1 00:00:46,080 --> 00:00:47,440 (Episode 7) 2 00:00:50,360 --> 00:00:51,360 Your Highness. 3 00:00:51,520 --> 00:00:53,999 Prince Shu He's right-hand meridians are completely severed. 4 00:00:54,000 --> 00:00:56,560 He shall no longer disturb your peace with his zither. 5 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:04,080 Guards. 6 00:01:05,920 --> 00:01:07,080 Reward him with 10 taels of gold. 7 00:01:07,680 --> 00:01:09,520 Thank you, Your Highness. 8 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:16,000 Swap the gold for copper coins, 9 00:01:16,520 --> 00:01:18,079 pack them in a sack, and bind it to his body. 10 00:01:18,080 --> 00:01:20,000 Then cast him into the middle of the river. 11 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:23,680 If you survive and seize it, 12 00:01:24,080 --> 00:01:25,280 three generations' wealth shall be yours. 13 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:27,080 Your Highness. 14 00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:28,560 Your Highness, spare me. 15 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:30,560 Your Highness! Your Highness, have mercy! 16 00:01:30,760 --> 00:01:31,760 Your Highness! 17 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:33,640 Your Highness! 18 00:01:43,840 --> 00:01:45,400 You are but a useless blade. 19 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:47,720 You are but a useless blade. 20 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:50,119 Go somewhere quiet and kill yourself. 21 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:51,520 Take a good look at my face. 22 00:01:55,200 --> 00:01:56,200 You have my permission. 23 00:01:57,960 --> 00:01:59,560 You can think of my face before you die. 24 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:05,160 You can think of my face before you die. 25 00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:14,040 Huo Ying. 26 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:16,040 The poison has not been cured. 27 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:17,840 Where are you going? 28 00:02:18,160 --> 00:02:20,160 Your body is spent, like an arrow at its last flight. 29 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:21,200 If you still will not rest, 30 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:23,360 the only thing waiting for you will be death. 31 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:25,440 So what? 32 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:30,200 Huo Ying. 33 00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:32,400 Who are you degrading yourself for? 34 00:02:32,920 --> 00:02:34,800 The crown prince will not care whether you live or die. 35 00:02:37,160 --> 00:02:38,720 Since the Shadow Guards no longer have a master, 36 00:02:39,280 --> 00:02:40,560 I will end my life. 37 00:02:41,760 --> 00:02:42,760 You are a human being, 38 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:44,000 not an object. 39 00:02:46,080 --> 00:02:47,560 I am illiterate. 40 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:49,360 I know nothing about the world. 41 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:52,080 As long as I bear a sword, 42 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:55,239 where the crown prince orders me to cut, 43 00:02:55,240 --> 00:02:56,760 there will I cut. 44 00:02:59,240 --> 00:03:00,679 Now that the poison runs deep, 45 00:03:00,680 --> 00:03:02,319 I cannot even hold my sword. 46 00:03:02,320 --> 00:03:04,080 In the end, I am worth nothing. 47 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:08,840 There is nothing left for me in this world. 48 00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:11,840 Shen Song. 49 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:14,680 Rather than keep me barely alive, 50 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:17,240 give me a swift release. 51 00:03:20,160 --> 00:03:21,520 Say that again. 52 00:03:25,360 --> 00:03:26,680 Put me out of my misery. 53 00:03:29,840 --> 00:03:31,120 I have treated you so many times, 54 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:34,160 yet all you seek is death. 55 00:03:39,200 --> 00:03:40,760 I have done numerous evil deeds. 56 00:03:41,840 --> 00:03:43,400 My hands are stained with blood. 57 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:47,560 The heart-piercing agony when the poison flares... 58 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:51,720 Such is my retribution. 59 00:03:54,640 --> 00:03:55,920 Do not pity me. 60 00:03:56,640 --> 00:03:57,640 All right. 61 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:00,280 Good. 62 00:04:01,040 --> 00:04:02,680 It is my fault for degrading myself. 63 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:04,560 It is my fault for playing the good man. 64 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:08,000 You said you have no parents. 65 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:09,920 So I sent people to look for them. 66 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:12,040 I came here today... 