Original subtitles

[Episode 22]

Prince Ding, please wait.

His Majesty will arrive shortly.

Lurking in the shadows...

Show yourselves.

You dare assassinate a prince in the palace?

Have you no will to live?

Kill him!

I'll ask you one last time.

Who sent you?

You... aren't you a cripple?

You've lost your chance.

This fight is quite disappointing.

Each one is worse than the last.

Great Chu is indeed a land of etiquette.

You're so gentle even in a fight.

Utterly spineless.

Since no one seems interested,

allow me to raise the stakes.

Princess Ling Yun, I have a proposition.

I'll bet 200 Cangbei warhorses.

If anyone can defeat me, the prize will be theirs.

Granted.

Thank you, Your Highness.

It's only polite to reciprocate.

Since General Lei is in such high spirits,

Great Chu shall offer a prize as well.

If you win, one thousand forged gold sabers shall be Cangbei's.

Your Majesty, the offer is generous,

I do not wish for them.

Then what do you desire?

I wish to ask Prince Ding's Mansion for an old item.

Years ago, my father was slain by the Lanyun Spear of Prince Ding's Mansion.

Today, if fortune favors me,

I ask Prince Ding to gift me the spear

and my father's spirit may rest in peace.

Prince Ding is unwell from drinking and has withdrawn to recover.

General Lei, perhaps a different prize?

Prince Ding is not here, but isn't Princess Ding here?

It's just an old spear.

Prince Ding can no longer walk.

It's useless in his hands.

Why not give it to me?

Think of it as putting it to good use.

Besides, I'm not asking to fight Prince Ding himself.

Anyone from Great Chu will do.

Isn't Great Chu said to be vast in land and rich in talent?

Is there not a single person who can fight now?

Insolence!

You ignorant barbarian!

How dare you speak so arrogantly?

Since your father is gone,

I'll teach you a lesson myself!

- Father. - Sit down.

- He is too insolent! - Sit down.

Princess Ding.

Will Prince Ding's Mansion provide this prize or not?

Though our manor may have lost its former glory, we can spare a mere spear.

However, if the person here today were a true man, a real hero,

I wouldn't mind giving it as a prize.

But if it's you, General Lei...

What are you implying?

Are you saying I'm not worthy of this spear?

I didn't wish to say much,

but since you insist on an answer,

I'll have to be blunt.

The Lanyun Spear was bestowed by the late Emperor,

engraved with two words, "loyalty" and "valor".

It honors the Prince Ding's Mansion for unwavering loyalty and unrivaled bravery.

General Lei, you are indeed brave.

However, a family that has served four masters is unworthy of the word "loyalty."

What did you say?

The Lei family once served Prince Gun.

They betrayed him for profit and joined the Narong tribe.

When Narong declined, they turned to Xiduo.

Like grass bending in every wind, you know no loyalty.

When Xiduo fell to Cangbei, you became subjects of Cangbei.

One family serving four masters...

It is truly a legendary scandal.

You're courting death!

Prince Ding...

A duel, is it?

I will fight you.

You want the Lanyun Spear?

Let's see if you have what it takes.

Attack!

Father!

Well done!

Retreat!

- Well done! - Well fought, Prince Ding!

Beat that arrogant barbarian down!

A bet is a bet.

Prince Ding is truly mighty. We're no match for him.

Two hundred warhorses will depart from Cangbei today and be delivered to your border.

Much obliged.

Prince Ding, after years of illness, you've recovered at last.

It is a blessing for the realm.

It has truly given me... quite a surprise.

Your Majesty, I had no intention to hide it.

My legs and bones have not yet fully recovered.

I shouldn't have exerted myself, but the situation was urgent.

I had no choice.

Now, I have another matter to report immediately.

Zhang Heng Yuan, what is your explanation?

Your Majesties, I am innocent.

T-This must be a setup.

I am just a Port Trade Commissioner with no power or influence.

How would I dare to collude with Cangbei?

This is a total slander!

Take him away. Interrogate him.

- Yes. - Yes.

Your Majesty, please see the truth! I am innocent!

I am innocent!

Your Majesty, I will interrogate him thoroughly and spare no leniency.

Prince Li's case already burdens you greatly.

Let the Jingzhao Office handle this one.

As your command.

The Duke of Huaguo has arrived!

Your Majesties.

Guards have found many assassins' bodies in the storeroom.

They were all palace eunuchs.

The eunuch who led the way for Prince Ding was also silenced.

