Original subtitles

IT WON'T BE LONG UNTIL WE RETURN TO CHANG'AN

In the 28th year of Qiansheng,

the founding emperor fell ill suddenly

and passed away unexpectedly.

General of the Huben Army, Yan Fengshan, took control of the imperial court

and threw the government into chaos.

He helped the late emperor's youngest son, Xiao Wenjing, ascend the throne

and killed the feudal lords,

causing imperial authority to decline.

In the 4th year of Wencheng,

the late emperor's eldest son, a feudal lord, Xiao Wuyang,

mobilized troops from the north

to overthrow the tyranny.

They traveled 1,300 li southward.

With strict military discipline along the way,

all sides submitted to him.

He arrived in Chang'an,

eliminated the treacherous officials,

and took control of the imperial court.

TAIQING PALACE

XIAO WUYANG, NEW EMPEROR

Unable to bear the defeat, the deposed emperor, Xiao Wenjing,

burned himself inside Taiji Hall.

Your Highness, there were five dead bodies.

None of them were the deposed emperor.

GU YU, MARQUIS OF NORTHGUARD

Have you verified all of them?

The deposed emperor fell on a Hanbaiyu staircase as a child.

Because of that, his upper left molar was chipped.

He also fractured his left leg.

All of this is recorded in the palace archives.

These dead bodies might be unrecognizable,

but it is not difficult to verify these injuries.

Your Highness, we just pulled this from one of the corpses.

It finally turned up.

It was set up on purpose.

They are waging war against Xiao Wuyang.

All subordinates of the city-guarding general,

Li Longjing, have surrendered.

There might still be skirmishes in the city,

but it's nothing to worry about.

We've captured all 12 gates of the Capital.

We will set up camps

in the south and southwest.

Moreover, the north side of the city is under our army's control.

The north is secure.

What about Yan Fengshan and his army?

Greetings, Your Majesty.

WISDOM AND DEPTH

The scene at Taiji Hall has been examined.

The deposed emperor, Xiao Wenjing,

did not die in the fire.

This was recovered from the stomach

of one of the dead bodies in Taiji Hall.

I'm sure Your Majesty recognizes the token.

A Huben Token.

Does it mean

he has abducted that useless brother of mine?

Yes.

Xiao Wenjing might be useless,

but one can rule the world simply by abducting the emperor.

Perhaps this battle is far from over.

Perhaps it is just the beginning.

Yan Fengshan and the Huben Army have decided to stay hidden

because they do not want to face Your Majesty directly.

But as long as the deposed emperor is in his hands,

he will surely rise again.

A hidden battle will soon begin.

I am old.

I was careless.

When you are facing Yan Fengshan,

no one can win in one move.

I do recommend one particular person

if you plan to face the Huben Army.

He understands the army better than anyone in this world.

His father, Liu Ziwen,

is the founder of the Huben Army.

Fifteen years ago,

Yan Fengshan led the Huben Army and betrayed Liu Ziwen.

The Liu clan was annihilated.

He was fortunate enough to survive.

He is an exceptional talent.

Moreover, he carries a grudge.

After 15 years, he is now fully prepared.

Many former retainers of the Liu clan are also helping him secretly.

An exceptional talent?

How does he compare to you?

I am old.

I'm inferior to him.

In that case, bring him to me.

I will test him myself.

Understood.

HUAINAN

Be careful with that.

There's more over here.

Have some water.

In times of turmoil,

the government stalls and the people suffer.

Extraordinary individuals will arise

like leopards and magpies.

With the momentum of soaring eagles,

they achieve remarkable feats.

Therefore, extraordinary accomplishments require extraordinary people.

How extraordinary.

As extraordinary as I am ignorant.

No need for you to understand.

As long as I

and the officials above me understand it.

Just listen to these sentences.

Divide and reclaim the land to rebuild the realm.

With Heaven's mandate to crush the rebels,

no rebellion can stand.

