Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME

What's your relationship with Yu family?

Yu family?

The Yu family of the Imperial City

requested me to make this jade pendant

long ago.

However, the people of the Empyrean Yu family

all have short lives.

I don't know

if they're still alive by now.

Are you sure about this?

Naturally.

I am the only person

who knows how to do such engravings.

The Yu family of the Imperial City

and the Empyrean Yu family?

Could it be him?

PHOENIX PALACE, YONGZHOU

Now that Feng Lanxi has left for Youzhou,

I'm sure you know what this means.

Yes, I do.

Although Feng Lanxi's fall from grace

is quite set in stone,

matters can change suddenly.

It's best if you secure

the heir title as soon as possible.

However, Father is still mad

at Feng Lanxi.

How should I…

Your father's birthday is in two months.

I see.

His birthday is my opportunity.

We are being tailed.

Why don't we get rid of them?

My father won't just send officials to monitor me.

They are the real agents

sent to monitor my movement.

They will follow us for the whole trip

and report to my father what we do

in Youzhou.

Only that can put my father's mind to rest.

Let them tail us.

What is your plan?

Enter the Royal Palace of Youzhou.

Now? We still have ten days

until the day of the marriage proposal.

Fountain Abode got this intel.

It's the list of suitors for the proposal

and its rules.

Putting myself in my father's shoes,

he doesn't want me to marry Princess of Youzhou.

If I have Youzhou's support,

I will have the necessary force for a comeback.

But he doesn't want me to lose badly

to bring shame to Yongzhou either.

Meanwhile,

he also wants to see

how useful I can be without my martial arts.

Most importantly,

he wants to know

if I can read his mind.

I was sent to Youzhou

to ask for the princess's hand.

But in fact, it's a trial from my father.

A trial

of loyalty.

Only by proving my ability and loyalty

will my father be satisfied.

Master Bai and others

will be released then.

Everyone in politics

has their own agenda.

A marriage proposal

can put these many things

at stake.

I have read through it.

The greatest beauty of Dadong indeed.

The suitors are important and powerful figures.

However, the first stage is a spar.

If you had your martial arts,

you would blaze through it.

But now, we need to play it smart.

I suppose what you're trying to do

is to enter the Royal Palace and approach Hua Chunran.

Yes.

I even prepared

a huge gift for her.

Catch the ringleader first.

You're smart.

However, she isn't just Dadong's greatest beauty.

I heard she also has some power

over Youzhou's royal court.

Knowing that,

if we befriend her,

she can help us out.

The spar will be a non-issue.

Her delivering the Sarira also shows

that she is very smart.

Gaining her trust

will not be easy.

She is not only smart

but also vigilant.

After she delivered the Sarira,

many went after her head.

However, she predicted that

and managed to escape each time.

So someone like her

is very vigilant.

-Unless-- -Unless there is someone

with no conflict of interest with her.

And that someone has to be amicable,

get along with her well,

retain her interest,

and is a woman, preferably.

Like…

me.

Only you can do that.

You're bold,

which is a rare sight in this world.

If Feng Qiwu finds you interesting,

Hua Chunran will too.

I know you're worried about the safety

of Master Bai and the Tianshuang Sect.

I won't force you.

Before I came to Youzhou,

Master already told me

to follow my heart.

Do not be consumed by grief.

I mulled it over during our trip.

My master and others are in the capital of Yongzhou.

They are safe at the moment.

Besides, Qiwu and others are looking after them.

As this is how things have turned out,

why not get back on my feet,

move on, and help you?

That way, they will be freed sooner.

Look at you, Your Highness.

The greatest beauty of Dadong is an understatement.

In my opinion, you are the greatest beauty

in the world.

Of course she is.

I heard all inns are fully booked

because Her Highness is looking for a suitor.

I even heard that several gentlemen fought.

All officials are even busier than before.

Who can resist the charm of Her Highness?

Your Highness, do tell us.

Is there someone that tickles your fancy?

I heard the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao, is a fine man.

He is the most popular one among the suitors who arrived.

As for the newly-arrived Prince Yongping of Yongzhou,

I heard he's also elegant and charismatic.

Feng Lanxi is here?

He just arrived.

Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi

are two of the Four Gentlemen.

His Lordship wishes to dine with you in Xiaoyun Pavilion today.

All right.

I'll head to Mingse Garden first.

That Snowy Ink plant was budding yesterday.

It might bloom today.

No need to follow me.

Yes, Your Highness.

