Original subtitles

♫ I spur my horse, a whip in hand, to claim the land ♫

♫ Little did I know, my boldness couldn't overcome the sorrow of parting ♫

♫ I shed my armor and wear the brocade ♫

♫ The man in the yellow light sighs alone ♫

♫ But no grand ambition can fill this lonely night ♫

♫ With all my courage, I'd hold a paper umbrella high ♫

♫ To shield you from every storm in the sky ♫

♫ On the lakeside of the mortal world ♫

♫ I look back, a thousand ships have sailed by ♫

♫ We drank to our joys and griefs in the endless sand ♫

♫ But let slip the perfect life we had planned ♫

♫ I owe you a lifetime I cannot repay ♫

♫ Only in the next life can this debt be paid ♫

♫ We drank to our joys and griefs in the desert vast ♫

♫ But in love and hate, we stumbled till the last ♫

♫ Though I might walk through history's proud song ♫

♫ My heart still falters where love belongs ♫

♫ I'd have no regrets at all, if only you had asked me to stay ♫

Braveness of the Ming

Episode 04

This is what the superior means.

That's impossible.

Believe it or not.

Old Man.

I was just about to come out and find you.

What happened?

Feng Xihui is dead.

The assassin was targeting me.

When you just went out,

were you seen by anyone?

Probably not.

Then act as if you know nothing.

Stay in your room tonight as if you never left.

The assassin failed,

but they won't give up easily.

You must not let your guard down.

This is poison powder I made

from oleander in the yard.

However,

I added other plants to it.

Take it. If you're in danger,

it might save your life.

[Yang's Residence]

Young Master.

Young Master.

Are you up yet?

What's wrong?

Lord Liu is here.

Got it. I'll be there in a moment.

Okay.

What a rare guest.

Xiao Lin, serve tea to Lord Liu.

Okay.

Have a seat.

You are too polite.

What brings you to see me?

Lord Feng is dead.

What?

Publicly, it's said he died of acute intestinal colic, a sudden illness.

But in reality,

he was killed by an assassin.

He was beheaded.

This is too strange.

First Yang Xu, then Lord Zhang,

and now Lord Feng.

So next...

The next one...

The next to die will be either me or...

Lord Liu, let me tell you,

I can't play Yang Xu anymore.

I've already met all the people you wanted me to see.

Just let me go home and be a fisherman.

You're dreaming.

I'm telling you,

now the superior not only knows about Lord Feng's matter,

but have also asked me to spy on you.

Whatever tasks Lord Feng assigned you,

you must continue doing them, just as before.

It's none of your business, so of course you're fine.

Who's your superior?

Tell me. I can find him myself.

You don't need to worry so much.

From now on, I'll be the one meeting you instead of Lord Feng.

As for you,

just keep playing your role as Young Master Yang.

Lord Liu.

I'm telling you, even a rabbit when cornered will bite.

You...

The tea is here.

Put the tea down for Lord Liu.

- Please sit. - Young Master Yang, you're too polite.

You've said so much, drink more water.

Alright.

About what I just discussed with you,

do you remember it?

I understand your difficulties, Young Master.

But the current situation...

How about this?

I'll go back and try to find a way.

In three days, let's meet again at the teahouse.

Then we can discuss it properly.

Well then, I'll await your good news.

Okay, I'll take my leave now.

This way, lord.

Young Master, this official looks unfamiliar.

I haven't seen him before.

He's not a good man.

Lord Feng and I once had a conflict with him over a shipment of goods.

He still holds a grudge.

There are rumors outside

that Lord Feng's death was suspicious.

Don't talk nonsense.

You heard everything?

Lord Feng was murdered, wasn't he?

It's none of your business.

Why do you say that?

Starting today,

I'll be staying in your room every night.

Why?

Because I need to protect you.

Well then, I'd like to see

how you plan to protect me.

[Jixian House]

I have some matters to discuss with Lord Liu.

Wait for me a moment.

Young Master Yang, please sit.

Lord Liu,

have you spoken to the superior for me?

Don't worry, I've kept your matter in mind.

I've already contacted that lord.

Once the matter with Prince Qi is settled,

you can go wherever you want.

Really?

Then, who exactly is this lord you mentioned?

I'd like to pay him a visit.

The lord isn't as free as you are.

He won't see you.

I know Lord Feng put a lot of pressure on you.

But rest assured.

I'm not with them.

