Original subtitles

[Episode 5]

Long live Your Majesty!

Blessings upon Your Majesty!

Father.

The imperial dignity must be upheld.

Rituals cannot be neglected.

Sir, there's no need for such formality.

Father,

when you bow to me like that,

I'm not used to it.

So let's not.

In time,

you will get used to it.

Sir,

is Luo Xianxue in the residence?

He is.

You wish to see him?

The Empress has been worried about his injuries.

My dear,

isn't that so?

And if it is?

Would you even allow me to visit him?

As you wish.

Your Majesty,

she's been spoiled

from childhood.

I beg Your Majesty's pardon.

I've heard

you excel at tea.

I wonder

if I might have the honor of a taste.

Luo.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Are you

blaming me?

Of course not.

Now,

you're the Empress.

It's only right

I bow to you.

Rise.

Your Majesty,

it's just a scratch,

not worth your worry.

If you still see me as your little sister,

stop calling me "Your Majesty".

If anyone's to blame,

it's me.

Your Majesty,

don't blame yourself.

Your betrothal was set long ago.

You could never overrule him.

He's the one at fault!

He killed my master.

But whatever the case,

you're the Empress now.

What exactly did he do to you?

Before,

I didn't know my place.

But now,

I've thought it through.

I know what I must do

for everyone's good.

Our father grows older by the day.

He can't take upheaval.

Since you're Empress,

you should consider how to ease his burdens.

Ease Father's burdens?

Yes.

Empress Dowager Liu and Father

have long been at odds.

Only by fulfilling your duty as Empress

can you truly ease his burdens.

How am I supposed to do that?

Every day I see him,

I think of my master,

I think of your hand,

and I could kill him with one stroke.

Even if you won't think of Father,

think of yourself.

Empress Dowager Liu holds the Phoenix Seal.

She rules the inner palace.

Without His Majesty's favor,

without his support,

how will you survive the inner palace?

I'm speaking from the heart!

Don't worry.

I'll look after myself in the palace.

Your Majesty...

Rumors that the Emperor and Empress are at odds

are everywhere.

The Empress Dowager

will surely use it and bully you.

You must rely on His Majesty

and secure the Phoenix Seal.

Then our father

can be at ease.

Please think twice, Your Majesty!

Luo,

may I ask you a favor?

Your Majesty, just say the word.

I want to set up

a spirit tablet for my master.

I knew Your Majesty would wish this.

I've already sought a proper mausoleum.

All right.

Thank you for seeing to it.

Cangcang,

take care.

Two days ago, I obtained

some Wuyi Queshe Tea.

Here.

Please taste it, Your Majesty.

A delicate fragrance

with a sweet, lingering finish.

Fine tea.

Today, Your Majesty escorted the Empress home

and now shares tea with me.

This old minister

is truly gratified.

Sir, do you know

about the heretical sect

in the martial world,

the Lingbi Sect?

Backed by someone at court,

they assassinate the powerful

and eliminate rivals.

I am ill-informed

and have never heard of it.

I have proof

that Li Lu

is its secret leader,

which makes

your ties to the Lingbi Sect

hard to explain.

I truly didn't know Li Lu's identity,

only that he was a martial master

who saved Cangcang

and taught her the sword.

Nothing more.

Nothing more...

Then tell me,

why did I

cut off Luo Xianxue's finger?

You don't think

it was just out of jealousy, do you?

Your Majesty's care for the Empress

is painstaking indeed.

I'm deeply grateful.

We're all family.

No need for thanks.

By the way,

in a few days,

the Ministry of Personnel will propose a talent recommendation system.

I consider it workable

and intend to implement it.

What say you, sir?

If it benefits Great Qi,

I will, of course,

fully support it.

Cangcang grew up away from strife

pure and kind at heart.

So she loves and hates with all her being,

and despises evil as her enemy.

She's been willful for a dozen years,

but now she's the Empress.

It's time she grew up.

