Original subtitles

[Legend of Zang Hai]

[Episode 29]

Sirs,

His Majesty is feeling a bit weak today,

so there will be no court session.

Is His Majesty all right?

The imperial physician has treated him.

A few days of rest will do.

But normally, when His Majesty

doesn't attend court,

Mr. Cao handles affairs in his place.

So,

why isn't he here today either?

Sirs,

please, go back for now.

Zang Hai.

Mr. Lv.

Let's just submit our memorial

to the Cabinet for the Ministry of Works.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Zang!

Greetings, Your Highness.

No need for formalities.

Let's walk and talk.

I just came from Hanzhang Hall,

where I saw my royal brother.

How's His Majesty's health?

He's fine.

Just now he was in the side hall,

toying with

those wooden things.

Would you like to know

why Cao Jingxian isn't here today?

I don't dare ask.

You don't dare?

Then I'll tell you anyway.

Didn't Cao Jingxian

give you a hard time before?

When you hear this,

you'll be thrilled.

I heard

something major happened last night.

Cao Jingxian was attacked in his manor.

He's critically injured.

The Emperor ordered

the best medicine to keep him alive,

but whether he'll live

to see the sunrise tomorrow,

no one knows.

Why don't you seem

the least bit surprised?

Could it be

you already knew?

I was just thinking,

Cao's Mansion is heavily guarded.

And Mr. Cao

is always surrounded by elite guards.

How did the assassin succeed?

Shouldn't you first ask

who would want

to kill Cao Jingxian?

Surely Your Highness doesn't believe

he has no enemies?

I heard the assassin was highly skilled

and even got away.

The Imperial Surveillance Office

will have their hands full now.

I just hope

they don't catch the wrong person.

That's the strange part.

The Surveillance Office shows

on sign

of making an arrest.

Why is that?

I'm not sure either.

But your reaction

is rather interesting.

Are you hoping he dies?

Your Highness, how can I...

It's fine.

I hope he dies too.

The deer blood is here!

Father,

it's time for your medicine.

Father.

Father?

Have you found anything?

We dismantled the hidden weapon

and compared it to schematics

by past master craftsmen.

But we still don't know

where it came from.

However...

the hidden mechanism in the cellar

must have been installed

after the Marquis's estate was confiscated.

And we discovered

that after the property was sealed,

only Zang Hai ever entered the mansion.

That level of precision...

that kind of detail...

who else could it possibly be...

but Zang Hai?

I'm going to kill him right now!

Kill him?

It's only a matter of time...

Right now,

what matters most...

is the Gui Seal.

I have to find it...

Father.

If I can't get the Gui Seal...

Father!

I...

Father!

Father!

- Father! - Father!

Father!

- Father! - Father!

- Someone! - Help!

Quick!

Hurry!

[Complete Map of Dongxia]

[Complete Map of Dongxia]

Be careful. Watch your step.

It's been a while since you came outside, huh?

The sun's out today.

Let's enjoy the walk.

Let's check out over there.

I've spread the word already,

but the Dongxia royal court

hasn't made a single move.

The Queen of Dongxia

really knows how to play it cool.

Her daughter's missing,

and she's still keeping calm.

She's probably seen through

the trap we set.

She won't come to the Great Yong so easily.

If she won't come,

then there's only one way left.

Come on, come take a look!

Hot meat buns!

Just a moment!

Just this one? Not getting more?

[New Year scrolls]

Here we go!

Here comes the dish!

Quick! We've been waiting for it!

Still steaming!

Great!

Make sure it's steady! Careful!

Don't let it fall!

All the dishes are here. Let's eat!

Smells good.

Tastes good!

I made it!

- Great job. - Come on!

Master, here you are.

Careful, it's hot.

All right.

Don't worry.

I already brought

some lamb soup to Master Liuchu

and that fierce lady.

Another new year behind us.

Last year was a good one.

Let's hope this one's even better.

All right, let's have a drink. Cheers!

Cheers!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Guanfeng,

I'll send you and Shilei

to the Astronomical Bureau.

Study under Mr. Shi,

learn some real skills.

I'm not going.

It's nice here.

And there's meat.

If Guanfeng won't go,

then... then neither will I.