So an otherworldly beauty like you

exists in this world.

They say the Chinese peony is the Monarch of Flowers.

But you are even more beautiful than that.

Beauty

has the appearance of a flower, the grace of the moon,

the demeanor of a willow, the resilience of jade,

the fairness of the snow, and the calmness of the autumn water.

You are the embodiment of them.

If I'm not mistaken,

you two must be the renowned Hei-Bai Fengxi.

You have keen observation, the beauty of Dadong.

You're in the palace mostly but know what's happening in the world.

I beg to differ.

The two of you are simply too famous,

especially the owner of Fountain Abode, Mr. Feng, Hei Fengxi.

Your reputation precedes you.

May I know

why this unannounced visit?

For the marriage proposal.

We're here for the fun.

However, upon our arrival,

all inns and relay stations were fully booked.

I don't like to leave without anything,

so I came here to find you.

In that case,

it is my fault then.

Your Highness, you have the generosity

to take the joke lightly instead of taking offense to it.

I admire your attitude.

You exaggerate.

If you don't mind,

you can stay in Luohua Palace.

I spend most of my time in the palace,

so I am curious about the martial arts world.

Your Highness, you do not speak from your high horse.

For that, I am thankful.

Here's a token of appreciation

from Fountain Abode.

A gift?

Are you waiting for two criminals to be delivered to you?

Someone tried to kill them

and I was there at the time.

I intervened.

They are now outside of the city.

This is the testimony they signed.

WE WERE ASKED TO DRUG THE DIVINE FAIRY AND KILL HER

Fountain Abode knows everything.

That isn't hearsay, I see.

You are even aware of the classified matters

on the heir of Lord of Youzhou.

What do you seek, Mr. Feng?

Don't get us wrong, Your Highness.

We just want to be your friends.

Take it as a small present.

Your Highness, you will be like this Chinese peony,

beautiful and regal.

I am willing to serve you

and help you ascend to the throne.

I appreciate

your proposition.

My father wishes to have lunch with me.

I shall take my leave now.

Follow this path to reach Luohua Palace.

I will return to be a gracious host later

and we will talk with candor.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Many thank you.

-Come. -Cheers.

Enjoy lunch, my children.

Come.

Chun'er.

You've been back for more than two weeks.

Are you feeling better now?

Father,

I am fine now.

It's just that

I went to Mingse Garden today

and those flowers in bloom

reminded me of Hong.

My heart aches.

She sacrificed herself to save her master.

I will make sure her family is handsomely rewarded.

Thank you, Father.

However, I want to take revenge.

A few days ago, I sent someone to De City

to capture the duo who killed Hong.

Good.

Behead them then.

I already did.

However…

I received a missive

filled with the signed testimonies

of those two criminals.

-They said… -What did they say?

They said they were sent by Chunyuan.

-Father! -Father.

Do not walk into their trap.

I already destroyed the missive.

Besides, Chunyuan has been nothing but kind to me.

He wouldn't do something like that.

I'm sure those two criminals framed him

out of desperation.

Father, I did no such thing.

It's all my fault.

Sorry for making you worry, Father.

It's all right.

I will definitely investigate

the assassination attempt on you.

Don't worry. Enjoy the meal.

Chunyuan.

You should be kinder to your sister.

Otherwise, these rumors

will affect my impression of you.

Being my heir

is not easy.

Of course, Father.

Here.

-Thank you, Father. -Enjoy.

Here.

Have some.

She didn't use the letter you gave her.

She did

but in a better way.

She will put the heir of Lord of Youzhou in a difficult spot

and reinforce her image

as a vulnerable and innocent victim.

So manipulative.

That's the beauty.

She's a clever woman

who can play her feminine cards well.

She's tougher to crack than imagined.

You…

Don't worry about me.

Those who keep to themselves a lot

will feel lonely.

And those who feel lonely want to make friends.

And I am good at making friends.

What is your plan?

I'll try to get to know her.

I'll start with her maids.

Right.

I'm sure

you can get along with them very soon.

I will also find ways

to approach her.

Hei-Bai Fengxi

seem to keep

a low profile.

I'm sure they have a backup plan.

Maybe Youzhou

is their backup plan.

What about others?

They are not my concern.

My only opponent is him.

The clairvoyant, Yue Qingyan, once commented

on the Four Gentlemen.

Pacifist Yu, Graceful Lan,

Arrogant Huang, Hidden Xi.

Pacifist Yu and Arrogant Huang are easy to understand.