67 00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:14,560 because I wanted to tell you... 68 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,200 that I have found clues to your parentage. 69 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:23,440 But now, 70 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:26,880 I pity your parents. 71 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:29,720 They just found out about your whereabouts. 72 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:32,840 And next comes the news of your death. 73 00:04:35,560 --> 00:04:36,560 My... 74 00:04:37,040 --> 00:04:38,040 family. 75 00:04:41,160 --> 00:04:42,160 My family. 76 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:13,120 Regulate your breathing. 77 00:05:18,360 --> 00:05:19,480 Where is my family? 78 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:21,240 They are now in the Ji North Kingdom. 79 00:05:21,680 --> 00:05:22,720 You cannot reunite with them, 80 00:05:23,360 --> 00:05:24,360 but all is well. 81 00:05:27,280 --> 00:05:28,280 Huo Ying. 82 00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:30,720 The crown prince saved your life. 83 00:05:31,720 --> 00:05:33,840 You repaid his kindness for 17 years. 84 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:36,480 I have saved you countless times. 85 00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:39,560 Even a hundred years of repayment would still fall short. 86 00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:41,640 Huo Ying. 87 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:44,000 I will not let you die. 88 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:49,120 I already have someone in my heart. 89 00:05:49,760 --> 00:05:51,160 I do not wish to deceive you. 90 00:05:54,600 --> 00:05:55,840 But my life... 91 00:05:57,080 --> 00:05:58,560 belongs to you from now on. 92 00:06:13,040 --> 00:06:14,040 Get some rest. 93 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:10,920 Are you pretending to be asleep? 94 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:19,240 What is this? 95 00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:22,160 Now you are shy? 96 00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:03,600 Your Highness. 97 00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:05,440 There is news from the palace. 98 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:07,920 The Emperor of South Hui has agreed to cede three prefectures... 99 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:09,000 and open border markets for trade. 100 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:10,880 To show such cowardice... 101 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:12,360 is truly unexpected. 102 00:09:17,200 --> 00:09:18,200 I am slow-witted. 103 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,600 You mean to talk about the marriage alliance? 104 00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:25,560 Xiao Shu He devotes himself to poetry and books, 105 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:26,720 and his nature is weak. 106 00:09:27,280 --> 00:09:28,440 If the marriage alliance succeeds, 107 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:29,760 let alone the land of the three prefectures, 108 00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:31,440 but even the fate of the entire South Hui Kingdom... 109 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:32,760 will be at its end. 110 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:34,880 This way, 111 00:09:35,040 --> 00:09:36,040 we may accomplish more with less. 112 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:38,960 Why give up on Xiao Shu He? 113 00:10:16,680 --> 00:10:17,680 You are just in time. 114 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:18,880 Let us have breakfast. 115 00:10:35,440 --> 00:10:36,440 Your Highness. 116 00:10:36,800 --> 00:10:37,800 What is the matter? 117 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:40,040 The abbot of Hanshan Temple sent a monk to deliver a message. 118 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:41,799 He said, at Hanshan Temple, 119 00:10:41,800 --> 00:10:43,320 there is an old acquaintance of Your Highness's retainer. 120 00:10:43,720 --> 00:10:44,720 He invites Your Highness... 121 00:10:44,721 --> 00:10:45,760 and Young Master Duan over for a meeting. 122 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:48,360 Hanshan Temple? 123 00:10:48,880 --> 00:10:49,880 Yes. 124 00:10:52,720 --> 00:10:53,720 They found Huai Yi. 125 00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:15,119 To be born human is rare, 126 00:11:15,120 --> 00:11:16,200 and to hear the Dharma is rarer. 127 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:19,840 You have lived in the temple since you were young. 128 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:22,320 Thus, it shows your affinity with the Buddha's teaching. 