With righteous deeds to attain merit,

all great feats may be accomplished.

The sentences are magnificent

and every word is exquisite.

All of you are bumpkins.

Don't even dream of writing that,

not in this life or the next.

Sir, we specialize in repairing roofs and catching chickens

for the residents.

You cannot compare us to them.

Exactly, sir.

Yes.

That's right, sir.

Sir! Sir!

What is it?

The imperial envoy is near the city gates.

All of you, pull yourselves together.

Come with me to meet the imperial envoy.

Huai'an? Where is our beloved Huai'an?

Huai'an!

Huai'an!

Huai'an! The imperial gazette is here!

XIE HUAI'AN

Be careful.

I just got it.

That's all you harvested after half a day?

The weather is good today.

I'm letting the paddy dry in the sun.

Sure. If you say so.

I've read the imperial gazette.

The latest issue is from a month ago.

It's fine even if it's late.

At least, we know what is happening out there.

Huainan is remote and desolate.

What happens outside has nothing to do with this place.

The weather is changing.

Yes. Rain is coming from behind the mountain.

Ziya. Look at this article.

It has been a month since Xiao Wuyang attacked Xigu Mountain City.

After passing Xigu Mountain City,

it's only 300 li from Chang'an.

There is no choke point in between

to defend against any attack.

I'm sure Chang'an won't be captured so easily.

The Imperial Guards are in charge of Chang'an's defense.

The soldiers are all from noble families.

They have adequate military strength, but look at General Li.

His name is Li Longjing.

He is a coward.

Chang'an might have been captured already.

That's impossible. An imperial envoy has come from Chang'an.

Zhou Mo is probably waiting at the gates

with your proclamation against the rebels.

What?

HUAINAN

Sir, what's taking them so long?

Waiting on your wife?

How fast do you want them?

You are useless.

HUAINAN DISTRICT OFFICE

What is it? Is the imperial envoy here?

I wrote a tribute for the new emperor.

Help me find it, now.

There's no congratulatory article here. Didn't you write to condemn the rebels?

Zhou Mo took it to meet the imperial envoy.

That article must not be submitted.

One and a half months ago,

Xiao Wuyang took Xigu Mountain City.

The city is only 300 li away from Chang'an.

There's no choke point left to stop him.

I'm sure Chang'an won't be captured that easily.

It has already been captured.

The imperial envoy serves the new emperor.

If Zhou Mo submits the article, we'll all be dead.

- That's… - Enough.

Look for it, quickly.

When did you write it?

Two years ago.

Two years ago? Are you some kind of prophet?

Found it.

They are here. Play the music!

Quick, sound the drum.

Why does he look like a eunuch?

Look like a eunuch? He is a eunuch.

It's my first time seeing one.

Stop talking from now on.

I, the Magistrate of Huainan District, Zhou Mo,

greet the imperial envoy.

You may stand, Magistrate.

Thank you, Imperial Envoy.

Huainan District is so remote.

I think I've traveled 70 li of mountainous roads

to arrive here from the county.

Sir, Huainan might be remote,

but every land here belongs to the emperor.

The people of Huainan are also blessed by His Majesty's grace.

You have a silver tongue.

Imperial Envoy,

I've prepared the best inn in the district town

to give you a warm welcome.

That's right. One more thing.

We have prepared an article for you to peruse

when you arrive.

Show me.

Sorry, sir. Are you hurt?

How absurd!

Which…

He's one of our own.

Sorry, Imperial Envoy.

I am the registrar here.

I apologize for my reckless action.

I'm very sorry.

Sorry.

Sir, this is the congratulatory article you wrote.

Please show it to the imperial envoy.

Sir.

What a good article. How impressive.

I've traveled across the realm and read 80 tributes

celebrating His Majesty's ascension.

This is the best one yet.

Mr. Zhou, your literary talent is remarkable.

You shouldn't humble yourself in this desolate place.

