Original subtitles

[Shadow Love]

[Episode 20]

Shuang.

You'd go drown your sorrows alone

whenever you were upset.

So this time,

I've warmed up the wine

for you in advance.

How did you know I was upset?

Didn't I tell you

my senses are extraordinary?

I heard everything you and Ji Ran discussed

in the side hall.

Can't you control your senses?

You were talking with the door open.

It didn't seem to be that private.

Besides,

even without this ability,

I could've heard everything

just by passing by.

Besides

enhanced senses of

smell and hearing,

do you have any other special abilities?

Can you

see through walls?

Get your mind out of the gutter.

I know not to look at what I shouldn't.

My abilities are just enhanced.

I don't know magic.

I can't see through things.

That's a relief.

Anyway, it's clear

Prince Li wants the Crown Prince dead

since he hired assassins

and even poisoned the blade.

Luckily, the Crown Prince survived.

But now Prince Li's coming to Lucheng.

Are you worried

he'll harm the Crown Prince again?

Prince Li is high-ranking and powerful.

The position of Crown Prince

originally belonged to him.

Holding this grudge for three years,

I'm sure

he'll seize any opportunity

to eliminate him.

The Li family and Changfeng Army

have always been your Achilles heels.

Crown Prince must be protected,

and Prince Li can't be offended.

Rather than walking on eggshells,

why don't you

entrust the Crown Prince to me?

To you?

I can't guarantee I'll get along well

with the Crown Prince,

but I'm sure

I can protect him.

Do you have other concerns?

The matter of the man in black

has reached the capital.

Crown Prince hasn't mentioned it,

but I still feel uneasy.

Actually,

besides my enhanced senses,

my strength has also changed.

I no longer need to

rely on

the Lingxu acupoint to fight well.

And it seems

my strength keeps growing.

I once appeared as the man in black

to avoid your suspicion.

Now that you know who I am,

I don't need to hide anymore.

The man in black

will probably never appear again;

just Jin'an.

Your bodily changes are so unpredictable.

If left unchecked,

could you end up hurting yourself?

Mo Yin is from Wuling Mountain.

Since he cured Crown Prince of poisoning,

perhaps

he can also unravel the secret of your body.

I'll go ask him.

I know you worry about me.

But actually, I've already

asked him myself.

He said...

He said

if I keep my power under control,

I'll be fine.

What about you?

Have you taken the tonic

Lu Xin prescribed

for your qi and blood?

How have you

been feeling?

If you can control your power well,

I shouldn't suffer from backlash.

Besides,

since returning from Cang Mountain,

I've been very healthy.

That's good.

Did Shuang get you

to come escort me?

Does it matter?

If it was Shuang's idea,

I need to know the reason.

If you took it upon yourself,

all the more do I need to know your motive.

Prince Li will arrive in Lucheng soon.

From today on,

I'll personally attend to Your Highness.

Are you scared?

Understandably so.

You survived

assassination attempts and poisoning.

By now,

you must be well aware of

why Prince Li is coming to Lucheng.

I'm the Crown Prince.

If Prince Li wants to kill me,

those around me will be in danger.

By being my bodyguard,

aren't you afraid of death?

If you die,

the one who suffers won't be me

but Shuang.

By protecting you,

I'm safeguarding Shuang's peace.

Besides,

it's not that easy

to kill me.

Quite confident, aren't you?

Prince Li is surrounded by skilled fighters.

What makes you so sure you can protect me?

Last time, you were willing to die

for Shuang.

That was when I knew

you really like her.

Since we're both serious about her,

there must be a winner.

Until everything is settled,

Your Highness must stay alive.

Your Highness hasn't fully recovered.

Be careful not to catch a cold.

Your Highness,

are you still troubled about Prince Li?

You're of noble status.

No matter how bold Prince Li is,

he wouldn't dare act openly,

especially here

in the General's Residence,

with General Li present.

Huai'en.