Have you said what must be said?

Yes.

As you instructed,

I told Young Lady everything.

But Father,

you know full well

she still resents His Majesty

over Li Lu's death.

Asking her

to seek his favor at a time like this,

won't that...

Xianxue,

do you still think

I shouldn't have done this?

I am Cangcang's father,

and what I do

is certainly for her own good.

His Majesty was born with cold poison.

Even the imperial physicians can't treat it.

What if he were to...

If Cangcang bears a prince soon,

then she'll truly have real backing

in the inner palace.

Xianxue,

this is the path she must take.

All we can do

is to pave the way for her,

so she walks steadier

and goes farther.

Understood.

My lady asked me to find a mausoleum to honor Li Lu.

Promise her.

But

don't let her know

that Li Lu was the Ghost King.

But I don't think

she will let it go easily.

Try to talk her down.

Cangcang is soft-hearted.

She'll always put the Ling family first.

After all,

we need to move on.

[Yongkang Mausoleum, 3 li north of the Capital]

[Wuying Hall]

Your Majesty.

The Empress got a note by pigeon

and slipped out of the palace.

You truly won't stop her?

She'll come back.

Keep me informed

of her every move.

Also,

do not alert her.

Understood.

Master.

I'm unfilial.

I cannot pay respects at your grave in person.

I can only

set up a spirit tablet for you here.

[Spirit tablet of the late Li Lu]

May it comfort your spirit in heaven.

I brought you wine too.

Though

the Capital's wine is a bit light,

and I'm not sure if you like it.

Still,

it's smooth and lingering.

Please try it.

[Spirit tablet of the late Li Lu]

Let it go, Cangcang.

Maybe His Majesty

has his reasons.

Reasons?

What reason justifies

killing a man who kept to himself

and did nothing but good?

I roamed the martial world with Master since I was little.

He was unmatched in skill,

almost without rival.

Yet he was humble to all

and ever doing good.

His only wish

was that I grow up safe and happy.

Master,

I want those blossoms!

All right.

I'll pick them for you.

What are you doing?

What do you think you're doing?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sorry to trouble you.

Master, you're amazing!

I can't make sense of it.

What reason could justify

killing a man so good,

one he never spoke of?

Cangcang,

the dead can't return.

Look past it.

Stop.

Show me your hand.

Luo,

you and Father

are my closest family

in this world.

You're right.

Since I'm the Empress now,

I should use that position

to live well in the palace.

So I can keep everyone in the Ling family safe.

Cangcang,

you've finally figured it out.

Yes.

I have.

Until I learn the truth,

I'll do my duty as Empress.

Cangcang,

you still must find the truth?

Right.

[Spirit tablet of the late Li Lu] Master's kindness to me runs deep.

How could I let his death be in vain?

But even if you uncover the truth,

what then?

Then I'll repay every grudge

and every grievance.

I'll put an end to it all.

The world will still be wide open.

[Spirit tablet of the late Li Lu]

Your Majesty.

Has the Empress returned?

She has.

She and Luo Xianxue visited a mausoleum

and set up a spirit tablet for Li Lu.

She just returned to Linghe Hall.

She's in good spirits.

Is that so?

Good.

Your Majesty,

why not tell Her Majesty the truth?

Let her hate me

is better than letting her learn it

and suffer

and grieve.

Besides,

the matter isn't over.

I don't want her dragged into it.

Understood.

How's the affair in Southern Chu

being handled?

Rest easy.

Song Lanxi has agreed.

He can depart for the Capital at any time.

Good.

We're rolling out the talent recommendation system.

Make sure nothing goes wrong.

Ensure this pilot batch of candidates,

especially Song Lanxi,

arrives safely in the Capital.

Understood.

[Linghe Hall]

Blessings upon Your Majesty.

Why is it

so cold in here?

The steward eunuch says

our hall is short on attendants

and His Majesty doesn't come,

so we don't get much charcoal.