Besides,

I've already mastered...

the "Horse-Front Divination" lesson.

What did you divine?

I divined

this year will be smooth sailing for me,

and I'll get a fine steed too!

I'll ride it

to a faraway place!

So basically,

you just want Hai

to give you a horse?

Then just say it. Why all the buildup?

Come on, eat up!

Master,

I wish you a long life

and daily blessings.

Good!

Good.

Come on,

eat up!

Have some more!

You all eat up!

This dish is really tasty.

Master,

in a few days,

maybe we should let Miss Xiang go.

You've made up your mind

and you must go to Dongxia?

Since the Queen of Dongxia won't show up,

I'll have to go myself.

But what about her?

What's the point

in forcing yourself like this?

You think emotions

are as simple as geomancy?

When love and hate are tangled together,

no matter how carefully you plan,

or what choice you make,

there may be no right or wrong.

But Hai...

some people,

once you miss them,

you never see them again.

Life shouldn't be like that.

I don't want you to have regrets.

You're awake?

Here,

try it while it's warm.

He made it.

He's still going to Dongxia?

He insists on it.

I couldn't talk him out of it.

But I know

his heart

isn't as hard as it used to be.

Quick, drink it while it's warm.

[Zhen Tower]

Here,

Hai.

Try the calming tea

I made just for you!

Perfect timing.

Help me take this

to the Cabinet, will you?

What is it?

My resignation memorial.

Resignation?

Don't panic.

I've already thought it through.

Mr... Mr. Zang!

What's the rush?

The court urgently summoned you

to the Ministry of Works.

Then that's settled.

You may go now.

Zang Hai,

you've come at last.

Sir, what's the matter?

A few days ago,

Dongxia reported

they had acquired

an extraordinary treasure.

They plan to present it to His Majesty

during the New Year tribute.

The Ministry must hurry and prepare

the guesthouse

for Dongxia's envoys.

So the Dongxia delegation is coming?

Indeed.

[Imperial Edict]

And this time,

[Edict Text] the Queen of Dongxia herself is coming.

In the past,

only their envoys came.

Who would've thought

[Diplomatic Roster] she'd come in person this time?

[Queen of Dongxia]

[Mingyu Suti] His Majesty has ordered

there must be no errors.

So should the guesthouse

be renovated

to royal standards?

No need for that.

The Queen said

she'll stay in the Hostage's Mansion.

She must be out of concern for her daughter.

But that's fine.

That saves us a lot of trouble.

[Mingyu Suti]

Go ahead and make preparations.

[Mingyu Suti]

[Imperial Edict]

[Ding'an Gate]

[Ding'an Gate]

She comes after all.

[Kunning Gate]

Queen of Dongxia seeks audience!

- Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

I, Mingyu Suti, Queen of Dongxia,

pray for the Emperor of Great Yong

to enjoy good health and lasting fortune.

May Great Yong prosper in peace and harmony.

May Great Yong and Dongxia

be bound in friendship for all time.

May Heaven grant us peace,

and may Great Yong and Dongxia

thrive together in unity.

You may step forward.

The Queen has come from afar,

and should meet with Princess Rouyuan.

It's been some time

since I last saw her.

Your Majesty,

the Hostage's Mansion says

the Princess caught a chill a few days ago

and should not go out just yet.

She also fears spoiling Your Majesty's mood.

Once she's recovered

in a few days,

she will come greet Your Majesty in person.

Send someone to deliver fine medicine.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I appreciate Your Majesty's concern.

It's just a minor illness.

A few days' rest will do.

As part of this tribute visit,

I have brought some special gifts

for Your Majesty.

Tribute from Dongxia:

3,000 taels of gold,

2,000 roots

of ginseng,

100 saddled horses,

100 sets of gilt bronze tack

with cloud patterns,

50 jade-inlaid belt guards

with dragon patterns,

50 pairs of white porcelain jugs

topped with emerald rooster crests,

300 amber necklaces,

each finely strung,

300 mink pelts,

snow-white and soft,

and 150 jars

of aged fine wine.

So this is the rare treasure

you mentioned in your letter?

With Your Majesty's insight,

mere gold and horses

are not worth a mention.

The treasure I spoke of

is priceless beyond words.

It's waiting just outside the hall.

