Original subtitles

Yi Hua, what do you think of my cooking?

A full sight of spring colors.

There is also Eggs Boiled with Shepherd's Purse.

It's what should be on the third day of the third month.

Home-cooked dishes.

I hope to be an ordinary person in my next life, just like them.

You, Yi Hua ,and Lu Shi are all my family.

Family.

But if everyone thinks of protecting themselves, who will defend the country and their homes?

We will definitely see peace one day.

The Imperial Guards are here to make arrests.

Is HIs Majesty really planning a widescale conscription to retaliate against Northern Lie?

The so-called war is not just a war against the enemy, but also a war against the Great Sheng people.

Be it for personal or official reasons, I should stop His Majesty's action.

If His Majesty listens to your advice and stops launching the northern expedition,

will you be willing to leave Jinghua Hall and Jiangdu

to settle down with me at Nanmeng Lake and spend the rest of our days together?

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Catch up.

Catch up.

Young Master Mu, we have emptied the venue for you.

Miss Lu is waiting inside the hall.

You two guard the entrance.

During my time with Miss Lu, no one is allowed to disturb us.

How dare you!

Forgive me, young master, forgive me.

Young Master Mu, you are magnanimous. Please don't get angry with the likes of him.

Never mind. Go away.

Thank you, young master.

Miss Lu, I'm here for the appointment.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by 🕒 The Time Travelers 🕒 Team @Viki.com

[History of the Southern Sheng Dynasty]

Crown Prince Chu Mu walked through narrow paths full of magnolia flower blooms in search of good music. He saw a young and sweet maiden standing in the bamboo pavilion with a copy of the “Classic of Poetry” in her hand]

[An Ancient Love Song] [Episode 9]

I came to Jinghua Hall to appreciate Miss Lu playing her konghou harp.

What is going on here?

This song requires konghou harp and bamboo flute to play together to achieve the best effect.

I hope Your Majesty will grant my wish.

What if I obstinately refuse to grant your wish?

Listening to music is like presiding over the imperial court.

Different musical instruments produce different timbres.

Listen only to one type and you will be unenlightened.

Listen to more than one type and you will be enlightened and wise.

Your Majesty is a wise ruler, so I'm sure you will allow it.

Get started then.

Upon hearing this song, does Your Majesty recall childhood memories?

In the twentieth year of Jingping,

Your Majesty went to Wuzhou with the Late Emperor and planted a spirit tree to pray for favorable weather.

In the twenty-fourth year of Jingping,

Your Majesty rescued victims of the whole Yujia Village and helped them survive the famine.

In the twenty-sixth year of Jingping, Your Majesty built the Qingyun Bridge in Lizhou,

delivering benefits to the people and winning praise from everyone.

Also in the twenty-sixth year of Jingping, Your Majesty met a woman named Xiaotian.

Knowing her fondness for poetry and books,

Your Majesty had all the poetry books in the Imperial Library copied to give her. [Classic of Poetry]

It not only showed Your Majesty's generosity,

it also changed public opinions toward educated girls.

In the thirtieth year of Jingping, Huofeng Fort in the north was captured.

The Late Emperor was unwilling to see the borders of Sheng shrink during his reign,

so he instead launched an aggressive invasion into the territory of the Chu State in the south.

In the Battle of Yunzhou, 5,214 soldiers were killed.

In the Battle of Xiazhou, 16,930 soldiers were killed.

In the Battle of Mangzhou, 100,991 soldiers were killed.

Thereafter, the national strength has been greatly weakened. [History of the Southern Sheng Dynasty]

Your Majesty, you probably don't know this,

but Xiaotian was from the Chu State.

None of the men in Yujia Village survived.

The Qingyun Bridge was trampled by the fleeing hungry people.

When they fled to Wuzhou, in order to feed themselves, they ate the spirit tree planted by Your Majesty.

Stop playing!

You have gone to great lengths.

What is your intention?

Are you defying the emperor?

Your Majesty, you didn't know our intention,

why did you shed tears?

A momentary war is for eternal peace.

Among the Nine Kingdoms, the weak have always been swallowed by the strong.

Only a strong nation can establish a foothold.

The best strategy defeats the enemy's plans.

The next best strategy defeats the enemy's alliances.

The next best strategy defeats the enemy's armies.

The worst strategy attacks the enemy's cities. [Quotes from Sun Tzu's Art of War - Attack by Stratagem]

How could Your Majesty not know such an ancient principle?

These words have been passed down for thousands of years and have become pedantic and outdated.

Strategizing against schemes and alliances is just playing with power and tricks.

What I need is real strength.

Your Majesty, you seek innovation and change. Your intention is good.

But if you turn all the people into soldiers, isn't it too aggressive?

Fine, you tell me then.

The Late Emperor left me such a mess.

If I don't take the risk and go on the offensive, am I supposed to sit back and wait for death?

