Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME

There is only one way for you

to become the heir of the lord.

You must make His Lordship wary of Prince Lanxi.

His Lordship understands the importance of balance above all else.

He would never allow his heir

to outshine him.

Your Highness.

I will give Your Highness a sachet

that contains the methods to use against Prince Lanxi.

However, it can only be opened

after he leaves the capital of Yongzhou.

Why?

Your Highness will know when the time comes.

One more thing.

I will need Your Highness to put up a performance with me.

Your Highness,

I have investigated the situation in Liang City.

Please take a look.

Liang City is located at the border between Yongzhou and Qingzhou.

It is surrounded by rapid waters too.

It may be a secret military training ground,

but it is occupied by the military commissioner,

Yu Ming, all year round.

Even if a royal decree is issued,

it's hard to say if things will go smoothly.

To control the city,

Yu Ming suggested

that a dam should be built above the rapid rivers.

However, my people have reported

that the progress of the construction had been extremely slow.

It is simply a front.

If Your Highness leaves for Liang City,

we'll have to get rid of him first.

Thank you, Mentor.

I made the decision to go to Liang City.

No matter how difficult the journey is,

I will have to carry on.

However, the rules forbid princes

from forming vassal states or leaving the capital.

Have you thought about how you will get there, Your Highness?

The spring tide should be coming soon.

Yu Ming claims he is building the dam.

The spring tide will be our chance.

Your Highness.

Prince Ju went to Yu Wuyuan's residence right after the court meeting.

However, he didn't stay for long

before he was led out by Yu Wuyuan's servant.

But when he left,

he didn't look happy.

He might have had a fallout with Yu Wuyuan.

Yu Wuyuan left the capital with his servants right afterward.

He left?

Was he not the mastermind

behind the scheme?

Perhaps he realized he was no match for His Highness

and ran away?

Yu Wuyuan is not someone who admits defeat easily.

There were many loopholes

in the treasury theft case.

It didn't seem like his style.

However, Feng Ju is persistent.

That's why he had no choice but to leave the capital of Yongzhou.

That should be the case.

What will we do about Prince Ju then?

Continue to keep an eye on him.

He won't give up easily.

Yu Wuyuan has left,

but I'm afraid Feng Ju will come up with something else.

Yes, Your Highness.

Sirs.

This is the leader of the Tianshuang Sect,

Bai Jiande.

Like us, he is a Token Keeper as well.

This is the Head of Escort of the Jiuhai Security Escort of Jizhou,

Zeng Jiuhai.

This is the owner of the Xiangyun Wares of Beizhou,

Qian Henian.

Greetings.

These are the two Token Keepers that I know of.

Token Keepers

are not to meet in secret.

For what reason did you have Master Wang

ask us to come to the capital of Yongzhou?

I am aware of that.

However, something bad has happened

and I am injured.

That is why I had Master Wang ask both of you to come here.

Sirs.

Please look at this.

This token is fake.

But it does look incredibly like the real thing.

Master Bai, where did you get this?

I acquired it by chance.

Ms. Fengxi from Master Bai's sect

once acquired a fake token as well.

It was later handed over to the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao.

That means the token

that was stolen when Prince Huang Chao was escorting it to the Imperial City

was fake too.

Precisely.

Someone is using the fake tokens to stir up chaos.

As Token Keepers, we know

just how important the Empyrean Token is.

That is why I've been secretly investigating the matter.

I asked

Mr. Fengxi of the Fountain Abode for help.

A few days ago,

he informed me that the Gongye Zhi, an ironsmith who is also a Token Keeper,

was missing.

I suspect that he was the one

who forged the fake tokens.

And the person who conspired with him

is very likely

a Token Keeper as well.

This is a grave matter.

Did you ask us to come here

because you suspect us?

No.

I seek your help to assist me in finding out

who else is a Token Keeper.

That will allow me to solve the case sooner as well.

Please be assured, Master Bai.

We will not sit idly by.

Thank you,

everyone.

Your Highness! It's the first snow!

The first snow!

The first snow?

You mean

this is a suitable mood to do it?

Your Highness.

The first snow to bring spring and scenery of snow-white.

It's the perfect time for you to confess.

