All language subtitles for LtjJyT_Ashes.to_.Crown_.E19_eng

SAY NO TO PIRACY, SUPPORT ORIGINALS

ADAPTED FROM XI XING’S NOVEL
QUEEN CHU ON QIDIAN.COM

Yanlai, you had a formidable presence
at today's court.

I personally decided to kill
the Northern Desert King.

But clearly, you won't regret it.

Since childhood,

have I ever said "regret"?

You've made up your mind.

I won't stop you.

You can't stop me.

Before you go,

let's do something first.

Your mother's tablet
can be placed in our ancestral hall.

What did you say?

Yanlai,

don't you always want her tablet
to be placed there?

Now is the perfect time.

You'll enter the pedigree too.
You and your mother

will become rightful members
of the Xie family.

No need.

Rightful identity…

Recognition of the clan…

Don't you want any?

I used to think

it was all I sought, but now…

Now what?

My mother doesn't need
offerings of the Xie Family,

and I don't need the recognition
from the Xie's pedigree.

Nor do I need a rightful identity.

I know who I am,

and I know what I want.

That's enough.

After going through all this,

you've really changed.

Since you've made up your mind,

so be it.

Xie Yanfang.

Five years ago,

you gave me the Bloodburn Pill.

Did you know

anyone who took it

would die?

This secret elixir
only belongs to our direct line.

It can even revive the dying.

Keep it with you in case of emergency.

Yanlai.

How did you know I'm here?

You're my brother.

Of course, I keep track of where you go.

I came here

to take you back home.

No need.

Here in Yunzhong,
people go through wind and sand.

Living by one's ability isn't too bad.

Young Master cares for you.

How could you be ungrateful?

You really think Chu Ling trusts you?

If he knows you're a Xie,
can you still stay?

He wouldn't care.

All he cares about
is whether I can slay enemies

and guard this place.

He doesn't care who I really am.

Chu Ling has 200,000 frontier troops.

If he wants to kill you,

you won't be able to resist.

Will you gamble?

I have nothing to lose.

I don't care.

So, this is your choice.

If I say I didn't know,

will you believe me?

Xie Yanlai didn't tell
his brother in advance.

Xie Yanfang must be angry.

Wrong.

Xie Yanfang doesn't care
whether he was informed in advance.

He has raised too many lackeys.

It's normal that one of them

may betray him.

What matters to him?

Xie Yanlai has won successive exploits
and enjoys supreme prestige.

If it goes on like this,

his reputation will overshadow
Xie Yanfang's.

That's exactly what Xie Yanfang
won't allow to happen.

It seems

big changes are coming to his family.

Don't underestimate Xie Yanfang.

With his mastery of strategies,

how would he not have a backup plan?

There must still be room for a reversal.

Let's not worry about them.

Is everything ready for tonight's banquet?

Rest assured. Everything is ready.

TOMB OF THE LATE LADY XIE

HER NAME WAS CUIYU.
A LIFE MARKED BY MISFORTUNE

We agreed on a hundred liang of gold.

Why is it 50 now?

If the boy weren't a Xie,

I wouldn't have risked my life for him.

You got 50 liang of gold
for one single night.

In my opinion, it's a good deal for you.

That boy is the Xie's bloodline,

but after all, he's an illegitimate child.

Don't think he's very valuable.

Send him back home as soon as you can.

Don't delay my business tonight.

Mother.

Son, you've grown up.
You should be sensible.

The Xie Family is where you belong.

From now on, you'll enjoy a great life,
and that's enough.

Come on, you…

Listen. Mother isn't leaving.

Let go, will you?

I'll go buy some fabrics
to make you new clothes.

I really won't leave.
Look. It's getting late.

The cloth shop will be closed.

Good boy.

Come on.

-Is he the ninth young master?
-That's right.

Look. You're the young master now.
How can you wear ragged clothes?

I'll go make you some new clothes.
Wait here.

What is his name?

Whatever. Call him anything you want.

Mother, it's been long.

When I was little,

I thought you left for new clothes.

So, I waited for you on the stairs
of Xie Residence.

I waited until night.

Until my candied hawthorn melted.

But I still failed

to see you back.

Later,

they said you were a dirty woman,

and I was a courtesan's son.

I studied really hard

and learned martial arts.

