Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 17]

[Sixu Clinic]

Boss.

I've finished all the work.

Then I'll…

You can go.

Okay.

Wake me up tomorrow morning.

Got it.

Is it that hard to make it official?

Please, just go home already.

I have to get up early every day

to train at the General's Residence.

It's killing me already.

If Shuang finds out

you've been drinking at my place,

she'll probably make me train harder.

I'm feeling down

and want a drink

and a chat with my friend. What's wrong with that?

If you don't tell and I don't tell,

how would she know?

Just don't tell her, simple as that.

Besides, Lu Xin,

when have I ever sold you out?

Don't you trust me?

It's not that.

I'm just curious—

do men care about titles too?

Men and women are equal, okay?

On this point,

I agree with Li Shuang.

You're desperate for a title.

Is it because the Crown Prince is coming

and you're feeling unsettled?

I do feel a bit uneasy.

But don't you think

since the Crown Prince betrayed her,

she should've…

let go of the past?

If romantic feelings

were so easy to let go of,

there wouldn't be

so many lovesick people in this world.

Stop drinking.

You don't need to be so pessimistic.

If you ask me,

you're not

much worse than the Crown Prince.

Really?

Really.

You're both grown men,

both young and handsome.

And besides, as you said,

all people are equal.

It's just that…

the Crown Prince and Shuang

share an irreplaceable past,

while you

don't even remember your own past.

That really is a shame.

Sometimes,

I want to tell her about my past experiences,

but I don't know where to begin.

Have you ever thought

that perhaps you and Shuang

had met before?

A fleeting glance

in a vast crowd.

You and she are meant to be.

That's how it's written in all the love stories.

Drink up.

Okay.

Years ago,

I heard about a method

to restore memories from folk tales,

but I've never tried it.

After all, patients like you

are too rare.

Hold on, Lu Xin,

what do you mean by that?

You want to use me as your test subject again?

Have you forgotten what happened to my beard last time?

What I gave you was just tonics that were good for your health,

totally harmless.

Besides, I'm not giving you any medicine this time.

How about this?

Why don't you tell me more stories instead?

No more stories.

If you're not willing, forget it.

Perhaps one day you'll wake up

with your memories back.

Maybe tomorrow,

next year,

decades from now,

or centuries later.

Finish your drink and leave.

So what is this method?

Clear your mind of stray thoughts,

fix your eyes on it,

and imagine yourself

getting drowsier,

and drowsier,

and drowsier.

Well? Sleepy yet?

If you are, sleep.

Not at all.

Don't talk.

You'll get sleepy soon.

W-Wait a sec.

What is it?

Did you remember something?

Are you alright?

You can't hold your liquor at all.

It's so late.

Why are you still up?

I had a few drinks with you earlier

and then went out to sober up.

How come you were gone for 2 hours

and came back smelling even more of wine?

Is it that bad?

Lu Xin made me drink.

I refused at first.

I reminded her that she had training tomorrow morning,

but she insisted I drink.

She said I looked upset

and offered to drink with me.

I said I really couldn't,

but she said I had to.

I...

I couldn't refuse her,

so I had a few drinks with her.

You nitpicked about my manners

in every way

and then went out drinking yourself.

How shameful.

As my teacher,

shouldn't you be setting an example?

Yes.

I was wrong.

As your teacher,

I should...

What did you say?

Mr. Jin'an,

am I serving you tea

in a proper manner?

It's proper.

Your request was sudden,

but the proper etiquette

must still be observed.

These 5 items

symbolize diligence in learning,

dedicated teaching,

good fortune,

success in examinations,

and perfection in virtue.

But I recall

that the traditional student's gifts

include 6 things.

Dried meat is too expensive.

All right.

You're not just an ordinary teacher to me,

so my gifts for you

cannot be ordinary either.

The Crown Prince is coming to Lucheng

to reward the troops.

I'll be busy for a while.

This bead contains my blood.

When I'm not around,

you can use it in emergencies.

Why did you hurt yourself again?

You've risked your life for me

so many times.

