Original subtitles

[Episode 21]

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.

But I knew it wasn't the same bird.

Once some things are gone, they're gone.

That's why I don't want to take anything easily.

For what one possesses, one must guard with care.

I will always stay by your side.

No.

I've just applied medicine to your leg. You can't move.

Can't you just ignore it?

No.

I put in a lot of effort to treat you.

Six hours. Not a minute less.

What's going on?

It's such a hot day.

Why haven't they arrived yet?

Exactly.

Look at the time.

There's no sign of them.

Prince Ding.

Your Highness, why are you here so early?

Weren't they supposed to arrive at 1:15 PM?

Weren't we supposed to welcome them at 5:45 AM?

What's going on?

- Yeah. - This...

Or did the subordinates tell you the wrong time?

I propose Prince Ding as Deputy Envoy

to oversee the reception of the Princess into the city.

Marquis Muyang asked us to wait at Changxing Gate at 5:45 AM.

- We didn't dare to be late. - That's right.

- It was 5:45 AM. - Yes.

- Welcome the guests! - Welcome the guests!

[General of Cangbei] [Lei Teng Feng]

Prince Ding. Long time no see.

You still cannot stand on your legs?

My leg injury is indeed difficult to cure.

But still, it was worth it.

Father. Father!

I, Mo Xiu Yao, Prince Ding of Great Chu, by the decree of His Majesty and Her Majesty,

am here to welcome Princess Ling Yun to the Capital.

Princess Ling Yun is of noble birth.

She is exhausted from the journey.

Prince Ding. May we enter the city now?

Princess Ling Yun has traveled far.

Your delegation has traveled a great distance, enduring the hardships of the road.

As a gesture of our respect, we have made ready a carriage for you.

Please, Princess Ling Yun, step into our carriage and enter the city to rest.

There is no need for that.

Princess Ling Yun has her own carriage.

She is comfortable in it.

General Lei.

I am not trying to make things difficult.

But the ceremonial specifications of your carriage

are not suitable within our country.

Why are they unsuitable?

Our Princess of Cangbei is of noble status.

Her carriage's specifications were decided by the Emperor.

As you said, Princess Ling Yun is of noble status.

I am well aware of that.

But here, a princess's carriage follows established rules.

It may be adorned with nine-tasseled flags to display imperial majesty,

but it can't be a golden carriage or a jade carriage.

Especially a jade one.

A jade carriage is reserved for His Majesty's rites.

A jade carriage is equipped with 12 jade discs.

Now, Princess Ling Yun's carriage is also equipped with 12 jade discs.

Therefore, to avoid any breach of protocol,

please have the jade discs removed from the carriage.

How dare you!

General Lei.

Princess Ling Yun.

We shall follow Great Chu's rules.

Princess Ling Yun.

General Lei.

Yes.

Remove them.

It's already the flowering season.

Why haven't you bloomed yet?

They say you like it dry, so I can't water you too much.

How about this?

Bloom as soon as possible, okay?

See that? That's the envoy from Cangbei.

Quite a grand display.

Back at Suixue Pass, we confronted them many times.

Keep your voice down.

They say they're here to make peace.

Make peace? You believe that?

They say it's Princess Ling Yun of Cangbei.

She's not like their emperor from last time.

The one leading looks so imposing.

Isn't it General Lei who attacked Suixue Pass back then?

All these wars only leave us to suffer.

If they manage to make peace this time, it will be a good thing, though.

[Qingfeng Mingyue Tower] I only wish there were no more war.

The music at Qingfeng Mingyue Tower is excellent.

Indeed. Seventy percent elegant, thirty percent lively.

- Very good. - Come, let's drink.

- Here, I'll toast to you. - Waiter, another pot of wine!

We want Amber Brew.

- Coming right up! - Master Yun.

My master is waiting in the private room on the second floor.

Please follow me.

Lady, come on.

Let's enjoy the music.

Brother Feng.

Brother Yun. Long time no see.

Master.

Do I look like I need your help?

Brother Feng.

You just arrived?

Please, come in.

Have a seat.

Look.

This is top-grade Jade Spring Wine.

It's made from northern mountain snow water, blended with seven types of spiritual grains.

It was buried under an old plum tree for ten whole years.

It's truly a rare find in this world.

Hurry and have a try.

How is it?

It is indeed fine wine.

With endless sweet aftertaste.

Now, try mine.

I should drink it in big gulps.

What is this?

Just some old cloudy wine I bought on the way.

It's not expensive, and I don't know its age.

But it's got a kick and a spicy bite.

Good wine. It's certainly spicy enough.

I like it.

Here.

Brother Feng, this flower is...

