Original subtitles

(In the Name of Blossom)

(Episode 23)

Fire!

Defend!

Charge!

Kill!

Fire!

Fire again!

Form ranks!

Cavalry, forward!

My Lord.

Looks like

Yu Zheng really inherited Yu Chang's prowess.

With just 50,000 men,

they've held out this long.

Pour the oil!

Charge!

They deployed over a hundred crossbowmen the moment the battle began.

The Central Army's fire oil is being depleted faster than I anticipated.

At this rate,

King Ning's fifty barrels of fire oil will be exhausted before nightfall.

The battlefield is playing out exactly as you predicted.

Once night falls, we can launch a surprise attack on their rear

and catch them completely off guard.

Madam.

The Central Army's fire arrows

are more intense and rapid than we anticipated.

Lord Jiang will lead the surprise attack tonight.

Looks like everything hinges on this one strike.

It says here that King Ning's fire arrow assault

has inflicted heavy casualties on the Hedong army.

Did Lord Jiang foresee our disadvantage in open battle

and plan this night attack all along?

No matter how the battle unfolds,

this night assault is inevitable.

First, capture the leader to break the enemy.

If Jiang Chang Yang can breach their camp and seize control of King Ning,

the war could end sooner,

and countless soldiers would be spared needless bloodshed.

Second,

the Central Army's position is cleverly positioned,

nestled against the Shuangmang Mountains.

Even if the Hedong army wins the battle,

King Ning could retreat through the narrow pass between the peaks.

That treacherous terrain favors defense over attack.

He has prepared an escape route all along.

If he gets back to Chang'an first

and twists the truth before the court,

the consequences will be disastrous.

- Our soldiers can hide in... - Report!

Lord Jiang, the Central Army has ceased their fire arrow assault.

All the crossbowmen have been withdrawn.

And their commanders?

The Imperial Guard Commander and two regional commanders

are still leading the assault at the front lines.

King Ning has been escorted to the rearmost position.

Perfect timing.

He has left the field even before nightfall.

Looks like King Ning is certain of his victory.

Ready the arms and bring my warhorse!

Yes, sir!

- Muffle the hooves. - Yes, sir!

- Muffle the hooves. - Yes, sir!

Report!

- General! - How did it go?

As our light cavalry approached King Ning's main camp,

they were ambushed by crossbowmen.

Fire oil ignited everywhere, arrows rained down upon the riders.

Though Lord Jiang reacted swiftly,

raising shields and cutting through arrows,

many soldiers fell, their armors ablaze.

Only a dozen remain.

Did they retreat as planned?

Yes. During withdrawal,

Lord Jiang fired three arrows at King Ning.

The first two were blocked when King Ning used a soldier as a human shield,

but the last arrow struck him in the shoulder.

What's King Ning's condition?

I returned as soon as I saw him retreat back to his main camp.

I couldn't assess his exact injury.

Crossfire never ceased during my return.

I'm afraid the squad won't make it back anytime soon.

Those behind, stay close!

Young Master, look!

Fall back to camp at full speed!

Water!

More water!

Get more water! Hurry!

Quick!

Around the third quarter of the Yin hour,

not long after the commander left,

we spotted signal smoke rising from the rear of the Central Army.

Then, a group of death squads broke in

from the eastern side of the camp.

As you instructed,

we stayed on high alert even through the night,

doubling the number of guards on watch.

We managed to capture most of the attackers quickly,

but two of them, seeing their ambush had failed,

forced their way into the supply tent

and set the rations on fire.

The blaze spread too fast.

By the time we put it out,

nearly all of our stored provisions were destroyed.

They poisoned themselves?

Yes. After they were captured, most swallowed poison.

But we managed to take one alive.

What did you get out of him?

They'd been hiding east of camp since before the battle.

Since they were few in number

and well-hidden among the trees,

no one ever noticed them.

He said King Ning ordered them to wait for signal smoke.

When our army was exhausted,

they were to break in and assassinate our commander.

But...