129 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:25,840 Today, you shave away your hair, 130 00:11:26,480 --> 00:11:28,520 cutting off three thousand strands of affliction. 131 00:11:28,760 --> 00:11:30,319 This body is devoted to... 132 00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:32,560 the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. 133 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:36,200 May you soon see the light of your own nature... 134 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:38,000 and continue the wisdom-life of the Buddha. 135 00:11:39,120 --> 00:11:40,280 I have no root of wisdom. 136 00:11:41,400 --> 00:11:43,160 It is just that when I was young, 137 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:44,480 my family was massacred, 138 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:45,920 and I was separated from my brother. 139 00:11:46,960 --> 00:11:48,320 I no longer have any attachments. 140 00:11:49,480 --> 00:11:50,560 The pain of losing my family... 141 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:52,320 led me to perceive the truth of emptiness. 142 00:11:55,320 --> 00:11:56,400 From now on, 143 00:11:57,800 --> 00:11:59,560 I will regard everything the world treats me with... 144 00:12:00,640 --> 00:12:01,640 as a courtesy. 145 00:12:02,760 --> 00:12:03,760 I have no desire. 146 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:05,000 I seek nothing. 147 00:12:05,160 --> 00:12:06,519 Amitabha. 148 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:07,520 The abbot of White Cloud Temple... 149 00:12:08,760 --> 00:12:09,760 told me to look for someone here. 150 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:15,000 May I know... 151 00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:16,920 who you are looking for? 152 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:22,560 My long-lost brother. 153 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:32,040 May I know your name? 154 00:12:34,680 --> 00:12:35,680 Duan Zi Ang. 155 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:39,040 How can you prove it? 156 00:12:41,640 --> 00:12:43,600 When my brother was young, he never called me "elder brother." 157 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:46,000 He only called me "big brother." 158 00:12:46,920 --> 00:12:47,920 At the hollow of his right hand... 159 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:50,440 lies the scar of a snake's bite that he took for me. 160 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:10,360 Big Brother. 161 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:11,920 You standing in front of me... 162 00:13:12,360 --> 00:13:13,520 really feels like a dream. 163 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:16,720 I have been looking for you all these years. 164 00:13:18,040 --> 00:13:19,519 How did you find me? 165 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:20,520 I... 166 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:27,000 I got help from a benefactor. 167 00:13:28,160 --> 00:13:29,160 When you see him later, 168 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:30,640 you must thank him properly. 169 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:32,360 Of course. 170 00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:35,000 I was fostered here since I was young. 171 00:13:36,160 --> 00:13:37,400 I had planned to take tonsure today. 172 00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:39,840 But the abbot said... 173 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:41,680 I am not yet free of worldly entanglements. 174 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:43,360 I can go with you. 175 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:45,640 Good. 176 00:13:45,960 --> 00:13:47,040 We will never be apart again. 177 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:49,160 All right. 178 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:55,440 Pack your things first. 179 00:13:57,040 --> 00:13:58,040 All right. 180 00:14:13,760 --> 00:14:14,760 Was it Huai Yi? 181 00:14:15,040 --> 00:14:16,680 Shu He, it really is Huai Yi. 182 00:14:17,080 --> 00:14:18,200 After he packs his bags, 183 00:14:18,440 --> 00:14:19,480 he will go back with us. 184 00:14:19,640 --> 00:14:20,640 Great. 185 00:14:20,720 --> 00:14:22,480 Now you can finally reunite with your brother. 186 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:24,079 Soon, we may also be free... 187 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:25,080 to roam the four corners of the land. 188 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:28,440 I will not let you down. 189 00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:30,600 Let us go back and think of a way... 190 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:32,200 to be free as soon as possible. 191 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:33,200 All right. 192 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:39,320 Go to the carriage first. 193 00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:40,840 When he finishes packing, 194 00:14:41,160 --> 00:14:42,160 we will leave together. 