Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 13]

If that's the case,

let's settle all accounts.

You've spoken inappropriately to me multiple times.

What punishment do you think you deserve?

I was trying to save you,

and save myself as well.

But if you want to talk about genuine feelings,

there were some as well.

What about just now?

Your wounds have clearly healed,

yet you still asked me

to feed you medicine.

Since I arrived at your residence,

I've rarely seen you so gentle.

So

I just got a bit carried away.

I originally wanted to enjoy it for a few more days,

but

I couldn't bear

to see you

working so hard for me day and night.

You looked quite pretty that day

in that dancer's outfit.

When will you

wear it for me again?

How dare you talk nonsense like that!

Shuang!

How is she?

How long have you been experiencing these dizzy spells?

It's been a while.

I just didn't pay much attention to it.

You're suffering from melancholy,

combined with deficiency in both qi and blood.

If this continues,

there will be serious consequences.

You really need to recuperate properly.

It can't be that serious.

I just need some rest.

You're always like this.

When your soldiers have even the slightest ailment,

you're more concerned than anyone;

but when it comes to yourself, you keep making all the excuses.

This time, you were unconscious for a day,

and you were lucky it wasn't worse.

But what about next time?

Report, General.

We've received a message from the capital.

[To Li Shuang]

Look at the state you're in.

How can you read letters?

Don't read it. Rest.

A letter from the capital must carry important business.

Don't be petulant.

Don't read it.

Give it to me, Lu Xin.

Don't be petulant.

Come on.

Father writes that

His Majesty

has pardoned our Li family's crimes,

and Father has been reinstated to his post.

That's great!

Cuiyun.

Make a run to the Changfeng Army

and deliver this news

to Qin Lan and Luo Teng.

Yes.

Now that peace has been restored

and everyone is happy,

you can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Why not take this opportunity

to properly recover?

When you're feeling better,

we'll go to Cang Mountain together.

I know

a unique medicinal herb which grows there,

the dragon blood herb.

It's excellent for replenishing blood and qi—

just right to help you recover.

Cang Mountain?

Cang Mountain is a hundred li from Lucheng.

I'm the General.

How can I abandon my post without permission?

It's exactly because you are the General

that you must take care of yourself.

The Yao State has already withdrawn their troops.

In the short term,

they won't wage war again.

So put your mind at ease.

But

there are still many important matters in the camp that need my attention.

Those matters

can be handled by Qin Lan and Luo Teng.

Your top priority now

is to recover your health.

If your health fails,

who will lead the army in battle?

Besides,

didn't you just promise me

that you would take better care of yourself?

What,

are you already going back on your word?

General.

This coachman looks a bit unfamiliar.

I just recently recruited him.

What,

Miss, you think I'm not reliable?

To be honest with you, Miss,

I know every inch of Lucheng

and all its roads, big or small,

like the back of my hand.

With me, Ouyang Jun, as your guide,

you can rest completely assured.

Ouyang Jun?

That name sounds

suspiciously boastful.

What was that?

I'm full?

I mean full of yourself.

Well, thank you then.

By the way, General,

I forgot to tell you

the wheel is broken.

We won't make it halfway before it falls apart.

I think we should get it fixed before leaving.

How long will that take?

Fixing it isn't the problem;

it's just we need to unload the heavy stuff first,

otherwise it'll be hard to work on.

Go ahead and fix it.

What's your surname?

None of your business.

Qiao will accompany me on this trip.

You all stay at the mansion.

If there's any urgent matter, send a message by carrier pigeon

without delay.

Don't worry, General.

Ouyang Jun, let's go.

Yes.

Please go upstairs.

Private room guests have arrived!

Please take care.

Honored guests, are you looking for lodging?

Our inn has all kinds of rooms:

some with mountain views, some with lake views,

others overlooking the street.

-Which kind would you prefer? -Where are we?

Cang Town.

I want...

[No matter where you are,]

[you should enjoy life.]

[You are the only person]

[in this world who truly matters to me.]

[I hope you can live a better life.]

Give us the best rooms.

Certainly!

Please come in, everyone.

Lu Xin?

My mouth really hurts.

Seems my efforts weren't wasted.

Someone has finally learned to enjoy life.

Well, someone told me that

occasional indulgence

can't really be considered wasteful.

Shuang,

since when have you been so willing to spend money?