Compared to that,

this is nothing.

Your Highness,

the Crown Prince has entered Liangzhou.

He'll be in Lucheng within 2 days.

What's the situation

along the way?

All the prefectures

are loyal to Prince Li.

Even if the Crown Prince wants

to win them over, he can't.

But before he set off,

he met with Li Wei's son,

Li Ting.

I planned to let him off for the sake

of our brotherly bond,

but he just can't behave himself,

fixated on winning the Li family over.

If he had both the prime minister

and the Li family on his side,

he'd be unstoppable.

As long as he's breathing, he's a threat.

Our men are already in place,

waiting for your word.

Go tell them

to make it clean and quick.

Yes.

Don't blame me for being a ruthless brother.

If you must blame someone,

blame yourself.

[Lucheng]

General,

the Crown Prince sent word earlier,

telling you to wait in camp.

Why did you still come out to welcome him?

His Highness doesn't want to trouble us—

that is his kindness.

But if I hadn't come,

it'd be seen as disrespectful to the future ruler.

But aren't you and the Crown Prince old friends?

Why care so much about formalities?

Li Shuang, general of the Changfeng Army,

welcomes the Crown Prince.

Shuang,

didn't I tell you

to wait at your residence?

Why did you come all the way out here?

Get up.

Your Highness came from afar.

I had to welcome you personally,

or I'd be breaking protocol.

You've all waited long.

Soldiers,

your health comes first.

Please rise.

We'll set out at once.

Your Highness,

you've had a long journey.

Everything's arranged

at the post station.

Welcome the Crown Prince into the city!

Welcome the Crown Prince into the city!

Thank you for being so considerate, General.

Protect His Highness!

Move!

Don't kill him!

If they're all dead, how will we investigate later?

Shuang!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Send for the army physician.

Let's hurry to the post station.

We don't know who the assassins are.

The post station may not be safe.

Help His Highness onto the horse.

We're going back to my residence.

Your Highness,

we were eager to protect you

and acted rashly.

Please forgive us.

Lock down all information.

No one is to hear of this.

Yes.

You're hurt?

What happened?

I'll explain later.

I'll get His Highness treated first.

Though the wound is deep,

thankfully, it missed the vitals.

But you need proper rest and care

to completely recover.

You may leave.

Your Highness.

Shuang,

what are you doing?

I failed to protect you

and let you get injured.

Please punish me.

Why should I punish you?

Look, I'm right here in one piece.

Protecting you

is my duty,

but at that critical moment,

you saved me instead.

It was my fault that you got injured.

I owed you.

Of course I had to save you.

Your Highness.

These past 3 years,

have you been well?

Your Highness.

Thank you for your concern.

All is well…

in Lucheng.

Shuang,

it's just the two of us here.

Do you still need to be so formal?

You can push me away,

and I know the reason why.

But for these 3 years,

I've wanted to come to see you every day.

Yet I couldn't.

Your Highness,

walls have ears.

If someone overheard,

it could tarnish your reputation.

Earlier at your residence,

I saw a man.

As I recall, you've only ever kept

female attendants by your side.

Your Highness,

that man

once saved my life.

He had no family,

so I took him in

and gave him a job.

I've heard things have been unstable along the border.

When it comes to household staff,

it's best to use people you know well.

Yes.

Summon him.

I want to meet him.

Yes.

Shuang told me

she found you in the woods and brought you back.

What were you doing

in the wilderness?

I was attacked

by a beast in the mountains

and blacked out.

People in Lucheng are kind and friendly.

I never thought

even the wild beasts here were somewhat kind too.

It attacked you

but didn't eat you.

If Your Highness doubts me,

you can go into the mountains and see for yourself.

Jin'an!

Don't talk nonsense.

Your Highness,

Jin'an hasn't been here for a long time

and hasn't learned proper manners.

It's fine.

Did you just say

his name is Jin'an?

Yes.

It means lasting peace and prosperity in Taijin.

It's a good name.

You gave it to him?

Yes.