No matter how hard it was,

it never felt bitter.

I just wished

that one day

I could be a rightful member
of the Xie Family.

I wanted them to think highly of me.

I also hoped

that your tablet could be placed
in their ancestral hall.

To make this happen,
I endured insults and risked my life.

Even if I felt like a ghost there,

I felt happier than being
a wandering man as Fu Jiu.

I used to think if I became successful,

they wouldn't scorn us anymore.

It turns out you abandoned me long ago.

Right?

I've never hated you.

Even now,

I still don't hate you.

You suffered pains when bearing me.

You pulled through when raising me.

Maybe

on the day you left me,

you cried hard too.

Right?

I've figured out one thing.

We can't get everything,
even if we fight for it.

Mother, I met someone.

The most important person in my life.

Her name is Zhao.

She made me understand

a rightful identity doesn't matter.

I am who I am.

And I am your son.

Jiu.

Don't be sad.

It's strange.

Before, as Xie Yanlai, you would disdain

and reject such useless comfort.

But now, as Fu Jiu,

you must want to hear this,

"Don't be sad."

I didn't expect this

because I dared not.

Nor could I get any.

The rightful identity

and the family love

were out of my reach.

So, I had to pretend I didn't want any.

Only in this way could I relieve

the pain and shame

in my heart.

But now,

no need for that.

Yeah. No need for that.

Now I know who I am.

Whether Xie Yanlai

or Fu Jiu, I'm just myself.

You're mine.

In life,

having the freedom to choose

is already the greatest happiness.

You're good as you are.

But now, you're always hindered.

If I kill the King,
the problem will be solved.

That's my problem.

Why didn't you tell me
before you made that decision?

No need.

You wouldn't let me go.

My father and the King
fought for over a decade.

Do you know how hard--?

Zhao, I know.

You worry about me.

But this time,
let me do something for you.

According to Father,

the armor is a soldier's second life.

You never wore it before

because you thought your life
wasn't worth it.

Now,

I want you to put it on.

I want you to know

I'm waiting for you to return alive.

Just like how my father

took you out of the desert alive.

All right.

You make a vow.

Make it to my father.

I give you my word.

I will come back alive.

You must not lie to me.

I swear to General Chu's armor.

I will stay alive

and return the armor to him.

Xie Yanlai has become
even more uncontrollable.

At today's court, he made a military vow

to kill the Northern Desert King.

Ministers were stunned.

He's never a caged bird.

Now that he's strong enough,

he will surely leave.

That man… He's back, huh?

Yes, in the city.

I heard he had great prestige

among frontier troops.

Glad to hear that.

I think it's time to have the next general

take the stage.

GRACE OF THE LIANG GENERATIONS

Mr. Liang is back.

He's back.

Come on.

-He's back!
-Mr. Liang, you're finally back.

-Not Mr. Liang. Now, he's General Liang.
-Mr. Liang!

The Roving General titled by His Majesty.

-And you are?
-General Liang, I'm Huang.

General, why didn't you tell us before?

We could have welcomed you from afar.

-Yeah.
-That's right.

You're the hero of our clan.

Don't stand here. Let's get in.

Yeah. Come in, please.

-Get in.
-Come on.

-This way.
-Hurry.

NO UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
SEVERE PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATORS

Father. Mother.

I've only been a general for half a day,

but visitors have already flooded in.

Many relatives and friends

were popping up.

They greeted me warmly

and shed tears

for seeing me again.

TABLET OF MR. LIANG

Actually, I barely remember them.

It doesn't matter.

TABLET OF MRS. LIANG

ANCESTRAL HALL OF THE LIANG FAMILY

Soon, everyone in the Capital will know

I can bring glory

to the Liang Family.

The honey filling is overflowing.

Way too sweet.

Is it for Commander Xie?

Oh no. It's for General Fu Jiu, right?

His journey is really concerning.

-Shall I divine for him?
-No need.

He never believes in fate.

Letter from the Stronghold.

They found the old file
of Xiaonan caravan.

As expected, three months before the fire,

they passed the village six times.

Why did you suddenly investigate
such an old case?

Jiu figured out
the fire resulted from fire oil.

It might be transported
for the Northern Desert.

Judging from the file,

this caravan passed six times.

But every time,
they carried very few goods.

