Original subtitles

(song title)

♫ 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 19]

You mean…

I wouldn't dare to make unfounded remarks.

But this matter involves the Kui tribe.

And there's a desire to release the sealed entity at the bottom of the lake.

It's certainly not as simple as the ordinary quest for power and profit.

Holding power within the court,

with an opportunity to form a secret alliance with the Kui tribe.

Xu Qi'an, you've got some nerve to suspect the King of the North.

King of the North?

Yes, Your Majesty.

It has been some years since he returned to the Capital City.

Your Majesty,

do you have plans to summon the King of the North back to the Capital City?

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

For all these years, never having won.

It's quite boring.

Your Majesty, playing chess is like cultivating the mind.

I wish to play with Your Majesty again.

You play.

- Cultivate your mind. - Yes, Father.

I wouldn't dare. I know nothing about the powerful ministers in the court.

I focus solely on handling cases.

How could I suspect him?

Mr. Wei has a point. You truly are a clever person.

Would you be willing to serve me?

I have dreamt of nothing more.

But I am now a guest scholar of Princess Lin'an.

Although it was under a misconception, it is a fact.

If I were to pledge allegiance to you now,

I'm afraid it would invite gossip.

I'm not afraid of that.

I just fear it would bring unfavorable influence upon Your Highness.

I also have no fears.

[For Official Use of Princess Huaiqing's Mansion]

I'm willing to lay down my life for Your Highness.

- Rise. - Yes.

I'll take you to Wenyuan Library.

Yes.

Come here and take a look.

Within the boundaries of the Capital City, aside from the magic tools within the palace,

Yunlu Academy, and the Bureau of Astronomy,

[Bodhi Beads] only these can shield against the Qi Observation.

Which treasure do you want?

Those Bodhi Beads.

[Pitch-Pot]

Sir, 600 taels.

Thank you.

No way.

Could it have been Zhou Chixiong sitting in the carriage then?

No. Jinlian said there should be a woman in the sedan chair.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I've gone through all the dossiers here.

I still haven't found the relevant magic tools.

The types of magic tools are complex.

It's impossible for all of them to be recorded in the Wenyuan Library.

It seems we're going to return empty-handed today.

However, I've thought of something.

I'm not sure if it's related to the magic tools.

A year ago, Princess Pingyang, daughter of Prince Yu,

fled due to dissatisfaction with her marriage arrangement

My Father was furious.

He ordered warlocks from the Bureau of Astronomy

to pursue her using Qi Observation Technique.

Ultimately, they caught nothing.

Could it be that Princess Pingyang also possesses a magic tool?

I'm not sure.

But there's a person who had a close private relationship with Pingyang.

You know her well.

It couldn't be…

Lin'an.

Your Highness, the day is warm and sunny.

It's the perfect time for playing embroidered ball.

Your Highness, I've just been to Guiyue Tower to buy your favourite snacks

and cold yogurt as well.

They're all delicious.

You haven't eaten yet. Would you like to get up and taste them?

Xu Qi'an

is a lowly servant, a villain!

Your Highness,

you are a princess of a nation. You alone have the His Majesty's favor.

You have as many skilled craftsmen and capable hands at your command as you want.

Why be obsessed with a mere Xu Qi'an?

He can write poetry.

What's so important about poetry?

Even if you don't attend the poem gathering, with your intelligence and wisdom,

you can still outshine Princess Huaiqing.

- Really? - Of course, it's true.

Tell me, what intelligence and wisdom do I possess?

You all tell me.

Large eyes.

Good temperament.

Good at playing shuttlecock.

You can keep cats.

Your Highness, they speak so casually and you have four advantages.

Your Highness.

I am a princess of Dafeng.

I'm deeply favored by His Majesty.

Though I'm lacking in talent and wisdom…

No.

Though I'm lacking in talent and wisdom,

I can find the most talented person in the world to be my guest scholar.

What you said just now is right.

There are so many skilled people in the world. Just a mere Xu Qi'an.

Consider it a gift from me to Huaiqing.

That's great, Your Highness.

You've finally perked up.

I've perked up.

I thought Xu Qi'an would consider the old affection

and find it hard to choose between me and Huaiqing.

I didn't expect him not to hesitate at all.

Who am I? I am the No. 1 princess of Dafeng.

I have a temper.

I swear I will never meet him again.

- We are irreconcilable. - Yes, irreconcilable.

