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[Legend of Fuyao]

[Episode 27]

Tang Bo Nian was initially just a commoner.

He's very prudent.

I don't think he will lead 50,000 soldiers up to the capital

just because of a letter.

He'll send out a letter to verify it.

If we want to rid him of his doubts

we'll need the Elder Statesman's confidant to tell him personally

that the letter is real.

That confidant will be you.

Young Master Yun.

This way, please.

- Young Master Yun. - General Tang.

Excuse my men for not recognizing you.

- Please head in. - After you.

Young Master Yun.

I haven't seen you in two years.

Young Master, you've grown even stronger and taller.

General Tang, you're still in such great spirits.

My godfather said that as long as you're here

a century of peace is guaranteed for the southern frontier.

I'm already old! I'm not as competent.

- Have a seat. - After you.

This small city is at least 300 miles from the capital.

If I had known that you were coming

I'd have sent someone to welcome you in.

My godfather sent me.

Before I set out, he particularly reminded me to arrive unnoticed.

I also just received a letter from Elder Statesman Qi.

He told me to head to the capital with my troops.

This is...

Is there a problem in the capital?

I've come exactly because of that.

There are some words my godfather felt uneasy putting down in writing.

So he's sent me here, riding at full speed

to clarify the situation for you.

What are Elder Statesman Qi's orders?

He said that we can now put what we've planned for years into action.

Are we rising in rebellion?

So General, you'll have to lead the army up north discreetly.

We'll strike unexpectedly.

According to Elder Statesman Qi's orders

General Tang, you'll lead 50,000 men up north first

the remaining 100,000 men will be the reinforcements.

The army will branch out into three.

We'll surround the capital from three directions.

General, Jing Province is 30 miles ahead.

Should we march on or...

The messenger I sent to Zhi Rong has yet to return.

As for the current situation in the capital...

I really have no idea.

Didn't Elder Statesman Qi say in the letter that everything was ready?

We should wait awhile.

My father had this confidential letter sent to me two days ago.

He said that Elder Statesman Qi ordered him to lead 50,000 men here.

But my father is worried that something may go wrong

so he asked me for information.

Oh?

Do you know what it means when a general stationed at the frontier

leads his army to the capital unauthorized?

Treason.

It's good that you're well aware of it.

My King, I know that it would condemn my entire clan to death!

My father may have acted foolishly

but as his daughter, I mustn't act just as foolishly!

My King, as for replying to this letter, please...

Please advise!

What a smart woman.

Unfortunately, you were born in the wrong family.

I know Tang Bo Nian's every move like the back of my hand.

As for you, you're really sensible.

But now you're implicated in this treason case.

What a pity.

My King...

My King!

I've already thought it through.

I was married off from Tang family.

I'm no longer a member of the Tang family.

Right now, your safety is as good as mine.

Your enemy is my enemy!

I... For the sake of my loyalty

please spare my life!

I don't want to die!

Why are you crying?

Your father's army consists of the royal court's elite soldiers.

If I can overtake them without shedding a drop of blood

and clip off one of Qi Zhen's wings

I shall reward you handsomely.

My King, you mean...

What do you think?

I will inform my father...

I'll tell him that Elder Statesman Qi has... everything arranged.

And that he can set his mind at ease and come up to the capital.

The daughter need not pay for her father's sins.

Zhi Rong, I'm well aware of what you've decided to do.

I have also made my own arrangements.

Thank you, My King.

The Consort of Prestige

Tang Zhi Rong, is now conferred as the Lady of Yongjia Hall!

The royal wedding shall be scheduled for the auspicious day, October 19.

She is to be conferred the title of Queen Zhaoyuan!

She shall be respected throughout Taiyuan Kingdom!

Father...

Don't blame me.

You've been brilliant your whole life, but you chose the wrong master.

Whether or not your master succeeds, your death is inevitable.

As for me, I just want to live honorably.

It's an ambush!

- Retreat quickly! - It's an ambush!

