Original subtitles

[Go East]

[Episode 33]

Here for Her Highness?

Let her do her work.

Here.

Make sure she eats on time.

If it gets cold,

please reheat it for her.

Be careful, it's hot.

Here, be careful, it's hot.

Here.

Take it.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Be careful, it's hot.

[Changle]

Yuenu.

Father and Mother really should go now.

Father,

why do you have to go so far away?

Isn't Changle good enough?

Or did I make you angry?

You're a good child.

Come here.

Yuenu, look.

What's written on this city gate?

It's Changle.

This is Changle City.

This is why I have to leave.

You'll understand when you grow up.

Yuan Mo.

Go ahead.

I'm entrusting Yuenu to you.

Don't worry, Hanjing.

Take care.

Make sure to take good care of yourself.

[Yong]

Let's go.

[Spring next year]

Yuan Mo.

Where are his wines?

Perhaps

they've all been moved to a new house.

I sold them.

You sold them?

Those were wines you've treasured for years.

They were your most prized possessions.

How could you have sold them just like that?

I needed money for the new house.

If you needed money, you could have told me.

I could have provided it.

Seeing you spend the whole winter settling refugees,

I didn't want to bother you.

Besides, this money couldn't come from you.

As for the reason,

I'll tell you later.

You can put the luggage in the room first.

Alright.

After hearing you say that Yanle reveres sacred trees,

I felt the courtyard was missing a tree.

I've always wanted to buy one,

but couldn't find one I liked.

You sold all the wine

just to buy this tree?

I saw it in a courtyard one day

and couldn't move away.

I had no choice but to sell all the wine

in exchange for it.

I wanted to give you the best home.

I've done it.

Although

it's only for a few days.

A few days?

I've sold this house.

The buyer will come to inspect it in a few days.

Why?

Because I've figured it out.

Where you are

is where our future lies.

You're going back to Yanle.

What's the point of me staying alone

in this empty house?

Ah Shu.

I've decided.

I'm going to Yanle with you.

The selection exam

for the Sifang Envoy is about to take place.

As long as I come out on top,

I can become the Sifang Envoy of Yong.

When that happens,

I'll be able to rightfully

escort you back to Yanle.

Yuan Mo.

Thank you.

Thank you for giving me the best home.

Thank you for always keeping our future in your heart.

Ah Shu,

I also want to apologize to you.

If I had understood the importance of ambition earlier,

perhaps

we could have

had a complete home sooner.

We wouldn't have to be so rushed like today.

It's not rushed.

We will still be in this home

for some time.

In fact, even for a long time.

The buyer of this house

is me.

[House Ownership Contract]

W-what?

I came here a few days ago

and saw the real estate agent showing people around the house.

That was when I found out you were selling it.

I immediately offered a high price and bought it back.

[Buyer: Longshuang Yueshu]

[Agent: Cai Qi]

[Seller: Yuan Mo]

You worked so hard to create this home for us.

I couldn't allow it to end up

being lived in by others.

However, this tree wasn't here at that time.

I really like it.

Thank you.

Wait.

Why didn't you tell me about this?

I...

It's not like you consulted me

when buying and selling this house.

Then doesn't this mean

we just moved money from our left hand to our right hand?

In the end, nothing has changed.

We've even wasted money on the agent's fee.

That small amount of money isn't important.

What's important is that our future is still intact.

Nothing has changed.

Then when we go to Yanle,

what will happen to this place?

Will it just stay empty?

Who says we won't come back?

We will come back.

We'll return safely,

and we'll come back often.

By then, the relationship between Yanle and Yong will be peaceful.

We can come back

whenever we want.

We'll even bring our family

back with us.

Family?

We'll come back together as a family.

Otherwise, why would you buy this house near the academy?

[Sifang Pavilion]

Yuan Mo.

Yu.

Stand there.

What is it?

Let me ask you.

Are you running for Sifang Envoy

just to accompany Ah Shu to Yanle?

What's wrong?

What do you mean by 'what's wrong'?

Where do I even begin?

No, Yu.

Wasn't it you who gave me

the title of Supervisory Sifang Envoy?

Wasn't it you who told me to work hard and strive for more?

Are you regretting it now?

I did that to make you take

this job seriously.

Who told you to actually go to Yanle?

Do you know how dangerous this journey is?

It's over 3,000 li from here to Yanle Capital.

Just crossing that desolate desert alone

takes ten days and nights.

