Original subtitles

=Love Game in Eastern Fantasy=

=Episode 16=

(Bustling and Crowded)

Over the last three years,

the Princess has been looking for

her love behind the Dowager Consort's back.

Is she already in love with someone?

Yes.

Marquis doesn't want to marry her either.

The two of them

have never liked each other.

When they were young, the Princess

beat him from the front hall to the back.

He thought she was too violent

and added something

non-harmful

to her incense.

She took that chance to fake an illness.

You've found out about that?

I was worrying for nothing.

The Astronomical Bureau knew the truth

but said nothing. Why?

Because of Marquis Zhao?

No, not exactly.

He's young and naive.

We aren't afraid of him.

So who are you afraid of?

You might be excellent cultivators,

but in terms of politics,

you're inexperienced.

Their marriage concerns

the honor of the Dowager Consort's family,

the Zhao Family.

It cannot be impaired no matter what.

If we couldn't solve the problem,

we'd look useless at most,

but we could still keep our jobs.

However...

You were afraid of the higher-ups.

You're smart.

We work to

make a living.

It's not worth it

to get ourselves killed.

Not at all.

They say the capital and the court are

a deep sea with sharks.

Clearly, it's true.

The Dowager Consort might trust you,

but if you expose the trick

of two nobilities,

it'll bring you more harm than good.

Take my advice.

Tell them you can't do it.

You think that'll help us?

Yes.

I gave you such information for free.

You already know that, though.

But you can tell

I'm helpful, right?

We aren't of the same kind. Goodbye.

Wait. Hold on.

If you leave,

when Her Highness asks tomorrow,

I can't cover for you.

If she means to give us a hard time,

she can try.

Bring it on.

She used the Jade Token.

I'll deliver my promise.

I'll report back to her tomorrow.

Wait. Calm down.

Listen to me, please.

I asked you to come over

for a favor, actually.

I'm working as a chief at the Astronomical Bureau

only to find out

what happened at the Qilin Mountain.

Qilin Mountain?

The hometown of that Water Demon from the Mitu Valley?

Yes.

Dowager Consort Zhao had it leveled

and all the demons there killed,

including the weakest Dust Demons.

Yes, that place it is.

Qilin Mountain...?

Mother,

I don't like this place.

When can we go back to the Qilin Mountain?

Sheng...

Ziqi...

I'll go.

Did I say anything wrong?

What's up, Ziqi?

That place

was...

was my home, I think.

That woman...

who I dream about repeatedly

might really be my mother.

You remember it?

So...

So where is she now?

I don't know.

I faintly remember a few fragments.

But why...?

Why are they coming back to me?

I forgot everything.

Hey, try to relax.

This is good.

Are you recovering the things

that happened before you were seven?

Can you recall anything else?

I don't want that part of my memory.

I'm an orphan.

I don't care about the past.

The massacre ordered by Dowager Consort Zhao

does seem strange.

Whatever was hidden there

must be a top secret.

It all led to the Qilin Mountain.

But given her noble status,

even if you can prove her guilty,

what can you do?

There's nothing I can do.

I only want to know the truth.

My master, all my fellows,

and the civilians in Zhijing Town

all died.

As the sole survivor,

I have to at least find out

what led to their tragic deaths.

What happened at the Qilin Mountain?

When I join them

in the underworld,

I'll be able to tell them.

I will help you

only if

you do something for me.

What is it?

I heard a decade ago,

that the Xingshan Hall was on fire.

Did that fire have anything

to do with Dowager Consort Zhao?

Peiyun,

what to do? I'm nervous!

Did you make a mistake?

You'll trust me when you see him.

No one else

in or out of the palace owns such charm.

I'm sure of it.

It's him. It really is him!

Peiyun,

he's Young Master Liu who saved me!

Greetings, everyone.

I'm glad to see you.

I meant to go to

the Astronomical Bureau for a trivial matter.

Now that you're here,

do you mind helping me out?

Is this about the Princess again?

She's still the same.

It's the Imperial Garden.

Crabapple trees usually blossom in March,

but not this year.

It's the end of April.

There aren't even any buds.

Even the best gardener

didn't know the cause.

I wonder if it has

something to do with demons.

It is a trivial matter.

We're quite busy, too.

Maybe you can ask others for help.

You probably don't know.

His Majesty adores those trees,

and he entrusted them to me.

He's returning from the border.

If he sees them sick,

I can't imagine the consequences.

Weed Demons are

most active at this time

of the year.

We're going to see Dowager Consort Zhao.

Maybe

we can check them for you later.

I understand.

Mr. and Miss Mu have important things to do.

Young Master Liu, can you help me?

The Imperial Garden is right over there.

It won't take too much of your time.

Go ahead then.

We'll be fine.

Alright.

(This isn't about trees.)

