1
00:00:07,560 --> 00:00:08,920
SAY NO TO PIRACY,
SUPPORT ORIGINAL WORKS

2
00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:42,080
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL <i>EMPRESS CHU</i>
BY XI XING, AVAILABLE ON QIDIAN.COM

3
00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,160
Is all this necessary?

4
00:01:50,680 --> 00:01:52,280
Aren't you afraid that she will kill you?

5
00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:53,880
Kill me?

6
00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:57,160
The court would descend into chaos.

7
00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:00,760
His Highness was looking for
only to humiliate myself

8
00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:03,440
and to satisfy his grudge.

9
00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:10,080
So you break the pact
and make her your enemy?

10
00:02:11,039 --> 00:02:12,040
The pact?

11
00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:14,640
Since when did she care?

12
00:02:15,640 --> 00:02:19,320
She handed over the guard's seal
imperial to an unknown person from the Xie clan.

13
00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:20,640
Does this prove his sincerity?

14
00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:23,160
If you had held this seal,

15
00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:26,360
she would have had
even less chance of surviving.

16
00:02:34,080 --> 00:02:35,440
Xiao Xun can't die.

17
00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:40,000
At least, not yet.

18
00:02:41,080 --> 00:02:42,120
For what ?

19
00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:03,000
Is this the help you were talking about?

20
00:03:04,440 --> 00:03:06,000
The last edict of the late emperor.

21
00:03:06,080 --> 00:03:09,080
Xiao Xun was the designated heir.

22
00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:13,040
These are unforeseen circumstances

23
00:03:13,640 --> 00:03:17,080
who led Xiao Yu to the throne.

24
00:03:19,640 --> 00:03:20,720
ONE DAY EARLIER

25
00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:21,640
Your Highness.

26
00:03:24,640 --> 00:03:28,000
My doors are so deserted

27
00:03:28,520 --> 00:03:30,760
that even the sparrows avoid them.

28
00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:35,120
It's really rare that you appeal

29
00:03:35,720 --> 00:03:37,360
to Tie Ying.

30
00:03:37,440 --> 00:03:39,400
Your Highness,
greatness bides its time

31
00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:42,040
in the depths.

32
00:03:46,120 --> 00:03:47,920
Mr. Deng, have you come

33
00:03:48,640 --> 00:03:52,880
teach me divination?

34
00:03:53,560 --> 00:03:57,400
What a shame
that your judgment fails you,

35
00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:03,400
because there is no grandeur here!

36
00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:08,960
I am not
than a lamb destined for the slaughter.

37
00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:10,320
No.

38
00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:13,360
I came to show you

39
00:04:15,320 --> 00:04:17,440
a path to Xiaonan

40
00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:22,000
and a way
to regain your past glory.

41
00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:36,840
Why help me?

42
00:04:39,640 --> 00:04:42,400
The imperial court
has always been a dangerous place,

43
00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:43,680
where everything is constantly changing.

44
00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:46,720
I wouldn't dare
bet everything on one shot.

45
00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:50,040
It was true once
and it still is today.

46
00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:56,680
If I help you, it's because
I hold a much more decisive card.

47
00:05:05,400 --> 00:05:06,960
The last edict of the late emperor.

48
00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:09,360
You were the one who should inherit the throne.

49
00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:14,760
Indeed, Your Highness.

50
00:05:15,280 --> 00:05:16,560
This is a fake.

51
00:05:16,640 --> 00:05:19,160
- You…
- But I also have the real one.

52
00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:22,240
His Majesty has just ascended the throne.

53
00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:25,040
What if you were accused of rebellion?

54
00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:31,000
You need precision
to strike and clarity to lead.

55
00:05:31,520 --> 00:05:36,040
I joined forces
to Chu Zhao for a promise

56
00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:40,920
that she did not hold,
which made me turn to you.

57
00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:44,640
But my goal has never changed.

58
00:05:45,360 --> 00:05:48,480
Do you understand,
now, Your Highness?

59
00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:56,120
When I claim my destiny,
the seat of Grand Preceptor will be yours.

60
00:06:04,640 --> 00:06:06,200
Mr. Deng, a visitor.

61
00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:22,680
So, you have prepared
your own coffin?

62
00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:25,920
It's kind
to save the court this expense.

63
00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:29,000
Golden nanmu wood
of exceptional quality.