He was found dead in his room.

The Duke of Huaguo was not present earlier.

Prince Ding, please explain the details to him once more.

Yes.

My men received an urgent report from Huaixi Military Commissioner Gongshu Yang,

They intercepted a secret letter from Cangbei.

It ordered Zhang Heng Yuan to assassinate Zhong Xing Tong,

the Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, after today's banquet.

Zhong Xing Tong excels in mechanics and engineering.

He's improved our military equipment and forged fine steel weapons.

Currently, he is developing a new crossbow, called the Poshan Crossbow.

Its power is incredible, with an extraordinary range.

Moreover, its design is ingenious and easy to transport.

A formidable weapon for siege and conquest.

It seems Cangbei learned that this vital weapon was near completion,

and out of fear, they sought to have him killed.

How truly insidious!

Marquis Muyang, what is your opinion on this?

Why beat around the bush?

Why not just ask if this has anything to do with me?

Your Majesties.

Zhang Heng Yuan has served for over a decade.

He rose from a minor official to a Port Trade Commissioner.

No great talent, perhaps, but he is cautious and diligent.

He often says that a man of humble birth like him

owes everything to Your Majesties' grace.

Now that he holds office and lives in comfort,

I truly cannot imagine why he'd risk everything to collude with a foreign power.

Could it be that he intends to rebel?

Furthermore, to assassinate a prince within the imperial palace...

Would Zhang Heng Yuan truly have such nerve and such capability?

Zhang Heng Yuan may not, but that doesn't mean no one else does.

Who else, then?

Are you referring to me?

Lady Qin, where is my father?

What exactly happened?

You've been in the Capital for two years now.

It's time for you to return to Lingnan to see your mother.

Me?

Why go back now?

What on earth happened?

Oh, you...

What exactly happened to my father?

Just tell me.

What happened to him?

When did your leg injury heal?

Seeing how agile you were just now,

I could hardly believe my eyes.

Thank you for your concern, Duke of Huaguo.

My wife treated me with acupuncture and took great care of me.

I had improved a few days ago,

but my movements were still stiff.

I kept it quiet to avoid complications.

I didn't expect to stand again in such a crisis.

A blessing in disguise indeed.

Good.

Heaven truly watches over you.

However, you relied on sheer willpower today.

You haven't fully recovered. Be careful.

Rest properly once you return home.

No more reckless acts.

I will follow your advice, Duke of Huaguo.

I wonder if your heart condition has been stable.

Don't worry.

I live a life of leisure now, no longer overworking.

My health has improved a lot.

Just take good care of yourself.

Yes.

Greetings, Duke of Huaguo.

Is this Ye Li?

Indeed, my wife.

Li, my girl. You've grown up so much.

Your character and poise are just like your grandfather's.

How is he doing these days?

Thank you for asking, Duke of Huaguo.

Grandfather is in good health.

He spends his days editing books with his disciples,

fishing and tending flowers when he's free.

He is quite content.

Good, good.

Then I can rest easy.

Many years have passed.

Now that the court's situation is stable,

if Qing Yun is willing, I'll petition the Emperor to let him return.

Thank you, Duke of Huaguo.

Grandfather often says,

"Nature cultivates the spirit, and writing refines the mind."

Now, he prefers a life far from worldly affairs with only the breeze and moon for company.

I see.

Very well.

I know his temperament well.

Now,

seeing you and Yao so well matched is a great comfort to me.

Hurry back to the mansion.

Yao pushed through his injuries today.

He must be properly cared for at home.

Your Highness, I'll trouble you for his health.

You're too kind, Duke of Huaguo.

Seeing Yao stand again brings me more joy than I can describe.

It's no trouble at all.

Good. I'm off.

Take care, Duke of Huaguo.

Go on back.

Li, you go back first.

Zhang Heng Yuan's case is far-reaching.

I must oversee the interrogation personally.

I'm afraid I'll be home late again.

Your legs have only just recovered.

I'll wait for you.

Come back early for medicine and acupuncture.

How could I dare disobey your medical orders?

Once I'm done, I will return immediately and leave myself in your hands.

Good. Then I'll add another hour of acupuncture.

You're merciless.

However, let alone silver needles,

even if you have a thousand tricks, bitter medicine, or scorching moxibustion

I will gladly endure it all.

Huaixi sent this secret letter from Cangbei during yesterday's palace banquet.

It was intercepted by Commissioner Gongshu Yang.

The delivery took many twists and turns.