(It's a honey trap.)

Please lead the way.

I'll join you.

I'm not a Mu either.

I'll go with you.

What can you do?

Can you make the trees blossom?

Yes, I can.

Be good.

Don't fool around.

Let's go.

Her Highness has

a visitor now.

Please wait in the side hall.

The audience was scheduled

at this hour in the letter yesterday.

Are you wasting our time?

Marquis

rushed in earlier

for an urgent matter.

We didn't mean to delay it.

Please rest in the side hall.

- This way, please. - Thanks.

We aren't summoned at the moment.

Why not join Brother Liu?

Why?

Because of his love calamity?

Yes. Didn't you see

that stewardess, Peiyun,

staring at him just now?

She chose him in particular

for such a trifle.

That's suspicious.

Fuyi is always kind to others.

You're thinking too much, Miaomiao.

(Come on, Sister Mu.)

(Don't be so naive!)

(Imperial Garden)

Stewardess Peiyun,

I didn't sense

anything evil in this area.

Where are the sick crabapple trees

you said?

Right here.

"Apple" is my childhood name.

Marquis went to see Her Highness before us.

What is he up to?

Is he going to feign innocence and set us up?

Let's hear it.

Eavesdrop?

That's unethical.

What? You did it?

Zhao Ruoshi,

you crossed the line!

I...

I know I did,

but I never thought the Princess would be haunted.

I put a tiny bit of enchanting incense

- just to... - To do what?

Speak!

To make those in her chamber

think she grew a beard.

You...

You went too far!

Only because you forced me to marry her.

Pardon? What did you say?

I cannot marry her!

She beat me through my childhood.

I'm scared of her even now.

Do you think I wanted to marry her to you?

She's the fairest and the wisest.

But look at you.

You aren't good at anything.

The Zhao Family took me in and brought me up.

I've long considered myself one of them,

and I share weal and woe with them.

If you weren't their sole heir,

I wouldn't have arranged all this.

You're right.

In terms of knowledge, talent and principles,

I'm way below Father's level.

But never have I ever wanted to

live like him.

His name "Qinghuan" means happiness,

but he's been living unhappily.

He possesses unmatched power and wealth,

but Your Highness,

he's never happy.

He named me "Ruoshi", meaning loss.

Perhaps he also thought

he had lost something important...

in his life.

Your Highness,

I've always been obedient to you,

but as the wedding approaches,

I can't help but recall my childhood

and such loneliness and void

between my parents.

Back then, I didn't understand.

The three of us were a family,

but even though we were together,

it was as if we were distant from each other.

That felt

even worse

than being all alone in the world.

Then I said to myself,

if I couldn't

marry someone I love in the future,

I'd rather

remain single.

He sounds braver

than I thought.

Like a manly man.

I'm surprised that he's telling the truth

to fight against this marriage.

It's nothing.

I also won't marry a girl I dislike

just because of an order.

Ruoshi,

all these years,

I've let you do whatever you want

and have your way.

But this marriage is

non-negotiable.

Your Highness,

you can ignore my happiness,

but what about the Princess's?

She's your flesh and blood.

You said she's perfect,

while I'm good at nothing.

Right? She's way out of my league

and deserves a much better man.

Your marriage has been made public.

It's too late to cancel it.

I'm warning you.

This is serious.

If you escape,

when His Majesty comes back,

he'll ask what happened to Min.

Will he believe you only

used some enchanting incense?

Can you take the consequences

of murdering a princess?

I swear I didn't...

- Think carefully. - I didn't mean to hurt her!

I didn't do it, Your Highness!

I'm telling the truth.

Listen, Ruoshi,

you're my nephew.

All that I've done is

for you and the Zhao Family.

If you

do what I say,

I'll cover

for your wrongdoing.

Alright?

It's cold at the border,

but spring still comes.

That's good enough.

What did you say?

I didn't mean to hurt the Princess,

but I did drug her.

I'll take any punishment

to break free from this marriage.

You're driving me crazy!

Your Highness,

I'd rather die in exile

than live like my parents!

Fine.

You're tough, huh?

Guards!

If this is your decision,

do not regret it.

Throw him in prison!

Hold on!

Who let you in?

Get out.

Your Highness,

you should hear this.

There was enchanting incense in the Princess's chamber,

but it was harmless.

The truth is...

Mother.

Min.

Mother, I'm fine now.

Let me see.

- Really? - Yes.

It's all thanks to Young Master Liu.

When he cast a spell in the garden earlier,

I instantly felt so free and relaxed.

Really?

This is great!

I was so worried!

Relax, Mother.

I'm all well now.

What happened?

Why is Ruoshi held by them?

You may leave.

Yes.

Do you remember

I almost got hurt by demons on the trip that year?

Those of the Astronomical Bureau there

were all useless.