64
00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:31,280
Not really.

65
00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:33,520
This is a present from His Highness.

66
00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:37,160
When the late emperor
overthrew the ancient dynasty,

67
00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:40,840
the fallen sovereign used this wood

68
00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:43,160
to sacrifice himself for his kingdom.

69
00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:46,400
I expressed myself badly.

70
00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,800
What brings you here?

71
00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:53,840
I have a question

72
00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:59,280
on which I hope for your insight.

73
00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:08,160
Do you know

74
00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:11,040
that His Highness has surrounded
the heir of the lord of Xiaonan?

75
00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:12,880
Of course.

76
00:07:12,960 --> 00:07:17,640
Do you also know
that Xiao Xun escaped?

77
00:07:17,720 --> 00:07:18,720
Yes.

78
00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:24,360
Do you know

79
00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:27,760
who let him go?

80
00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:29,720
It's me.

81
00:07:34,440 --> 00:07:40,480
Your frankness is touching.

82
00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:45,680
This act proves that you
turned against His Highness.

83
00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:51,480
But have you thought
to the weight of this coffin?

84
00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:57,840
Can you wear it alone?

85
00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:02,880
You came
in the night rain just for that?

86
00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:05,600
I was wondering,

87
00:08:05,680 --> 00:08:08,040
if it was me
who let Xiao Xun escape,

88
00:08:08,640 --> 00:08:09,680
would she have brought

89
00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:14,600
this coffin
outside the gates of my Xie clan?

90
00:08:15,800 --> 00:08:17,160
Mr Deng,

91
00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:20,400
play with fire
without the support of a clan is insane.

92
00:08:21,880 --> 00:08:24,480
Be careful not to burn yourself.

93
00:08:25,760 --> 00:08:27,920
I was spoken to
of your mastery of the game of go.

94
00:08:28,880 --> 00:08:30,560
Can I invite you to a game?

95
00:08:35,799 --> 00:08:37,679
It would be an honor.

96
00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:44,280
MILITARY CAMP
FROM YUNZHONG PREFECTURE

97
00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:48,280
General, Northern Desert Forces
know our defenses perfectly.

98
00:08:48,360 --> 00:08:50,360
They know where our hidden posts are.

99
00:08:50,440 --> 00:08:52,560
We have a traitor.

100
00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:54,960
Report !

101
00:08:58,600 --> 00:09:00,200
Urgent news from the Capital.

102
00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:01,800
His Highness is indicted.

103
00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:03,360
Xiaonan's heir fled.

104
00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:04,840
Commander Fu Jiu is injured.

105
00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:06,440
Is his condition serious?

106
00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:09,080
The doctors treated him,
he is out of danger.

107
00:09:09,160 --> 00:09:10,680
Is Zhao safe and sound?

108
00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:11,680
She is unharmed.

109
00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:20,960
Xiao Xun returned to Xiaonan,
and the northern desert attacks

110
00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:23,880
with knowledge
details of our defenses.

111
00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:29,000
Could this be an internal betrayal?

112
00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:31,800
Transmit the order.

113
00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:34,400
Third Battalion,
redeployment towards the Langya valley.

114
00:09:34,480 --> 00:09:35,960
Fifth, Yingzui Cliff.

115
00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:38,000
Adjust the defensive line.

116
00:09:38,920 --> 00:09:43,120
Position hidden troops
and wait for them to fall into the trap.

117
00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:44,000
Understood !

118
00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:49,560
General !

119
00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:55,600
General, what is this evil?

120
00:09:55,680 --> 00:09:57,960
It gets worse every day.

121
00:09:58,040 --> 00:09:59,640
Even the remedies are ineffective.

122
00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:02,120
It's nothing.

123
00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:06,200
I will lead the attack tomorrow.

124
00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:08,320
No. You can barely stand.

125
00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:09,680
It's an order.

126
00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:12,120
An order is an order.

127
00:10:14,120 --> 00:10:15,000
Yes.

128
00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:24,840
Your Highness,

129
00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:28,400
Mr. Xie is recovering here
for three days already.

130
00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:32,160
Although your title
protects you from criticism,

131
00:10:32,680 --> 00:10:35,440
the rules of decorum remain.

132
00:10:35,520 --> 00:10:39,480
I fear that the rumors
are already starting to circulate.

