Original subtitles

=Love Beyond the Grave= (Adapted from the novel by Li Qingran)

=Episode 26=

Milady, it's raining.

Wait here and take shelter.

I'll go get the carriage.

It's you.

(Yueran Fragrance)

It's another rainy day.

And I've met you again.

I'm Duan Jingyuan.

Mister,

who are you?

Greetings, Miss Duan.

I'm from a humble family

and I'm just a nobody.

My name is Fang Ji,

courtesy name Xianye.

Fang Xianye?

You...

You're the one who goes

against my father and my third brother?

I...

I've heard you are

the top scholar of Nandu.

Most of the finest essays of this era

are authored by you.

I've long heard of you.

You flatter me, Miss Duan.

My essays may shake the world...

My essays may shake the world...

But that's just empty talk.

But that's just empty talk.

(Be worthy of the world...)

(Bravery is the bone of heroism.) Your essay

has always been the best.

(That's the spirit of heroism.) You'll be the top scholar.

Why do you talk like my brother?

General Duan is of noble birth.

I can't compare to him.

How hypocritical.

Why is it still raining?

You don't need...

Why is there

such a deep scar on your hand?

On my way to the Capital,

I encountered bandits

and nearly lost my life.

Luckily, Duke Pei saved me and took me in.

I got this scar

at that time.

Oh, I see.

It's not safe around here.

My third brother

encountered bandits too.

(No wonder he works for Duke Pei.)

(So this is the reason.)

(After all, Duke Pei)

(is the most terrible man.)

Miss Duan,

are you going to hold me forever?

I've heard

you have a feud with my family.

Is that true?

I'm an ordinary man.

Before my success,

I hadn't even met

your father or brother.

(This man)

(isn't as annoying)

(as I imagined.)

(Lotusborn Pavilion)

Everything's ready.

I'll just wait

for Great Ancestor's last material.

You look too old in this outfit.

Don't wear it again.

I'm the Prophet.

A prophet wears this.

This is what you asked for.

Great Ancestor,

this isn't enough.

Why did you get so little?

Oh, Great Ancestor.

Finding this stuff isn't easy.

No rush.

Great Ancestor,

I've got you a room

with a wonderful view.

You can overlook the entire city

and enjoy all the breathtaking views.

Make yourself at home

until the artifact is done.

No need.

I have somewhere to stay.

Your Lordship,

we've searched the Void,

but haven't found Bai Sanxing.

Keep searching.

Yes.

One day,

you will die

by the hand of your beloved.

(Hide in the Mortal World)

(and collect spirit aura.)

Assassin!

Protect Mr. Fang!

Catch the assassin!

Protect Mr. Fang!

- Yes! - Yes!

No need to pursue.

On Duke Pei's orders,

we've come to get you.

Sorry for all that.

Please forgive us.

That was unexpected.

Let's head back now.

Don't hold up our plans.

- Yes. - Yes.

(Yuzao Pleasure House)

Nice.

Hi, Ying.

The new dish today tastes good.

Then enjoy your meal.

Take your time.

Young Master Xu, it's been so long

since you returned.

Have you forgotten us?

Whatever happens,

I'll never forget you, Luoxian.

Come with me, please.

Let's go to the private room.

All right.

I'll have a good drink with you.

(Luoxian, Yuzao Pleasure House)

This floor is taken.

Keep people away.

Yes, Young Master Xu.

Your zither skills

still need improvement.

If you can't appreciate my music,

I happen to have

some martial arts.

There's no point.

You can't beat me.

Any damage in here

has to be fixed.

Your father will pay, anyway.

This is a place of business.

Is this what you wear?

Young Master,

I'm just back from a mission.

I was almost exhausted.

And it's past midnight.

If I weren't waiting for you,

I would have gone to bed.

You worked hard.

How did it go?

You may doubt my zither skills,

but you can't doubt my capability.

My assassination was successful.

But I don't understand.

You sent me to assassinate him,

but not to kill him.

Why?

Mr. Fang, in you go.

Mentor.

How did you get injured?

Go get the medicine kit.

- Yes. - It's nothing.

How did you get injured so badly?

How could I trouble you, Mentor?

In the future,

I'll give you more guards.

You must not travel alone again

like you did today.

Oh.

Is there any lead on the assassin?

Some people want me dead

simply because

I'm in their way.

It seems Chancellor Du

has been too impatient.

He's being impatient

just because our military power

completely rests with you.

Imperial Guard Commander Meng Qiaoyan,

involved in the Southwest rebellion,

was Du's strongest force

in the army.

