Original subtitles

♪Through dust and storms, I press on alone♪

♪Winds arise, sands stretch far and wide♪

♪Trials of the world test my resolve♪

♪Forged in fire, I chase the light beyond♪

♪Facing challenges, fate ever shifts♪

♪A journey through the wilderness of time♪

♪Fearless like armor, through thorns I grow♪

♪Breaking through darkness, my name will shine♪

♪Never in vain♪

♪Guarding my fleeting light, tempered to shine bright♪

♪Cherished past♪

♪A lifetime treasured, through a thousand waves we ride♪

♪To fight with fury, to love with passion♪

♪True to my faith♪

♪I greet the frost and the prize with pride♪

=Love and Sword=

(Adapted from Shen Cangmei's novel Sleeping Beside Yan Shao)

=Episode 4=

Leave us.

What are you up to?

I'm proposing to marry you.

Marry into my family, of course.

Proposing to me?

(Bonded Contract) "This is the great hero of the desert..."

You must sign your real name.

Stop trying to fool me with flashy names like Yan Shao.

Don't push your luck here.

You keep disappearing all the time.

Where am I supposed to find you?

Besides, this is my turf now.

Are you signing it or not?

Your turf?

You're just an adopted daughter.

If your life here was really that easy,

you wouldn't need me at all.

I don't care if you sign it or not.

Whether I live or die,

I'll leave it to fate.

Fine, I'll sign it.

Something is off about you.

What is?

I may be the one who hired you.

But you're surprisingly cooperative.

Did you come to the manor with an ulterior motive?

Are you after the treasure map key?

No.

So, are you trying to learn martial arts secrets?

(Bonded Person: Yan Shao) Not interested.

(Bonded Contract) One of the conditions says

you only take orders from Rong Shukuang.

It doesn't seem like the behavior of a gentleman.

I was never a gentleman.

I am a lady.

Give it back to me.

Hey! You're cheating!

Give it back!

(What just happened to me?)

(You probably passed out)

(from the cold poison.)

(Yan Shao saved you.)

I work for Rong Shukuang,

not Yuchi Manor.

But since you've signed,

there's no backing out now.

From now on, you'll have to stay close

and protect me at all times.

You can't be more than 10 meters away from me.

Not more than 10 meters?

Even at night?

Your room

isn't even that big.

Here's your payment.

Consider it a thank-you for helping me back in the desert.

From now on,

just follow me

and I'll treat you well.

Come with me.

Father wants to treat you to a meal.

Yan Shao, you rescued Shukuang from Ghost Valley Sect

and escorted her all the way here.

We, at the Yuchi Manor are truly grateful.

Master Lin, you're too kind.

I made a deal with Young Lady Rong.

She pays me,

and I work as her bodyguard.

It's just a job.

Saving someone from Ghost Valley Sect

and making it through the desert alone

takes real skill and courage.

You're clearly not an ordinary fighter.

May I ask which school or sect you trained under, Yan Shao?

My master has passed away.

She was a recluse

who wished to remain unknown.

As for me,

I rarely travel in the martial world.

So I'm just a nobody.

Now that you're here at Yuchi Manor,

you're one of us.

With enemies closing in,

we need all the help we can get.

You're welcome here.

Cheers.

Yan Shao, have you and Shukuang met before?

Let me go!

No, we've never met.

My sister has always been proud and independent.

It's surprising

she's letting a complete stranger stay by her side

as a personal guard.

When you've fought side by side with someone

(and see what they're willing to do for you,)

(you learn to trust them.)

(The ones who would risk their lives for you)

are the ones worth believing in.

(Yan Shao said I used to be cold, distant,)

(and commanding.)

(Everyone in the manor feared me.)

(Now the manor's top swordsman's)

(acting skills are being tested.)

I barely escaped with my life this time.

It made me realize a lot of things.

The old Rong Shukuang was too reserved,

always holding back.

But from now on,

I want to live freely.

I'll say what I want

and do what I want.

Father, Shaoci,

and Wanci.

I'm truly happy to be alive and reunited

with you all.

So forget the old Rong Shukuang

because I'm starting over.

From now on, let's live as a real family.

A toast to everyone.

All right.

Good.

Yan Shao,

I want to toast to you as well.

Thank you for saving my life.

Stay by my side after this,

and I will treat you well.

Yan Shao,

I'll toast to you too.

For Shukuang.

Cheers.

Shukuang was injured by Shen Zuitian's Mystic Ice Jade Palm

and lost her martial arts abilities.

She does need someone to protect her.

But don't worry.

Shaoci has arranged for Yingluo and me

to find a cure for you.

Actually, Young Lady Rong's cold poison

has improved significantly.

That's right.

Yan Shao is also skilled in medicine.

