Original subtitles

Song 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, Season 1]

[Episode 23]

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

Your Majesty, this is the wanted criminal Zhou Chixiong,

the former Centurion of the Imperial Guards.

Come on. Wake up.

Spare me, please.

Zhou Chixiong, who instructed you to conspire

[Cosmic Harmony] with the Kui tribe to smuggle gunpowder?

I…

Spare me, please.

Please, sir.

A gentleman should be honest, as should the common man.

Tell me. Who instructed you to collude with the Kui tribe to smuggle gunpowder?

Well…

Minister of Rites,

Li Yulang.

So it was Li Yulang.

It's actually him!

Execute him.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty. This is absurd.

Zhou Chixiong is slandering me.

Zhou Chixiong did not lie.

He did not lie.

Li Yulang, what will you say for yourself?

I'm wronged.

Your Majesty, he surely has accomplices.

Please allow me to interrogate him.

Your Majesty, by law, this case should be handled by the Ministry of Justice.

Let the Ministry of Justice investigate this case.

By your command.

Wei Yuan.

I'll investigate the crimes of Li Yulang.

But if you try to smear someone else,

I won't let it happen.

Wait.

I have heard about what happened Zhou Chixiong me calomnie.

I would like to offer a word of advice to you.

If the royalists press hard again,

you'll be the victim of what you do.

Yang man, how dare you talk nonsense here!

I don't dare talk nonsense.

Honestly, I have some talent in poetry.

I'd like to present you with a poem.

The poem is titled "The Sangbo Case and Mr. Sun".

A poem?

Guess what? He is Yang Ling.

It's rare to see this. Indeed.

Everyone hopes to have a wise kid.

Yet my wisdom has misled me for a lifetime.

I only wish my child to be foolish and simple

and would become a high official, free of illnesses and difficulties.

Well… Why did you say that? Indeed.

Seize him at once.

Take him down.

Mr. Sun, please calm down.

Wei Yuan, he just insulted me.

By law, he should be exiled.

Even if you want to protect him, you can't do it.

Insulting the minister is indeed a serious crime.

However,

if what he said is true,

it's not an insult.

Wei Yuan, you…

Aren't you leaving?

Yes.

Mr. Sun, congratulations to you for being well-known.

How dare you!

How dare…

Mr. Sun.

Mr. Sun.

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei, there's something I don't understand.

Why has His Majesty handed this case over to the Ministry of Justice?

Li Yulang is a member of the royalist party.

If this case were handed over to the Guardian Yamen,

it would implicate a large number of royalists.

Understood.

It will lead to imbalances of power.

Whether one party dominates or joins forces with the other one

is not what His Majesty wants.

So soon.

Mr. Wei, what happened?

It's none of your concern.

The Sangbo case has been concluded.

His Majesty didn't mention you, indicating that he's pardoned you.

You may leave now.

Yes.

Mr. Wei, I fear Zhu Yang is up to no good when meeting His Majesty.

Should we take precautions?

No need.

Yes.

[Lakeside Pavilion]

Mr. Xu, what brings you here?

The princess was in low spirits. So I'm here to see how she's doing.

The princess is in the pavilion.

Why don't you go and talk to her?

Alright.

Your Highness, it's me

Come in.

Xu Qi'an, look.

In the Capital City of Dafeng, even the sun is shackled.

I remember Pingyang mentioned

that the sunset in the South could redden the whole sky.

In the boundless desert, one could freely chase the sun.

The South was Princess Pingyang's destination, right?

Yes.

I have been thinking these days.

Pingyang lost her life in pursuit of freedom.

Yet is it worth it?

Do you have an answer?

I have no clue.

It only adds to my worries.

Please sit. I'd like to hear your opinion.

I dare not recklessly talk about the princess.

But given the circumstances at the time,

perhaps leaving here was the only option for Princess Pingyang.

I have never met her, but from your description,

I know she was free-spirited

and unwilling to be confined by the code of etiquette.

To her, marrying into the royal family might be more terrifying than death.

Isn't it good to be a Princess Consort?

The Princess Consort lives a rich life.

This is what so many ladies dream of.

Then let them pursue it.

Anyway, I never wish for it.

I'd rather die than marry someone I don't love and be trapped

in a boring life.

I will help you escape.

Fly away.

Higher. Fly away.

I was out of line. Please forgive me.

You were right.

That was Pingyang's only choice.

But it's also my only choice.

My Mother has told me

that I'm destined to marry into a powerful clan to stabilize the imperial court

and help my Father.

It will happen soon.

Your Highness.

Now that you're here, drink with me.

As you ordered.

There will be fireworks later.

