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 39=

If you take one step forward,

you'll know

the consequences!

The Guardians

are here to protect Mr. Zheng!

I am carrying out an imperial edict

to arrest the criminal Zheng Xinghuai.

Anyone who defies this order

will be executed without mercy.

Everyone.

Hear me out.

Hear me out.

I never

colluded with the Kui.

Nor have I ever deceived His Majesty.

I'll go with you.

I have a clear conscience.

Mr. Zheng,

they're coming at you.

There will be danger if you go.

My Lord,

I understand.

But

this concerns only me.

Thank you, Lord Wei.

Thank you all

for your efforts on my behalf.

I don't deserve

such kindness.

There will always be justice in the world.

Right and wrong will be clear in the end.

I'll be back soon.

Wise choice.

Take him away.

Xu Qi'an,

State Duke Cao took away

the old man you asked me to treat.

Before he left,

he asked me to give you this.

(Take things slow)

(Court of Judicial Review)

What a beast.

That's right.

I am a beast.

I am the one

who killed your entire family.

But now,

you are the criminal who's committed treason

and colluded with the Kui.

Are you going to admit it?

You want to pin this on me,

but I'll never surrender.

Aren't you so high and mighty?

Kneel.

Mr. Zheng.

You are just a dog.

Old man.

How dare you get up?

Do not rise.

Hit him.

You want to move, huh?

Mr. Zheng.

Sorry.

Enough.

Finish what you need to do and leave.

Delays will cause complications.

Wake him up.

Old man.

Old fool,

I'll tell you the truth before you die.

The mess you caused these days

has extremely upset His Majesty.

If not for your remaining use,

you'd already have died quietly.

Zheng Xinghuai,

you're not smart enough.

If you had thought carefully

about everything that happened in Chuzhou,

you would've known

who you were

really facing.

Come on.

Mr. Zheng,

the time has come.

It's time to die.

Zheng Xinghuai, Commissioner of Chuzhou,

colluded with the Kui

and slaughtered 380,000 commoners.

After being exposed by Que Yongxiu, State Duke of Protection,

he hanged himself

in prison.

Mr. Zheng,

are you satisfied

with this outcome?

He only sought political achievements

but witnessed both the decay

and vibrancy

of people's lives.

He once loved to frequent a street

because of a bowl of plain noodles there.

(Plain Noodles) Mr. Zheng,

long time no see.

Have some noodles.

The broth today is especially good.

Later,

(Plain Buns) - he discovered - Mr. Zheng, hello.

- the plain buns there - Have some fresh plain buns.

were also tasty.

- It's so delicious. - Really?

He saw the widow in the west

remarry.

He saw the kids wiping their noses growing up.

(Barbecue) How about some lamb?

He helped his father run a lamb skewer stand.

For over twenty years,

he met many people there.

He walked through every street and alley.

There was no lingering romance of Jiangnan

or prosperity of the capital.

- But in time, - Mr. Zheng, hello.

that place became his home.

(Zheng Xinghuai's mother)

Mother,

I'm back.

Hurry and eat.

He decided

to stay.

♪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♪

Why bother?

You worked hard every day to lobby them,

but they ignored you.

At that time, I really wanted to tell you this.

The joys and sorrows of people

aren't connected after all.

They only think you're being noisy.

You barely escaped the bloodshed in Chuzhou

and then threw yourself into the capital.

You thought the court would bring justice

to the deceased and you.

Unexpectedly,

you paid with your own life.

Didn't I already tell you?

Take things slow.

Xu Qi'an is truly lawless,

breaking into the dungeon.

I should arrest him right now.

Hand over Mr. Zheng to us first.

After our investigation,

we'll trial him together.

Xu Qi'an,

how dare you

break into our dungeon!

Even if I kill you here,

Wei Yuan won't say anything.

Take him down!

Who dares to do so?

Everyone, stop!

Xu Qi'an,

what are you doing here?

Such a big case is

beyond the control of a Silver Gong like you.

Leave now.

Your Majesty,

Zheng Xinghuai is dead.

This case can be closed.

But

how should we explain it

to the officials?

I will send a group of imperial guards

to your mansion

to protect you.

You don't need to worry about assassination.

Also,

the secret spies you brought back

can be temporarily under your command

and stay at your mansion.

Your Majesty,

how wise and mighty of you.

With a smooth strike,

you'd shaken the civil officials.

While they hesitated,

you resolved the mess swiftly

and made Zheng Xinghuai commit suicide out of guilt,

leaving no way out for the officials.

Now,

they can only accept it.

But

the Supreme Sword was lost.

And we don't know where that mysterious man is.

If we can find him again,

retrieve the sword,

and avenge Duke Huai,

this matter

can be resolved completely.

Tomorrow, I'll convene a court meeting

to finalize the Chuzhou Case.

Before that,

spread the news that Zheng Xinghuai

committed suicide out of guilt.

Understood.

(Zheng Xinghuai, Commissioner of Chuzhou, died in prison.)