Thanks to his treatment,

I indeed feel much better.

But to fully regain your martial arts,

the cold poison must be completely cured.

(Once the cold poison is removed,)

(that unknown poison in her body will activate.)

We can't rush this.

It might be too much for Young Lady Rong to handle.

I can take it.

As long as I can recover my martial arts,

I'm willing to try anything.

But I trust Yan Shao's medical skills the most.

I'd rather have him treat me.

Then we'll leave the cold poison treatment

to Yan Shao.

All right.

Please eat.

Wanci, what's wrong?

I feel a little dizzy.

It's from a few sips of wine.

Then you...

Shukuang...

Thank you, Yan Shao.

You're welcome.

Come, get up.

Here.

- Are you all right? - What happened?

Thank you, Father.

Here's some sobering tea.

Ladies, have a sip.

Shukuang, drink some as well.

You'll feel better soon.

Thank you, Wanci.

(I haven't had a chance to draw the poison these past two days.)

(If it acts up at any time, she'll be in danger.)

(I need to do it as soon as possible.)

You... You creep!

No, I'm not.

What do you mean you're not?

You look decent.

But you're actually disgusting!

- In the desert, - I didn't.

did you do the same thing to me?

Now I know why I wake up every day with back pain!

You're a beast!

Somebody! He's assaulting me!

Stop talking nonsense!

Scream. Go on, scream.

Why aren't you screaming?

I swear I never touch you.

I was only treating your injuries

to prevent the cold from damaging your meridians.

If you believe me,

blink.

I only say a few words.

He didn't have to react that way.

Wait, I was the one being taken advantage of.

Why is he the one running away?

Even if I falsely accused you,

you don't have to drown yourself

to prove your innocence!

I'm afraid you're probably the only one who could drown in a tub like this.

It's hot?

So you treated my injuries for free just now.

Then dip in here to recover your strength?

I enjoy experimenting with rare and unusual poisons.

Saving you was just a coincidence.

Oh?

Do you have a lover?

That's not a question a lady should be asking.

Hero,

don't tell me...

(You're overwhelmed with desire)

(but trying so hard to resist me.)

(But at the same time, you're so pure and innocent)

(that you don't know what to do.)

(So you jumped into this tub to cool yourself down.)

(What a disciplined hero.)

Hero,

why don't you just marry into my family?

Nonsense.

I don't care what your background is.

If we get married,

it'd be a social upgrade for you.

Am I right?

Don't joke about something as serious as marriage.

I'm from the martial world.

I don't care about these things.

And besides,

if it doesn't work out, we can just divorce.

Marriage isn't something to be taken lightly.

What is happening to me?

Antidote...

Give me the antidote.

The antidote for my allergic reaction...

Tell me where it is.

I'll go and get it for you.

Is it time for me to leave now?

♪The flower crown withers with time♪

Yan Shao,

♪Drifting away, leaving no trace♪

it looks like I was never meant

to be the main character in your story.

I can't believe I would die this soon.

Stop spouting nonsense.

You're not dying.

You're not going anywhere.

Don't raise your voice at me.

I'm leaving soon.

Can't you be gentle

with your words?

I promised your mother

(that I would stay by your side for the rest of my life.)

Be careful.

♪Let my love linger, forming a shadow by your side♪

Come and have some snacks.

♪Near yet distant, caught between sorrow and joy♪

Here you go.

Yi.

♪You, the one I love deeply♪

♪Please let me gaze at you a little longer♪

♪As my longing drifts, gathered by the endless night♪

You can have this.

Thank you, Yan.

♪Every thought, every thread leads back to you♪

You're going to spoil her.

It doesn't matter.

Living life freely

isn't so bad either.

Yan'er,

do you still remember the vow you made to me?

You promised me

that you'd protect her for life.

That you would

let her live a lifetime of freedom,

roaming as she pleases,

carefree and happy.

Okay.

Open the door.

Shukuang?

What happened to her?

She's poisoned.

Open the door.

Arisaema, Pinellia Tuber, sweet wormwood, tangerine leaf,

and Sichuan Chinaberry, two qian each.

Boil with water for 15 minutes and bring it here.

What?

This is the only way to save her.

No one from Yuchi Manor would ever poison her.

Not all poisonings are intentional.

When some things are eaten by someone, it can cause severe reactions.

So it's common.

You're her personal bodyguard.

This is your responsibility.

If we delay any longer,

she won't make it.

If I wanted to harm her,

why would I bring her here?

I'll make the preparations now.

Prepare the medicine and personally bring it to her.

I don't trust anyone in Yuchi Manor

except you.

Once we find out who poisoned you,

I'll take you away from here.

Don't worry. I'm here.

