Original subtitles

♪I'm just a common man under the sky♪

♪Among all living beings, they speak of my recklessness♪

♪Above the sky, my heart yearns♪

♪The light that these hands cannot hide♪

♪The justice gavel strikes and releases countless burdens♪

♪Looking back, it's the same old story♪

♪Time and space brought me to another yellowed page♪

♪Curious about the greed in the world♪

♪I tore the sky's curtain apart♪

♪The powerful words♪

♪Spilled this golden soup♪

♪It is not very firm♪

♪Standing here♪

♪I set the rules that shackle me♪

♪Learn to cure♪

♪Eradicating the diseases of this land♪

♪I am just a common man♪

♪I wanted to take things step by step♪

♪I am just a common man♪

♪Never want to be a confused fool♪

♪I am just a common man♪

♪Listening to the songs without dispute♪

♪Yet I always see the lonely souls♪

♪But I always rush ahead♪

♪Leaving my scribbles behind for future generations to study♪

♪The light that these hands cannot hide♪

♪The justice gavel strikes and releases countless burdens♪

♪Looking back, it's the same old story♪

♪Time and space brought me to another yellowed page♪

♪Sunlight pierces through♪

♪One comes and goes as one pleases♪

♪My Go board holds both sides♪

♪When I set the game, learn to see♪

♪Don't be a sore loser♪

♪So many lies and deceits♪

♪I can see through every play♪

♪May I live and die with the sun♪

=Guardians of the Dafeng=

=Episode 23=

Your Majesty,

he is the wanted criminal by the court.

The former Baihu of the Insignia Guards,

Zhou Chixiong.

You rogue.

You've returned in glory.

I'm guilty and deserve to die.

I'm guilty and deserve to die.

Zhou Chixiong,

who instructed you to collude

with the Kui to smuggle gunpowder?

I...

I...

I deserve to die.

I deserve to die.

I deserve to die.

I'll leave it to you, Master.

A gentleman must be sincere,

and so must an ordinary person.

Speak.

Who instructed you

to collude with the Kui

and smuggle gunpowder?

It was

the Minister...

The Minister of Rites,

Li Yulang.

It was Li Yulang.

It's him.

Execute him.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, this is absurd.

Zhou Chixiong

is slandering me.

Baihu Zhou

didn't lie.

He didn't lie.

Li Yulang,

what else do you have to say?

I am innocent.

Your Majesty.

This official must have

accomplices behind him.

Please let me interrogate him.

Your Majesty,

according to the law, this case should be handled by the Ministry of Justice.

This case

will be investigated by the Ministry of Justice.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wei Yuan,

I will thoroughly investigate

Li Yulang's crimes,

but if you try to smear others,

that'll be a wild fantasy.

Hold on.

I've heard about the events

in the court recently.

I want to offer a piece of advice to you:

if the Wang Faction continues to push us,

next time you'll be

stepping on your own feet.

You little brat.

How dare you spout such nonsense!

I don't dare spout nonsense.

Perhaps you don't know I'm quite skilled in poetry.

I'd like

to offer you a poem.

The title is

To Mr. Sun on the Sangbo Case.

A gift of poetry?

You don't know?

He is Yang Ling.

How rare to meet him.

Yes.

Everyone raises sons

and wants them to be wise.

I was ruined by my wisdom.

I only wish my child

to be foolish and simple,

without disaster or hardship,

to become a public official.

How can you say this?

How rude!

Take him down now!

Take him down!

Mr. Sun, please calm down.

Wei Yuan,

he slandered me.

According to the law, he should be exiled for cursing a minister.

Today,

even if you want to protect him,

you can't.

Slandering a minister

is indeed a serious crime,

but

if what he said is true,

then it's not slander.

Wei Yuan.

You...

Let's go now.

Yes.

Mr. Sun, congrats on your fame

in the world of scholars.

This little brat.

You brat...

- Mr. Sun. - Mr. Sun.

My Lord.

(Rule With Virtue)

Lord Wei.

Lord Wei,

there is something I don't understand.

Is it the reason why His Majesty

assigned this case to the Ministry of Justice

for trial?

Do you know

that Li Yulang is a Wang member?

If this case is handled by us,

it'll implicate many Wang members.

I understand.

At that time, the court will be unbalanced.

Having one faction dominate or two factions joining hands

isn't something His Majesty wants to see.

They moved so soon?

Lord Wei,

has something happened?

It has nothing to do with you.

The Sangbo Case is over.