When I return,

I will put in a good word to His Majesty for you.

Thank you, sir.

Oh. Beyond declaring the new emperor,

I had one more task.

I also traveled to your district for one more purpose.

Do tell, sir.

Do you have someone called Xie Huai'an in your district?

His Majesty has summoned Xie Huai'an to the Capital.

I am Xie Huai'an.

The imperial envoy said

your journey to the Capital would be paid for by the district office.

We must ensure a comfortable trip for you in terms of food and accommodation.

Thank you, sir.

He also said

that when you arrive in Chang'an,

an academic named Li from the Imperial Academy

will be there to receive you.

This man is famous in the Capital.

He will welcome you in person.

The imperial envoy also said…

He said something else?

His Majesty is going to meet Huai'an in person

and order him to do something huge.

The imperial envoy wants you to depart tomorrow

without any delay.

Huai'an,

you said you'd be my registrar forever.

Enough. Stop pouring. He is completely drunk.

It's fine.

I'm going to leave anyway.

Tonight, just let him drink to his heart's content.

Zhou Mo,

I used to tell you

I'd either be your registrar forever,

or head straight to the court.

I won't choose any other path.

Before today,

I thought I'd stay in Huainan forever.

You are a good superior and a good friend of mine.

Being your registrar isn't that bad.

Sir, why are you crying?

He sounds so devoted.

My friend is loyal.

What's wrong with me crying just for a while?

I believe you will complete His Majesty's task dutifully.

Right?

The two of us will soon meet again.

Right?

That's right.

But it might not be necessary to return here just to reunite.

This is a farewell gift.

I don't know if your career as an official will be smooth in the future.

But if you are no longer an official one day,

open this letter.

It'll be easier for us to gather in the future.

All right.

Let's make a toast to Huai'an.

- Sure! - Drink up!

Huai'an, may you soar to great heights.

Huainan is good

A safe haven

The mountains and rivers Stretch on like our affection

An affectionate person…

When you were 17 years old,

you carried a tattered pack

and came to Huainan, a remote place,

like a homeless man.

You worked as a registrar for seven years,

and served four magistrates.

When they left, they wanted to take you with them but you refused.

All of us knew you were destined for great things.

We treated you well not because we wanted you to help us out

when you achieved success one day, but we did so out of sincerity.

However, you are also aloof.

Yes.

But that's who I am.

Are you that happy?

Lie here and count the stars as your punishment.

Stars!

Stars, why are you so far away?

You are as far as Chang'an.

Enough already.

Do you know why I only have two paths to choose from?

Why?

I am a descendant of a condemned official.

Fifteen years ago, my family was wronged and annihilated.

I was fortunate enough to survive.

Since then, I've been living in hiding.

I slept in the wilderness.

I've lived in the reed swamps.

Had I taken one wrong step

back in those days,

I would have been dead.

Did your family offend some powerful figures?

The dynasty's most powerful man.

The leader of the Huben Army,

Yan Fengshan.

Yan Fengshan?

His influence spreads across the imperial court.

But times have changed.

Xiao Wuyang ascended to the throne as a general.

He won't have Yan Fengshan around.

I don't know what he wants me to do,

and I don't know who recommends me.

But this is my opportunity.

I must grasp it.

Huai'an.

Are you trying to clear your family's name?

Everyone is dead.

There's no use clearing their name.

I'm going to take revenge.

All right. Go back and rest.

Sleep for six hours.

We'll send you off at the city gates in the morning.

Sure.

You all should rest too.

Sure.

Enough. Don't be sad.

I'm leaving.

Father!

- Go! - Father!

Father!

Go!

Go!

Move a little.

You came back late and you're still not sleeping?

- The sun is coming up. - I'm not sleeping.

Why are you taking eggs?

Huai'an leaves for the Capital tomorrow.

I want to give him some eggs.

Here, cook the eggs so he can take them with him on his way.

