Original subtitles

Episode 23

Fall in!

Did you hear a wolf's cry?

Physician Huo might be nearby!

Toss the meat!

Hurry!

Hurry up!

Come here for meat!

Come here for meat!

Come here for meat!

Go!

Help!

-Shoot! -Help!

Come here for meat!

Come here for meat!

Your Majesty, look.

Go!

Your Majesty.

Don't go.

He's badly mutilated by the wolves.

His current state might frighten you.

Physician Huo, please rest in peace.

Don't turn back.

This place is hell.

A good person like you...

shouldn't stay here.

I see. Physician Huo died a tragic death.

But, karma struck...

the two women who killed him.

They died one after another in their 20's.

Justice prevailed.

But I believe...

Physician Huo is not dead.

What?

That's impossible.

A cuffed man...

couldn't have escaped from Mount Lang alive.

He's right before my eyes.

Your Majesty must be kidding me.

How can I be Huo Yang Hong?

Lang Kun.

Do you know why I trusted you so much...

over the past 18 years?

Because I was considered loyal.

I never went against your wish.

-Your Majesty... -Because the first time we met,

I thought you had the same eyes as Physician Huo.

So that was the other reason.

But apart from that,

there's nothing in common between me and Huo Yang Hong.

Were you the one who built...

that secret house at the hilltop and the tiled stairway to the hilltop?

Your Majesty, what are you talking about?

I don't get it at all.

I took your portrait...

to the tile shop...

and their worker recognized you instantly.

So you took a leave every year...

under the pretext of visiting your relatives...

in order to build that secret house...

and that tiled staircase.

Am I right?

In this world,

the only person who would...

do this much for me...

can only be...

Physician Huo.

Lang Kun, tell me honestly.

Are you Huo Yang Hong?

Since Your Majesty...

had investigated this much,

I shall not keep it from you any longer.

Actually, that was not the end of the story.

That day,

I was escorted by the soldiers to Mount Lang.

Move!

-Let's go! -What are you doing?

Don't leave me behind!

When I regained consciousness,

I found myself...

in my master's treatment hut...

and I met my master.

I thought I was dreaming.

But it turned out to be real.

No!

No!

Huo Yang Hong.

Don't be afraid.

You're safe now.

Who?

Who saved me?

You will see her after some time.

Now, you must recuperate.

You're severely injured.

You're completely disfigured.

My face...

Don't worry.

Trust me. I can treat you.

I've never lied to you, right?

What happened after that?

My master did his very best to treat me.

He exhausted himself...

and fell ill many times because of that.

He wouldn't let me see my face.

It wasn't until 7-8 months later when I had fully recovered...

that I finally saw my face.

I'm no longer the same person.

I've become another person,

Lang Kun.

Fortunately, even though Lang Kun...

is not as good-looking as Huo Yang Hong,

he is still considered handsome.

So, I reluctantly accepted my fate.

Who saved you?

Huo Yang Hong, you've a visitor.

Who?

Don't you want to know who saved you back then?

She's here.

Your Highness, this is Huo Yang Hong.

Lang Kun.

No.

Can I...

call you Huo Yang Hong now?

Your Majesty.

You've called me Lang Kun for 18 years.

Just call me Lang Kun.

I can't believe...

the person that mattered the most to me...

has always been by my side.

I can't describe my feelings.

It's like I've just had a dream...

or lived through a long lifetime.

Perhaps this is what they call surreal.

By the way, I'm curious about one thing.

You used to be so courteous and polished.

Why are you...

so arrogant and unreasonable now?

I practiced that in gambling houses and brothels.

Please go upstairs.

Sir, you haven't paid yet.

How dare you!

Pay up!

Sit.

No wonder you were...

completely different...

from Huo Yang Hong...

from head to toe except for your eyes.

But,

you didn't have to change yourself completely.

If I don't act like a bad guy,

a person like Prince Guang Ding...

wouldn't make friends with me.

It's been...

hard on you.

I've returned to Your Majesty anyway.

All sufferings...

have paid off.

I'm so ashamed.

All these years, I've been hot and cold towards you.

I punished you a lot.

I don't deserve what you did for me.

No.

Your Majesty, you're a good person.

Don't comfort me.

The truth is, I often...

hate myself.

You always threaten to kill,

but you've never killed anyone...

or caused any death.

In this hell in the palace,

Your Majesty is a kind person.

Lang Kun, allow me to kowtow to you.

The incense of comfort is not available?

What's going on?

Your Highness.

I might not be able to help you...

convince the Princess Royal to give up.

If I try to talk her out of it,

I believe she'll get rid of me immediately.

Now, she does whatever Yan Zheng tells her to do.

Yan Zheng is Yan Kuan's younger brother.

And he advised her...

to not do anything...

and focus on garnering support.

