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00:02:02,680 --> 00:02:09,600
IT WON'T BE LONG
UNTIL WE RETURN TO CHANG'AN
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00:02:33,080 --> 00:02:35,240
In the 28th year of Qiansheng,
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00:02:35,760 --> 00:02:38,000
the founding emperor fell ill suddenly
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00:02:38,080 --> 00:02:40,000
and passed away unexpectedly.
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00:02:40,080 --> 00:02:43,160
General of the Huben Army, Yan Fengshan,
took control of the imperial court
6
00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:45,000
and threw the government into chaos.
7
00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:48,360
He helped the late emperor's youngest son,
Xiao Wenjing, ascend the throne
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00:02:48,920 --> 00:02:50,360
and killed the feudal lords,
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00:02:50,880 --> 00:02:53,040
causing imperial authority to decline.
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00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:56,520
In the 4th year of Wencheng,
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00:02:57,040 --> 00:02:59,960
the late emperor's eldest son,
a feudal lord, Xiao Wuyang,
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00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:01,680
mobilized troops from the north
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00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:04,480
to overthrow the tyranny.
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00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:06,360
They traveled 1,300 li southward.
15
00:03:06,440 --> 00:03:08,200
With strict military discipline
along the way,
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00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:10,080
all sides submitted to him.
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00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:12,080
He arrived in Chang'an,
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00:03:12,160 --> 00:03:13,720
eliminated the treacherous officials,
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00:03:14,240 --> 00:03:16,800
and took control of the imperial court.
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00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:42,120
TAIQING PALACE
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00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:08,200
XIAO WUYANG, NEW EMPEROR
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00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:13,880
Unable to bear the defeat,
the deposed emperor, Xiao Wenjing,
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00:04:13,960 --> 00:04:17,680
burned himself inside Taiji Hall.
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00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:40,000
Your Highness,
there were five dead bodies.
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00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:41,280
None of them were the deposed emperor.
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00:04:41,360 --> 00:04:44,720
GU YU, MARQUIS OF NORTHGUARD
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00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:47,120
Have you verified all of them?
28
00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:50,600
The deposed emperor fell
on a Hanbaiyu staircase as a child.
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00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:53,400
Because of that,
his upper left molar was chipped.
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00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:55,960
He also fractured his left leg.
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00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:57,600
All of this is recorded
in the palace archives.
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00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:00,240
These dead bodies might be unrecognizable,
33
00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:03,280
but it is not difficult
to verify these injuries.
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00:05:06,520 --> 00:05:09,360
Your Highness, we just pulled this
from one of the corpses.
35
00:05:26,280 --> 00:05:29,560
It finally turned up.
36
00:05:30,280 --> 00:05:31,880
It was set up on purpose.
37
00:05:32,400 --> 00:05:35,240
They are waging war against Xiao Wuyang.
38
00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,400
All subordinates
of the city-guarding general,
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00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:42,840
Li Longjing, have surrendered.
40
00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:44,720
There might still be
skirmishes in the city,
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00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:46,440
but it's nothing to worry about.
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00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:48,320
We've captured
all 12 gates of the Capital.
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00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:49,760
We will set up camps
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00:05:49,840 --> 00:05:52,040
in the south and southwest.
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00:05:52,120 --> 00:05:55,640
Moreover, the north side of the city
is under our army's control.
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00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:56,680
The north is secure.
47
00:05:58,280 --> 00:06:01,960
What about Yan Fengshan and his army?
48
00:06:11,160 --> 00:06:12,120
Greetings, Your Majesty.
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00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:23,360
WISDOM AND DEPTH
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00:06:23,440 --> 00:06:26,000
The scene at Taiji Hall has been examined.
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00:06:26,960 --> 00:06:28,520
The deposed emperor, Xiao Wenjing,
52
00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:30,600
did not die in the fire.
53
00:06:32,480 --> 00:06:35,040
This was recovered from the stomach
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00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:38,200
of one of the dead bodies in Taiji Hall.
55
00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:42,600
I'm sure Your Majesty
recognizes the token.
56
00:06:57,320 --> 00:06:59,040
A Huben Token.
57
00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:01,520
Does it mean
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00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:06,240
he has abducted
that useless brother of mine?
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00:07:06,320 --> 00:07:07,480
Yes.
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00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:10,360
Xiao Wenjing might be useless,
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00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,960
but one can rule the world
simply by abducting the emperor.