That wasn't something
a normal caravan would do.

It had to be something else.

What could it be?

Wei Village only had dozens of villagers

and uninhabited wilderness.

What could they be up to?

So, Jiu was right.

Northern Desert foes
conspired with Xiaonan

to burn the Wei Village

with an aim at Cangmu Stronghold.

To be exact, my mother.

To reveal my mother was an enemy general

would be the best weapon
against my father.

In that case, frontier troops
would have a new master.

That would benefit Xiaonan
and the Northern Desert.

Xiao Xun and his father
even struck a deal with evil enemies.

Then we'll let them know

how it feels to be devoured
by their own ambition.

Why are we meeting here?

Because your girl

has a lot to say to you.

But a princess can't say that.

More maltose was used.

It's sweeter.

You made it?

It feels sweet enough just looking at it.

Jiu, you've picked up sweet talk.

I can do more

than you think I can.

You must eat it. I made it overnight.

I've never seen you in armor before.
What a young general.

You look so gallant.

No wonder the ladies in Yunzhong

compliment your looks.

Their compliments

aren't as sweet as yours.

And they aren't

as pretty as you.

Don't forget

what you promised me.

I won't.

When I'm back, I'll return it.

Return?

Both.

The armor and me.

If you doubt it… Words are no proof.

Let this be my pledge.

Zhao, you were meant

to soar up there. And my role

is to uphold you.

CAPITAL

Tang, why did you come to me?

Are you going to see your parents?

Zhao,

I used to think

manipulating the court like you
would be truly great.

And after going through various schemes,

I realized to be a hero
was the real thrill.

However, it might not be right for me.

Since I was little, I've dreamed
of having a good husband

and living a life

inside my house as a good wife and mother.

But now, I've changed my mind.

It's because of you.

You've taught me.

Even if we're women,
we can still do a lot.

Even though I can't become an official,

the world is big enough,
and I can go out to experience it.

Here.

Recent literary gatherings
make me understand.

Giving chances to ladies like me
for them to shine

makes me even happier than my own glory.

So, I intend to introduce
literary gatherings elsewhere

to enlighten more ladies.

They don't need to live
within others' expectations.

They deserve the world of their own.

Then this world

will shine because of you.

Did you just let Xie Yanlai go?

Don't be silly.

A lot of people in the court
want Xie Yanlai dead.

I don't have to do anything.

Really?

-For example?
-Don't you remember?

The famous gentleman of the Xie Family.

Do you mean Xie Yanfang?

It can't be that easy to kill
the Northern Desert King.

Chu Ling couldn't do that
within 20 years on the frontier.

How can Xie Yanlai do it?

What if Xie Yanlai really succeeds?

Then he can't live.

A lackey who only takes orders

betrayed his master twice in a row.

Xie Yanfang won't let him live.

In the Xie Family,

Xie Yanlai has been abandoned.

Why again?

I wanted to divine for General.

But Her Highness told me
he didn't believe in this.

-Then don't do that.
-But…

What lies ahead is dangerous.
And Her Highness made a vow.

When she's the Grand Princess,
she won't marry or have children.

Then, her power won't fall to anyone
or benefit anyone.

If she breaks her vow…

What if Her Highness falls for him
and her vow comes true?

Then don't divine.

Who says a princess can't love?

It makes sense.

As the saying goes,
love is bound by destiny.

In love, no one can be forced.

Nor can anyone

run away from it.

But the state matters. So do the people.

They weigh more than romance.

But if you have to cage your heart, what…

What's the difference from being a puppet?

Difference?

The difference is, a puppet has no choice.

But I have the power to choose.

He went to war for me.
Then I'll guard the court.

I will protect the state.

And I'll make it impregnable.

Then the one I love can be safe.

This is my choice.

After the siege, Wangcheng

was in ruins, awaiting revival.

The court took it seriously

and opened up Wangcheng trade route.

In that case, we need

a supervisor of the Maritime Trade Office
for commercial affairs.

This supervisor must excel
in frontier trade.

Mr. Xie, since we have candidates,

why don't we recommend them

for His Majesty to choose from?

I recommend Zhao Su,
pupil of the Xie Family.

He knows trade routes very well.

I recommend Zhou Ming, pupil of Mr. Deng.

He was in charge of water transport.

This is a serious matter.