Then present it.

I never knew

Dongxia had such master artisans.

I heard Your Majesty loves woodwork,

so I ordered Dongxia's finest craftsmen

to craft this wooden palace.

It is one of a kind.

And the treasure I spoke of

lies within it.

Then,

open it

so I may see it for myself.

Please allow me to keep a little mystery.

The treasure is hidden inside,

but the wooden palace itself

is also a marvel.

If a Great Yong craftsman

can open this palace,

all will be revealed.

But if none can solve it,

I ask Your Majesty to grant Dongxia's artisans

the title of the finest under Heaven.

I'll open it myself.

What a fine wooden palace!

You really do know what pleases me.

Lv Yize.

Your Majesty.

Pick one craftsman

from the Ministry of Works.

Have him try opening it.

Your Majesty,

as Head of the Ministry,

I'd like to give it a try.

Granted.

Why's nothing happening?

Your Majesty,

the joinery technique used here

has long been lost.

It's a one-way craft, meant to lock, not unlock.

Not a single nail used.

Not a drop of sealing lacquer applied.

There's nowhere to begin.

Unless

we force it open.

I've failed.

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

just being able to recognize

the joinery structure

shows remarkable insight.

Insight's no good if it can't open.

No one in Great Yong

can solve this?

Your Majesty,

I'd like to recommend Vice Minister Zang Hai

of the Ministry of Works.

Zang Hai is also the Imperial Astronomer.

He knows joinery inside and out.

Maybe he will succeed.

Zang Hai.

Your Majesty.

You may proceed.

I will obey.

Zang Hai,

this one

is on you now.

Understood.

Azure Dragon.

Vermilion Bird.

White Tiger.

Black Tortoise.

The Four Sacred Beasts correspond

to the four directions, East, South, West, and North.

Plus the symbols on the top,

could it be...

Five and ten, Earth in the center,

this is the Hetu diagram.

Five in the center, it's also the Luoshu.

Nine above, one below; three left, seven right.

Two and four are shoulders, six and eight the feet.

The method to unlock this structure

lies in that arrangement.

Two and seven, Fire in the South,

that's Vermilion Bird.

There's reaction!

Three and eight, Wood in the East,

that's Azure Dragon.

One and six, Water in the North,

that's Black Tortoise.

Four and nine, Metal in the West,

that's White Tiger.

As the ancients said,

the mortise and tenon joint can last a thousand years.

This dovetail joint

is said to be invented by Lu Ban himself.

I combined

hidden dovetail joints

with shoulder joints

and made something new.

So there's more to it!

These joinery types have existed

since ancient times,

but the combinations

are infinite.

This is my method.

How does she know

my father's secret technique?

She's using this to test me.

Solving this isn't the hard part.

But if I do,

my identity will surely be exposed.

And if I don't...

Will this gentleman

be stumped too?

Your Majesty,

I've opened it.

Good!

Very good!

Guards!

Is this Dongxia's gift to me,

a jade fetus?

Your Majesty is wise indeed.

This jade fetus was unearthed on Mount Dansui.

It carries the spirit of Heaven and Earth,

and the essence of sun and moon.

The jade is shaped

like a sleeping child.

In Dongxia legend,

jade fetuses are believed to have souls.

I ask Your Majesty's permission

to enshrine it

at an auspicious site.

It will bless Great Yong with eternal rule.

You are thoughtful indeed.

This matter

will be handed to the Ministry of Rites.

Huang Shen...

Your Majesty,

let the expert take the lead.

I think Mr. Zang here

is the right choice.

Fair enough.

Since he solved the wooden palace,

perhaps...

he's fated with this jade as well.

I approve.

Let him choose the site for the jade fetus,

and show you the splendor

of Great Yong's land.

I will obey.

[Zang Residence]

Sir,

uh...

That fierce Miss Xiang

is asking for you.

What did she do to you?

I brought her pigeon soup,

and...

she knocked it over.

Then she yelled at me.

She said

I'm a rotten grape,

full of bad ideas.

If you wanted to curse someone,

why curse Shilei?

Just curse me.

You've kept me locked up for so long.

Can't I vent a little?

Besides,

if I didn't curse him,

would you have come?

That reminds me

you still owe me a favor.