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00:07:14,320 --> 00:07:17,800
Perhaps this battle is far from over.
63
00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:22,320
Perhaps it is just the beginning.
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00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,280
Yan Fengshan and the Huben Army
have decided to stay hidden
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00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:28,600
because they do not want
to face Your Majesty directly.
66
00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:31,600
But as long as
the deposed emperor is in his hands,
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00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:34,000
he will surely rise again.
68
00:07:35,080 --> 00:07:39,160
A hidden battle will soon begin.
69
00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:15,640
I am old.
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00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:16,840
I was careless.
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00:08:18,120 --> 00:08:20,320
When you are facing Yan Fengshan,
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00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:25,080
no one can win in one move.
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00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:27,480
I do recommend one particular person
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00:08:28,400 --> 00:08:29,840
if you plan to face the Huben Army.
75
00:08:30,920 --> 00:08:34,240
He understands the army better
than anyone in this world.
76
00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:36,280
His father, Liu Ziwen,
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00:08:36,360 --> 00:08:38,320
is the founder of the Huben Army.
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00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:39,679
Fifteen years ago,
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00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:43,520
Yan Fengshan led the Huben Army
and betrayed Liu Ziwen.
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00:08:46,520 --> 00:08:48,720
The Liu clan was annihilated.
81
00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:54,160
He was fortunate enough to survive.
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00:08:56,600 --> 00:08:58,440
He is an exceptional talent.
83
00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:01,880
Moreover, he carries a grudge.
84
00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:05,720
After 15 years, he is now fully prepared.
85
00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:10,360
Many former retainers of the Liu clan
are also helping him secretly.
86
00:09:10,440 --> 00:09:12,240
An exceptional talent?
87
00:09:13,080 --> 00:09:14,160
How does he compare to you?
88
00:09:14,240 --> 00:09:16,000
I am old.
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00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:17,360
I'm inferior to him.
90
00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:26,520
In that case, bring him to me.
91
00:09:27,760 --> 00:09:29,400
I will test him myself.
92
00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:31,000
Understood.
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00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:35,320
HUAINAN
94
00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:47,720
Be careful with that.
95
00:09:48,560 --> 00:09:50,320
There's more over here.
96
00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:52,600
Have some water.
97
00:09:54,920 --> 00:09:57,200
In times of turmoil,
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00:09:57,280 --> 00:09:59,200
the government stalls
and the people suffer.
99
00:09:59,280 --> 00:10:01,280
Extraordinary individuals will arise
100
00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:03,080
like leopards and magpies.
101
00:10:03,160 --> 00:10:05,000
With the momentum of soaring eagles,
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00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:06,560
they achieve remarkable feats.
103
00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:11,440
Therefore, extraordinary accomplishments
require extraordinary people.
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00:10:11,520 --> 00:10:13,080
How extraordinary.
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00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:15,080
As extraordinary as I am ignorant.
106
00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:17,360
No need for you to understand.
107
00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:18,800
As long as I
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00:10:18,880 --> 00:10:21,240
and the officials above me understand it.
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00:10:21,320 --> 00:10:22,560
Just listen to these sentences.
110
00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:26,720
Divide and reclaim the land
to rebuild the realm.
111
00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:29,080
With Heaven's mandate to crush the rebels,
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00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:30,440
no rebellion can stand.
113
00:10:30,520 --> 00:10:32,360
With righteous deeds to attain merit,
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00:10:32,440 --> 00:10:34,200
all great feats may be accomplished.
115
00:10:34,720 --> 00:10:36,560
The sentences are magnificent
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00:10:36,640 --> 00:10:39,080
and every word is exquisite.
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00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:41,560
All of you are bumpkins.
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00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:42,960
Don't even dream of writing that,
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00:10:43,040 --> 00:10:44,160
not in this life or the next.
120
00:10:45,680 --> 00:10:49,720
Sir, we specialize in repairing roofs
and catching chickens
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00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:51,000
for the residents.
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00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:53,280
You cannot compare us to them.
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00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:54,560
Exactly, sir.
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00:10:54,640 --> 00:10:56,040
Yes.
125
00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:57,000
That's right, sir.
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00:10:57,080 --> 00:10:59,360
Sir! Sir!
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00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:00,760
What is it?
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00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:01,920
The imperial envoy is near the city gates.
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00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:05,040
All of you, pull yourselves together.
130
00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:08,040
Come with me to meet the imperial envoy.
