Original subtitles

[Episode 37]

I will return safely.

Then I wish Your Highness a great victory and a swift return home.

Your Highness!

Bad news, Your Highness!

Something has happened.

People in the Capital have surrounded Prince Li's Mansion.

- What is going on? - Word spreads that Prince Li rebelled.

The commoners have been incited and are storming Prince Li's Mansion.

Princess Li won't be in danger, will she?

Who is there?

Your Highness.

Halt.

They say the war in the north is related to Prince Li.

His Highness is still alive, right?

Now Mo Jing Li's rebellion is known to all.

Your mansion is no longer safe.

A battle between the court and Mo Jing Li is inevitable.

Great Chu will fall into chaos.

Then what should I do?

Even if you proclaimed that you've cut all ties with him,

your life would still be at risk.

You must leave the Capital now and hide somewhere secret

until things settle down.

I'm going to find him.

Are you crazy?

Ye Ying, I know how you feel,

but you cannot burn yourself out to light a lamp that can never be lit.

Ye Li.

All I know is that since His Highness left,

I haven't had a good night's sleep.

My heart feels like it's been gouged out and roasted over a fire.

I just...

I just want to see him one more time.

Please let me go.

Sister.

It's a dangerous journey.

Have you really thought it through?

After I leave, please tell Mother

that I've simply gone away to clear my head.

All right.

You're just letting them take her away?

She has made up her mind. She can't be stopped.

With Mo Jing Li starting this war,

the hard-won peace at Suixue Pass will be ruined again.

It's truly detestable.

Any news from Prince Ding?

Prince Ding has fought Cangbei for years. Mo Jing Li is no match.

Don't worry. He'll be fine.

He promised me that he'd return safely.

Your Highness. Don't stay in the wind.

It's getting cold. You'll catch a chill.

By this hour, Ye Ying must have crossed Qingzhou.

The front line is dangerous.

Is Princess Li really going to Luoxia Pass to find Prince Li?

Will she be able to see Prince Ding?

Your Highness.

We escorted Princess Li out of the Capital.

Given the danger at the front and to keep Her Highness safe,

she's been settled in Qingshi Town. I hereby report this to Your Highness.

And this place.

Has Mo Xiu Yao arrived with his troops?

Yes. The young Emperor has appointed him

the Commander of the North, in charge of suppression.

Currently, he's already reached Luoxia Pass.

He arrived just in time.

Mo Jing Li led the elites of Suixue Pass and took three cities,

forcing garrisons to join and recruiting bandits.

When they reached Heishui River, his forces numbered over 80,000.

The momentum is growing.

General Deng, what are our numbers?

All garrison troops, along with the militia, still fall short of 30,000.

Less than half of the enemy's strength.

What about reinforcements?

They are on their way, but it will take some time.

Carriages can't pass here. It can be fortified.

Here, the pass is narrow, easy to defend but hard to attack.

Send engineers to fortify it.

This is our supply route. It must be fully secured.

Luoxia Pass must not fall.

The plains beyond stretch for miles with no natural barriers.

The rebel army could reach the Capital within ten days.

The fate of our realm rests upon all of you.

In this battle, failure is not an option.

- We swear to stand or fall with the pass! - We swear to stand or fall with the pass!

Weren't you transferred to the Dali Court?

Why volunteer to suffer through this with me?

Beyond Luoxia Pass is my hometown.

I remember. Xiaoshui County in Lingzhou.

We will defend it.

Gentlemen, would you like to see this one?

Sure.

Senior Brother.

It really is this one.

I couldn't find it anywhere.

I didn't expect I'd actually left it here.

A shop hand found it.

I knew it was yours at first glance.

I was going to have someone deliver it after closing.

It's on my way to work. No need to trouble yourself.

Tangyuan for sale!

So, how has business been lately?

As you can see, there are hardly any customers.

The streets are empty too.

More workers than customers.

The war is at a stalemate. People are naturally uneasy.

Has His Highness sent any letters home?