As for Hidden Xi,

once I learned that Feng Lanxi is Hei Fengxi,

I get that too.

But Graceful Lan is quite hard to decipher.

How can gracefulness

command reverence?

When Hidden and Graceful

are paired together,

it makes him more enigmatic.

I actually want to meet him.

But…

But for your ambition's sake,

it's best if he never interferes in politics.

Whether he will

or not,

no one can stand in my way

to the Imperial City.

Right.

Tomorrow,

Lord of Youzhou wants me in the palace.

All the best then.

Sir, Feng Lanxi and Bai Fengxi

are in the Royal Palace.

Smart.

They took advantage of the princess.

Your Highness,

perhaps you could talk to Ms. Feng?

Lately,

all she has been doing

is eating, playing, and sleeping.

She spends most of her days napping and eating,

and for the rest of her days,

she plays with the maids.

Do not talk behind Ms. Feng's back.

But she's like this.

Besides,

she keeps pulling pranks.

For example,

she would sneak up behind you and appear suddenly,

giving you a scare.

But then she would also

pull a beautiful flower out of nowhere and put it on you

and tell you you're pretty.

As expected from Bai Fengxi.

I truly admire

Ms. Feng's character.

If you have Ms. Feng as your friend,

your life will be full of laughter.

You're dismissed. Ms. Feng should be free in the palace.

Do not restrain her.

Yes, Your Highness.

-You have the face -So beautiful.

for plain makeup.

This eyebrow will suit you.

-Gorgeous. -Do I look good?

Yes. Have a look.

It's true.

-What technique is this, Ms. Feng? -Caged Smoke Eyebrow.

Can you teach me, Ms. Feng?

Several days ago, Xiangyun learned the Tear-shaped Contour from you.

It was so beautiful.

I asked her to teach me,

but she wouldn't.

I learned it from Ms. Feng.

Without her permission, I can't teach you.

Tear-shaped Contour will not look good on you.

Caged Smoke Eyebrow is a perfect fit.

If you want to learn it,

I can teach you.

However…

I know.

I'll ask the Royal Kitchen to give you more veggies tonight.

It's not about the veggies.

I want a fish, all right?

Got it.

Ms. Feng,

I brewed this tea with the morning dews.

Try it.

Thank you.

Well, can you tell me how my headdress looks like?

I want to learn makeup from you.

Also, I want to learn other things.

-Me too. -Patience.

-I'll teach all of you. -All right.

However, I have to go now.

Just wait for me. I'll teach you once I'm back.

-Thank you, Ms. Feng. -Thank you, Ms. Feng.

-So pretty. -I know, right?

She has only been here for a few days

and the entire Luohua Palace

forgot who they are supposed to be serving.

Princess Hua.

You should move it here.

Then Black Fox will place one here.

If you continue here,

he'll block your path.

And now, the final piece.

Do you know what this strategy is called? Fox Bait.

I didn't know

you could play chess too, Ms. Feng.

I can't play it.

I just know Black Fox very well.

They say the martial arts world is full of barbarians,

but I beg to differ.

Does everyone in the martial arts world

know poems, Six Arts,

literature, and weaponry

like you two?

In that case, the royal family does not hold a candle to you.

A question for you then, Princess Hua.

Are all princesses as bold as you

to accommodate two unknown strangers

from the martial arts world?

I took both of you in because I'm confident

that I did not misjudge your characters.

Both of you are very unique.

As someone who has spent her entire life in the Royal Palace,

this is the most outstanding memory yet.

I will

definitely miss it

and that's why I will cherish it.

Cherish it

because you can never have it.

Indeed.

Princess Hua.

You're confined to the palace every day.

Don't you want to venture out?

In the outside world,

the plants and the people are more interesting

than the ones in the palace.

Venture out?

It might feel refreshing at first,

but wherever people dwell,

things will always turn out the same.

I can't sew

nor can I cultivate crops,

not to mention lead a plain life.

How can I get accustomed

to a commoner's routine?

I only know some unimportant matters

and I only learn how to protect myself

within the palace.

Marvelous.

Well said, Princess Hua.

I thought you would be one of those noble ladies

who would

discard their wealth

for a life of freedom.

I didn't expect this perspective from you.

You're wise, Princess Hua.

You know others and yourself.

You want to see the world,

but the world is inside you.

Your Highness, His Lordship summons you.

Excuse me.

How likely are we

to convince her?

I think she puts her guard down against you.

It's time to tell her.

All right.

