Original subtitles

♫ Shrugging off past burdens ♫

♫ Beneath the mask, who am I? ♫

♫ Release and find wider shores ♫

♫ Love's a riddle, and rain pours heavy ♫

♫ Crossed paths, now downward fall ♫

♫ From dust arises starlight's spark ♫

♫ Tearing through the night's dense blockade ♫

♫ Heart's flame illuminates all solitude ♫

♫ Let time's sails drift endlessly ♫

♫ Through wandering exile ♫

♫ Breaking free from the cocoon, I start anew ♫

♫ Moon as song, life as flame ♫

♫ Nameless heart clings fiercely ♫

♫ Let me ♫

♫ Charge toward the next raging river ♫

♫ Moon darts, snow falls ♫

♫ We tread rugged paths to reunite ♫

♫ Hands held tight ♫

♫ We forever live for love's sake ♫

♫ Shadow's spear burns fiercely ♫

[Episode 6]

Not He Yan?

Wait, Mr. Shen. But He took first place.

- He... - First place, so what?

Get back to it. Don't make a scene.

Listen up, all of you.

Commander selects the candidate based on a comprehensive evaluation.

The competition was just one aspect.

They've got poor judgment.

- Right. - Come on.

- Let's drink. - Let's drink.

So eager to join the battalion?

Only then can I earn merits in combats.

Only then can I become a general.

You're in such a hurry for a glorious homecoming?

I have no family.

All I want is to prove my worth.

Lei Hou is your defeated opponent.

Huai Jin chose him over you.

That's his loss.

Let's drink.

Here.

It's the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Our family reunion day.

I'll drink my fill.

Cheers.

- I'm happy, so I won't get drunk. - Eat more.

Xiao Jue. You've gone too far!

What did you call me?

Xiao Jue.

Are you stupid?

You don't even know your name.

Xiao Jue. Do you know who I am?

Who are you?

I have been walking around with only one name.

That is He Yan.

The top one of Yezhou Garrison.

How much did you drink?

Go sober up.

Sober up.

Go sober up.

Wait.

Why should I leave?

You haven't told me why you didn't let me join the battalion.

I am the top one of Yezhou Garrison.

An outstanding candidate.

You have terrible judgment!

I actually know why you didn't select me.

You suspect there's a spy.

But you kept testing me repeatedly.

You clearly know I'm not.

Lei Hou.

It's Lei Hou.

See? Am I clever?

You are clever indeed.

But clever people often meet bad ends.

What bad end?

Let me tell you.

I, He Yan, will one day become a celebrated general.

He Yan.

Put it back.

He Yan, put it back.

Commander. Don't be angry.

I'll perform a sword dance for you.

Now you know you're in the wrong?

No need to kneel.

Xiao Jue.

Do you like me?

Fei Nu, this is...

I'm bringing dinner for the Commander. What about you?

The banquet is not over. Why come here?

I've been selected for the battalion.

I wanted to thank the Commander.

But I never expected he...

You must dislike me.

Otherwise, why wouldn't you let me join the battalion?

Let go.

This is outrageous. You have poor judgment.

I'm so disappointed in you.

Tell me.

In terms of looks, martial skills, or height, where am I lacking?

Tell me, where am I lacking?

Height?

Even considering our bond, shouldn't you at least add one more slot?

What bond?

You're reneging on your promise.

I... I'll prove it to you.

I...

Here we go again.

Let go of me.

Xiao Jue.

If you don't give me that extra slot, I'll...

I'll...

What will you do?

I'll...

I'll...

Did you have a comfortable sleep?

Very cozy.

Mr. He, you slept soundly in Huai Jin's tent.

Truly extraordinary.

The Commander's tent?

Yes.

To make space for you last night, Huai Jin squeezed into my place.

Well? Did you remember anything?

Seems like you did.

Did he mention how to punish me?

No.

But he looked furious.

Oh no.

Oh no, oh no.

Forget the battalion. I might not stay here anymore.

What to do? What to do?

Not necessarily.

Consider this.

You used his treasured sword to smash his beloved zither,

but he didn't kill you, and even made space for you.

Think about it. Why did he treat you so kindly?

He must've noticed your unique physique.

Unique...

Unique physique?

Could it be he discovered I'm a woman?

You're a rare prodigy. That's why he tolerates you.

Am I wrong?

Xiao Jue. Do you know who I am?

I'm the top one of Yezhou Garrison.

An outstanding candidate.

You have terrible judgment!

Commander, please don't be angry.

I'll perform a sword dance for you.

My misbehavior demands a proper apology to the Commander.

Light on his feet, with steady breath.

A skilled fighter.

[Invitation]

Summon Cheng Li Su.

Yes.

Commander, drunken words shouldn't be taken seriously.

Well, strike me ten times and let this matter rest.

Commander, or perhaps I'll forfeit three years' pay to compensate for your zither.

Please show mercy.

Could you let me join the battalion?

He, what are you muttering about alone here?

Are you looking for extra training?

I'm planning to apologize.

Planning to apologize?

By kneeling on this?

This place is truly vast.

