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♪

=Legend of The Female General=

=Episode 18=

Thank you, Commander.

Last night,

I behaved too boldly.

It's nothing.

No one saw us anyway.

Even if seen, it wouldn't matter.

The Qiao couple spent the night on a sampan.

If word spreads,

it'll be a romantic story.

Then we will

leave openly in the crowds

conspicuously.

Commander.

Are you alright?

It's my fault.

I lay on your arm all night

and made your hand go numb.

It's fine. Really.

You don't need me

to massage it for you?

Stop being stubborn.

Flatbread.

Flatbread.

Flatbread.

I want flatbread.

Sir.

Two flatbreads, please.

Alright.

A pot of hot tea.

Your hot tea.

Thank you.

Your flatbreads.

Enjoy.

Commander.

Freshly baked flatbreads.

Don't you want to try?

Not hungry.

Such a stick-in-the-mud.

Unlike a Wei man.

When drinking tea earlier,

he added salt,

ginger,

and pepper.

Exactly.

That's a Wutuo custom.

It's used to fight

the cold.

This Wutuo man

has accomplices.

They're leaving the city.

Should we follow?

Look at those two.

Though the girl is coughing violently,

her grandmother

shows no concern.

She's gripping the girl's hand

like fearing an escape.

That old woman's suspicious.

Intercept her.

Stop!

Hand over the girl.

Surrender quietly,

and I'll spare your life.

If I can't take this girl,

she'll die here.

These Wutuo people are cunning.

He.

Master.

Let's leave first.

Follow me.

Master, what happened earlier?

Who's this girl?

That old woman

was a Wutuo spy

infiltrating Jiyang.

I've been

tracking them

for some time.

This child

is Princess Mengji's daughter.

They nearly abducted her earlier.

No wonder Cui Yuezhi's frantic.

I'll return first

to report finding

the kid and the Wutuo spies.

Go with your master

to escort the kid.

Stay vigilant.

(Herbal Apothecary)

To locate

that injured Wutuo man,

we searched many apothecaries

but found no trace.

No rush.

He must still be

in Jiyang.

(Herb Names)

That's him.

Follow him.

I was wondering earlier

why the Wutuo people spared me.

(Xu)

Later, I found out

it was

because they saw

the Xu token.

Judging by this,

they are connected to Chancellor Xu,

perhaps even acting under his orders.

For Chai Anxi,

so many Wutuo agents have come here.

I fear Jiyang City

is headed for turmoil.

(Cloudbird Manor)

Cloudbird Manor?

Master, why here?

This child's been drugged.

I must go inside

to prepare an antidote.

Bring her

and follow me in.

Earlier,

who was that gentleman?

Also,

why change into women's clothes?

He's General Fengyun, Xiao Jue.

We came to Jiyang

on official business.

As for the clothing change,

it's to conceal my identity.

So that's General Fengyun.

No wonder he immediately

started giving you orders.

He's the Right Army Commander.

I'm just one

of his soldiers.

Of course he can order me.

You seem quite protective of him.

What?

Do you like him?

Between us,

there's indeed some history.

But my own path

is not yet clear.

I suppose

nothing will come of it.

Let me divine

your fates.

The hexagram is Kan.

It represents water.

From peril to greater peril.

Trapped between dangers

with no escape in sight.

Does this mean

being with him would bring

certain disaster?

Remember what I said

earlier?

It signifies danger,

but water is adaptable.

Navigate through hazards

and find passage in peril.

Human conquers fate.

Don't bow to destiny.

That melody sounds so familiar.

My mother often plays this

in her leisure time.

I think it's called

Slow Passing Years.

(Cloudbird Manor)

(Clouds and birds fade from memory.)

(One day, we'll reunite at the city tower.)

(Cloudbird Manor.)

(So that's how it is.)

(Cloudbird Manor)

Mr. Cui,

you've finally arrived.

Sorry for the delay.

Are you okay?

I nearly

came close to

being killed.

Mr. Liu saved me.

I'm Cui Yuezhi.

My deepest gratitude

for saving the little princess.

Thanks to your information

about the Wutuo spies,

I've sent people

to catch them.

It was nothing.

Don't mention it.

You'd better return

with the little princess.

We shouldn't let

her elders worry.

Of course.

I should report this

to Princess Mengji.

Would you

accompany me?

When she learns

of your heroic deed,

she'll surely reward you generously.

