Original subtitles

[Go East]

[Episode 29]

If I apply with Ministry of Rites,

I'll need to submit a letter.

That'll take half a month.

Then I can only meet Ah Shu

once every half a month.

Are you kidding me?

That's right.

You...

We've been on guard against you.

Sister.

We'll...

throw him out.

That's too rough...

Wait! Wait!

Let him come in.

Your Highness!

He's an outsider who sneaked in at night.

He even wants to be under the same roof with you.

If word gets out,

it'll tarnish your reputation.

That's too harsh.

But I'd been living with him

for quite some time now.

That's different.

You weren't ennobled then,

-so you were just... -Stop.

Enough.

I'm tired of hearing that.

Yes.

So we can't be under the same roof, right?

Easy.

[Gentle Breeze]

We're not under the same roof now, are we?

Ah Shu.

I think the Lantern Festival's soon.

What nice gift are you planning to give me?

You've got some nerve.

You're a princess now.

If I were to marry you,

wouldn't I be the prince consort of Yanle?

Dream on.

Our princess has a fiancé.

Prince Duomi of Mobei.

How could I forget him?

In that case,

I can only accept the engagement back home

and marry Yanle's princess.

Prince Duomi and our princess

were betrothed before birth.

Everyone in

Yanle and Mobei knows about this.

However, previously,

everyone thought the princess had long passed away,

so people gradually stopped mentioning it.

Exactly.

But it's different now.

Our princess has returned.

I reckon Mobei's proposal squad

is likely on their way here.

They'll be here soon.

Void it!

On what grounds?

That's all in the past.

She was invisible when presumed dead.

Now she's alive and they're proposing?

Shameless!

Void it?

I'm afraid it can't be voided at all.

Prince Duomi sends

many letters to our princess every month.

Si Niang.

What the heck?

Ah Shu.

How could you keep such an outrageous thing from me?

Because I don't take it seriously at all.

How can you not take it seriously?

That's Prince Duomi we're talking about.

He might become the khan of Mobei.

Wouldn't that make you and him

a perfect match made in heaven?

What did he write in the letters?

It's really nothing.

Fine. Give me

the letters.

Right away.

Who's your master?

Ah Shu!

Are you a fool?

I've told you before

that Duomi isn't a decent person.

Don't be bewitched by him.

What kind of person

audaciously

writes letters to a woman in a relationship?

Who does he think he is?

Shameless with no sense of decency!

He even used green paper.

Yuan Mo.

Why are you so nervous?

Give them to me!

Okay.

So many.

This... this...

What are they about?

How'd I know?

If you can't read it, how could I?

He knows I'm barely literate,

yet he writes in Mobei's squiggly script.

It's obvious he had someone else write it.

So many every month.

He even uses a ghostwriter for love letters.

This Prince Duomi...

This Prince Duomi...

Alright, alright.

I've already said it's nothing.

No! That won't do either!

Write back to him right now.

Tell him not to send anything here anymore.

No.

You can't write it.

I'll write it.

No, no.

Change the address.

He mustn't pine about this place.

No, no.

Let me think carefully.

Let me calm down a bit.

Let me think it through.

My liver hurts.

Oh no.

No, no.

I need a moment.

Call... call the physician.

[Sifang Pavilion]

Goodness sake!

What's on your mind?

Tell me.

When two people are together...

must they have compatible backgrounds?

Stop being so lovesick.

Answer me first.

Not necessarily.

Mutual affection is the most important thing.

Right?

But some unworthy punks

just don't know when to quit

and keep pushing their luck.

Love letters, huh?

Who are you talking about?

Who else?

The great gourmet.

Duomi?

That's right.

Let's not talk about him.

It's bad luck.

Do you have some money to spare?

Lend me some, will you?

For what?

Why are you so scared?

I just

want to quickly fix up Ah Shu's

and my house

to avoid complications.

No.

Then where's your money?

That's none of your business.

Wang Kunwu.

You're not usually this stingy.

Fine.

I'll show you.

My money...

was all spent on this.

For Yuchi Hua?