Your Highness, I'll go look for a new guest scholar for you.

I just don't believe it.

There are so many scholars in Dafeng. Do I have to stick to Xu Qi'an?

- Right, let's go now. - Let's go.

Your Highness.

Mr. Xu is seeking an audience outside the door.

[Shaoyin Palace]

Xu Qi'an, why have you come?

Xiaogang, I'm here to see Huaiqing…

I'm here to see Princess Lin'an. Please announce my visit.

Her Highness is in a rage and will not see you. You should leave.

Her Highness is angry?

Which blind fool has angered Her Highness?

Tell me, I'll take care of him.

- Did he really say that? - Your Highness, how can you still laugh?

He's so shameless. It's clear he's just opposing you.

Yet he acts as if it's none of his business.

But I did deceive him first.

He made me angry once. Then we're even.

No, Your Highness.

Didn't you just say you two are irreconcilable?

Yes.

Don't I often say I want to send you out of the palace?

Those are angry words. They don't count.

No way, Your Highness.

If you let him off so easily, he will surely think you are too flexible.

How will he take you seriously then?

You have a point.

We need to make him learn his lesson.

[Shaoyin Palace]

It's already been two hours.

Neither told me to leave nor came out to meet me.

Could it be that she wants me to learn a lesson?

This is no way to go on.

I've got it.

He's still here.

Who's there?

He is still here.

Really sincere.

Invite him in.

Your Highness, you can't.

Why not?

Just a bit of summer heat. If he can't even withstand such a small test,

how can he be wholeheartedly loyal to Your Highness in the future?

That may be so, but…

Your Highness.

Mr. Xu just fainted at the doorstep.

Fainted?

Mr. Xu said he stood at the door for too long.

Scorched by the blazing sun, heatstroke set in.

His old wounds from attacking the Silver Gong days ago have recurred.

I did not make him stand in the scorching sun.

He said this is a show of sincerity.

Sincerity?

Mr. Xu also said, if he can't even withstand such a small test,

how can he be wholeheartedly loyal to Your Highness in the future?

These are clearly my own words!

Your words? He also told us not to mind him.

He will wait until Your Highness change your mind.

Even if the sun burns fiercely, he'd wait.

He will wait until the end of time.

Playing this game with me.

Sweet talk to win Her Highness's favor. Dream on.

Invite him in.

No, Your Highness. So, you're just going to let him off?

- That's about enough, isn't it? - But he clearly did it on purpose.

I know, but the sun is so intense outside.

Even without injuries, he could suffer from heatstroke.

Your Highness, don't be soft-hearted.

Xiaogang, forget it.

- Your Highness. - Xiaogang.

No way. While I'm here today, don't even think about going out to see him.

Which of us is the princess?

Who has the final say in this Shaoyin Palace?

Of course, you have the final say.

- Invite him in. - Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Wei.

[Titled with the character "moon"] The moon sets, crows cry, and frost fills the sky.

River maples and fishermen's lights accompany the sleep of the sorrowful.

Spring's beauty makes it hard to sleep.

Did Lin'an really compose these poems?

Yes, Your Majesty.

The great scholars at Imperial Academy praised Princess Lin'an

for her substantial progress.

They also say that with time, Princess Lin'an

is sure to be the new star in the field of poetry.

She can be compared with Princess Huaiqing.

- Truly she is my daughter. - Yes.

Once she got the hang of it, she really showed her potential.

Yes.

Wei Yuan, take a look at the poems Lin'an composed.

Congratulations, Father. It seems Lin'an can hold her own at the poem gathering.

How is it?

- Keep it safe. - Yes.

Your Majesty, the spirit loong has just emerged from the water.

The spirit loong? I haven't seen it for a while.

However, the spirit loong seems quite excited today.

Or rather, a bit restless.

Several princes wanted to ride it, but they were all thrown off.

Strange, the spirit loong is usually gentle by nature

and completely obedient to the royal family.

Why would it become frenzied for no reason?

- Let's go have a look. - Yes.

Sir, please wait.

Is there any Guardians by the lakeside today?

Mr. Xu is there.

He even wrote a poem that was well-received by everyone.

What's wrong, Mr. Wei?

Nothing.

What's the matter with you?

The princes have played with you since they were little.

Why did you throw them into the water without any reason?

I haven't been close to you for many years.

You must be feeling lonely.

Your Majesty's grace endures through the ages.

