Original subtitles

=Tigers Sniff the Rose=

(Based on the novel of the same name by Yiren Kuikui)

=Episode 36=

(I have borne our ancestors' burden for 41 years.)

(I took office young, but corrected my faults, growing more cautious.)

My father plans to pass the throne to Mu Xun?

The Crown Prince was deposed and confined.

Yet you're the son His Majesty summons time and again.

Do you think Mu Xun

will let you go

once he takes the throne?

Given the Crown Prince's nature,

even if my father never summoned me,

he'd never let me go.

Your Highness.

His Majesty knows his days are numbered,

so he had me draft this edict

and hide it in his chamber.

The moment

His Majesty sends this decree

to the Chancellery,

there'll be

no turning back.

Mr. Liu, please save me.

If I didn't want to help you,

I wouldn't have come today, Your Highness.

Here.

But

do you really want to turn things around?

More than anything.

I want to live!

Then

you'll have to do something big.

Your Highness.

May I borrow your writing implements?

Why did His Majesty suddenly summon me?

Chancellor Liu, you'd best ask His Majesty yourself.

I'm just a palace eunuch.

Summon

the Vice Chief of the Secretariat,

the Chief of the Secretariat,

the Vice Chief of the Chancellery,

the Supervising Secretary,

and the Left and Right Grand Remonstrants

to the palace at once.

I have urgent matters to discuss with you all in private.

No delay. Let no word leak out!

What... what's going on?

(Universe in Harmony) Look.

This is...?

His Majesty's condition has suddenly worsened.

The last edict has been issued.

The last edict?

Hear the edict.

Without the Secretariat and Chancellery,

how can this be called an edict?

Exactly.

Does the Princess Regent know?

Where is Chancellor Liu?

- Exactly! - Right!

We want to see Chancellor Liu!

Where is Chancellor Liu?

We must see Chancellor Liu!

- We want to see Chancellor Liu! - Let us see Chancellor Liu!

Who do you think you are?

Let us see Chancellor Liu!

Outrageous!

- Let us see Chancellor Liu! - We want to see Chancellor Liu!

Who do you think you are?

We'll hear what Chancellor Liu says!

Let us see Chancellor Liu!

Bring Chancellor Liu out!

We want to see Chancellor Liu!

Bring Chancellor Liu out!

(The empire teeters on the brink. The Prince of Jin usurps the throne.)

(Weizhou, Hanbei Circuit, Border of Hanbei)

Weizhou is just ahead.

Ruozhu,

we can stop in the city for a day

to celebrate your birthday.

Dear.

Wait.

What's wrong?

I'm sure I heard the evening drum marking the You hour.

Why are the city gates still open?

Maybe we're lucky

and can get in to rest today.

Dear.

What's wrong?

(Weizhou) Weizhou has fallen.

The longer we keep the news under wraps,

the better our chances.

Now we join forces

and march day and night

straight for Sheng'an.

Let's go.

Something this big happened in Weizhou.

Why no beacon smoke?

If that's the case,

it may not be just one prefecture that's fallen.

It may be the entire Hanbei Circuit.

We need to get word to the neighboring prefectures fast.

If war breaks out again,

Weizhou

and Hanbei Circuit won't be

the only places affected.

Since they've killed all the city guards,

the beacon tower officers and men

must be dead too.

What do we do?

There's a small path here.

We can go around this way

and get there half a day sooner.

Why is there a beacon fire?

(Wang Chengding, Hanbei Military Governor) Who lit it?

General.

We've wiped out the beacon guards.

The wolf dung's been cleared out too.

(Tan Yuanchun, Handong Military Governor) I'll take some men back to check.

We've burned so many books.

Can the people in the neighboring prefectures see the flames?

Bamboo slips are no match for firewood and wolf dung.

Let's burn more, and faster.

We've carried these all this way.

Scroll by scroll.

Box by box.

Today,

they've finally served their purpose.

Books are only things, after all.

Once printed, their words will live on for generations.

We can always collect more later.

Hurry! Over here!

- Ruozhu! - They're here!

This way!

Hurry!

♪I ride through endless sands without rest♪

Ruozhu.

To have known you in this life,

I can die without regret.

We'll walk the road

♪Frost stains my sleeves; the setting sun lights towers♪

to the underworld together.

