Original subtitles

OST credit

♫ I'm a mortal under the sky ♫

♫ The masses speak of my arrogance ♫

♫ I aspire to fly high ♫

♫ My hands cannot conceal the light ♫

♫ Not everything will pass ♫

♫ Looking back, I can't change everything ♫

♫ I'll become a thing of the past ♫

♫ I'm curious about what you covet ♫

♫ Accidentally, I found out a secret ♫

♫ The politics upon my lips ♫

♫ Has overthrown it all ♫

♫ It's not steadfast ♫

♫ Standing right here ♫

♫ You follow the rules I made ♫

♫ Apply skills to cure diseases ♫

♫ Eradicate the maladies in this vast land ♫

♫ I am but a commoner ♫

♫ I intended to be steady step by step ♫

♫ I am but a commoner ♫

♫ I can tell what's true and what's false ♫

♫ I am but a commoner ♫

♫ I like music and hate intrigues ♫

♫ I used to see hills full of lonely souls ♫

♫ I feel regret for my recklessness ♫

♫ Leaving future generations to review my scribbles ♫

♫ My hands cannot conceal the light ♫

♫ Not everything will pass ♫

♫ Looking back, I can't change everything ♫

♫ I'll become a thing of the past ♫

♫ We only have one life, and take it easy ♫

♫ My chessboard involves two sides ♫

♫ As I lay out my strategy, you take a hint ♫

♫ When you feel regret, it's too late ♫

♫ So many tricks and lies ♫

♫ I witness what you've done ♫

♫ May we live and die together ♫

[Guardians of the Dafeng]

[Episode 16]

I just can't stand it anymore.

Those who don't respect the law can't enforce it.

Those who don't correct themselves can't correct others.

Today, I won't take it anymore.

Thus, I request to resign.

You may also execute me.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ⚔️ Champions of Justice ⚖️ Team @Viki.com

Chun.

- Chun. - Chun.

I got news from above.

You're specially permitted to come.

But you only have 15 minutes.

- It should be enough, right? - Yeah.

Of course, that is if you can wake him up.

Wake him up?

See, he's been asleep for several days.

It's normal for warriors.

That's what my father dreamed.

Thank you.

Qi'an.

Qi'an, come on.

Are you practicing?

Mind and spirit are one.

Mysteries of breath control.

Realm of refining spirit.

[7th-Rank warrior with the realm of refining spirit]

It stinks.

I've stayed up for several nights

to reach the realm of refining spirit.

Why are you here?

Yesterday, your colleague delivered a message about your experience.

Lingyue left for Yunlu Academy to notify me.

When I heard you were in trouble,

I rushed back overnight.

At dawn, I entered the city right after the city gate opened.

How are you all?

My mother didn't sleep all night.

She sought help from fellow townsmen.

My father went to the Bureau of Astronomy and the Imperial Sword Guard.

Lingyue couldn't stop crying.

When she saw me, she couldn't speak, her lips trembling.

Lingyin is also very worried about you.

She only had some porridge in the morning.

I feel sorry about that.

I've asked my teachers for help.

But Wei Yuan's relationship with the academy is not good.

Mr. Zhao said you were recommended by Princess Huaiqing.

Only she can save you.

Sadly, I can't see her outside the palace.

No worries.

Just now, your two colleagues told me

they could help me get the pass.

I'll go into the palace to find her.

Cijiu.

Don't you blame me?

Yes, I do.

I blame you for not killing that rat.

Good for you.

I'm sorry.

I will save you.

Don't worry.

I'm a lucky man.

Anyway, it's not my first time in prison.

Besides, Princess Huaiqing is on my side.

I'll be fine.

I hope so.

Do you have money?

Sure.

Go find that jailer.

Retrieve an item of mine from him.

It's the Jade Stone Mirror.

If you get it, go to the Anji House in the east with it

and find a person named Heng Yuan.

Ask him to pass a message to number One.

Just say that number Three has been locked in the Guardian's prison

and asks for help.

What if the mirror is missing?

Then forget it.

You don't need

to find Princess Huaiqing.

A Bronze Gong, a token, a sword,

or a uniform can't be taken away.

The rest is okay.