Since General Li has high expectations for you,

you should behave yourself,

serve her diligently,

and learn a servant's manners as soon as possible

so she won't be let down.

I'm afraid you've misunderstood.

I'm not a servant who takes orders from just anyone.

General Li has served me tea as my student.

I'm her exclusive personal teacher,

staying with her and teaching her

arts and etiquette.

Jin'an!

Your Highness,

Jin'an meant no offense.

Please forgive him.

You're still injured.

Get up.

We grew up together.

If he's your teacher,

then in my presence,

there's no need for such formalities.

Life in the army is dull and hard.

Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting

do help ease the boredom.

By the way, Shuang,

have you read the biographies

I sent you?

Your Highness, if there's nothing else,

I'll take General Li back to dress her wounds.

You…

Shuang,

I know

you have feelings for me.

As long as you say yes,

I'll go to Father tomorrow to revoke the decree

and cancel my engagement to the Ji girl.

Your Highness, don't come in.

It could stir gossip.

I've been

keeping this hairpin for you.

Now that Your Highness is getting married,

I should return it to you.

This hairpin

was left to me by my mother.

I gave it to you.

Do you still not understand?

Do you truly mean

to cut off all ties with me?

He is the Crown Prince.

You provoked him again and again.

If he's truly angered,

no one can protect you.

He caused you to get injured, so he's at fault.

If you hadn't returned alive today,

then forget the Crown Prince—

I'd even destroy the entire Taijin court

to avenge you.

Jin'an!

I'm sorry.

I was just worried about you.

Don't ever say

such reckless things again.

Also,

during this period,

stay away from the Crown Prince

to avoid trouble.

I'm a general of Taijin.

My country, my family,

and the Changfeng Army—

I'll risk my life to protect them all.

Protecting the Crown Prince

is my duty as well.

You want to protect everyone,

but have you thought about protecting yourself?

My life

belongs to Taijin and the Li family.

I'm ready to die at any time.

What about me?

There's a bond between us.

Have you thought about what I should do

if you die?

[General's Residence]

Your Highness,

everything has been taken care of.

Rest assured.

Is your injury serious?

It's nothing.

Your Highness,

Prince Li has always seen you as a thorn in his side.

I never expected him to be so bold this time.

You arrived in Lucheng and were attacked right away.

In the capital, bound by Father's authority,

he wouldn't dare go too far.

Now that I'm out here alone,

it's the perfect chance to strike.

I just didn't expect

he'd be so impatient

and dare to attempt a brazen assassination.

I believe

the more impatient Prince Li is,

the more likely he'll trip himself up.

But there's one thing I don't understand:

Your Highness is of royal blood.

Not punishing General Li

is already showing her mercy.

Why did you take that blade for her?

It all started because of me.

I told Shuang not to come receive me

precisely because I didn't want her to get hurt.

But she came anyway.

Three years ago,

I let her down.

Now that we've met again,

I can't let her get hurt for me again.

But Your Highness,

Prince Li is powerful and well-connected now.

Your relationship with General Li

has long been a threat to him.

If…

General Li will surely become your weakness.

To my brother,

my past, my present,

and everyone around me

are all my weaknesses.

So what is there to fear?

[Imperial Palace of Taijin]

Your Highness, please.

Father, you summoned me.

May I ask the reason?

Father, please don't be mad.

With heavenly tribulation imminent,

you actually tried to assassinate the Crown Prince.

I knew nothing of the tribulation.

I only wanted to ease your burdens.

Please believe me.

You fool.

The sacrificial ritual has strict rules.

If he dies before the tribulation,

the formation will collapse.

I was ignorant.

I deserve nothing less than death.

I've always valued you,

but you're too impatient

and never learn caution.

How can I rely on you?

Father, you're visionary.

I will remember your teachings.

The Bureau of Astronomy reported

that Mars will soon appear near Antares.

Lucheng is the best site for the sacrificial ritual.

I'll give you a chance to make up for your mistake.

Set out at once for Lucheng and assist in the ritual.