But, Your Majesty, a strong country won't cause suffering to its people.

You only see reports and numbers.

You haven't even seen the carcass of poultry.

Do you know how many people will die because of one order from you?

So, the chicken at the door

was killed by you deliberately to show me.

This morning, a hyena broke into the chicken coop.

The chicken fought desperately to protect its eggs and was bitten to death by the hyena.

You have worked hard to beat around the bush.

Good job.

It's not good to fight, nor is it good to not fight. Tell me your perfect solution.

Your Majesty.

I have a question. Would Your Majesty care to answer?

Go ahead.

If a soldier, wearing iron armor and wielding a sharp sword,

fights against fifty old and sick people, who would win?

The difference in numbers is too great, so fifty people would win for sure.

Your Majesty, please take a look.

Enough.

You hit the eggs one after another. Are you trying to break the stone?

No matter how many eggs, they still can't break the stone.

How can eggs break a stone?

Exactly.

How can eggs break a stone? It's impossible.

Your Majesty, even poultry protect their children.

Are you planning to sacrifice the lives of the people in attempting the impossible?

Your Majesty, instead of launching a large-scale conscription to form a military force in large numbers,

why don't we think about building an invincible elite army to win with superior skills and techniques?

Win with superior skills and techniques...

What are the skills and techniques?

Also, how to win with them?

Why has no one ever mentioned it to me?

Something new. It's something new.

Well said.

Come, take notes of what he said.

Sir, come over please.

Hurry and take a seat, sir.

Tell me quickly.

What are...

What are the skills and techniques?

Your Majesty, please take a look.

Fifty unarmed people versus one person who is equipped.

The equipment is the skill and technique.

Your Majesty, you can improve the size of the sword, making the enemy unable to get close.

You can sharpen the blade, making it cut through hair effortlessly.

That's improving the skills and techniques.

Advanced skills and techniques can help Your Majesty defeat a hundred with one,

and also keep the enemies at arm's length.

But, under this strong attack, how can the egg be protected?

Strength can be hard or soft.

So a powerful military force is not enough. We also need to have substantive thoughts and ideas.

What do you mean?

May I ask Your Majesty, what does it mean to unify the world?

Unifying the world means occupying the territories and subduing the peoples of other countries.

What if the people still read the classics of their original country,

use the language of their country, and wear the clothes of their country?

Your Majesty, do you think they can become the Sheng people?

I didn't expect this kid to have such insight.

If the culture of Sheng is strong enough, it will also win the hearts of the peoples of other countries.

I have never heard of such amazing ideas.

- Write down what he said, don't miss a word. - Yes.

Make a hundred copies and distribute them to each department for study.

Yes.

If a nation is not inferior to others in both soft and hard powers, it can be considered a strong nation.

You words are truly insightful.

You are the talent that Great Sheng needs most, instead of those pedantic, stubborn old men.

Your Majesty, thank you for your compliments.

To win without actual confrontation of war is the best way. [Quote from Sun Tzu's Art of War - Attack by Stratagem]

There is much wisdom left by the ancestors.

Your Majesty must not reject them blindly.

Sir, what is your name?

I am Shen Buyan.

Our Great Sheng needs a prime minister now.

How about

you take the position?

Your Majesty, this is too hasty.

What's hasty? This is how I am.

I will rely on you because I trust you.

Moreover, you are so much better than Li Yong.

I want you.

Your Majesty...

Enough, say no more.

I have made up my mind.

If you refuse again, you will be defying my decree.

Everything I have done for Sheng these years can't compare to his few words.

What's the use of everything I have persevered with so far?

Your Majesty.

Miss Lu.

I have brought you a special gift today.

Brother Lu!

Yi Hua!

Yi Hua, what's wrong?

Are you all right?

Yi Hua?

Yi Hua?

Are you all right?

I'm all right.

What happened just now?

I just suddenly felt a strange sensation.

It's like you...

Me?

What's wrong with me?

It's nothing.

Brother Lu, Yunzhou is far away and the journey is long.

How did you come back to Jiangdu so soon?

I was already on my way back, and I ran into Adoptive Father's messenger.

How is my adoptive father?

Where is my older sister?

Do not worry. My Lady has her own ideas.

She is in Jinghua Hall now offering advice to His Majesty while playing her konghou harp.

What?

Older Sister is thinking too simplistically.

I am old friends with His Majesty. He is stubborn and irritable.

Anyone who dares to oppose him never ends well.

(Phoenix Token, signifies Empress)

Did Your Majesty make a mistake?

Do you remember the day I gave you a bamboo windmill?

If you make up your mind,

you can bring this bambo windmill to find me in the palace anytime.

Great Sheng's palace gate will always open for Miss Lu.

Ever since that day, I was sure

if I ascend to the throne, you will be my empress.

Your Majesty, I don't deserve such—

An emperor always keeps his word.

Your Majesty.