Is that so?

How long have I been in the palace now?

Today makes seven days.

Keep combing.

With a touch of grooming, Your Majesty is peerless.

His Majesty will be smitten when he sees you!

We're not going to see His Majesty.

Then who are we visiting?

We're going to see the Empress Dowager

and reclaim what is ours.

Do you mean the Phoenix Seal?

If you go like this,

it may be risky...

We'll go anyway.

Come on.

Your Majesty.

Aunt Chan.

The Empress Dowager is napping.

No one may enter and disturb her.

Aunt Chan,

I've heard Mother loves cheese.

So I asked my brother

to bring fine cheese back from Xijiang

for her to enjoy.

It was sent on an eight-hundred-li rush to the Capital.

The flavor will change with time.

Please announce me.

Your Majesty is thoughtful.

However,

the Empress Dowager

feels she's put on weight lately,

and is on a fasting regimen.

So I'm afraid

she won't partake of this cheese.

I see.

What a pity.

Then perhaps

I'll present it to you instead?

Xiaoshan,

take it in to Aunt Chan.

Understood.

The Empress Dowager is napping.

No one

may enter and disturb her.

It's fine.

We'll wait a bit longer.

When the Empress Dowager wakes,

we'll go in then.

Then please wait, Your Majesty.

I'll go in and attend her.

Hold.

Since you're going in to serve,

as her daughter-in-law,

I should go in to serve Mother as well

to show my filial respect.

The Empress's deportment is improper.

How are you people attending her?

Take them away.

Give them the forced-bend punishment

for four hours!

You dare strike me?

I spoke kindly

yet you threw your weight around

and ran roughshod.

Am I not allowed to discipline you?

Guards!

Take her away.

Understood!

Your Majesty,

at this rate...

No hurry.

Your Majesty.

The Empress Dowager invites you.

Then,

I'll spare you for now.

Greetings, Mother.

You even struck my attendant.

Quite the display of power.

Mother,

I am wronged!

I came today

to bring you cheese.

But to my surprise,

Aunt Chan said

you'd grown fat

and must fast a few days before seeing anyone.

Your Majesty,

don't heed this liar!

When did I ever say that?

Mother, you hear that?

Aunt Chan calls me a liar.

Aunt Chan,

you've served Mother for years.

I do respect you.

But after all,

I am the Empress of Great Qi.

Young as I am,

you shouldn't call me a liar.

Your Majesty,

I've been wronged!

Please judge clearly!

Since Aunt Chan misspoke,

she should be slapped.

Attend!

Drag her out.

Thank you for your just judgment, Your Majesty.

Are you satisfied now?

You're fair in reward and punishment.

I take the lesson.

Thank you, Mother.

I've ruled the inner palace for decades.

You mustn't be soft-hearted,

or the wretches will walk over you.

Don't you agree?

You're absolutely right.

Mother,

it's hard work to manage the harem,

so I'd like to share the burden.

Managing the inner palace is the Empress's duty,

mine to fulfill.

- Why not grant me the Phoenix Seal... - You've

been in the palace seven days?

Yes.

By rights,

I should pass you the Phoenix Seal.

But your conduct falls short,

how can you rule the inner palace?

What do you mean by that, Mother?

Where have I failed my duties?

I hear

His Majesty has yet to stay at Linghe Hall.

As the Emperor's wife,

you've not fulfilled a wife's duty.

That is the gravest failing.

An Empress's chief duty

is to extend the royal line

and carry on the heirs.

To be the mother of the realm,

be a mother first.

If you have no legitimate son or daughter,

your throne

will be hard to hold.

I fear your mind is elsewhere.

So for now,

I'll shoulder these burdens.

As for the Phoenix Seal,

I'll keep it for you.

When you've fulfilled an Empress's duties,

I'll hand it over.

I'm a bit tired.

You may withdraw.

Understood.

I'll take my leave.