195 00:14:42,800 --> 00:14:43,800 - Very well. - All right. 196 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:04,480 Urgent summons. 197 00:15:04,481 --> 00:15:05,800 Return at once to the liaison spot. 198 00:15:10,760 --> 00:15:12,600 Your Highness, Prime Minister Gu is here. 199 00:15:16,120 --> 00:15:17,120 Your Highness. 200 00:15:17,121 --> 00:15:18,399 His Majesty ordered the Imperial Guards... 201 00:15:18,400 --> 00:15:19,480 to search the Sixth Prince's Manor. 202 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:22,080 I did not have a chance to make a move. 203 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:23,680 I could not find any clues. 204 00:15:24,720 --> 00:15:26,440 What about the retainer from Ji North Kingdom? 205 00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:28,080 He has disappeared. 206 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:37,360 Why did Zi Ang not get in the carriage? 207 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:40,000 He said he had an urgent matter. 208 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:42,840 Did he say what it was about? 209 00:15:44,400 --> 00:15:46,320 He seemed to be in a hurry, so I did not ask. 210 00:15:55,920 --> 00:15:57,040 Huai Yi, do you still remember? 211 00:15:57,280 --> 00:15:59,000 I went to the Duan Manor to play when I was little. 212 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:01,080 When we were little, 213 00:16:01,440 --> 00:16:02,840 my brother often brought his friends over. 214 00:16:11,320 --> 00:16:12,320 It is fine if you do not remember. 215 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:13,840 You were too young then. 216 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:15,360 But no matter what, 217 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:17,280 thanks to Young Master Shu He's help, 218 00:16:17,560 --> 00:16:18,920 I was able to reunite with my brother. 219 00:16:25,680 --> 00:16:26,680 Think nothing of it. 220 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:28,759 I am just happy that I was able to resolve... 221 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:29,760 the knot in his heart. 222 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:31,519 Soon, we will be able to live... 223 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:32,800 the life that our hearts desire. 224 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:38,400 My brother wants to wander the world with you. 225 00:16:39,080 --> 00:16:40,080 Indeed. 226 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:42,080 It is our shared wish. 227 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:00,240 Congratulations, Your Highness, 228 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:02,520 for reuniting the two Duan brothers. 229 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:05,000 This is the abbot of White Cloud Temple. 230 00:17:05,880 --> 00:17:06,880 Have a good rest. 231 00:17:07,080 --> 00:17:08,280 I will go and speak with the abbot. 232 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:15,600 Thanks to you, 233 00:17:15,640 --> 00:17:16,959 Zi Ang was able to find his brother... 234 00:17:16,960 --> 00:17:18,280 in Hanshan Temple. 235 00:17:18,600 --> 00:17:19,800 Now that they have reunited, 236 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:21,279 I see Zi Ang's face... 237 00:17:21,280 --> 00:17:22,320 has regained some color. 238 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:24,200 The account book. 239 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:26,600 I shall leave it in your care, Abbot. 240 00:17:27,600 --> 00:17:28,640 Good, good. 241 00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:30,600 The rekindling of brotherly ties... 242 00:17:30,960 --> 00:17:32,240 by Your Highness... 243 00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:35,720 is an act of great merit. 244 00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:39,600 But I sense some melancholy... 245 00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:42,320 in Your Highness's expression. 246 00:17:45,080 --> 00:17:46,080 I am just afraid... 247 00:17:46,840 --> 00:17:48,200 that he is going to cast aside certain things. 248 00:17:49,480 --> 00:17:50,520 That is the source... 249 00:17:50,880 --> 00:17:52,120 of human suffering. 250 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:53,880 Your Highness... 251 00:17:54,240 --> 00:17:55,320 has also fallen into greed. 252 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:57,680 Do not covet what others... 253 00:17:58,000 --> 00:17:59,000 can give you. 254 00:17:59,840 --> 00:18:00,840 Seek only... 255 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:02,160 what you can give. 256 00:18:03,640 --> 00:18:04,640 Only by letting go... 257 00:18:05,200 --> 00:18:06,200 can one be liberated. 258 00:18:08,240 --> 00:18:09,480 Thank you for your teachings, Abbot. 