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00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:10,320
Huai'an? Where is our beloved Huai'an?
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00:11:12,360 --> 00:11:13,320
Huai'an!
133
00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:15,800
Huai'an!
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00:11:22,480 --> 00:11:24,880
Huai'an! The imperial gazette is here!
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00:11:25,920 --> 00:11:29,640
XIE HUAI'AN
136
00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:32,920
Be careful.
137
00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:37,000
I just got it.
138
00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:42,000
That's all you harvested after half a day?
139
00:11:44,560 --> 00:11:45,800
The weather is good today.
140
00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:47,640
I'm letting the paddy dry in the sun.
141
00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:50,560
Sure. If you say so.
142
00:11:51,160 --> 00:11:52,880
I've read the imperial gazette.
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00:11:52,960 --> 00:11:54,560
The latest issue is from a month ago.
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00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,560
It's fine even if it's late.
145
00:11:57,640 --> 00:11:59,760
At least, we know
what is happening out there.
146
00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:03,920
Huainan is remote and desolate.
147
00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:07,400
What happens outside
has nothing to do with this place.
148
00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:26,720
The weather is changing.
149
00:12:28,520 --> 00:12:31,440
Yes. Rain is coming
from behind the mountain.
150
00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:35,840
Ziya. Look at this article.
151
00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:43,040
It has been a month since Xiao Wuyang
attacked Xigu Mountain City.
152
00:12:44,360 --> 00:12:46,240
After passing Xigu Mountain City,
153
00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:49,240
it's only 300 li from Chang'an.
154
00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:51,280
There is no choke point in between
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00:12:53,280 --> 00:12:54,800
to defend against any attack.
156
00:12:56,080 --> 00:12:59,480
I'm sure Chang'an
won't be captured so easily.
157
00:12:59,560 --> 00:13:01,800
The Imperial Guards
are in charge of Chang'an's defense.
158
00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:05,600
The soldiers are all from noble families.
159
00:13:05,680 --> 00:13:09,560
They have adequate military strength,
but look at General Li.
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00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:11,280
His name is Li Longjing.
161
00:13:11,880 --> 00:13:13,640
He is a coward.
162
00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:17,920
Chang'an might have been captured already.
163
00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:21,160
That's impossible.
An imperial envoy has come from Chang'an.
164
00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:23,720
Zhou Mo is probably waiting at the gates
165
00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:25,160
with your proclamation against the rebels.
166
00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:26,880
What?
167
00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:35,640
HUAINAN
168
00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:37,800
Sir, what's taking them so long?
169
00:13:37,880 --> 00:13:38,800
Waiting on your wife?
170
00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:40,120
How fast do you want them?
171
00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:41,880
You are useless.
172
00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:47,680
HUAINAN DISTRICT OFFICE
173
00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:54,080
What is it? Is the imperial envoy here?
174
00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:57,120
I wrote a tribute for the new emperor.
175
00:13:57,200 --> 00:13:58,040
Help me find it, now.
176
00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:01,480
There's no congratulatory article here.
Didn't you write to condemn the rebels?
177
00:14:01,560 --> 00:14:03,280
Zhou Mo took it
to meet the imperial envoy.
178
00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:04,880
That article must not be submitted.
179
00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:06,200
One and a half months ago,
180
00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:07,920
Xiao Wuyang took Xigu Mountain City.
181
00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:10,640
The city is only 300 li away
from Chang'an.
182
00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:12,840
There's no choke point left to stop him.
183
00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:15,160
I'm sure Chang'an
won't be captured that easily.
184
00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:16,920
It has already been captured.
185
00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:18,840
The imperial envoy serves the new emperor.
186
00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:21,960
If Zhou Mo submits the article,
we'll all be dead.
187
00:14:22,040 --> 00:14:23,480
- That's…
- Enough.
188
00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:24,800
Look for it, quickly.
189
00:14:25,840 --> 00:14:27,160
When did you write it?
190
00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:28,480
Two years ago.
191
00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:30,400
Two years ago?
Are you some kind of prophet?
192
00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:34,200
Found it.
193
00:14:34,280 --> 00:14:36,200
They are here. Play the music!
194
00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:37,200
Quick, sound the drum.
195
00:14:44,120 --> 00:14:45,600
Why does he look like a eunuch?
196
00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:48,000
Look like a eunuch? He is a eunuch.
197
00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:49,560
It's my first time seeing one.
198
00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:51,440
Stop talking from now on.
