Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 11]

Are you alright?

I'm glad you're alive.

We lost?

We could've

annihilated the Changfeng Army

with your approach.

However,

a man in black just showed up

out of nowhere.

He has extraordinary martial skills.

He not only bailed Lucheng out,

but also killed General Shi Du

in collaboration with Li Shuang.

Who is this man?

He doesn't seem

to be from the Changfeng Army.

Besides,

the spies we planted in Lucheng

don't know anything about him,

as if he just

appeared out of thin air.

A man in black...

That was indeed beyond my expectations.

Counsellor,

General Shi Du already died.

What can we do now?

Shall we retreat?

This a must-win battle.

We can't go home without triumphs.

I will petition the court to appoint

a new military commander.

Hard though it is,

we must conquer Lucheng.

Stop!

My Lord.

I'm reduced

to this situation because of that hateful Li Shuang.

When I'm back to the capital,

I'll definitely lodge a serious complaint

against her to Prince Li!

My Lord,

we'd better hurry.

I've had fast horses arranged ahead.

Let's go.

Go.

Lord Li!

It's quite late now.

Where

are you two heading?

Lord Li would like a night stroll.

You're a mere military advisor.

How dare you question an imperial military supervisor?

I dare not.

However,

I'm afraid I might have to ruin the night for you.

Lord Li,

the general requests your presence.

General.

You should be grateful that you were captured by me

instead of Li Zhangyi.

Otherwise, you would've died by now.

Kill me if you want.

Why the gibberish?

As someone brave enough to sneak in and burn our granaries alone,

you'd never fear death, would you?

Other than you, how many people

are on death missions in Lucheng?

Why did the Yao State send you here?

What exactly

is your relationship with Li Zhangyi?

Since you know I don't fear death,

I bet you're also aware

that you can't get

any information from me.

Resistance won't bring you any good.

I know people like you

aren't dreaded by death,

but survival.

I just came back from the Fragrance Garden.

In order to catch you,

Li Zhangyi ordered all the people there to be killed.

Twenty-odd living souls just perished,

including Yanzhi.

There's a sachet.

You recognize it, don't you?

All of you are evil.

Take my life now, I dare you!

Don't move!

Kill me!

The herbs in this sachet have

nerve-soothing and sleep-inducing effects.

I guess you have trouble sleeping.

So, Yanzhi put such herbs in this sachet

for you to carry it around.

That shows she truly cared for you.

But it didn't occur to her

that this very gesture of kindness

would cost her life in the end.

I was trained to sacrifice myself for missions in childhood.

Crawling out from piles of corpses,

I've long forgotten what it feels like to be a human.

Why on earth would there be such a silly girl?

She sympathized with me,

trusted me and cared for me.

She gave me the only bit

of genuine love I've ever got in these 20 years.

Now that you know Yanzhi's affection for you,

you should avenge her unjust death!

Unjust deaths happen every now and then, don't they?

How foolish of Yanzhi,

for choosing me to be her inseparable confidant.

She always looked forward

to us leaving the brothel

and leading a carefree life.

To this day, I still don't understand

how much courage it'd take

for someone to completely trust another person

in such chaotic times.

But it's fine.

I'll ask Yanzhi myself.

Before Miss Yanzhi died,

she still believed you were innocent.

You've already failed her.

Committing suicide

will only let her down even more!

Spill out Li Zhangyi's evildoing

to avenge your dead bosom friend now.

You've already completed the mission

assigned by the Yao State.

Li Zhangyi

refused to open the city gate just to cover up

his mistakes,

resulting in the numerous deaths of Lucheng soldiers!

I swear to drag him...

down to hell.

Li Zhangyi confessed that he lost his token

as a result of staying overnight

in the Fragrance Garden.

Plus Yunge's testimony,

this time,

he won't get away.

For such a despicable man,

even death can't redeem his sins.

Have Li Zhangyi escorted

to the capital by a troop.

I've written

a memorial detailing this incident.