This is the marigold you said you liked in your letter.

It's currently its blooming season.

I think it'll bloom in a few days.

When you return to Cangbei, I'll give you some for you to take back.

Brother Feng, you are truly thoughtful.

You're welcome.

How many days do you plan to stay this time?

It's not decided yet.

I'll see after I deal with my business.

Then you should stay longer.

I'll take this opportunity and take you for a tour.

Alright. Thank you, Brother Feng.

Let's get the drinking done first. Come on!

Let's drink until we're drunk.

I can't agree more.

Princess Ling Yun.

General Lei.

This is the official residence for your team to stay.

All supplies and provisions have been prepared.

Security for the residence will be handled by Prince Ding and his Jingzhao Office.

Your daily needs, meals, and accommodations,

will be handled by me and the Court of State Ceremonial.

If you have any requests, please do not hesitate to ask.

A grand banquet will be held in the palace tomorrow.

Her Majesty and His Majesty will welcome you.

A carriage will be sent to take you there.

We heard you.

Lady Lin, right?

We'll follow your arrangements.

In that case, Prince Ding and I will take our leave.

We won't disturb you.

Where is he?

I'm asking you, where is he?

We haven't found him yet.

Then hurry up and find him!

Yes.

[Su Zui Dier]

Greetings, Princess Ling Yun.

Rise.

Follow him!

Lei Teng Feng said you removed the jade discs from my carriage without permission yesterday.

Princess Ling Yun.

My father was once the Commander of the former Crown Prince's Guards.

He specialized in the ceremonial protocols of the former Crown Prince.

Having grown up around it, I know something about carriage protocols.

A jade carriage adorned with 12 discs is reserved for the Emperor of Great Chu.

We shall not overstep.

Is that so?

General Lei and Prince Ding were at a stalemate then.

The atmosphere was extremely tense.

Since you weren't there,

I was worried about being exposed,

so I agreed to what they said.

I thought you were soft-hearted after seeing a familiar face.

I'm sorry.

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

But later, the Eastern Palace got into trouble.

My father, as an official of the Eastern Palace, was also implicated.

My whole family was exiled.

Since then, I have never heard from him,

and we lost contact.

You lost contact with him back then,

but you've got to see him now.

I heard that he already has a lawfully wedded wife.

You two are opposing sides now, serving different masters.

If you still harbor any improper thoughts,

in the end, it will not only hurt those around you, but also yourself.

I'll keep that in mind, Princess Ling Yun.

- Prince Ding. - Prince Ding.

Prince Ding.

Many young masters are here for today's banquet.

Prince Ding.

Who is he?

The heir to Duke Yun Chuan.

His father, Duke Yun Chuan, saved His Majesty and suppressed the rebellion.

His father is of noble rank, so he is highly favored.

Prince Ding.

- What about that one? - Look.

The Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Zhong Xing Tong.

It's him?

The top scholar in mathematics and the master craftsman, Zhong Xing Tong?

Yes. Master Zhong's unique forging method produces sharp and durable blades.

They are now equipped across the Great Chu army.

Not only that, he is also obsessed with studying the stars.

He often neglects his duties to observe the stars.

He is a very interesting man.

- Prince Ding. - Prince Ding.

This doesn't look like a welcome for Princess Ling Yun.

It's more like choosing a husband for her.

You got it.

We are indeed choosing a husband for Princess Ling Yun.

Princess Ling Yun is at the perfect age to be married.

The descendants of the imperial family,

the scholars from humble backgrounds,

the handsome ones, and the talented ones

all want to grab this opportunity to secure a bright future?

However, you've married young.

Otherwise, you could have been a candidate for Princess Ling Yun.

With so many great men in the city,

why would she choose a cripple like me?

Let's go.

Consort Dowager.

Marquis Muyang, you're also here.

I thought you should have entered the palace in the morning.

I indeed entered early in the morning.

Now I'm just here to pick up my son.

It's a grand banquet.

He wanted to join in the excitement.

Lady Lin, you're also here.

The other day, I heard Her Majesty mention that

your "Travels in Four Directions" is very interesting.

I have also had the pleasure of reading it.

It is indeed a masterpiece, truly captivating.

Lady Lin, you are not only talented and elegant in appearance,

but also possess a kind nature.

If any master can win over your heart,

it will be such a blessing for him.

Marquis Muyang, you overpraise me.

I am unworthy of such compliments.

Marquis Muyang, don't just praise Lady Lin.

I see that your son, Tian Yang, is also quite handsome, young and capable.

I forgot. I haven't introduced him to Lady Lin yet.

This is my son, Tian Yang.

He previously lived in Lingnan with his mother.

He only returned to the Capital two years ago.