Man, please send my message.

[Certificate of Authority]

[Princess Huaiqing]

I am a student of Yunlu Academy.

I'm here for Princess Huaiqing.

Please send my message.

Wait here.

We can only get you here.

I'll leave the rest to you.

Thank you both, Mr. Song, Mr. Zhu.

As long as Ningyan is saved, everything will be fine.

Your Highness, a guest is here.

I'm Xu Xinnian from Yunlu Academy.

Greetings, Your Highness.

What brings you to see me?

My cousin Xu Qi'an is in big trouble.

I request Your Highness to help him out.

Xu Qi'an?

What happened to him?

A Bronze Gong seriously injured a Silver Gong.

That must have been a lethal blow.

To put it seriously, this is an attempted murder.

Qi'an was impulsive indeed.

But if he hadn't taken action,

that poor woman would have been insulted by Mr. Zhu Junior.

Qi'an's righteousness made him fight against a powerful man.

Qi'an is not a scholar.

Yet he chose to sacrifice himself for righteousness.

How did Mr. Wei handle it?

Mr. Zhu Junior was dismissed and was never employed again.

Qi'an will be executed in seven days.

This is a letter from the great scholars, Mubai and Youping.

I earnestly request Your Highness's help.

[Zhang Shen, Li Mubai, Chen Youping]

I see.

However, the Guardians are subordinate to the royal family.

They only take orders from Father.

I can only do my best.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I can't put all the chips on Princess Huaiqing.

She has promised me. Whether she will put in any effort is unknown.

Xu Cijiu.

Over these years, what have you been doing exactly?

I must perform well in the next year's imperial examination.

Your Highness. I've found out. What Xu Xinnian said is true.

Did Xu Qi'an and Mr. Zhu Junior have any grievances?

They didn't associate with each other.

Mr. Zhu Junior indeed envied and detested Xu Qi'an in private.

Was the family of the magistrate of Taikang County implicated

and sent into the Bureau of Music?

No. Actually, over these years,

Mr. Zhu Junior has repeatedly committed acts of humiliating criminal officials' womenfolk.

However, no one stands up for these women.

I also found out

that Mr. Zhu Junior intended to force Xu Qi'an to take action.

- However… - However,

he never thought a Bronze Gong could unleash such enormous power.

I got it. You may leave.

Yes.

[Eternal Stability of the Nation]

[The Emperor's House]

Your Majesty. You're awake.

What time is it?

Your Majesty. It's the first quarter of the yin hour.

It's getting cooler.

When you're cultivating yourself, please take care of your body.

Is there any news from the Lingbao Pavilion?

I've already given the order.

Once the Grand Master gets out of his seclusion, I'll be told.

Your Majesty, Sangbo suddenly exploded.

The temple has been destroyed.

The temple has been destroyed.

[Eternal Stability of the Nation]

Wei Yuan.

- Your Majesty. - The ceremony has just ended.

How could such a thing happen?

I'm checking on it.

Where is the Mighty Sword?

It fell into the Sangbo Lake. It's being retrieved.

Where is Jian Zheng?

Your Majesty. News has come from the Bureau of Astronomy.

It says Jian Zheng is unwell and can't come.

The rest of the bodies were just like them.

Your Majesty, we haven't found any trace of a strong enemy's invasion.

Wei Yuan.

By His Majesty's command, no entry is allowed.

Huaiqing.

How is it going?

I have no idea.

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei. How did it go?

The temple was destroyed by a man.

But he's long disappeared.

Is it related to the ceremony that day?

His Majesty has ordered me to solve the case within fifteen days

and find the culprit.

I have informed Your Majesty

that it's not easy to solve this case.

I still feel somewhat restless.

Your Majesty, you have closure.

You have to find the sticking point.

Indeed, I have closure.

Could the Grand Master come out of seclusion earlier?

I'll draft the decree immediately and confer on her the Consort.

[Chu Yuanzhen, fourth rank of Human Sect] As Your Majesty wishes,

I'll tell my master about it.

Alright. No worries. It's already settled.

Father. Is this related to the anomaly of the ceremony?

Father, I just encountered Mr. Wei.

He expressed his difficulties to me.