133
00:10:42,720 --> 00:10:44,400
Since I entered this palace,

134
00:10:45,280 --> 00:10:47,160
when did the rumors stop?

135
00:10:49,760 --> 00:10:54,000
The Censorate wants to pass me
for a woman who replaces men.

136
00:10:56,520 --> 00:10:57,560
And then,

137
00:10:58,320 --> 00:10:59,640
his injuries are serious.

138
00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:05,600
I won't trust it to anyone else.

139
00:11:05,680 --> 00:11:08,240
Is it because
you have feelings for him

140
00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:12,120
that you refused to marry Mr. Xiao?

141
00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:19,320
After all this time together,
is this how you see me?

142
00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:20,280
No.

143
00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:22,840
I expressed myself badly.

144
00:11:22,920 --> 00:11:24,320
Please forgive me.

145
00:11:28,240 --> 00:11:32,440
Every thread in this palace
must be in my hands.

146
00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:37,680
But he is not a simple pawn.

147
00:11:39,960 --> 00:11:41,000
He is…

148
00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:44,680
different.

149
00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:46,480
In what?

150
00:11:49,880 --> 00:11:51,040
I used it,

151
00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:55,120
However, I trust him
more than anyone else.

152
00:12:01,160 --> 00:12:02,120
Anyway,

153
00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:05,920
he is different.

154
00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:11,680
The border is urgent.

155
00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:13,000
The desert attacks Yunzhong.

156
00:12:16,640 --> 00:12:17,520
No…

157
00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:20,400
My report was fake.

158
00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:23,080
How could this be real?

159
00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:32,440
His Highness falsified a report

160
00:12:32,520 --> 00:12:36,160
accusing the lord of Xiaonan
of collusion with the northern desert

161
00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:39,920
and tried to involve my family.

162
00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:41,720
She should have foreseen

163
00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:44,120
that this stratagem
would start a real war.

164
00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:46,200
When we play,

165
00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:48,600
you always need a plan B.

166
00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:53,480
You look refined,

167
00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:56,680
but your game is ruthless.

168
00:12:57,360 --> 00:12:58,800
You flatter me.

169
00:12:59,680 --> 00:13:02,280
I just don't like to waste time.

170
00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:04,880
However,

171
00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:10,640
patience is
the very essence of the game of go.

172
00:13:18,640 --> 00:13:22,800
At the start of this part,
you were confident,

173
00:13:23,680 --> 00:13:24,520
isn't it?

174
00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:31,080
But look now.

175
00:13:32,160 --> 00:13:33,920
The situation has changed.

176
00:13:41,320 --> 00:13:45,200
Do my skills suit you?

177
00:13:49,920 --> 00:13:51,920
Your talent

178
00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:54,840
- is remarkable.
- GOOD.

179
00:13:55,480 --> 00:13:57,600
Since you like to observe,

180
00:13:58,120 --> 00:13:59,960
I launch several games at once.

181
00:14:00,560 --> 00:14:02,720
A tray too full
leaves no way out.

182
00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:06,960
Take care
not to find yourself with no escape.

183
00:15:37,400 --> 00:15:38,480
You are awake.

184
00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:43,880
Are you in pain?

185
00:15:45,920 --> 00:15:47,640
I failed.

186
00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:51,120
You fall with me

187
00:15:52,160 --> 00:15:53,360
and I hurt you.

188
00:15:56,640 --> 00:15:59,080
Deng Yi sent his men
give orders to the port,

189
00:15:59,680 --> 00:16:01,640
so Xiao Xun was able to escape through the water.

190
00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:06,200
I thought it was foolproof...

191
00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:07,640
But…

192
00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:14,080
The court game is never that simple.

193
00:16:15,280 --> 00:16:16,800
This is the nature of power.

194
00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:18,800
Tell me,

195
00:16:18,880 --> 00:16:20,520
how can I reimburse you?

196
00:16:21,120 --> 00:16:22,840
I can grant you one wish.

197
00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:32,840
I never believed in gods.

198
00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:34,320
I don't wish for anything.

199
00:16:35,960 --> 00:16:39,320
So is there nothing
what you wanted to accomplish?

200
00:16:44,680 --> 00:16:45,520
No.

201
00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:48,640
Alright.

202
00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:51,400
So, this debt remains outstanding.