Is my room like this too?

This is our room.

Our?

I booked two rooms.

We have three men and three women,

so three people per room—

cozy but just right.

Money

should be

spent when necessary

and saved when possible.

What are you listening to?

Are you a ghost?

I don't think it's because of my light footsteps,

but rather your heavy thoughts.

Aren't you here to see Shuang?

Why don't you go in?

What are you doing?

Jin'an has something to tell you.

The carriage is ready.

We can leave

for Cang Mountain early tomorrow morning.

Got it.

I'll be going then.

Wait.

Qiao

bought a lot of candy.

We can't eat it all,

so take some back with you.

Let me try a piece.

This is not for you.

Thank you.

I thought

you bought this candy...

Just let me try some.

He's been standing at the door for quite a while.

Are you asleep?

Yes, I am.

Then chat with me for a while.

What stage are

you and Jin'an at now?

What?

What do you mean by "what stage?"

You two are always flirting.

Do you really think I can't tell?

Actually, Jin'an

is quite nice.

He's handsome,

considerate,

and knows how to make you happy.

Back then, he risked his life to take Li Zhangyi hostage,

all to help you and the Changfeng Army enter the city, right?

When you were unconscious,

he refused to eat or drink,

and stayed by your side for a whole day.

I've never seen a man

so completely devoted.

It's a shame that

he's a bit weak though.

Two punches and he'd be down.

If there's ever a real emergency,

he'd be useless for sure.

That man in black who appeared earlier,

what's your relationship with him?

Why do you want to know?

I heard that man in black

defeated the Yao Army and was unstoppable.

The people all say he's a great hero.

No wonder you can't decide.

Are you considering him as well?

You're getting more and more ridiculous.

Even if you don't think about him,

he might think about you.

If he only cared about fame and fortune,

why did he disappear

as soon as the battle was over?

When it comes down to it,

it was a hero saving the damsel.

What a headache.

One is handsome and considerate,

while the other is strong and brave.

How should you choose?

Just take them both.

Nonsense.

Men can have multiple wives,

so why can't women do the same?

One could

accompany you on the battlefield,

while the other stays at home

for romance and pleasure.

Just imagine how wonderful that would be.

You'll truly be a pioneer among women

and a model for us all.

I know you have doubts about me.

But you're a good person.

And I really have no reason

to dislike you.

Have you forgotten

that I caused you to fall off that cliff?

I'll never forget that.

But there were reasons for it.

Besides,

I'm still alive, aren't I?

Stop pretending to be nice.

I know

when I was imprisoned,

you went to see the General to plead for me,

and that's why I was pardoned.

You did that just to win me over.

I won't be indebted to you.

Do you think

everyone will fall for

your cold and aloof act?

Let me tell you,

I helped you for no other reason

than Lu Xin.

Miss Lu?

If Lu Xin hadn't pleaded for you,

you'd probably

still be rotting in prison.

A girl willingly

lowers her pride

and devotes herself entirely to you,

and what do you do?

You just sulk all day,

showing no gratitude

and treating her with contempt.

The falling flower may have feelings,

but the flowing water is indifferent.

If she continues to pursue me like this,

she'll only get hurt.

That may be true,

but you still don't have to be so cold.

You can be nicer

and still make your point.

Though the world is vast,

this dragon blood herb

is a miraculous medicine that only grows on Cang Mountain.

Even in the prosperous and magnificent Yunjing,

it's nearly impossible to find.

What's so special about it?

Is it the Supreme Lord's Golden Elixir?

If that's the case,

our quest for this medicine

seems quite challenging.

We came here

fully prepared for a difficult journey.

At worst,

we'll just have to put in more effort.

We'll find it eventually.

Ladies and gentlemen,

your noodles are ready.

Let me.

Careful, it's hot.

Sir,

do you know

how long it takes from here

to Cang Mountain?

Are you folks heading to Cang Mountain?

Could it be for

the dragon blood herb?

You know about the dragon blood herb too?

Around here,

every household grows it.

We have as much as you want.

There's even some under your table.

So...

So beautiful.

Your arms must be tired.

Put it down now.

Why give me that face?

I did say this herb grows exclusively on Cang Mountain,

but I never said it's rare.

There's plenty indeed.

Never mind.

At least we've found what we came for.

Let's buy some

and take it back to Lucheng.