For Duke Er.

A whip?

A whip, right?

I'll have to criticize you for this.

Duke Er does like playing with whips,

but it's so cliché to gift him

another whip.

Do you really think I'm that stupid?

If not...

You must've spent a fortune.

How many years old is it?

Almost as old as Duke Er himself.

My goodness!

Hey, hey.

Don't touch it.

Mr. Yuan.

Mr. Yu wants to see you.

Stingy.

By Ministry of Rites' order,

the Sifang Envoy selection will be held on the tenth of next month.

It's not just you two.

Ministry of Rites

has recommended many outstanding talents.

So you must work hard

to keep the title of Sifang Envoy

in Sifang Pavilion.

-Yes. -Yes.

You may go.

What is it now?

Yu.

Is there any reward for becoming a Sifang Envoy?

What kind of reward do you want?

Money!

Is there no raise

or bonus?

Did you buy expensive wine again?

Why are you so tight on money?

No.

Isn't the Lantern Festival soon?

I want to give someone a gift.

Like ginseng.

Ginseng?

Fifty-year-old ginseng.

It's nourishing for sure.

How much would that cost?

Don't bother.

Although I'm getting old,

my health is still pretty good.

You rascal.

I appreciate the thought.

It's not for you.

Get out.

What about a raise?

Get out!

G-Get...

-Wait. -Get out!

Or you can lend me some.

Lend you?

Who are you buying it for then?

Ungrateful brat.

Why is it still so hot?

What's wrong, Young Master?

What did Mr. Yu want from you?

Ministry of Rites is about to select the Sifang Envoy soon.

That's great news!

I've already investigated.

Only a dozen or so Supervisory Sifang Envoys from various departments

are applying.

None of them can match your experience and qualifications.

I believe you'd secure the position.

It's been my lifelong aspiration after all.

I won't easily lose to anyone.

Oh, right.

Tomorrow's the Lantern Festival.

I've already drafted the night duty list.

But those not on the list will also need to patrol the streets.

It's mainly to prevent conflicts in foreign affairs.

Everyone has been working hard lately.

Let's allow everyone to relax and enjoy the Lantern Festival.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I just feel like you've changed.

What gift would you like for the Lantern Festival?

I'll buy it for you.

A princess is different, huh?

You even speak with more confidence.

Of course.

Actually, this one is quite nice.

The color is vibrant.

I'd look spirited in it.

What kind of fabric is this?

Come here.

Ah Shu.

I didn't even dare touch this one.

You're the best to me.

This fox fur collar...

This texture...

Luxurious yet bold.

Bold yet elegant.

It's just...

A bit warm.

But it's fine.

I handle the heat well.

And I like this warm feeling.

Uncle Kang always coughs when winter comes.

With this coat,

he'd have an easier time.

D-Deputy Envoy Kang?

Well, yeah... this...

Deputy Envoy Kang will recover if he wears this.

What's wrong?

Jealous?

Of course not.

I just think if it's for Deputy Envoy Kang,

these aren't enough.

Shopkeeper.

Yes.

Bring out your best brocade robes.

Alright.

I ordered a ginseng for Kang.

By then, he'd be wearing the brocade robe from you

and drinking the ginseng from me.

Kang, Kang.

You sound so close to him.

Kang isn't even that fond of you.

Well, father-in-laws are always

finding fault with son-in-laws.

I don't take these things to heart.

What father-in-law and son-in-law?

What are you going on about?

Here they are.

Here, here.

Sir, Madam.

How about this one?

Nice.

This one's nice.

Let's go with this.

The key is it matches with his son-in-law.

Look.

Add this pair of boots.

Si Niang.

Your Highness.

Quickly take these to Uncle Kang.

Yes, Your Highness.

The princess prepared these just for you

to prepare for the cold weather.

How is it?

Now that you've put it on,

you instantly look ten years younger.

Don't tease me now.

The princess chose this brocade robe

after much deliberation.

And these leather boots.

Aren't you delighted to wear them?

Naturally, you'd feel ten years younger.

Si Niang, you're so glib.