Your Highness, your fireworks are different from what I've seen.

They are quite beautiful.

Xu Qi'an.

Do you think Pingyang might not be dead?

Instead, she's gone to another world,

watching the fireworks with us.

Yes, of course.

In that world, there is neither lowliness nor nobleness.

Everyone is born equal.

There are no arranged marriages.

Two people meet.

If they fall for each other, they will be together.

Even if one does not find a good match,

there is no need to settle due to external pressure.

Living alone can be quite good as well.

You can freely go wherever you want to.

Do anything you want to do.

Does such a world really exist?

Of course, women can choose not to marry.

In that world, Women and men

can venture out to strive for their ambitions and achieve self-worth.

When they grow old, they can buy a house with their friends

and lead a cheerful and comfortable life.

If such a world really existed,

I would really like to see it.

However…

What?

I am not as beautiful as Pingyang,

not as smart as her,

and not as brave as her.

I can't do anything.

That's not true.

You have many merits.

You're spontaneous and sincere to others.

Even so, I can't bear to leave the people in this world.

I can't bear to leave my Mother

even though she always complains that I never make her proud.

I can't leave my brother.

Every time I'm scolded by my Mother, he is always the first to stand up for me.

I can't leave my Father.

Even though I'm a good-for-nothing,

He still favors me.

I can't leave Xiaogang

and you.

Me?

Although we haven't known each other for long,

I really like your temperament.

Sometimes you're timid.

Yet sometimes you're bold.

You write poetry and solve cases.

You know many interesting things.

You also know I like egg yolk pastries from Delicacy House.

My Mother dislikes its greasiness and doesn't let me eat it.

I have to sneak out of the palace to buy it myself.

How did you know?

She will understand after seeing it.

[Delicacy House]

Someone who cares about you silently told me

Impossible.

Pingyang is already dead.

I have no friends left.

Your Highness, you're drunk.

If you don't mind,

I can be your friend from now on.

I don't want to be friends with you.

♫ A clear sky hidden under the cloud ♫

♫ Tonight, no stars ♫

♫ Quietly waiting for the flowers to bloom ♫

♫ Chasing the south wind through the courtyard ♫

♫ Among all the worldly things ♫

♫ Only you are the hardest to find ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ For you, I am possessed by the spirit of a poetic immortal ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ Even half a verse conveys my thoughts ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ I can recite my longing for you ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ Even half a verse conveys my thoughts ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ I can recite my longing for you ♫

♫ Only because of the good times in this world ♫

♫ All because of you ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ For you, I am possessed by the spirit of a poetic immortal ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ Even half a verse conveys my thoughts ♫

♫ Thousands of phrases and words ♫

♫ I can recite my longing for you ♫

♫ Only because of the good times in this world ♫

♫ All because of you ♫

Your Highness, you're awake.

Slow down. How are you feeling?

I've slept here all night?

Yes.

Where is Xu Qi'an?

Xu Qi'an left before dawn.

He watched over you last night.

holding your hands.

He took advantage of me when I was asleep?

No. He was keeping you warm.

Before he left, he told me to let you eat this porridge as soon as you wake up.

It helps you sober up and warms your stomach. Give it a try.

He said that he made it himself.

He put something unique in it.

Something called chicken extract.

It's quite delicious.

He always has some new stuff.

[Actions Speak Louder Than Thoughts]

[Yang Qianhuan, The Guardian's Notice] Mr. Yang, I transcribed it from the notice.

It wrote in detail

about how well you performed in this case.

It even says your contributions were magnificent.

Presumably, my name has spread throughout the Capital City.

Luckily, Jian Zheng called me back to achieve meritorious deeds.

My teacher never fools me.

However, I have to be more careful when I go out

in case I'm recognized, stirring up things.

stirring up things.

There's actually no need for that.

After all, not many people are discussing this.

Why?

Mr. Yang.

Look at this poem.

Since it spread from the court,

it caused a stir in the Imperial Academy and Yunlu Academy.

It has been seen as the greatest satirical poem of all time.

It has now spread throughout the world.

[The Sangbo Case and Mr. Sun] People praise Mr. Xu as a great man.

I only wish my child to be foolish and simple

and would become a high official, free of illnesses and difficulties.

Why?

Why does Xu Ningyan always accomplish one thing after another?

I envy him so much.

He solved the Sangbo case

and rebuked the powerful.

It's unfair.

It's too unfair.

Mr. Yang, are you alright?

I...

got inspired.

I'm going to scold the officials too.

If Xu Ningyan is a great man,

I'll be the great beacon in Dafeng.

Don't be impulsive, Mr. Yang.

I can hold the sun and moon and reach for the stars.