There's been no news for half a month.

I heard some rumors at the Ministry of Revenue.

Chancellor Cui looks worried.

He said the front line supplies are low and more are being rushed forward.

Li, don't worry.

His Highness is a brilliant strategist.

He will surely defeat the enemy.

Of course.

Prince Ding has been in battle since his youth.

Even at the perilous Suixue Pass, he once turned the tide.

The current situation is far less dire. He will surely win.

Steward Tang, that's not quite right.

Firstly, Luoxia Pass is not a formidable fortress.

It lacks terrain advantages.

And with last year's droughts and floods, water transport is hindered.

Transporting supplies must be difficult.

Secondly, Prince Li's men are border veterans, but our army is not.

Responding to battle in haste, we are outmatched in numbers and experience.

- If you ask me-- - If you ask me...

Heaven blesses Great Chu. Our army will prevail.

Stop talking. Look at whose shop this is.

Move aside!

Move aside!

Urgent report from Luoxia Pass!

Where is Duke of Huaguo?

Your Majesty, he's ill and recuperating at home on leave.

We lost the first battle at Luoxia Pass. What are your thoughts?

Your Majesty, I believe that defeat is common in war.

The rebels have gained ground for now,

but our southwest and southeast troops are already on their way to reinforce us.

Once Prince Ding consolidates the troops, he will surely wipe out the rebels.

Your Majesty. As the ancients said, "Prepare for defeat before victory."

Our troops will be weary from the long march.

They shouldn't head straight to Luoxia Pass.

They should establish a second line at Shuangtuo Ridge behind it and hold it.

If Luoxia Pass falls, we can use the terrain to stop the enemies and protect the Capital.

The front line is outnumbered. And the outcome is naturally uncertain.

Shuangtuo Ridge in the rear is on high ground,

but its west side opens onto plains.

If the rebels bypass it, there will be no natural defense at all.

Then simply divide our troops to guard it.

Divide our troops?

Ridiculous! It only weakens us further.

This is truly a waste of our military strength.

You're just a minor revenue official. What do you know?

How dare you discuss military affairs?

I may not know battle tactics,

but I do know a thing or two about calculation.

Shuangtuo Ridge has seven paths around it.

If we divide our forces, how will they be deployed?

What about the supply transport and consumption?

You want the reinforcements pulled to the rear?

- May I ask how many books on war you've read? - You--

Enough!

What do the rest of you think?

Your Majesty, defeat is a temporary state.

The court should remain steady.

Even with setbacks at the front, the rear must remain as solid as a rock.

If we lose our composure, it will only invite more uncertainty.

Your Majesty.

I risk my life to say this.

We must guard against internal threats.

A great mansion falls from termites in its beams, Your Majesty.

All the officials draw their salaries from the state.

Yet at this critical moment, no one can ease my worries.

All are empty talkers who fail the state.

Minister Murong. What is your view?

Please calm your anger.

The ministers are all loyal. That is why there are disputes.

However, this matter is of great importance. It requires Your Majesty's decision.

Gongshu Yang. You speak.

Your Majesty. May I speak frankly?

Speak.

As you command, Your Majesty.

Though many officials are unfamiliar with warfare,

they are all well-educated.

The art of war has been passed down in books.

They should know dividing forces before battle is unwise.

In my humble opinion, everyone's concern boils down to one fear,

that Prince Ding may rebel with his army.

Eight years ago, his brother, Mo Xiu Wen, tried to save the throne.

Yet he met with such a tragic end.

Now, the battle at Luoxia Pass is at a stalemate.

No one can say for certain that Prince Ding harbors no disloyal thoughts.

But what they think is not important.

What matters is Your Majesty's judgment.

You sent him to quell the revolt, yet fear that he may turn on you,

that he will join Mo Jing Li like Li Duo, and that Great Chu will collapse in an instant.

How dare you!

I deserve death. Your Majesty, please calm your anger.

Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has returned to the palace.

Mother.

How have you been?

You look pretty well.