We've been in Lucheng for days now.

Have you heard anything

about the man in black?

Since defeating the Yao Army,

that man seems to have vanished.

Have you discovered something?

Isn't it odd that

he accomplished such a great deed,

yet there's no trace of him

and even no mention of him?

Could he be

hiding in Changfeng Army,

or perhaps here?

Don't make

baseless claims.

Noted.

Over there!

Father is here.

Father is here.

I'm so scared.

Don't be scared.

Don't be scared.

With Father here,

you have nothing to fear.

Don't be scared.

Don't be scared.

[Lucheng]

[Lucheng]

I wanted to keep a low profile

on this trip.

This is rather extravagant.

Your Highness has had a long, tiring journey,

Ensuring your comfort

is just my duty.

General Li is still waiting for you at the post house.

Should I send someone

to inform her?

I'm tired.

[Liu Yu] [Governor of Lucheng, Taijin]

Then please rest well, Your Highness.

I'll take my leave.

Is Your Highness

planning to meet Li Shuang in person?

I must find out for myself

what

she really thinks.

It doesn't matter

if the Crown Prince is

still alive.

He'll have to meet his end eventually.

If he's dead,

it'll save me considerable effort.

By then,

even if Li Shuang refuses to surrender,

she'll still be implicated.

What if the Crown Prince isn't dead?

Then it depends on Li Shuang's attitude.

In the worst-case scenario,

we must make them understand that

the Li family's backing of Crown Prince

is useless.

[General's Residence]

Unaware of Your Highness's arrival,

I failed to welcome you properly.

Please forgive me.

Last time, due to my negligence,

I kept you waiting at the post house.

Do you hold a grudge against me?

I wouldn't dare.

When news of assassination attempts on Crown Prince reached the capital,

the court was in turmoil,

and memorials impeaching the Changfeng Army

piled up like mountains.

But considering the Li family's generations of meritorious service,

I personally intercepted them all.

Just to

do you a favor, General Li.

If someday

I need your assistance,

I hope you'll support me wholeheartedly.

When the time comes, don't forget

that I was the one

who preserved your life

and your family's honor.

Greetings, Brother.

I didn't know you were coming.

Sorry for the late greeting.

Please forgive me.

We're brothers.

No need for such courtesy.

You've lost weight, Crown Prince.

Are your wounds healing?

Has your poison been fully neutralized?

Thanks to you,

I'm out of danger now.

That's good.

General Li and I were just

discussing the assassination attempt on you.

How's the investigation going, General Li?

Your Highness,

the assassins' identities

haven't been fully confirmed,

but we've gathered substantial evidence.

I believe the truth

will come to light soon.

Then, we'll report every detail,

however minor, to the court.

But I've heard that

on the day of the incident,

all the assassins

were killed on the spot by Crown Prince's guards.

If they'd arrested someone alive,

the investigation wouldn't be so difficult.

Crown Prince's guards

are so inept,

unable to protect their master

nor make proper arrests.

Baoxing.

Yes.

My guards have followed me for many years;

all absolutely loyal.

Don't be naive.

If they're just loyal, that's fine,

but what if someone harbors ill intentions

and conspires with rebels?

How would I explain to Father then?

I've brought quite a few men with me this time.

I'll leave some clever and reliable ones

here by your side.

As your elder brother,

I'll feel more at ease this way.

Help!

Crown Prince!

I haven't seen you before.

When did Crown Prince recruit you?

Your Highness,

I serve the Li family;

temporarily assigned

to serve the Crown Prince.

But didn't they say

only female servants work

at the General's Residence?

It's understandable though.

Stationed at the border,

General Li must have many lonely nights.

Just as men traditionally have multiple wives and concubines,

General Li now has a wife

and a concubine.

How delightful!

Your Highness.

I, Li Shuang, am solely devoted to protecting the homeland

and nothing else.

Please—

Your Highness is naturally brilliant

and all-knowing.