259 00:18:10,560 --> 00:18:11,560 May I ask... 260 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:12,960 how you find Huai Yi? 261 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:15,519 That day, the crown prince of Ji North Kingdom... 262 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:16,560 came to pray before the Buddha. 263 00:18:17,480 --> 00:18:18,640 He saw the painting. 264 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:21,600 By chance, the servant provided a clue. 265 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:24,800 Thus, we found Duan Huai Yi at Hanshan Temple. 266 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:26,800 How did a servant of the Ji North Kingdom... 267 00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:28,520 recognize that painting? 268 00:18:30,880 --> 00:18:31,920 I do not know either. 269 00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:35,960 It is getting late. 270 00:18:36,480 --> 00:18:37,600 You should go back, Abbot. 271 00:18:50,520 --> 00:18:51,520 Huo Ying. 272 00:18:51,880 --> 00:18:52,880 What are you doing? 273 00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:55,600 I am guilty. 274 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:04,000 This has nothing to do with you. 275 00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:07,800 I know the crown prince is behind this cruel act. 276 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:09,800 No need to blame yourself. 277 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:11,760 I... 278 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:14,120 I have another matter to report. 279 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:17,200 Tell me. 280 00:19:19,120 --> 00:19:20,560 Do you still remember this sword? 281 00:19:21,640 --> 00:19:22,640 Of course. 282 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:24,840 It was supposed to be my coming-of-age gift. 283 00:19:25,760 --> 00:19:27,840 When Your Highness gave me this sword, 284 00:19:28,360 --> 00:19:29,360 I once said... 285 00:19:29,680 --> 00:19:30,920 I would be loyal... 286 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:32,960 and protect Your Highness all my life. 287 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:35,000 I... 288 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:37,000 I have broken my promise. 289 00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:42,480 All these years, 290 00:19:42,600 --> 00:19:44,360 the crown prince has been controlling me with Blood Dove. 291 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:46,359 He forced me to reveal... 292 00:19:46,360 --> 00:19:47,400 Your Highness's movements every month. 293 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:50,880 How long has it been? 294 00:19:51,480 --> 00:19:52,480 Over five years. 295 00:19:53,440 --> 00:19:55,360 Before that, Your Highness neglected state affairs. 296 00:19:55,960 --> 00:19:57,800 So the crown prince asked nothing of me. 297 00:19:58,360 --> 00:19:59,360 It is just... 298 00:19:59,361 --> 00:20:00,560 It is just that the crown prince did not expect... 299 00:20:01,080 --> 00:20:02,440 I would join the court one day. 300 00:20:04,520 --> 00:20:05,520 Yes. 301 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:09,520 The Blood Dove's poison is vicious. 302 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:12,040 One of its components has long been lost. 303 00:20:12,840 --> 00:20:14,200 I did not expect the crown prince to have it. 304 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:18,080 During the marriage alliance a few days ago, 305 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:20,520 the crown prince gave me a waist token... 306 00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:22,400 and asked me to put it in your study. 307 00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:24,520 Now that I think about it, 308 00:20:25,120 --> 00:20:27,760 it should be a token of the Red Shadow Guards. 309 00:20:31,120 --> 00:20:33,880 The crown prince is so affected by his desire for power. 310 00:20:37,640 --> 00:20:39,520 I have done too many harmful things to Your Highness. 311 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:41,720 I can no longer seek forgiveness. 312 00:20:43,760 --> 00:20:44,760 You had no choice. 313 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:45,760 I do not blame you. 314 00:20:46,160 --> 00:20:48,480 Besides, you had a chance to escape. 315 00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:50,440 But you chose to come here and apologize, 316 00:20:50,480 --> 00:20:51,480 revealing everything... 317 00:20:51,481 --> 00:20:52,640 so I could understand the whole picture. 318 00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:54,400 I will not blame you. 319 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:56,520 Thank you, Your Highness. 320 00:20:58,280 --> 00:20:59,800 I am just worried that... 321 00:21:00,760 --> 00:21:02,800 in striving for the great vision of the South Hui Kingdom, 322 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:04,800 Shu Qian may be consumed by obsession... 