I am fine.

Is your health well, Mother?

Are you accustomed to the Imperial Villa?

It is quiet and elegant. I am doing well too.

Mother, you returned so suddenly.

Was it because of the news from the front?

It was because of these. These orchids.

I've tended them since I entered the Palace.

Repotted them each spring equinox and sheltered them every winter.

I never let others handle them.

When I went to the villa,

I didn't bring them to keep them intact.

I left them with two reliable maids.

But I was always afraid they wouldn't be cared for properly.

So I came back.

It seems I was worrying for nothing.

They've been well cared for.

If you had returned to find these flowers withered,

would you regret entrusting them to others?

No.

Because at the moment I entrusted them,

I had already made the best choice I could.

Besides, as long as the roots haven't dried up,

there is always a way to save them.

Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you doubt.

This is the principle.

Thank you for your guidance, Mother.

Mother, are you no longer angry with me?

When people are young, they always think there is only one path to take.

Push aside those who block them and eliminate those who oppose them.

Often, only after time passes

do they realize that what is done cannot be undone.

I was the same in my youth.

I thought some paths had to be taken, and some battles fought.

But looking back, I can't say if it was all worth it.

I've made a mess of things.

Mother, did you come back to clean up my mess?

I came back because I missed you.

Duke, is this your first time at Anqing Palace?

I am old and frail.

I can no longer serve the court.

Why should I bother Your Majesty?

Then, Duke, what brings you here today?

Everyone, leave them.

There is one thing in my heart

that I have always found hard to let go.

All 46 people at Li Mountain Academy

died from a sudden illness.

I am aware you and Master Qing Yun were close friends.

The court has already compensated the families,

rebuilt the academy, and consoled the deceased.

Duke, you must restrain your grief.

But I recently learned

that Li Mountain was besieged for eight years.

They were cut off from food and medicine.

Li Mountain was full of talented people,

including a renowned physician like Master Helai.

How could they suffer such a tragedy due to a mere sudden illness?

I want to know...

was the tragedy at Li Mountain just a natural disaster,

without any human interference?

I did send troops back then, but I never intended to besiege them.

Then what was your intention?

Master Qing Yun blocked your path to the throne.

Did you not hate him, Your Majesty?

Lu Chang Fu was the one who besieged Li Mountain.

Did you truly not know what he was doing?

So, Duke, you came today to pin this unverified accusation on me?

The siege and the shortage of food and medicine,

I only learned of it today.

Moreover, it was you who went there eight years ago, instead of me.

Yes.

I was the one who asked Qing Yun to seal the mountain,

only to thwart your desire for the throne.

If that is the case,

is it because you feel guilty now and cannot sleep at night

that you want to find a scapegoat to ease your own remorse?

Yes.

I have failed Qing Yun.

I let him and all of Li Mountain suffer everything.

I will never find peace for the rest of my life.

However lately, I cannot help but reflect

on the fire in the Eastern Palace,

the loss of the late Emperor's decree, and the sealing of Li Mountain.

Were all these merely a calamity for the state,

or were they schemes for your rise to power?

In all of this, is Your Majesty truly entirely innocent?

Your family has served for generations.

I have always respected that.

But do not think that gives you the right to speak so insolently.

I am 71 years old,

sick and frail.

What do I have left to fear?

I only seek the truth.

Whether you believe it or not,

the incident at Li Mountain had nothing to do with me.

Since you are unwell, Duke,

from now on, you should rest in your manor.

As for court affairs, do not trouble yourself anymore.

You...

Duke.

Do you really want to die right here

just to frame me for killing a loyal official?

Your Majesty.

One cannot defy the will of Heaven,

nor the will of the people,

and certainly not one's own heart.

I hope that one day,

when you meet the late Emperor

and the victims in the afterlife,

you too can find peace.

I was the same in my youth.

I thought some paths had to be taken, and some battles fought.

But looking back, I can't say if it was all worth it.

- Your Highness, careful! - Your Highness.