203
00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:55,440
When you know
whatever you want, come see me.

204
00:17:08,079 --> 00:17:10,720
With your skills,
you shouldn't be so hurt.

205
00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:15,040
What really happened that day?

206
00:17:18,839 --> 00:17:19,800
Tie Ying used

207
00:17:21,839 --> 00:17:23,200
concealed weapons.

208
00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:26,720
I was ambushed.

209
00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:28,160
As I thought.

210
00:17:29,120 --> 00:17:31,120
They don't use
only despicable methods.

211
00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:39,280
You had a nightmare yesterday.

212
00:17:40,360 --> 00:17:41,880
You seemed concerned.

213
00:17:43,120 --> 00:17:44,240
As you said,

214
00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:47,880
everyone has their secrets.

215
00:17:49,040 --> 00:17:49,960
It's true.

216
00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:52,360
But I entrusted you with mine.

217
00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:55,960
Are you talking about this dream?

218
00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:07,520
Alright.

219
00:18:08,160 --> 00:18:09,360
In exchange,

220
00:18:10,760 --> 00:18:11,880
here's a secret.

221
00:18:19,960 --> 00:18:20,840
In fact…

222
00:18:25,520 --> 00:18:26,600
I…

223
00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:40,080
CAPITAL

224
00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:58,600
I stole jelly beans
that you had prepared

225
00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:00,160
and I was beaten.

226
00:19:02,080 --> 00:19:03,640
Thank you for this confidence.

227
00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:06,120
It's just that...

228
00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:09,680
I will never make them again.

229
00:19:16,120 --> 00:19:17,080
Never mind.

230
00:19:18,560 --> 00:19:20,520
I never really liked these pastries.

231
00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:26,880
I thought I would prepare you
something else to eat.

232
00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:30,040
That suits me.

233
00:19:55,640 --> 00:19:58,440
Jiu, my barrette is a little crooked.

234
00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:00,400
Can you adjust it?

235
00:21:46,040 --> 00:21:46,920
It's good, right?

236
00:21:47,520 --> 00:21:50,040
Six hours in the kitchen,
batch after batch,

237
00:21:50,560 --> 00:21:51,640
for a perfect result.

238
00:21:53,240 --> 00:21:56,480
It truly is the best food in the world.

239
00:21:57,160 --> 00:21:58,960
You should have mixed the stuffing better.

240
00:21:59,760 --> 00:22:01,600
The proportion of fat must be exact

241
00:22:02,120 --> 00:22:03,400
so as not to ruin everything.

242
00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:05,960
I see.

243
00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:07,960
My father always said

244
00:22:08,040 --> 00:22:10,960
that too little dries out the dough
and too much makes it sickening.

245
00:22:20,720 --> 00:22:22,520
It's my fault.

246
00:22:25,520 --> 00:22:27,480
I'm far from Yunzhong
for so long

247
00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:31,080
that I forgot

248
00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:36,360
the recipe.

249
00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:39,360
In reality,

250
00:22:40,280 --> 00:22:41,440
I have never been

251
00:22:43,520 --> 00:22:45,320
very talented at these pastries.

252
00:22:50,640 --> 00:22:52,800
Father, look! I did it!

253
00:22:52,880 --> 00:22:54,640
I made the jujube cakes.

254
00:22:56,400 --> 00:22:58,320
Well done.

255
00:22:59,800 --> 00:23:02,240
Try not to steal
the stuffing, next time.

256
00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:10,880
<i>Father, do not frighten me.</i>
<i>I just miss my mother.</i>

257
00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:13,800
I didn't grow up
next to him, so I wanted to see.

258
00:23:14,480 --> 00:23:17,320
See what she saw,
walk the streets she knew.

259
00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,640
If mother were still alive,

260
00:23:19,720 --> 00:23:22,360
she wouldn't want
that I am a docile girl.

261
00:23:22,960 --> 00:23:24,560
She wouldn't be so bossy.

262
00:23:25,760 --> 00:23:27,560
<i>She would care how I feel.</i>

263
00:23:28,560 --> 00:23:32,400
<i>Yes.</i>
<i>You are the undefeated god of war.</i>

264
00:23:32,480 --> 00:23:34,320
<i>The great general of the guard.</i>

265
00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:36,440
<i>You are busy</i>
<i>to protect borders,</i>

266
00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:38,840
<i>to build your reputation.</i>

267
00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:40,040
<i>You're too busy</i>

268
00:23:40,120 --> 00:23:43,480
<i>to ask your daughter</i>
<i>what she really wants!</i>

269
00:23:48,120 --> 00:23:51,560
That we miss someone
is nothing to be ashamed of.