199
00:14:59,560 --> 00:15:02,200
I, the Magistrate of Huainan District,
Zhou Mo,
200
00:15:02,280 --> 00:15:04,200
greet the imperial envoy.
201
00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:07,360
You may stand, Magistrate.
202
00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:09,760
Thank you, Imperial Envoy.
203
00:15:18,120 --> 00:15:20,840
Huainan District is so remote.
204
00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:23,520
I think I've traveled
70 li of mountainous roads
205
00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:25,320
to arrive here from the county.
206
00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:29,240
Sir, Huainan might be remote,
207
00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:32,160
but every land here
belongs to the emperor.
208
00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:36,360
The people of Huainan
are also blessed by His Majesty's grace.
209
00:15:36,440 --> 00:15:38,160
You have a silver tongue.
210
00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:39,200
Imperial Envoy,
211
00:15:39,280 --> 00:15:42,960
I've prepared the best inn
in the district town
212
00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:45,960
to give you a warm welcome.
213
00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:48,800
That's right. One more thing.
214
00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:52,760
We have prepared an article
for you to peruse
215
00:15:52,840 --> 00:15:54,280
when you arrive.
216
00:15:54,880 --> 00:15:55,720
Show me.
217
00:16:15,480 --> 00:16:17,920
Sorry, sir. Are you hurt?
218
00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:19,040
How absurd!
219
00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:20,440
Which…
220
00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:23,520
He's one of our own.
221
00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:24,920
Sorry, Imperial Envoy.
222
00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:26,680
I am the registrar here.
223
00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:28,680
I apologize for my reckless action.
224
00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:30,040
I'm very sorry.
225
00:16:35,880 --> 00:16:37,360
Sorry.
226
00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:40,280
Sir, this is
the congratulatory article you wrote.
227
00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:42,400
Please show it to the imperial envoy.
228
00:16:50,440 --> 00:16:51,560
Sir.
229
00:17:01,320 --> 00:17:03,360
What a good article. How impressive.
230
00:17:04,880 --> 00:17:07,400
I've traveled across the realm
and read 80 tributes
231
00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:08,800
celebrating His Majesty's ascension.
232
00:17:08,880 --> 00:17:10,560
This is the best one yet.
233
00:17:12,280 --> 00:17:14,160
Mr. Zhou,
your literary talent is remarkable.
234
00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:17,400
You shouldn't humble yourself
in this desolate place.
235
00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,319
When I return,
236
00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:21,160
I will put in a good word
to His Majesty for you.
237
00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:26,440
Thank you, sir.
238
00:17:27,800 --> 00:17:30,400
Oh. Beyond declaring the new emperor,
239
00:17:30,480 --> 00:17:31,640
I had one more task.
240
00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:34,960
I also traveled to your district
for one more purpose.
241
00:17:35,040 --> 00:17:36,320
Do tell, sir.
242
00:17:36,400 --> 00:17:39,240
Do you have someone called Xie Huai'an
in your district?
243
00:17:40,520 --> 00:17:44,280
His Majesty has summoned Xie Huai'an
to the Capital.
244
00:17:48,440 --> 00:17:49,360
I am Xie Huai'an.
245
00:17:59,840 --> 00:18:01,720
The imperial envoy said
246
00:18:02,240 --> 00:18:06,760
your journey to the Capital
would be paid for by the district office.
247
00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:10,440
We must ensure a comfortable trip for you
in terms of food and accommodation.
248
00:18:11,560 --> 00:18:12,960
Thank you, sir.
249
00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:15,640
He also said
250
00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:18,880
that when you arrive in Chang'an,
251
00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:21,680
an academic named Li
from the Imperial Academy
252
00:18:21,760 --> 00:18:23,200
will be there to receive you.
253
00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:29,120
This man is famous in the Capital.
254
00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:31,400
He will welcome you in person.
255
00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:36,760
The imperial envoy also said…
256
00:18:36,840 --> 00:18:38,080
He said something else?
257
00:18:38,600 --> 00:18:42,640
His Majesty is going to meet Huai'an
in person
258
00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:47,080
and order him to do something huge.
259
00:18:47,960 --> 00:18:52,080
The imperial envoy
wants you to depart tomorrow
260
00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:55,000
without any delay.
261
00:18:56,360 --> 00:18:57,440
Huai'an,
262
00:18:57,520 --> 00:19:02,360
you said you'd be my registrar forever.