Your Highness. Please come down. You might fall.

Be careful, Your Highness.

Your Highness. The baby bird's mother is back.

Come down quickly, Your Highness.

Be careful.

Don't peck me. Your baby fell.

I was just helping it home.

- Li! Why are you climbing so high? - Careful. Madam.

- A baby bird fell. I'm putting it back. - Careful.

Be careful.

Come.

You didn't have to climb up yourself.

Are you hurt?

I'm fine, Sister-in-law. I like the exercise.

Your Highness! Madam!

Your Highness.

Your Highness. Madam.

A letter from the border has arrived.

- I just heard the front line was defeated. - What? Has Luoxia Pass fallen?

- It hasn't. - Is that true?

Speak clearly. What happened at Luoxia Pass?

It hasn't fallen. Over 20,000 people died! Rivers of blood!

Over 20,000? Doesn't that mean it fell?

Not that many. Only 2,000 died. I heard the other side lost even more.

But I heard earlier that Prince Ding has joined Prince Li.

- Really? - Prince Ding rebelled too?

I heard that too. It's everywhere.

- It's true. - He rebelled?

Prince Ding rebelled?

Prince Li is going to attack us!

Hurry, hurry!

What's going on?

I'm relieved now.

Wu You. Why didn't you go to school today?

The master said it's not peaceful lately

and I should stay home for a few days.

It's fine. You can stay home. I will teach you.

Come here. Xi Er, prepare some tea.

Yes.

Your Highness. Madam.

What's the matter?

Rumors are everywhere. Some say Luoxia Pass has fallen.

Others even say His Highness has defected.

Utter nonsense!

His letter clearly stated that the front had setbacks,

but both sides had wins and losses.

How dare they spread such alarm?

Are many people spreading it?

Quite a few, Your Highness.

It's being discussed everywhere, causing widespread panic.

Go to the Jingzhao Office and find Gu Zheng.

Tell him to trace the source of these rumors.

Such rumors are never without reason.

Someone is deliberately fanning the flames.

Yes.

Li.

Sister-in-law, everything will be fine.

Your Majesty.

You should at least eat a little.

His Majesty may just have been delayed by state affairs.

The war is at a stalemate, and military reports are piling up.

His Majesty surely cannot spare the time.

He won't come.

Please don't think that way. He will come.

His Majesty grew up under your care. The bond between you is deep.

Perhaps he had too much on his mind last night and couldn't get away.

Once he thinks it over,

he will surely understand all you've done for him.

Really?

Of course it's true.

What bond in this world could ever surpass that of mother and son?

Besides, an urgent military report arrived this morning.

It's rumored that Prince Ding has suffered a defeat

and may even join the enemy.

At this moment, His Majesty is likely troubled by this matter.

Yes. We are mother and son, after all.

He is my only child.

Exactly. His Majesty has just begun to rule,

and there is still so much that requires your guidance.

Qi Er is kind-hearted, but he is still too inexperienced.

I still need to support him.

It's hard to say whether Prince Ding still resents the court.

Now that he holds military power once again,

we must remain vigilant.

Send some milk pastries to Prince Ding's Mansion.

Invite Princess Ding to the palace.

I wish to admire the flowers with her.

Yes.

I will see to it immediately.

Your Highness.

This is a gift from the Empress Dowager.

Seeing you today, you seem to have grown thinner.

Is managing the household too taxing?

Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.

Lately, I have indeed lost sleep missing Prince Ding.

I'm sorry to have worried you.

Prince Ding is away at the border,

and managing the household alone is no easy task.

Look at these chrysanthemums.

They bloom despite the frost,

but they cannot withstand the power of the seasons.

Everything in this world must follow the laws of nature.

The cold has grown deeper lately.

Take extra care of yourself.

I'll keep your kind words in mind, Your Majesty.

Reports from the border have been frequent lately.

The situation seems unfavorable.

Prince Ding is leading the army.

It must be exceptionally difficult for him.