Retreat!

Young Master, why haven't you been to visit Miss Fu Yao these days?

Why have you become so nosy?

Why do I have to see her every day?

Young Master, are you still mad at Miss Fu Yao?

I'm mad at her?

Am I someone who throws tantrum that easily?

Young Master, you've always had a plan in mind.

Everything was under your control.

I've never seen you behave like this.

But ever since Miss Fu Yao appeared, you do seem more human.

Are you saying that I was deprived of humanity before?

I wouldn't dare say so.

That lass sure is stubborn.

She reprimanded me that day, and I do feel quite uneasy.

Tell me. Am I someone who manipulates others and makes use of their trust?

That's what makes you brilliant.

But I refuse to use her.

That's why you made such an effort to get Tang Zhi Rong anointed as the queen.

Young Master, you actually feel bad for Miss Fu Yao.

You're worried that she'll be implicated in Taiyuan Kingdom's misfortune.

Have I been too nice to you lately?

Why do you have so much to say?

I'll head to the Inner Court to be punished.

Godfather, the rumor is true.

Tang Bo Nian did lead 50,000 soldiers up to the capital.

He prepared his own rations and marched overnight.

He even avoided the official route and took to the mountain path.

Tang Bo Nian...

He's going against me.

I've already contacted the informants we planted in his army.

However...

Speak!

None of them replied.

I'm afraid... they might've been taken out already.

It seems that he's been preparing for this day.

I've sent someone to search for him in secret.

Yet even now, his whereabouts are unknown.

Could there be some secret behind it?

Secret?

The secret is that he colluded with Xuanyuan Min through his daughter

and betrayed me long ago!

No wonder, out of so many consorts

he only favored Tang Zhi Rong.

Yesterday, he even unexpectedly anointed her as the queen.

I'm afraid that Tang's 50,000 men have already defected to Xuanyuan Min.

What should we do?

Without those 50,000 men, wouldn't your plan be--

Yun Hen.

Like an arrow on a bowstring, there's no point of return.

I can only depend on you.

Don't worry, Godfather.

Hold on.

Let me think this through.

You can step out now.

Yes.

After you return to the manor

stay by Qi Zhen's side as you always do.

Qi Zhen isn't just going to pay for his sins with his life.

On the ninth, three quarters past seven in the evening.

I'll await Elder Statesman Qi's arrival at the skew bridge of Changyuan.

With a conspiracy, how could I possibly put everything at stake on one man?

My King.

What is it? Speak.

Well...

My King, why don't I take my leave?

It doesn't matter.

Just say it.

Zhi Rong is one of us.

Yes.

General of Pacifying Faraway Lands, Tang Bo Nian led his army to the capital.

I already know about it.

But on his way here, the army suddenly--

vanished.

Oh?

Zhi Rong, what's the matter?

I'm just...

I'm just... worried for you.

I am indeed worried.

Why would an army just disappear?

Could it be that Elder Statesman Qi--

Qi Zhen also sent out many of his men to search for them?

It's just that they're nowhere to be found.

Where is Tang Bo Nian now?

He's locked up.

Skilled warriors were sent to handle it.

No traces were found.

Qi Zhen's men won't be able to find General Tang.

Guard him carefully.

Yes.

Do you know why I locked Tang Bo Nian up?

My father...

He has committed a crime.

That's indeed true.

But his crime isn't worth dying for.

But should Qi Zhen find him

your life couldn't be spared either.

Do you understand?

I do.

Young Master Yun.

This is...

What is this about?

What took you so long?

Where am I?

You must ask Elder Statesman Qi to save me, quickly.

It's been 15 years.

How have you been, General Tang?

Who are you?

The tattoo of the aquatic dragon?

You are--

You're Young Master Yue?

That's impossible.

That's impossible...

The household of Prince Wen Yi was--

It was completely wiped out by you all, wasn't it?

Fortunately, justice has long arms.

I must thank you, General Tang, for your oversight back then.

It saved my life.