263
00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:05,640
Enough. Stop pouring.
He is completely drunk.
264
00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:07,080
It's fine.
265
00:19:08,360 --> 00:19:09,640
I'm going to leave anyway.
266
00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:12,040
Tonight, just let him drink
to his heart's content.
267
00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:15,240
Zhou Mo,
268
00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:17,600
I used to tell you
269
00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:20,600
I'd either be your registrar forever,
270
00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:24,200
or head straight to the court.
271
00:19:25,560 --> 00:19:27,160
I won't choose any other path.
272
00:19:28,360 --> 00:19:29,640
Before today,
273
00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:32,320
I thought I'd stay in Huainan forever.
274
00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:37,760
You are a good superior
and a good friend of mine.
275
00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:44,600
Being your registrar isn't that bad.
276
00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:53,200
Sir, why are you crying?
277
00:19:53,720 --> 00:19:55,360
He sounds so devoted.
278
00:19:55,880 --> 00:19:58,560
My friend is loyal.
279
00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:01,520
What's wrong with me
crying just for a while?
280
00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:09,400
I believe you will complete
His Majesty's task dutifully.
281
00:20:10,120 --> 00:20:11,400
Right?
282
00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:16,880
The two of us will soon meet again.
283
00:20:18,840 --> 00:20:20,040
Right?
284
00:20:21,760 --> 00:20:22,640
That's right.
285
00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:28,640
But it might not be necessary
to return here just to reunite.
286
00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:35,600
This is a farewell gift.
287
00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:40,200
I don't know if your career as an official
will be smooth in the future.
288
00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:44,240
But if you are no longer an official
one day,
289
00:20:45,120 --> 00:20:46,840
open this letter.
290
00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:50,760
It'll be easier
for us to gather in the future.
291
00:20:51,800 --> 00:20:52,840
All right.
292
00:20:54,160 --> 00:20:55,480
Let's make a toast to Huai'an.
293
00:20:55,560 --> 00:20:56,640
- Sure!
- Drink up!
294
00:20:56,720 --> 00:20:58,760
Huai'an, may you soar to great heights.
295
00:20:58,840 --> 00:21:01,400
Huainan is good
296
00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:04,080
A safe haven
297
00:21:04,160 --> 00:21:09,760
The mountains and rivers
Stretch on like our affection
298
00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:10,720
An affectionate person…
299
00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:12,040
When you were 17 years old,
300
00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:14,600
you carried a tattered pack
301
00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:17,200
and came to Huainan, a remote place,
302
00:21:17,280 --> 00:21:19,280
like a homeless man.
303
00:21:19,360 --> 00:21:21,120
You worked as a registrar for seven years,
304
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:22,840
and served four magistrates.
305
00:21:22,920 --> 00:21:25,880
When they left, they wanted
to take you with them but you refused.
306
00:21:25,960 --> 00:21:30,120
All of us knew
you were destined for great things.
307
00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:34,760
We treated you well
not because we wanted you to help us out
308
00:21:34,840 --> 00:21:38,800
when you achieved success one day,
but we did so out of sincerity.
309
00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:44,200
However, you are also aloof.
310
00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:47,240
Yes.
311
00:21:47,320 --> 00:21:49,080
But that's who I am.
312
00:21:55,520 --> 00:21:57,240
Are you that happy?
313
00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:01,000
Lie here and count the stars
as your punishment.
314
00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:09,240
Stars!
315
00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,880
Stars, why are you so far away?
316
00:22:14,640 --> 00:22:16,400
You are as far as Chang'an.
317
00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,560
Enough already.
318
00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:28,640
Do you know
why I only have two paths to choose from?
319
00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:31,640
Why?
320
00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:42,520
I am a descendant of a condemned official.
321
00:22:44,360 --> 00:22:48,040
Fifteen years ago,
my family was wronged and annihilated.
322
00:22:49,720 --> 00:22:51,680
I was fortunate enough to survive.
323
00:22:52,560 --> 00:22:54,920
Since then, I've been living in hiding.
324
00:22:55,520 --> 00:22:57,560
I slept in the wilderness.
325
00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:01,640
I've lived in the reed swamps.
326
00:23:05,840 --> 00:23:07,360
Had I taken one wrong step
327
00:23:09,120 --> 00:23:10,960
back in those days,
328
00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:14,160
I would have been dead.
329
00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:17,320
Did your family
offend some powerful figures?