None in this world compares to me.

Who has transported me here?

Sir, you want to stop me?

You are too impatient.

You said I would become famous throughout the world upon my return.

Why do you obstruct me?

The Capital City is full of talent. There is always someone bigger than you.

Sir, be more specific.

I mean, you must learn to hide your weakness.

I got it.

What did you get?

Could it be that you stop me from being famous

because you fear my reputation will surpass yours?

Old man, let me out.

Jian Zheng.

It's my turn now.

I have just dealt with a small matter.

I hope you don't mind, Your Highness.

Your skills at chess have slid.

However, your eye for talent remains as sharp as ever.

Xu Qi'an has solved the case.

Your favor towards him has not been misplaced.

You let me introduce him to the Guardian Yamen

and guide him step by step in solving the Sangbo case.

But is it not too soon for that matter?

I have no other choice.

The opponents are ferocious.

Only by doing so can he be ready to face them.

I'll do as you say. Here's one thing.

In the future, unless absolutely necessary, do not get Lin'an involved.

You're right. I will bear it in mind.

Good move.

[Xu's Mansion]

Pingzhi, have you notified Cijiu about moving to the new house?

Don't worry. Ningyan handles affairs reliably.

He must have already written to him.

Thank you for coming.

Congratulations.

You're here.

Now, your family boasts two outstanding figures.

- From now on, you're living a rich life. - Not at all.

[Beauty Cream] This is a gift for you.

Give it a try. It's good for your skin.

It makes the skin better.

Thank you. This is good stuff.

I'm not living a rich life.

It's just okay.

What? Are you kidding?

Look at your house.

It's located in a quiet place.

Living here must be comfortable.

Come on.

It is quite remote.

From the east of the city to the west,

the coachman took an hour to find this place.

The long trip made me dizzy.

If you're not feeling well, take a break and have something to eat.

Never mind, I have no appetite.

I had bird's nest soup in the morning. I haven't digested it yet.

Don't get angry with her.

Her husband worked at the Ministry of Rites.

Affected by that Sangbo case, he is now being questioned at the Ministry of Justice.

How can she be in the mood to eat?

My husband is undergoing a routine inquiry.

He will be back in a few days.

Didn't you just tell me that your husband's matter was quite serious?

And you wanted to ask Xu Qi'an to plead for your husband.

Ridiculous. Xu Qi'an is just a Bronze Gong.

I'm afraid he can't intervene in such matters.

The Guardians have arrived.

[Xu's Mansion]

Mr. Yang, Ms. Nangong. Thank you for coming.

Mr. Xu, on behalf of the Guardians,

we've come to congratulate you on moving into a new house.

Thank you very much.

Your presence is a great honor.

It's a great honor.

Why hasn't Mr. Wei come?

Mr. Wei said he would come.

Mr. Wei was occupied,

so he specifically instructed us to convey his congratulations to you both.

Understood.

Everyone, come inside.

We have urgent work to do and have to leave.

- Goodbye. - Take care.

- Congratulations, Mr. Xu. - Thanks.

Congratulations, Mrs. Xu.

Thank you. No need to bring so many gifts.

Thank you for coming.

That's it. We'll take our leave.

Have a quick meal before you go. It's ready.

Stay and eat something.

Let's head back.

Thanks a lot.

Take care.

Ru.

Ru.

Take care and come again.

Who would have thought that Ningyan was so influential?

Can you ask Ningyan to put in a good word for my husband?

To be honest, that's exactly why I am here.

Too many gifts.

Write it down. Don't get it wrong.

Yeah, write it down.

Don't forget Mr. Wei's gift.

Let me show you around.

Ru, we are friends.

Could you please do me a favor?

- Ru. - Listen to me.

[Lakeside Pavilion] What? The princess has gone on a journey?

It has been a while.

Her Mother has agreed?

No, the princess left secretly in the middle of the night.

She just left a letter. The palace is already a mess.

Consort Chen said whoever incited the princess

would be punished severely.

Xiaogang, remember.

If someone asks about that night, the princess and I were just

- discussing poetry, nothing else. - Understood.

It has absolutely nothing to do with me.

Understood.

Did the princess leave any messages before she left?

She's grateful to you.

Thanks to your encouragement, she's made up her mind to pursue what her heart desires.

to pursue what her heart desires.

Xu Qi'an, you are right.

[Actions speak louder than thoughts.]

[I'm writing to you.] Instead of being hesitant,

I better take action with determination. [Lin'an's Handwriting]

I will see this vast world for Pingyang

to fulfill her lifelong wish.

I'll find the freedom for myself as well.

Respected Master, the matter of Sangbo has been settled.