Lady Lin, if you plan to stay in the Capital for a few more days,

why not let Tian Yang be your guide

and show you the scenery of the Capital?

Marquis Muyang, you must have forgotten.

I am actually a native of the Capital.

I see.

My bad.

We can talk after we get back.

It's getting late.

It's time for the banquet.

You stay here.

I am Ling Yun of Cangbei.

Greetings, Emperor of Great Chu.

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

I wish for our two nations to have eternal stability and a long-lasting reign.

You traveled a long way for our diplomatic relations.

I am deeply moved.

We have prepared this modest banquet today,

firstly, to welcome Princess Ling Yun,

secondly, to celebrate our friendship.

Please enjoy yourself, Princess Ling Yun.

Please take the seat.

Your Majesty. Princess Ling Yun.

Great Chu and Cangbei share borders and a long-standing friendship.

On this fine occasion, with fine wine and a feast laid out,

and music to add to the joy,

may we all enjoy ourselves and our friendship.

Do you know her?

Who?

Who else?

Ever since she entered, your eyes have been fixed on her.

- Here. - Please.

Yesterday, I went to the gate to welcome Prince Ling Yun.

But the one in the carriage was not this Princess Ling Yun now.

The one in the carriage was the female official beside Princess Ling Yun.

Then which one of them is the real Princess Ling Yun?

The one here today should be the real one.

Princess Ling Yun is truly bold.

She dared to ask someone else to impersonate her right in front of everyone.

Wasn't she afraid of being caught?

She helped her young brother to the throne, placed her father under house arrest,

and shifted the power of Cangbei.

She is not an ordinary woman.

I think our talented masters here might not even catch her eye.

That's for His and Her Majesties to worry about.

Let's just enjoy the food and drinks.

Princess Ling Yun, it's been many years.

How is your father doing?

Father is doing well and is in high spirits.

He also said that if there's a chance, he'd come to Great Chu to try this wine.

What a hypocrite.

Your Majesty.

Scholar Luo must have been drunk.

Let me take him out to have a rest.

I'm not drunk.

These are just words from my heart that I must speak out.

Who is he?

Luo Yu, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy and an idle official-in-waiting.

I'm sorry, Scholar Luo.

I didn't hear you clearly just now.

Please say it again.

Sure.

I said, Princess Ling Yun, you are a hypocrite.

Why is that?

Your father is in his prime.

As his daughter, you failed to show filial piety.

Instead, you forced him to abdicate.

You are disloyal and unfilial,

yet you dared to shamelessly bring up your father here.

Aren't you a hypocrite?

I've heard the Great Chu people are well-educated.

But why is this scholar so pedantic in his views at such a young age?

Yao, Shun, and Yu abdicated the throne,

which made them praised through the ages.

My father was in poor health and could not handle state affairs.

He wished to pass the throne to my brother.

My brother tried to persuade him three times,

but Father issued the decree of abdication three times.

Only after that did my brother take the throne.

That's only right between a ruler and a subordinate, and between a father and a son.

It didn't violate moral principles or laws.

Everyone knows that your brother is just a puppet you raised.

With a woman in charge, I think Cangbei will soon--

Scholar Luo, are you looking down on women now?

Your country's Lady Lin has traveled far and written brilliant works.

Princess Ding studied at Li Mountain Academy and was well-educated.

Empress Dowager Guo manages state affairs and maintains national stability.

Scholar Luo, you are also a well-educated citizen of Great Chu.

But this is how you think of the heroines who support Great Chu?

I... I didn't mean that.

It is a celebratory banquet today.

It should be all about our friendship.

No hostility is allowed.

But people have different perspectives,

and there are many schools of thought.

Besides, we've encouraged free speech for many years.

I am even often questioned by them.

Please do not take offense, Princess Ling Yun.

Princess Ding.

What do you think of what Scholar Luo just said?

Your Majesty.

I believe what Scholar Luo said is nonsense.

Princess Ling Yun, no need to take it to heart.

As the saying goes,

"If you don't see or ask yourself, you cannot know the full truth."

Scholar Luo, you are still young.

I bet you've never been to Cangbei.

So you don't know the Emperor of Cangbei or the details of Cangbei's internal affairs.

How could you make such reckless judgments?

Furthermore, Her and His Majesties gathered us here to welcome Princess Ling Yun.

Princess Ling Yun is our guest.

We should offer toasts and gifts with both sincerity and friendliness.

We shall not be rude, mean, or aggressive.

- I... - Princess Ling Yun, please do not blame him.

You possess such extraordinary beauty, outshining everyone here.

Even as a woman myself, I am captivated by your charm.

Most of those present today are the young, talented masters of Great Chu.