So,

this was Father's backup plan.

Huaiqing.

Why do you look like this?

I heard

Mr. Zheng is dead. Is it true?

I'm scared.

Scared of what?

I'm scared that Xu Qi'an will...

Who's there? It's so late.

Mother.

Cijiu.

What's wrong?

Has Ningyan come back?

Not yet.

What's wrong?

Mr. Zheng was killed.

Mr. Zheng?

We must find him quickly.

Have you seen a man wearing a crown?

Thank you.

Mr. Chu.

Did you find him?

No.

Keep looking.

Ningyan!

Have you seen someone

about my height in Guardian clothes?

We've gone to the Bureau and the yamen.

Where could Xu Qi'an have gone?

Sir,

you've been playing all night.

My small business

has nothing more to offer.

Xu Qi'an.

Mr. Xu.

We've been searching for you all night.

Where did you go?

To avoid the rain

and to think.

How did it go?

I've figured it out.

Now, I'll go back to sleep

and have a good meal.

I'm leaving.

By the way, Mr. Chu,

I remembered the two lines.

Do you still want them?

Little one,

eat more.

Thank you, Ningyan.

Sis,

have some too.

Eat meat.

Why are you all staring at me?

Eat.

Sure.

Where did you go last night?

Playing ring toss.

Playing ring toss?

Yeah.

I'm full.

Cijiu,

I won't compete with you.

Where are you going?

Going to take a bath in my room.

♪Thankfully, you came as the autumn wind♪

♪Turning my frown upside down♪

♪With you, what is there to fear♪

♪Let troubles come my way♪

Eat some more.

♪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♪

After eating,

pack up your things,

and leave the city.

Listen to me.

♪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♪

Report if necessary,

or the court will be dismissed.

Your Majesty,

I have something to report.

Speak.

Your Majesty,

Zheng Xinghuai, Commissioner of Chuzhou,

committed suicide in prison

at noon yesterday

out of guilt.

Out of guilt?

What does everyone think?

How should this case be concluded?

Your Majesty,

since Zheng Xinghuai has committed suicide out of guilt,

this case can be closed.

Zheng Xinghuai, Commissioner of Chuzhou,

from Zhangzhou,

an A-II Presented Scholar in Yuanjing Year 19,

colluded with the Kui to murder Duke Zhenbei

and 380,000 commoners of Chuzhou.

His crimes are heinous.

Nine families of him shall be executed.

Does he have any relatives left?

This man is alone.

His family is gone.

Is this conclusion

acceptable to everyone?

Dismiss the court.

Your Majesty, farewell.

Who is it?

Xu Qi'an.

You cannot enter without being summoned.

Mr. Xu,

what brings you here?

To seek justice.

May Mr. Zheng rest in peace.

Lord Wei.

May Mr. Zheng rest in peace.

May Mr. Zheng rest in peace.

May Mr. Zheng rest in peace.

May Mr. Zheng rest in peace.

A wise strategist

must know patience.

Reckless courage,

though it's satisfying for a moment,

can cost you much more.

The time is not right.

Go back.

Lord Wei and I

are fundamentally different.

You serve in the imperial court,

overseeing the bigger picture.

You're skilled in patience

and adept at compromise.

But I

am just a Fighter.

I cannot manage the bigger picture

or do anything else.

All I can do is strike decisively,

clearing my conscience

and staying true to my heart.

Mr. Zheng gave me this before,

but I believe

it suits you better.

(Take things slow.)

State Duke Cao,

shall we go to the Imperial Office of Music tonight?

After all these years in Chuzhou,

I've forgotten how pretty the music girls are.

These days, don't leave your house.

Just stay at your mansion.

Xu Qi'an?

Xu Qi'an,

this is the Imperial Palace.

What do you need a knife for?

Xu Qi'an,

do you know what crime you've committed

by carrying a weapon and trespassing into the Palace?

Xu Qi'an,

don't ruin yourself.

You can't fight here.

You can't afford the consequences.

Is he Xu Qi'an, who investigated

the Bloodshed Case?

Yes,

it's him.

Que Yongxiu,

State Duke Cao,

come here.

If I kill him here,

will His Majesty blame me?

His cultivation is too great to be underestimated.

I am the one you're looking for.

What do you want to do?

Lord Wei,

your teaching skills are insufficient.

Look at this lawless young man.

How dare he carry a weapon in the Palace?

If you can't teach him,

I'll teach him for you.

(Restraining Spell)

Someone broke into the Palace!

Close the gates and protect His Majesty!

Let's go.

Don't go!

Come back! Don't leave!

Lord Wei,

as a fellow official,

you can't ignore this.

Xu Qi'an,

don't come over! Calm down!

Xu Qi'an!

Imperial Guards.

Where are the Imperial Guards?

Take him down!

The Imperial Guards only follow His Majesty's orders.

Turn around.

Imperial Guards,

you can't ignore this!

Xu Qi'an, you...

Don't, Mr. Xu.

Mr. Xu.

