Original subtitles

[Fated Hearts]

[Episode 19]

Mister,

do you know

who's the owner of this carriage?

Who are you?

This carriage

belongs to Miss Ruyan.

We just brought her back not long ago.

Which young master sent you here?

Please go and tell him

Miss Ruyan has just left and that she won't be back

until tomorrow.

[Ruyan]

[Ruyan]

[Ruyan]

Here you are.

Thank you, Sister Xueying.

It turns out that looking from this spot,

one can see everything

on the street clearly.

Was Wu Ying's appearance that day

not a random event?

Two bowls of noodles.

She seemed to be waiting for someone that day.

Was it that maid from the dance house?

Sister,

where did you go just now?

What happened?

Nothing.

Are the kids

all full?

They made a competition out of the eating.

After you left,

I bought them one more bowl of noodles.

They ate that much?

Kids, when we're back,

you'll practice the horse stance.

No sleep until you hold the stance for two hours.

Master,

is it too late to spew up

-the noodles now? -Master...

Master, I'll spew them out too.

Me as well.

It's too late.

How can you sleep when you're stuffed?

Master...

Stop whining, or I'll make it four hours.

Xueying,

are you familiar with Yujing City?

I'm looking for a smithy.

There seems to be one next to the pharmacy.

[Wutong Mansion]

Come out.

Come on.

Slowly.

Miss Yixiao.

You're back.

What happened to you?

Seems like someone lashed out at you.

Did the First Prince get mad

because

Sister and I went out for a stroll?

I'm fine, all safe and sound.

Is he back?

His Highness is waiting for you inside.

-Brother! -Brother!

Brother!

Brother,

can I go to your armory again

for a visit?

Yes, sure.

Pick whatever you like.

Take them to the armory.

Keep them safe from the sharp weapons.

Yes.

Thank you, Brother.

Off you go.

Let's go.

I'll give you a tour!

There are many weapons in the armory!

Let's go!

What's this about?

I'm a third wheel now, aren't I?

You could've just said it out.

I'd know my cue to leave.

Nine,

let's go.

Anything wrong?

What exactly happened?

His Majesty got sick,

and is now in a coma.

But don't you worry.

Lord Ling

is attending to His Majesty in the palace.

I'm actually worried about you.

His Majesty suddenly fell ill.

One can safely assume

that things in Yujing City

will soon become unpredictable.

As the First Prince,

you're about to be

dragged into danger.

Under any circumstances,

keeping yourself safe

is the top priority.

Got it?

Oh, right.

I want to tell you something.

So do I.

You go first.

Are you going to blame me

for going out without guards?

It's true that my hand is injured,

but I don't have disabilities.

Please don't make a fuss over it.

What were you trying to tell me just now?

Take Fang and the kids away.

♪ The rain drifts endlessly ♪

Go back to Zhengnian Villa

♪ The old dream burns the heart ♪

with Young Mistress Ling.

My father is seriously ill.

♪ Dreams sink into ruin ♪

Prime Minister Zhuang will take over the court soon.

♪ Missing the warmth of your palm ♪

By then,

he'll wield immense power with control of all the six ministries.

I'm worried that they might go after you,

♪ Awaiting dusk ♪

because they're aware...

♪ Shadows take root in the mountain pass ♪

that you're my biggest weakness.

♪ In just a moment, tears stained ♪

Nothing in my life can be my weakness,

♪ Amid the bustling sound of wind and rain ♪

except for Xiyang

♪ Who laughs at me, heart cold as the desert? ♪

and you.

♪ Dreams turn through a lifetime ♪

I already failed to protect Xiyang.

There is no way I'll let you...

♪ Who sighs for me, enduring separations? ♪

Okay.

I'll do as you said.

♪ Love is a trial, harsh and cold ♪

You've agreed to that?

♪ Who crushes the lingering pain for me? ♪

Does it look like I'm joking?

♪ Clouds vanish, rain ceases, seek me ♪

Yixiao,

I didn't mean to be so blunt about it.

On my way back,

I was thinking

how to put it diplomatically.

But being pressed for time,

I had to react fast.

I understand.

It's good to be straightforward.

I was planning to leave anyway.