Do you know that

the delegation is mainly composed of civil officials,

with only a few guards as escorts?

And Yong won't send troops to accompany you.

If you encounter danger,

even if you manage to escape and seek help,

reinforcements would take half a month to arrive...

I know all of this, Yu.

You know all this,

yet you're still so impulsive?

How am I being impulsive?

I've already thought of countermeasures.

You're thinking of countermeasures before even being selected as Sifang Envoy?

And you say you're not impulsive?

I've really thought it through.

I know you care about me,

but don't worry.

I really know what I'm doing.

Just leave this matter to me.

Leave this matter to you?

I've been looking after you for over ten years,

and now you're telling me to leave it to you?

You little rascal.

What are you doing?

These are the classics I've collected for you.

They contain records of customs and traditions of various states,

astronomy, geography, official systems, and military organizations.

Memorize them before the exam.

They'll definitely be useful.

Isn't this too much?

What do you mean by too much?

I was already late in getting these.

An Xiuyi took two large boxes of books and records before me.

These are just what he left behind.

What's the use of studying?

You need to learn and apply it practically.

Can he really memorize

and finish reading all of them?

Why do you care about what he does?

Even glancing at it is better than not looking at all.

Who says so?

It's all useless.

That's all...

An Xiuyi is already so outstanding,

yet he's still working hard.

Now look at yourself.

You're still talking about becoming a Sifang Envoy to accompany me to Yanle.

Do you think you can outperform An Xiuyi like this?

Fine, I'll memorize it. Is that okay?

Yueying is 2,800 li west of Changle,

with a territory spanning 600 li east to west

and 400 li north to south.

It has a total of eighteen cities.

Besides the written tests on language, diplomacy, and customs,

the Sifang Envoy selection also includes a physical fitness test.

A weakling can't represent Yong as an envoy.

If you encounter villains on the way,

a Sifang Envoy must master the skills to kill bandits and protect oneself.

San Niang.

Yes.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Again.

The Mobei grasslands

are vast and boundless,

with cattle, sheep, and...

Cattle, sheep, and horses

in countless numbers.

I can understand it now!

If that Duomi dares

to write you love letters again in the future,

I will...

On land, a wolf.

In water, a dragon.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Yuluo borders Dongyuan and Xiyuan.

The Bulu River serves as the boundary.

-The citizens of Yuluo and the two states often cross the border without permission, -Poppet.

causing friction.

I'm familiar with this part.

The disputes between Yuluo and the two states

were resolved with the help of our Sifang Pavilion.

You're familiar with it?

An Xiuyi knows it even better.

This matter was actually handled by An Xiuyi.

Continue.

There were three areas of conflict.

The first one...

[Sifang Pavilion]

This year's competition

is much more intense than previous years.

Indeed.

Retainer An

has been contemplating becoming a Sifang Envoy for how many years now?

This time, in order to avenge Susu,

he must win first place.

In that case,

doesn't Yuan Mo have no hope at all?

I don't think so.

Ah Shu has been intensively training Yuan Mo

for months now.

For Ah Shu's sake,

Yuan Mo will probably fight with all his might.

Whether he can succeed or not

depends on his own fortune.

I think he still has a chance in the written test,

but as for martial arts...

Can Yuan Mo's small build really handle it?

Why are you resorting to personal attacks?

Yuan Mo will fight for the honor of the West Court.

Alright.

We've been talking for so long,

so what's it going to be?

Are we betting or not?

Of course we are!

Let's bet, let's bet!

Place your bets, come on!

Bet, bet, bet!

I'm betting on him.

I'm all in.

[Yuan Mo]

Excuse me,

who placed this bet?

Me.

On behalf of Yuan Mo, I thank you.

No need for that.

I placed this bet too.

Hit him!

Come here.

You've learned to hedge your bets at such a young age, haven't you?

What's wrong with you?

I was wrong, I was wrong.

Stop hitting, stop hitting!

Princess Longshuang.

No need for formalities.

Isn't it annoying to be so formal all the time?

Won't you let me rest for a while?

Quick.

Have a seat.

Have a seat.

Everyone, please sit down.

Ah Shu,

is it because you've become a princess

that you have endless money to spend,

or is it that you have such confidence

in Yuan Mo?

It's not about believing in Yuan Mo

but about believing in true feelings.

I was just joking.

What's the point of opening a betting pool

if everyone is betting on the same side?

I insist on betting on Yuan Mo.

You'll all lose to me when the time comes.

You'll be left with nothing.