As soon as you arrived, the spirit loong became so jubilant.

The spirit loong's previous

abnormal behavior must have been caused by missing Your Majesty.

[Shaoyin Palace]

- Your Highness. - Your Highness, he is awake.

Greetings, Your Highness.

You think you're my subordinate?

Yes.

Didn't you leave with Huaiqing? Why have you come back?

Mr. Wei instructed me. It was out of helplessness for the investigation.

Once the matter there was settled,

I immediately came back to apologize to Your Highness

What sin have you committed?

I have committed three sins.

Firstly, I failed to congratulate you in time

for winning the top honor at the poem gathering.

Secondly, as a guest scholar,

I failed to promptly notice Your Highness's distress.

- Thirdly… - Enough, speak quickly if you have something to say.

- What's your purpose? - Purpose?

I am merely here to apologize.

Aren't you sworn to follow Huaiqing unto death,

steadfast and unchanging?

What's wrong? Didn't she recruit you?

She did recruit me, but I refused.

Your Highness treat me with sincerity.

How could I be a fickle person?

[For Official Use of Princess Huaiqing's Mansion]

Huaiqing's token?

- She forced me. - A two-faced, backstabbing scoundrel!

It seems Your Highness still don't understand me.

Understand what about you?

As a commoner, I am not my own master.

During the tumultuous time of the Officials Appraisal, everyone was at risk.

My Xu family bore the tax silver case and offended Minister Zhou.

I was even imprisoned three times.

It was Princess Huaiqing who recommended me to become a Guardian.

She saved my Xu family from dire straits.

How could you expect me to refuse her?

I am a criminal who is about to be executed by waist-cutting.

If it weren't Princess Huaiqing

but a prince, a minor official,

or even a eunuch

that offered me a chance today,

I could not refuse them.

You agree, don't you, Your Highness?

Forget it.

Rise.

Though I accepted Princess Huaiqing's token,

my heart still inclines to you.

Spare me these sweet nothings.

I don't buy into this act.

You made me lose face in front of everyone.

That's because I deceived you first.

Besides, I'm not familiar with Wei Yuan.

Nor did I have Jian Zheng give you the black gold blade.

I said those words as a countermeasure

just to secure your loyalty to me.

In that case, let's consider past matters settled.

Your Highness really are understanding and reasonable.

From now on, you can be at ease as my guest scholar.

As for Princess Huaiqing,

if you have concerns and cannot refuse her,

I will find another way so you won't be put in a difficult position.

That would be very good.

Your Highness, right now, I just don't want to waver.

Don't want to waver?

The unwavering loyalty to Your Highness.

Are you bewitched? What do you mean by this?

This is a testament to my undying loyalty to Your Highness.

I said I don't buy this act.

If there's nothing else, you may leave.

There's something else?

No, nothing else.

Then go.

I shall take my leave then.

Don't dawdle. If there's something to say, just say it.

I do have a matter.

Do you know Princess Pingyang?

Your Highness, Mr. Xu indeed successfully met with Princess Lin'an.

The two of them have now gone to the Imperial Garden together.

What have you found out?

The Princess Pingyang may be involved in the Sangbo case.

But this is just my guess.

The case is now complicated and confusing.

The whereabouts of the princess must be thoroughly investigated.

Therefore, regarding the disappearance of Princess Pingyang,

please disclose all you know.

You mustn't tell others.

Only I will know of this matter.

I don't know where to start.

But Pingyang is my best friend in the palace.

She is the best person in the world.

Lin'an, come quickly.

I'm coming.

Take this.

[Dafeng, Princess Pingyang, Daughter of Prince Yu]

Lin'an, pass me the scissors.

- Catch it, Lin'an. - Alright.

We must not be discovered.

Quick.

We grew up together.

Throughout Dafeng, she was the one whose spirit best matched mine.

Though we were of noble status,

having been born into the royal family,

we were taught from a young age to be gentle and graceful.

It wasn't all that free and easy.

Lin'an.

You two are both princesses.

How could you climb up the tree to pick pomegranates?

Never mind, calm down.

Take a seat first.

But we were fortunate

to have met each other and become close friends.

She was like another me in the mirror.

Dare we still pick pomegranates?

Who dares not?

I thought life would just pass by tranquilly,

growing up, getting married, and growing old.

But I didn't expect her aspirations to be even higher than mine.

She was also braver than me.