His Majesty didn't mention you,

which means it's been settled.

You may leave.

Yes.

Father,

Zhu Yang may have ill intentions to meet His Majesty.

Should we be prepared for possible trouble?

No need.

Yes.

(Lake Villa)

Mr. Xu,

what brings you here?

I saw the princess was in low spirits last time,

so I thought I'd visit her.

The princess is in the pavilion.

Would you like to go and talk to her?

Alright.

(Lake Villa)

Your Highness,

it's me.

Come in.

Xu Qi'an, look.

In the capital of the Dafeng,

even the sun is restrained.

I remember Pingyang once said

in the South, the sunset

could turn the whole sky red.

In the boundless desert,

one could chase the sun freely.

The South was

Princess Pingyang's destination, right?

Yes.

These past few days, I was wondering

whether it was worth it for Pingyang

to die for freedom.

Have you found an answer?

Not a clue.

It only adds to my worries.

Please sit.

I'd like to hear your opinion.

I dare not comment on Princess Pingyang rashly,

but if I consider the situation at that time,

perhaps leaving

was her only choice.

I never met her,

but from your description,

I know she was someone carefree,

not willing to be bound by etiquette.

For her,

marrying into the royal family might be scarier than death.

What's wrong with marrying a prince?

You'll lead a wealthy, luxurious, and noble life.

This is what many ladies dream of.

Then they can go and be one.

Anyway, I don't want to.

Listen.

Compared with marrying a man without love

and being trapped in a life of pretense,

I'd rather die.

I'll help you escape the Palace.

You're flying!

- Higher! - You're flying!

I misspoke.

Please forgive me.

You're right.

That was Pingyang's only choice.

It's also mine now.

My mother once told me

that to marry into the noble families,

to stabilize the court,

and to ease my father's worries,

is the destiny of a princess.

I'm not far from that day.

Your Highness.

Now that you're here,

have a drink with me.

Your wish is my command.

There will be fireworks later.

Your Highness,

your fireworks are different from the ones I've seen.

They're quite beautiful.

Xu Qi'an,

do you think Princess Pingyang might not have died,

but instead went to another world,

watching fireworks with us?

Yes.

In that world,

there is no concept of ruler and subject

and of high and low.

Everyone is born equal.

There's no such thing as parental commands

or arranged marriages.

In the sea of people,

if two people meet

and fall in love,

they can walk hand in hand for life.

Even if they don't meet a good match,

there's no need to settle due to outside pressure.

Living alone is just as good.

You can go anywhere you want

and do whatever you want to do.

Is there really such a world?

Of course.

Not only can women live without marrying,

in that world,

women, like men,

can go out, struggle, and pursue their dreams,

to realize their own worth.

When they grow old, they can buy a house with friends

and live a simple, happy life.

If such a world exists,

I really want to see it.

But...

But what?

But I'm not as beautiful as Pingyang.

I'm not as smart

as she is.

I'm not as brave as she is.

I can't do anything.

On the contrary,

Your Highness have many advantages.

You're carefree,

genuine,

and sincere toward others.

Even so,

I wouldn't want to leave the people in this world.

I can't leave my mother,

even though she always complains that I'm useless.

And my brother.

Every time Mother scolds me,

he's always the first to protect me.

And Father.

Even though I'm a useless person,

he still favors me.

And Gang.

And you.

Me too?

Though we haven't known each other

for long,

I really admire your nature.

Sometimes you're as timid as a mouse,

but sometimes

you're bold enough to defy the heavens.

You can write poems

and solve cases,

and you know many interesting things.

You also know

that I love the egg-yolk puff from Shop of Delicacies.

Mother says they're too greasy and doesn't let me eat them.

I have to sneak out of the Palace

to buy them myself every time.

How do you know?

She'll understand after seeing it.

(Shop of Delicacies)

Someone who secretly cares about you

told me.

Impossible.

Pingyang is dead.

I have no friends left.

Your Highness, you're drunk.

Your Highness, if you don't mind,

from now on,

I can be your friend.

I don't want to be your friend.

