act rashly.

Don't worry.

What's wrong?

I took a hit last night. It's nothing.

Fortunately, Master Zhu appeared and shielded me.

If not for him, we might not have escaped.

- You saw Master Zhu again? - Yes.

It seems every time I'm in danger, he arrives just in time.

He must have been living in the Capital.

But I've searched the entire Capital repeatedly.

I haven't found a single trace of him.

I'll go get some water.

When he was young, he was even more of a rogue than I am.

Really?

Qing Shuang, was Master Guan really like that?

Is Qing Shuang here too?

Of course.

Last night, besides you, Ye Li, and those assassins, was there anyone else?

Anyone else?

No.

I thought she knew no martial arts.

I didn't expect her to be a master of sword.

She's truly a hidden talent.

That day, I fell off the cliff and my life was in danger.

I thought I would be dashed to pieces.

Fortunately, Master Zhu arrived in time and saved me.

He used a branch as a sword, killing the venomous snakes below the cliff.

But there were too many. I was bitten.

Then I passed out.

I remember Master Zhu saying he had a few old friends in the Capital.

Now that he's off the mountain, will he stay at someone's house?

Have you visited him?

Ting Lan, now that you're back, you can rest for a few days, right?

I will stay a bit longer.

Once I finish organizing my notes on Cangbei,

I'll head west.

I heard that many ancient villages are hidden in the mountains of Miaojiang.

Their customs are very unique.

I want to see them for myself.

Go if you wish.

But there's no need to rush.

You can stay in the Capital longer.

Soon, Princess Ling Yun of Cangbei will arrive in the Capital.

Princess Ling Yun?

Is she the one who was sent away for a political marriage,

only to face the old Khan's tribal rebellion?

She led her personal guards and fought her way back to her homeland.

She then helped her younger brother seize the throne from their father.

Precisely.

Now, her brother is firmly on the throne.

Her visit this time is to strengthen ties between Cangbei and Great Chu

and to seek a marriage alliance.

A marriage alliance?

But hasn't this princess already been married once?

What?

Do you think she shouldn't marry again?

Your Majesty has truly misunderstood me.

Quite the opposite.

I just think a woman of her resolve and tactics,

who survived death and reclaimed power,

would never let herself be traded away in political marriage again.

So this time, she wants to choose a man after her own heart.

I see.

The reason I asked you here today...

First, I wanted to hear about your travels.

Second, because you know the customs of Cangbei.

When Princess Ling Yun arrives,

we'll need you to accompany her for the reception and banquets.

Rest assured, Your Majesty.

I will do my utmost.

It is good to have Ting Lan's help.

But we still need a minister to handle the arrangements.

After all, the Princess's welcome is highly complex.

We must maintain strict etiquette and respect Cangbei's customs.

Someone of noble standing should command the occasion.

Marquis Muyang is always prudent.

Would it be well for him to host?

Very well.

You are quite willing to speak for Marquis Muyang.

Prudent?

Look at him now.

Does he still look even slightly prudent?

But he... is ultimately devoted to you, Sister.

Moreover, we weathered those difficult times together.

Old bonds are hard to sever.

He stays close to me for the benefits I offer.

That is a bond of interest.

If one day, his greed cannot be satisfied, then our paths will surely diverge.

When the interests end, so does the bond.

But for your sake, Sister, he has handled so many difficult matters.

If he falls, I fear it will affect your foundation.

What are you worried about?

That imperial decree and the fire in the Eastern Palace he mentioned.

He was behind all this.

I understand.

We risked our lives to secure the position we have today.

I will not let it be damaged in the least.

Use his talents, but guard against his ambitions.

Rest assured.

[Shende House]

It seems business is going well.

Is all the money exchanged?

Yes, it's all here.

Last time, you said you wanted to hire help.

- Did you find anyone? - I did.

Four people.

They are all quick, nimble, and diligent young men.

Why are you here?

I'm here to work.

Why else would I be here?

I'm asking why you're working here.

Weren't you hiring?

So I came over.

Do you two know each other?

- Kick him out. - Kick him out?

Wait, wait!

Before that big guy left, he left a letter for you.

"I must leave the Capital for a few days.

If all goes well, I'll return soon.

Take care."

Did he say when he'd be back?

No.

The letter is delivered. You can go now.

Get him out of here.

Don't!

Look at you.

You're usually such a shrewd person.

Why be so foolish at a critical time?

Anyone could say those things, except you.

Didn't your brother return to protect the late Emperor and the Crown Prince?