I also hear

the Emperor was just outside

yet didn't speak up for you.

As one who's been through it,

let me advise you:

Reflect on yourself and win back his favor.

I still can't get around him.

Mind your words, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

How is the Empress?

Since returning, all is normal.

She showed no other strong reaction,

only that

she took out a pear blossom hairpin.

We're going to visit Master tomorrow.

Why are you still up so late?

Cangcang,

I have a gift for you.

What is it?

What a beautiful hairpin!

My home has a pear orchard,

planted by my parents.

When the blossoms are in full bloom,

I'll take you there,

all right?

♪Thoughts linger on...♪

That depends on my master's permission.

And if he says no?

Then we won't go.

♪Turns time into a gentle circle...♪

Anyway, just put it on.

♪Years turn and fade♪

♪Wax and wane...♪

Does it look good?

It does.

♪Then sudden rain pours down♪

♪Washing the sweetness from the pear petals♪

♪Softly, slowly, round and clear, faint yet near♪

♪A hairpin carved with vows of white♪

♪Drifting, falling, endless and tender♪

♪Through every season, every year, every day♪

♪Time engraves our story deep♪

♪Softly, slowly, round and clear, faint yet near♪

♪Dark hair twines into a thread of fate♪

Have the pear blossoms in Qinyuan Garden bloomed?

They've budded but not opened yet.

I want to see a sea of white blossoms like snow.

You again.

I just wanted

to greet a friend.

How did you find this place?

Other than the quarry,

I also saw Zhong Lin change her clothes

and met with His Highness's subordinates.

I was bored

so I asked around

and deduced where both of you would be.

Then, I came to pick you up.

I saw you both come out

of His Highness's manor

whilst disguised as tattoo artists.

You also mentioned forging just now.

So, I ran it through my mind

to see what exactly

you need forged

in

Prince of Yuzhang's Manor.

Well,

if you wish to forge His Highness's seal,

allow me to suggest

Wuxi green jade.

Miss Ling,

Wuxi green jade

is indeed the material with which the royal seal is made.

I keep running into you.

What are you after?

I wish to follow you and achieve greatness

to make a name for myself

in this martial world.

Fame and glory

are but an illusion.

I do not share your goal.

We all have different ambitions.

But isn't it beautiful

to share a journey together?

Wuxi green jade

for your perusal, Your Majesty.

Good.

Why are you shaking?

I'm not killing you.

Thank you for clemency, Your Highness.

Have you found

the two fraudsters?

Your Highness,

they

snuck out of the manor stealthily

and disappeared.

But none

of our property is lost.

And you couldn't discern real tattoo artists from the fake ones?

Tattoos have intricate patterns.

But those fraudsters did a good job

replicating the patterns.

So you're saying

that they put in so much effort

into approaching me

so that they could tattoo a bird on me

to humiliate me?

You're an idiot!

You know what?

Re-enact the whole scene with the housekeeper.

Even if you can't figure out the truth,

I will still spare you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

But I'll break your legs

and feed you to the hounds.

Make haste.

Yes.

[Fenglai Pavilion]

Forgive me.

All jades are unique.

This one might be slightly different

from the one used by Prince of Yuzhang.

It can't be helped.

This jade

is more polished than the real one.

And you found it within one night?

You're amazing.

Prince of Yuzhang's seal

is engraved

with four claws that subdue evil.

Just who exactly are you?

I'm

Bai Chifan

of the Xiling region.

Bai Chifan?

Bai Chifan.

You have the name

of a fraudster.

You are mistaken.

I come

from an affluent family,

so I must be discreet.

Are you related to the Bai clan of Xiling?

A distant relative of theirs.

A distant relative?

The Bai clan of Xiling

is a sword-wielding clan.

They were a big name in the martial world for several decades.

Then, they went to the western regions to trade.

It is true that they are rich right now.

So you truly are Bai Chifan?

Yes.

A spoiled heir who forsook martial arts for mercantile skills?