♪Wild geese fly south through late autumn♪

♪May the endless wind linger for me♪

I wondered who had caused all this trouble.

Just two commoners.

Not afraid to die, are you?

♪Let the storms sweep the hills bare; still, I cling to dreams of home♪

We dared to

♪If one day my homeland calls, my heart stays true♪

light the beacon fire here today

knowing you'd find us,

and knowing we'd die here!

♪Whose eyes have seen the smoke of war?♪

♪I'll ride into battle♪

Lin Dao.

Lin Dao?

Lin Dao!

♪Blood stains my sleeves as I stand firm. Never will I fall behind♪

Lin Dao.

Lin Dao.

♪I bow beyond the frontier walls♪

♪May you live a life free of sorrow♪

What are you waiting for?

♪May the moon shine on us forever♪

Kill me already!

You're...?

Chancellor Liu once did me a favor.

I won't kill you.

I know your voice.

Tan Yuanchun.

Why put on this show of compassion?

Leave a squad behind.

Put out that beacon fire at once.

Lin Dao.

(County Office)

(County Office)

Yang Si is ridiculous.

Still drinking and not back yet.

Does he not want to go back to Sheng'an?

Yan Shang.

Look north.

What's that?

A beacon fire.

Coming from Hanbei Circuit.

How many men do you have?

We need to find Yang Si fast.

If he comes back to your place...

No.

He didn't lose track of time.

He left on purpose.

So that beacon fire

has to do with the deposed Crown Prince?

I have to get back to Sheng'an at once.

Wait.

If Yang Si is compromised,

then the attendants you brought can't be trusted either.

Should I report this to the prefecture first?

Our Military Governor

may be able to hold off Hanbei Circuit for a while.

No.

I knew the generals of both circuits.

The Military Governor of Hannan Circuit

has always been closely allied with Hanbei.

If Wang Chengding of Hanbei rebels,

it'll be a blessing if Hannan

doesn't join him.

Yan Shang.

We must hurry.

Lin Dao.

Lin Dao.

You scared me to death.

Sorry to worry you.

(Ancient Chu Musical Scores)

Why do you carry bamboo slips with you?

They took the brunt of the arrow for you.

Ancient Chu Musical Scores.

I was going to

surprise you with them.

Tomorrow

is your birthday.

All right.

Who goes there?

Wait for me.

Don't run.

Get home quick.

Slow down.

Come take a look!

Hot steamed buns.

Fresh out of the steamer.

Come take a look!

What would you like?

Come take a look.

Take care.

Greens.

Fresh greens.

(Wang's Tea Shop, Plain Silk Shop) Very fresh!

Why were you following me?

Someone important sent me to deliver this to you.

(The empire is on the brink.)

(I've secretly summoned Tan Yuanchun of Handong Circuit)

(and Wang Chengding of Hanbei Circuit)

(to rise and support me.)

(When you see this letter,)

(if you still remember the years we rode side by side)

(and pity my desperate plight,)

(go to Hanbei at once)

(to meet Tan and Wang's cavalry)

(and march west toward Sheng'an.)

(If it's too hard for you,)

(then forget it.)

(I won't blame you.)

(Two beacon fires)

(will soon be lit.)

(You must leave that dangerous place at once.)

(Fate closes in.)

(I)

(have no other way.)

(And I must act on my own.)

(The jade pendant enclosed)

(is the one I wore when we hunted together at the Shangsi Festival.)

(It stands in my stead.)

(Please take care.)

The jade pendant here

is as good as the Crown Prince himself.

Rise, both of you.

This pendant is the proof.

His Royal Highness has put me in charge of this campaign

and ordered me to meet your troops and march west toward Sheng'an.

It's come to this.

No turning back now.

No room for error.

His Royal Highness has entrusted us with his life.

We'll do our utmost.

Generals,

we are not to lay siege to cities or engage in battle.

Avoid any obstacles along the way whenever possible.

Travel light.

Reach Tongguan within ten days.

And keep your soldiers in line.

Those who delay will be

executed.

Those who leak word will be

executed.

Those who shrink back will be

executed!

Generals, I hope we will work together with one purpose.

- Yes! - Yes!

There's one more thing

you need to know.

The Princess Regent left the capital with me in disguise.

She's currently within Lanyang County.