I avoid worldly ties.

No need.

Alright, alright.

Your Highness.

After you.

Mr. Liu.

Visit me sometime.

He.

You two

may return.

Be careful.

- Yes. - Yes.

What's wrong?

Your master

cares a lot about the little princess.

He rarely speaks of the past.

But I can sense

he harbors many regrets in his heart

and sorrows.

I don't want to see him sad.

That's why

I never mention it.

(Mengji Mansion, Jiyang)

(Cultivate Virtue)

The little princess

entered to see Princess Mengji.

We'll wait here

for her summons.

Uncle.

Tell us

about Princess Mengji,

so we don't offend her later.

Back then,

the old lord had a son and a daughter.

The eldest son died before 18.

In those days, the Mengji Mansion

was like a boat in stormy seas.

To stabilize the situation, the Princess

married the son of a high-ranking official.

After her husband's death,

she took charge of governance,

quelled internal conflicts,

won over the people,

and steered

Jiyang's slow return to stability.

The Princess arrives!

(Mu Hongjin, Princess Mengji)

I'm Cui Yuezhi.

Your Highness.

Huanqing, Yuyan,

greet the Princess.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Mr. Cui.

These two

are your long-lost nephew

and niece-in-law?

Your Highness,

this young man

is my nephew, Huanqing.

Beside him

stands this lovely and dutiful lady,

his recently wedded wife,

Yuyan.

Huanqing

is handsome, clever, and skilled in

both civil and martial arts.

His demeanor

greatly resembles my late elder brother.

Every time I see him,

I'm filled with melancholy.

I never realized

the Right Army Commander had free time

to impersonate someone

to come to my place?

You old fool.

Falling for such an obvious deception.

He resembles your dead brother?

Have you looked in a mirror?

Your family

are never known

for handsomeness.

I...

Please stop

beating around the bush.

Why did you infiltrate Jiyang City?

What's your true purpose?

My apologies, Your Highness.

My visit here

aims to find someone.

Chai Anxi,

once my father's subordinate,

went missing in the Mingshui Battle.

After tracking him all this way,

I had no choice

but to hide my identity

to enter Jiyang.

Mr. Cui was kept in the dark.

Your Highness,

please forgive him.

Is that your excuse?

Do you know

nowadays, Jiyang

has been infiltrated

by many Wutuo spies?

Is this true?

Jiyang City is impenetrable.

How did they infiltrate?

Your Highness,

as General Xiao mentioned,

the Wutuo people

used unknown methods

to infiltrate Jiyang City.

They ambushed the little princess

during her outing,

probably

to blackmail you.

Please don't worry.

I've deployed people to capture

the Wutuo spies.

Given current circumstances,

merely catching them

won't suffice.

What's your proposal?

As you said,

Jiyang is impenetrable

as the world knows.

But now,

the Wutuo agents have managed

to infiltrate effortlessly

and target the little princess.

This proves

their actions are premeditated

and well-prepared.

Your Highness,

for Jiyang's citizens' safety,

we must prepare early

and take precautions.

This is our business.

We'll handle it ourselves.

Your Highness,

Military Inspector Chu Zhao is outside.

Let him in.

Your Highness.

Skip formalities.

Why would a military inspector

visit Jiyang?

Are you sent by the court?

You misunderstand.

I'm returning to the capital

and merely passing through.

Then why request this meeting?

I

spotted a Wutuo spy.

Where?

At an herb shop.

A wounded man had

a wolf-head tattoo

on his right arm,

a Wutuo identifier,

revealed during treatment.

I tracked him

to a group of Wutuo spies.

There were over a dozen.

Clearly,

multiple Wutuo groups

have infiltrated

this city.

Please reconsider

my proposal,

Your Highness.

We appreciate your warning.

But we'll handle

our own affairs.

You may leave.

Host them at the mansion tonight.

(Self-Revealing Virtue)

Mr. Qiao?

I didn't expect you in Jiyang

under a new name.

There's more.

I've even gotten married.

Mr. Chu,

we're destined to meet

wherever we go.

Putting it that way,

it seems we're always reuniting.

Then you must be very busy, Mr. Chu.

Even crossing a street

would make you reunite

with many 'destined ones'.

Commander, night approaches.

Let's dine.

Xiao Jue's arrival was abrupt

and impolite.

But a general of his caliber

never acts rashly.