Your Highness,

you don't have to be so nervous.

Think about it.

You've known Ms. Feng for so long

and both of you have been through life-and-death situations together.

I'm sure Ms. Fengxi harbors feelings for you too.

I don't think

it will be as difficult as you imagine.

Do I look nervous?

Tell me

what you think of me.

Well, of course, you're a man among men, Your Highness.

You are dashing, remarkable, and dignified.

You would stand out even among a sea of people.

Nice flattery.

Your Highness.

If we go by the stories,

this is how it would go…

The first snow of the new year drifts profusely and disorderly.

A beautiful sight indeed.

Are you talking about the snow

or me?

Both.

It's a bit dull

just to gaze at the snow.

Why don't we play a game?

Let's see

which of us can find these three things within the capital of Yongzhou.

The first item.

Something whiter than snow.

The second item.

Something warmer than the furnace in winter.

The third item.

Something colder than the stones buried beneath the snow.

How about it?

Whiter than snow,

warmer than fire,

and colder than stone.

All right.

You're on.

Don't be a sore loser if I win.

Of course.

What?

Are you already trying to cheat?

No.

I have already won.

I know.

You must have already prepared the three items, right?

Show them to me.

What I am looking for

is right

before me.

I will always be by her side.

It's you.

Well, tell me

how I am whiter than snow.

Even amidst the falling snow,

your plain robes

stand out.

Naturally, you are whiter than the snow.

Why am I warmer than a furnace then?

It's your gaze.

You try your best

to restrain it,

but I can still sense your feelings.

Your feelings

are warmer than the fire.

Why is your face so hot?

Was I wrong?

Since you claim that my gaze is piercingly hot,

how am I colder than stone then?

The beauty

stands in the snow,

yet her lips are sealed.

I'm sure her lips must be cold and that's why she finds it hard

to express her feelings.

One cannot expect a lady

to make the first move.

So I did.

If you do that,

you will surely win her heart.

Why are you still standing here?

Go on.

Invite her over.

Right away.

Qiwu, Qingzhou's hot pot

is the perfect dish to have

on a cold day like this.

I've heard that Qingzhou's hot pot is particularly spicy.

I'm used to a light diet.

I don't dare to try this.

This boiling pot of red soup

can be intimidating,

but it has a nice name.

"To Dine On Dusk."

Back then, people loved to gather their friends

to drink wine and share a meal together.

They could choose whatever they liked and enjoy it with wine.

A wonderful time, indeed.

After that, they would recite poetry

about the glorious view

of the sunset's afterglow and the river beneath it.

That is how the name came to be.

You should put words into action

and give it a try yourself.

Come on.

Try it.

What do you think?

Isn't it spicy and satisfying?

Drink some wine. Hurry.

How is the aftertaste?

When it first enters my mouth,

I taste how spicy it is.

I can't feel anything else but the spice.

However, there's a lingering fragrance.

-It has a unique taste. -This hot pot broth is made

from a stir-fried mix of chili peppers, peppercorn, and beef.

That is what it tastes like.

Ms. Feng.

You know so much about Qingzhou's hot pot.

Are you from Qingzhou?

Of course. Feng is the national surname of Qingzhou.

Qingzhou must be a place where heroines are born indeed.

First, there was Lady Feng, the founder,

then came Princess Xiyun,

and now we have you, Ms. Feng.

How enviable.

What's there to envy?

All three of us

were only doing

what we wanted to do.

I believe everyone should be equal in this world.

Especially men and women.

Everyone should be able to do what they want to do.

That goes for you too, Qiwu.

What you just said calls for a toast.

Here.

Right, Qiwu.

Let's dress up as men someday,

go horse riding in the wild, and patronize the courtesan houses.

Let's not be bound by women's constraints.

All right!

Your Highness.

Ms. Feng wasn't at her residence.

Where did she go?

Ms. Feng spent the entire day with Minister Feng.

The whole day?

The servants of Minister Feng's residence said

they left early in the morning.

They browsed the streets,

had Qingzhou-style hot pot,

and went to watch an opera performance in the afternoon.

She only returned after dinner.

Well, she sure had an exciting day.