Deliver it to the capital, together with

these two testimonies,

for His Majesty to make a ruling.

Yes.

By the way,

has Yunge's funeral been taken care of?

Miss Yanzhi's and her bodies have been buried together.

But, General,

she was a spy from the Yao State after all.

Is what we've done

somewhat inappropriate?

In such turbulent times,

does anyone truly have control of their lives?

All are unfortunate beings.

Mr. Ji,

there's a visitor for you.

You shouldn't have come here, Miss.

Please leave.

Don't take it wrong.

I'm not here to pester you.

Hearing you got wounded on the battlefield,

I just wanted to bring you some medicine.

How has

the general been?

She's doing great.

But now,

she's busy sending people

to look for Jin'an in the city.

I don't think she'd have time

to worry about you now.

A loyal aide though you are,

you end up in prison.

Is it worthwhile?

I've followed the general for years.

Whether this is worthwhile or not

can't be explained in just a few words.

Indeed.

Over these years,

you've never

disobeyed Shuang.

Knowing clearly

that Jin'an has her complete trust,

you still made that hasty decision.

Is Jin'an really

an unbearable eyesore to you?

As head of the Guardians' Unit,

I'm obligated to protect the general.

I can't help but suspect

that man's peculiar identity.

Is it suspicion or jealousy?

Maybe

you envy him for sharing Shuang's worries

and solving problems

for her.

Do you remember

how we first met three years ago?

That day,

I was collecting herbs alone on a mountain.

I made a blunder

and early fell off a cliff.

Grab tight!

Careful.

I always remember

how gallant you looked when you saved my life.

General,

this lady says she has medical skills

and the herbs that can purge your body of toxins.

Of course, I also remember

the panic and worry in your eyes,

when Shuang was poisoned.

At that moment,

I should've realized

that was the way you look

when you truly love someone.

She's the general I work for.

I have nothing for her

but lifelong loyalty

and sworn allegiance.

No other feelings are involved.

Miss, I must ask you to refrain

from saying those remarks again,

in case those with ill intentions hear them

and tarnish the General's reputation.

You know what?

One's fondness for another person

is like running waters

that can't be stopped,

even if it's left unsaid.

I'd better get back to my patients

at the clinic now.

Don't forget to regularly apply the ointment.

I'll get you out of the prison.

I must repay you

for saving my life.

[General's Residence]

Miss Lu.

Where have you been?

Shuang had her people look for you everywhere.

She was worried sick.

Did you get injured?

No, I'm fine.

The Changfeng Army entered the city.

People swarmed the streets to welcome them.

I was separated

by the hustling crowds,

but I managed to find my way back.

That was a serious matter,

yet you're still smiling.

I thought

you were harmed by Li Zhangyi.

I'm perfectly fine.

Are you okay?

Of course I am.

I'm glad you're fine.

It's good news.

I heard on my way back

that Ji Ran had been thrown into prison.

Were you loitering

for that matter?

I did come here to plead with Shuang.

I pondered it over and over,

but just couldn't bring myself to utter a word.

Now that you're safe and sound,

would you please do me a favor?

Can you ask Shuang

to release Ji Ran?

If you're mad,

then beat me up.

Vent your anger

right at me, okay?

Miss Lu,

I doubt

Ji Ran will appreciate your help.

Is it worthwhile

to go to so much trouble for a man who always gives you

the cold shoulder?

Whether it's worthwhile or not doesn't matter.

When you love someone,

you're ready to do anything for him or her.

You'd put yourself in their shoes.

Their concerns are your concerns.

A simple smile of Ji Ran's is enough

to make my day.

What's more,

he once saved my life.

If I can do something for him,

I'll be content.

Ji Ran did make a mistake.

But he behaved that way

only out of concern for the general's safety.

As you said,

pursuing this matter further

when I'm safe and sound

would only make me seem petty.

Does it mean you've agreed to help?

Actually, I owe him a thank you.

I gained something important thanks to his acts.