I'll hang out with her in a few days.

Why is Father looking for me?

I asked the messenger.

Apparently, it has something to do with the two guests you took in.

The fish

is about to take the bait.

Greetings, Father.

Long live Father.

At ease.

Thank you, Father.

I heard--

Father, have you heard of Hei-Bai Fengxi?

Of course.

They are the two strongest fighters at the moment.

But Chunran,

why did you mention them?

I just want to tell you

that they are visiting me as guests.

Chun'er.

You're a princess.

You shouldn't mingle with the people from the martial arts world.

Besides, Hei Fengxi is a man.

If he stays in your palace

and the world catches wind of it,

your reputation will be ruined.

Father,

Hei-Bai Fengxi are a man and a woman.

Both of them are staying together.

Besides, there are hundreds of maids and servants here.

I have nothing to hide so I have nothing to be afraid of.

Father, you once told me

that many interesting individuals dwell in the martial arts world.

After talking to Hei-Bai Fengxi,

I can confirm

that they are rare talents.

If you can get their support,

our nation will prosper.

Youzhou will then no longer be inferior

to Yongzhou and Jizhou.

Do you want me to hire them?

Yes.

They managed to sneak past the guards

into the Royal Palace.

That is already the proof of their competence.

I took them in and talked to them

because I want to keep them here

so that they can serve you.

Perhaps

they can help you conquer the world.

Chun'er.

You have always been a clever girl.

Only you

can get what I'm thinking.

Come, take a seat.

Have a seat.

Father.

Will you meet them?

Not at the moment.

The people in the martial arts world can be treacherous.

I will wait and see.

They have stayed with you for five days now.

You're a princess.

You shouldn't mingle with uncivilized people like them.

Please ask them to find accommodation elsewhere.

So you already knew they stayed with me, Father.

Were you spying on me?

You don't trust me?

Not at all, Chun'er.

I didn't have anyone spy on you.

Your brother was worried about you,

so he let me know.

Chunyuan?

In that case,

I am terrified.

If Chunyuan knows what happens in my palace,

then my journey back from the Imperial City…

Also, the two criminals who claimed he hired them…

I…

Chun'er, fret not.

I will get to the bottom of this.

Come.

Sit down.

Chun'er.

When I told the world you were looking for a suitor,

your admirers all came here.

Royal descendants and brave heroes walk among them.

Chun'er.

What kind of husband do you want?

What kind of son-in-law do you want, Father?

Not many merits your status,

Chun'er.

Considering their statuses, talents, and appearance,

only two

are worthy of you.

One is Prince Lanxi of Yongzhou.

The other

is the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao.

What do you think, Father?

Prince Huang Chao has arrived here.

I met him this morning.

Indeed, he is both handsome and capable.

As for Prince Lanxi,

he did write to me,

citing his volition to marry you.

What do you think, Chun'er?

If

my husband isn't someone from a royal bloodline

like Prince Lanxi

or Prince Huang Chao,

but a very talented commoner,

not only can he help you, Father,

but he also wouldn't have the mind to usurp Youzhou.

Chun'er.

Have you taken a liking

to Hei Fengxi?

What do you think, Father?

Chun'er!

Hei Fengxi is a lowly fighter from the martial arts world.

He doesn't deserve my daughter.

But in your announcement,

you said that I get to select my husband,

regardless of his social class.

That was just for show.

Why would a princess

marry a commoner?

When I said the social class didn't matter,

it was to appease the public.

Knowing your talent and your beauty,

you should be the emperor's consort.

Nice drawing, Princess Hua.

Ms. Feng.

You flatter him in your drawing.

What you have here is a head-turner.

Does it not look like him?

Not at all.

Let me show you.

Watch me, Princess Hua.

Black Fox

has a long face,

like a goose egg.

His eyebrows stretch out like this.

It points upward here.

He also has

a seductive pair of eyes.

When he glances at you,

it almost feels coquettish.

His best feature

is his nose.

It leads you to think that he's a virtuous man,

yet he's anything but that.

Princess Hua, have you heard of this saying?

Thin lips, cold heart.

He has thin lips.

He looks like a trustworthy person,

but in fact, he is the opposite.

You have to be careful.

What do you think?

I can truly see him in your drawing, Ms. Feng.

You must have known him very well

to capture all the details like these.

I have known him for many years.

Can you help me then,

Ms. Feng?

How can I help?

I quite fancy Mr. Feng

and would like to have him as my husband.