In my opinion, Mr. Wei hoped I could plead for him

to buy him a few more days.

I happen to know an ace detective.

If he takes part in this case, he will solve it within half a month.

Who is it?

- This man is a Guardian, Xu… - That's not appropriate.

Princess Huaiqing is promoting her people again?

Father.

Father. The Crown Prince hasn't said anything yet.

Yet Huaiqing wants to seize the opportunity before others.

- What do you say? - What is your view?

I don't know.

I only know your health is above everything.

Father, Sangbo is a forbidden area.

I'm curious about the treasures inside.

If bad people can enter at will,

they can also infiltrate my residence.

Nonsense.

I can protect you. Nobody dares to hurt you.

The Sangbo's explosion is a huge thing.

The court is filled with fear and anxiety.

Father. I'm not skilled at investigating cases,

but I can let imperial guards and capable officials assist.

I'll surely solve this case.

If the Crown Prince works on it, I have no objections.

Let the Crown Prince handle this case.

Yes, Father.

So, Mr. Wei hinted at Your Highness to help.

But it was stopped by Princess Lin'an.

Obviously, Lin'an doesn't know about Xu Qi'an's matter.

Why didn't you remind her?

If Lin'an knows it, she will help Xu Qi'an.

It wasn't the right time just now.

Tell her now.

Father is suspicious.

The Sangbo's explosion is a great threat to the royal family.

At this time, recommending her guest scholar

would unavoidably arouse Father's suspicion.

To my surprise, she risked angering Father,

but she backed down after hearing your words.

That's strange. Huaiqing never does such a thing.

Your Highness.

Your Highness. Bad news.

- What's it? - I just heard discussions in the palace.

Xu Qi'an has been locked up in prison.

- What? - I inquired from them.

They said Xu Qi'an killed a Silver Gong in public. It's a grave taboo.

Mr. Wei, in anger, sentenced him to the death penalty.

This time, I'm afraid Xu Qi'an is doomed.

Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an. No.

Please save him. Please save Xu Qi'an.

- Please. - Don't panic. Who is Xu Qi'an?

He is one of my guest scholars.

Your guest scholar is a Guardian?

I must save him.

- Lin'an. - Your Highness.

Slow down, Lin'an.

[Righteous People]

Just as Your Highness predicted,

Princess Lin'an indeed went to the Imperial Study.

Xu Qi'an violated the law. And he's one of Mr. Wei's men.

Father won't step in.

Unexpectedly, Princess Lin'an begged earnestly

and claimed Xu Qi'an was her kept man.

Her kept man? Quite absurd.

However, that's something she would say.

His Majesty became furious at once.

He has summoned the Crown Prince and Consort Chen.

Father is just momentarily angry.

Everyone knows Lin'an would never do such a thing.

Does she know what she was talking about?

[Quiet Cultivation] I really don't know what a kept man means. Father.

My servants taught me to say it. Brother.

I thought they advised me to keep a guest scholar,

a leader of the guest scholars.

Mother, please trust me.

Shut up. Kneel.

Your Majesty.

Although Lin'an is naughty, she never does anything absurd.

I implore Your Majesty to judge.

Father, Lin'an was just eager to save a man.

It must be a misunderstanding. I implore Father to judge.

Your Majesty.

You want to anger me to death, right?

I made a mistake. I don't dare to have a kept man.

He's just a Bronze Gong.

You want to save him that badly?

Yes, I do.

He can compose poetry and solve cases.

He can solve cases?

He is a master at it.

I've seen him reviewing the dossier.

- How was it? - He solves cases with incredible speed.

I request Father to allow him to investigate the Sangbo case

to pay for his crime.

Okay.

Since you think highly of him,

I'll give him a chance to work with you on this case

to get absolution.

Thank you, Father.

If he fails to solve the case within half a month,

I'll have him executed immediately.

Are you Mr. Xu?

You are…

Some Imperial Sword Guards asked me to tell you

they have something urgent today and won't be coming.

Those rats. They promised me when we drank yesterday.

Yet no one's coming today. They're so unreliable.

Ningyan.

I promised your father to protect you.

Although I'm not very strong,

I must keep my promise.