270
00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:56,560
No more homesickness.

271
00:24:17,360 --> 00:24:18,880
When you were with your father,

272
00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:21,400
he seemed happy.

273
00:24:23,280 --> 00:24:24,800
He was always busy,

274
00:24:26,880 --> 00:24:28,800
but when he received rare spices,

275
00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:32,080
he kept them in the south pavilion.

276
00:24:33,360 --> 00:24:34,640
When he was patrolling,

277
00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:37,000
if he found a beautiful flower,

278
00:24:37,920 --> 00:24:41,520
he brought it back to plant it there.

279
00:24:42,440 --> 00:24:46,360
He said it was there
that you once lived.

280
00:24:47,080 --> 00:24:48,560
He was maintaining it for your return.

281
00:24:54,720 --> 00:24:56,080
Chu Zhao.

282
00:24:59,080 --> 00:25:00,320
Your father never

283
00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:02,720
blamed for leaving.

284
00:25:04,640 --> 00:25:05,880
He just wanted to know

285
00:25:06,480 --> 00:25:07,800
if you were okay.

286
00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:11,440
He misses you, that's all.

287
00:25:13,720 --> 00:25:17,480
You don't need
to answer all of this.

288
00:25:18,920 --> 00:25:20,400
These are his feelings.

289
00:25:22,360 --> 00:25:23,720
Don't blame yourself for anything.

290
00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:28,440
No one needs to be forgiven.

291
00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:31,000
In reality,

292
00:25:33,960 --> 00:25:35,560
I miss him a lot too,

293
00:25:37,440 --> 00:25:39,160
like everything about the desert.

294
00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:48,160
He is a strict man

295
00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:50,360
but with a tender heart.

296
00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:54,400
Like you.

297
00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:05,280
When he took me
in the desert poplar forest,

298
00:26:05,960 --> 00:26:08,280
he told me that each withered branch

299
00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:10,840
was desperately struggling to survive.

300
00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:13,360
This was what shaped this landscape.

301
00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:16,800
Dying is easy.

302
00:26:20,560 --> 00:26:22,080
Living requires strength.

303
00:26:24,480 --> 00:26:25,360
Jiu.

304
00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:29,240
Forgive me.

305
00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:31,120
I talked too much.

306
00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:32,920
No way.

307
00:26:34,880 --> 00:26:38,520
I am happy
to hear you open up.

308
00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:43,200
It's getting late.

309
00:26:44,320 --> 00:26:45,400
Have a good rest, Your Highness.

310
00:26:46,840 --> 00:26:47,920
Thank you…

311
00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:51,600
for talking to me about my father

312
00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:54,960
and for confiding your past to me.

313
00:26:56,840 --> 00:26:57,680
You are welcome.

314
00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:01,000
Consider this the price

315
00:27:02,840 --> 00:27:03,680
of this cake.

316
00:27:07,240 --> 00:27:10,680
So take this box
red bean cakes.

317
00:27:12,120 --> 00:27:13,160
THANKS.

318
00:27:15,080 --> 00:27:16,720
And it still holds.

319
00:27:19,880 --> 00:27:21,160
From now on,

320
00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:24,840
whatever your wish,
you can let me know.

321
00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:27,440
Whatever it costs,

322
00:27:27,960 --> 00:27:29,520
I will make it happen.

323
00:27:33,840 --> 00:27:37,560
I always keep my promises.

324
00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:40,840
Alright.

325
00:27:41,840 --> 00:27:42,800
Got it.

326
00:27:44,520 --> 00:27:45,520
Report !

327
00:27:47,080 --> 00:27:47,920
Your Highness!

328
00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:51,280
Urgent news from Yunzhong.

329
00:27:51,360 --> 00:27:52,880
<i>The Northern Desert attacked yesterday.</i>

330
00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:55,360
<i>General Chu pushed them back</i>
<i>but collapsed.</i>

331
00:27:55,440 --> 00:27:56,560
<i>He remains unconscious.</i>

332
00:27:58,960 --> 00:28:00,760
General! The enemy has withdrawn!