Prince Ding's Mansion has long been tied to the Eastern Palace.

You should be avoiding suspicion, yet you're throwing yourself in.

Are you trying to make the Emperor suspicious of you?

The innocent need no defense.

Fine, fine.

Anyway, for the time being, you should keep a low profile.

Eat. It's getting cold.

What else could I do?

Let Marquis Muyang frame the innocent for his own ends?

The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are both on the Marquis Muyang's side.

Do you think you have a better way?

Besides, the Marquis isn't entirely making things up.

The fire at Prince Li's Mansion was suspicious.

Yuan Fang's death is definitely linked to Mo Jing Li.

Dealing with the Marquis Muyang takes time.

All right, all right.

You aren't usually so impatient.

Did you have a spat with your princess?

You two have been inseparable lately.

You even brought her to work.

Why didn't you bring her today?

She wasn't in a good mood and didn't want to go out.

That's my wine.

The Princess said you're recovering and shouldn't drink.

It's fine.

Fine, then I'll drink with you.

- Master. - Come in.

There's a letter for you.

All right, you may go.

- Close the door. - Yes.

You're smiling so happily. Whose letter is it?

An old acquaintance.

Two years ago, I went to Cangbei to trade furs and met her on the road.

Her surname is Yun. I call her Brother Yun.

She was quite a remarkable person.

My brother mocks me for lacking ambition.

But I just don't have any. I won't fight it.

Move!

How did this...

Since Heaven wants me to take a break,

I'll just have to accept it with grace.

Thank you.

Let's be travel companions, young man.

She had such a strong grip.

She was all alone and covered in wounds, but she was incredibly tough.

I saw she was quite skilled,

so I invited her to travel with me just to be safe.

Put some muscle into it!

Who told you to use a handcart in the desert?

You think I wanted to?

I ran into an unreliable guide

who stole my horse and robbed me of my money.

I barely managed to save this cart of goods.

And then, I got lost.

Furs?

Don't you go eyeing my goods.

I'm hungry.

- Again? - Yes.

I've recruited a glutton.

Here.

Thank you, Brother.

Eat less. You'll be thirsty again in a moment.

I'm not hungry.

By the time we crossed the desert, our food and water were all gone.

Come here. Stop running.

Come and eat.

Slow down.

Here, take this.

- Flip it over, Brother. - Thank you.

It's going to burn if you don't.

Could we use your furs...

Don't even think about my furs.

I told you, my reputation depends on them.

I know. You're the third son of the Feng family

and planned to bring them back to prove your worth.

Exactly!

My eldest brother manages the South Sea trade, sailing across the world.

My second brother runs the Capital's business, dealing in jewelry and porcelain.

But I'm just a useless playboy.

How can I accept that?

I have to prove myself.

How useful do you want to become?

Look at them,

herding a few sheep and living with their family.

No suspicion, no exploitation.

They genuinely care for one another.

What a happy life they live.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

You really long for that life, Brother Yun.

When you return to Cangbei, find someone and get married.

I will never marry any man.

Men?

I mean... no woman would marry me.

A woman?

Let's sleep. That way, I won't feel hungry.

Right. Let's sleep.

Don't go yet!

I'm hungry.

Really?

Here, eat.

- Thank you, Brother. - There's more if you want it.

It's delicious.

- Have some too. - I'm not hungry.

It's all mine then.

If you have nowhere to go, come to Great Chu with me.

I may not be good for much,

but I can certainly support a few people.

I still have some family matters to settle.

Once it's done, perhaps I'll come find you.

Brother Feng.

Thank you for taking care of me these days.

Don't mention it.

I'm off.

I'll write to you!

Take care!

Why did she hide her identity?

I suppose she suffered some misfortune and was traveling alone.

Disguising herself as a man made it easier to travel.

Don't dwell on such trifles.

Even her name might be fake.

When we parted ways, she said she would write to me.

I didn't take it seriously.

Who knew I'd actually get a letter?

We've been writing to each other for two years now.

Look.

She just told me in her letter she's coming to the Capital for goods.

I'll introduce you then.

You've fallen for her?

What are you thinking?

We are sworn brothers.

It's brotherhood.

But you said she's a woman.

When will that marigold bloom?

Is it good?

And you call this being in a bad mood?

- Is everything ready? - All set.

Shende House. Business has been booming lately.

Wei Zhuang is quite a talent.

Li. Let's go.

Let's go.

What are you going to do?

Going for a walk.

You're not disguising yourself?

I'm not leaving.

I didn't do a very good job that day.