Your noodles.

Didn't I tell you not to put coriander in it?

Why did you put it again?

- Give me some garlic. - Okay.

Garlic makes noodles tastier.

After I'm well-fed,

I'll have the energy to do serious things.

Ningyan.

Wait a little longer.

I'll help you out after finishing the noodles.

New garlic?

So good.

The imperial edict has arrived.

The Bronze Gong Xu Qi'an

is a master at solving cases.

I'm giving him a chance to make amends for his crime.

If he solves the Sangbo Lake case

within half a month, he shall be pardoned and reinstated.

Otherwise, uphold the original conviction.

Furthermore, the Guardians will assist with all their might.

Be noted.

Yes.

Mr. Wei.

His Majesty has shown mercy to a Guardian.

I must say Xu Qi'an is such a lucky man.

Thank you for coming.

Mr. Wei.

Return.

Xu Qi'an is so lucky.

What a fool you are.

Why did you insult me?

Why do you think Mr. Wei talked to Princess Huaiqing?

Mr. Wei deliberately hinted to Princess Huaiqing outside the study.

So, she recommended Xu Qi'an to His Majesty,

giving Xu Qi'an a chance to get absolution.

I don't need you to tell me that.

I am well aware of it.

I just didn't point it out.

Are you that smart?

Enough.

Stop arguing.

Get Xu Qi'an out of the prison.

Yes.

Send someone to inform Li Yuchun

that His Majesty has allowed Xu Qi'an to pay for his crime by solving the case.

He has been reinstated.

Additionally,

make it more solemn.

Ningyan.

I promised your father to protect you.

Although I'm not very strong,

I must keep my promise.

Where is the latrine?

Ningyan. You won't have to die, Ningyan.

His Majesty gave you a chance.

Hurry up.

Buddy.

You're killing me.

I'm going to be crushed to death.

Get off me.

Ningyan.

I just got diarrhea.

And it took a while.

I'll take action right now.

Ningyan, I'm coming.

Who are you?

How dare you break into Haoqi Tower.

Who are you?

Sir.

I'm just passing by.

If you excuse me,

I'm leaving.

Stop.

What are you doing with the knife?

It's tied too tightly.

Look, it's hard to untie it.

Man, do me a favor.

Ningyan.

An explosion at Sangbo?

His Majesty has allowed me to solve this case?

This time you're really lucky.

Your life has been spared.

How did His Majesty learn of this?

We only know Mr. Wei went to Sangbo to meet with His Majesty.

And this morning an order was issued for your immediate release from prison.

Mr. Wei?

Get out of here. This place is ominous.

Let's go.

Go.

You're out, huh?

Mr. Jiang.

They've told me.

Mr. Jiang pleaded for me.

Thank you for that.

Not at all.

Besides, you did nothing wrong.

Gold Gongs are on your side.

Man, good for you.

When I'm free, I'll compete with Yang Yan

to get you.

I am flattered.

This is…

This man has gone mad.

At the doorstep of Guardian Yamen,

he wielded a little knife, making a scene.

I captured him.

- He must be crazy. - Yes, indeed.

But then again, Mr. Jiang,

this man dared to barge into the yamen.

Perhaps there's someone behind it.

In my opinion, put him in jail and torture him.

He will speak in the end.

Makes sense.

Guards!

Just throw him into the prison.

- Torture him. - Sure.

Mr. Jiang, I have to go.

Alright.

- Mr. Jiang. - Yes.

- Mr. Jiang. - Let's drink when you're free.

Alright.

Let's go.

Ningyan.

Ningyan.

What's the matter, Ningyan?

I heard someone calling me.

Don't be silly.

You're dismissed and never come again.

Don't worry, man.

He and I will help you investigate cases and keep you safe.

My good man.

[Xu Mansion]

Cijiu, Princess Huaiqing…

Princess Huaiqing is wise.

Hopefully, she will help.

Mother, Cijiu. Eat something.

Only then will you have the energy to think.

We don't know if Ningyan has food to eat in jail.

Mother. Lingyue is right.

Eat something to have the energy to think.

Lingyue. You haven't been eating much these days either. Eat some.