But our night assault made King Ning

to change his plan on the fly.

That's why the signal smoke was lit ahead of time tonight.

They had no choice but to charge in.

Imagine if these death squad had struck

when our morale wavered...

The damage would've been catastrophic.

Due to King Ning's change of plans,

and our camp was well-guarded,

the danger was cut to a minimum.

The assassination of commander

was supposed to be King Ning's final move.

But now, in his panic,

he's exposed his hidden hand too soon.

This may prove advantageous for us.

Still,

we failed to capture King Ning tonight.

This war

may drag on longer than we anticipated.

You mustn't blame yourself.

King Ning's panic will ripple through their main forces.

There's still hope for us.

We had planned for a swift victory.

With our provisions gone,

no matter how brave and skilled the Hedong soldiers are,

they won't last long against hunger and cold.

Recount all remaining supplies,

see how many days we can hold out.

Starting tomorrow, rations will be halved for every meal.

No matter what,

we must hold the Dongwei Pass.

Yes, sir!

(The battle worsens. Leave immediately.)

Madam, Lord Jiang's orders were clear.

If danger comes,

we're to leave Hedong immediately and sail to Silla.

The cargo ship awaits at the dock. We leave tonight.

I swear I'll get you out safe and sound.

But if the throne changes hands and the land falls to ruin,

as citizens of the Tang Empire,

what peace and safety can we claim?

Men need food and horses need fodder.

If this war drags on,

won't the Hedong Army be driven to desperation?

King Ning has his escape route sorted.

What about us?

The Hedong camp backs onto the Fan River.

If they lose the battle,

couldn't they just escape by ships?

Yu Zheng and Jiang Chang Yang aren't cowards who'd abandon the fight.

They'd never flee the battlefield.

Besides, King Ning has labelled the Hedong army as rebels.

If they run,

they'll only confirm the accusation.

And what then of the people of Hedong?

An army ready to die in battle

wouldn't prepare escape ships.

We have cargo ships!

Our vessels can carry a thousand hu of grain.

If we load them with supplies and send them to the Hedong army...

You want to cross the Fan River?

But the camp is on the southwest bank.

To cross, we'd have to go upstream.

The Fan River is wide and the current treacherous.

If we hit hidden rocks or raging currents,

our ship could capsize, and our bodies never to be found.

But if we can cross successfully

and resupply the Hedong army,

our chances of victory improve.

I'll follow your lead.

I'll start taking stock of our stored grain.

I'll get the workers to start loading the cargo.

Wait. That won't be enough.

Miss Yun,

take some men to our shop in Hedong,

borrow food from the people with promissory notes.

Rice, flour, fodder, wild greens,

gather whatever you can.

Yes, Madam.

Remember, stamp every note with our shop's seal.

Promise them tenfold repayment.

Careful.

Madam Feng!

Mr. Yang, what brings you here?

This is my father-in-law's fishing boat.

It's not large, but it can carry a dozen dan of grain.

Also, with the northern cold

and the soldiers camping in the open, they're bound to fall ill.

I've brought some medicinal soups and pills

for the Hedong army,

just in case.

The Fan River runs treacherous.

I appreciate your kindness,

but please don't take such risks.

It's no trouble.

Madam Feng!

You drove off the bandits from Juebei for us,

taught us trade and brought prosperity!

Now it's our turn to repay you.

Please don't refuse us.

Besides, Hedong is in crisis.

General Yu is fighting on the front lines.

How can we Hedong folk just sit by and do nothing?

That's right!

You're the model of integrity among merchants.

You're not even from Hedong,

yet you would risk your life to deliver grain for our army.

We have all the more reason to do our part for the soldiers at the front!

That's right! We'll do our part!

In that case...

Thank you.

Da Fu!

- Load the ship! - Alright!

- Load the ship! - Come on!

Come on, I'll carry some.

This way. Careful, it's slippery.

Madam Feng, my wife has a stockpile of pickled vegetables.

We'll send them over shortly.