I am

truly in awe of you.

You're a clever one, huh?

Go on.

How am I so brilliant?

Just now, Your Highness mentioned

the Crown Prince's poisoning.

However,

the public only knows about the assassination attempt

and not his poisoning.

This must mean

Your Highness has

exceptional perception.

Of course,

with your meticulous mind

and your love

for your brother,

it makes sense that

you noticed his pale lips and weak qi,

and logically inferred

that he was poisoned.

General Li.

I heard Crown Prince was poisoned

and on the brink of death

but was saved by a miracle doctor.

Bring this person

to dine with us.

Go invite him.

I'm not going.

After freeloading at the General's Residence for so long,

surely they can ask you for a favor.

Freeloading?

I've moved all my belongings here.

I see patients and write prescriptions all day

and brew medicine all night.

My delicate skin

has been ruined by the heat and overwork!

I'd really love to leave.

Would your general let me go?

Don't waste your time.

Bureaucratic gatherings filled with fake niceties

are beneath me

and my refined elegance.

The situation is urgent

and delicate.

After I help Shuang through this crisis...

I'll consider your proposal

to return to Wuling Mountain with you.

On one condition:

you must behave yourself.

In my eyes,

you are no different from

my medicine utensils.

Who are you to order me around?

This outfit is exquisite,

while this one's elegant.

Which do you think is more appropriate

for the event?

I've heard that in our previous battle with Yao State,

a heroic man in black swooped in to help

defeat the Yao Army.

Mr. Mo Yin, since you're skilled in detoxification,

could you be

that very man in black?

Is that an insult, Your Highness?

That man masked his face with black armor,

so he must be extremely hideous

and ashamed of his face.

I'm drop-dead gorgeous.

How could he be mentioned in the same breath as me?

You're amusing,

very much to my liking.

Speaking of the battle at Lucheng,

Li Zhangyi was ordered to supervise but neglected his duties

and nearly caused a disaster.

But General Li, in your memorial,

you accused him of treason.

May I ask if that was an exaggeration?

Your Highness.

I merely

reported the facts.

That Li Zhangyi was

putting on airs

in the name of Your Highness.

I didn't want your reputation to be tarnished

because others mistake you as covering up for him.

I didn't expect you to be

so considerate of me.

I've really failed to appreciate your kindness.

It's only right that I offer you a toast.

The life of a warrior is brutal and harsh,

yet you still have such fair skin,

outshining my pampered concubines.

Your Highness!

Your fine clothes are stained,

undermining your dignity.

You should get changed.

Those uninvolved should vacate the room.

We'll take our leave.

I told you

such impulsivity would harm others and yourself.

Regain composure

and control the Jade Linglong—

Jin'an!

Calm down!

When the shadow puppet goes berserk,

it truly loses all sense of rationality.

No way.

Why don't I remember anything?

At the banquet just now,

if I hadn't stopped you for fear of exposing the secret

of Wuling Mountain,

I'm afraid everyone in that room

would have died on the spot.

There's no more room for delay or excuses.

Today,

you must leave with me.

No.

I can't.

Shuang is still in danger.

I can't abandon her.

You still don't get it?

Right now,

you're her greatest threat.

Jin'an.

What happened just now?

Was it because of that flame pattern?

You're bleeding!

It's because of me.

I'm sorry.

I lost control in my rage...

and hurt you again.

I'm fine.

Don't worry about me.

Although Prince Li is domineering,

he'll take Changfeng Army into account

and won't go too far.

I understand you're resentful.

But now isn't

the right time to turn against Prince Li.

A little self-inflicted injury to rekindle old feelings

and win hearts.

Well played, Brother.

Though I'm not gifted,

I'm not one to court death.

The poison I'd been given

is extremely rare.

With your power,

there's nothing you can't know.

I'm sure you

understand the situation better than anyone.

Is that so?

Everything I have is bestowed by Father.