If I had known at the time,

I wouldn't have taken him in.

Haven't you always been reluctant to take Qi'an in?

Don't you know me?

If Ningyan's father hadn't saved your father,

we wouldn't have a home, let alone have you.

Mother, what's wrong?

Nothing. I'm just a bit anxious.

Eat something to replenish your strength.

What are you eating behind my back?

Qi'an, you're back!

Douding, let me hug. Did you miss me?

I've missed you for a long time.

What are you eating? I've been starving.

Let me look.

Shut up. There's no food for you.

What's wrong?

Cijiu told me you had no appetite when I wasn't home.

That's not true.

My appetite is great. I eat well every day.

Where is Lingyue?

Qi'an.

Qi'an. I thought…

Alright. I heard you also didn't eat.

Yeah, I even gave my favorite chicken leg to her.

Good girl.

Alright, I'm fine. Sit down and eat.

I'll cook another dish.

Don't bother, Lingyue.

I'll get the cup.

You eat. Don't bother him.

Which is your chicken leg?

♫ Flowers in the courtyard bloom and wither we've been growing over time ♫

♫ The wind blows across my hair I make tea in my leisure time where does the traveler come from ♫

Let's drink.

Slow down.

Qi'an.

What a beautiful night.

Allow me to create a poem.

You can't compose poems, but you can't drink more.

♫ My worries vanished in a moment ♫

♫ No need to long for vast and distant lands ♫

I didn't meet Heng Yuan at Anji House.

Make plans to rescue Qi'an.

Plan one, father finds Princess Huaiqing

and explains it all to ask His Majesty for mercy.

Plan two, father goes to see Jian Zheng to protect Qi'an.

♫ It's strange bustling, and noisy ♫

♫ Just laugh or cry ♫

Right, where is Pingzhi?

Yesterday, I saw him going out to buy roast chicken.

He said I loved roast chicken when I was little.

He gave me this yesterday

and said the underpaid monthly allowance was all in here.

He told me to spend it frugally.

Mother. Didn't you give that bracelet to Ms. Wang?

Your father said I wore it when I married him.

I kept it even in prison. I must have it.

It's more precious than my life.

Did you complain to my father again?

No, I didn't.

As you know, your father always feels he is useless and owes us.

Where on earth did he go?

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ⚔️ Champions of Justice ⚖️ Team @Viki.com

song credit

♫ Flowers in the courtyard bloom and wither ♫

♫ We've been growing over time ♫

♫ The wind blows across my hair ♫

♫ I make tea in my leisure time ♫

♫ Where does the traveler come from ♫

♫ Stars shine through the window eavesdropping on us ♫

♫ We laugh under the moon ♫

♫ Day and night your words ♫

♫ Sound like poetry to me ♫

♫ The world outside is bustling and noisy ♫

♫ My worries vanished in a moment ♫

♫ No need to long for vast and distant lands ♫

♫ Focus on your worldly life ♫

♫ It's strange bustling, and noisy ♫

♫ Fortunately, there is warmth to get ♫

♫ A hand to hold you ♫

♫ A man to understand you ♫

♫ A man who knows you're different ♫

♫ Stars shine through the window eavesdropping on us ♫

♫ We laugh under the moon ♫

♫ Day and night your words ♫

♫ Sound like poetry to me ♫

♫ The world outside is bustling and noisy ♫

♫ My worries vanished in a moment ♫

♫ No need to long for vast and distant lands ♫

♫ Focus on your worldly life ♫

♫ It's strange bustling, and noisy ♫

♫ Fortunately, there is warmth to get ♫

♫ A hand to hold you ♫

♫ A man to understand you ♫

♫ It's strange bustling, and noisy ♫

♫ Just laugh or cry ♫

♫ The vast mountains and rivers can't compare to what's before our eyes♫

♫ The world outside is bustling and noisy ♫

♫ My worries vanished in a moment ♫

♫ No need to long for vast and distant lands ♫

♫ Focus on your worldly life ♫

♫ It's strange bustling, and noisy ♫

♫ Fortunately, there is warmth to get ♫

♫ A hand to hold you ♫

♫ A man to understand you ♫

♫ A man who knows you're different ♫