- Thank you! - Madam Feng, our shop

has a small cargo boat ready too.

It can hold quite a bit of grain. My workers will bring it over soon.

Alright! Thank you!

It's nothing.

Come.

Thank you!

Young Master,

King Ning's fire arrows never cease,

and we're down to our last gruel rations.

If this goes on...

Order the light cavalry,

ready their arms.

We regroup in 15 minutes.

You're going to the battlefield yourself?

You've been in Chang'an for years.

You've never led troops in battle.

I can't command an army like Yu Zheng can,

but I've trained in combat.

Every enemy slain is a life earned.

Two killed, a double victory.

Young Master...

The night assault failed.

General Yu is fighting on the frontlines.

How could I stay here and watch from the sidelines?

Understood.

Report!

Suspicious vessel spotted on the Fan River behind camp!

Look!

We made it!

Mu Dan?

These provisions include rice, flour,

and pickles made by Hedong's people.

Enough to feed the army for two to three days.

If more is needed, I'll find a way.

Thank you.

Tell the soldiers the people of Hedong stand with them.

Tell them not to lose heart.

We're waiting for their triumphant return.

What are those?

I appreciate your hard work.

Don't mention it.

Da Fu,

Mr. Yang's fishing boat has no cover.

If we hit rough waters,

the grain will get damp.

Go back to the shop and fetch our stock of Juebei fireproof linen.

We'll use it to shield the provisions from water.

If oil lamps tip during rough sailing,

it'll prevent the flames from catching.

- I'll go get it. - Go on.

Da Fu!

Did I just say fireproof linen?

Yes, we have some.

Why?

The night assault failed because of fire attacks.

But if we make protective gear out of fireproof material...

They can be protective gear!

- I'll go get them! - Go!

Our warehouses hold much fireproof linen from Juebei trade.

Though, most of it was sold to taverns and kitchens,

so the pieces are quite small.

So I mobilized Hedong's people through the night,

stitching the fabric together.

We made wide battle cloaks,

and even crafted face guards and chest covers for the warhorses,

specifically to counter fire attacks.

After measuring carefully,

I expanded the patterns.

The soldiers can block flames from the front

without it getting in the way of riding.

Mobilize all cavalrymen without serious injuries.

Prepare for a second night assault.

Light the torches and bring them near the horses.

Get them accustomed to the flames,

We can't have them panicking at firewalls again.

Yes, sir!

King Ning's current position?

Scouts report he still convalesces in camp.

Every moment counts.

We must reach the Central Army's rear

before dawn breaks.

Yes, sir!

Report! An enemy squad has been spotted ten li from camp.

They are closing in fast.

Fools who overestimate themselves.

Just as you predicted, My Lord,

Jiang Chang Yang hasn't given up.

That ignorant brat,

walking into his own death trap.

How are the preparations?

Rest assured, My Lord.

I've had the trenches refilled with fire oil.

They'll burn to ashes.

Be thorough this time.

Leave none alive.

Bring me Jiang Chang Yang's head,

or don't bother coming back.

Yes, My Lord!

Fire!

Fire again!

Send in the cavalry! Don't let them get anywhere near His Lordship!

Recall all frontline troops immediately!

Yes, sir!

You're quick to adapt, I'll give you that.

Jiang Chang Yang,

so what if you took down my army banner?

The Hedong army

has barely 50,000 men.

You won't last long.

King Ning,

with your army banner fallen,

your lines of command are severed.

Why persist in this futile resistance?

The scattered troops guarding your rear

are falling apart.

Do you really think they can fight their way through and get you out?

Alright!

We'll drag this out then!

I can wait until every last Hedong soldier lies dead in the mud.

What should I fear?

I am His Majesty's elder brother.

You can't touch me.

And need I remind you...

You're the traitor here!

You may be His Majesty's brother,

but as for who the real traitor is,

that's not up to you to decide.

By His Majesty's decree,

all soldiers, hear this!

"King Ning, Li Xian stands accused of slandering the Hedong Army,

executing loyal subjects, and plotting rebellion.