Thank you so much, young man.

If I walked alone, I'd likely get lost.

Miss He, in your next life, avoid being born into He family.

It's him.

He.

You're not picking a weapon anymore?

Sir, earlier, who was that person with you?

He's the Yezhou Magistrate's man.

He delivered an invitation to our Commander.

Thank you.

Yezhou Magistrate's man?

His severed finger and his voice.

It's the man who hurt me at Yuhua Temple.

He's the He family's henchman.

They infiltrated Yezhou Magistrate.

What are they planning?

Yezhou Garrison faces shortages in military funds and provisions.

I feel deeply concerned.

We sincerely invite Commander Xiao Jue of Yezhou Garrison, for discussion.

I also hear your nephew Cheng Li Su is currently at Yezhou Garrison.

Having not seen him for years, I miss him.

I hope the Commander will bring him along.

Yezhou Magistrate, Sun Xiang Fu. [Invitation]

He's inviting you for an official matter.

Why include me?

I have no old bonds to reminisce about.

You don't remember?

[Yezhou Magistrate, Sun Xiang Fu]

Sun Xiang Fu!

When he came to the capital years ago, his wife arranged a marriage for you.

Oh, no. He'll probably lure me there first, then detain me,

and send me back to Yaojing for marriage!

This...

Huai Jin.

Uncle. You have to save me.

You can't watch your best friend, your adorable nephew, jump into hellfire.

Is it that terrible?

Absolutely.

You know full well Miss Song and I despise each other.

She spends all day tinkering with strange concoctions.

I'll become her lab rat, slowly tortured to death.

I'd rather end it all now!

Wait.

Uncle, I knew you wouldn't abandon me.

Our bond is so strong.

W-What...

What are you doing?

Yin Qiu is sharp.

I'll lend it to you.

You're joking, aren't you?

Uncle, you wouldn't really let me die, would you?

Don't you want to end it all?

I... I was just kidding.

Mr. Cheng, I heard someone sent the Commander an invitation.

Mr. He, I'm going to die.

When the time comes, burn lots of joss paper for me.

Mr. Cheng, what's wrong?

I'm going with Huai Jin to visit the Yezhou Magistrate.

That's a dangerous place.

Dangerous place? With the Commander, why fear?

Unless in the magistrate's mansion, there are people stronger than the Commander?

Sun Xiang Fu is more terrifying.

His wife was my marriage matchmaker.

This time, not even Xiao Jue can protect me.

So the Commander is visiting Yezhou to discuss your marriage?

No. He is going for an official matter.

Only I must go through this.

Official matter? What is that?

The Yezhou Magistrate wants the Commander's personal presence?

He's got some nerve.

No. Huai Jin is going for provisions and funds.

I'm just... Hold on, Mr. He.

Why do you keep mentioning Huai Jin?

I'm the one in hot water, not him.

Mr. Cheng, I just thought he'd be capable enough.

If you can't rely on him, let me help brainstorm ideas.

Come on, let's go.

Let me think.

Commander, Sun Xiang Fu has been dodging the funds and provisions issue,

but at this critical moment, he suddenly invites you. It must be a trap.

This is clearly an ambush banquet.

Should we decline?

If I don't go, they won't give up.

A stab in the back is hard to dodge.

We should strike first.

Moreover, doesn't Sun Xiang Fu still owe us for the provisions?

Commander. I've just received news.

The Inspector of the Ministry of War, Chu Zhao, is coming to Yezhou.

I think you know this man.

He's the top scholar in 19th Year of Qingyuan, Xu Jing Fu's prized disciple.

He's been serving Xu Jing Fu all these years.

I heard he just returned from Que City.

Continue.

The Que City battle hurt your reputation.

It's unclear if he's involved.

Now in Yezhou, his intentions here remain unknown.

I've dealt with Chu Zhao before.

He initially suffered mistreatment in his family until he earned his title,

and then his family changed their attitude.

Now, he serves under Xu Jing Fu.

Undoubtedly, he is using Xu Jing Fu's influence for advancement.

Regardless of his true motives, he ultimately works for Xu Jing Fu.

What a coincidence.

He returned from Que City.

Those rumors must stem from him.

During this Yezhou mission, stay vigilant against him.

Yes. Commander.

This mission is dangerous. Mr. Cheng can't fight.

Taking him along could be problematic.

Cheng Li Su isn't going. He Yan will go.

What's wrong?

No problem.

Commander, don't you doubt He Yan's identity?

Why bring him along then?

Leaving him here worries me.

Since he's so eager to go, let him join me.

He boasts of his skills.

This banquet will test whether his claims hold true.

Sun Xiang Fu has been withholding the military provisions and funds,

but now suddenly invites Xiao Jue to negotiate.

He Ru Fei and Sun Xiang Fu must be plotting something.

Their target is Yezhou Garrison, perhaps even Xiao Jue.

This trip to Yezhou, whether for the garrison, Xiao Jue, or me,

I must uncover the truth.

Commander.

You seem distracted.

What troubles you?

Commander, I drank too much last night. Sorry for offending you.

But must you stare at me like this?