After this job is done,

I'll go my way, and you'll go yours.

I have no reason to make things difficult for you.

I really can't drink this wine.

If I want to drink it,

I should be the one toasting you.

If you don't drink,

it would become a joke in Qingzhou City.

Come on.

My lord, this wine, Yang Xu can drink it.

But my lord, have you forgotten who I am? I'm Xia Xun.

At this moment, you are Yang Xu.

Why are you in such a hurry?

My lord, you didn't even ask me

how the task I'm handling for Prince Qi is progressing.

You work diligently. I trust you.

Prince Qi said the same thing.

Take a look at this.

This is the waist token gifted by Prince Qi.

Look, how imposing it looks when worn.

But I can't see what's so special about this waist token.

The exquisite part of this waist token is that it hides a secret inside.

Just shine it under sunlight like this,

and Prince Qi's mark will miraculously appear.

You indeed need such a token.

After all, unlike Lord Feng who can show up directly,

I often have to rely on you for many formal matters.

Sit down.

To express gratitude to lord,

I'll drink first as a toast.

Good wine.

You... you beast!

You're finally going to die too.

When Zhang Shisan had accident, I should have realized

there was no assassin at all.

It was you who killed him.

I said the next to die would be either me or you.

If you die,

I'll be the only one left working for Lord Bai.

Actually, you should thank me.

At least I let you live a few days of a superior life.

For these days,

you've already used up all your good luck.

This cup of wine

is to see you off.

You...

You are right.

I indeed rely on you all to live this luxurious life.

I will live well.

But I rely on my brains,

not luck.

You...

What?

Yang Xu.

Bodyguard, save me quickly!

Lord Liu wants to kill me.

What happened to you?

[Yang's Residence]

Young Master Yang really had a narrow escape this time.

To survive after being poisoned like that is truly remarkable.

Is the injury on his arm serious?

Exactly.

Liu Xu died on the spot.

Our young master's good fortune saved him.

It's all my fault.

If I had gone in with Young Master Yang,

he wouldn't have ended up like this.

Young Master Peng, don't say that.

Who could have imagined that Liu

would dare to act in broad daylight?

He is awake.

Yang Xu, can you hear me?

Lord Liu.

Doctor, how is he?

The young master's pulse is stable, and he is out of danger.

I'll prescribe a formula for him in a moment.

Just rest for a few weeks, and he'll be fine.

Thank you, doctor. I'll go with you.

Please.

In the end, I didn't do anything.

I'm very tired.

I want to rest alone for a while.

Alright.

So that's how it is.

You really need such a token.

- You... - What?

Why hasn't this case been concluded yet?

That Liu Xu wanted to kill our young master,

but he accidentally drank the poisoned wine.

That's called reaping what you sow.

How can it be blamed on our master?

Young master.

This Young Master Yang is a well-known figure in Qingzhou.

In just a few days,

multiple murder cases have occurred around Young Master Yang,

even involving government officials.

I am acting under Prince Qi's orders to investigate and clarify matters.

That's because your protection was inadequate.

This...

I wonder what connection Liu Xu had with Young Master Yang?

I know about this.

The young master once told me

that Liu Xu had some business disputes with him.

Lord Feng also knew about this matter.

It seems because of this,

he held a grudge all along,

so he wanted to kill Lord Feng and our young master.

I understand now.

This case of Liu Xu's assassination,

I believe we can conclude matters today.

I take my leave.

Please.

Please.

[Yang's Residence]

Could she be the lord mentioned by those three?

Dismissed.

Yes.

I am Yang Xu, paying my respects to you, my lord.

Yang Xu.

About the rare Erqiao peony I asked you to find,

have you made any progress?

It has been several months now.

My lord,

I previously encountered misfortune.

After returning to the mansion, I was busy preparing birthday for the Prince Qi.

Then I encountered assassins and nearly lost my life.

As for your instructions, I truly neglected them.

I will attend to it immediately.

Wait!

I can't bear to listen to any more of your lies.

Spare my life, my lord.

Today can be considered my first meeting with Yang Xu.

So how could there have been any previous order?

Lift your head and let me have a good look at you.

Since you already know the truth,

why did you ask that question?

Aren't you just toying with me?

Tell me, who are you?

I am Xia Xun, from Xiaoye Village.

Besides Zhang Shisan, who else have you killed?

My lord,

that Feng Xihui, I truly did not kill him.