Never mind.

She's hopeless.

Hopeless.

In this case, you should come back.

Stop going to the Princess Royal's place.

Otherwise, you might get into danger.

I can't bear to let that happen to you.

I can't go back yet.

I must stay close to the Princess Royal.

If she learns that you've an ulterior motive,

she won't go easy on you.

The Princess Royal is a ruthless person.

So I can't let her succeed.

Your Highness is right.

His Majesty is just egoistic.

But deep down,

he desires to be a good emperor.

Compared to the Princess Royal,

His Majesty is a better ruler.

Now, I'm still useful to the princess.

So why shouldn't I stay close to her...

and look for opportunities?

Do you wish to save the country and the people?

I grew up among the folks.

Even though I had to travel to make a living,

I was comfortable and happy.

I believe...

this is how life should be.

Your Highness.

If the Princess Royal gains control over the country,

I believe this peace will cease to exist.

You're trying to save the country and the people, Ning Zhi.

If this is your nature,

you are destined to bear great responsibilities.

-Brother Lang. -Say no more.

This is fate.

Say no more.

Say no more.

Why is Mr. Lang so drunk?

I feel like my heart is burning.

How could they be so unfair?

How could they let that despicable man...

sit on the throne...

while the real heir to the throne...

got banished to the frontier?

Xiao Yu!

What nonsense did you tell him?

Sister.

It's the truth!

Even if I don't say a word,

the officials in the court...

all know what that despicable man...

did to us back then!

I just want to take back the things that belong to me!

There are things you can do,

but cannot speak of.

Your Highness.

Let's initiate a coup.

If we continue to endure this,

that foolish emperor will find out and prepare himself!

Our effort would go to waste!

Your Highness, I need to excuse myself.

Please wait.

Chief Commander Wei, what are you unhappy about?

I suggested that we rope in Minister Wen, General Tan...

and Commander Yang.

Instead of taking my advice,

you chose to rope in this thoughtless...

and foolish man.

What can he do?

What did you say, Wei Guang?

Who's thoughtless and foolish? You'd better explain yourself!

Chief Commander Wei, I've always respected you.

But, you can't humiliate Brother Lang like that!

We haven't prepared a single thing.

We've no rations,

no niter...

and no weapons!

How do we launch a coup?

We've already...

prepared all those.

It's just that we kept it from you.

Enough! We're allies!

I know that you all are getting impatient.

I can tell you that...

the coup...

will happen very soon.

Very soon?

Sister?

I hear that so often that...

I'm sick of hearing it!

I quit!

Brother Lang!

Let's drink.

Alright!

Let's drink until we drop!

I don't get it at all.

We've already made it past the most challenging part.

Why can't we do it now?

Let's drink.

Are you being tailed?

I don't think so.

If I'm not mistaken,

Yan Zheng is watching us from a private room...

in the restaurant across the street.

Yan Zheng...

is sly and tricky like his brother.

By the way,

Prince Guang Ding said...

they've made it past the most challenging part.

What do you think that refers to?

Rumour has it that...

the Princess Royal and Prince Guang Ding have...

a secret niter vault in Yandu.

I suspect that Prince Guang Ding was talking about...

this niter vault.

Niter vault?

Where are the niter vaults of the court?

There are 3 of them.

One is at Yanyun Terrace,

one is near Mount Niu...

and one is at Old West Street.

There isn't any near Yongdong Gate?

Yongdong Gate is so close to the palace.

The court won't set up a niter vault there.

But I remember...

seeing a map...

that marks the location of a niter vault near Yongdong Gate.

Where did you see that map?

Remember I told you a few months ago that...

I buried Prince Bei Ying on a hill with Ban Ling Er?

Where's the thing you said?

I'll go and get it.

Here it is.

Niter vault at Yongdong Gate?

Dig a hole.

We need to bury this.

We can't be caught...

holding something that belongs to Prince Bei Ying.

-Alright. -Hurry.

Niter vault?

Prince Bei Ying used to serve the Princess Royal in Yandu.

This niter vault near Yongdong Gate...

is very likely that most challenging thing...

they talked about.

If we destroy this niter vault,

we can delay the coup for sure.

Where is that map now?

I was in a panic at that time.

I think I buried it...

underneath a magnolia tree near...

the tortoise-shaped rock at the back of the hill.

Did you tell His Majesty?

I don't think so.

Back then, His Majesty saved me...

and covered up the truth behind the death of Prince Bei Ying.

No one dared to bring it up.

So, I didn't tell anyone about this.

Don't tell His Majesty about this niter vault yet.

I need to investigate first.

Most importantly,

you need to spend more time with the princess now...

and try to find out...

when she intends to take action.

But, never take chances.

By the way,

how did His Majesty react after learning that...

you befriended the princess?