Your Majesty, it is His Highness's duty to serve the imperial court.

With you and His Majesty guiding the court,

I truly believe he can turn the tide.

Prince Ding is valiant.

I also have complete faith in him.

However, in the imperial court,

there are always short-sighted people who try to stir up trouble.

I have heard that some are even criticizing Prince Ding's military strategy.

It is truly ridiculous.

The art of war depends on the right time, place, and people.

A momentary gain or loss may not determine the final outcome.

Your Majesty is merciful to consider His Highness's well-being.

I also have faith in His Highness.

It is best that you think this way.

However, it is better for you to go out less lately.

Lest you hear inappropriate remarks that only add to your worries.

I have heard there are many rumors as well.

Yes.

Have a seat.

Why not stay in the Palace for a few days?

Firstly, to spare you the loneliness of an empty house.

Secondly, to avoid those reckless gossips.

When Prince Ding returns in triumph,

he will see you safe and sound.

I am willing to stay in the Palace to learn from Your Majesty's wisdom.

This way, His Highness can focus on the war without any worries.

By Her Majesty's order, you are to reside here in comfort.

If you need anything, just tell the maids.

Thank you, Steward Eunuch.

You flatter me, Your Highness.

Serve Princess Ding well. Make no mistakes.

- Yes. - Yes.

If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave.

Please prepare some tea for Her Highness.

- Yes. - Yes.

Yao, I hope this letter finds you well.

I have been staying in the Palace for some time now.

Autumn is gradually setting in.

Thin frost covers the steps at dawn.

I often lean by the window, watching the patch of sky framed by it.

Occasionally, clouds drift by,

coming in a hurry and leaving just as fast.

They never linger for anyone.

Days in the Palace are long.

Sometimes I play a game of Go alone.

Amidst the black and white stones, I lose track of time.

But the rules on this board are sometimes baffling.

A move clearly meant for expansion

is called too aggressive by onlookers.

They say it invites disaster and suggest playing safe.

The stones have no will of their own. Where they land is decided by the player.

Yao, if you were here,

you would understand the board's meaning.

I was gifted some new tea recently. It's sweet but cold in nature.

I often wake at midnight after drinking it.

Suddenly, I hear the geese outside crying in the cold.

Their cries are so urgent, as if urging one to return home.

It reminds me of the border.

The north winds must be freezing now.

I hope you will take good care of yourself and dress warmly.

The moonlight is like silk.

I send my longing from afar.

May it reach you with the moonlight.

Your wife, Li, written by her own hand.

Your Highness. You've been reading these two pages for an hour.

Is there some hidden message in Princess Ding's letter?

The Empress Dowager summoned Li to court,

supposedly for companionship, but in truth as a hostage.

It seems they fear my hold on the army

and even suspect that I am in league with Mo Jing Li.

That is why they are holding her to keep me in check.

Any report on the enemy's camp situation?

Just as you predicted, they are all stationed west of Jueyun Ravine.

Before this, Mo Jing Li's camp was heavily fortified,

with his tent hidden in the center and the supply camp on high ground.

But since our army feigned defeat, yielded the east pass,

and pretended to retreat past Pohun Slope and Suishi Valley,

his troops have grown arrogant.

The camp keeps expanding, and the outer defenses are getting lax.

Yesterday, Mo Jing Li even moved his tent three li forward.

For easier access to water, the supply camp moved to the low valley.

It seems now they truly believe our army is routed

and intend to strike Luoxia Pass directly.

An arrogant army is bound to fail.

Order the entire army to prepare.

This battle must be won quickly.

Yes.

[On the Next Episode]

Prince Ding set an ambush at Jueyun Ravine, wiping out Mo Jing Li's main force.

The rebel leader, Mo Jing Li, is at large. We are in hot pursuit.

The people of Li Mountain Academy indeed died of acute illnesses.

The lack of food and medicine is also a fact.

Are you blaming me?

Merits and faults are always distinct.

Justice in this world is never as simple as offsetting faults with merits.