Come in.

Waiting for someone?

Yes, I am.

You're smirking. Seriously?

You broke into the city tower

and held an official hostage.

You wanted to die or what?

I offered unsolicited advice at the military camp that day.

Then

an accident kept me

from returning to the General's Residence.

I thought you'd find me suspicious.

But now it seems like

you're worried about my safety instead.

I'm just happy.

Happy?

Only living people get to feel that.

You fell off the cliff when fighting Ji Ran.

Yet you didn't get hurt at all?

I was lucky enough

to have landed on a tree under the cliff.

Do you not believe me?

I'll undress for you to see my body.

You've seen it already.

Never mind!

You've come back safely anyway.

Now that I'm safe and sound,

will you

just drop the matter

and release Ji Ran?

There is strict discipline in the Changfeng Army.

For taking action without permission,

he deserves punishment.

But my identity does seem peculiar.

It raises suspicion, especially from his perspective.

It'll be a huge loss

to fail a devoted warrior

for this matter.

Every time I was in danger,

you always showed up.

and rescued me from peril.

Why can't I choose you over him?

General.

With the enemy confronting us,

I shouldn't have put you in detention.

After working with me for years,

you still went for that reckless action.

Do you admit you did wrong?

Yes, I do.

My fault

was acting against Jin'an

without orders

and nearly causing his death.

That said,

General,

camouflage often looks real.

Jin'an can't be cleared of suspicion

until his identity is verified.

I admit I did wrong,

but I don't regret taking action.

See you later, General.

To this day, I still don't understand

how much courage it'd take

for someone to completely trust another person

in such chaotic times.

He's honest about everything,

except for his real identity.

Perhaps he has his own reason.

Even if I keep probing,

I might not get the truth.

Maybe sometimes,

trust

is the greatest truth of all.

General!

Word from our scouts

says the Yao Army hasn't withdrawn.

Instead,

they've set up camp 20 li from Lucheng.

Reportedly,

they have a new commander now,

named Zhao Jingyuan.

These vile creatures

won't stop haunting us.

We'll run out of

supplies in four days.

They can starve us out

simply by putting us under siege.

Qin Lan,

take three soldiers with you and set out

for Yongcheng

right now to ask for help.

Yongcheng is nearest to Lucheng.

Reinforcements and supplies

can reach us in two days.

All we need to do is hold out for two days.

Then there will be a turning point.

Got it, General.

To General Zhao!

To General Zhao!

Everybody,

drink up!

General Zhao is the best military commander of the Yao State.

Under your leadership, General Zhao,

I believe

our army will be an unstoppable force.

You're just being modest, Counsellor.

It is known to all that you are

a brilliant military strategist

with unmatched intelligence.

This time,

with our joint efforts,

we'll definitely conquer

Lucheng

with ease.

General,

I wish you every success.

We wish you every success!

The general is dead!

Counsellor...

Scram!

Greetings, My Lord.

The battle in the south was proven a failure.

You lost the Battle of Lucheng as well.

I'll make up for it with hard work.

Make up for it?

Your life is worth nothing.

Forgive my ignorance.

Considering my loyal service to the Empress Dowager,

would you enlighten me, My Lord?

Rise.

Thanks, My Lord.

I came here

to give you an opportunity to redeem yourself.

You've seen that man in black.

Do you find him

familiar?

He...

He does resemble someone I know of.

But Prince Annan already died, didn't he?

How is it possible...

Good news, General.

At dawn today,

the Yao Army's general

was killed.

The killer has even placed a flag

in the center of the battlefield.

Now,

the Yao Army

is fluttered.

Who's the killer?

It's not clear yet.

Report!

General,

someone dropped this box

at the entrance to the office,

along with a letter.

Open it up.

[This head is a gift for you]

Could this

have been done by the man in black?

Report!

Military Advisor Qin,

a carrier pigeon brought back a message.

The Yao Army stormed Ninglan.

Ninglan has fallen.