I... I mixed up the two names just now.

I was just kidding earlier.

I didn't even place a bet earlier.

One month's salary.

I'm betting on Yuan Mo.

Wait, wait, wait a moment!

All bets are final, all bets are final!

What are you all doing?

The bets weren't final just now.

The bets weren't final.

[Literature Hall]

Yong governs with benevolence and righteousness.

It is a state known for its virtues.

Today, you're here

to take the qualification exam for the Sifang Envoy.

In the future, you will have the chance

to travel to the rest of the world on behalf of Yong.

It is a great honor.

I hope you'll fully display your talents

and prove that

you deserve to be the Sifang Envoy of Yong.

We students will heed your teachings.

Let the exam begin.

[Result List]

In the physical test, everyone's performance was average except for An Xiuyi.

The written test will determine who can become a Sifang Envoy.

Yes, indeed.

Are you nervous?

Why would I be nervous?

Well, let me rephrase that.

If...

I... I mean, hypothetically...

If you get the top score,

could you let me...

Just follow your delegation

to Yanle together?

Is this your first day at the Sifang Pavilion?

Go and check.

Has Yong ever had a precedent

of sending two Sifang Envoys to the same state?

There are so many neighboring states.

Wouldn't that be a waste of talent?

Mr. Bai is here, here he comes!

He's coming out, he's coming out!

The teacher is coming out!

Director Bai.

Next,

I will announce

the top three candidates for the Sifang Envoy selection exam this round.

They will be determined by the Ministry of Rites

to represent Yong as envoys to various states.

The one who takes first place

will also become the special envoy

escorting Princess Longshuang back to Yanle.

Who will receive this honor?

Let's wait and see.

The third place goes to...

Cheng Jingyao.

I got third place!

I actually got third place!

Congratulations, congratulations!

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you, thank you.

Next, we will announce the second place.

He is...

Yuan Mo!

Yuan Mo, Young Master Yuan.

Yuan Mo, Yuan Mo!

Alright, it's you, Yuan Mo!

Yuan Mo, you're amazing!

Great! Yuan Mo, you're amazing.

Wonderful. Yuan Mo.

Yuan Mo!

Yuan Mo, Yuan Mo!

Congratulations, congratulations!

That's amazing!

Congratulations!

[No.1: An Xiuyi]

[Yuan Mansion]

Si Niang.

Has the Lingxi wine you ordered from Inebriation Restaurant

arrived yet?

It'll be here in about an hour, Your Highness.

That's perfect.

I can still make a bowl of fish soup.

Yuan Mo said it was delicious last time.

I'll show off my skills again today

and surprise him.

Your Highness.

How can you cook by yourself?

What's wrong with that?

Today is the day Yuan Mo's results are announced.

Of course we should celebrate properly.

San Niang.

Go check if the meat in the pot is ready.

Alright.

Set the table again.

I have important matters to discuss with Vice Minister An.

It won't take long.

You... let me in.

Let him in.

I was in a hurry, Your Excellency.

Please forgive me.

I came here...

I came here to boldly

ask for another chance.

You mean the Sifang Envoy selection exam?

I know this is against the rules.

But I can't care about that anymore.

I used to be...

Someone who knew some street tricks,

a good-for-nothing who hung around the streets all day.

I had no idea what it meant

to 'spread the imperial voice and virtue to all directions.'

Later, when I entered the Sifang Pavilion,

I still didn't strive to improve myself.

I focused all my energy on gaining petty profits

and just barely scraping by.

My father once pointed at the "Changle" sign

on the city gate and said

that it was the reason for his diplomatic missions.

I didn't understand the meaning then.

But now I understand.

Sifang Envoys travel around the world

for the lasting happiness of Yong and its people,

and even for the lasting happiness of the whole world.

It's just that I couldn't get the top score.

I lost the chance to go on a mission to Yanle.

That's why I've come to ask Vice Minister An

to make an exception and let me take the exam again.

You keep talking about the lasting happiness of the world.

If you truly care about the world,

wouldn't any diplomatic mission serve the purpose?

Why does it have to be Yanle?

I know you have feelings for Princess Longshuang.

If a man has true feelings,

he should be brave enough to speak them out.

It's not shameful.

Vice Minister An, you see right through me.

I indeed have personal motives.

Princess Longshuang is the most important person in my life.

Both for public and personal reasons,

I want to personally accompany her back to Yanle.

But this personal desire is not all that's in my heart.

I know the importance of our homeland.