What is this?

This one? That Yuan Mo picked it out for you.

How thoughtful.

He's obviously currying favor with you.

Actually,

he's just interested in the princess.

How could I not know that?

You don't seem to like Yuan Mo very much.

What good does it do if I dislike him?

The princess is so smitten with him.

I know you're perceptive.

I'll try on the boots.

Okay.

Come on.

Stand up and walk around.

It's as if they were custom-made.

How did Ah Shu know

my size?

Let him in.

Deputy Envoy Kang.

What have you found?

The Faceless have been secretly collecting belladonna.

Belladonna?

It's a poisonous flower unique to Yanle.

How did it appear in Yong?

From what I know,

batches of belladonna seeds were transported

into Changle by different Yanle merchants six months ago.

Six months ago?

If they were planted then,

they'd be in full bloom now.

Keep investigating.

Report at once about unusual activity from The Faceless.

Yes.

Go now.

Many of Yanle's old ministers who support the late king

have written a joint blood letter

to urge the princess to raise their flag

to avenge the late king.

Long Tuqi must've got wind of it

and ordered the Man in White to plot something.

We must be on our guard.

Si Niang.

I have something to entrust to you.

Remember this.

Lins' Depository is where Changle's nobles and officials

store their valuables.

This seal can open my depository.

I'll entrust it to you.

Give it to the princess when necessary.

When necessary?

When will it be necessary?

You'll know when the time comes.

[Zhen'an Hall]

How do I make this thing?

It's harder than embroidery.

How am I supposed to do this?

Who has upset my precious baby?

My Lady.

You don't have to make this yourself.

You can buy one for just a few wens.

Buying one isn't sincere.

Forget it. I'm not going.

I can't even make a lantern.

I'm too embarrassed to go.

What's so difficult?

I'll help you.

Father.

Your hands are as big as cattail-leaf fans.

You can make lanterns?

You underestimated me, didn't you?

Back when I first met your mother,

she attended the Lantern Festival

with a lantern

made by me.

Father.

Why haven't you mentioned this before?

When I was young,

I was a nobody.

Once when I went to propose,

your grandfather used a fire stick

to chase me away.

I kept wondering why he treated me like that.

I couldn't figure it out.

But since you were born,

I finally understood.

It's done.

How is it?

Thank you, Father.

My Lord.

All the poison bombs will be ready tonight.

Good.

Tomorrow, I'll present Changle City

with the most beautiful lanterns.

The most detailed parade map

[Sifang Pavilion]

for Changle's Lantern Festival!

Only two wens!

Don't be the fool who misses out on it!

Two wens, two wens!

Alright.

Here you go.

Two wens, two wens!

The most detailed parade map

for Changle's Lantern Festival!

Ms. Lin?

You look beautiful!

Going to the Lantern Festival?

Yes.

How about a parade map?

No need.

It's hand-drawn by Ji.

It shows where the best lanterns,

most popular food stalls,

and most affordable shops are.

Get one.

Just two wens.

You're even charging a colleague?

Wait.

I'm just selling it for Ji.

I'm not in charge.

Really, get one.

It'll help you have a great time tonight.

[Parade Map of Changle City]

I've always heard

Ji wants to get a bigger house.

These two wens are a contribution to his cause.

I'll take one.

Okay.

Ms. Lin!

You've to pay.

I'll pay later.

Wait.

How should I explain it to Ji?

It's the Lantern Festival,

so there's no night duty.

Take some time to relax.

Enjoy yourselves.

I'll be on night duty.

Retainer An.

Is this appropriate?

What's the problem?

You work hard every day.

Have a good time today.

Why are you all standing here?

Go on.

-Yes! -Yes!

-Ms. Lin. -Ms. Lin.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

It's just I rarely see you in women's clothing.

You are...

Don't mention it.

I had plans to go to the Lantern Festival.

But they canceled last minute.

I have nowhere to go.

I'll be on night duty with you.

What's wrong?

Can't I?

Alright.

Ah Shu.

You drew so well.

You even drew two little figures.