Do you mean Princess Pingyang's elopement?

I hadn't noticed it before.

Only now do I feel

perhaps since we met that man in Qinglong Hall,

in her heart,

a plan to escape had been brewing.

Qinglong Hall?

That man is a wanderer from Qinglong Hall, called Heng Hui.

- Here, take it. - Thank you.

- And this one. - Thank you.

- Those days... We often went to Qinglong Hall - Take this.

to help those poor children.

Lin'an.

How are you? Stop crying.

It's okay.

Come on. Once the medicine is applied, it won't hurt anymore.

[Heng Hui, Wanderer]

It was then that Heng Hui appeared by our side.

Through coming and going, we gradually became familiar with each other.

Jianzhou is located to the northwest of the Dafeng Capital City.

[Jianzhou] Take the water route directly to Jianzhou.

It is said that the mountains there are rugged and the water flows swiftly.

Hence it is known as a place of natural peril.

Legend has it that there is a fierce dragon in the waterway.

Whoever passes by, it will stir up waves and winds.

Heng Hui is a wanderer.

He has seen the famous mountains and rivers and experienced local customs

and people of Dafeng.

I envy him a lot.

I suppose Pingyang feels the same.

♫ 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 ♫

So sweet.

♫ Day and night your words ♫

Try this.

Lower, a little lower.

♫ The world outside is bustling and noisy ♫

♫ My worries vanished in a moment ♫

That's amazing.

♫ A man to understand you ♫

♫ Also understand your uniqueness ♫

Until the day when Father arranged a marriage for Pingyang.

Afterwards, she asked me,

[Geography of Dafeng] if a person could grow wings,

would they no longer be bound by these high walls?

[Jianzhou]

I vaguely feel that one day

she will shock the world with her unconventional ways.

[Geography of Dafeng] But unexpectedly…

Lin'an, I am leaving.

No way, how can you two escape the royal inspection?

The Bureau of Astronomy has the Qi Observation Technique.

If they catch you, you guys are done for.

Lin'an, rest assured.

We have made all the arrangements.

I came just to see you before I go.

- But… - The vast world encompasses a myriad of things.

I do not wish to waste my life confined within walls.

Heng Hui's geographical records only have records of Dafeng.

But I want to leave my footsteps all over this world.

Lin'an,

can you keep a secret for me?

Yes.

Once I reach the southern border,

I will write to you.

Wait for me.

I will definitely come back to meet you.

Pingyang just left like that.

The matter of Princess Pingyang

relates to the reputation of Prince Yu and even the entire royal family.

It is bound to cause turmoil within the imperial court.

Exactly.

This matter has caused a huge stir in the capital.

Even the family that was to be married into by Pingyang was implicated.

Prince Yu withdrew from the court.

It's said that Prince Yu died of disease

due to the matter of Princess Pingyang's disappearance.

That's not it.

Although Prince Yu was angry that Pingyang eloped without saying goodbye.

His death was also due to attacks by political enemies.

It led to his fit of rage.

Attacks by political enemies?

Do you know who is responsible?

I don't know.

Now, only Princess Yu is left in the mansion.

She's deeply shocked and bedridden.

She nearly cried herself blind.

You needn't blame yourself. This is not your fault.

There are naturally many regrets and mishaps in this world.

You're right.

What's important now is to find Pingyang's whereabouts.

Has there been any sighting of Princess Pingyang since?

Not once.

She didn't come back even after her father's recent death.

What if Heng Hui isn't a good person

or they encountered danger on the way?

Your Highness, don't worry.

When they escaped, they brought a magic tool that can shield their aura.

If they intentionally hide their tracks, it is not difficult.

Perhaps, but Pingyang did not intend to deceive me.

She told me all the places she would travel to along the way.

After the disturbance was settled, I sent people to look for her in private.

But it was as if she vanished into thin air.

Vanished?

Did you inquire at Qinglong Hall about Heng Hui's whereabouts?

Yes, but there was no sign of him.

Even his closest senior has also disappeared.

Is his name Heng Yuan?

Exactly. He is not someone to be trifled with.

As expected.

Thank you, Your Highness. The information you provided is very useful.

You really did me a great favor this time.

Your Majesty, be careful.

- Your Majesty. - Father.

Be careful.

Don't harm it.

Father, what's wrong with the spirit loong?

It wants to escape.

Stop it!

If you find any news about Pingyang, remember to tell me.