I'll make sure you get to live the life you want.

I'm afraid calling for a physician will take too long.

I've summoned Yingluo instead.

Her pulse is so erratic.

It's more than just cold poison.

Revival Acupuncture technique from your family

can save her.

The Revival Acupuncture?

I've only seen my eldest sister use it before.

She did teach me the technique.

But I've never used it to save anyone.

Right now, we have no other choice.

Listen.

As Thirteen Lady, your title is not just a hearsay.

You can do this.

I really can't do it.

If you don't try,

she will die.

But in a situation like this,

only my eldest sister can administer it.

I can't do it, Yan Shao.

She can't hold on much longer.

You're the only one who can save Shukuang now.

Do you want to watch her die?

Talent is a gift from the heavens.

If your sister can do it,

you can too.

"All wicked forces and madness, subdued at the Ghost Palace.

The Revival Acupuncture

is a perilous mystery, balancing life and death."

If I fail...

You won't fail.

Focus.

This is an ancient jade,

passed down by the ancestors.

That's something my grandmother left me.

Why are you giving it to her?

Do you know what today is?

Thank you for ruining my perception

of happiness on such an important day.

It worked! Sister Rong is back!

I pulled off Revival Acupuncture?

Brother Shaoci, look!

I saved Sister Rong!

(I'm still here?)

Here, drink this medicine first.

What is it now?

It's medicine for your condition.

Did you prescribe this?

I made it myself.

Then it should be fine.

(But this is clearly a severe allergic reaction.)

(Rong Shukuang,)

(what exactly are you allergic to?)

Get some rest early.

Yan Shao.

Young Master Lin, do you have further instructions?

Why are your clothes completely soaked?

Aren't you going to explain?

Oh, this?

It was raining outside.

Didn't you notice?

The rain was really heavy.

Sister Rong, do you feel any discomfort?

I'm fine now.

I will find out

who poisoned you.

It wasn't poison.

It was an allergic reaction.

Have I ever had allergies before?

What did you say?

I asked

if I ever had any reactions to certain things.

Like itching, difficulty breathing, or anything like that?

When you were little,

I remember you only had a reaction to Arnebia root.

If you touched it,

your arms would get red and itchy.

Could there have been Arnebia root in the manor?

Wanci has been preparing Baihua Brew

for the upcoming festival

and collecting all sorts of herbs and flowers.

Maybe some Arnebia root

accidentally got mixed in.

Wanci?

She's already back home,

and yet trouble still follows.

Every one of you

has a part in this mess!

The Zhonghe Festival is coming soon.

I was making Baihua Brew.

So I collected some Arnebia root.

It's possible that a new servant

mistakenly mixed it

into Shukuang's food.

That's how this happened.

You are Young Lady's personal maid.

How could you not check properly?

It was my mistake.

There are too many people in the manor now.

Be more careful next time.

Yes, Young Master.

What is it?

When I treated Sister Rong with acupuncture last night,

I discovered

a hidden poison in her body,

which is hard to detect.

It causes her temperature to fluctuate wildly.

One moment, she's freezing,

and the next, she's burning in flames.

Do you recognize this poison?

Is there a way to cure it?

So you knew Sister Rong

was poisoned?

Is this related to you?

I only noticed that her symptoms

didn't match just the cold poison.

How long have you known about this?

I don't recognize the poison.

But the fact that she's held on for so long

without succumbing to it,

it must be because of you.

Miss Tang, I trust you.

I hope we can help her through this.

The Tang Family's belief taught

that even an enemy should be saved first.

So, do you think this poison

has been inside her for a long time?

It's possible.

Then who has been in charge

of her daily meals and medicine?

Wanci.

She manages everything in the manor,

including minor medical treatments

when needed.

Are you suspecting Wanci?

Miss Wanci

is certainly elegant and intelligent.

Young Lady Lin.

Yan Shao, did you come looking for me?

Just a coincidence.

Young Lady Lin, are you feeling unwell?

It's an old illness. Come in and talk.

All right.

Please have some tea.

Thank you.

You must have a reason

to come and see me, right?

Young Lady Lin, not only are you beautiful,

but you're also remarkably sharp.

As Young Lady Rong's personal bodyguard,

I need to understand her daily routine

so I can do my job properly.

Are you always this attentive toward young ladies?

I've heard you're skilled in medicine.

Of course, you'd take great care of my sister.

How is she now?

She still hasn't recovered from Mystic Ice Jade Palm

and now Arnebia root has made things worse.

It's becoming a real problem.

I heard the manor keeps

a record of daily meals and routines.

May I take a look?

I'll have someone deliver

the Household Record to you shortly.

Thank you, Young Lady Lin.

Back to visiting Lin Wanci again?