323 00:21:06,480 --> 00:21:07,600 and ultimately bring ruin upon himself. 324 00:21:54,120 --> 00:21:55,240 Why did you dodge? 325 00:21:55,520 --> 00:21:56,600 Spare me, Your Highness. 326 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:58,000 I am... 327 00:21:58,000 --> 00:21:59,000 afraid. 328 00:22:00,920 --> 00:22:02,359 Do you think my swordsmanship is so poor... 329 00:22:02,360 --> 00:22:03,560 that I could cut off your hand? 330 00:22:07,640 --> 00:22:08,840 You do not believe me. 331 00:22:10,120 --> 00:22:11,120 You are afraid of this and that. 332 00:22:13,560 --> 00:22:15,520 Do you not believe that I, the Crown Prince of South Hui, 333 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:17,800 can achieve great things? 334 00:22:19,280 --> 00:22:20,520 The crown prince's swordsmanship... 335 00:22:20,920 --> 00:22:22,280 is the best in the world. 336 00:22:23,320 --> 00:22:24,320 Others do not believe it. 337 00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:26,480 That is due to... 338 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:28,280 their narrow vision. 339 00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:33,040 Forgive my shortcomings, Grand Tutor. 340 00:22:36,120 --> 00:22:37,120 You may leave. 341 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:46,200 The plan has yet to succeed. 342 00:22:46,520 --> 00:22:47,880 Do not take out your anger on the servants. 343 00:22:48,960 --> 00:22:50,880 The tale of Fan Jiang and Zhang Da assassinating Zhang Fei. 344 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:53,160 I have been teaching you since you were little. 345 00:22:54,560 --> 00:22:56,600 I wish these lowlifes had the guts to do so. 346 00:22:57,800 --> 00:22:59,000 Now, the South Hui Kingdom... 347 00:22:59,640 --> 00:23:01,640 is almost annexed to the Ji North Kingdom. 348 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:05,080 Yet none of the civil or military officials shows concern. 349 00:23:05,800 --> 00:23:07,600 Today, I observed... 350 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:09,280 the officials in court. 351 00:23:09,760 --> 00:23:10,960 All of them think... 352 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:12,640 that the two states are on the path to a harmonious relationship. 353 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:14,440 If I disagree, 354 00:23:16,040 --> 00:23:17,240 I am afraid next time, 355 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:19,560 I will not be able to attend the imperial court. 356 00:23:21,440 --> 00:23:22,840 After all this effort, 357 00:23:24,360 --> 00:23:25,360 can Father still not... 358 00:23:25,361 --> 00:23:27,160 take a firm stand against the Ji North Kingdom? 359 00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:29,000 In the South Hui Kingdom, 360 00:23:29,800 --> 00:23:31,200 the call for peace... 361 00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:33,320 has already become the general trend. 362 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:35,160 Now, 363 00:23:35,920 --> 00:23:37,840 we can only change our strategy. 364 00:23:41,800 --> 00:23:43,480 And what advice do you have, Grand Tutor? 365 00:23:47,960 --> 00:23:49,000 Your Highness. 366 00:23:51,200 --> 00:23:52,280 I have found out... 367 00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:54,480 the whereabouts of the Crown Prince of Ji North. 368 00:23:54,880 --> 00:23:56,000 If the Crown Prince of Ji North... 369 00:23:56,920 --> 00:23:58,200 is assassinated in South Hui Kingdom, 370 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:00,760 do Your Highness think... 371 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:02,120 the Ji North Kingdom... 372 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:04,000 will still be willing to make peace? 373 00:24:09,480 --> 00:24:11,000 If relations between the two states turn hostile, 374 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:13,480 Your Highness and the war factions... 375 00:24:14,040 --> 00:24:15,640 can regain power. 376 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:20,720 Assassinate the Crown Prince of Ji North? 377 00:24:22,800 --> 00:24:24,360 Grand Tutor, do you not think... 378 00:24:25,520 --> 00:24:27,160 this plan is too dangerous? 379 00:24:28,560 --> 00:24:29,840 The Emperor has grown foolish and dull. 380 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:32,160 The South Hui Kingdom... 381 00:24:34,280 --> 00:24:35,320 needs its crown prince. 382 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:08,480 I am here today to tell you this. 383 00:25:10,160 --> 00:25:11,840 I no longer wish to pledge loyalty to the Red Shadow Guards. 384 00:25:12,560 --> 00:25:14,360 I can bear any price, 385 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:17,320 as long as Sixth Prince Shu He remains unharmed. 386 00:25:18,880 --> 00:25:19,960 It seems like... 387 00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:22,400 you have prepared the poisoned wine. 388 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:24,000 No. 389 00:25:24,880 --> 00:25:26,640 Your skills cannot harm me at all. 390 00:25:29,280 --> 00:25:30,400 The marriage alliance has already failed. 