How can we not fight them?

We have to wait.

Do you have a better plan?

-Are you getting cold feet? -We have to preserve our strength!

Zhao Jingyuan's head

is still hanging outside,

dripping blood!

Who led the Yao Army to attack Ninglan?

Enough.

What's the use of bickering?

Ninglan is the most important transportation hub

connecting Yongcheng and Lucheng.

Military Advisor Qin has to pass through

that city when he brings back

weapons, horses,

reinforcements,

and supplies.

Now, we've lost Ninglan.

Military Advisor Qin must be in a tough spot.

Besides,

I'm afraid all our deployments

are within the enemy's expectations.

Now, our provisions can only

sustain the army for three days.

We must recapture Ninglan,

or we will be doomed.

I'm worried

we might lose Lucheng too.

Easy for you to say.

The Yao Army stormed Ninglan with 20,000 soldiers.

We can merely match that number

only if we commit all our forces.

How do we fight them?

What's more,

it's already hard for us to keep Lucheng intact.

If we divide up our forces now,

by the time the reinforcements arrive,

Lucheng will have been lost!

Then what do you suggest?

Sitting back and waiting for doom?

At least we get to live longer that way!

Listen up,

Changfeng warriors would rather die fighting

than die waiting!

That's right!

Enough!

Liu Yun coped brilliantly

when the military commander

was replaced at a critical time.

He's no ordinary man.

This is

the map of Ninglan?

How did you get hold of this treasure?

This will

largely increase our chances

of recapturing Ninglan!

Right.

Yes. Things are looking up now.

Indeed.

We have to take Ninglan back.

Lucheng

must remain ours too.

How visionary of you, General.

We all admire you!

Cheers!

Drink up, guys!

Absolutely!

What a delight!

Drink up!

Let's drink!

Sure!

Stop eating!

Have a drink!

Come on.

Here it goes.

Fill it up.

Guys,

conquering Ninglan

is equal to sounding the death knell for the Taijin Army.

Next,

all we have to do is wait and observe.

By simply besieging them and waiting

till they run out of supplies,

we can easily

conquer Lucheng,

even if we don't launch attacks.

Victory is within reach!

Come on.

Drink up!

Guys,

the credit goes to our counsellor,

this wise strategist

who turned the tables!

We swear to

faithfully

follow

the counsellor's lead!

We swear to faithfully follow the counsellor's lead!

Hubris

leads to downfall.

I dare not be your sole leader.

Captain Jiang,

why not share this responsibility with me?

Under the influence of liquor,

I got carried away.

Please forgive me, My Lord.

Why the panic, Captain?

It's an honor to be a general.

I dare not.

I dare not play this role.

But the army desperately needs a new general.

Well then...

What about the rest of you?

Greetings, General.

Greetings, General.

General Shi Du and General Zhao Jingyuan

died heroically for our country.

His Highness has decreed

enormous support for the bereaved

in honor of the departed.

Our army lost two generals consecutively

all because of the man in black.

But we're not daunted

by his trivial stunts.

Look at our formidable forces.

How is that man alone able to

shake our 50,000 valiant Yao soldiers?

To boost the morale,

His Majesty decided to

promote Tian Daweng

to Guardian General,

who shall command all the troops.

Hopefully,

under the new general's guidance,

our army will capture Lucheng

and bring triumphs to the Yao State!

Capture Lucheng and bring triumphs to the Yao State!

Capture Lucheng!

General.

The Yao Army

has selected a new general?

Strong though their momentum is,

after losing two generals,

they've been frustrated.

Boosting morale is their priority.

They must've picked this new general

with extreme prudence.

But given that they're making

quite a splash now,

I think they're up to something.

At this moment,

it's the best for the Yao Army

to take no action.

They're only making these noises

to attract the man in black.

General, you think

this is a trap for that man?

Liu Yun is indeed a marvelous strategist.

He calculates every step.

He has anticipated each of

our moves.

The only thing he couldn't expect

was the appearance of the man in black.