One's playing chess;

one's arranging flowers.

I clearly drew Yuan Mo counting money

and me preparing tickle powder.

So our drawing skills are similar.

Let me show you mine.

Let me see.

How...

How's it similar?

What is this?

Hua.

At least mine can be explained.

But yours...

This is Wang Kunwu and me having a duel.

Can't you tell?

A duel a thousand years from now?

These are just two skeletons.

-Let’s go. -Let’s go.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Are you going to the Lantern Festival like this?

Yes.

What's wrong?

Your Highness.

Yong's filled with handsome talents.

Why don't you take this opportunity

to open your eyes and take a good look around?

Don't fall for Yuan Mo's tricks,

or you might miss out on a great marriage.

Si Niang.

From now on, don't speak of Yuan Mo like that.

This is an order.

Yes.

But even if

you're not looking for another match,

you should still dress up.

I think you could put on more rouge

and make your hairstyle more alluring.

Aim to make a lasting impression.

Isn't this still about finding another match?

Report!

A letter.

Hua.

The resettlement site's refugees have

invited me to celebrate the festival with them.

Are you going?

They've left their homes.

If we celebrate together,

it might ease some of their homesickness.

I'd also reciprocate their kind intentions.

What about Yuan Mo?

If he wants to see me, he'll come find me there.

Let's go!

Let's go.

Y-Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Don't you think

this letter came too suddenly?

What if it's a trap?

You might be in danger.

Don't worry.

I'll bring some Jingzhao soldiers

and ensure the princess' safety.

But...

Yuchi, aren't you hanging out with Wang?

The princess' safety comes first.

I can meet Wang Kunwu anytime.

It doesn't have to be the Lantern Festival.

A sister's more important.

Thank you, Sister.

Actually, your drawing is pretty good.

Yours is better.

Let's go buy some gifts

for the refugees.

Let's go.

Your Highness, you really...

can't...

go.

Get some sleep.

Wait for us to return.

Your Highness.

Let's go, San Niang.

Let's have some fun.

Let's go.

Don't worry, your sister's safe.

Let's go.

[West Court]

Tickets for the pleasure boat.

I pulled a lot of strings.

I paid an extra 500 wens to get them.

They're the last two.

Envious? Jealous?

Well, too bad

you didn't plan ahead.

Ah Shu and I will be enjoying a night cruise.

You and Yuchi Hua will

just have to admire the backs of our heads.

Ji.

Why are you on duty on such a big holiday?

Retainer Wang.

Yuan Mo.

Did you tell Mr. Yu

I'm not going to the Lantern Festival

because I'm married?

Did I have to?

Isn't it obvious?

Which lady would celebrate

the Lantern Festival with a married man?

Fine.

You're ruthless.

Alright.

Don't be angry.

Take a day off tomorrow.

Let's go.

I...

Hang on.

I ran into Princess Longshuang on the way here.

She had a message to convey.

Ah Shu?

What did she say?

Princess Longshuang's verbal decree states,

"Tonight, I'll celebrate with the Yanle refugees.

All previous arrangements are canceled.

If you want to find me,

come to the Yanle refugees' resettlement site."

What?

What about the boat tickets I went to great lengths to buy?

Isn't this karma?

She's no longer my Ah Shu.

She is Yanle's Ah Shu.

You got excited too soon.

Since your tickets are useless now,

give them to us.

Retainer Wang.

Ms. Yuchi has gone there too.

Ms. Yuchi said,

"The princess will celebrate with the people of Yanle tonight.

All previous arrangements are canceled.

If you want to find me,

come to the Yanle refugees' resettlement site."

Wait, this...

Yuchi Hua is not your Yuchi Hua either.

She is Ah Shu's Yuchi Hua.

So

give me these two tickets.

I'll sell them for you with a 200 wens markup each.

Split it 30-70.

You get 30, I get 70.

On what grounds?

Fine then.

Let them go to waste.

If all else fails, you two can go.

We'll go together then.

Let's go, Kunwu.

Wait, wait, wait.

If you two are really going,

how about a parade map each?

Two wens per map.