330
00:23:20,320 --> 00:23:22,000
The dynasty's most powerful man.
331
00:23:23,720 --> 00:23:25,280
The leader of the Huben Army,
332
00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:28,120
Yan Fengshan.
333
00:23:29,120 --> 00:23:30,240
Yan Fengshan?
334
00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:33,280
His influence spreads
across the imperial court.
335
00:23:33,360 --> 00:23:35,720
But times have changed.
336
00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:40,640
Xiao Wuyang ascended
to the throne as a general.
337
00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:43,360
He won't have Yan Fengshan around.
338
00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,000
I don't know what he wants me to do,
339
00:23:48,040 --> 00:23:50,120
and I don't know who recommends me.
340
00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:52,640
But this is my opportunity.
341
00:23:54,240 --> 00:23:56,240
I must grasp it.
342
00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:05,840
Huai'an.
343
00:24:06,360 --> 00:24:09,240
Are you trying
to clear your family's name?
344
00:24:19,920 --> 00:24:21,240
Everyone is dead.
345
00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:24,600
There's no use clearing their name.
346
00:24:28,840 --> 00:24:30,480
I'm going to take revenge.
347
00:24:43,080 --> 00:24:45,000
All right. Go back and rest.
348
00:24:45,080 --> 00:24:46,160
Sleep for six hours.
349
00:24:46,240 --> 00:24:47,800
We'll send you off
at the city gates in the morning.
350
00:24:48,400 --> 00:24:49,360
Sure.
351
00:24:49,440 --> 00:24:50,680
You all should rest too.
352
00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:51,840
Sure.
353
00:24:57,520 --> 00:25:00,040
Enough. Don't be sad.
354
00:25:00,120 --> 00:25:01,280
I'm leaving.
355
00:26:01,120 --> 00:26:02,160
Father!
356
00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:05,440
- Go!
- Father!
357
00:26:06,840 --> 00:26:08,480
Father!
358
00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:09,560
Go!
359
00:26:25,320 --> 00:26:27,080
Go!
360
00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:48,560
Move a little.
361
00:26:53,120 --> 00:26:55,640
You came back late
and you're still not sleeping?
362
00:26:55,720 --> 00:26:57,400
- The sun is coming up.
- I'm not sleeping.
363
00:26:59,200 --> 00:27:00,120
Why are you taking eggs?
364
00:27:00,720 --> 00:27:01,960
Huai'an leaves for the Capital tomorrow.
365
00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:03,200
I want to give him some eggs.
366
00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:06,320
Here, cook the eggs
so he can take them with him on his way.
367
00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:08,320
The journey to the Capital is long.
368
00:27:08,400 --> 00:27:10,200
Cooked eggs go rotten in a few days.
369
00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:11,840
What should we do?
370
00:27:11,920 --> 00:27:13,440
Just give him some fresh eggs.
371
00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:14,800
When he feels like eating them,
372
00:27:14,880 --> 00:27:17,720
he just needs to start a fire,
boil some water, and cook them.
373
00:27:17,800 --> 00:27:19,240
You are right.
374
00:27:19,320 --> 00:27:20,960
As expected of my wife.
375
00:27:21,040 --> 00:27:22,320
- Move.
- What's wrong?
376
00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:23,720
You have no idea, do you?
377
00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:25,640
The chickens will lay eggs in a while.
378
00:27:25,720 --> 00:27:27,120
We can give Huai'an more.
379
00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:04,440
{\an8}CONGRATULATIONS
ON YOUR MAJESTY'S ASCENSION
380
00:28:12,920 --> 00:28:16,120
{\an8}CONGRATULATIONS
ON YOUR MAJESTY'S ASCENSION
381
00:29:00,240 --> 00:29:01,280
What?
382
00:29:02,440 --> 00:29:03,880
Are you sad to see me go
383
00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:06,920
and want me dead instead?
384
00:29:11,680 --> 00:29:12,960
Go inside.
385
00:29:24,360 --> 00:29:25,400
Sit down.
386
00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:44,800
You've read it?
387
00:29:48,760 --> 00:29:50,600
News is hard to come by in Huainan.
388
00:29:51,400 --> 00:29:55,600
I deduced what happened in Chang'an
by using old imperial gazettes.
389
00:29:56,800 --> 00:29:58,560
But you already knew things had changed.
390
00:29:59,840 --> 00:30:01,520
And your name, Zhou Mo,
391
00:30:05,640 --> 00:30:06,480
must be a pseudonym.