333
00:28:01,560 --> 00:28:03,720
Exactly as you expected.

334
00:28:03,800 --> 00:28:06,320
Your strategy gave us victory.

335
00:28:15,360 --> 00:28:16,400
General !

336
00:28:27,600 --> 00:28:30,720
MANSION OF THE LORD OF XIAONAN

337
00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:42,720
Father.

338
00:28:49,800 --> 00:28:50,800
Are you injured?

339
00:28:53,520 --> 00:28:54,520
To tell the truth,

340
00:28:55,120 --> 00:28:58,640
Chu Ling's daughter
seeks to eliminate me permanently.

341
00:28:59,240 --> 00:29:00,840
Chu Ling's daughter?

342
00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:03,680
The one who refused to marry you

343
00:29:03,760 --> 00:29:05,240
to become Grand Princess?

344
00:29:07,080 --> 00:29:09,200
The throne changes and chaos follows.

345
00:29:10,080 --> 00:29:12,480
Us and Yunzhong
we contain each other.

346
00:29:13,320 --> 00:29:15,080
The Xie clan of Gaoyang is jealous of us.

347
00:29:16,280 --> 00:29:19,040
She acted first
and purged our army in the Capital,

348
00:29:19,960 --> 00:29:22,720
then took advantage of your situation
to strengthen his power.

349
00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:27,240
Truly formidable methods.

350
00:29:27,320 --> 00:29:31,200
This upheaval plunges
the Capital in chaos.

351
00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:34,280
- Maybe we…
- The essence of alchemy

352
00:29:34,360 --> 00:29:36,400
lies in the control of fire.

353
00:29:37,240 --> 00:29:38,960
The Yellow Emperor forged his cauldron

354
00:29:39,040 --> 00:29:41,400
and the dragon roared after 49 days.

355
00:29:41,480 --> 00:29:45,080
Alchemists refined mercury,
the scarlet aura appeared after 81 days.

356
00:29:45,160 --> 00:29:47,680
It all depends on the exact moment.

357
00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:51,440
Open the cauldron
too early results in failure.

358
00:29:53,640 --> 00:29:54,960
XIAO HONG, LORD OF XIAONAN

359
00:29:55,040 --> 00:29:57,240
You must be tired from the trip.

360
00:29:57,760 --> 00:29:58,880
Rest.

361
00:30:01,120 --> 00:30:02,000
Yes.

362
00:30:16,080 --> 00:30:17,560
General Chu Ling

363
00:30:17,640 --> 00:30:21,200
will be judged for negligence
during the invasion of the Northern Desert.

364
00:30:22,080 --> 00:30:23,960
Yes, they crossed our borders,

365
00:30:24,680 --> 00:30:26,960
but he also lured them into a trap.

366
00:30:27,040 --> 00:30:30,120
No reward for his merits,
but a trial for his faults?

367
00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:32,200
Since he commands,

368
00:30:32,280 --> 00:30:35,280
victory is his duty.

369
00:30:35,360 --> 00:30:37,240
If Yunzhong had fallen,

370
00:30:37,320 --> 00:30:39,120
the consequences would have been terrible.

371
00:30:39,200 --> 00:30:41,520
His merits
do not compensate for such a fault.

372
00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:43,280
Your Majesty,

373
00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:45,440
Chu Ling was lax

374
00:30:46,080 --> 00:30:47,440
and must be judged.

375
00:30:47,520 --> 00:30:51,520
- I support it.
- I support it.

376
00:30:52,880 --> 00:30:55,800
Chamberlain,
your concern for the State is commendable.

377
00:30:55,880 --> 00:30:57,400
Let me ask a question.

378
00:30:58,000 --> 00:31:00,920
As soon as Xiao Xun fled to Xiaonan

379
00:31:01,560 --> 00:31:03,240
that the invasion took place.

380
00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:05,200
This coincidence

381
00:31:05,920 --> 00:31:07,920
Isn't she suspicious?

382
00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:11,880
Your Highness reminds me of something.

383
00:31:11,960 --> 00:31:13,840
It seems to me

384
00:31:13,920 --> 00:31:16,120
that Mr. Deng pleaded
for the grace of Xiao Xun,

385
00:31:16,960 --> 00:31:18,040
a priori to appease

386
00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:20,360
the lord of Xiaonan.