It's a great deal.

Alright, thanks.

Let's go, Kunwu.

Off you go.

I just love messing with you.

Others can watch the backs of our heads.

You haven't paid yet.

-Bravo! -Bravo!

-Bravo! -Bravo!

-Bravo! -Bravo!

In tonight's scenery of Changle,

only the two of us are out of place.

-Bravo! -Bravo!

Driver.

Stop the carriage!

Yuan.

Retainer Wang.

Stone?

What a coincidence.

Yuan.

Are you two here to meet your lovers?

What's with that response?

It's exactly what you're thinking.

So what?

Yuan.

I wasn't thinking that at all.

Making a delivery?

Yes.

My employer asked me to deliver wine to a restaurant.

There are lanterns with flames everywhere.

Be careful transporting all that wine.

Don't worry, Yuan.

Alright, I won't keep you.

Get going.

Okay, I'll get going.

Let's go, driver.

I'm off, Yuan.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Let's go.

[Sifang Pavilion]

I've heard that when you see someone yawn,

you'll start yawning too.

Why do you keep looking at me?

You're... dressed differently today.

So do I look good or not?

You look very good.

But you should be seen on the streets.

Who's the one who stood you up?

You've wasted such a fine day.

Him?

He's a...

special person.

Special?

How special?

He is

handsome and dashing,

born into nobility,

but never relies on his family's influence.

He started from the bottom, working diligently,

putting in effort day after day for years,

earning countless merits.

Now he has become

a high-ranking official leading a dozen or so people.

He sounds like a reliable person.

Where is he affiliated?

Do I know him?

It doesn't matter.

He missed tonight's opportunity.

There's no chance left.

Perhaps he was hindered by work.

You're right.

Then I'll clarify it with him tomorrow.

Give him a chance to repent.

No!

Why not?

What I mean is

someone who doesn't keep promises or give prior notice

and only cares about work

can't be trusted.

Why are you smiling?

Nothing.

Carry on with your work.

[Yanle Embassy]

What happened to you?

How did you get hurt so badly?

Man in White...

used belladonna to make a ton of poison bombs.

They explode

and even release poisonous powder.

Do you know where the poison bombs are?

It has been transported into the city by The Faceless.

They plan to detonate them in crowded areas

to cause panic.

No.

They've planned for so long.

It can't be just to cause panic.

Stay here.

Si Niang.

Si Niang!

Wake up.

Deputy Envoy Kang.

Where is the princess?

The princess...

Speak up!

She said she was going to the Yanle refugees' resettlement site.

She drugged me when I tried to stop her.

But don't worry.

Chief Secretary Yuchi and my sister

are watching over her.

Listen.

Go tell Magistrate Lin at Jingzhao Prefecture

the Man in White will use poison bombs

to cause panic in Changle.

Poison bombs?

Okay.

Wait.

Also,

notify Sifang Pavilion

to be prepared in case of emergency

since many foreigners are at the festival.

Got it?

Yes.

This way!

Bad news!

Retainer An!

Why are you so flustered?

Retainer An.

Man in White will detonate

self-made poison bombs in Changle to cause panic.

What?

Where's this intel from?

Someone reported it to the princess's mansion.

I've notified Jingzhao Prefecture.

The streets are filled with people.

If those poison bombs go off,

it'd be disastrous.

Ji.

Notify all Sifang Pavilion staff now

to cancel their leave and evacuate the people at the market.

Yes.

Young Master.

I want to go too.

No.

Sifang Pavilion can't be unguarded.

Stay here.

Young Master.

It's an order!

Are you really not going to Ah Shu?

Yes.

She's already Yanle's Ah Shu.

What's the point of looking for her?

Fine.

Let's head back.

The dock is behind us.

We might really miss the pleasure boat night cruise.

What's the rush?

Let's walk around a bit more.

Look how bright that lantern is.

If you keep dawdling,

we'll really end up at where Ah Shu is.

Really?

I'm not trying to get to her.

I just thought that bright lantern looked nice.

Come on.

What?

Excuse me.