391 00:25:31,320 --> 00:25:32,880 Why are you still staying in South Hui? 392 00:25:34,320 --> 00:25:35,320 Marriage alliance? 393 00:25:36,320 --> 00:25:37,840 To the South Hui Kingdom, 394 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:39,000 it is a desperate act, 395 00:25:39,001 --> 00:25:40,040 like drinking poison to quench thirst. 396 00:25:40,840 --> 00:25:41,840 It is not important at all. 397 00:25:42,200 --> 00:25:43,720 War between the North and South is inevitable. 398 00:25:45,080 --> 00:25:46,080 I am here... 399 00:25:46,081 --> 00:25:47,680 to see you. 400 00:25:50,120 --> 00:25:51,400 Just to see me? 401 00:25:56,360 --> 00:25:58,600 Each Chief of the Red Shadow Guards... 402 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:01,480 must be the Emperor's own brother. 403 00:26:02,040 --> 00:26:03,280 So, after I become Emperor, 404 00:26:03,640 --> 00:26:05,320 it is only right that you take the seat... 405 00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:06,760 as Chief of the Red Shadow Guards. 406 00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:12,720 Right. 407 00:26:13,920 --> 00:26:16,400 General Duan is a righteous man. 408 00:26:17,480 --> 00:26:18,480 He treats you like family. 409 00:26:18,920 --> 00:26:20,720 No wonder you never suspected anything. 410 00:26:25,800 --> 00:26:28,440 I am a descendant of the imperial family of Ji North. 411 00:26:32,320 --> 00:26:34,040 A bloodline split in two. One in the open, one kept in shadow. 412 00:26:35,280 --> 00:26:36,280 Brother. 413 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:38,280 He is my son too. 414 00:26:39,160 --> 00:26:40,520 From the moment he was born, 415 00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:42,840 he did not have a choice. 416 00:26:44,160 --> 00:26:45,280 That is the very reason. 417 00:26:45,600 --> 00:26:46,600 Otherwise, why do you think... 418 00:26:46,601 --> 00:26:48,600 there is no crow tattoo on your back? 419 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:55,200 Come back to Ji North with me. 420 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:57,080 We can definitely achieve something great together... 421 00:26:57,440 --> 00:26:58,920 and benefit the people. 422 00:27:02,720 --> 00:27:03,720 I know. 423 00:27:04,640 --> 00:27:07,160 You just reunited with your long-lost brother. 424 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:08,960 Although he is from the South Hui Kingdom, 425 00:27:09,120 --> 00:27:11,000 you two are very close. 426 00:27:12,520 --> 00:27:13,760 As long as he is willing to follow you, 427 00:27:14,280 --> 00:27:15,280 I will not hold it against him. 428 00:27:21,720 --> 00:27:22,720 I cannot go. 429 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:25,480 It seems like... 430 00:27:25,960 --> 00:27:28,199 there is someone you cannot let go of... 431 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:29,200 in the South Hui Kingdom. 432 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:33,200 It matters not. 433 00:27:33,800 --> 00:27:34,800 I can wait for you. 434 00:27:36,120 --> 00:27:37,480 Sooner or later, you will realize... 435 00:27:38,080 --> 00:27:39,080 that what you are doing now... 436 00:27:39,081 --> 00:27:40,640 is just a waste of time. 437 00:27:41,240 --> 00:27:42,360 Your identity... 438 00:27:42,720 --> 00:27:45,400 has already destined you to part from him. 439 00:27:48,920 --> 00:27:50,320 You are a talented person. 440 00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:52,880 And I want to be a wise ruler in the future. 441 00:27:54,160 --> 00:27:56,920 That taste of yearning to make one's mark... 442 00:27:57,480 --> 00:27:59,080 I know it all too well. 443 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:07,640 You and I share the same blood. 444 00:28:08,440 --> 00:28:09,560 That is why I know... 445 00:28:10,480 --> 00:28:12,160 you will come back sooner or later. 446 00:28:15,480 --> 00:28:16,480 Wait! 447 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:20,080 My mother. 448 00:28:21,680 --> 00:28:22,680 What did she look like? 449 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:25,560 The late Emperor was cruel. 450 00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:27,880 He did not leave a single portrait. 451 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:30,200 But after Lady Yan was granted death, 452 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:32,680 a poem spread in the palace. 453 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:37,720 It is said that the late Emperor wrote it to mourn her. 454 00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:42,960 Do you still remember it? 455 00:28:56,640 --> 00:28:57,640 Your Highness, 456 00:28:57,760 --> 00:28:58,880 we have figured out... 457 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:00,280 the whereabouts of the Crown Prince of Ji North. 458 00:29:00,760 --> 00:29:02,480 We have set up a trap in a place... 