♪The sky is clear now; the clouds are gone♪

♪No more cold starts at night♪

♪Quietly waiting for the flowers to bloom♪

♪Chasing the south wind through a quiet garden♪

♪Among all the worldly sights♪

♪Only you are the hardest to find♪

♪Thousands of words♪

♪For you, I can become Li Bai♪

♪Thousands of thoughts as the preface♪

♪Half a poem still depicts my feelings♪

♪Thousands of simple words make a poem♪

♪To express my devotion to you♪

♪Thousands of thoughts as the preface♪

♪Half a poem still depicts my feelings♪

♪Thousands of simple words make a poem♪

♪To express my devotion to you♪

♪All the scenes in this world♪

♪Are beautiful because of you♪

♪Thousands of words♪ ♪How to express my longing poetically♪

♪For you, I can become Li Bai♪ ♪I once read poems♪

♪Thousands of words♪ ♪But even Li Bai couldn't portrait you♪

♪Half a poem still depicts my feelings♪ ♪Took all the words♪

♪Thousands of simple words make a poem♪ ♪Love is a mysterious fate♪

♪To express my devotion to you♪ ♪Can't compare to true love♪

♪All the scenes in this world♪ ♪I'd use the rivers as ink♪

♪Are beautiful because of you♪ ♪To write about my longing for you♪

Your Highness, you're awake.

Take it slow.

Take it slow. How do you feel?

I've been sleeping here all night?

Yes.

Where is Xu Qi'an?

Xu Qi'an left before dawn.

He stayed with you all night yesterday

and

held your hand the whole time.

He...

He...

Did he take advantage of me while I was asleep?

No, no.

He was keeping you warm,

driving away the cold.

Before he left, he specifically told me

that once you woke up, you should drink this congee.

It helps sober you up and warm your stomach.

Try it.

He also said

that he made it himself

and added some special ingredients

called

something like chicken powder.

It's quite tasty.

This little brat.

He always has something new.

(Act if you want it.)

Senior Yang,

(Guardians' Notice) these are copied from the city gates.

It indeed details

the heroic actions of Yang Qianhuan

from the Astronomical Bureau in this case.

It says you made a great contribution.

I suppose my fame has spread throughout the capital.

Thanks to the Supervisor for calling me back

(Guardians' Notice) to make contributions.

My Master

truly didn't deceive me.

But

I'll have to be more careful

when I go out

to avoid being recognized

and causing unnecessary trouble.

There's no need for that.

After all,

no one is talking about this.

Why?

Senior Yang,

this is the poem.

Since it was spread from the court,

it's caused a huge stir in the Directorate of Education

and Yunlu Academy.

It's been hailed

as the greatest satire poem ever.

Now it's spread everywhere.

Everyone praises Mr. Xu as the Dafeng's conscience.

I only wish my child to be foolish and simple,

without disaster or hardship,

to become a public official.

Why?

Why is it that Xu Ningyan

can always do things

that everyone envies?

He single-handedly solved the Sangbo Case

and scolded the powerful

when he was beneath everyone.

It's not fair.

It's not fair.

It's so unfair.

Senior Yang,

are you alright?

I have

realized it.

I'm going to stand before the court

and scold the officials.

If Xu Ningyan is the Dafeng's conscience,

then I want to be the Dafeng's light,

shining before the court.

Senior Yang, don't.

Holding the sun and moon, I pluck the stars.

There is no one like me in this world.

Who brought me here?

Master, are you going to stop me?

You're being too impatient.

You said I'd be famous once I go back.

Why are you stopping me now?

The capital is full of hidden talents.

There's always someone better.

Master,

explain clearly.

I mean

you should hide your weaknesses.

I have

realized it.

What have you realized?

Master, are you stopping me

because you're afraid I'll outshine you?

Old man,

let me out!

Old man!

It's my turn.

I've just finished

handling a small matter.

Your Highness, please forgive me.

Supervisor, your chess skills

aren't as good as before.

But

your ability to judge people

is still as sharp as ever.

Xu Qi'an

did solve the case.

He didn't fail you.

First, you let me introduce him to the Guardians,

and you guided him step by step

to solve the Sangbo Case.

But

isn't that a bit too early?

I have no other choice.

The Nine Pass is full of villains.

Only in this way

can he fight

with them.

As you say, Supervisor.

But there is one thing.

Unless absolutely necessary,

don't involve Lin'an.

You're right, Your Highness.

I'll remember that.

Good move.

(Xu Mansion)

Honey,

have you told Cijiu that we've moved?

Don't worry.

Ningyan is reliable.

He must've written to the Academy.

Welcome.

Congratulations.

You're here.

Yes, now your family

has two talents.

From now on,

you'll live a life of endless wealth and honor.

- No. - This is a perfect gift

(Nourishing Cream) for you.

Try this cream. It's perfect for your skin.

Your skin will be as smooth and bright

as white jade.