If you have any doubts,

you may plead your case before Father

and let him make the final judgment.

You worthless dog!

If Prince Li were hurt,

could you bear the consequences?

I'm sorry I wasn't sturdy enough

and startled Your Highness.

Please spare my life, Your Highness!

Have mercy, Your Highness!

I beg for your mercy!

Your Highness,

in this world,

the greatest danger is falling from great heights.

Nothing's more reliable

than your own family.

In that case,

the most suitable candidate

would be my brother.

I'll have to trouble you

to serve as my stairs, Brother.

Your Highness,

the Crown Prince is of noble status.

Would it be appropriate?

You have a point.

In that case,

you can take his place.

-Watch it— -As your brother...

I'm willing to serve you

to my best ability.

Your Highness!

Hit the road!

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

How preposterous

for a prince to humiliate the Crown Prince in public.

If he keeps giving in without fighting back,

I fear things will only get worse.

You've smashed almost everything.

Still not satisfied?

If you're not done,

keep smashing.

Your Highness.

With such a reaction,

aren't you afraid of eavesdroppers

reporting it back to Prince Li?

So what if he finds out?

Isn't this what he wants to see?

He was clearly

trying to back you into a corner.

Yet I couldn't do anything about it;

only submit to his bullying.

Your Highness.

I've led troops to battle

for many years.

No matter how uneven the odds,

I never admit defeat

until the very end.

Just like these damaged flowers,

as long as there's a glimmer of hope,

they won't simply wither away.

But Prince Li has

made thorough preparations.

He wouldn't make things easy for me.

Shuang.

Will you help me?

Your Highness,

as long as you're in my residence,

I'll do everything to protect you.

Shuang.

You're all I have now.

Don't be so courteous.

It's our duty.

Actually,

my visit to Lucheng

isn't just to reward the troops.

Father has also entrusted me

with another important matter:

to find the man in black

and bring him to meet Father.

This man in black was vital

in Changfeng Army's triumph

over the Yao Army

in the battle of Lucheng.

If such a talent

could serve the imperial court,

he'd surely

make a formidable general.

Your Highness,

the man in black is incredibly powerful,

but his whereabouts

are unpredictable,

and he never shows his face.

Finding him won't be easy.

This man is

extraordinary,

yet his identity

and allegiance

remain completely unknown.

As a general,

you didn't bother investigating him.

Shuang,

this isn't like you.

Or perhaps...

You've actually already

discovered his true identity in private?

If it weren't for the Changfeng soldiers

risking their lives

and fighting fiercely,

how could the man in black alone

have turned the tide?

So,

rather than relying on one man,

we should unite as one

and build a prosperous nation,

such that

millions of citizens will

all be like the man in black.

What does Your Highness think?

Your Highness,

I've fought alongside him,

with our lives entrusted to each other.

I haven't investigated deeply,

but I'm willing to trust him.

Very well.

I understand.

If there isn't any other matter,

we shall take our leave.

Wait.

Shuang.

Isn't today

your birthday?

If you're willing,

could I join you for a few drinks?

Thank you for your concern,

but it's been a while...

since I've celebrated my birthday.

Besides,

you haven't fully recovered,

so you shouldn't be drinking.

Please rest early.

-Shuang! -Shuang!

What's wrong?

I'm probably just tired.

I just need some rest.

I'll take you back.

I'll take you to your room

and then call Lu Xin.

No need to make such a fuss.

I'm fine already.

Now's not the time to put on a brave face.

This is clearly another backlash reaction.

It's all my fault

for losing control today again.

Since I promised you

to take good care of myself,

I'd keep my word.

I'm really fine now.

What's wrong?

I'm scared.

Don't worry.

You won't lose me so easily.

Actually,

I cherish myself

more than anyone else.

As a general,

I absolutely won't

allow meaningless sacrifice.

For you

and for the mission

I carry on my shoulders,

I'll stay strong and live well.