392
00:30:07,320 --> 00:30:08,440
I am with the Huben Army.
393
00:30:12,520 --> 00:30:13,880
Huai'an, I didn't lie to you.
394
00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:16,480
I didn't lie to Haoran or the rest.
395
00:30:17,080 --> 00:30:21,240
What I have been showing all of you
is my true character.
396
00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:25,000
However, I was a member of the Huben Army
before I met all of you.
397
00:30:26,520 --> 00:30:29,200
General Yan Fengshan saved me.
398
00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:32,200
I pledged my loyalty to him.
399
00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:35,040
When you were talking
about your background,
400
00:30:35,120 --> 00:30:36,760
I was shocked.
401
00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:39,560
I did not expect my friend
402
00:30:40,600 --> 00:30:42,640
to be a descendant of Liu Ziwen.
403
00:30:43,680 --> 00:30:46,120
Is fate playing a joke on me?
404
00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:47,680
Huai'an.
405
00:30:48,360 --> 00:30:50,120
I might be one of the Huben Army's men,
406
00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:53,720
but I've never killed anyone until today.
407
00:30:54,560 --> 00:30:58,760
I did not expect the first person
I would kill to be my friend.
408
00:30:59,360 --> 00:31:01,520
This cruel fate.
409
00:31:02,520 --> 00:31:05,440
The imperial court must be crawling
410
00:31:06,640 --> 00:31:07,880
with shadow agents.
411
00:31:07,960 --> 00:31:09,800
Indeed.
412
00:31:10,680 --> 00:31:14,000
They are like a shapeless net
413
00:31:14,520 --> 00:31:17,320
that hangs above the imperial court.
414
00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:19,680
You will never win against them.
415
00:31:22,480 --> 00:31:24,320
This is indeed a cruel joke.
416
00:31:25,040 --> 00:31:29,280
I thought I'd become a registrar
here forever,
417
00:31:31,200 --> 00:31:32,800
but to my surprise…
418
00:31:36,160 --> 00:31:37,120
Forget it.
419
00:31:52,080 --> 00:31:53,000
Here.
420
00:31:53,920 --> 00:31:55,920
Drink this farewell wine.
421
00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:58,440
Forget that we've ever met.
422
00:31:58,520 --> 00:32:00,120
Live or die, we'll have no regrets.
423
00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:01,720
A cup for life
424
00:32:02,840 --> 00:32:04,240
and a cup for death.
425
00:32:10,160 --> 00:32:11,480
Come, Huai'an.
426
00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:23,480
Life
427
00:32:27,280 --> 00:32:28,520
for you.
428
00:33:01,040 --> 00:33:02,680
When I was young,
429
00:33:04,280 --> 00:33:06,160
my mother died in the north.
430
00:33:07,400 --> 00:33:08,840
When I was ten years old,
431
00:33:09,640 --> 00:33:11,520
my father died as well.
432
00:33:15,760 --> 00:33:19,680
The whole Huben Army
defected and killed him.
433
00:33:20,360 --> 00:33:21,880
I can't die.
434
00:33:24,240 --> 00:33:26,520
I must get revenge on the Huben Army.
435
00:33:27,520 --> 00:33:29,600
I'll kill any Huben soldiers I see
436
00:33:31,040 --> 00:33:33,240
until none of them are left.
437
00:33:42,960 --> 00:33:44,880
I collected the eggs for him.
438
00:33:45,400 --> 00:33:46,840
Are you sure?
439
00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:49,360
- I'm sure it was your wife who did that.
- I did it.
440
00:33:50,560 --> 00:33:51,600
Huai'an.
441
00:33:51,680 --> 00:33:52,600
- We are here to send you off.
- Huai'an.
442
00:33:52,680 --> 00:33:53,800
- Look what we brought.
- Huai'an!
443
00:34:04,640 --> 00:34:05,520
What happened?
444
00:34:15,120 --> 00:34:15,960
Zhou Mo.
445
00:34:16,880 --> 00:34:18,159
- Sir!
- What happened?
446
00:34:20,760 --> 00:34:21,639
Don't ask.
447
00:34:22,719 --> 00:34:24,159
It's not his fault.
448
00:34:25,760 --> 00:34:27,800
Don't tell anyone.
449
00:34:29,600 --> 00:34:30,600
Don't…
450
00:34:31,440 --> 00:34:33,400
Don't trouble him.