His crimes are unpardonable.

Yu Zheng, Military Commissioner of Hedong,

is hereby commanded to apprehend the traitor.

Any who resist on the battlefield will be executed as accomplices!"

King Ning is the true traitor here.

The tide of this war has turned.

No...

It's over.

No...

Central Army, listen to me!

You were never the righteous force quelling a rebellion.

His Majesty's decree has arrived.

If you continue resisting,

you will be branded as traitors yourselves,

guilty of crimes punishable by death!

- Let's go! - Come back!

Don't listen to his lies! Return to your posts!

King Ning!

You've always scorned merchants and women.

Yet guess who delivered this imperial decree?

The Yu family are loyal to the throne.

They would never defect to King Ning.

A battle is inevitable.

I must give the Hedong Army legitimate justification,

a way to prove on the battlefield that Yu Zheng fights for the throne.

However, they must win this war.

Only in victory

will this decree hold its weight.

If they lose,

it's nothing but a worthless scrap of paper.

The camellias are blooming beautifully.

And the azaleas here are lovely too.

The wind picks up now.

Don't catch a chill.

With the capital at peace,

you should return to Hexi soon.

Take care, Your Highness.

You think some alleged imperial decree can shake my army's loyalty?

Who knows if it's even real!

Soldiers,

the field commander need not heed distant sovereigns' orders.

Out here, you obey me alone!

Jiang Chang Yang,

tell me,

with less than 50,000 men,

how do you think you'll win?

Even if you capture me now,

the Hexi and Jiannan armies won't stand by and watch.

To prove they're no rebels,

they'll fight to the death to save me!

Remember this, brat,

the winning side writes the history,

the triumphant army defines justice!

They're here!

My reinforcements are here! My men have come!

Didn't I tell you?

My Lord!

Li Xian!

It seems

justice stands with the Hedong army.

King Ning,

you've long sought my list of allies.

Well then, allow me to formally introduce

a very important ally of mine.

Xiao Wen Yan...

You traitor!

Soldiers! You are the fiercest warriors of the Central Plains!

You should share in your commander's fate, honor or disgrace!

Grab your weapons,

and fight your way back to the capital with me!

When our cause triumphs,

you and your descendants

shall be honored for generations!

King Ning,

you've finally dropped the pretense.

Do you openly declare rebellion now?

What if I do?

Fight with me! Fight with me!

My Lord,

our troops are demoralized,

and we've lost our allies.

We can fight no longer.

I misjudged you completely.

You spineless coward!

Ungrateful wretch!

You've lost more than a leg,

you've even lost your spine, your fire!

I simply know how to follow the tide.

My loyalty was aligned with power.

Now my defection is too.

I've never changed my ways.

It's you, My Lord,

who are no longer the tide.

You...

I am Liu Chang, Vice Minister of War.

I surrender willingly and submit myself for judgment.

I know I've committed grave sins,

punishable by execution.

But I've risked my life to capture the traitor.

I possess irrefutable proof of King Ning's crimes,

factionalism, murder of loyal officials.

I pledge to fully assist General Yu Zheng's investigation,

to purge these corrupt officials

and restore His Majesty's authority!

Yu Zheng, Military Commissioner of Hedong,

for your merit in quelling the rebellion,

you are granted the title of Commandery Prince.

You shall remain in the capital to investigate this case thoroughly

and purge all remnants of King Ning's faction.

I humbly accept the decree.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Vice Minister of War Liu Chang.

Your guilty subject kneels before you.

As a conspirator's accomplice, death would be your rightful due.

However,

you pledged guilty on the battlefield and aided in capturing the traitor.

In light of your repentance and merit,

I will grant you clemency.

You shall be stripped of office and property,

but spared execution.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I dare make one final plea.

Speak.

I beg mercy for the County Princess.

Though she is King Ning's daughter,

she took no part in his treason.

The Li family's royal bloodline is precious.

She is your kin, Your Majesty.