You mean

protecting Changfeng Army

and repaying Grand General Li?

Yes.

But not just that.

Do you remember

why I named you Jin'an?

"May Taijin

enjoy lasting peace."

All my life,

I've practiced martial arts, not only to repay my father

for raising me,

but also to fulfill my own wish...

That is, for everyone

to enjoy lasting peace.

But now Taijin is

in turmoil.

If matters get out of hand,

bloodshed will be inevitable.

Over the years,

His Majesty has been obsessed with immortality,

neglecting state affairs.

Except for border matters,

everything else

is handled by Prince Li.

If someone power-hungry

like Prince Li is given power,

he'll only desire more.

So you're willing to make an enemy of him

to protect Su Muyang.

The Emperor is incompetent,

and Prince Li is cruel;

neither is fit to rule the nation.

But the Crown Prince is different.

He is benevolent

and kind.

If we do our best to protect him,

Taijin might

still have a glimmer of hope,

and the commoners

will get to lead better lives.

So,

with so many things left to do,

I'll stay strong and live well.

Come with me.

To think there is

such beautiful scenery

in these deep mountains.

The water over there

comes from the hot springs on the mountain,

so it's warm here all year round,

with flowers always in bloom.

How did you find this place?

When I was restless at night,

I slipped out for a walk

and chanced upon it.

What a pity

that such a picturesque place

has no visitors.

The Crown Prince said

that today's your birthday,

so I brought you here

as a birthday gift for you.

♪ Memories dye the red thread completely ♪

♪ A tiny spark burns in the heart ♪

♪ Asking the moon if the old friend seem as at first sight ♪

♪ Silently the threads of affection pull ♪

♪ Yet they turn into this endless longing ♪

♪ The bonds of this life are hard to untangle ♪

Actually,

today isn't my birthday.

♪ Heaven and Earth cycle endlessly ♪

♪ In a fleeting glance, affection lingers ♪

Today is

the anniversary of my father bringing me back home from the streets.

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

So...

I consider it my birthday.

All these years,

♪ Counting the days and nights ♪

I've always celebrated it alone.

♪ Gently caressing every inch of time ♪

Has your father never celebrated with you?

Father has been good to me.

♪ Traversing mountains and rivers, never separating again ♪

He saved my life,

raised me,

and educated me with great care.

♪ No regrets in this life ♪

That's why

I can't take his kindness for granted

♪ Seeking a lifetime side by side ♪

and act like a spoiled kid.

♪ Eternity in a moment ♪

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

♪ Staying close even through partings, never straying far ♪

So you don't

remember your birthday.

♪ United as a song of promise ♪

Likewise, I've been a drifter,

so I don't know mine either.

♪ Encircling you and me ♪

Why don't we make today

our shared birthday?

♪ Endless longing that cannot be expressed ♪

But birthdays are sacred;

not up to us.

What's wrong with this?

In those biographies you love,

they always say,

"We may not have been born on the same day,"

"but I wish to die on the same day as you."

This way,

we would be

born together,

as we'll die together.

♪ Don't ask how long the journey is ♪

♪ What fear is there if black hair turns to grey? ♪

After we get through these difficult times,

the sky will clear again.

♪ In other words, my heart is complete with you ♪

And every year after,

we must celebrate our birthday to the fullest.

Every year,

♪ The transient days go on without cease ♪

we will keep

traveling hand in hand to many places

♪ We'll always be together and watch the fireworks in the mortal world ♪

and enjoy all the beautiful landscapes.

♪ Though past days fade like dreams, do not forget them ♪

Year after year,

for an eternity.

♪ 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 ♪

♪ Our fate in this lifetime ♪

♪ Unforgettable and everlasting ♪

♪ 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 ♪

♪ Only one person can hear my promise ♪

♪ It echoes for thousands of years ♪

♪ I hope this love will never change ♪

♪ I'll stay by your side ♪