Don't be troubled, Your Highness.

Even if today didn't work out,

there are still other chances.

If necessary, we still have the Lantern Festival,

Double Seventh Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

I mean,

apart from these festivities,

we can also create the mood ourselves.

You're right. How could I forget?

Do we still have fireworks?

Fireworks? Yes.

A firework setting is a tactic in novels too.

Tomorrow,

invite her over again.

Ms. Feng.

Zhong Li.

Ms. Feng, His Highness invites you to have dinner tonight

at the House of Jade.

Does he need to see me about something? I have plans today.

If it's just a meal,

could we do it on another day?

You'll know when you get there.

His Highness appeared anxious.

All right. Got it.

Do remember. A quarter after seven this evening.

I will.

Miss, you've been smiling

more often.

Really?

Yes.

You've changed quite a bit

ever since you met Ms. Feng.

Now,

I can understand

what His Highness sees in her.

It's a pity Ms. Feng is a member of the martial arts world.

If His Highness were to marry her,

I fear…

It might be a problem

if it was someone else.

But if it's her,

I'm certain

neither His Highness nor Ms. Feng

will be stopped.

What about you, miss?

I can only serve

His Highness as a subject in this life.

To compare myself to her

would be to give myself unnecessary trouble.

What is troubling you, Qiwu?

You're here, Fengxi.

You didn't forget about the promise

we made yesterday, did you?

Let's go out.

I remember our promise.

Xiao'er, prepare three sets of men's attire.

Yes, miss.

Once I get changed and dress up like a man,

I will look as if I am the handsome Pan An.

I hope you won't fall for me when you see how good I look.

All right. I will be sure to enjoy and appreciate your looks.

Hurry.

-Put it there. Yes. -All right.

And you! Hurry! Put it over there.

-Yes. There's still space there. Quickly! -Yes, sir.

Your Highness.

Everything is ready.

We're just waiting for Ms. Feng.

Have you prepared the fireworks?

Of course.

Later, you only need to hold her hand

and I will set off the fireworks as planned.

May Your Highness's wishes come true.

Go and find out

where she is right now.

Understood.

How could you bring my lady to a place like this, Ms. Feng?

Don't worry, Ms. Xiao'er.

Nothing will happen while I'm here.

Come in, sirs.

Lead the way.

Let's go.

Please have a seat.

Yesterday, the first snow…

What's going on here?

-Ms. Shao Yin has decided the theme… -They are here

to attend the recital held by Ms. Shao Yin.

The winner will earn the right to spend the night with her.

Please enjoy.

Thank you.

The black tiles stand out

Against the white-covered ground

The cold breeze sends chills

A partner to share warmth is delightful

Ms. Shao Yin says

the poem is a bit too plain and simple.

Fengxi,

what do you think about this poem?

It's as if he is speaking colloquially.

It's just like saying

this pastry is dry.

Feathers of white descend from the skies

Gently landing upon The branches blooming with plum blossoms

I wish to collect them for you

But I cannot leave the furnace unattended

Ms. Shao Yin says that this poem

is average.

It is much better than the previous one though.

However, while your diction is flowery,

most of them come from late poets.

One mustn't pass off other's work as their own.

In that case,

please recite your poem, sir.

All right.

When I open the windows I am greeted by a flurry of white

I ponder if spring has come early

The streets are filled with laughter

As the young and old Make merry in the snow

-Marvelous. -A wonderful poem.

"The streets are filled with laughter

as the young and old make merry in the snow."

Feng…

Mr. Feng.

You've given life to a snowy night.

Sir,

Ms. Shao Yin invites you to her chambers.

Just like that?

Many other gentlemen who haven't recited their poems.

Sir.

Your poem

has convinced me.

Go on, sir.

Every moment of pleasure is priceless.

-It is almost seven. -Seven?

Do remember. A quarter after seven this evening.

His Highness appeared anxious.

This is bad.

Qiwu, we have to go. Hurry.

Wait.

Is my beauty not up to your standards, sir?

Is that why you are so eager to leave?

Your Highness!

Your Highness.

How is it? Is she here?

Not yet.

Did something happen?

I searched around

and found out that Ms. Feng and Minister Feng

had dressed up as men and entered the Xiangle Parlor.