Thankfully, Young Master Liu passed by

and saved my life.

Or I couldn't have come back.

I never forgot about him

and had people look for him everywhere.

And now here he is,

and he's saved my life again.

Mother,

what happened to me earlier

was probably because

I didn't pay him back for his help.

I was punished.

Mother, could you please put off

this marriage for now?

I'd like to pay off

the debts I owe Young Master Liu first.

What? You too?

You two really are a handful.

He'd rather give up his title to cancel it.

And you don't care about it either.

I'm out.

Explain it to His Majesty yourselves.

Mother,

be careful.

Look at you.

You've never won

any of our fights since childhood.

But I should thank you this time.

Fuyi,

why didn't you tell me

you and Princess Duanyang are friends?

- Hold on, Young Master Liu. - I...

May I

invite you to my chamber

for a drink?

That's too nice of you.

But I should go.

Wait.

- What about tomorrow? - (What's going on?)

- Slow down! - (She's a princess.)

Yao...

(How needy!)

Hold on, Miss!

Can we have a word?

Thank you

for helping me earlier.

You're welcome.

Uh, thank me for what?

For finding out that enchanting incense

was harmless to the Princess

and telling the truth to clear my name.

She didn't say anything at all.

And

hadn't it been for you,

I wouldn't have had the courage

to speak up before Her Highness.

I felt great.

That had nothing to do with me.

I knew

girls like the Princess

weren't my type,

but I didn't know what my type was

until I saw you...

Our work here is done.

Let's go back to practice.

Miss...

How did it go, My Lord?

The heart is no longer as empty as the yard by moonlight.

I mean if you're punished for your doing.

Jiu,

I've found my love!

Young Master Liu,

if you're busy today,

what about tomorrow?

When is it convenient for you?

You saved my life.

I ought to thank you.

I don't deserve it.

You weren't haunted.

No need to thank me.

I knew I couldn't fool you.

You helped me three years ago

at Mount Zixia.

That alone is worth a drink.

Catching demons is my duty.

You don't owe me anything.

Good day.

Young Master Liu...

Your Highness,

he seems to care a lot about Mu Yao.

He does.

The way he looks at her is

so sweet and warm.

I wonder if he's in love with her.

But that's fine.

I'll make him look at me alone

like that one day.

Yao.

Yao!

Princess Duanyang and I aren't friends.

We met once

a long time ago.

Hadn't she brought it up,

I wouldn't have remembered it.

I know.

Honestly,

I can barely recall it.

You're always on the way, too.

You know

we'll help those in need

no matter who they are.

I'm telling the truth.

When we met in the garden,

I didn't recognize her at all.

I...

Fuyi,

I trust you.

Although

you've never told me

about your past,

I know

you've never lied to me either.

Uh...

get some rest then.

(Oh no!)

(A rift is growing between them.)

(Things can't go on like this.)

I need your help, Ziqi.

Miss, this letter from the Marquis Mansion

invites you to see their flowers.

Flowers?

Please apologize for me

and tell them I can't go.

Yes.

Ziqi...

What's up with Ziqi lately?

He's being mean to me.

From my experience,

he likes you.

Young people

do this all the time.

You don't know anything.

Experience? You have none.

Yes, I do.

My grandfather said

900 years ago,

when he was young,

he fell for a cute photinia serrulata.

Hold on.

He was a bamboo

but in love with a tree?

Is that the point?

Go on.

He was young and stupid.

He liked her,

but he was too shy to admit it.

He pretended he didn't care

and said hurtful things.

When she blossomed,

he said,

"It stinks!"

It's true.

When you like someone,

you tend to say the opposite.

Your grandfather seemed to be pure.

Then what?

Then

she turned into a girl

and left with a Bird Demon,

a handsome sweet-talker.

She never came back again.

That girl was heartless.

I know, right?

"All demons have a bitter past.

All those in love will suffer.

Be it a human or a demon,

they'll be hurt in love."

My grandfather said so.

Anyway,

he's been in pain for over 900 years

and remained single to this day.

If so, who gave birth to you?

Plants don't need to mate for reproduction.

Our love is

not that complicated

and much purer than humans'.

Fine. Whatever.

I'll watch Ziqi closely

in case he'll end up like my grandfather.

He definitely likes you.

That's why he's acting against you

and finding fault with you.

Is that so?

What else could it be?

(Speaking of Ziqi,)

(what's his favorability now?)

(Hasn't it increased)

(without us knowing it?)

Dust Demons, Dust Demons,

Dust Demons!

Why are you calling them?

I have a question.

Strangely,

I haven't seen them

since we arrived in the capital.

That's because of the Astronomical Bureau.

It's said that they have the supreme weapon

left by the only Heavenly Demon Catcher

from 900 years ago, Crescent!

It is the most powerful in the world.