If I say it,

you can't refuse.

Say it.

I want you to let me go.

Fine.

You'll be free soon enough.

You'll really let me go?

What do we do

with these two?

You know Hai best.

What do you think?

No way out.

I'd say

it's a light in the dark.

You didn't even finish training him.

How do you know

they will find a way out?

Hai, seriously,

let a young woman

twist his heart into knots.

You're responsible too.

What right do you have to scold him?

I...

I only taught him how to deceive.

I know nothing about love.

In this life,

you still need

something genuine.

It can't all be lies.

Your mother's here.

She's in the Capital?

You saw her?

Your mother

is ten times sharper

than the Marquis of Pingjin or Cao Jingxian.

She's already tested

my identity.

Now that you've seen

what she's capable of,

are you still not giving up?

I won't kill you.

You're not my enemy.

Your mother is.

I'm leaving.

Zang Hai!

Do you still remember

the stars on the night of the Ghost Festival?

So it was real.

Your tears reached all the way to your heart.

I waited, and waited

for so, so long.

I finally found my family,

found the mother

I'd longed for day and night.

But I've made up my mind.

I'll never see my mother again.

Take me away.

Let's forget all of this,

okay?

I'm sorry.

♪Lamplight fills the tower, driving away the mist♪

♪I have kissed the frost and embraced the cold♪

♪Wrapped myself in memories like a thin coat♪

♪Kindling warmth in a world so narrow♪

♪Though the light boat has not passed the mountains♪

♪Perhaps it's better to rest because the sky is already dark♪

♪I must hurry before the long road♪

♪To catch that fleeting moonlight from years past♪

♪Each step yesterday rang firm and clear♪

♪Stirring up so many dreams I hold dear to♪

♪Let me hide in a quiet harbor of peace♪

♪Where even tidal waves won't shake me♪

♪Let me sleep soundly before I set out again♪

♪Until dawn came♪

[Hostage's Mansion]

Mr. Zang, wait.

Her Majesty invites you to share her carriage

and tell her about the sights and wonders

of Great Yong.

The scenery of Great Yong is stunning.

No wonder people don't want to leave.

You've been here before?

So what if I have?

So what if I haven't?

Was it the ninth year of Zhenshun?

I don't remember.

I know everything

between you and my daughter.

Was there anything

that made her happy here?

Right now...

I can't think of a single thing.

That's not

what she wrote in her letter.

She said there was someone

brilliant beyond compare,

unmatched in wit,

someone she really connected with.

Seems she still

didn't know him that well after all.

I heard that once in Great Yong,

there was a famous geomancer.

If he is here to pick the site,

there will be no need for all this fuss.

Sadly...

he died too early.

Tell me,

who was Kuai Duo to you?

Your father?

Or your master?

Seems he was both.

He trained you well.

Do you know why Kuai Duo died?

Because he didn't know how to adapt.

When someone fails to adapt,

they'll meet their end.

And what does it mean to adapt?

What does it mean to not adapt?

Right now,

taking me to my daughter,

that's what it means to adapt.

Don't lie to me.

I can tell just by your eyes

she's in your hands.

So eyes

can reveal that much.

Your Majesty,

all of Great Yong's people are unconscious.

Only you are left.

Don't make me hurt you.

That won't be pretty.

Fine.

I'll take you to her.

♪Conceal the ambition in my eyes♪

♪In my palm, I hold a dangerous desire♪

♪Turbulent waves hidden in my sleeves♪

♪Silent thunder echoes around♪

♪However cunning you are♪

♪I can see♪

♪Right through you♪

♪Schemes are my armor♪

♪Overt plans are my weapons♪

♪With restrained fury♪

♪I purge the world's corruption♪

♪The night is not dark♪

♪Because♪

♪My heart burns bright♪

♪I control the shifting clouds♪

♪I command the falling rain♪

♪The compass of the human soul is unpredictable♪

♪There will always be ups and downs♪

♪I hold the power of life and death♪

♪I grant and I take away♪

♪When faith burns like the scorching sun♪

♪I will sing aloud with you♪

♪I am the sowing season♪

♪I am the autumn harvest♪

♪I am the world♪

♪I am the people♪

♪And you are also me♪