These pleasure boat night cruise's tickets

are for you. Enjoy.

Thank you so much!

Wait.

Do you know how expensive those tickets are?

You weren't planning to go anyway.

Don't hesitate anymore.

Alright, let's go find Ah Shu.

Come on.

Fine, Wang Kunwu.

You're the one forcing me to go.

I didn't want to go, but you're forcing me to.

Fine.

Let's say I forced you.

Yuan Mo! Wang Kunwu!

Retainer An.

Listen.

Man in White will detonate poison bombs nearby tonight.

-Poison bombs? -Poison bombs?

Have you seen any suspicious people?

Making a delivery?

Yes.

My employer asked me to deliver wine to a restaurant.

Let's go, driver.

I'm off, Yuan.

Stone.

Stone's carriage was off.

I'll go to him.

Don't go.

Leave the carriage to us.

Go get Ah Shu to a safe place.

Man in White must have a backup plan.

Alright, be careful.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

Over there!

Excuse me!

S-Sorry.

Excuse me.

Stop!

Stop!

Stone, get off!

Retainer Wang.

Where's the escort?

He got off midway.

What's wrong?

What are you really transporting?

It's just wine my employer asked me to deliver.

You two, step aside.

What...

What's...

It's gunpowder.

Poison bombs made from belladonna.

Are you sure?

Belladonna's a poisonous flower unique to Yanle.

I'm certain about this scent.

Poison bombs?

Retainer Wang.

I really had no idea!

I'm just a wine deliveryman.

I deliver whatever my employer tells me to.

Princess Longshuang saved my life.

I'd never commit a capital crime.

Where were half of the poison bombs

unloaded?

The escort did unload some cargo midway.

I know where.

I'll take you there.

Wait.

Half of the poison bombs

must be among the crowds.

Retainer An.

You must drive this carriage to Jingzhao.

Have Magistrate Lin notify the Jingzhao troops.

Anyone seen on the streets with wine jars

must be detained.

Understood.

You.

Come with me.

Si Niang.

Rush back to Princess's Mansion.

Release green smoke signals once you see her.

Yes.

I trust you.

But you must help us turn this around.

Take me to find that escort.

This way.

Follow me.

Here.

[Jingzhao Prefecture]

Tonight's streets are filled with people from various states and backgrounds.

If there really is an explosion spreading toxic fumes,

it'll affect people of all states.

Can we end the festival

and evacuate them?

Yes, yes.

Human lives are at stake.

We should evacuate quickly.

Evacuation is also dangerous.

If it sparks mass panic,

what if people get trampled to death?

What if other related disasters occur?

For now, we can only reduce panic

and play it by ear.

Look.

Imperial Street,

[Map of Changle City]

Sweet Spring Square,

and West Market

are where merchants gather,

with the most people.

If Man in White wants to cause panic,

he'll detonate poison bombs at these three places.

I've dispatched troops to search for suspicious people.

Lord Lin.

All staff from Sifang Pavilion

have been recalled

and are ready to be deployed by Jingzhao anytime.

Thank you.

There's one more place we must guard.

Yanle refugees' resettlement site?

Princess Longshuang is mingling there.

Although she's protected

by Yuchi Hua and Jingzhao troops,

she has just been officially ennobled by Yong.

If something were to happen to her now,

Yong would be humiliated.

Other states would also lose trust in Yong.

The consequences would be unimaginable.

Magistrate Lin, I hope you'll send people there.

No need.

I'll go myself.

Magistrate Lin.

Why are you here?

We intercepted the poison bombs in the carriage outside.

Poison powder's hidden in wine jars.

Please scour the streets for anyone with wine jars

and detain them immediately.

How many poison bombs are there?

We've intercepted half a carriage.

But there are still over 20 jars left.

Still so many?

If these spread into Changle's market,

we clearly lack manpower.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Vice Minister An.

I've to prioritize the people in the city.

All Jingzhao troops are to be mobilized.

Scour the streets one by one.

If you see anyone with wine jars, forget about questioning.

Arrest them immediately.

-Yes! -Yes!