Zhang Heng Yuan is instructed to assassinate Vice Director Zhong Xing Tong.

Did you get any wind of this before?

This concerns the relations between our two nations.

Please take a careful look.

Your Majesty, I know nothing of this.

Cangbei's new ruler has just ascended.

The court is still unsettled, and many bear grudges against me.

Even if this letter is from Cangbei, it must be villains stirring up trouble.

I will investigate it and punish the culprits.

My brother and I share the same mind.

We both see peace and trade routes as our top priority.

It benefits both states and all our people.

To seek peace is the true path forward.

I hope Your Majesty understands.

Please, have a seat.

No need to be so formal, Princess.

I am very fond of you.

I wonder which young man of Great Chu could win your heart?

To unite our two states would truly make me happy.

Great Chu has many talented men.

I dare not lie to Your Majesty.

I do have someone I admire here.

Was it someone at the banquet?

He is not of royal blood, but an old friend of mine.

To have won your favor,

he must be an extraordinary person.

When the time is right,

I will surely bring him to meet Your Majesty and Your Highness.

How much of what Ling Yun said do you believe?

Was she truly unaware of the assassination?

I don't believe it.

Even if she knew, it doesn't mean she ordered the hit.

Her brother just took the throne, and there's much opposition in Cangbei.

If Zhong Xing Tong died the moment she arrived,

as the Princess of Cangbei, she would be in a difficult position.

You always think the best of people.

By the way, your father is turning sixty, right?

Why do you suddenly mention him?

I've noticed he's written to you often lately.

Have you thought about going back to see him?

With Yuan Fang, Mo Jing Li, and Zhang Heng Yuan,

this case is getting trickier and involving more people.

But we must keep investigating until we find the truth.

I'm afraid that when the truth comes out, you will be heartbroken.

I'd have left long ago if I had wanted to.

I stayed in the Capital to be your eyes and hands.

Whatever others do, I will not be hurt by it.

I only care about your well-being.

You must remember, I am wholeheartedly on your side.

Of course, I remember.

Your Highness, I have investigated the matter.

It's a long story.

About a year ago,

we found a large number of Chu-made weapons mixed in our arsenal.

How can you tell they are from Great Chu?

Please take a look.

This blade was made in Great Chu.

In recent years,

Zhong Xing Tong of the Ministry of Works invented the gold-forging technique.

It makes their weapons extremely sharp and their armor sturdy.

Great Chu suspected there was a mole smuggling weapons to Cangbei.

So they sent Yuan Fang, the Huaixi Military Commissioner, to investigate.

Indeed, after he arrived Huaixi,

he found falsified requisitions and misappropriated weapons.

Just as he was about to dig deeper, he was killed.

Great Chu sent Gongshu Yang to investigate.

He is a confidant of the Empress Dowager.

He previously served in the Jingzhao Office.

A very capable man.

This matter must be aimed at us.

Why do you think so, Your Highness?

This letter arrived far too suspiciously.

My brother just took the throne.

Cangbei is still in turmoil.

I came here to foster peace.

But many in our court have hidden agendas and oppose my mission.

If we had just arrived and that craftsman was killed,

Great Chu would surely be suspicious of us.

The peace talks would then fail.

Great Chu is investigating this.

Mo Xiu Yao merely got lucky and claimed the credit.

During the duel, if he hadn't shown off and returned...

How many times have I told you?

You are always so hot-tempered and reckless.

Your desire to show your bravery is one thing.

But you repeatedly provoked them and even tried to attack Princess Ding.

This trip concerns two states.

If not for yesterday's sudden turn, how would it have ended?

How would Great Chu think of our Cangbei?

Your Highness, I just wanted to teach them a lesson.

- My father... - Remember this.

You are a general of Cangbei and my aide on this mission.

If you fail to help me achieve my goal and instead ruin my plans,

don't blame me for being merciless.

Yes, Your Highness.

Who is it?

It's you.

What is it?

Your Highness, Prince Ding and Lady Lin, the envoy,

are here to visit you to discuss your schedule for tomorrow.

Didn't I tell you not to approach us when we are discussing business?

Please punish me, Your Highness.

Kneel in the courtyard for four hours.

Yes.

Since you have come to Great Chu in person, I assume you also hope for peace.

Great Chu trusts that you had nothing to do with that secret letter.

On my journey to Great Chu,

the people knew I came for peace and lined the streets to bid me farewell.

It shows the shared wish of both peoples.

With Prince Ding's words, Cangbei will treat you with sincerity.