The journey to the Capital is long.

Cooked eggs go rotten in a few days.

What should we do?

Just give him some fresh eggs.

When he feels like eating them,

he just needs to start a fire, boil some water, and cook them.

You are right.

As expected of my wife.

- Move. - What's wrong?

You have no idea, do you?

The chickens will lay eggs in a while.

We can give Huai'an more.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MAJESTY'S ASCENSION

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MAJESTY'S ASCENSION

What?

Are you sad to see me go

and want me dead instead?

Go inside.

Sit down.

You've read it?

News is hard to come by in Huainan.

I deduced what happened in Chang'an by using old imperial gazettes.

But you already knew things had changed.

And your name, Zhou Mo,

must be a pseudonym.

I am with the Huben Army.

Huai'an, I didn't lie to you.

I didn't lie to Haoran or the rest.

What I have been showing all of you is my true character.

However, I was a member of the Huben Army before I met all of you.

General Yan Fengshan saved me.

I pledged my loyalty to him.

When you were talking about your background,

I was shocked.

I did not expect my friend

to be a descendant of Liu Ziwen.

Is fate playing a joke on me?

Huai'an.

I might be one of the Huben Army's men,

but I've never killed anyone until today.

I did not expect the first person I would kill to be my friend.

This cruel fate.

The imperial court must be crawling

with shadow agents.

Indeed.

They are like a shapeless net

that hangs above the imperial court.

You will never win against them.

This is indeed a cruel joke.

I thought I'd become a registrar here forever,

but to my surprise…

Forget it.

Here.

Drink this farewell wine.

Forget that we've ever met.

Live or die, we'll have no regrets.

A cup for life

and a cup for death.

Come, Huai'an.

Life

for you.

When I was young,

my mother died in the north.

When I was ten years old,

my father died as well.

The whole Huben Army defected and killed him.

I can't die.

I must get revenge on the Huben Army.

I'll kill any Huben soldiers I see

until none of them are left.

I collected the eggs for him.

Are you sure?

- I'm sure it was your wife who did that. - I did it.

Huai'an.

- We are here to send you off. - Huai'an.

- Look what we brought. - Huai'an!

What happened?

Zhou Mo.

- Sir! - What happened?

Don't ask.

It's not his fault.

Don't tell anyone.

Don't…

Don't trouble him.

We all

have our own reasons.

Zhou Mo.

- Zhou Mo. - Sir!

Zhou Mo!

- Sir! - Sir!

Sir!

What have you done?

That's Zhou Mo!

Stay away from me

if you don't want to die.

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX: THUNDER BEGINS TO SOFTEN

INSECTS MAKE NESTS, AND WATER BEGINS TO SOLIDIFY

The river runs cold. The chill cuts deep.

Travelers, move along.

Those near the riverbank, stay away from the shore.

You truly surprise me.

This place could cost you your life.

Why did you come back?

Only one person is buried here.

It's not a dangerous place.

The real danger is Chang'an, 70 li away from us.

It seems you truly are only passing by.

I won't be sharing this fish with you then.

I'm going back to Chang'an.

I don't know if I'll leave alive.

So, I came to see you

before I enter Chang'an.

Right.

You are bound to return one day.

Yes.

Your younger sister went to Chang'an as well.

She went to study.

Perhaps she is an imperial scholar now.

I know.

Both of you are so far apart.

How did you know?

She has been writing letters to me.

I've been writing back too.

Why wouldn't you reunite with her?

I dare not.

It is best that we never reunite.

None of my family

ended up well.

The people of the Liu clan

suffer a harsh fate.

Her name has been changed.

Hopefully, she can live her life in peace.

You've changed your name as well.

You must be safe.

Come.

CHANG'AN

Mr. Huai'an, we are both here to pick you up.

Winter starts today. Snow is falling hard.

Thank you, both.

- Mister, let me carry it. - Open the gates.

This way.