Route the two armies around.

Do not disturb her.

Rest assured.

His Royal Highness knows this puts you in a hard spot.

Yesterday, he secretly ordered me to send an elite force

to capture

Princess Danyang.

What?

(Lanyang County Office) Search everywhere!

Yes, sir!

Search every room thoroughly!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

You guys, over there!

You, go that way!

Yes, sir!

Search carefully!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

Everyone keep your eyes peeled!

Search every corner carefully!

Yes, sir!

Search carefully!

Hurry!

Nothing, sir.

Nothing!

Sir, we've searched everywhere. Nothing.

Seal the city gates. No one in or out!

We must find them!

Yes, sir!

Move!

(Donglang,)

(after I leave,)

(go take shelter at the charity school)

(at once.)

Mr. Yan,

please stay safe.

Once we're over this mountain,

we'll reach the main road, and we can ride from there.

How do you know roads like this?

Thanks to you,

I've been here for three years.

I know every hill and stream like the back of my hand.

Almost there.

The trail down is just ahead.

Surround the woods!

Search every inch!

Report anything unusual

at once!

Yes, sir!

They've sealed off the mountain.

My brother

has always been ruthless.

Sure enough, he won't let me

make it back to Sheng'an alive.

Who's there at this hour?

We're just passing through.

We need your help.

Sir.

Who are you looking for?

We got lost in the mountains.

We're hoping to stay the night.

Come... come in.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Are you two husband and wife?

Yes.

No.

To be honest,

we

are not married yet.

But we're already engaged.

My father is a snob.

He wants to break it off.

So we ran away.

We didn't dare take the official road,

so we tried the mountain paths.

But we got lost.

Sir.

We'll leave at dawn.

We won't trouble you.

But

if anyone asks,

please say you never saw us.

Yes.

If we're caught,

my father will beat me to death.

Helping someone in need

is a good deed.

Please take this money.

For letting us stay the night.

Put it away.

We can't take this.

We can't.

Alright. Have a seat.

Come on, sit.

Have a seat.

I...

Let's go.

Let's get dinner ready.

- No, I was just... - Those two kids must be

starving and exhausted.

Let's get dinner ready.

You're quite the liar.

They've sealed off the mountain.

Now they'll search it.

Who knows how far they'll get tonight?

If we hear anything,

we'll leave at once.

We can't drag them into this.

I'll go get some water.

Doesn't he look like him?

I think so too.

It's definitely him.

I've never mistaken anyone.

That is Magistrate Yan.

Keep it down.

Don't let them hear you.

When we cook porridge for them later,

we'll just...

They've recognized you.

Let's go.

Wait.

This is Lanyang territory.

It's no surprise the locals know me.

Even if they recognize me,

that doesn't mean they'll tell the pursuers.

They clearly recognized you,

yet they're still keeping it from you

and plan to tamper with our food.

What do you think they're planning?

Are we really going to stake our lives

on their conscience?

Let's go.

Sir.

Eat up.

Then get some rest early.

Not poisoned.

Hurry up and eat.

Don't let them see we're eating something different.

Sir.

What are you...?

To be honest,

that is all the rice

we have left.

Just enough for two bowls of porridge.

We're old.

We can't digest that.

This is fine for us.

Here.

You two eat.

We made it for you.

We're not hungry.

Have some more.

I've been drinking this wild greens soup since I was little.

I'll try some too.

I can tell this young lady

comes from a wealthy family.

She won't be used to it.

I can handle it.

Sir.

You recognized me,

so why didn't you tell us?

Magistrate Yan,

I

may be old,

but I can handle things.

You and this young lady came into the mountains late at night,

covered in dirt

and in such a hurry.

I figured

you must be

in some trouble you couldn't tell others about.

I didn't want to pry.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I kept things from you too.

Magistrate Yan.

Let me ask just one thing.

Once you go down this mountain,

you're out of Lanyang County.

Are you

really leaving?

We're so sorry.

Really.

We have nothing to send you off with.

You didn't even have your fill.

We did.

Thank you, ma'am.

Magistrate Yan.

Will you come back?

The crops

haven't even ripened yet this year.

Enough.

They must have something important to do.

This way!

Everyone!

Yes, sir!

Don't let them get away!

Search thoroughly!