Young Master Yun, what is this about?

Young Master Yun?

I forgot to tell you.

His surname is also Xuanyuan.

Both sons of Prince Wen Yi are standing before you now.

General Tang.

What else do you have to say?

Retribution!

It seems I walked into your trap by returning to the capital.

That's just as well.

Young masters, do you want to take my life or seek revenge?

I want to know the truth.

The truth?

Prince Wen Yi was indeed set up and framed for treason back then.

Was it Qi Zhen?

Speak!

Back then, Prince Wen Yi pacified several rebellions and suppressed bandits.

His contributions in civil and military affairs were insurmountable.

By right, this should have been a great blessing to Taiyuan Kingdom.

However...

King Renzong was old.

He wasn't close to his eldest son.

He favored the youngest who was always by his side.

Was it the former king, Xuanyuan Ren?

Exactly.

The more remarkable Prince Wen Yi became, the more King Renzong doubted him.

Qi Zhen was but a mere commandant then.

He chose to side with Xuanyuan Ren.

He gave him advice and suggestions.

Whenever he had the chance

he'd speak ill of Prince Wen Yi in front of King Renzong.

He later forged evidence of Prince Wen Yi's treason for Xuanyuan Ren.

He accused him of harboring his own army to usurp the throne, kill his siblings...

embezzling silver from the taxes

as well as drugging the deceased king.

They were all lies!

Elder Statesman Qi and the former king plotted it all.

Qi Zhen and Prince Wen Yi were sworn brothers.

Why would he harm the prince?

Elder Statesman Qi craved power.

Xuanyuan Ren was easily influenced and incompetent.

It was much easier to stay by his side.

Moreover... Young Masters, have you heard of the Dragonscale Armor?

Didn't he take the armor for himself after killing the prince?

It was the other way around.

It was precisely because of the Dragonscale Armor...

that they had to kill Prince Wen Yi.

Why?

The Dragonscale Armor is a sacred object.

Of course... everyone coveted it.

No, that wasn't the reason.

Young Master Yue.

Don't keep pressing for an answer.

I have already told you what you need to know.

He wanted it for his daughter, Qi Yun, didn't he?

We should be the ones to pay for our sins.

As for the children, you're all innocent.

Indeed.

But the 78 lives taken that night, what did they do wrong?

I'm the one who sinned.

It was me.

An eye for an eye, a life for a life.

That night, dozens of lives were taken for no reason.

I can never be rid of this sin, even if I have other lifetimes!

Yet to see the two of you today and learn that you're still alive...

I am actually quite relieved.

In the past, I feared death.

I was scared that even in hell, I wouldn't get to become a ghost!

But now that I've told you about this matter today

I just hope that the grim reaper...

may relieve me of some guilt.

Since the day you agreed to be Qi Zhen's lackey

you should have known... that your sins would never be pardoned.

I deserve... to meet such an end.

Sinner, Tang Bo Nian, is willing to die for his sins!

I'll stain my hands if I kill you.

Leave his corpse intact.

Young Masters...

Take care!

Father?

Has it been 100 days since we came to Taiyuan?

In total, it's been four months now.

As summer turns to fall, and winter is soon approaching...

Within 10 days, this lake will freeze over.

The day is approaching.

Taiyuan, the water of infinity.

It's about time to put an end to our work here.

Young Master, you've decided to make a move?

Why do you think I've been waiting?

I...

Forget it.

I understand what to ask, and what not to ask.

What difference does it make if you know?

My King, the marquis is here.

My King.

Marquis Zhang, have a seat.

Yes.

Marquis Zhang, what do you think about General of Pacifying Faraway Lands

Tang Bo Nian?

General Tang contributed to suppressing the bandits.

He is an important official to the royal court, of course.

Some time ago, didn't you say

that you were running a bit short on men for the garrison guards?

Now that it's stable at the borders, without any war or bandits

why don't I assign 50,000 men from General Tang's army to you?

You can manage them on behalf of Tang Bo Nian.