It stirred up things, leaving the officials in disarray.

Everything is going on as we expected.

After this affair, Wei Yuan remains in his place.

He has even stopped attending regular meetings recently.

However, he has sent his Gold Gongs

to search along the Dahuang Mountain.

Some of our strongholds have been raided by the Guardians,

suffering heavy losses.

You are right.

To deal with Dafeng, we must first eliminate Wei Yuan.

Otherwise, the Kui tribe will never have a chance to rise.

As for Jian Zheng, he remains ill and does not leave his residence.

He is a first-rank expert.

He just doesn't want to step in the matter of Sangbo.

You're right.

Jian Zheng must have seen through our plans long ago.

Yet he keeps silent about the whereabouts of the evil arm

as if he's waiting for something.

As for the person controlling the evil arm,

as you've instructed, a temporary alliance has been formed with him.

The evil arm has been taken away by him as planned.

and sent to Yunzhou with the tax silver.

He refused to take action in the Capital City

as if he was also waiting for something.

By the way, Xu Qi'an has been promoted to a Silver Gong.

The imperial court has sent him to Yunzhou to recover the tax silver.

This is certainly no coincidence.

Perhaps as you speculated, Xu Qi'an is the key to that person's plan.

I will continue to investigate Xu Qi'an.

In three months, all will be settled.

[Three months later]

[Yunzhou]

It's a raid.

Guys, let's break out together.

Kill.

I'm Silver Gong Xu Qi'an.

I'm ordered to investigate the tax silver case.

No mercy for any blockers.

Kill them.

♫ 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 ♫

Very impressive.

♫ 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 ♫

♫ Never bend to the officials ♫

♫ The profound mysteries in the Jianghu ♫

♫ The youth is born to be unrestrained ♫

Don't move. Make sure to tie them up tightly. Got it?

Yes.

Sir, the rebel leader has been executed.

The rest of the rebels have been captured.

Sir, 134,500 taels of silver

and the equipment losses of the rebels are all listed.

Please check it out.

And this is the confiscated tax silver.

Please inspect it.

Send the tax silver to the treasury.

The rebels will be imprisoned.

Yes.

An order from Mr. Xu.

Send the tax silver into the treasury, rebels into the prison, without fail!

Yes.

Move faster.

Watch out!

Let's go. Hurry.

I got sweaty.

Wait, man. Tonight, we must have a drink.

Buddy, to help establish your authority,

I haven't drunk for three months.

We can't drink when we're away on business.

- I also want to drink. - Understood.

I've reserved a private room.

My treat for tonight. Let's drink as much as you like.

- Guangxiao, go check the tax silver. - Okay.

Come on.

It doesn't work.

It seems…

Xu Qi'an.

What is this place?

Zhou Li?

Xu Qi'an.Do you plead guilty?

Xu Qi'an.

Prepare to die.

Xu Qi'an.

Xu Qi'an, any last words?

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

OST credit

♫ Thoughts linger, unable to disperse ♫

♫ Laughing as I flick my sleeves ♫

♫ I concealed my sorrows ♫

♫ My thin clothes took away ♫

♫ A bit of warmth by my side ♫

♫ Who will accompany me ♫

♫ Comfort me, no need for tears to dry ♫

♫ Casting down my eyes, I sigh alone ♫

♫ Dreams drag on, and yet they break ♫

♫ Fortunately, you came like the wind ♫

♫ Stopping me from frowning ♫

♫ With you, what's there to fear ♫

♫ Let this life bring trouble again ♫

♫ With you, I can be at ease and unaffected ♫

♫ Fully aware of the world's misery and cold ♫

♫ Only wish to grant you peace ♫

♫ Joy and sorrow never intertwine ♫

♫ Flowers fall from above ♫

♫ I dedicate my life to you ♫

♫ Thoughts linger, unable to disperse ♫

♫ Laughing as I flick my sleeves ♫

♫ I concealed my sorrows ♫

♫ My thin clothes took away ♫

♫ A bit of warmth by my side ♫

♫ Who will accompany me ♫

♫ Comfort me, no need for tears to dry ♫

♫ Casting down my eyes, I sigh alone ♫

♫ Dreams drag on, and yet they break ♫

♫ Fortunately, you came like the wind ♫

♫ Stopping me from frowning ♫

♫ With you, what's there to fear ♫

♫ Let this life bring trouble again ♫

♫ With you, I can be at ease and unaffected ♫

♫ Fully aware of the world's misery and cold ♫

♫ Only wish to grant you peace ♫

♫ Joy and sorrow never intertwine ♫

♫ Flowers fall from above ♫

♫ I dedicate my life to you to bloom forth ♫