You must have some unspeakable secret with her.

(What are you reading secretly at this hour?)

(Could it be a love note?)

Why do you like doing

suspicious things at night?

I wasn't the one spying at midnight

or breaking into someone's room.

If you're up to something, at least try to be discreet.

What did I do?

Look at you

making that strange expression.

Hand it over!

You have no shame, do you?

It's just men's stuff.

Everyone knows about it.

The Household Record?

This is about me?

Are you a stalker?

I am not.

Oh really?

Then why are you reading this?

As your bodyguard,

I need to know what kind of enemies you've had before.

(To Yan Shao. Please go through. From Wanci.)

You and Lin Wanci taking a romantic sunset stroll,

gazing at each other,

chatting, and laughing.

Was that part of your duties too?

Throwing in all those fancy words doesn't mean you're right.

Why were you following me?

So I was right after all.

Fine.

Then

how do you explain always being alone

with Lin Shaoci?

The 15th day of July.

Lin Shaoci got injured.

Rong Shukuang brought him back to the manor.

That was the perfect chance to save a damsel in distress moment.

Why didn't you take advantage of it?

What did you say?

I said if I had grabbed that opportunity

and become the Young Madam of the manor,

I wouldn't be wasting my time arguing with you now.

You really have no shame.

So what if I don't?

You're the one who doesn't behave decently.

You and Lin Wanci are behaving all lovey-dovey.

I bet you're waiting for the right moment to swoop in and win her over!

No!

I should tell Lin Shaoci all about your little schemes.

Stop making things up.

I, Yan Shao,

am upright and have nothing to hide.

Do I need to scheme to win over Young Lady Lin?

You shameless scoundrel!

Scoundrel?

You're the one trying...

You want to go after Young Lady Lin!

- At least I'm not after Young Lady Rong! - You scoundrel!

(Why does this sound like we're arguing like...)

Why are you here this late?

I want to ask about my allergic reaction the other day.

Allergy?

The reaction from the poison.

I've thought about it.

Liu An is the one who prepares my meals.

Thank you.

But how could she have made a mistake?

Are you saying Liu An is behind it?

Could it be because I mistreated her before?

That's something only Liu An can answer.

How should we ask her?

Help me.

Add another blanket for me.

The cold poison acts up at night,

and I keep feeling cold.

Bring more candles too.

This room needs to be brighter.

Yes, Young Lady.

Anything else, Young Lady?

Tomorrow, I want an eggplant dish.

What kind of strange dish is that?

Diced chicken breast

with shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu,

and a mix of dried fruits.

Since when did you learn to cook?

I read about it in a book.

Since when did you enjoy reading?

Since when did you learn to be so rude to me?

It's late. You should rest.

The wine has been warmed.

Send it to Young Lady Rong.

She's already asleep.

With the cold poison, she won't be sleeping well.

Wake her up.

There are two pots.

Drink this one first,

then the other.

Arnebia root?

Liu An,

why are you trying to harm Young Lady Rong?

♪Spinning through my heart, my dreams, the endless Jianghu♪

♪A fateful turn, where love and hearts collide♪

♪Ah, such a blissful tide♪

♪A journey long, yet life is but one ride♪

♪Blades in chaos, the world in turmoil, tangled ties♪

♪A fleeting warmth to shield me from the ice♪

♪Ah, as spring awakens love's delight♪

♪One single glance, my heart takes flight♪

♪I've heard tales of love and vengeance, left forgotten in the tide♪

♪And whispers of desert stars and rain, where love at first sight fades to cries♪

♪But I don't know, I don't know, how long this moment will abide♪

♪Yet here and now, for this one soul, I stand beside♪

♪I understand, love and longing, how much truth, how many lies♪

♪Yet my swift blade cannot sever, cannot sever these endless ties♪

♪I have known, the lonely journeys, wandering years without goodbyes♪

♪Yet this moment stirs the ache inside♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪

♪Though fate may part our paths, we walk the same road♪

♪A crescent moon, a crimson glow, a love untold♪

♪Like passing winds, like aching souls, never to meet once more♪

♪Then what is fate even for♪

♪Just once, to fall into your arms, not lost, nor torn, nor bound to strife♪

♪Amidst the storm of masters' might, hidden deep, a love so bright♪

♪Standing apart from all the fight, only one embrace so right♪

♪A dream of Jianghu's light♪

♪One turn through this dream of Jianghu, one heartbeat lost in time♪

♪No dream compares to a fateful meeting so divine♪

♪Love needs no hero, only a foolish mind♪

♪Trapped in Jianghu's ruthless tides, once, let me defy♪

♪A single touch, a fleeting smile, is enough to shake the sky♪

♪Stirring the stillness, where the winds rise high♪