Who's your father?

My origin doesn't define me.

Just like I never asked

who your father is.

Why must you know who my father is?

So you're just a spoiled heir.

Do you even know what makes the martial world?

Everyone has a different take.

Some fight for vengeance.

Some fight for justice

or bonds that cannot be severed.

They all make up the martial world.

In my opinion,

it is enough as long as I possess the will

to wield my sword.

Since you're so insightful,

can you guess

what I'm after?

Expensive robes.

Thumb ring.

Royal seal.

Are you gathering these items

to impersonate Prince of Yuzhang?

It's not that serious.

You'll just get your entire family killed.

Oh.

From what I was told,

Prince of Yuzhang

might seem boisterous,

but he's actually quite observant.

He might

have already seen through your trick.

It seems like I did

underestimate you.

I hope you won't bar me

from joining Fenglai Pavilion

simply because I know too much.

Of course, not.

Fenglai Pavilion never breaks its promises.

My friend,

take a seat.

Don't worry.

We do not renege on our promises.

Give me

a few days.

After I consult the rest,

I'll give you a satisfactory answer.

Miss Ling,

you're committing a crime.

It's against our sect's rules.

He knows too much.

I can't risk letting him ruin our plan.

Luo,

imprison him.

Yes.

Zhong Lin.

Check if someone did leave the Bai clan of Xiling

to go on an adventure in the martial world.

Yes.

[Fenglai Pavilion]

They know Cangcang is after Frostflame Iron.

Something's afoot.

Report back to the capital immediately.

We get in from this side

and you

[Refinement Quarry] will enter from here.

We'll group up here.

Once it's done,

wait for my signal.

Cangcang.

- I need to tell you something. - Oh, you're here.

Luo.

Look.

The royal seal is done.

Everything is in order.

It's up to you now.

Cangcang.

I have to be away for a while.

Are you serious?

I'm serious.

You are?

But

we planned this for so long.

If you leave now, everything will go to waste.

Besides,

how am I supposed

to find another Prince of Yuzhang?

Why don't we

delay it for a few days?

No.

If we miss the timing,

we'll be in danger.

It is an urgent matter

that I must attend to.

Is it my father?

The worst outcome will always happen.

Why must he take you away at this crucial moment?

Just go.

What will you do now?

What can I do?

I'll figure it out.

He left for real.

I...

Cangcang.

He left just like that.

Who can impersonate Prince of Yuzhang now?

How would I know?

Perhaps...

Miss Ling.

How have you been?

What do you think, Cangcang?

It's not good.

What do you mean?

I have the thumb ring

and the fan.

No, it's not good.

You look like a feeble scholar,

and not a prince.

What do we do now then?

Are we just going to give up?

This is bad.

What should we do?

I have an idea.

I was careless.

Miss Ling,

what is the meaning of this?

Speak!

Who exactly are you?

Bai Chifan.

Stubborn, aren't you?

Bring them in.

Fenglai Pavilion has a wide selection of torture tools.

I'm giving you one last chance.

Answer honestly.

If you lie to me,

you'll have a taste of all my torture devices.

Ask away.

Did my father send you here to spy on me?

No one

can order me around.

You can be the first if you let me

join Fenglai Pavilion.

How arrogant.

Who are you? The emperor?

If my father did not send you here,

why do you know

and care about

my whereabouts

and Fenglai Pavilion?

Explain yourself.

One who understands the rules of the five elements

and the nature of humanity

will know all there is to know in the universe.

Enough of your nonsense.

I am not making anything up.

My father did not send you here?

Shouldn't I be more trustworthy

if I were close to your father?

Release him.

He has the looks

and the comportment for it.

Since I have no better option,

I'll just have to use him.

Bai Chifan.

I have a use for you.

[Fenglai Pavilion]

Miss Ling,

can you tell me

why I must impersonate Prince of Yuzhang

and risk getting my entire family

killed?