Later, Meng Qiaoyan

chose to step back from court disputes.

Then Chancellor Du started

to cultivate Duan Xu.

This time,

Duan Xu repelled the Chong Army.

Chancellor Du wanted to divide the military power.

Unexpectedly, His Majesty

turned Duan Xu into a civil official.

Chancellor Du's only hope

failed as well.

So he won't just wait for his doom.

The assassination today

is also a warning.

He must have further schemes.

Put it back.

You're right.

Ever since Duan Xu returned,

Duan Chengzhang has been secretly arranging a marriage for him.

Wang Suyi, the 3rd child

of Minister Wang of Revenue,

Lu Changling, the 5th child

of Academician Lu,

and Xie Qiuyan, the 4th child

of Prince Xie,

are all on the list.

Minister Wang holds real power in the Minister of Revenue.

Academician Lu is the Imperial Tutor,

deeply trusted by His Majesty.

Prince Xie is an aristocrat.

These men

have always been righteous.

The support from any one of them

will have huge influence.

Chancellor Du still backs Duan Xu.

Your Lordship,

shall we press our advantage?

The fish has bitten.

I specially had my men

build a fish pond here.

So I can enjoy

the joy of fishing without leaving home.

Now I've got the first carp.

It's a sign for action.

Then please go

to the 5th Prince's Mansion.

After all,

he's old enough to get married.

Yes.

Here's what you want,

information about Wang Suyi.

Also,

a tip just came in.

After Fang Xianye was attacked,

he headed straight to the 5th Prince's.

As you expected,

Duke Pei wants the 5th Prince,

who is of marriageable age,

to steal your bride.

But I'm confused.

Why do you get yourself

a rival in love?

The 5th Prince is the right age.

He'll get married.

I'm not getting myself

a rival in love,

but eliminating a real rival.

Through contrast,

my value will be clearer,

won't it?

Fine.

Oh,

a rumor is going around in Nandu

that Young Master Xu loafs

and fools around.

Are you really getting married?

Soon, you'll know

what I'm going to do.

Aren't you going downstairs?

Many people are waiting.

Why would I need to play music myself?

Even if my fingers

were swollen,

they wouldn't understand.

A new top beauty is here today.

Otherwise,

I wouldn't have time for you.

I'd have been asleep.

Then go to sleep.

When can I go back?

Soon.

You said the same thing last time.

I'll keep my word this time.

Is this the new top beauty?

Quite impressive.

Exactly.

This top beauty is quite special.

She loves to hear stories.

(5th Prince's Mansion)

Your Highness, Mr. Fang is here to see you.

Your Highness?

Mr. Fang is here.

Come in.

Your Highness, Mr. Fang is here to see you.

Your Highness.

Come over.

Your Highness.

Your Highness?

(Consort Yu)

Stop playing.

Get up now.

You won't miss out on the treasures.

Why aren't you up yet?

You don't let me out, do you?

Why can't I just play?

Fang Xianye is here.

(Han Mingxuan, 5th Prince) Who's that?

Why is he here?

Fang Xianye

is Duke Pei's close confidant.

He came in person so late.

He must have something important to say.

That's your business.

None of my business.

Don't forget.

Your cooperation

with every move we make

is the only way

to keep things as they are.

If you no longer want a great life,

try to refuse me.

Fine.

I'll just go

and see that man.

Greetings,

Your Highness

and Your Grace.

No need for such formality, Mr. Fang.

Take a seat.

How many times have I told you?

I can't eat this thing

and it's ugly too.

Just display

the Seven Seas Dragon Pearl.

What is your purpose?

Duke Pei has a message.

Your Highness

is old enough to get married.

Did he send you

because he had

candidates for my son?

(Wang Suyi)

(Changling, Qiuyan)

Son.

So Duke Pei wants me

to marry the three of them.

Then get prepared.

I'm getting married tomorrow.

Their fathers are important officials

who have been neutral.

Marrying a prince will get them involved

in the fight for the throne.

How would they agree easily?

Your Grace,

you just follow Duke Pei's instructions.

Then he'll spare no effort

to support your son.

Since the message is delivered,

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Fang.

Please tell Duke Pei.

Hope he won't forget

his promise to my son and me.

I'll tell him.

(Yuzao Pleasure House)

Wine.

I want wine.

Come here.

The new top beauty

wants to hear stories, doesn't she?

What...

What are they doing here?

Sir,

you have no idea.

Way too many men want

to see the top beauty.

So we have this new rule.

No one can go up unless he finishes

three jars of strong wine

within about half an hour.