I'm willing to carry on the will of my ancestors,

even if it means facing death nine times.

Moreover, the methods to restrain Yanle

have been rehearsed in my mind many times.

If I miss this opportunity,

it would be a great pity.

Retainer An.

What do you think?

It doesn't matter.

No matter how many times he takes the exam,

the result will be the same.

Alright.

Since Retainer An agreed so readily,

I'll give you one last chance

and an additional test.

Within 30 minutes,

the two of you will write an essay on the spot,

discussing strategies for the diplomatic mission to Yanle.

Whoever's proposal is better

will represent Yong

as the Sifang Envoy to Yanle.

Thank you, Vice Minister An.

Time... time was pressing,

so the handwriting is a bit messy.

I have reviewed both of your essays.

In my opinion, we should adopt

Retainer An's proposal.

Thank you, Vice Minister An.

I have no regrets.

I leave Ah Shu in your care.

I wish you a smooth journey.

I take my leave.

Yuan Mo,

the desert nights are very cold.

You must bring plenty of warm clothes.

The people of Yanle are difficult to deal with.

Your martial skills are average,

so you must be extra careful.

Vice Minister An,

I don't understand. Please enlighten me.

What I mean is,

I will submit a memorial to the court.

In ten days,

you will be the Sifang Envoy of Yong,

leading a delegation to escort Princess Longshuang

back to Yanle.

What?

Didn't you just say...

That you were adopting An Xiuyi's proposal?

[Send Yuan Mo]

This is his proposal.

I came here for this very purpose.

Why?

Becoming a Sifang Envoy...

Hasn't it always been your dream?

That's right.

It was indeed my dream.

But the moment I actually passed the exam to become a Sifang Envoy,

I realized

that I seemed to have taken the exam just to come out on top,

not because I truly wanted to serve as an envoy.

All these years,

I worked so hard,

constantly striving to improve,

seemingly just to prove to the world

that I, An Xiuyi,

without relying on a prestigious family background

or guidance and support from others,

could achieve success

through my own efforts alone.

But Susu's sudden departure

made me realize

that I had missed out on a lot

and lost a lot as well.

If one lives their entire life solely for an obsession,

ignoring the important people around them,

there will come a day

when they will regret it deeply.

Yuan Mo.

Although from the very beginning,

I didn't think much of you.

You're lazy in body and mind, ignorant of basic knowledge,

and you never get up early unless there's profit.

You're gluttonous and lazy, small-minded, and never put in effort.

Wait, wait, wait.

Why don't you just say 'but' already?

But, at this moment,

you are more suited to be the Sifang Envoy of Yong than me.

Do you really not regret it?

What do I have to regret?

Once you've tasted the sand of the great desert,

you might be the one with regrets.

As for me,

I've been used to eating fine grains since childhood.

I can't stomach sand.

Besides,

Susu is still in Changle.

I don't want to be too far from her.

Good luck to you.

Stop being so stubborn.

Stop being so stubborn.

I found most of them.

I'm only missing

your appointment letter as Supervisory Sifang Envoy.

It's really such a pity.

I personally issued it to you.

But I just can't find it.

These were all thrown away.

Why did you retrieve them?

These are not just pieces of paper.

These are years of memories.

Look at this one.

This is the contract from when you refused to come to the Ministry of Rites

and insisted on becoming a clerk at the Sifang Pavilion.

At that time,

you had just come of age.

And that one.

That's the first honor you received

after becoming a retainer in the East Court.

You were nearly twenty then.

I know.

in your eyes, I'm a father obsessed with the imperial court

who lacked affection for you.

But I've closely witnessed

every step of your growth.

Each of these commendations and awards

was personally signed by me.

In all these years at the Ministry of Rites,

I've signed countless documents.

But the ones that made my hand tremble as I signed my name,

were only these.

You're right.

If a person is too obsessed,

they will lose many things.

But it's hard to have the best of both worlds.

Over the years,

I've devoted myself to Yong's foreign affairs,

sparing no effort.

My biggest regret is

failing to accompany you as you grow up.

As your father,

I apologize to you.

The matters between us

can't be resolved with just an apology.

The lost time can't be made up.

I've grown up too.

I don't ask for your companionship.

If you truly have the heart,

go to my mother's grave more often

and keep her company.

Sifang Envoy.

Young Master.

Shall I dispose of them for you as usual?

An important envoy for communication and exchange.

Therefore, it requires the most rigorous

tests and selection.