Now, this is perfect.

What were you going to tell me earlier?

It doesn't matter now.

Don't worry.

Just focus on what you need to do.

Master!

Shunzi, Fang,

go get Sister Xueying.

We need to pack up our stuff quickly.

We're leaving right away.

Why so surprised?

Go start packing now.

You're leaving right away?

The clock is ticking.

I would hate to be a burden

or a liability to you.

Go.

Be quick.

Master...

What are you waiting for?

No more dawdling.

Fang, keep up!

Yes!

Yixiao.

Yixiao!

Fang told me you would leave soon.

That's right.

Not only I,

but also Nine, Fang, Shunzi, and you

will be leaving.

I have to leave too?

Yes.

[Wutong Mansion]

Come with me.

What happened?

Just come!

Your Highness,

Miss Yixiao

is leaving with those kids.

Their carriage is at the door now.

We can still catch up with them.

The city gate will be closed soon.

We have to set out now, or they'll be gone!

Hands off!

Yun Fang,

Send two guards

to escort them.

Tell the guys to lay low.

Yujing City is facing many uncertainties now.

They won't be safe until they're away.

Yes.

I hope Miss Yixiao will understand

what Your Highness's efforts are for someday.

[Wutong Mansion]

[Wutong Mansion]

It wasn't until they camped at night

did I notice

Miss Yixiao was nowhere to be seen.

She must have secretly

gotten off the carriage halfway.

Your Highness,

it seems Miss Yixiao and her fellows

didn't leave the city at all.

What about Miss Ling and the children?

I've already sent people

to continue protecting them,

to make sure

they arrive at Zhengnian Villa safely.

Why don't I have some people

go look for Miss Yixiao?

No need.

Do you know where she was off to?

How am I supposed to know?

Are we not going to look for her?

If anyone asks about her,

just tell them this—

Fu Yixiao has gone with Young Mistress Ling

to Zhengnian Villa.

-Yes. -Yes.

Sir.

Sir,

no one else

has seen this mask, right?

You specifically asked me

to keep it secret.

Rest assured.

I know the rules.

[Lotus Pavilion]

Sir, please come in.

Sir, to the second floor.

Come this way.

Sir, careful.

[Lotus Pavilion]

Come visit us again!

Come visit us again!

Mr. Wang!

Gentlemen, come on in.

Miss Ruyan!

Miss Ruyan!

Hello, Miss Ruyan.

These gentlemen

have been waiting here since yesterday.

Too bad that they haven't realized

not everyone

gets to see you dance.

Oh, right.

A lady just came to the dance house,

asking to meet with you.

A lady?

However,

I don't know

where she is now.

Miss, you do

recognize this mask.

W-What an unconventional mask.

Is it yours?

After the Battle of Pingling,

someone took your carriage

to the Jinxiu military camp.

Do you remember that?

What are you talking about?

I don't understand.

You don't?

That day, you had that girl

go to the back alley to deliver a note.

She also read what was written on it.

"Stand by outside Yujing City."

Why would the death camp

follow your orders?

Miss, you must be mistaken.

What "death camp"?

I'm just a dancer.

Still in denial, huh?

That girl already confessed.

Tell me

everything you know.

Or I won't be nice to you.

I've told you I know nothing!

You just won't tell, right?

Then there's no choice

but to talk somewhere else.

As I said,

I know nothing.

Abducting me won't help.

Kill me, if you have the guts.

You want to die?

I'll grant your wish.

Not there.

Aim for this spot.

Slit it with all your strength.

The pain will disappear within an instant.

You'll only feel extremely cold all over your body.

Then you'll get drowsy.

Very sleepy, I'd say.

Ending a life...

is actually easier

than it sounds.

What now?

Can't bring yourself to do it?

Then don't pretend

not to fear death.

After all, nothing can be

more important than staying alive.

Don't you agree?

I've told you

I know nothing.

I did have a note delivered,

but I really didn't know

the content.

Also, I don't understand

a single word of what you just said.

Did he ask you to deliver the note?

I'm curious.

What's your relationship with him?

All you need to know is

that I'll never betray him.

I'd rather die

than sell him out.

Such admirable loyalty.