We request Your Majesty
and Your Highness to make the decision.

Mr. Deng and Mr. Xie
are important ministers.

Their pupils have unique talents.

How about they take charge together?

Zhou Ming, Mr. Deng's pupil,
excels in finance.

Zhao Su, Mr. Xie's pupil,
knows frontier trade.

Balancing each other,
they're a perfect match.

I approve.

Hereby, Zhou Ming and Zhao Su

take charge of frontier trade taxes

and customs clearance.

Let me add one more thing.

Wangcheng trade route
concerns frontier defense.

I propose that special goods

can't be transported without my approval.

What are the special goods
Your Highness is talking about?

Fire oil.

FERRYMAN’S LODGE

Your Highness, Chu Zhao
got our old ledgers by some means.

At today's court, she proposed

transport of fire oil
should need her approval.

How on earth did she learn of this?

Didn't I tell you?

Nothing shall go wrong with the ledgers!

Your Highness, Chu Zhao sent men
to watch us closely.

We really can't guard against her.

She made one move after another

just to make me panic.

We'll set this aside for now.

You…

Send men to monitor Mr. Deng's mansion.

Anything suspicious will be reported!

Deng Yi

is our last card.

Nothing shall go wrong with him!

I'm on it.

IMPERIAL GUARD OFFICE

Her Highness titled Mu Xiaoman

Commander of the Imperial Guard Office?

At today's court, you mentioned fire oil.

I guess Xiao Xun will soon
lose his composure.

My goal is to make him panic.

Look.

Only six hours later,
he sent his men to Mr. Deng's mansion.

He wants Deng Yi to help?

Deng Yi is in deep trouble himself,
crushed by Xie Yanfang.

So, Mr. Deng is looking for a solution.

The 25 guests for his banquet
are powerful officers,

like commandants, captains,
and adjutant generals.

He's a civil officer, but has a sharp eye.

He's scared.

Xie Yanfang holds military power.

I command frontier troops.

He needs to find some biting fighters

to prevent himself from being eliminated.

These are their attendants,

including personal servants,
guards, and carters.

Seventy-two in total.

Oh. The new Roving General Liang Qiang

was also invited to that banquet.

When he was at the frontier,

he had an unusual promotion.

At that time, I guessed
he had some backing.

So, it's Mr. Deng.

Wise choice.

Why did Deng Yi choose Liang Qiang?

Back then, he was merely
a soldier at Wangcheng.

-He had no power.
-Just because he was a mere soldier,

he was more eager
to get promoted by any means.

Besides, he wasn't a mere soldier.

His clan was involved
with the Third Prince.

That was a big clan.

But they were exiled
for taking the wrong side.

He turned from a rich young man
into a frontier soldier.

How would he not resent it or hate it?

Resentment and hatred

-lead to ambitions.
-Exactly.

Once a man like him

gets a glimmer of hope,
he'll seize the chance

and even work with the devil.

So there's so much in court politics.

I must learn carefully from Your Highness.

Your Highness, have some tea I made.

-Any more intel?
-The relationships

in Mr. Deng's family
and his guests' family.

Time was too short. It's not detailed.

Four horses and five carriages.

Even the number of trees is recorded.

It's not detailed?

Xiaoman, so besides fighting,

you're also great at other things.

I should learn from you.

It's nothing.

When I was at Cangmu Stronghold,
I scouted before taking action.

The size of the family,
the location of the door and window,

warehouses, and carriages…
All information was needed.

I thought you couldn't handle this.

I underestimated you.

Most of the conversations
at Mr. Deng's banquet

have been recorded.

But we failed to eavesdrop
on confidential conversations.

You just started doing this.
No hurry. Take your time.

Now, you command 700 guards
of the Imperial Guard Office.

You supervise on my orders.

You act discreetly
just to avoid disturbing people

and causing unnecessary trouble.

But even if you're caught,
you don't need to flee.

-I got it.
-Besides,

I set up the Imperial Guard Office,

so that you can openly command
some of the Longwei Army.

Actually, there is a bigger purpose.

Monitor every move of the frontier troops

and report it to me immediately.

You're doing this
for Xie Yanlai, aren't you?

To clear the obstacles
from his killing mission.

Don't blab. Leave. Leave now.

Jiu, I hope this will help you.