Over here!

Coming!

Coming! After them!

They're closing in.

Move it!

Come on.

You two, come with me.

Hurry. Quick!

Let's go.

Come on.

Get inside. Quick.

Hurry.

Lie down and pull the covers over you.

Don't make a sound.

Just pretend you're my son and daughter-in-law.

Stay in bed and keep quiet.

Don't make a sound!

Move it!

Keep up!

Hurry!

A young couple in their twenties.

Have you seen them?

N-No, we haven't.

We hardly see strangers around here.

Is that so?

We can't drag them into this.

Out the window.

- Let's go. - Move aside!

Who lives in this room?

My son and daughter-in-law.

Your son and daughter-in-law?

Well,

they usually live here.

They went into town to buy goods today.

Yan Shang.

We have to split up.

Your Highness, are you worried they're after you

and don't want to drag me down?

What else?

You're a minor official.

Why would they search for you?

Too late.

Didn't you hear them ask about two people?

You and I

are together.

Someone's over there! Everyone, follow me!

Everyone, keep up!

Yes, sir!

Keep up!

Hurry! Keep up!

Keep up!

I'm afraid

I can't save you this time.

Who goes there? Stop!

Squad Leader.

The portraits are here.

Compare their faces.

You live in the mountains?

Yes.

We're mountain folk.

We were slow getting home today,

so it got late.

Nonsense!

Coming home in the dead of night?

Weren't those two old folks just now

waiting for their son and daughter-in-law to come home?

Quit standing there!

Keep searching!

Then... what about these two...?

Have you finished searching everywhere else?

Yes, sir.

Keep searching!

Yes, sir!

Aren't you leaving?

Why didn't you expose us?

Forgive my rudeness just now.

Your Highness.

You recognize me?

You are the Princess Regent.

Rise.

You have portraits.

Why not compare our faces

and turn us in for the reward?

I know what you look like.

No need for portraits.

We've already searched this area.

You can go down the mountain this way.

You'll avoid the search parties.

Why help us?

Your Highness, you may not know me,

but I could never forget you.

In the 23rd year of Yingxiang,

you ordered every military commander

to bring a squad of soldiers

to the capital for the assembly.

I went along too.

That's when I learned you wanted to ask us

whether back pay had been issued

and whether our families had been provided for.

That's when I learned

the order for garrison farming to support the troops was from you.

That year,

I'd actually been ready to desert.

But then our pay suddenly came through.

So my parents didn't starve

and I didn't become a bandit.

Your Highness.

We soldiers have only had enough to eat

for the past three years.

What's your name?

I'm helping you for my own sake.

I just want to live in peace.

I don't want to be caught up in another war.

In the armies across the prefectures and circuits,

there are thousands of insignificant soldiers

like me.

Let's go.

Halt!

Yang Si

pays his respects to the Crown Prince!

Welcome, Your Royal Highness!

What is troubling you?

At this point,

is there anything

we can't speak openly about?

I'm just thinking

the drought in Hannan and Hanbei

and the other circuits hasn't eased yet.

Raising troops now

will throw the realm into chaos.

The court's relief efforts may not continue.

Far more

innocent people may die

from natural disasters

than on the battlefield.

That's true.

With natural disasters raging

and public resentment boiling,

the prefectures are already overwhelmed.

This is the best time

for me to raise troops.

Heaven itself

is on my side.

Do you know

where Wanyao is?

I don't.

Wanyao may be a woman,

but she's not to be underestimated.

With her in the picture, anything could happen.

Once I capture her,

you can plead for her then.

Alright.

Go bring Wang Chengding and Tan Yuanchun in.

We need to discuss

our marching strategy.

Your Highness.

Is there

really no other way?

To think

you're still this naive

after all this time.

Your Highness.

Whenever I think of the Rebellion of the Seven Military Governors,

it feels like it happened yesterday.

The realm has only enjoyed a few years of peace...

Yang Si!

We've already raised troops.

There's no turning back.

If we back down now,

everyone out there dies!

If they don't want to die,

they'll have to kill you and me first!

We have no other choice.

Yang Si,

look at me now.

I've been confined for three years.

Every day was sheer torture.

But I survived.

Because this throne

and this realm

are what I've sacrificed everything

and schemed half my life for!

I am Huai's rightful heir.