Please show mercy and spare her life.

My wife and I have neither power nor heirs,

we pose no threat to the court.

Please let this act of leniency

stand as proof of imperial grace and benevolence.

Teacher...

General Yu...

Zhangchou...

She Yan...

To all our fallen comrades...

Now,

the storm has passed.

A new chapter begins.

May you now

rest in peace.

I vow to protect

your closest companions with my life.

Let this promise ease your spirits.

May the heavens bless the Tang Empire

with lasting peace and prosperity.

So you've really decided to abandon the identity of He Wei Fang?

What I've been through has been too bizarre

to explain to outsiders.

Besides,

since the corrupt official Flower Bird Envoy is dead,

why can't I keep living as the carefree flower shop owner?

I don't mind not being Jiang Chang Yang anymore,

though I'll miss my estate.

Me too.

I put so much effort into tending that soil for my flowers.

How about we sneak back in

and steal the flowerbeds?

I've lost my home,

and you're hung up on dirt?

A corrupt official should always expect to end up like this.

But Fang Garden has space to spare.

Plenty of empty rooms available.

Pick whichever one you like.

I have no objections to a live-in husband.

Though you've been away from Chang'an,

your capable staff managed

to reclaim Fang Garden in just over a year.

With business this prosperous,

you'll have no shortage of visitors.

I should teach you my tricks for vanishing acts.

So you won't have to flee in panic when bumping into old acquaintances.

You can keep those shady little tricks to yourself.

My silver tongue will get me out of anything.

What if someone shuts that clever mouth of yours?

What do you think?

Are you taking advantage of me in broad daylight?

Mercy, my dear!

All this time away from Chang'an,

I've craved nothing but the palace's mulberry wine.

Exquisite.

You're fortunate that Li Xian coveted the list of our allies.

Had he truly wanted you dead...

No brink of death,

no glorious rebirth!

Frankly, I should thank him for his precise stab,

leaving me severely injured without killing me.

You've stared death in the face,

and still you joke like you have no fear in the world.

For my country I'd sacrifice myself,

meeting death as a homecoming.

Teacher's teachings stay with me.

Even if I had died that day for the cause,

I would've had no regrets.

So Your Majesty, don't blame yourself.

Sui Zhi,

as you know,

I've never seen you as just a subject.

You are my brother.

So had you died for any cause,

I would have...

You really think I don't know what you're up to?

You're trying to get me drunk so I'll grant your requests.

The throne is secured,

the nation is at peace.

Our fallen comrades and the people of Mengzhou can finally rest in peace.

Now it's your turn

to shape this golden age.

All my youthful dreams are fulfilled.

One shouldn't be

too greedy in life.

You are a righteous and loyal man.

Why won't you restore your name and clear your reputation?

Mu Dan and I... Our identities are too complicated.

If we suddenly come back from the dead with fanfare,

it will raise many questions that can't be easily explained.

Besides,

I've never cared for ranks or titles,

or historical glory.

You might not care for status or family honor,

but what about Mu Dan?

She feels the same.

This empire is vast,

local officials often escape scrutiny.

Following Mu Dan in her merchant ventures,

I'll serve as your eyes and ears from afar.

Wherever we go,

no corrupt official or bandit chief will thrive.

You just want to travel the world with Mu Dan,

leaving me behind

all alone,

in this cold and empty palace.

I dare you to repeat that in front of Consort Shu.

San Lang.

Sui Zhi.

(Fang Garden)

Madam Xiao Hua, your shop is reopening soon.

Why are you looking concerned now?

I haven't figured out

how to tell everyone we're leaving.

If you don't want to deal with tears and farewells,

we could slip away quietly.

We'll take your flower boat and...

Absolutely not.

After everything we've been through, leaving like that

will break their hearts.

How are the preparations coming along?

Don't worry, Miss Yun is taking care of it.

It should be ready in a few days.

Leader Lv, come.

Leader Lv.

Come here.

About the plan we discussed last time, it still needs work.

What do you think they are talking about?