Don't worry.

Now that you're part of my sect,

you're mine.

Come what may,

I'll protect you.

And if I insist on finding out why?

Right.

Since you're taking the risk,

you earn the right to know.

Give me a moment.

[Frostflame Iron]

Frostflame Iron?

Yes.

Did you know?

One who owns Frostflame Iron

can craft a divine weapon to lead the martial world.

Frostflame Iron

must first endure abyssal flame for a millennium

before being frozen for another millennium

in order to form this distinct pattern.

Also,

a sword made of this iron

is indestructible.

The Great Qi Dynasty has not seen

such material in several centuries.

Several days ago,

they found one in the quarry in Southern Chu.

So you want me to impersonate Prince of Yuzhang

to get this iron ore?

Yes.

Prince of Yuzhang rules

Southern Chu.

If Prince of Yuzhang wants it,

they'll have to turn it in.

You're so naive.

Do you really think a few weapons

with this iron will allow you

to rule the martial world?

What's wrong with that?

In this martial world,

the sharper the blade, the more power you have.

What else?

[Brush and Ink]

Father,

I am telling the truth.

In that case, explain why

Cangcang put in so much effort

for one Frostflame Iron.

She was looking for the hall master

and wanted someone to impersonate Prince of Yuzhang.

If she wanted the iron ore,

she could've come to me.

Perhaps Young Lady

doesn't want to rely on you for everything.

It's not as simple as that.

Cangcang has always been an opinionated kid.

Xianxue.

I know

you are loyal, responsible,

and meticulous.

But you seem to forget to mention

a certain Bai clan member of Xiling

who approached Cangcang lately.

He...

He's Bai Chifan.

He keeps pestering Young Lady.

But she doesn't really take him seriously.

She even thought

you had sent him to spy on her.

Do you know why I summoned you

back here?

Please enlighten me.

Xianxue.

You must know

that Cangcang

is now in Southern Chu,

the territory of Prince of Yuzhang.

Xianxue.

No matter what happens,

you must protect her.

In the meantime,

I need to know

what she's doing.

Yes, Father.

Now return to Southern Chu.

I need you

to do something.

Yes, Sir.

Go now.

Xianxue.

You must know that Cangcang

will be the Empress consort.

So cease whatever wishful thinking

you have now.

Yes.

Let's go.

People have gone missing lately.

Let's hurry up.

We've been foraging for vegetables in the mountains.

I'm so hungry that I can't walk.

A bun!

Don't eat it.

We don't know where it's from.

What if it's poisoned?

Why would anyone

poison a bun?

Wake up!

Get up!

Get up!

Eat the buns now

or you won't even be able to afford it

in the quarry.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Why are you

sneaking up this late at night?

It is my duty to make sure

that you are always alert, Your Majesty.

All right, Shi Yan.

Take a seat.

Shi Yan.

Did you find anything about Refinement Quarry

that I told you to?

Your Majesty,

on the surface,

that quarry mines and processes ores.

But in reality, it runs a monopoly

that abducts citizens to be miners

and forges weapons without authorization.

Many people have died.

Many young boys went missing in Southern Chu.

In fact, more than 100 young boys have disappeared.

Southern Chu is an affluent region

that is governed by Prince of Yuzhang.

You must have misheard, Your Majesty.

In that case,

they are behind the missing boys

of Southern Chu.

At this moment, it seems so.

My investigation

reveals that Lingbi Sect is behind the quarry.

And the one running the sect is...

Grand Tutor Ling is quite ambitious.

Southern Chu is Prince of Yuzhang's territory,

and he is committing his crime here.

Isn't Ling Cangcang sabotaging her father's plan

by going to the quarry?

Perhaps

she isn't even aware

of the ties between her father and Lingbi Sect.

Luo Xianxue returned to the capital suddenly.

He might already know that I'm here.

This time, not only must we bring back the Empress,

we must also get rid of Lingbi Sect,

thereby extinguishing his contingency plan.