Mobilize defenses,

increase patrols and drills,

and stockpile herbs

just in case.

Understood.

Moreover,

he saved Lou.

Keep his presence here

confidential.

Help his search

for the person.

Yes.

(Self-Revealing Virtue)

Slow Passing Years.

Your Highness.

Slow Passing Years.

Have you heard this song?

My master often plays it.

I heard Lou mention it.

Her savior

also included a white-clad hero

with a sword in hand

and a zither on his back.

Do you know

who he might be?

That was my master

Liu Buwang, the Cloudforest Hermit.

Liu Buwang?

Is he well?

No.

No need to tell me.

I don't care.

May I ask you

if you

and my master

were once acquainted?

(Many years ago,)

(to escape my marriage,)

(I secretly fled the mansion.)

Run faster, little lady!

- Try running! - Where can you flee now?

Help! Is anyone there to save me?

Run!

Scream!

Yeah, keep running!

Sir.

Help me, sir!

Carrying a zither?

You fragile man

want to be a hero?

Scram.

Sir.

Still here?

Get him!

Sir.

Thank you.

I'm Mu Hongjin.

What's your name?

Liu Buwang.

If you're unharmed,

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Liu.

I think my ankle's sprained.

In for a penny,

in for a pound.

How about

you carry me?

No.

That's improper.

It really does hurt

when I move.

Please, sir.

Miss,

where's your home?

I'll take you back.

I have no home.

I was kidnapped and brought here.

My home is very far away.

I'll follow you.

Wherever you go, I go.

What do you mean

by "follow me"?

Why would you follow me?

Since you saved me,

see it through to the end.

Or escort me home.

My home is far away.

Can you do it?

Of course.

My home's in Yaojing.

Don't worry.

I don't eat much.

I won't cost you much.

Having me along

won't be a burden.

No.

Please, please.

I'm begging you.

Thank you.

I'm starving.

Sir.

Can we have a proper meal?

No.

After a month,

my money is nearly gone.

Candied haws for sale!

Candied haws.

Want one?

Take a look.

Sir, one please.

Alright. Thank you.

Here, hold this.

You still care about me.

Want some?

Miss.

Boundaries.

Take a bouquet if you like it.

This one, then.

Take care.

This looks nice.

These bracelets are called Joyful Hearts.

My husband and I

carved them together.

Joyful Hearts bracelets.

Any special meaning?

If lovers

wear these bracelets,

they'll never be separated.

Is this your lover?

Buy a pair for the lady.

A lifetime

of togetherness.

You heard that, Mr. Liu?

Buy me one?

She's not my lover.

- Great! - Great!

You sure

I'm not your lover?

No flowers?

No.

It's me.

Soldiers are everywhere outside,

checking everyone.

Seemingly searching for someone.

Tomorrow,

I must return to Qiyun Mountain.

Will you come with me?

You'll meet my master.

I can't go with you.

Why?

I'm Prince Mengji's daughter.

The person those soldiers are hunting

is me.

My father wants

me to marry

a court official's son

to strengthen his political standing.

I refused.

That's why I fled.

But then I met you.

This past month

has been truly joyful.

Mr. Liu,

I don't want that marriage.

But I can't go up the mountain with you.

What should I do?

In that case,

wait here at this inn.

I'll go

tell my master

and then return in two days.

We'll resolve this together.

Must you leave now?

I'll definitely return.

Liu Buwang,

remember your promise.

You must come back.

I will.

♪Through endless nights, I walk alone♪

♪Heartache swirls like ceaseless winds♪

♪Yet I yearn to stand opposed to you♪

♪Seeking fleeting clarity♪

♪Imprisoned within memories♪

♪Upon towering fortress walls♪

♪Brooding over lamented pasts♪

♪Where shall light be found♪

This last peach blossom

has finally withered.

♪Never yield♪

♪I'm shrouded in darkness♪

♪Resent old dreams like drifting clouds♪

♪Fading into oblivion♪

I just want to know

if I ever meant anything to him,

but the answer never came.

Deep down, I know

we are

in separate worlds.

Destined never to meet.

What I want

isn't explanations from him.

I just need him to give our past

a proper ending.

Fate

is truly cruel.

What a pity.

He remains a coward.

Not even brave enough to end things

properly.

My master isn't like that.

There must be reasons.

Time only hastens aging,

heartless to human bonds,

eternally mourning separations.

♪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♪