387
00:31:21,040 --> 00:31:25,000
Good timing
for such clemency.

388
00:31:26,320 --> 00:31:27,800
Measure your words, Xie.

389
00:31:28,320 --> 00:31:32,680
It's His Majesty
who ordered Xiao Xun to be pardoned.

390
00:31:33,280 --> 00:31:35,640
Who am I to challenge the throne?

391
00:31:36,800 --> 00:31:41,280
They say you covet

392
00:31:42,520 --> 00:31:43,960
Xiao Xun's residence.

393
00:31:44,040 --> 00:31:47,400
It is a strategic location.

394
00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:50,520
Might as well use it.

395
00:31:51,520 --> 00:31:53,600
His Majesty granted it to me.

396
00:31:53,680 --> 00:31:54,760
What ?

397
00:31:56,320 --> 00:31:58,560
- Do you want it too?
- Enough.

398
00:31:59,240 --> 00:32:02,120
Facing the threat of the desert
from the North, let's stabilize the troops.

399
00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:04,720
As for the traitor within…

400
00:32:09,720 --> 00:32:12,160
I will find out for myself

401
00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:17,320
who seeks to bring in the enemy.

402
00:32:21,440 --> 00:32:22,280
I'm tired.

403
00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,800
If there is nothing else,
you can withdraw.

404
00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:28,560
We take leave of Your Majesty

405
00:32:28,640 --> 00:32:30,360
and Your Highness.

406
00:32:54,920 --> 00:32:57,040
Who would have thought that Xie Yanfang

407
00:32:57,920 --> 00:33:00,160
would reveal himself so openly?

408
00:33:01,640 --> 00:33:03,000
Since he dared to tell you

409
00:33:03,080 --> 00:33:06,680
that it would bring a real
war against the Great Princess,

410
00:33:06,760 --> 00:33:08,760
this means that he is not afraid of anything.

411
00:33:09,280 --> 00:33:10,800
We lack evidence

412
00:33:11,440 --> 00:33:13,240
to act against him.

413
00:33:15,080 --> 00:33:16,000
Indeed.

414
00:33:16,920 --> 00:33:20,880
The mere fact that he said it proves
that he has already planned a fallback solution.

415
00:33:21,920 --> 00:33:25,960
If our men investigated,
they wouldn't find anything.

416
00:33:26,760 --> 00:33:29,080
Xie Yanfang is protected
like an impregnable fortress.

417
00:33:30,040 --> 00:33:31,840
But every defense has a flaw.

418
00:33:32,520 --> 00:33:36,040
Why not start
by searching his domain in Gaoyang?

419
00:33:36,560 --> 00:33:38,160
When he came to the Capital,

420
00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:41,520
he took all his men with him.

421
00:33:42,040 --> 00:33:45,840
Those who stay at Gaoyang Domain
have no importance.

422
00:33:46,440 --> 00:33:47,520
But you are right.

423
00:33:48,200 --> 00:33:50,080
To strike at the heart of the threat,

424
00:33:51,040 --> 00:33:53,400
you must first
enter the lion's den.

425
00:33:57,920 --> 00:33:58,840
Shao You.

426
00:34:05,000 --> 00:34:06,640
Send men to Gaoyang.

427
00:34:07,560 --> 00:34:08,400
Understood.

428
00:34:12,239 --> 00:34:13,239
Mr Xie,

429
00:34:14,360 --> 00:34:18,440
you would do better
to watch your moves in this part.

430
00:34:19,639 --> 00:34:22,320
RESIDENCE OF PRINCE XIAO XUN

431
00:34:24,360 --> 00:34:25,560
A little further to the left.

432
00:34:25,639 --> 00:34:26,520
Higher.

433
00:34:26,600 --> 00:34:28,199
RESIDENCE OF THE XIE

434
00:34:28,280 --> 00:34:30,320
There you go. Get off.

435
00:34:32,560 --> 00:34:34,000
With this plate in place,

436
00:34:34,600 --> 00:34:36,440
the whole area appears brighter.

437
00:34:36,520 --> 00:34:37,840
Mr Xie,

438
00:34:37,920 --> 00:34:39,440
rumor has it that neglect

439
00:34:39,520 --> 00:34:42,040
General Chu Ling allowed the breach.