On the day of the tribulation,

bring the Crown Prince to the altar and cut his heart out.

Then it's all done.

Remember—

until then,

there must not be the slightest mistake.

I will do my utmost.

But what if the Crown Prince refuses to die

as a sacrifice?

You're his elder brother.

You'll have to give him a push.

I'm giving this dagger to you.

It carries my authority.

He dares not disobey.

Yes, Father.

He actually survived.

What incredible luck.

I heard he was slashed

and barely survived.

He truly has a fate strong enough to take the tribulation.

I underestimated him.

So what should

we do next?

This brother of mine

appears gentle and modest

but is actually calculating,

always opposing me.

This trip to Lucheng—

we'll settle both old

and new scores.

Your Highness, now is the perfect time

to go to Lucheng.

Your Highness,

His Majesty's head eunuch, Jin Bao,

has been quite devoted to your cause.

He replaced the golden pills with poison made from aconite,

and His Majesty never got suspicious after taking it.

By the looks of things,

the day of a power shift is near.

Father's days must be numbered.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be

so desperate for a sacrifice to extend his life.

I don't believe in astrology,

but just in case—

we absolutely cannot let the Crown Prince

actually die on the altar.

His Majesty definitely

has eyes and ears in Lucheng.

If we act too early, wouldn't it...

Do you think I haven't thought of that?

Su Muyang's life

can be spared until the day of the ritual.

Just kill him before he gets on the altar

and then throw his body up there.

By the time I return to the capital,

Father will have succumbed to the poison,

and I will be able to legitimately

ascend the throne.

To be the Crown Prince

has never been my goal.

If I'm to be anything,

I'll be the supreme one—

the ruler of the nation.

Attention!

His Majesty has spoken.

The Changfeng Army has guarded the border

and defeated enemies, making outstanding military achievements.

His Majesty is greatly pleased

and is offering

the entire army treasures, fine silk,

and 100 jars of imperial wine

to reward your loyalty.

End of the proclamation.

The Changfeng Army thanks His Majesty for his grace!

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince!

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince!

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince!

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Crown Prince!

General is here.

General.

General, here's to you.

To you.

Drink up, brothers!

General, here's to you.

General.

Good wine! Fill my glass.

Drink up!

Fill it up!

Good wine! Drink!

Come on, fill it to the brim!

Cheers!

Come on, drink!

-General. -General.

Drink to your heart's content!

Li Shuang of the Changfeng Army

requests an audience with the Crown Prince.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Please rise.

There are no outsiders here.

No need for such formalities.

Shuang,

what brings you here?

Your Highness has not fully recovered

but personally rewarded the army.

It's truly a blessing for the Changfeng Army.

I must thank you in person.

Also, this...

It's the finest wound salve,

a gift from a renowned physician friend of mine.

It works wonders for sword wounds.

No wonder you're distant with me.

I've missed so much

of your life.

Three years have passed in a flash.

Here at the border,

you've made new friends.

I'm glad you have.

Her name is Lu Xin.

She saved me when I was injured.

She's a close friend

to whom I'm indebted.

If you're willing,

tell me more, will you?

I've been fine

these 3 years at the border.

Besides Lu Xin,

I've made another friend

called Jin'an.

Though I found him and took him in,

he's saved me many times from danger.

He didn't mean to offend Your Highness earlier.

I'm willing

to accept any punishment for him.

I've never cared much for etiquette.

Why would I hold it against him?

The more trustworthy the people by your side,

the more at ease I can be.

Thank you for your understanding.

You haven't fully recovered yet.

You should head back and get some rest.

I still have military matters to attend to.

I'll take my leave now.

Your Highness, it seems General Li still cares about you.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have come in person to give you the salve.

I'll certainly

be nice to her friends.

But seeing her so careful with me

makes me really sad.

Have you investigated

Jin'an's identity?

There's little information about him.

Nothing seems suspicious.

It's said that when General Li found him,

he had already suffered a head injury and lost his memory.

Besides,

he was the one who killed Huo Du.