Will you help me, Ms. Feng?

Almost all handsome men of Dadong

came here to ask for your hand,

including the heir of Lord of Jizhou

and the Prince of Yongzhou.

Among those obvious choices,

you pick someone lowly from the martial arts world.

Because among them,

my father only likes Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi.

Both of them are important to their own states.

They will prioritize their own interests first.

If I marry them, I…

I just want to be happy

and truthful to myself for the rest of my life.

I have already possessed

what a woman can ever ask for,

power and fame.

Whoever I marry and wherever I go,

I will remain affluent.

Do you believe me, Ms. Feng?

I do.

MAJESTIC MOON

I also know

I can never find someone like him anymore,

so I want to convince Mr. Feng

to stay here for me.

Beautiful,

smart,

and conniving.

You two are quite alike in certain areas.

Shrewd and calculative.

Comprehend the meaning of life,

yet obsessed with riches.

So many facets.

You're the first one who tells me that

without holding anything back.

You're right.

I am such a woman.

You can find any excuses for yourself.

Why did you tell me the truth?

Because I

have never had a true friend,

except you,

Bai Fengxi.

I hope you're my real friend.

We will treat each other with sincerity

without any ulterior motive.

That's because I'm from the martial arts world.

I do not pose a threat to you.

Yes.

Ms. Feng. Is that a yes?

You truly believe she's in love with me?

Compared to love,

she's more concerned about the future of Youzhou

and her power.

She picks me

because I'm Hei Fengxi.

I'm powerful in the martial arts world,

but all isolated

within politics.

And that's the problem.

I'm also Feng Lanxi.

Your Highness,

do you think Ms. Feng will help you?

She will.

Why are you so sure?

Hasn't she been trying to fish out info

about me from you?

There's only one explanation.

She's helping Hei Fengxi.

I'm just playing along.

So both of them came here for that?

So Mr. Feng is just as cunning as Ms. Feng

claimed to be.

No, he's smart.

He keeps his friends close and his enemies closer.

You think highly of him, Your Highness.

Mr. Feng is just perfect in your eyes.

Do you think

I'll be fettered by love?

Of course not.

You most definitely are not.

I gave up Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou for him.

On the day of the marriage proposal,

you will appear as Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou.

For others,

Feng Lanxi is Hei Fengxi.

There's nothing wrong with that.

For Hua Chunran,

this will be a surprise.

And then,

she won't marry you.

Exactly.

She came to me for help

because one, I'm from the martial arts world.

I do not pose a threat to her.

Two,

she wants to test our relationship.

She wants me to influence your decision

to her own end.

Yes.

Is there no sincerity left

in this world?

I told my father to choose him

because he has no background

but is very powerful.

With him, Youzhou can stand a chance to unite the Six States.

I told Ms. Feng that I'd choose him

because he would make me happy.

That was and wasn't

a lie.

Why Mr. Feng then?

Because he has desires

and is the easiest to be manipulated.

While he denies it,

I can tell he likes Ms. Feng.

Yet he came,

which means he also has ambition.

People like that

are the easiest to control.

What a foresight, Your Highness.

YONGZHOU ROYAL PALACE

Your Lordship,

letters from Youzhou.

Two letters.

One from the House of Jade in Youzhou.

Another is from the people

who follow Marquis Yongping.

Both letters

bear the same content.

But the one from House of Jade

has more details.

It even has

the info of all other suitors

who went to Youzhou.

I have been organizing

the intel Fountain Abode handed over.

Just the organization alone

took two weeks.

The intel

sheds light on the martial arts world,

the royal family of every state,

and even some confidential affairs.

Each intel comes with

its respective postscripts.

Truth be told,

I am impressed by Marquis Yongping's ability

to manage

such a vast intel network.

And if I let you manage Fountain Abode?

You flatter me, Your Lordship.

I'm afraid only Marquis Yongping

can manage such a huge intel network.

Marquis Yongping has relinquished all his martial techniques.

He has displayed his loyalty.

I think--

Do you think Lanxi

will be content

working backstage forever?

I believe

he went to Youzhou

with a backup plan.

Your Lordship.

Why do you distrust Marquis Yongping so?

Father knows best.

If he hides for another decade,

then I'll have no choice.

Your Lordship.

If the princess agrees to Prince Lanxi's proposal,

will he ally with Youzhou

to overthrow Yongzhou?

He is a smart man.

He knows if I allow him to go to Youzhou,

I must have a contingency plan.

Now, he has to choose wisely.