That much?

When someone's drunk,

how can he tell a story?

I don't know.

This is her request.

Then tell me.

What kind of stories

does she love to hear?

She loves

to hear stories

about separated couples,

mismatched sweethearts,

and unattainable love.

Anyway,

it's about love and hatred.

Waiter, another jar of wine!

Be right there!

Gentlemen, help yourselves.

Let's go.

Let's go up there.

Come on.

Wait. Wait for me.

I'm not finished yet.

My Lady,

let me continue.

My Lady!

My Lady!

My Lady!

Go away.

Get lost.

Get out of my way.

My turn.

Don't jump the queue!

My turn!

It's my turn.

He cut in line.

He...

- I'll go. - How come?

Miss He,

I am...

Welcome, sir.

Take a seat.

All right.

Sir,

please tell your story.

Miss He,

I'm Chen.

I'm 28 years old.

I live...

I live in the three-sided courtyard

near the city gate.

Do you know that?

Next.

When will it be my turn?

There he is.

Look at him.

Next!

Pick me! Pick me!

Welcome, sir.

Take a seat.

Go away.

Sir,

please tell your story.

Here I am.

Greetings, Mentor.

Fang Ji,

your recent essays

have impressed those

in the Censorate.

They must have spoken favorably

just for your sake.

Don't be so modest.

Consort Yu

wants to hold a palace banquet.

During that,

she'll request His Majesty for her son's marriage.

So you want him

to seize the advantage

and steal Duan Xu's candidates,

leaving him with no one to marry.

You'll also go to the banquet.

The 5th Prince is unpredictable.

Only when you're there

will I feel truly reassured.

I understand.

(Yuzao Pleasure House)

Great Ancestor.

Where are you?

Your outfit looks great.

I'm so bored

that I act as a top beauty.

This place is interesting.

But people here

have very few obsessions.

I've just collected so little.

Mortals' obsessions are the most vivid.

You need strong obsessions to make

the magical artifact you want.

This amount

is far from enough.

If it goes on like this,

who knows how long

I'll have to wait.

People in the royal palace

have deep obsessions, don't they?

Oh, that's right.

Consort Yu will hold a banquet.

We can go check out the palace.

Banquet?

Consort Yu will hold a banquet.

Marriageable royal relatives

and nobles were invited.

If they fall for each other,

the marriage will be settled.

It's actually

a wife selection for the 5th Prince.

Great Ancestor,

why don't we go check there?

Perhaps,

you'll meet the mortal you want.

Good idea.

(Erudite and Determined)

Xu, I'm coming in.

Consort Yu will hold a banquet.

Father asked you to go.

He also said

the girls he chose for you

would also be there.

You should make a good impression.

Father didn't tell you?

Maybe he was too forgetful

to bring that up.

Xu,

do you

not like to stay in this city?

I always feel

something's bothering you.

Don't worry about me.

I have things to do here.

Father may get you blind dates too.

I'm having bad luck today.

I can't shoot straight.

You're right.

Watch this. Two arrows at a time.

I hit it.

- Impressive. - So steady.

(Lu Changling)

I heard the Duan clan also sent you

a visit request.

Yeah.

(Xie Qiuyan) They not only sent it to me,

but also Miss Wang.

(Wang Suyi) Young Master Xu is good.

He's a handsome scholar and warrior.

How could anyone not like him?

Sadly, he has fallen from power.

Now he only has a fifth-rank sinecure

and a bleak future.

Now he probably needs a wife

to regain power

with her family's influence.

I don't want to take that risk.

That's Duan Xu

who retook three northern cities.

What a pity.

He was demoted.

Chancellor Du's camp

has lost its influence in the army.

Duan Xu's family

can hardly regain power.

(Wang Qi, legitimate son of the Minister of Revenue)

That's difficult.

I wondered which gossipmonger

was spreading rumors here.

Turns out it's Minister Wang's son.

Meng!

He...

Why did he run away?

Wan?

Xu,

ignore those dandies.

It's my father's fault.

Ever since I came back here,

he has been urging me

to have blind dates.

He also said,

"Fighting in battle is useless.

You'll get married anyway."

I nearly slapped him.

Don't listen to him, Meng.

If you want to fight, then go.

Maybe

you'll be the first lady general

of our nation.

Right?

I haven't thought about that yet.

There's never been a lady general.

Wan,

maybe you'll be the first.

Mr. Fang is here.

He's Duke Pei's pupil.

Look.

So that is Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang.

- Yeah. - Mr. Fang.

- Mr. Fang. - Mr. Fang.