Thanks. This is really good.

Wealth and honor are beyond our reach.

We're just getting by.

Getting by?

You call this getting by?

Look at the house you chose.

It's quiet yet convenient,

a perfect retreat.

Living here must be comfortable.

Come on.

It's quite secluded.

From East City to West City,

the coachman took an hour to find here.

I got dizzy

from all the turning.

If you don't feel well,

you should go rest

and eat something.

Never mind. I'm not hungry.

I had a bird's nest and snow frog stew for breakfast.

It hasn't been digested yet.

Don't let her get to you.

Her husband used to work in the Ministry of Rites.

Because of the Sangbo Case,

he's still detained in the Ministry of Justice.

How could she be in the mood to eat anything?

It's just a routine inquiry.

He'll be back in a few days.

Didn't you just tell me

that this time he's in trouble,

and you were trying to ask Xu Ningyan

to intercede for him?

Ridiculous.

Xu Ningyan is just a Copper Gong.

He can't possibly

have a say in such a matter.

The Guardians are here.

(Xu Mansion)

Mr. Yang, Mr. Nangong.

Sorry for the improper welcome.

Mr. Xu,

on behalf of the Guardians,

we're here to congratulate you on moving to a new house.

Thank you.

It's truly an honor

for our family to have you here.

We're truly honored.

Where is Lord Wei?

Lord Wei said he'd come.

Lord Wei is busy,

so he asked us to come

and congratulate you on his behalf.

We understand.

Everyone,

please, come inside.

We still have matters to attend to,

so we won't trouble you further.

- Goodbye. - Safe travels.

- Congrats, Mr. Xu. - Thank you.

Congratulations, Mrs. Xu.

Thank you.

You don't have

to bring so many things.

It's a bit embarrassing.

We've delivered the gifts,

so we'll take our leave now.

- Why not stay for a meal? - No, no.

We've prepared everything.

Why not eat here?

You...

Let's go back.

Thank you.

Take care.

Ru.

Ru.

- Take care. - You...

Come and visit often.

I didn't expect Ningyan to have such great influence.

Why not

ask Ningyan to intercede for my husband?

To be honest,

that's the very reason I'm here today.

There are too many to count.

Note everything.

Don't make a mistake.

Yes. Note everything.

Write Lord Wei's name down.

I'll show you around.

Ru,

we're friends after all.

Ru, can you talk to him for me?

Let me introduce you.

(Lake Villa)

Wait, what?

The princess went on a long journey?

It's been days now.

The Noble Consort approved it?

No.

The princess sneaked away at night,

only leaving a letter behind.

The Palace is in chaos right now.

Noble Consort Chen said

if they found out who instigated the princess,

they wouldn't spare them.

Gang, remember this.

If anyone asks about that night,

tell them we were just having a casual chat

about poetry.

- There was nothing else. - Understood.

The princess's departure has nothing to do with me.

Understood.

Did the princess leave any words behind?

The princess said thank you.

It was thanks to your encouragement

that she decided to go

in search of what her heart desires.

(Xu Qi'an,)

(you're right.)

(I should act if I want to.)

(Rather than pitying myself)

(and hesitating,)

(it's better to act with determination.)

(I will go in place of Pingyang)

(to see this vast world,)

(fulfill her long-cherished dream,)

(and also find)

(my freedom in this world.)

(Dear Master,)

(the Sangbo Case is settled,)

(causing a huge stir in the court.)

(The officials are in a state of panic.)

(Everything)

(has gone as our Kui hoped.)

(After this battle,)

(Wei Yuan has been staying indoors.)

(Recently,)

(he hasn't even attended court meetings.)

(In reality,)

(he's been sending his Gold Gongs)

(to search along Mount Dahuang.)

(Several of our Kui's outposts)

(were raided by the Guardians,)

(and the damage was severe.)

(You were right.)

(To deal with the Dafeng,)

(we must first remove Wei Yuan.)

(Otherwise,)

(our Kui will never rise.)

(As for the Supervisor,)

(he still claims to be bedridden and stays indoors.)

(He's a 1st Rank powerhouse in the world.)

(He just wanted to sit on the fence on the Sangbo matter.)

(You were right.)

(The Supervisor must've seen through our plan long ago,)

(but he has kept silent about the whereabouts)

(of the demonic hand)

(as if he's waiting for something.)

(As for the controller of the demonic hand,)

(according to your orders,)

(we have temporarily formed an alliance with him.)