451
00:34:34,560 --> 00:34:35,480
We all
452
00:34:37,239 --> 00:34:38,880
have our own reasons.
453
00:34:40,440 --> 00:34:41,560
Zhou Mo.
454
00:34:41,639 --> 00:34:42,639
- Zhou Mo.
- Sir!
455
00:34:43,239 --> 00:34:44,320
Zhou Mo!
456
00:34:45,400 --> 00:34:46,840
- Sir!
- Sir!
457
00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:49,080
Sir!
458
00:34:58,040 --> 00:34:58,960
What have you done?
459
00:34:59,040 --> 00:35:01,000
That's Zhou Mo!
460
00:35:03,840 --> 00:35:05,000
Stay away from me
461
00:35:07,120 --> 00:35:09,160
if you don't want to die.
462
00:36:12,000 --> 00:36:13,560
AUTUMNAL EQUINOX:
THUNDER BEGINS TO SOFTEN
463
00:36:13,640 --> 00:36:15,600
INSECTS MAKE NESTS,
AND WATER BEGINS TO SOLIDIFY
464
00:36:34,160 --> 00:36:37,920
The river runs cold. The chill cuts deep.
465
00:36:38,760 --> 00:36:41,240
Travelers, move along.
466
00:36:41,320 --> 00:36:44,240
Those near the riverbank,
stay away from the shore.
467
00:36:52,920 --> 00:36:54,440
You truly surprise me.
468
00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:01,400
This place could cost you your life.
469
00:37:01,920 --> 00:37:03,400
Why did you come back?
470
00:37:04,600 --> 00:37:06,240
Only one person is buried here.
471
00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:08,280
It's not a dangerous place.
472
00:37:09,440 --> 00:37:13,280
The real danger is Chang'an,
70 li away from us.
473
00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:15,800
It seems you truly are only passing by.
474
00:37:17,240 --> 00:37:20,800
I won't be sharing this fish
with you then.
475
00:37:24,400 --> 00:37:25,880
I'm going back to Chang'an.
476
00:37:27,480 --> 00:37:29,320
I don't know if I'll leave alive.
477
00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:32,640
So, I came to see you
478
00:37:34,120 --> 00:37:35,280
before I enter Chang'an.
479
00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:46,800
Right.
480
00:37:48,240 --> 00:37:51,120
You are bound to return one day.
481
00:37:55,640 --> 00:37:56,480
Yes.
482
00:37:57,720 --> 00:38:00,680
Your younger sister
went to Chang'an as well.
483
00:38:01,200 --> 00:38:02,880
She went to study.
484
00:38:03,480 --> 00:38:05,680
Perhaps she is an imperial scholar now.
485
00:38:09,760 --> 00:38:10,760
I know.
486
00:38:11,680 --> 00:38:13,320
Both of you are so far apart.
487
00:38:13,840 --> 00:38:15,000
How did you know?
488
00:38:16,240 --> 00:38:18,040
She has been writing letters to me.
489
00:38:19,040 --> 00:38:20,040
I've been writing back too.
490
00:38:20,120 --> 00:38:22,080
Why wouldn't you reunite with her?
491
00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:29,800
I dare not.
492
00:38:31,400 --> 00:38:33,320
It is best that we never reunite.
493
00:38:34,960 --> 00:38:36,040
None of my family
494
00:38:37,960 --> 00:38:39,880
ended up well.
495
00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:47,080
The people of the Liu clan
496
00:38:48,360 --> 00:38:49,960
suffer a harsh fate.
497
00:38:52,920 --> 00:38:54,840
Her name has been changed.
498
00:38:57,320 --> 00:38:59,000
Hopefully, she can live her life in peace.
499
00:38:59,080 --> 00:39:01,480
You've changed your name as well.
500
00:39:03,320 --> 00:39:04,840
You must be safe.
501
00:39:06,640 --> 00:39:07,800
Come.
502
00:39:54,440 --> 00:39:56,680
CHANG'AN
503
00:40:04,920 --> 00:40:08,200
Mr. Huai'an,
we are both here to pick you up.
504
00:40:10,640 --> 00:40:12,040
Winter starts today. Snow is falling hard.
505
00:40:12,120 --> 00:40:13,600
Thank you, both.
506
00:40:14,360 --> 00:40:16,360
- Mister, let me carry it.
- Open the gates.
507
00:40:19,080 --> 00:40:20,120
This way.