They haven't come out since.

Xiangle Parlor?

Wait here.

I'll go and find her.

Your Highness!

You can think little of us,

but you can't slight Ms. Shao Yin.

I am not.

However, I do have urgent matters to attend to.

Please understand, miss.

If that's the case,

why did you come to the recital?

Did you not come for me?

I did not.

However, you valued talents

over materials.

I admire your character

and that is why I joined the recital.

I had no other reason.

If I had, I would've prioritized the wrong things

and let your intentions go to waste.

I was able to please you with my poem

and add an extra flair to tonight's recital.

That is enough for me.

It is enough to find a kindred spirit through an exchange of poetry.

You are truly a distinguished character, sir.

-I've learned something from you. -I came for Ms. Shao Yin.

-Indeed. -Why did you come here?

Sir,

the recital is over.

Please come again tomorrow.

Hold on.

What is the meaning of this?

You ought to give Ms. Shao Yin an explanation at least.

-Indeed. Explain yourself. -That's right. Give her an explanation.

Move.

How could they just go?

So many strange things happened today.

First, he won the recital, but he won't share the night with Ms. Shao Yin.

And now, this?

I often see wives coming here to fetch their husbands,

but it's my first time seeing a man come

to get another man.

Don't tell me…

Since he has left,

let's call it a night.

-Ms. Shao Yin. -She's just leaving?

-Shame… -Let's leave.

-Your Highness! -Black Fox.

-Your Highness! Don't blame Ms. Feng. -Black Fox, listen to me!

Your Highness!

Qiwu!

Your Highness, if you have to punish someone, punish me!

Miss!

You're too concerned.

His Highness would not make things difficult for Ms. Fengxi.

Let us return to our residence.

Black Fox, hear me out.

You have to let me explain!

I know I was at fault.

I shouldn't have dressed up as a man and gone out.

It's not about that.

I know. I shouldn't have brought Qiwu along.

That's not it either.

I got it.

It's because I didn't show up on time, right?

That is my mistake, but…

I am angry because you did not take my words to heart.

Don't stay mad.

Let's have a drink.

What has gotten into you, Black Fox?

I've already waited for so long.

Why would I mind waiting longer?

What was that?

Speak louder.

I waited a long time in the mountains to hunt a grizzly bear.

I wondered what was bothering you.

You need techniques when it comes to hunting bears.

For instance, a bear runs by in a swish before you.

-I'm talking about you! Not about a bear! -You need to pull--

You're the one who brought up the bear. I'm giving you ideas here.

Didn't I tell you

the mastermind might be targeting the Sacred Jade Moon?

They might be lurking in wait to ambush us.

But you still went out without a second thought.

What if something happens to you?

The brothel is filled with all sorts of characters.

Aren't you afraid of running into danger?

Do you pay attention

to the things I say?

You yelled at me.

-I… -Did you just yell at me?

Even if I did something wrong, how could you raise your voice to me?

-I… -Have you ever considered my pride?

You didn't.

I did feel a little guilty.

But I've lost all sense of guilt

after what you did!

Reflect on yourself properly.

No…

Now, do you know what you did wrong?

They held hands! Hurry!

Launch the fireworks!

You're sly.

I almost fell for it.

-You… -I…

This isn't some gentleman's attempt to confess, right?

This trope you see in novels

is overused.

It won't work.

Not a chance.

It's so clichéd.

Leave!

Don't bother me!

Your Highness.

These

are all the novels I've accumulated over the years.

Please handle them with care.

Got it.

I see you read all kinds of stories.

This Golden Lotus…

That isn't appropriate, Your Highness.

It's not suitable.

Why do you need these books?

She thought the fireworks were clichéd.

I'm trying to find inspiration

from these stories.

Haven't they always said

that one would come to grasp the meaning the more they read?

I thought Your Highness gave up.

Is that the type of man I am?

Your Highness, you're sincere in your pursuit.

I'm sure your confession will succeed this time.

Ms. Fengxi,

I've just about taken all your pieces.

Are you sure you want to carry on?

Why not just tell me what's on your mind?

Qiwu.

I went back and thought about what happened that night.