With that weapon in the city,

demons can only use one third of their power.

Don't you see I get sleepy

and tired easily lately?

The weakest demons such as Dust Demons

have gone into hiding.

I see.

You little shoot

are well-informed.

My grandfather is.

Like I said,

bamboos are connected by our roots.

My grandfather is 1,000 years old.

He can contact all the bamboos

and certain plants in the world.

In this case,

I can't know

his favorability, can I?

Just ask him.

Why can't humans be straight?

I…I can't do that.

I'll do it for you.

No, you can't.

Zip it!

(Forget about Ziqi.)

(Business first.)

(My poor memory!)

(I can hardly remember what the book says.)

(Who suffered the love calamity?)

(I should protect the love)

(between Sister Mu and Brother Liu.)

(That's my top priority.)

Don't be sneaky, shorty.

Or you'll get hurt.

No, don't!

I didn't mean to be nosy,

but bamboos are straight shooters.

We can't stand others

hiding their feelings.

What is it?

Do you like Miaomiao?

What...?

What are you talking about?

I knew it!

You're just like my grandfather.

It's been 900 years,

but whenever we bring up that girl,

he'll drop what's in his hand

and stutter.

Who...?

Who's stut...?

She clings on to me all day

with a cute smile.

I...

I don't like her!

Listen,

don't act like my grandfather.

You have a bad temper

and a long face.

You're even meaner than him.

You can't sweet-talk her.

If you keep ignoring her,

if you don't tell her you like her,

she'll be with someone else!

Hey, shorty,

don't lecture me.

I'll break you!

That's all I can say.

Sir, only one braised meat bun is left.

Miaomiao,

eat it.

It's yours.

Don't look at me. I don't like it.

You're so sweet!

It's really good!

Do you like Miaomiao?

Our work is done.

Let's go shopping

after breakfast.

Sure.

Join us,

Brother Liu.

Alright.

Mu Sheng...

I'm not going.

Why?

Come here, Sister Mu.

Let's go.

Pendants!

Check out these new pendants!

(Still no interactions.)

(They clearly like each other.)

(They're too shy.)

(There's no time to take things slow.)

(They must be a couple today.)

This flower hairpin looks cute.

Do you like it, Sister Mu?

They sell better accessories in the capital.

How much is it?

Three taels of silver.

Forget it. That's too much.

Wrap it up, please.

(Yes. That's what I'm talking about.)

You like it, don't you?

Hold on.

Don't wrap it now.

Sister Mu hasn't tried it on.

How do you know if it'll look good on her?

Uh...

Sir.

Stop.

You're deft, Brother Liu.

It's perfect!

Young Master Liu?

What a nice surprise.

The Princess's carriage is over there.

She'd like to give you a ride.

Please tell Her Highness

I don't deserve

such special treatment.

It's dangerous outside.

Her Highness should

go back soon for safety.

(He's doing well.)

(He can say no to other girls now.)

Thank you, sir.

Your Highness,

Young Master Liu...

said no.

Step aside!

Young Master Liu.

Your Highness.

♪The sky in my eyes is always a dazzling blue♪

♪The departing ship raises its sails, waiting for the wind♪

♪It says breaking through layers of obstacles♪

♪Will lead to the stars and the sea♪

♪The fledgling bird at the cliff's edge spreads its wings♪

♪How high must it fly to meet the expectations♪

♪The waves say the breeze will come naturally♪

♪So fly♪

♪Even if I encounter storms and crash into flames♪

♪Even if the thorns cover me♪

♪I was meant to♪

♪Embrace every surging wave♪

♪This world♪

♪Has both spectacular and ordinary moments♪

♪Giving it my all is brave enough♪

♪The next stop♪

♪Is calling me from ahead♪

♪A flower breaking through the stone, pure and soft♪

♪Open up an umbrella on a long journey♪

♪No matter where the wind comes from, I'll look forward to it♪

♪So fly♪

♪Even if I encounter storms and crash into flames♪

♪Even if the thorns cover me♪

♪I was meant to♪

♪Embrace every surging wave♪

♪This world♪

♪Has both spectacular and ordinary moments♪

♪Giving it my all is brave enough♪

♪The next stop♪

♪Is calling me from ahead♪

♪As the wind blows open the folded crane-shaped letters♪

♪The yellowing paper reflects forgotten wishes♪

♪I want to talk to the passionate persistence I had back then♪

♪Thank you for not retreating♪

♪Thank you for always guarding your beliefs♪

♪So fly♪

♪Even if I encounter storms and crash into flames♪

♪Even if the thorns cover me♪

♪I was meant to♪

♪Embrace every surging wave♪

♪This world♪

♪Has both spectacular and ordinary moments♪

♪Giving it my all is brave enough♪

♪The next stop♪

♪Is calling me from ahead♪