440
00:34:42,120 --> 00:34:47,000
Do you think he is, like Xiao Xun,
in collusion with the enemy?

441
00:34:47,840 --> 00:34:51,600
If Xiao was able to survive a situation
as desperate, he too can.

442
00:34:52,360 --> 00:34:54,480
After years undefeated on the border,

443
00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:56,880
his prestige among the people

444
00:34:56,960 --> 00:34:59,240
cannot be destroyed by a single mistake.

445
00:35:00,040 --> 00:35:02,520
We may have orchestrated the invasion,

446
00:35:03,200 --> 00:35:07,760
but its rapid tactical adaptation
lured the enemy to Xinggu Pass

447
00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:10,520
and ensured total victory.

448
00:35:11,040 --> 00:35:14,400
Many now rent
his courage and intelligence.

449
00:35:16,320 --> 00:35:20,840
It seems that we have not done
that strengthen its reputation.

450
00:35:22,080 --> 00:35:23,080
Indeed.

451
00:35:23,160 --> 00:35:24,840
You are recognized across the country.

452
00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:27,040
Although far from the court
for years,

453
00:35:27,120 --> 00:35:28,960
your foundations remain unshakeable.

454
00:35:30,160 --> 00:35:31,000
No.

455
00:35:32,960 --> 00:35:33,960
Him and me

456
00:35:35,080 --> 00:35:36,600
We have never been alike.

457
00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:39,840
Since the domain is renovated,

458
00:35:40,960 --> 00:35:42,280
bring Yanlai back.

459
00:35:42,800 --> 00:35:48,440
Tell him it's Master's order
let him come back immediately.

460
00:35:48,520 --> 00:35:51,440
He has always been
disagree with your family.

461
00:35:51,520 --> 00:35:52,360
For what ?

462
00:35:53,200 --> 00:35:54,320
I'm just curious.

463
00:35:57,520 --> 00:35:59,680
After five years, this dog

464
00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:03,400
Does he still recognize his leash?

465
00:36:05,880 --> 00:36:07,360
Blessings and calamities coexist.

466
00:36:07,440 --> 00:36:10,200
A great fortune
is accompanied by great dangers.

467
00:36:10,280 --> 00:36:11,120
CHU TANG, COUSIN OF CHU ZHAO

468
00:36:11,200 --> 00:36:13,720
This title might not be

469
00:36:13,800 --> 00:36:16,600
protection for the Chu family.

470
00:36:18,440 --> 00:36:19,520
I am grateful

471
00:36:19,600 --> 00:36:21,840
of the care that my uncle
brought me in the past.

472
00:36:22,600 --> 00:36:23,760
But…

473
00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:27,720
If I fell from this position,

474
00:36:28,360 --> 00:36:31,880
as a family,
you would inevitably be involved.

475
00:36:33,160 --> 00:36:37,160
So you better
to chart your own path.

476
00:36:38,120 --> 00:36:40,280
Zhao, there's no need to test me.

477
00:36:41,240 --> 00:36:43,800
Since the day
where you got this title,

478
00:36:44,720 --> 00:36:51,120
the Chu family shares your destiny,
whether glorious or disastrous.

479
00:36:52,960 --> 00:36:53,800
Alright.

480
00:36:55,960 --> 00:36:56,960
So,

481
00:37:06,240 --> 00:37:09,360
from now on,
I will operate in the light,

482
00:37:10,040 --> 00:37:11,360
and you, in the shadows.

483
00:37:12,080 --> 00:37:15,160
I will be your fortress,
and you will be my outpost.

484
00:37:15,240 --> 00:37:19,360
If we win,
we will share glory and prosperity.

485
00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:21,320
If we fail...

486
00:37:29,600 --> 00:37:31,360
I will be at your command.

487
00:37:32,960 --> 00:37:35,280
Keep faith in your promise.

488
00:37:36,040 --> 00:37:37,120
After this tea,

489
00:37:37,880 --> 00:37:39,480
no more going back.

490
00:37:47,200 --> 00:37:48,400
<i>I'm leaving the Capital,</i>

491
00:37:48,480 --> 00:37:52,960
<i>I must rally all possible allies</i>
<i>to maintain my influence at court.</i>

492
00:40:22,040 --> 00:40:24,040
Subtitles: Raphaël B