May we have lasting peace.

That is good.

I will investigate the matter thoroughly.

Since you are here, there are many scenic spots near the Capital.

Is there anywhere you wish to visit?

On my way to Great Chu, many people knew the purpose of my visit.

They lined the roads to see me off.

Along the way, they spread the words of Master Zhi He.

"Forge swords into plows, turn wars into lotuses."

I am here to foster peace, so I hope to meet this master.

It would fulfill the wish of our people.

That would be excellent.

Master Zhi He is preaching at the temple.

If you go there to pray for peace for the people,

it will surely become a tale passed down for generations.

Then it is settled.

Tomorrow at dawn, I will come pick you up to see Master Zhi He.

Thank you.

She said you're forgiven.

You may rise.

Your Highness, why are you here?

I am waiting for His Highness. Where is he?

Tomorrow we are to escort the Princess to see Master Zhi He.

His Highness...

Why are you here?

On my way home, I saw Jin and your carriage,

so I guessed you were inside.

Let's head home together.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, please wait!

Your Highness, please wait.

Wait for me.

You recognized me?

It has been a long time.

It has indeed been a long time.

My mother fell gravely ill on the way to exile and passed away.

My sister couldn't bear the hardship and took her own life.

I... I was lucky.

I met Princess Ling Yun.

It is good that you are alive.

Yes.

It is good to be alive.

What about you?

I heard that eight years ago,

you injured your legs in battle and could no longer stand.

But I saw you in the arena not long ago.

Your presence was as grand as ever.

Have you been cured?

My princess cured me.

That is wonderful.

Take care.

You little wench, get lost!

Dier!

[Qiongying House]

Dier!

Dier, you're awake.

How are you feeling?

Lady Wen...

It's me.

It's me, Dier.

She...

She is...

She is an old friend of mine. Her family fell into misfortune.

She's drifted alone and suffered a lot for years.

On my way back from my parents' house,

I happened to find her collapsed, so I brought her back for treatment.

She said someone had abused her, so she ran away.

The physician also said that her injuries were caused by a beating.

Li, I'm worried about her.

I want her to stay here until she recovers.

Do you agree?

Since she's your old friend, I have no problem with it.

Your Highness.

Your hair is wet from the rain.

Wipe it with a handkerchief first.

I'll go prepare some hot water.

I...

What are you doing?

I don't like the light-colored ones.

I'm picking them out.

Her name is Su Zui Dier.

She's the daughter of the former Crown Prince's Guard Commander.

Our families once arranged our marriage.

But we were so young then, I don't remember much.

So when I first saw her, I didn't recognize her.

Her family was implicated in the Eastern Palace incident.

Some were sentenced, others were exiled.

By the time I was escorted back to the Capital,

all of them were already gone.

We lost contact after that.

She is now serving Princess Ling Yun.

It seems she's having a hard time.

My sister-in-law's family and the Su family have been close.

Today, since she saw Su Zui Dier, there's no reason for her not to help.

That makes sense.

Then take this bowl of candy over to her.

How many men did the court send?

The Yingyang Troop and the Huben Guards.

Over two hundred men in total.

Li Mountain is completely sealed.

Not a soul, not even a rat, could sneak in.

Li Mountain stretches for miles with peak after peak.

Can they really block every route?

They only need to guard the main roads.

Behind Li Mountain are sheer cliffs that even birds can't cross.

Nature itself has made it a prison.

Your Highness, please eat something and get some rest.

His Highness's belongings were left in a mess by the Dali Court.

It can't be tidied up in a day or two.

Indeed, Your Highness.

I'll bring you some tea.

Don't worry about me.

I need a moment alone.

[To Mo Jing Li. Li Mountain Academy] Ye Li.

Your Highness.

Li.

Why is he still here?

He refuses to leave.

Just drive him away.

I tried.

How?

I had the steward cut off his pay.

I'm not leaving. I still owe you two lives.

I must repay you.

See?

- Please. - Thank you.

Your Highness, Princess Li asked me to deliver this to you.

What is this?

Her Highness found this while organizing Prince Li's belongings.

[On the Next Episode]

Zhang Heng Yuan is not a tough man.

He won't last long in Mo Xiu Yao's hands.

Finish him off.

Ye Li, I really don't understand you.

Have you ever taken this marriage to heart?

I am not a woman content to stay in the inner chambers.

Perhaps we never knew each other well.

Qin Cang! He wants to kill you!

Qin Cang!