459 00:29:02,720 --> 00:29:03,720 easy to attack but hard to defend. 460 00:29:03,760 --> 00:29:04,800 We now await your command. 461 00:29:05,680 --> 00:29:06,680 Good. 462 00:29:07,520 --> 00:29:08,760 Do not let a word of this get out. 463 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:10,800 Yes, Your Highness. 464 00:29:16,040 --> 00:29:18,160 Find all the herbs in this letter. 465 00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:21,400 Your Highness. 466 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:22,600 Among them, 467 00:29:22,640 --> 00:29:23,920 the herb coldgrass... 468 00:29:24,240 --> 00:29:25,440 only grows in the far north, 469 00:29:26,040 --> 00:29:27,040 and the last time it was seen... 470 00:29:27,160 --> 00:29:28,480 was already 10 years ago. 471 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:30,240 No matter what it takes, 472 00:29:30,920 --> 00:29:32,200 find all the herbs for this formula. 473 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:34,240 Yes, Your Highness. 474 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:50,760 (Mountain) 475 00:30:04,040 --> 00:30:05,040 What happened? 476 00:30:05,160 --> 00:30:06,160 Why are you sighing? 477 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:16,440 You used to have excellent handwriting. 478 00:30:18,240 --> 00:30:19,280 It breaks my heart to see you like this. 479 00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:23,160 Save your sighs for your poor handwriting. 480 00:30:23,560 --> 00:30:24,560 I now write with my other hand, 481 00:30:24,800 --> 00:30:26,360 but I am still better than a certain someone. 482 00:30:29,360 --> 00:30:30,360 What is the matter? 483 00:30:31,120 --> 00:30:32,120 Well... 484 00:30:32,600 --> 00:30:33,600 Nothing. 485 00:30:34,320 --> 00:30:35,400 On my way back, 486 00:30:35,520 --> 00:30:36,600 I heard a poem. 487 00:30:38,640 --> 00:30:39,680 I did not understand a few parts. 488 00:30:42,320 --> 00:30:44,040 It is rare for you to be in the mood for poetry. 489 00:30:44,640 --> 00:30:45,640 Tell me. 490 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:57,120 Her brows borrow from distant hills, three shades of dark green. 491 00:30:58,760 --> 00:31:00,559 Her temples steal from the clouds of Mount Wu, 492 00:31:00,560 --> 00:31:02,240 a wisp of gray. 493 00:31:03,680 --> 00:31:05,760 Her smooth, fair hands once softened into dew. 494 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:10,240 While lingering musk still clings to her pillow. 495 00:31:11,960 --> 00:31:13,039 Reluctantly, I cast this baneful beauty... 496 00:31:13,040 --> 00:31:14,200 back to the rivers and seas. 497 00:31:15,120 --> 00:31:17,040 The fate of the realm outweighs... 498 00:31:17,960 --> 00:31:19,080 the mound of your bones. 499 00:31:20,320 --> 00:31:21,520 I have heard this poem before. 500 00:31:22,560 --> 00:31:23,560 How do you know? 501 00:31:24,520 --> 00:31:26,280 I have been collecting poems since I was young. 502 00:31:26,840 --> 00:31:28,719 I remember this as a poem of mourning, 503 00:31:28,720 --> 00:31:29,759 written by the Emperor of Ji North... 504 00:31:29,760 --> 00:31:31,200 after he ordered a maidservant to her death. 505 00:31:31,880 --> 00:31:33,840 I was very interested, so I asked someone about it. 506 00:31:35,400 --> 00:31:36,400 Then what do you think? 507 00:31:38,760 --> 00:31:40,600 This may be a poem of mourning, 508 00:31:41,080 --> 00:31:42,360 but it is extremely arrogant. 509 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:44,440 "Her brows borrow from distant hills..." 510 00:31:44,520 --> 00:31:45,840 and "her temples steal from the clouds of Mount Wu..." 511 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:47,400 seem to say, 512 00:31:47,401 --> 00:31:48,479 the woman has a face... 513 00:31:48,480 --> 00:31:49,600 that does not belong to her. 514 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:52,760 The usage of "baneful beauty" shirks responsibility... 515 00:31:53,360 --> 00:31:55,840 and blames the woman for his misrule. 516 00:31:57,600 --> 00:31:59,640 Do you know more about this maidservant? 517 00:32:02,280 --> 00:32:03,280 No. 518 00:32:03,880 --> 00:32:05,800 I do not know much about the matters in Ji North. 519 00:32:07,920 --> 00:32:08,920 Zi Ang. 520 00:32:10,360 --> 00:32:11,360 What is wrong with you? 521 00:32:13,360 --> 00:32:14,360 Nothing. 522 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:16,960 I just feel that a woman... 523 00:32:17,520 --> 00:32:19,160 wasted her feelings. 524 00:32:21,120 --> 00:32:22,120 It breaks my heart. 525 00:32:27,120 --> 00:32:28,280 I know you are kind, 526 00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:29,600 but I did not know... 527 00:32:29,601 --> 00:32:31,240 you have such a delicate side. 528 00:32:32,280 --> 00:32:33,880 It seems I have not known you well enough. 529 00:32:38,880 --> 00:32:41,000 Then I hope we may be together to the end of time. 530 00:32:52,520 --> 00:32:54,000 Maybe one day, 531 00:32:57,200 --> 00:32:59,120 I will know you fully. 532 00:33:02,200 --> 00:33:03,320 Come with me.