I can't take all the credit for our escape.

So I still owe you two lives.

If I don't repay you, I won't feel right.

We won't be square.

I'm talking to you. I want to repay you. Did you hear me?

You are really noisy.

Huaihua Alley is just ahead.

- Please, accept it. - This...

It's just a small token of gratitude.

You owe people money?

Senior Brother, next household.

Steward Wei, why do you owe so many people money?

It dates back to the year Li Mountain Academy was sealed.

Seven of my classmates were persecuted by villains and perished in a fire.

Later, the officials collected their remains

and made their families pay to reclaim them.

They charged a hundred guan per body.

A hundred guan per person?

The authorities are more corrupt than me.

But they were all poor students.

How could their families afford that?

I sold my ancestral home and lands and went everywhere to borrow money,

but it was nowhere near enough.

Later on,

the townsfolk heard what happened to those students and donated generously.

So all of these are debts of kindness owed by Li Mountain.

They must be repaid.

Senior Brother, I found it.

It's that household up ahead.

Let's go.

The rain is picking up.

Let's take shelter over there.

There's... There's a leaf on you.

Thank you.

I'm returning your jade pendant.

From this day on, our ties are severed.

Take care of yourself.

Hua!

What about this piece?

Just throw that one away.

Why?

It's all over now.

This is the last household.

Careful.

Your Highness, why did you come here?

- Come in. - Don't trouble yourself, Master Gu.

I've come today unannounced because of a debt of gratitude from years ago.

When Li Mountain Academy suffered, you upheld righteousness.

You not only pawned your ancestral home,

but you even sold your only cotton coat for the winter.

You gave everything you had to raise 68 guan and 345 qian, and sent them to the students.

Afterward, you spoke out for justice on behalf of Li Mountain.

Because of that, you were imprisoned for eight years.

You are a man of great honor.

We will never forget your immense kindness.

Today, we are here to repay the debt.

I, Zhou Jing, have the trust of the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty.

Regarding the reception of Princess Ling Yun,

I will certainly do my utmost to live up to your grace.

The Princess is of noble status.

Cangbei has shown sincerity in seeking peace.

I believe the key to the reception lies in grace and courtesy, showing our goodwill,

while displaying the power of Great Chu,

so they will be in awe and not dare slight us.

As for the details, I have drafted the protocol,

covering the guest residence, the ceremonial procession, the banquet menu,

the music and performance, escorts, and security along the route.

I strive for everything to be perfect.

Marquis Muyang, you're very thorough.

We shall proceed as you proposed.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

However, the reception is particularly crucial.

We need someone of high status.

In my opinion,

Prince Ding, Mo Xiu Yao, is composed and experienced, with an air of dignity.

I propose Prince Ding as Deputy Envoy

to oversee the reception of the Princess into the city.

I hope Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager will grant this.

Prince Ding is indeed an excellent choice.

Request granted.

Thank you, Your Majesties.

I accept the decree.

Did you walk a long way yesterday?

What?

Don't play dumb.

The meridians in your legs are swollen and your blood flow is slowing.

Don't you feel it yourself?

Your legs just fully recovered.

Being this reckless...

Do you want it ruined again?

I understand.

I'll be more careful.

I'll prepare more ointment to apply as a circulation-boosting compress.

The ingredients require precision, so this may take some time.

What's wrong?

Prince Li is to be buried.

Though the investigation continues,

the Emperor and the Empress Dowager want to hide this imperial scandal.

The official conclusion is that a fire broke out at Prince Li's Mansion,

and Prince Li tragically perished.

A simple funeral will held the day after tomorrow, at Nan Mountain, west of the city.

I'll prepare the medicine. Wait for me.

Feng Zhi Yao told me that a family on the outskirts had a litter of Xiquan hounds.

That breed is very intelligent.

Do you want one?

No.

You don't want one? Do you not like them?

I do.

But I don't want one.

What about a cat? A docile one.

I don't want that either.

Go to sleep.

I had a bird when I was little.

It was very beautiful.

The seller said it could speak when it grew up.

Later, when I wasn't paying attention, the bird flew away.

My mother didn't want me to be sad,

so she bought a new one and told me the bird had returned.

[On the Next Episode]

Prince Ding, I hope you have been well.

Still can't stand on these legs, I see.

When I was young, I was indeed betrothed to Prince Ding.

With so many talented men in the city,

why choose a cripple like me?

Let us bond through martial arts.

Lei Teng Feng of Cangbei is here.

Which warrior of Great Chu dares to fight with me?