The marriage is inevitable.

We must now

help Ling Cangcang achieve her goal as soon as possible.

Impersonating me in public?

The audacity of it!

Slow down.

They can't have run far.

Are you sure they headed to Refinement Quarry?

Yes.

Absolutely.

All right.

If you make another wrong judgment,

you'll pay for it.

Hurry up!

Faster!

I'm talking about you! Hurry!

There are only kids

in this cave.

No need to feed them properly.

Just one bun per day.

If that's not enough,

tell them to drink water.

Sir,

the laborers we have

are too swollen to walk now.

Ten kids died last month.

All our men are out there capturing kids.

But we still don't have enough manpower.

There is even a rumor saying

that the ghosts are kidnapping kids.

Besides,

if something bad happens,

what do we do?

We are working for the Ghost King after all!

Right.

He wants the money urgently.

What can we do?

And you.

You talk a lot

and eat a lot.

What now?

Why are you in a rush?

Prince of Yuzhang is here.

Prince of Yuzhang?

What is he doing here?

Greetings, Your...

Are you the owner of this quarry?

Greetings, Your Highness.

What can I do for you?

I was told

that you found Frostflame Iron.

Your Highness, you need not come here

in person for one iron ore.

If you desire it,

just say so

and I will have it delivered to your manor.

What?

Are you doubting my identity?

Of course, not.

Look closely.

Wuxi green jade.

Even a fortune can't buy it.

It is in the right form too.

Frostflame Iron, is it?

Let me retrieve it now.

You, come with me.

You two,

serve His Highness tea.

Yes.

What a delicate chest.

It must have been made by a famous blacksmith.

You know many things, Your Highness.

Precious iron ores must be stored in a precious box.

Please, Your Highness.

How dare you

try to murder Prince of Yuzhang!

Prince of Yuzhang?

The prince's royal seal

has four claws to subdue evil.

But yours has five claws.

Prince of Yuzhang's seal is engraved

with four claws to subdue evil.

If I don't even possess such basic knowledge,

how can I even run my smithing business?

Insolence!

Hold your breath.

Give chase now! Quick!

Hurry!

Over there!

You can escape no more.

Don't you know where you are?

You think you

can steal the Frostflame Iron?

Who says

we're after the Frostflame Iron?

Mister,

you are...

I am Shi Yan.

Mr. Bai Chifan asked me

to assist Fenglai Pavilion.

Bai Chifan...

What is going on?

I think

Quarry No. 2 blew up.

Sir, this is bad!

Sir!

The slaves...

The slaves escaped.

What?

But sir, you said

someone

was impersonating Prince of Yuzhang.

So I dispatched all our men here.

You fled on purpose

to lure us here?

It seems like

I've underestimated you both.

I'm glad you know that.

Bai Chifan.

Zhong Lin already rescued those kids.

Find an opening and flee.

I'll watch your back.

No,

allow me to protect you.

What a tear-jerking pair

of star-crossed lovers.

Unfortunately for you,

my smoke is laced with potent poison.

It won't be long till you fall.

Surrender

yourself now

and come clean.

Then perhaps

I'll spare you.

Kill them all!

Leave none alive.

Kill them all!

Don't be afraid.

I'm here.

Charge!

Run now.

Come!

Don't worry about me.

Just go.

Come.

Take this.

What is it?

A pill to save you.

You don't want to leave any witnesses alive.

Ghost King of the Lingbi Sect?

What a monster reared by Lingbi Sect.

He is invincible.

Prince of Yuzhang?

He's finally here.

Quite late too.

Your Highness,

please capture these unscrupulous scoundrels.

It's you, my dear brother.

You're the unscrupulous scoundrels.

Subdue them!

Yes, Your Highness.

It's not us.

You're mistaken.

We did this because we wanted to rescue...

Let go of me.

Let go!

This is just a misunderstanding.