Lord Wei!

Lord Wei!

Help me!

Help me!

Xu Qi'an, stop!

I am the State Duke of Protection!

Lord Wei!

- Help me! - Lord Wei, help me!

Where are the Imperial Guards?

Imperial Guards!

Lord Wei!

They're just paying

for their grave sins.

Help me!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

This is terrible!

Xu Qi'an captured State Duke Cao

and the State Duke of Protection at the Meridian Gate.

He even talked

about killing them!

Is he planning to rebel?

How are things with State Duke Cao

and the State Duke of Protection now?

They've been taken out of the Palace.

Hurry and stop him!

If anyone resists,

kill them on the spot!

Yes!

How dare he defy me!

How rebellious!

How rebellious!

Mr. Xu,

how about

I treat you to a bowl of plain noodles?

I'm over fifty,

reaching the age of knowing my fate.

I've never had grand ambitions.

I just wanted to take care of my mother,

spend time with my kids and grandkids,

and keep Chuzhou peaceful.

But overnight,

Chuzhou was lost,

and those people

were all dead.

Maybe Lord Wei is right

about taking things slow.

But

I can't stop.

Chu Yuanzhen,

are you planning to rebel

and become a wanted criminal?

I spent ten years

sharpening my sword.

Its edge

has never been tested.

Today,

it's shown to the world.

Who

needs

help

with grievances?

His Majesty has ordered

that anyone who resists

be killed on the spot.

Try me!

This time,

we've really stirred up a hornet's nest.

Leave if you're afraid.

I'm here.

How could I

not be part of this?

Isn't this Mr. Xu?

Yeah.

Who are those two?

The one-eyed man is

Que Yongxiu, State Duke of Protection.

Look.

With so many people here,

your death will be worth it.

He accused Zheng Xinghuai, Commissioner of Chuzhou,

of colluding with the Kui to murder Duke Zhenbei.

Yeah, how could they do this?

What's happening?

It's probably about the Chuzhou Case.

I'm a Tier I Duke,

a descendant of a founding hero.

If you kill me,

you won't have a place in the Dafeng anymore.

When I meet His Majesty,

I will surely beg him

to forgive you.

Mr. Xu,

please spare me.

It was Duke Zhenbei and the State Duke of Protection.

They slaughtered the city.

They did it.

It has nothing to do with me!

- Nonsense! - You're the one talking nonsense!

You weren't in the capital.

You don't know him.

He's a madman.

He really will kill us.

Please don't!

Speak louder.

Tell the people.

Who was it

that massacred Chuzhou?

It was Duke Zhenbei

and the State Duke of Protection who massacred the city!

It was them!

Who would've thought of that?

That's not enough.

Zheng Xinghuai...

He was innocent.

Everything he said was the truth.

I've said it. Please don't kill me!

So, it was Duke Zhenbei and Que Yongxiu

who slaughtered the Chuzhou people!

No wonder Mr. Zheng died.

It was you two who caused it.

Que Yongxiu

is trying to cover up the truth.

Kill him!

- Don't! - Kill him!

Kill him!

Avenge Mr. Zheng!

Kill him!

Help!

Help me!

Come and save me!

His Majesty has ordered

to capture Xu Qi'an!

Come and save me!

Come and save me!

Take him down!

Save me...

Xu Qi'an,

what do you want to do?

Seize him!

♪Heaven and earth gave birth to me♪

♪With determination, the wind can't sway the shadow♪

♪Errant thoughts entangle the dark world♪

♪Out of fury, I wield my saber♪

♪To cut down injustice and triumph over evil♪

♪Across eternity, this realm feels like an endless night♪

♪Only my steadfast heart remains unchanged♪

♪Stars and constellations scattered like murky smoke♪

♪Yet my resolute will shines through to dispel the peril♪

♪The tree longs for stillness, but the wind will not cease♪

♪Darkness disintegrates before me♪

♪Entwined with injustices again and again♪

♪Heaven and earth gave birth to me♪

♪With determination, the wind can't sway the shadow♪

♪Errant thoughts entangle the dark world♪

♪Out of fury, I wield my saber♪

♪To cut down injustice and triumph over evil♪

♪Across eternity, this realm feels like an endless night♪

♪Only my steadfast heart remains unchanged♪

♪Stars and constellations scattered like murky smoke♪

♪Yet my resolute will shines through to dispel the peril♪

♪The tree longs for stillness, but the wind will not cease♪

♪Darkness disintegrates before me♪

♪Entwined with injustices again and again♪

♪Across eternity, this realm feels like an endless night♪

♪Only my steadfast heart remains unchanged♪

♪Stars and constellations scattered like murky smoke♪

♪One's arrogance deserves execution♪

♪Slaughter all confusions♪

♪The moonlight illuminates the sky♪

♪Bringing justice back to the world♪

♪Demons and spirits♪

♪Born and perish as one♪

♪A resolve hangs high in my heart♪

♪Worlds apart, yet sharing the same origin♪