Did Black Fox prepare those fireworks?

You finally realized.

So…

He wanted to…

If my guess is right,

His Highness

intended to express his feelings for you that day.

This trope you see in novels

is overused.

It won't work.

Not a chance.

It's so clichéd.

But…

But?

Do you not like him?

I didn't say that.

But he has

a lot of flaws.

For example,

he is calculative.

He needs to ponder over everything before he does anything.

Also,

he is overbearing.

He needs to be in control of everything at all times.

He is cold and distant as well.

He behaves as if everyone owes him.

In short, he is…

one of a kind

in this world.

Why do you chuckle?

Am I wrong?

Do you know

your eyes were filled with glee

when you spoke of his flaws?

People like to gaze at the stars when the night is dark.

You look at the stars

not only because they glow,

but also because

you can never see them clearly.

I know.

I understand.

I am aware of my own feelings.

But these things

are all about timing.

Besides, last night, he didn't…

Your heart has been swayed.

Do you remember

how we went out together on the day of the first snow

and His Highness looked for you all day?

He only found out you had gone out with me later on.

I've already waited for so long.

Why would I mind waiting longer?

I waited a long time in the mountains to hunt a grizzly bear.

You're the bear.

What did you say?

Nothing.

Well, I can't exactly bring it up first, right?

Let me ask you this then.

What if His Highness

expresses his feelings again?

Zhong Li, go and tell Bai Fengxi

that I would like to ask her to go out for the Lantern Festival with me.

Yes, Your Highness.

CHANCELLOR REN'S RESIDENCE, YONGZHOU

Sir, Ms. Huan is asking to see you.

Ms. Huan?

Let her in.

Yes, sir.

Chancellor Ren.

I have something to ask of you.

Ms. Huan,

what are you doing?

Get up.

Did something happen to His Highness?

Recently, I learned that Ms. Fengxi

was a skilled martial artist

and His Highness has known her for many years now.

She will probably join

His Highness's household soon.

I know His Highness has fallen for her,

but she has already distracted His Highness

and caused him to lose his focus now.

His Highness has lost all calmness and composure.

-If she does marry-- -Enough.

His Highness's affairs

are not something a court lady like you can speculate about.

The late lady told me to take good care

of His Highness before she passed away.

I don't dare go against her wishes.

You think too much.

A royal decree is needed

for His Highness to take her as his wife.

It's not something His Highness can decide on his own either.

But the entire residence now knows

that His Highness wishes to marry a woman of the martial arts world.

I've been serving His Highness since he was young.

I know him the best.

If His Highness decides that she is the one for him,

he will marry her

no matter what stands in his way.

That is why I ask that you go to her residence

and meet with her master in private.

Dissuade her from doing so.

If we take drastic measures,

the fire in His Highness will be extinguished someday.

No.

I can't do such a thing behind His Highness's back.

Just earlier, I've already sent a formal request for a visit

to Bai Jiande under your name.

He is probably waiting for you at the Pagoda Tree Estate now.

How dare you! You are reckless and insolent!

I am at fault.

However,

you were there when the late lady said her dying wishes.

I would do anything for His Highness.

But what about you? Would you do the same?

A loyal subject

is one who dares to criticize and advise their masters

even if it upsets them, right?

Greetings, Chancellor Ren.

Greetings, Master Bai.

I'm sorry I didn't welcome you earlier.

Please excuse me, Chancellor Ren.

I've heard that the Tianshuang Sect

is the leader of the righteous sects.

You've given His Highness

a lot of help as well.

Yet I only came to see you today.

I should be the one asking for forgiveness, Master Bai.

You're too polite, Chancellor Ren.

Please have a seat.

What brings you here today,

Chancellor Ren?

To tell you honestly,

I came

to discuss the matter of Ms. Fengxi.

Xi'er?

I've heard of the matter

between His Highness and Ms. Fengxi.

The Tianshuang Sect may be renowned,

but it is still a sect of the martial arts world.

It would be difficult for Ms. Fengxi

to marry His Highness.

Moreover,

I heard she is used

to a carefree life.

I believe she wouldn't take well

to the lifestyle of the royal family.

So you want me

to help separate them.