This is...

Wouldn't that be criticized by other officials?

I'm afraid that someone may impeach me for coveting authority and personal gain.

You asked me for more men.

But now you're overtaken by misgivings and fear for your reputation.

Forget it, if you don't want them.

They're Taiyuan Kingdom's soldiers.

It doesn't matter where I place them.

I'll do as you instruct, My King.

Marquis Zhang.

It's cold at night and you're much older now

so you can't stand the cold.

Cao Cheng!

Bring me my blanket!

This--

Yes.

Yes, My King.

Marquis Zhang.

My King, you mustn't--

Marquis Zhang, please get up.

The palace is not safe at the moment.

There are informants planted all around me.

I said some things just for their ears.

As for provoking impeachment and doubt

I might have to ask for your help.

Forgive me for being slow-witted.

Taiyuan may soon face a huge unforeseen misfortune.

[Zhangsun Ping Rong, eldest prince of Tianquan Kingdom.]

Your Highness.

Elder Statesman Qi, you're too polite.

I was but an idler who had nothing to do with Taiyuan's politics.

All I wanted in life was to sing songs and to make a few friends.

Who could have known that the gods would pull such a prank on me?

They dumped me on the prickly throne of Taiyuan Kingdom.

How could I be competent enough to succeed it?

My King, I'm willing to risk my all for whatever orders you give me.

There are officials fighting for power in the Inner Court

and the consorts' relatives struggling for power in the harem.

I'm exhausted from being caught in it.

Should someone in the royal court not be able to tolerate me one day

and rise in rebellion, it will be the people of Taiyuan who suffer.

Who would dare to do so?

I've thought it through.

Instead of waiting for the unfaithful subjects to raise a rebellion

I might as well abdicate my throne.

It might ensure the safety of some people.

Although there are power officials forming factions for personal gain

it's by no means a hopeless situation just yet.

Even if someone does rise in rebellion

I have 100,000 men in the garrison guards.

There are 43 people all together in my household.

Even if I must fight till I'm the last man standing

I must risk my life to protect the royal bloodline of the Xuanyuan family.

Marquis Zhang, please sit down.

For the sake of Taiyuan Kingdom

you must take caution and look after your health.

Thank you, My King.

When I said I'd assign 50,000 men to you, you hesitated.

Why?

Are you worried that Qi Zhen will suspect you

or that the righteous officials will criticize you?

My King, you have such faith in me.

This is truly my blessing.

It's just that I already have 100,000 men from the garrison guards.

The armed forces of Taiyuan Kingdom are made up of just 450,000 men.

Should you assign another 50,000 soldiers to me

the issue doesn't lie in feeding an army, but in managing it.

The issues involved are complicated and intertwined.

Moreover, there are quite a few meritorious vassal princes.

I'm afraid this isn't the right time to divide up the military power.

What is it time for then?

Do you think that I'm trying to undermine Qi Zhen's military power

so as to secure my throne as a nominal monarch?

I just feel bad for Tang Bo Nian's well-trained elite soldiers

who had to attack and fight their own comrades in the end.

My King, then why do you say that there's going to be a great misfortune?

Even if I don't say it out loud, you must know of Qi Zhen's motives.

He's already over 50 years old.

I'm afraid he's tired of waiting.

I'm certain that he will force me off the throne and usurp it.

There are a great many important political matters to handle

in Tianquan Kingdom.

You're stationed outside the Imperial City.

Since you've rushed all the way here, I'm filled with reverence and awe.

Don't bother with useless pleasantries.

I have to rush back before dawn breaks.

Cut to the chase.

Is it the throne of Taiyuan you seek?

Am I right?

Yes, I want the throne of Taiyuan.

I will assist you in seizing the throne of Taiyuan.

However, when I compete for the position of Tianquan's Crown Prince

you and all of Taiyuan Kingdom must be my faithful supporters.

Your Highness, do rest assured.

When the time comes, I'll be sure to offer you my full assistance.