I've already thought of a way to redeem myself.

So you're taking Cheng Li Su's place and go to Yezhou just to atone?

Not entirely.

Aside from easing your burdens, it's for my own sake.

For yourself?

I want to join the battalion to make achievements.

If this trip can make you change your opinion of me,

then next time, the slot for the battalion will be mine.

It's such a golden opportunity. Of course I'll seize it.

Good.

Let's see how you'll change my opinion.

Commander. Mr. Cheng. Mr. Fei Nu.

Morning.

Morning.

I am Cheng Li Su from the capital.

I love mushroom and chicken stew, hate congee, avoid peanuts and love cleanliness the most.

I burn incense and bathe daily.

Well done, well done. You've memorized that well.

As the saying goes, clothes make the man.

This looks better.

Mr. He, your demeanor today almost rivals mine.

You flatter me.

Commander, what do you think? Do I look charming and dashing?

You're even...

shorter than Cheng Li Su.

Who says that?

We're about the same height.

When are you leaving?

Go away.

[Yezhou City]

Young Master. Ding Yi has made contact with Sun Xiang Fu.

The invitation for Xiao Jue to come to Yezhou City must now be in his hands.

Good.

Found anything about the Sun family?

As you instructed, we targeted Sun Xiang Fu's useless son.

We achieved fruitful results.

Sun Ling is a lecherous man, abusing his father's power

to tyrannize Yezhou's citizens and harass women.

The people are afraid to speak their anger openly.

Sun Xiang Fu is cautious and stays in line, but he is responsible for his son.

His son will surely drag him down.

Young Master. In that case, shouldn't we head to the Sun residence now?

The stage is set, and the actors will soon arrive.

We'll make our move once they're here.

Missing this chance would be a shame.

Gentlemen, please come inside.

This way.

Sir, please.

Commander.

Uncle. Why not stay at the Sun residence?

No rush.

How many rooms would you like?

- Three. - Two.

We two share a room.

Why should I share a room with you?

Because...

I'm your nephew.

You won't even pay for another room?

- Three rooms. - Alright.

You... Don't leave your room tonight.

- Waiter. - Coming.

Do you serve mushroom and chicken stew here?

Yes.

Bring us a portion.

Uncle, you know well how much I adore mushroom and chicken stew.

Mushroom and chicken stew, Eight-Treasure Duck, vegetables, soup, and six steamed buns.

Okay.

Just having one more room and ordering one dish deserves those judgmental looks?

So stingy.

Wait.

I'll have spicy tripe strips, sesame rolls,

shredded chicken with cucumber, five-flavored steamed gluten,

aromatic young pigeon, and also that mung bean dough noodles.

Yes, all of them.

- Okay. - Can you finish all this?

Uncle, you wouldn't let your nephew go hungry, would you?

Serve what he ordered.

Alright.

Enjoy your meal.

Since these are your favorite food, I naturally let you eat them.

But I taught you this.

Save and thrive, waste and perish.

Don't waste anything.

I've really overdone it now.

I'm stuffed!

Now that I'm full, I'm getting drowsy.

This bed is amazingly comfortable!

I'll definitely sleep well.

He eats well and sleeps soundly.

If you're still energetic, play chess with me.

Commander, are we really playing chess?

But I...

Yezhou City has unexpected people.

This is getting exciting.

Investigate the Sun family again.

Find their recent tax records.

Let's see how Sun Xiang Fu claims military provisions are lacking

and he can't allocate rations.

Yes.

Commander, what about He Yan?

I'll keep watch personally.

♫ Light shines upon my heart ♫

♫ Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream ♫

♫ The resonance of courage rings loud and clear ♫

♫ It's the boldness that defines existence ♫

♫ I've seen the mountains ♫

♫ And trodden through ice ♫

♫ Day after day, I venture alone ♫

♫ Destiny is my creed ♫

♫ Ideals surge beneath the surface ♫

♫ Igniting the flame against the winds ♫

♫ A restless yearning in my soul ♫

♫ Gazing through the mire ♫

♫ Who cares about this boundless void ♫

♫ Charge ahead with blazing fervor ♫

♫ Stubbornly fighting with my life ♫

♫ Soaring across the world's expanse ♫

♫ There must always be a longing ♫

♫ Disregard the wounds to seek the light ♫

♫ Light shines upon my heart ♫

♫ Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream ♫

♫ The resonance of courage rings loud and clear ♫

♫ It's the boldness that defines existence ♫

♫ Chasing the light within my heart ♫

♫ Burying frailty, embracing life through death ♫

♫ You'll meet gazes where storms brew ♫

♫ With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me ♫

♫ Soaring across the world's expanse ♫

♫ There must always be a longing ♫

♫ Disregard the wounds to seek the light ♫

♫ Light shines upon my heart ♫

♫ Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream ♫

♫ The resonance of courage rings loud and clear ♫

♫ It's the boldness that defines existence ♫

♫ Chasing the light within my heart ♫

♫ Burying frailty, embracing life through death ♫

♫ You'll meet gazes where storms brew ♫

♫ With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me ♫