His Majesty gave me his approval.

Your Majesty, I've something important to report to you.

Your Majesty, this is urgent.

What is it about?

Yan Kuan is up to no good again.

Somehow, a large group of ravens...

flew towards the prison.

A huge fireball rises from the east...

and explodes in the sky.

Corpses are everywhere.

Fireball. Explosion.

He's a deceptive man.

-Pay no attention to that. -Yes.

There's one more thing.

I just intercepted...

a large batch of niter outside of the city.

I was about to interrogate the people transporting it.

To my surprise,

they took poison and killed themselves.

Is the Princess Royal behind this?

Don't tell me she set up...

a secret niter vault in Yandu.

That's my concern as well.

Send men to search in the entire city.

We must locate the niter at all cost.

-Yes. -Wait!

Do it covertly.

If the Princess Royal learns that...

we've noticed it,

she might bring the coup forward.

Tell the prime minister to come for a discussion.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, has the Grand Marshal left?

Your Majesty, do you still feel cold?

Should we summon the imperial physician?

No.

They give me the same prescription over and over again.

The warmth of your body is better.

Your Majesty, Noble Consort Ning has come.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Ning Zhi, have you heard about...

the location of the niter vault from the Princess Royal?

I've heard of the niter vault.

But I don't know the location.

The Grand Marshal just reported that...

he intercepted a batch of niter outside of the city.

I'm guessing that it belongs to the princess.

But, I can't search extensively...

as I might alert her.

I don't know what to do.

I will secretly investigate.

Please do not be rash.

The princess' aides are hiding in the dark.

But Your Majesty, you are an open book.

I know.

At a time like this, I can only depend on...

the people I can trust.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Is that niter vault...

near Yongdong Gate?

How did you know?

The night we buried Prince Bei Ying,

-we found... -Shut up.

Ban Ling Er.

You're a palace maid in Guang Xuan Palace now.

No one can bully you.

This isn't something...

a palace maid should worry about.

Never bring up...

the matter of Prince Bei Ying again.

I'm sure you know the location.

Why didn't you tell His Majesty...

when he asked you yesterday?

He's very worried.

I'm not done investigating yet.

If we make a move, we'll alert the enemy.

Now go back and look after His Majesty.

This is your duty.

Understand?

Yes.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Do you still have any respect for me?

Get up and speak!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I was informed that...

you bad-mouthed me...

when you drank with Prince Guang Ding yesterday.

Tell me what you said word by word.

If you miss out a single word,

slap yourself.

I did not.

What is this? You don't dare to admit it?

You may all retire.

Don't let even a fly come in!

Yes.

Physician Huo, you're a brilliant physician...

and a good actor at the same time.

I've served Your Majesty for so many years.

But I'm still a far cry from you.

I'm just used to being bossy.

But, I was still...

afraid of being exposed.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

You won't be exposed.

Why?

You're naturally charismatic.

Even when you're just sitting here,

people fear you.

Are you saying that...

I'm not a friendly person?

I'm impressed, Huo Yang Hong.

After concealing your identity for so many years,

you have the nerve to make fun of me now.

I'm sorry.

Alright. Enough jokes.

I summoned you because I want to ask you a question.

I know that you built that wooden house for me.

But, why did it take you 8 years...

just to build such a small house?

Liang might seem peaceful today,

but a storm is brewing.

No one knows what is ahead of us.

If Your Majesty find yourself in danger one day,

someone will escort you to that house for refuge.

There is a cellar in the house.

I stored some dry foods inside...

which would be enough for Your Majesty to...

survive for some time.

You're worrying unnecessarily.

The political competition...

has nothing to do with me.

By then,

His Majesty would gather all troops to protect himself.

No one would care for Your Majesty.

In this royal harem,

countless of people want you dead.

By then,

someone might take the opportunity to harm you.

Since the day I entered the palace,

I've never thought of leaving.

If I ever fall from my position,

I will jump from the highest building in the palace...

and put an end to my life.

Your Majesty.

I've died once.

I know how precious life is.

Even if you lose,

as long as you live,

you can make a comeback one day.

There's no need to lose hope.

I was a failure back then.

I couldn't protect you.

I put you through sufferings.

Please don't blame yourself.

The past cannot be changed.

You only need to look forward.

Ravens are everywhere lately.

Something bad might happen in Yandu.

Please be extra careful...

and avoid leaving Yong De Palace.

If there's anything unusual,

I'll inform Your Majesty immediately.

You must protect yourself properly.

Yes.

I shall excuse myself.

Get up, Ban Ling Er!

Speak. Where are you hiding the map?

I've been sleeping here...

since I came back from my night shift.

I'm not hiding any map.

You still want to lie?

Ban Ling Er, that map is really important.

Only the two of us know that place.

Who else could it be if not you?