You're so devoted to him.

Are you in love with him?

Look at you,

completely lovestruck.

You defend him all the time.

I guess I'm right.

I won't tell you who he is.

Don't waste your time fishing for information.

The news of you being abducted

will soon

spread throughout Yujing City.

Venture a guess.

Will that man you fancy come to your rescue?

You don't seem to be sure

whether he truly cares about you or not.

How about this?

let's make a bet,

on whether he'll come or not.

He... He won't come here.

He's well aware

that I'll never betray him.

I bet he will come,

though not in person.

Instead, he'll send someone

to kill you.

That's impossible.

He won't do that.

Whether you betray him or not,

he'll silence you permanently—

he even doesn't need to do it himself

—because only your death

can guarantee there won't be witnesses,

and that his plans won't be sabotaged.

It can't be true.

He won't have me killed.

You don't believe it?

Then wait and see.

Actually, I deliberately left clues.

I purposefully used your carriage

to bring you here.

Following the carriage tracks,

he'll find this place.

If he doesn't send anyone to kill you,

then I'll set you free.

And I promise to never give you

a difficult time again.

But if things turn out as I said,

you must tell me everything

you know.

Shall we bet on it?

My Lord, you're His Eminence's ally.

May I ask

if His Eminence has safely escaped?

I think he has ordered you all

to do my bidding from now on.

I have one rule here—

you are only to execute my orders,

and not to ask any questions.

Yes.

My Lord, previously, you asked us

to stand by outside Yujing City.

All the members of the death camp are here

at your service now.

You will find it worthwhile

to risk your lives for me.

When my great mission is accomplished,

you'll all have a share of the glory.

Now, your task

is to kill a person for me.

Your Highness.

Here's a message from Grandmaster Ling:

His Majesty has not yet come to.

Neither has his condition worsened.

Grandmaster Ling wished you not to worry too much.

I got it.

Concerned about your health,

he made a prescription for you in particular.

Please have Your Highness's physician prepare the herbs.

Thanks.

[Licorice roots: 5 grams; Steamed rehmannia roots: 50 grams; White atractylodes and Chinese angelicad: 25 grams each]

Your Highness.

There was a disturbance at the dance house.

A dancer named Ruyan

was taken away.

Ruyan?

This must be related to her.

To whom?

Tomorrow, the authorities

will surely search for Ruyan.

Keep an eye on how it develops.

Create some trouble for them in secret.

Just do as I say.

Got it.

Miss, do you like any one of them?

This one.

Miss Ruyan

was abducted by a young woman.

You guys, search

each household down the street!

Bring all the women you find suspicious

back to the office!

-Yes! -Yes!

Miss, wait!

What are you doing?

Officer Lu,

we're ordered by the prefect

to investigate

the abduction of Miss Ruyan.

You're from the Capital Prefecture Office?

Yes.

The Capital Prefecture Office

is responsible for maintaining order in the capital.

So instead of fulfilling

your duties assigned by His Majesty,

you chose to

waste your time on such trivial matters?

Here is the First Prince's command!

All of you shall guard

outside the imperial palace.

Do not ask a single question

about those trivial matters.

Do you hear me?

-Yes! -Yes!

Let's go!

Your Highness,

I've found

the soldier who poisoned

the war horses in our camp.

However...

He must be dead now.

In the woods near our military camp,

we discovered his body.

In his tent,

hidden silver taels were found.

He was probably bribed

and then killed.

If my deduction is correct,

this must be Prime Minister Zhuang's doing.

I'll go on with the investigation.

If we can get something

on him through this case...

No need.

Prime Minister Zhuang is a weasel.

He already killed that soldier.

There is no way he'd leave a trail behind.

Your Highness...

Your Highness,

Shen Wu the Minister of Rites

is requesting an audience.

[Wutong Mansion]

Your Highness,

I was planning

to go to Princess Xiyang's villa

to check and cart the dowry

prepared by Your Highness

before transporting it to Jinxiu.

Since

Your Highness's supervision is needed in this matter,

I had to come and trouble Your Highness.

Get my horse ready.

I'm leaving for the villa.

[Wutong Mansion]

Yes.