That won't do.

Although this herb is very potent,

its effectiveness depends entirely on freshness.

Once picked for more than half a day,

it becomes no better than dried grass.

So it must be consumed fresh on the spot,

and it needs to be taken for at least three days

to be effective.

This young lady really knows her stuff.

The ones under your table

are quite fresh.

You've said enough.

You may get back to work.

Health comes first.

Since we're already here,

let's follow Lu Xin's advice

and stay for a few more days.

I suppose that's the only choice.

Hey, Missy.

Wait for me.

Missy, let's take a break.

We've been walking for two hours.

Missy!

Wait up.

You're walking too fast. I can't keep up.

You're weak.

Don't hold me back.

This poor girl,

selling herself to save her mother.

She really is.

How pitiful.

This girl is truly unfortunate.

What do you want to do?

Help her.

Why?

I've seen this kind of act too many times.

It's all fake,

just some old tricks we've used ourselves.

Don't believe it.

Let go.

I'm telling the truth.

Don't be rash.

Take this money.

Go home and get treatment for your mother.

May I ask your name, Miss?

I'm willing to serve you in any way

to repay your grand gesture.

No need to repay me.

Once the illness is cured,

just eat well

and live a good life.

What a kind person!

Thank you, benefactor! Thank you!

This girl.

Even more stubborn than a mule.

So many people.

How lively.

Everyone!

Our tavern has been open for five years now,

and thanks to your patronage, business is booming.

Today,

we're holding a wine-drinking competition.

Anyone

who participates

will get 30% off their meal.

Great! Great!

And the winner

can eat for free!

Great! Great!

Would any

of our guests like to join the competition?

I'll do it!

Me!

Any other guests willing to compete?

Let's go join the competition too.

You can drink?

I can't,

but you can.

Didn't the owner say

just participating can get us 30% off?

Alcohol is bad for your health.

Don't go.

That's because you don't know how much Shuang can drink.

She knows her limits.

I know my limits.

A young lady is participating too!

Please. Please.

She really knows her limits.

Right?

What?

Nothing.

Let's have a drink.

Everyone!

Let the competition

begin!

Great! Great!

Drink! Drink!

Stop drinking if you can't take it anymore.

Don't fuss.

Drink up!

That's about enough. They're all...

Well done!

Nice!

Everyone!

I declare

tonight's winner

is this young lady!

Nice! Well done!

Everyone!

Thanks to the owner's generosity

for waiving my bill.

Everyone's drinks tonight

are on me.

Great! Great!

She's had too much to drink.

Let's go.

Let's go dancing too.

Come on, let's dance!

♪ Memories dye the red thread completely ♪

♪ A tiny spark burns in the heart ♪

♪Asking the moon, does the old friend seem as at first sight ♪

♪ Silently the threads of affection pull ♪

♪ Yet they turn into this endless longing ♪

Jin'an, come dance with us!

Come on.

♪ The bonds of this life are hard to untangle ♪

Come and dance.

♪ Heaven and Earth cycle endlessly ♪

♪ In a fleeting glance, affection lingers ♪

♪ I wish to stay with you, watching fate fade like smoke ♪

♪ Counting the days and nights ♪

♪ Gently caressing every inch of time ♪

♪ Traversing mountains and rivers, no separation remains ♪

Come on.

♪ No regrets in this life ♪

♪ Seeking a lifetime side by side ♪

♪ Eternity in a moment ♪

♪ Braving life and death to fulfill the vow of growing old together ♪

♪ Staying close even through partings, never straying far ♪

♪ United as a song of promise ♪

♪ Encircling you and me ♪

♪ Endless longing that cannot be expressed ♪

You look quite beautiful

when you're drunk.

I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself.

The Changfeng Army

is in need of talent right now.

Your martial skills are impressive.

Why not stay

and do something meaningful for your country and people?

Your men

could also stay in the camp

and have proper jobs.

Lady Li.

Here.

You've impressed me once again today.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Lady Li.

I don't mean to gossip,

but has Miss Qiao

always been this stubborn?

Today at the market,

we met someone selling herself for her mother's burial fee.

I told her it was a scam,

but she...

But she wouldn't believe it.

Exactly.

She emptied her money pouch for that girl.

I checked afterward,

and that woman

specifically targets passersby.

Even those egging her on nearby

was part of the scam.