I...

Your Highness.

Ban Ling Er and I were really on night shift today.

It's true that she never left.

After leaving His Majesty's palace,

the two of us have been here the whole time.

Why did you want me to lie to Noble Consort Ning?

She's His Majesty's favourite consort.

Who's the one spending most time with His Majesty these days?

It's me.

I will remember what you did for me.

Once I rise,

I will repay you.

Your Majesty, the niter vault...

is very likely in the West City.

After all the discussion,

all you can tell me is that?

The West City is a large area.

I want the exact location!

Give me wine!

How dare you!

How rude of you to His Majesty!

Take her out.

Alright.

I need to talk to Your Majesty in private.

I'd like to be alone.

You may all retire...

and return later.

Yes.

Ban Ling Er.

What do you want to tell me?

Your Majesty.

It's about that secret niter vault.

How dare you!

This is such a serious matter.

A palace maid like you has no rights to intervene!

How did you learn of this?

Who told you?

When in Your Majesty's bed,

I overheard the Grand Marshal talking about it.

What exactly do you want to tell me?

Your Majesty, I believe you still remember...

Noble Consort Ning's accidental murder of Prince Bei Ying.

I was the one who transported and buried the corpse...

on the hill with Noble Consort Ning.

That night,

we found a small bag...

on Prince Bei Ying.

It contained an inventory list of niter...

and a map.

The map was labelled...

"Niter Vault of Yongdong Gate".

Where is that map now?

After I overheard what the Grand Marshal said,

I recalled that...

Prince Bei Ying was close to the Princess Royal.

So I thought the map might be an important clue.

As such,

I went up to the hill and dug the map out.

Where's the map?

Niter Vault of Yongdong Gate.

Dozens of kilograms per batch.

It's right in front of my palace.

This is absurd!

Your Majesty.

When I was still in the Pear Blossom Academy,

I heard that...

Prince Bei Ying was submissive to the princess.

Could it be that the princess ordered Prince Bei Ying to...

All of you, come in!

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Go to this location immediately and search.

Find the niter vault!

Yes.

Hurry.

Yes.

Wait!

If you really find niter there,

blow it up on the spot!

Your Majesty.

There's a lot of folks near Yongdong Gate.

Innocent ones might get hurt.

There's just a few hundred kilograms!

It's just about the size of an ordinary weaponry!

Your Majesty, since we've the evidence,

why don't we just arrest the princess and her cronies?

This isn't the best opportunity for that.

I don't want to alert her.

But, I can't let the niter stored there...

continue to increase in quantity.

This is the best solution.

-Your Majesty is wise. -Your Majesty is wise.

Mr. Wei!

I haven't found the map.

But yesterday,

he Princess Royal talked about the Autumn Prayer...

and smilingly said that she would take care of that.

But isn't it always the emperor...

who has to write a speech personally...

for the Autumn Prayer?

So, I'm guessing that...

they're planning to do it before the prayer.

That sounds right.

But we're running out of time.

I haven't found the map.

At least we know it's near Yongdong Gate.

That's a big area.

Are we going to search building by building?

We'll just have to observe.

There will be clues and traces.

I'll take care of that.

Be careful.

Don't worry.

Wei Guang!

Let's go.

Don't go out.

The emperor's men are out there.

Someone might recognize you.

Who are you?

Your ally.

I knew you're an ally.

It took you a while to admit it.

What is this?

Why is our chief commander dressed like this?

Are you looking for the niter vault?

I return the same words to you.

Looks like everyone's here.

The people you tailed were sent from the prison.

Those in the prison...

are pretty much Yan Kuan's aides.

What are they doing here?

Also, His Majesty sent so many skillful fighters.

What do they want?

I received news that...

several generals who used to serve the Princess Royal...

are secretly heading to Yandu.

As the princess said,

their operation has begun.

Now, we must locate that niter vault first.

Do you have a target?

What about you?

This restaurant is your target?

So it's your target as well.

You're indeed the most intelligent man in the country.

The niter vault is near Yongdong Gate.

There are less than 20 restaurants near Yongdong Gate.

They are all quite empty...

except for this one.

Also,

the food here is really cheap.

Why would anyone...

operate on a loss?

Something must be wrong.

I've investigated.

This restaurant is owned by Prince Guang Ding.

He only enjoys drinking and having fun.

He can't earn much from a restaurant.

Why would he suddenly change...

and run a proper business?

We've a problem.

We're being tailed.

Judging by their looks, they were sent by Yan Zheng.

We stood outside of this restaurant for so long.

If they report to the Princess Royal,

the princess will learn that...

we've located the niter vault.

For this reason, we can't let them live.

But these people...

aren't easy to deal with.

Alright. Let's split up.

Be extra careful.

-Split up and find them. -Yes.