(Now,)

(the demonic hand has been taken away as planned)

(and has gone along with the tax silver to Yunzhou.)

(He insisted on not acting in the capital,)

(seemingly waiting for something as well.)

(By the way, Master,)

(Xu Qi'an has now been promoted to a Silver Gong of the Guardians.)

(The court sent him to Yunzhou to trace the tax silver.)

(This is no coincidence.)

(Perhaps, as you predicted,)

(Xu Qi'an is the key to that person's plan.)

(Settled) (I'll continue investigating Xu Qi'an.)

(In three months,)

(everything)

(will be settled.)

(Three months later)

(Yunzhou)

Enemy attack!

Brothers,

let's kill our way out!

- Kill! - Kill!

I'm Guardian Silver Gong Xu Qi'an,

ordered to investigate the tax silver.

Anyone who obstructs shall be killed.

Kill them!

♪The night wind blows♪

♪Waking up, I pick up a lantern♪

♪Gazing back, I see the gate, and the sound echoes♪

♪I'm in this world♪

♪The long night is bright as dawn♪

♪Never ask where I'm from♪

♪In this world, on this land, I'm galloping♪

♪I travel in a robe with my sword♪

♪Breaking the air with each step♪

♪I'd rather make peace with this world♪

Xu Qi'an is the best.

♪I'm free, not aggressive♪

♪I'm nice to everyone♪

♪But if you make me call black white♪

♪And make my hands dirty, I won't♪

♪Whoever comes♪

♪The ordinary can be extraordinary♪

♪Not power♪

♪It's a complicated world♪

♪The youth are born free♪

Don't move. Do you hear me?

Remember, tie them up tightly.

- Do you hear me? - Yes.

My Lord, the rebel leader has been executed,

and the remaining rebels have been captured.

My Lord,

we got 134,500 liang,

plus the rebels' ordnance and the loss.

They're all here

for you to review.

Here is the confiscated tax silver.

Please inspect it.

Warehouse the tax silver now,

and imprison the rebels.

Make sure it's done.

- Yes! - Yes!

Mr. Xu's orders:

Warehouse the tax silver,

and imprison the rebels.

Make sure it's done.

- Yes! - Yes!

Move faster.

Watch out. The ropes.

Move!

Hurry up!

I'm drenched in sweat.

Come on, bro.

We must have drinks tonight.

Bro, to help you establish your prestige,

I haven't drunk for three months.

I couldn't help it. We were on duty.

I've been suffering too.

I understand.

I've booked a private room.

I'll treat you tonight.

We'll drink the best and enjoy tonight.

Guangxiao, let's go check the tax silver.

Okay.

Let's go.

(The talisman isn't working.)

(It seems the Qi force...)

Xu Qi'an.

(Where am I?)

Zhou Li?

Xu Qi'an.

Do you admit your crimes?

Xu Qi'an.

Prepare to die.

Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an,

do you have any last words?

♪The thoughts linger♪

♪Watching with a smile and swaying sleeves♪

♪I can’t help but feel upset♪

♪Light fur coats and shirts♪

♪Have taken away♪

♪A little warmth of me♪

♪Brings whom to my side♪

♪No need to cry to soothe me♪

♪I sigh alone, with my eyes lowered♪

♪The long dream came to a halt again♪

♪Thankfully, you came as the autumn wind♪

♪Turning my frown upside down♪

♪With you, what is there to fear♪

♪Let troubles come my way♪

♪With you, I'll find peace♪

♪Though this world is bitterly cold♪

♪I only wish for Xu's safety♪

♪Neither joy nor sorrow lingers♪

♪Flowers fall; their fragrance fades♪

♪I pledge my life to you♪

♪To bloom brightly♪

♪The thoughts linger♪

♪Watching with a smile and swaying sleeves♪

♪I can’t help but feel upset♪

♪Light fur coats and shirts♪

♪Have taken away♪

♪A little warmth of me♪

♪Brings whom to my side♪

♪No need to cry to soothe me♪

♪I sigh alone, with my eyes lowered♪

♪The long dream came to a halt again♪

♪Thankfully, you came as the autumn wind♪

♪Turning my frown upside down♪

♪With you, what is there to fear♪

♪Let troubles come my way♪

♪With you, I'll find peace♪

♪Though this world is bitterly cold♪

♪I only wish for Xu's safety♪

♪Neither joy nor sorrow lingers♪

♪Petals fell; the fragrance lingers♪

♪I pledge my life to you♪

♪To bloom brightly♪