If I were him,

I'd also like to eliminate that guy soon

to clear all menaces.

Ji Ran!

Yes.

Have 2,000 elite soldiers

follow me to Ninglan with light gear.

You and Luo Teng

will stay put.

General,

this is not a good idea.

The Yao Army has

laid siege to the entire Ninglan.

Though we have the map of Ninglan,

we're still no match for them.

Please think twice about it, General.

The Yao Army

is determined to win this battle.

We have to fight them till our last breath.

Select 2,000 soldiers.

Record

their names

and family backgrounds.

Send the registry to the General's Residence.

They'll all be rewarded.

General...

No more talking.

Do as I said.

Even sky-reaching wings

won't save me from impending danger.

At this point,

I only wish to devote my life

to Taijin

and to the Changfeng Army.

Please

send my corpse to my father.

This undutiful daughter

wishes her father and her brother Ting

lifelong safety and tranquility.

I'm not even

mentioned in your last words.

You're taking

only 2,000 soldiers to the besieged Ninglan.

If the Yao Army learns of it,

they'll strike at you

and hunt you down.

General, are you planning

to use yourself as bait?

I am a general.

There are

certain duties I have to fulfill.

Moreover, I promised Zang Budu

to protect Ninglan,

once the war broke out.

I'm a woman of my word.

However slim the chances are,

I have to take this gamble.

What if you lose?

If I lose,

the blood pact between us will break.

Then you'll be free.

At this point,

you still think that so-called freedom

is what I value most?

My life is bound with yours.

If you are to gamble your life,

I'll make sure you don't lose.

Take 10,000 soldiers with you to recapture Ninglan.

I'll stall the main Yao forces for you.

You figured it out long ago, didn't you?

Are you waiting for me to tell the truth?

I'm sorry...

I kept it secret from you for so long.

The Yao Army has taken action.

They remain resolute

in capturing Lucheng and Ninglan.

Whether you show up or not,

they won't easily back off.

I'd hate to see anyone die in vain again.

I also resent the idea

of you risking your life.

The moment I went on the battlefield

and barged into the enemy's camp

to slay their general,

I already left myself no way out.

You hate for me to risk my life.

I bet you surely understand

I care about you...

just as much.

♪ Take a glimpse at the sweet memories ♪

♪ They accompany me in this long journey of life ♪

♪ Distances don't bother me ♪

♪ The memories will linger on ♪

♪ I hope my love will finally find you ♪

♪ I hope my prayers will be answered ♪

♪ Let me hold your hand ♪

♪ Wish us to be an ordinary couple ♪

♪ May we walk past the hustle and bustle ♪

♪ To the end of the world ♪

Promise me...

you must stay alive.

I wish you a great victory, General.

General,

♪ Though covered by frost ♪

The troop is ready.

♪ I'm ready to salvage the tattered world ♪

But 2,000 soldiers are far from enough.

I forfeit my life to implore you...

♪ My passion is like blazing flames ♪

The general will take

10,000 soldiers with her

♪ No obstacle can hold me back ♪

to reclaim Ninglan.

Jin'an?

Where is the General?

♪ This love leaves me no regret ♪

♪ May the world be filled with romance ♪

♪ May people be with their beloved ones ♪

Is it really the general's order?

♪ Holding your hand, I'll pray for peace ♪

General!

♪ No regret, no sorrow ♪

♪ When the gilding wears off ♪

Ji Ran,

select 10,000 soldiers.

♪ We'll still be together ♪

I'll take them to Ninglan.

Yes.

Ninglan is easy to defend, but hard to attack.

There are 20,000 Yao soldiers there.

We'd better get this battle over with

as soon as possible.

Ji Ran,

protect Lucheng.

New supplies will arrive within two days.

Yes,

General.

I will defend

the city with my life.

Attention, soldiers!

March to Ninglan.

Defeat the Yao invaders!

Defeat the Yao invaders!

Charge! Charge! Charge!