So,

Your Highness is going to monitor the process

in person?

That's wonderful!

Ahead lies Shengjing City.

Everyone, take a rest here!

Yes!

Lift up your head.

Your father passed away

before

he could leave a will.

Should I make you the emperor

or let Jingyan take the throne?

Mother,

I'm devoid of the competence

to assume the throne.

But many court officials

think highly of you.

This has truly put me in a difficult position.

Since you've admitted to not being qualified for the throne,

I should kindly grant your wish

of guarding Zhennan Pass

in Pingling City.

Off you go then.

My Prince,

when was the last time you came back

to Shengjing City?

A long time ago.

Then I guess this trip

will bring back many memories for you.

Here's good news for you.

Father praised you again today,

saying that you're gifted, bright,

and exceptionally smart,

and that I lag far behind you.

You're just a worthless wretch

given birth by a lowly maid.

Who are you to be compared with me?

[Jingming Garden]

Let me conduct one more check.

Guys, make sure you count every item right.

Be extra careful!

Yes.

[Jingming Garden]

Your Highness,

here is the list of Princess Xiyang's

dowry

for your review.

[List of Dowry]

I watched Princess Xiyang

grow up.

Seeing Her Highness leaving Susha,

I felt like

there was a void in my heart.

As the verse goes,

"the royal abode stands silent in the wind;

nobody responds to the rain in the bamboo groove;

[Jingming Garden]

the gone princess is not to be heard or seen;

though a thousand miles apart, we watch the same moon over the roof."

Xiyang is all by herself.

She must feel lonely.

Go make arrangements.

Send Xiyang's maids and servants

to Jinxiu along with the dowry.

Your Highness,

if there's nothing wrong about the list,

I'll load the dowry into the carts.

Go ahead.

[Jingming Garden]

Check one more time.

Cart the items if everything's alright.

Get a move on.

Your Highness,

here's a message from Song Cheng.

Trails of those people

were found outside the city.

There's an ambush. Run!

You recognize those women, don't you?

You've seen for yourself. I was right, wasn't I?

Spill the beans now.

I did lose the bet.

But I still won't tell you

who I'm working for.

At this point,

you're still protecting him?

He attempted to kill you.

Yet you still choose to cover for him?

I'm just a dancer.

How could you take the word

of a member of the debased caste?

Nobody would ever miss

someone like me,

even if I died.

Kill me now.

I knew you'd break your word.

But it doesn't matter.

I can still

find out who he is without your help.

Here I am, Miss.

Go, puppy.

They went that way.

Are you sure?

Is it confirmed?

Rest assured.

The scent lingers within the nearby 10 li.

Go!

[Susha Kingdom's Feng Battalion, Song Cheng]

Your Highness.

What did you find?

I finally found traces of them

after spending 7 days and nights

studying and tracking trails.

This way, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

There's a jumble of footprints here.

At least dozens of people

gathered here last night.

Your Highness, look here.

But...

what can these footprints

possibly tell us?

Song Cheng

is a top-class tracker.

He used to be a constable at the Court of Judicial Review.

Then His Highness recruited him

into the army.

He had a nickname back then—

the Clairvoyant Constable.

With just his keen eyes,

he can distinguish foes from friends

by analyzing footprints on a battlefield

where a thousand people have stood.

Your Highness,

this way.

The footprints extend to this very spot

and split up here.

If my judgment is correct,

those people separated here

in order to

set an ambush.

Your Highness,

we'd better stop here

to avoid alerting them.

Yun Fang,

if I'm not mistaken, anyone who is to

reach Yujing

from the Capital Garrison must take this road.

That's right.

Xia Jingshi has indeed fled from Yujing,

but his death camp still stays put.

These people

are all skilled assassins.

Their mission must be

about assassinating someone.

Hou Jing the Minister of War

left for

the Capital Garrison a few days ago for an inspection.

When will he return to Yujing?

The estimated time of arrival...

is tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning...

They're targeting Minister Hou!

We're running out of time.

This is the place.

[Murong Residence]

[Murong Residence]

[Murong Residence]

Murong Residence?

You failed?

Fu Yixiao set up a trap.

She's still in Yujing City?