Okay.

Heaven and Earth, a single slash!

Don't be afraid, I am here.

Could it be that it is frightened?

Don't enrage it!

Stop!

Protect Lin'an!

Don't be afraid.

Protect His Majesty!

Don't come over. It won't harm people.

Don't be afraid. It's okay now.

Don't you be afraid.

Come here, that's right.

It's okay now.

Don't be afraid.

Don't be afraid.

Such a good boy.

Father.

Buddies, you are usually the ones taking care of this little fatty, right?

Does it usually eat a lot?

Father.

You're not injured, are you?

Alright. Don't be scared, it's all fine now.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

You've done very well.

What's your name?

Your Majesty, I am Xu Qi'an.

You are Xu Qi'an?

Your Majesty, this is Xu Qi'an, the investigator of the Sangbo case.

It is him who solved the previous tax silver case.

A Guardian.

Lin'an has mentioned you to me.

Indeed, a young and promising individual.

Father, Xu Qi'an saved me.

Shouldn't he be rewarded?

Of course, he must be rewarded.

The Guardian Xu Qi'an has made meritorious service in protecting the princess.

Award him with a thousand taels of gold and five hundred bolts of fine silk and satin.

No, he saved my life.

I must repay him.

Therefore, I earnestly request Your Majesty to pardon him of his death penalty.

I have permitted him to atone for his crimes by rendering meritorious service.

My words cannot be changed halfway.

The deadline remains half a month.

If you can solve the Sangbo case,

I will naturally pardon your death penalty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Beast.

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

OST credit

♫ The bright mirror is inlaid with frets ♫

♫ The night breeze goes with the time ♫

♫ Shallow dreams blow out my lantern ♫

♫ Looking back, illuminating the front door. The sound lingers in my ears ♫

♫ With me in this world ♫

♫ The long night is like near dawn ♫

♫ Don't bother asking how I've traveled here ♫

♫ In this world, I'm filled with passion and motivation ♫

♫ Wielding a sword, wearing a cloak, treading on dust ♫

♫ Each step brings a blast of wind ♫

♫ Stay away from the common world ♫

♫ Never to sink with it ♫

♫ Living care freely ♫

♫ Accommodating people with a smile ♫

♫ Want me to confound right and wrong ♫

♫ Forgive me, never ♫

♫ No matter who comes ♫

♫ I hold a great ambition ♫

♫ The weather is dry, the night is deep ♫

♫ Only me getting excited ♫

♫ Only pursue the fairness ♫

♫ Never bend to the officials ♫

♫ The profound mysteries in the Jianghu ♫

♫ With the chivalry and the youth as a weapon ♫

♫ The bright mirror is inlaid with frets ♫

♫ The night breeze goes with the time ♫

♫ Shallow dreams blow out my lantern ♫

♫ Looking back, illuminating the front door. The sound lingers in my ears ♫

♫ With me in this world ♫

♫ The long night is like near dawn ♫

♫ Don't bother asking how I've traveled here ♫

♫ In this world, I'm filled with passion and motivation ♫

♫ Wielding a sword, wearing a cloak, treading on dust ♫

♫ Each step brings a blast of wind ♫

♫ Stay away from the common world ♫

♫ Never to sink with it ♫

♫ Living care freely ♫

♫ Accommodating people with a smile ♫

♫ Want me to confound right and wrong ♫

♫ Forgive me, never ♫

♫ No matter who comes ♫

♫ I hold a great ambition ♫

♫ The weather is dry, the night is deep ♫

♫ Only me getting excited ♫

♫ Only pursue the fairness ♫

♫ Never bend to the officials ♫

♫ The profound mysteries in the Jianghu ♫

♫ With the chivalry and the youth as a weapon ♫

♫ No matter who comes ♫

♫ I hold a great ambition ♫

♫ The weather is dry, the night is deep ♫

♫ Only me getting excited ♫

♫ Only pursue the fairness ♫

♫ Never bend to the officials ♫

♫ The profound mysteries in the Jianghu ♫

♫ The youth is born to be unrestrained ♫

♫ No matter who comes ♫

♫ I hold a great ambition ♫

♫ The weather is dry, the night is deep ♫

♫ Only me getting excited ♫

♫ Only pursue the fairness ♫

♫ Never bend to the officials ♫

♫ The profound mysteries in the Jianghu ♫

♫ The youth is born to be unrestrained ♫