But now,

the throne is about

to fall to that fool, the Prince of Jin!

Tell me,

how can I accept that?

I'm just taking back

what he stole from me.

That's all.

Any

more questions?

When did you learn to ride?

It's been three years. I had to pick up a few skills.

Lanyang may be small,

but it's still too big to get around on foot.

Riding a horse

isn't much different from riding a donkey.

Where are we now?

We've passed Mount Xiao.

Another two or three days, and we'll reach the capital.

Along the way, the prefectures and counties have been quiet.

Either

we've left the rebels behind,

or...

They've turned their coat.

How did he escape?

That's impossible.

He's been locked up for three years.

He's practically lost his mind.

(Universe in Harmony) Did he grow wings and fly away?

And end up at the Jinwu Guard's camp?

Speak! Cat got your tongue?

Calm down, Your Highness.

Everyone out.

Yes.

What exactly happened?

Your Highness.

I've got to the bottom of it.

Then say it!

The former palace eunuchs from the Eastern Palace joined forces

to help the deposed Crown Prince escape to the Jinwu Guard.

The deposed Crown Prince

had put a lot of effort into the Jinwu Guard's left camp.

And now he's colluded with rebels there,

left the capital overnight,

and headed south.

He ran?

Good!

I thought he was planning something.

That guy always looked down on me.

Three years in prison

must have scared him out of his wits.

All he wants is to save his own skin.

Turns out he's nothing but a coward.

You always say you've got everything handled.

Something this serious happened,

and you knew nothing about it?

Once I...

Wait!

The first thing

I'll do

after taking the throne

is hunt down that traitor,

Mu Xun!

Report!

Your Highness!

What now?

(Universe in Harmony) The capital garrison reports

that the deposed Crown Prince has left the capital with his troops.

He's joined forces with the rebel armies from Handong and Hanbei!

Now he's turned west.

He may be planning to take the Tongguan route back to Sheng'an!

He's coming back?

What should we do?

Your orders, please!

What's the panic?

Get out!

Yes!

Mr. Liu.

You have to save me.

He's coming back...

He's coming back to take my throne!

He... he's going to kill me!

Alright.

I won't take

the throne.

I'll... I'll...

I'll just give it back to him!

Your Highness.

At this point,

you have no choice.

You're going to be the Emperor

whether you like it

or not.

If you ascend the throne first,

he'll be a traitor.

But if the Eastern Palace is restored,

you'll be the traitor.

Between you and him,

only one gets to survive!

Understand?

The coronation will be tomorrow.

Keep it simple.

By order of the Crown Prince,

the Shence Army shall assemble at once and march to Tongguan

to crush the rebels!

The deposed Crown Prince, Mu Xun,

is ruthless

and seeks to destroy the realm.

His head must be hung at the palace gates

to uphold the law!

(Next Episode Preview)

I urge Your Majesty

and the Retired Emperor to go south at once.

I,

Yan Shang, Magistrate of Lanyang,

volunteer to defend Sheng'an.

♪Be the ferry where you wait for the sun♪

♪Be the blue silk that catches your tears♪

♪Be the sleeve we held, worn by dust and years♪

♪Let's conspire to grow old together♪

♪Let me be a captive beast bound by the same lock as you♪

♪- Through trails of mud and blood; - let grief drown in your eyes♪

♪Soar with the wind; plunge into hellfire as one♪

♪Burning bright as a song♪

♪See how roses and green bamboo enchant♪

♪Be the vow I make with all my heart♪

♪If we say forever, then forever it shall be♪

♪Not a single hour less♪

♪However deep the snow, I'll wait if you're there♪

♪We'll be gods above, or wandering souls♪

♪In heaven or the underworld, you're all I need♪

♪If we can stay, let's return to the village of our first meeting♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪Sharp winds or fierce rain, nothing can break us♪

♪Be mine in this world; be mine in this life♪

♪My last untouched innocence♪

♪If only we could return to the village where we first met♪

♪Stay by me; help me forget the frozen dream of last night♪

♪Fireflies glow, flowers kiss our lips; just us, through dawn and dusk♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪By your side, through joy and pain, is that eternity?♪

♪Till fireworks flood the town♪

♪Till the lake is still and clear♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

(No animals were harmed or mistreated in production.)