We did this because we wanted to rescue the slaves.

Let me talk to His Highness!

Don't go!

I'm sorry.

I promised to protect you.

I failed that.

But who knew Prince of Yuzhang would arrive this late?

So you wanted to impersonate Prince of Yuzhang

to lure the culprits away

before you could bring them

to justice?

The miners were abducted off the street.

Many of them

are just teenagers.

Fenglai Pavilion doesn't covet fame and glory.

We just want to help the helpless ones.

So that's why

she refuses to enter the palace.

If the plan fails,

you might die.

Have you thought about that?

My life is precious,

but so are theirs.

I used you as bait today.

I'm sorry.

But it wasn't my intention to get you hurt.

Show me your wound.

It's nothing.

But you...

In this vast world,

it's hard to find someone who will defend those victims.

If this is your goal,

I'll do everything I can

to make sure you're not alone in this.

Speaking of which,

he has saved me several times.

No,

allow me to protect you.

Your pulse is stable

but weak.

It's all thanks to your pill.

It sped up the recovery.

How come you are immune

to the poisonous smoke?

Besides,

you were shot by an arrow too.

I am

immune to all poisons.

It's fine if you don't want to tell me.

I'm serious.

I'll tell you more in the future.

Your Highness.

A missive from the Empress Dowager.

Your Highness!

What if Her Highness wishes

to tell you something important?

Every time Mother wrote to me,

it was about His Majesty.

I know what I'm doing.

I'm leaving now.

Are you not going to see me off?

From now on,

you're a prince who governs a region.

You'll have to think before you act now.

Huan, before I leave, can you please

give me the Great Qi Divination Chart

drawn by Father?

Father left it behind,

and I wish to keep it

as memorabilia.

Father's chart

contains the topography

of Great Qi.

You're asking for this chart.

Does this mean you are still

coveting the throne?

Remember now.

As long as I breathe,

you will not

have the divination chart.

Prince of Yuzhang?

You're finally here.

I did impersonate and deceive you.

But it was to save the kids.

My achievement can offset the crime.

No, it cannot.

Can you be a generous soul

and let it slide?

I hate the word,

generous, the most.

When I see that bird on my back,

it only

fuels my hatred more.

Unless...

Unless what?

Unless the man behind you

can apologize to me properly,

then I may consider forgiving your crime.

Look.

I coerced him into coming here.

It has nothing to do with him.

I'll apologize to you on his behalf.

I am Bai Chifan.

It was not my intention to offend you.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

Mr. Bai,

you can put your dignity aside when need be.

Are you Bai Chifan for real?

Yes.

If that's the case,

do you know the consequences

of impersonating me?

Wait, Your Highness.

You are the ruler of Southern Chu

yet you did not know that there was an illegal quarry

that refined iron in your feudal land.

If His Majesty learns of it,

you will be beheaded.

We

found the culprit for you.

Your Highness

will not be seen as colluding with them.

And with this achievement,

His Majesty will surely praise you.

By right,

you should reward us.

I'm here to punish you.

Why must I reward you?

Didn't I explain?

Our achievement offsets the crime.

It's even now.

All right now.

We'll be leaving now.

No need to see us off.

Halt.

To reward you two,

I have set up a banquet.

Won't you do me the honor?

You did what you did to save innocent lives.

On behalf of Southern Chu citizens,

allow me to thank you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I'll dig in then.

Miss Ling, you are still injured.

You shouldn't ingest chilled food.

Pear soup is rejuvenating.

You should drink more.

Here.

Thank you.

Mr. Bai, you seem to care a lot

about this woman.

Forgive me.

How may I address you, miss?

I'm...

Oh.

He's a prince.

Surely, he knows about the marital arrangement.

I should not cause any unwanted trouble.

I'm Zhong Lin, Vice Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion.

Oh, Miss Zhong.

She must be Ling Cangcang.

Huan always moves with a goal in mind.

So he is after her.