Prime Minister, we'll talk about you later.

Lu Shi, Captain of Yunzhou, is here to see Your Majesty.

A'Shi.

Lu Shi.

My General Lu is back.

Get up.

Your Majesty, this is against the etiquette between monarch and subjects.

What etiquette?

I don't care.

General Lu, ever since you gained military merits, you've been sent by my father to guard the southwest.

I felt indignant on your behalf.

The southwest is peaceful.

How is it suitable for General Lu Shi's deployment?

Isn't it a waste of talent?

Let's take a look.

It's been two years since I last saw you.

You have gained weight.

Your Majesty, you are too serious.

Guarding the border is also serving the country faithfully.

It's my honor.

I know why you came here this time.

I have decided not to launch an expedition to Northern Lie now.

Really?

Your Majesty is wise.

Come.

I told you before. Between us, there is no need to follow the etiquette between monarch and subjects.

Besides,

we'll become family soon.

Family?

What do you mean, Your Majesty?

Your sister will soon become my empress.

I...

Your Majesty, I am worried it will provoke criticism among the court officials.

Who dares to criticize me? I won't forgive them.

No, it's not about Your Majesty. It's about Older Sister.

As a general in the court, I hold military power.

If Older Sister becomes the Empress, she will be criticized.

Even if no one says it openly to you, they will privately tarnish her reputation.

Therefore, Your Majesty, please reconsider.

If Your Majesty insists, I implore you to disarm me and let me retire to my hometown

- You... - to protect Older Sister's reputation.

A'Shi.

You may rise.

Get up.

I am different from other emperors.

I don't fall in love with someone impulsively.

The decision I have made on this matter will never change.

Miss Lu, please take the Empress' token.

Someday, when you have thought it through, you can come to the palace to find me anytime.

If you never come, I will never marry.

Your Majesty, I already have the bamboo windmill as proof.

I hope Your Majesty will take back the Phoenix Token.

Besides, I already like someone else.

Take the Empress' token, and give me back the bamboo windmill.

- Your Majesty. - Enough, say no more. I don't want to hear it.

Attendant, bring me some wine.

Drinking may harm your health.

All right.

No one needs to see me off.

Lu Shi, come here.

Your Majesty.

I want to build an invincible army.

Can you do it?

What defines invincibility?

Swift as a leopard, ferocious as a tiger.

A force that can take on a hundred opponents alone. It will become the sword of Great Sheng.

People will be terrified just by hearing about it.

Just like Northern Lie's Wind Catcher Battalion?

No.

It must far surpass the Wind Catcher Battalion.

Your Majesty, I have thought about it, too.

In this way, the Great Sheng will be revived.

I know that Huofeng Fort has always been the pain in your heart.

When the army is developed,

will you have the confidence to recapture our lost lands?

I will definitely fulfill the mission.

Good and courageous!

Yang Chong and Fan Song, listen to my order.

- Present. - Present.

From today on, take the Imperial Guards and follow General Lu to train in Caiyun Outskirts.

Prime Minister Shen's armor on the egg lacks the distinctiveness of Great Sheng.

The armor must have the image of Great Sheng's tiger and leopard pattern.

The day when the Tiger and Leopard Battalion is formed, you, Lu Shi, will be my commanding general.

- Your Majesty... - No excuses.

I've heard too many excuses today.

I am starting to get a headache again.

A'Yuan, about the matter I mentioned earlier, take your time to think it over.

All right, all of you can go back.

Older Sister, Yi Hua.

I need to handle some important matters, so I won't be with you for now.

Come back soon.

Okay.

Yang Chong, Fan Song, let's go.

I'm going to cook then.

Don't forget to use the eggs to cook fried rice.

Of course.

Don't waste them.

The trouble was finally solved.

Are you feeling relieved now?

Yes.

I hope His Majesty can be a wise monarch.

So that the two of us can settle down at Nanmeng Lake and live a carefree life.

Zhao Qilong?

No, His Majesty is in danger!

Who dares to intrude into the palace?

Look at this Phoenix Token. We are His Majesty's imperial envoys.

We have just finished our task outside the palace.

Lords, please come in.

Are you sure the carriage driver is from Northern Lie?

I would recognize him even if he turned into ashes.

The bed chamber is in the palace ahead of us.

Have you been to the palace before?

No, I am just guessing.

But it seems to be correct.

His Majesty doesn't seem to be in trouble.

This is bad.

- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

What's this scent?

It seems to be Dream Sorrow Grass.

What is Dream Sorrow Grass?

It's a stimulating herb that grows in Northern Lie.

When most people use it, it will excite them.

But if they have a head ailment, it could be fatal.

What are you doing?

First aid.

Never mind me.

Hurry and get the the imperial physician.

Hurry up!

It's bad.

- Shen Buyan. - What's wrong?

It's Prime Minister Li and that man from Northern Lie.

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