As long as you follow me loyally

all of Taiyuan Kingdom will surely be yours.

Not only that...

I'll also come up with ways to report to my father

to make you King of Taiyuan.

I shall be very grateful to Your Highness then.

However...

Should Crown Prince Wu Ji find out about this matter...

judging by his personality, would he--

Who are you...

talking about?

I have spoken out of turn.

With the Imperial City of Tianquan Kingdom watching over us

no one would be daring enough to raise a rebellion.

Even if someone took over Taiyuan

the throne isn't Qi Zhen's to succeed.

The Imperial City of Tianquan?

What about it?

The emperor and crown prince of Tianquan Kingdom are mere mortals.

They can't live for an eternity or remain young forever.

Since they are human, they can be selfish.

They have weaknesses.

How can you be sure that they will judge fairly?

My King! How can you utter such words of insubordination?

The Imperial City of Tianquan Kingdom rules over the five kingdoms.

The ruler of Tianquan is the true emperor!

Crown Prince Wu Ji is even a rare talent that only appears once in a century!

With the Imperial City watching over and governing all five kingdoms

no one in Taiyuan can claim the throne, however impressive he might be

unless he is the descendant of the royal Xuanyuan family

and can manipulate water.

What if the Imperial City allows the throne to be taken?

Then, the lineage and the power to manipulate water wouldn't matter.

Then, no one would be able to hold Qi Zhen back.

That's impossible.

This is the confidential letter I received this morning.

Some people from the Imperial City have secretly snuck into Taiyuan just to...

meet Qi Zhen?

Exactly.

Those people came dressed in fine clothes and rode on well-groomed horses.

It's said that there's even a special mark on their saddles.

Marquis Zhang, you can guess what that mark looks like.

You're right.

It's the Feather Tree.

They are from the imperial family of Tianquan Kingdom.

Could it be that Qi Zhen has really gone all out

to raise a rebellion?

Your Highness.

I'll be honest with you.

I'm not raising a rebellion in the spur of a moment or acting recklessly

I've been planning this for years.

I've already laid out a foolproof plan.

Tell me about it.

Taiyuan has 450,000 soldiers in total.

My confidants and I have 200,000 soldiers all together.

I can get more from the Commandery Prince of Xiping.

Other than them, I made another pact with King of Tiansha, Zhan Nan Cheng.

If he sends reinforcements over, I'll give him Mount Changhan.

In addition, Your Highness... will be offering me your support.

How could we not succeed?

If that's the case, then why haven't you taken action yet?

Speed always plays a crucial role in war.

A delay will result in unforeseen mishaps.

Instead of gathering your armed forces

why are you wasting your time here?

Your Highness, you aren't aware of it.

I am waiting for the right time.

We're running out of time.

We must strike first to gain the upper hand.

What should I do?

Tang Bo Nian is yet to be found.

I want you to lead Taiyuan's 200,000 elite soldiers

to protect the bloodline of the Xuanyuan family.

Marquis Zhang... I'm leaving this in your hands.

My King...

You went to such painstaking efforts...

I've been endowed with the grace of the Xuanyuan family.

All these decades as an official, I've never once dared to slack off.

I'm now past 60 years of age

and I've managed to bring honor to my ancestors and descendants.

My life is already worthwhile!

Now that the treacherous villain is about to rise in rebellion

and Taiyuan is in trouble

I must protect the royal court, even at the risk of my life.

Even at the risk of my life

I must protect the bloodline of the royal Xuanyuan family!

On the day of the royal wedding.

What about it?

According to the tradition of Taiyuan Kingdom

Xuanyuan Min has chosen his queen and will have to hold the wedding.

Two-thirds of my Defense Battalion and Zhang He Nian's garrison guards

will be reassigned as the king's personal royal guards.

That adds up to 150,000 men.

We mustn't underestimate them.

You're going to overthrow the king.

Why would you worry about that puppet King of Taiyuan

robbing you of your authority?

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