That explains it.

She must've tracked down Ruyan.

Why don't we

find a way to eliminate Fu Yixiao?

You two are no match for her.

Did she find you out?

We took several detours

and made sure no one

was following before we came back to Your Lordship.

You were found out.

We're ready to be punished

for failing the task, Your Lordship.

The cat is out of the bag.

There's no point punishing you.

Does Your Lordship have a plan then?

[Wutong Mansion]

Miss Yixiao?

Shouldn't you be

at Zhengnian Villa now?

You came back without telling Suige?

I get it.

You must've missed him too much.

In recent days,

His Majesty's serious condition.

has been upsetting him.

I'm glad you're back.

I hope you can comfort him.

It seems

Ruyan has told you everything.

Aren't you tired?

How am I not?

Then drop the act.

I happen to

have a question for you today.

Feng Suige considers you

his best friend.

Why do you have to hurt him?

What?

You don't want to talk here?

Then let's go inside

and talk in front of Feng Suige.

Is it what you want,

to turn me and him against each other?

Am I turning you two

into enemies,

or are you feeling bad about betraying him?

Why are you colluding

with Xia Jingshi?

Don't worry.

Nothing I do

will cause harm to Feng Suige.

In the Battle of Pingling,

if I hadn't shot Feng Suige

and knocked him off his horse,

he would've entered Zhennan Pass

and died there.

Do you expect me to believe what you said,

that you wouldn't harm him?

If I truly wanted to kill him,

I could have it done in many ways.

He never guards against me.

Answer me.

What exactly do you want?

Be patient.

You'll see soon enough.

Aren't you afraid I'll tell

Feng Suige the whole truth?

Of course I am.

Why else would I be waiting here?

You can tell him

what I'm really like anytime.

But you should know

that I'm not alone.

I'm only part of a team.

If my cover is blown,

my plan will be executed ahead of schedule.

[Wutong Mansion]

Let me put it this way.

The moment you step

into Feng Suige's residence,

someone in the imperial palace

will jeopardize His Majesty's life.

Just imagine.

What will happen to Feng Suige,

if His Majesty dies?

He'll not only suffer the pain

of losing his father, right?

He'll also lose

everything he owns now,

including his life.

Are you threatening me?

You've taken it wrong.

In the past,

I cherished my friendship

with Feng Suige,

so I was reluctant to do anything

that could harm his life.

But if you ever blow my cover,

I'll have to

forsake my friendship with him.

In that case,

I'll have no reason

to hold myself back.

Feng Suige's life is in the palm of your hand.

I can promise you

that whatever happens in the end,

I'll spare his life.

How about that?

You can make your choice now.

You know what?

I can kill you right now!

When whistling arrows are shot,

[Wutong Mansion]

the emperor will die,

and Susha will be in chaos.

Though you care about Feng Suige,

you must refrain acting on impulse.

[Log of City's Defenses]

Charge!

Take the shortcut!

Let's go!

Yes!

My Lord, run!

Go after them!

Go check it out.

Yes!

Your Highness!

Minister Hou is not here!

Your Highness,

they went that way.

Those people came prepared.

When the fight starts,

stay hidden somewhere.

If an enemy soldier escapes,

you must follow him

to their hideout.

Got it!

Minister Hou!

-My Lord! -My Lord!

My Lord!

Are you alright, My Lord?

The arrow was dipped in poison.

-Let's go. -Move!

Who...

are you?

Kill them all!

Feng Suige,

though you're here today,

you can't save Hou Jing's life.

The Jinxiu death camp...

You must be Wu Ying.

I guess Yixiao keeps

no secret from you.

This is perfect.

Today,

it's time we ended all the feuds.

Your Highness must be joking.

How are there any feuds between us?

If I say there are, there must be.

Chief!

Chief!

Your Highness, I'll go after them with others.

Give it some time.

Your Highness!

Minister Hou was shot in the back.

Though it's not a vital spot,

I'm afraid there might be poison on the arrow.

On our way back to the capital,

who knows what dangers are lying ahead.

Young Mistress Ling

should've arrived at Zhengnian Villa by now.

Bring Minister Hou there

for treatment.

Got it.