Xu,

it's Fang Xianye again.

Mr. Fang.

- Mr. Fang. - Mr. Fang.

Consort Yu is here.

Greetings, Your Grace.

- Prophet. - Prophet.

How I wish I could take off your mask.

You have no taste, Great Ancestor.

My peerless face

has fascinated countless women.

Spiritual energy.

A spirit is here.

It's coming this way, I think.

Great Ancestor,

my body reacts badly

to all spirits but you.

You go first.

I'll look around.

Your Highness,

come with me, please.

There's quite a crowd here today.

Young ladies and gentlemen in town

are gathering here.

Even the Prophet has come.

I'm so delighted.

Make yourselves at home.

If you find it boring,

you can walk around

in the garden of Linhua Palace.

- Yes. - Yes.

Your Grace.

Cheers, General Duan.

How come he shielded my detection?

Come on, ladies.

Here you are.

It tastes great.

I'm too weak to sit for long.

I want to take a walk.

Please forgive me.

As you wish, Prophet.

Great Ancestor.

Shortly after you left,

the red spots on me

all faded away.

Have you caught him?

What's he look like?

He escaped.

Escaped?

He did that

right under your nose?

When I got there,

he had escaped.

I used my power to detect,

but didn't find any trace.

How did that happen?

It doesn't make sense.

He managed to shield your detection.

Could it be...?

It's Song Xingyu.

Only the Glazed Pagoda

he has been holding

can shield your detection.

It seems you aren't

a very powerful prophet.

He's been in the palace,

but you haven't noticed.

Even you can't find him.

Don't give me a hard time.

Take out your magical artifact

to track spirits.

I've set a formation here.

Once he appears,

I'll know.

Then...

You go on to search for obsessions.

I'll take my leave.

Sadly, my son

is too busy to come today.

Why don't the three of you stay here

and have dinner with me?

By then, Mingxuan will be back.

I believe he also wants

to meet you.

It's my honor

to have dinner with you

and His Highness.

The honor is mine too.

I was away for too long.

Since I came back,

I haven't greeted you privately.

Young Master Xu,

you're a man of charm.

It's so kind of you

to say that.

You flatter me, Your Grace.

I've heard

the garden in your palace

was exquisitely crafted

by folk craftsmen.

Miss Wang.

Would you like to go

and appreciate it with me?

Your Grace,

I'm also curious.

Please approve.

I won't force you to stay then.

You may leave.

Thank you, Your Grace.

This banquet

is so boring.

I'll sneak out soon

and leave you alone.

Go find the person

with the strongest obsession.

Thank you.

No, no.

How are your parents?

They're very well.

Thank you for caring.

Come on, let's have a toast.

Yes, Your Grace.

Your art is impressive.

I can't compare.

Don't be so modest.

Your needlework

is far beyond my reach.

Come to my home someday

and we can practice.

All right.

Thank you

for helping me out.

After all,

your awkward situation

was my fault.

I'm the one

who should apologize.

Born in this kind of family,

you and I have no choice.

We're both pawns.

Let's not apologize for that.

Miss Wang,

don't be too pessimistic.

Life is a chessboard.

We're either a pawn

or a player.

I believe

when we control the game,

success or failure

will lie in a decision we make.

Miss Wang.

- Watch out! - Look out!

Are you all right?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Fang.

♪Between black and white, ripples crossed♪

♪Light encountered shadow♪

♪Suddenly cracked♪

♪Listen, all sounds are roaring♪

♪As cold ice turns into tides♪

♪A century's loneliness melts dreams♪

♪Following fate's guidance♪

♪By fate, our moments were exchanged♪

♪The heart wakes up all of a sudden♪

♪Between black and white, ripples crossed♪

♪Light encountered shadow♪

♪It pierced the darkness and the time♪

♪The unbreakable fate♪

♪Suddenly cracked♪

♪Between black and white, ripples crossed♪

♪Light encountered shadow♪

♪It pierced the darkness and the time♪

♪The unbreakable fate♪

♪Suddenly cracked♪

♪Listen, all sounds are roaring♪

♪As cold ice turns into tides♪

♪A century's loneliness melts dreams♪

♪Following fate's guidance♪

♪By fate, our moments were exchanged♪

♪The heart wakes up all of a sudden♪

♪Watch fireworks fall like stars♪

♪This bond is tangled into a thread♪

♪Worldly reflections fade into mist♪

♪Borrowing one fleeting heartbeat♪

♪You drew me into mortal dust, till I'm enamored with its charms♪

♪The heart wakes up all of a sudden♪