Qiao is the type

who appears tough

but has a soft heart.

Do you know

how she entered my General's Residence?

Stop hitting her!

She'll die if you keep going at her!

Stop!

Stop!

Get up.

Come on.

Or she'll really be beaten to death.

Indeed.

Beating a defenseless woman

in broad daylight.

What kind of crime is this!

My Lord,

but we paid for this.

One is willing to beat, the other willing to take it—

what crime is there in it?

That's right.

She voluntarily signed

this life-and-death agreement.

My Lord,

don't blame them.

They paid to hit me.

This is a business transaction.

These ropes

were also tied by myself.

If you pay,

you can beat me too.

What kind of business is this?

This...

-Thank you, My Lord. -Thank you, My Lord.

Make way. Move.

Break it up.

Let's go.

Do you want me to take you to a doctor?

Are you hurt anywhere else?

I'm alright,

My Lord.

Why are you in this kind of business?

Their lives are hard,

and they're full of anger,

so they need someone to take it out on.

I've trained in martial arts since childhood.

I can take a beating.

I see there are

many shops hiring assistants in town.

Why don't you try that instead?

I did.

They

complained about how much I eat,

and after just a few days,

they kicked me out.

What about your family?

Why don't they care about you?

They died

in the war.

What's your name?

You can call me Qiao, My Lord.

Qiao,

would you like to

come work for me?

Will I get enough to eat?

So this girl Qiao

has had a hard life too.

Qiao is just

this kind of person.

She'd rather be deceived herself

than have one more person

in this world suffer like she has.

I was wrong.

It won't happen again.

Cheers.

Bottoms up.

Miss. Miss.

Come dance with us!

Let's dance!

Why are you here?

Is this a good time?

Of course it is.

No, it's not.

Our General needs to rest.

You seem well-fed.

I noticed you were just drinking earlier

and barely ate anything.

Try some.

It smells wonderful.

Careful, it's hot.

Smell it. Doesn't it smell great?

-I can't take it anymore. -Doesn't it smell great?

General, I'm too full.

The smell makes me feel like vomiting.

I'll go outside to digest a bit.

Is it really that bad?

Why did she leave?

Perhaps

she went to find more food.

Come on, have a try.

It tastes so good.

Really good.

Why aren't you eating?

Have some yourself, too.

Eat.

It's good.

Have another one.

You eat it.

I have something for you.

"The Tale of Mr. Bat."

Let me.

I've wanted to give this to you for a while,

but

I never had the time.

Since we'll be staying here for a few more days,

reading some books

might help pass the time.

Why does this

look different from what I usually read?

The paintings on this

are much more detailed.

Look,

what's this?

The original ending for Mr. Bat

was too tragic.

So I wrote my own version.

Although the story

isn't as dramatic as the original,

at least

everyone gets a happy ending.

When you read it,

you won't feel so sad.

You know what?

In this world,

how can everything go as one wishes?

Things that are already destined

should

not be forced.

But I believe

we make our own fate.

As long as you're determined,

you can definitely change the outcome.

Thank you.

No need to be so formal with me.

No,

it's not about Mr. Bat.

There are many things

I need to thank you for.

If it weren't for you,

how could the countless soldiers and civilians of Lucheng

enjoy today's peace?

But there's one thing.

I'm afraid the matter of the man in black

can't be kept secret any longer.

But don't worry.

Although I've reported everything truthfully,

I

didn't reveal your true identity.

I understand.

The higher you rise, the more attention you attract.

You're trying to protect me.

But this way,

all your military merits and salary

will be gone.

This is

really unfair to you.

In that case,

I really am at a big disadvantage, right?

But don't worry,

I'll take care of it.

Just think about what you want.

Other than promotions and titles,

I'll give you

anything else you want.

My greatest wish

is to stay by your side forever.

Listen.

Things that have already come true

don't count as wishes anymore.

Think of another one.

If I must make a wish,

I hope that you, who are invincible on the battlefield,

after leaving the battlefield,

could be like an ordinary woman—

someone who can feel fear,

hunger,

and cold;

someone who needs warmth

and protection from others.

General?

Gen...

Shuang.

Shuang.

Did you call me?

Shall we drink?

Let's drink!

Come on,

let's go get a drink.

Let's go

get a drink.

Let's go for a drink.

Come on.

Let's go.