It is only natural for young men to be drawn to beauty.

Sometimes, to win a beauty's favor,

it's not weird for them to take extreme measures and be careless with their words.

Princess Ding, you're indeed very smart.

Excellent.

Someone!

Fill everyone's cups with wine.

Fill Princess Ding's cup first.

Yes.

Master Zhong, that is not how you eat a pomegranate.

The thick outer skin is not meant to be eaten.

You only eat the pulp with the seeds inside.

Here.

Wonderful.

It is sweet and refreshing.

But for such a large fruit,

the edible part is only this small.

I have heard that you are not only an expert in construction and forging,

but you are also knowledgeable in astrology and calculations.

I am indeed obsessed with calculations, especially deducing celestial trajectories.

The Ministry of Works is very busy,

so observing stars and doing calculations are my greatest fun.

Why? Is Your Highness also interested in observing stars?

I do have some questions for you, but today is not the right time.

Next time, when you are free, I shall pay you a visit.

You flatter me.

I would be honored to have you visit.

Then it is a deal.

Enough. Stop drinking.

Your Majesties. I feel a little drunk.

I would like to get some fresh air.

Everyone, at the banquets in our Cangbei,

we have the tradition of the Three Toasts.

The first toast is to Heaven and Earth,

for granting us a place to live, food, and rain.

The second toast is to Great Chu, our noble master.

May Cangbei and Great Chu remain allies for generations and always be of one heart.

The third toast is to the fearless warriors.

With fine wine, delicacies, and music, it has been most joyous.

However, in the veins of Cangbei men flows a competitive spirit.

I have heard that Great Chu is full of hidden talents and brave warriors.

How can we miss martial arts for fun at today's banquet?

Sorry for my rudeness,

but I wish to use the third toast

to invite Great Chu's warriors to the field

to exchange martial skills and have a friendly match.

General Lei.

Since you are in such high spirits,

we shall not let our guests down.

Marquis Muyang.

Prepare for the match.

Yes.

How much is Marquis Muyang paying you?

Is it a secret?

How about this?

I will pay you tenfold.

Come and work for me.

What do you say?

Marquis Muyang is arrogant and has many enemies.

He won't last long.

If you stay with him,

I'm afraid you won't come to a good end.

Why don't you work for me instead?

If you want a proper position in the palace in the future,

I can write a recommendation letter for you.

Actually, my word carries much more weight than his.

I'm doing this for your own good.

Think it over carefully.

Once you've made up your mind, you can come to me anytime.

[Jingzhao Prefecture]

Take me to see Prince Ding.

I must see Prince Ding. Hurry!

The Huaixi secret letter must be delivered to Prince Ding.

Did His Highness enter the palace for the banquet?

Yes.

Usually, it won't end until the Hour of Shen.

That's too late. Prepare the horses.

Gather some useful men to go to the palace with me.

You'll find Zhang Heng Yuan and catch him.

I'm Lei Teng Feng of Cangbei.

Which warrior of Great Chu will challenge me?

I'm Wu Qi of Yun Chuan.

I look forward to learning from you, General.

Me too.

Wu Qi of Yun Chuan?

With the Four Dragons Armor Breaker,

Duke Yun Chuan was once invincible on the battlefield.

His son learned his agile, unpredictable footwork.

But he's against the fast and fierce Lei Teng Feng now.

His chances of winning are slim.

Your Highness. Officer Gu is waiting outside the palace.

I have an urgent matter. I'll be right back.

Young Lord.

You're nowhere near your father's level on the battlefield.

Your moves are soft and weak.

I thought you were holding a lady's embroidery needle.

Stop being so arrogant! One more round!

Your Highness.

An urgent report from Gongshu Yang.

Cangbei is colluding with Zhang Heng Yuan to assassinate Zhong Xing Tong.

I'm afraid this is related to Marquis Muyang.

Your Highness. This can't wait.

Go back to the palace.

Yes.

Your Highness.

His Majesty saw you leave in a hurry, so he sent me to check what happened.

I must see His Majesty immediately.

His Majesty has said that

if Your Highness has urgent matters, please wait at the Armory's side hall.

He will join you shortly.

Marquis Muyang.

Prince Ding has received the secret letter.

For the first round, General Lei Teng Feng of Cangbei wins.

Lord Yun Chuan, thank you for your concession.

I'm Wei Heng of Zhechong Garrison.

General Lei, I look forward to learning from you.

[On the Next Episode]

You've exposed yourselves.

Come out.

One who served four masters doesn't deserve to be called loyal.

You're dead!

You want a competition?

I'll do it.

You want the Lanyun Spear?

Let's see if you have what it takes.