Aside from those few incompetents,

who else knows your true identity?

Well, certainly no one knows.

Excellent.

Your intelligence surpasses that of Feng Xihui and the others.

I am very satisfied.

I guess you still do not know who I am.

I am Bai Yixia, Assistant Commander of the Imperial Guards.

Well, lord,

I have some questions.

About impersonating Yang Xu,

you won't blame me, will you?

You still don't understand.

I don't care who Yang Xu is.

Your current value to me

is greater than a thousand Yang Xu,

ten thousand Yang Xu.

Do you know that?

If you are willing,

in the future, when we are alone in private,

I can still call you Xia Xun, alright?

I've heard you have a decent heart.

I gave you three strategies,

yet you stubbornly didn't mention two of them.

Is this true?

My lord.

Although I was born a commoner,

I cannot forget my roots just because I have all this now.

That was in the past. You are different now.

Everyone who sees you must address you as Young Master Yang.

If you wish to rise in the Imperial Guard in the future,

you must abandon the morality notions.

Can you do that?

Unwilling?

That's fine.

You will change in time.

I won't force you.

Xia Xun,

do you still have any relatives?

I am an orphan.

Then who is the gardener living in your backyard?

Lord, you've been talking for a long time.

Please have some tea.

I detest people who try to act clever in front of me.

That old man looks very familiar,

as if I've seen him before.

Where was it?

It's been so long, I can't quite remember.

Perhaps I should go and have a chat with him later.

Maybe I'll recall something.

My lord,

if there's anything you need me to help you with, just say it directly.

My godfather, he is advanced in years.

He can't help much.

How could I bear to order you to do anything?

You just need to stay here and be your Yang Xu.

As for your godfather,

his mere existence is the greatest help to me.

Also,

I will send people to protect you,

so those assassins won't have another chance.

My lord,

so from what you're saying,

there's now a lead on who killed Yang Xu?

Xia Xun,

do not ask about matters that are not your concern.

Understood?

Also,

do you think I am beautiful?

Zhuo Lun. Let's go.

[Yang's Residence]

What's the big deal?

Someone putting on airs scared you like this?

If a person has no attachments,

of course they fear nothing.

She seems to be a high-ranking official.

How high can she be?

Can she be higher than the Prince Qi?

Look at you,

accusing others of putting on airs,

but I think you're the one who's effeminate.

So nosy.

- Who is it? - Be quiet. I'll take a look.

Who are you?

May I ask if you are Yang Xu?

That's right.

Are you acting on someone else's orders

to investigate Prince Qi's rebellion?

Who are you?

Who I am is not important.

But my lord hopes you will stop aiding the wicked.

If you are merely trying to survive,

he can offer you a better path.

Who is your lord?

The Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard, Lord Luo Kedi.

Young Master.

Xiaopeng.

I suddenly feel a bit unwell.

I want to rest for a while.

Alright, you rest then.

Let me show you my respect, my lord.

Young Master Yang, please stand up.

Lord Luo thinks very highly of you.

If you could join his command,

it would be beneficial for you,

and for the Imperial Guard as well.

It's just that...

We know you have difficulties,

so you don't need to answer immediately.

Take this.

I will find you again in the future.

Old Man.

Can you teach me

how you managed to leave so easily back then?

And no one tried to stop you?

What?

Why are you asking this?

Don't you want to work for the Imperial Guard anymore?

I can't quit even if I want to now.

Just today,

two groups of people came looking for me.

Let me guess.

One of them must be Feng Xihui's boss.

Yes, that Bai fellow.

Isn't it strange?

The first time she saw me,

she recognized I wasn't Yang Xu.

And so many of her subordinates died,

but she didn't care at all.

If I really work for her,

I would end up one day like Feng Xihui,

not even knowing how I died?

You're smart, kid.

Not blinded by those little favors.

Remember this,

when working for others in the future,

always look first at how they treated your predecessor.

And the next group?

It was the boss of the Imperial Guard, named Luo Kedi.

What? Luo Kedi came looking for you?

He didn't come in person.

Luo Kedi didn't even spare you.

It's over.

It seems the Imperial Guards are finished. It's truly the end of the road.

Which of these two factions do you actually prefer?

I don't like either faction at all.

But that Bai,

you know her personality. When you see her, it's a bit...

particularly disgusting.

You'd better think carefully.

This is a struggle between Bai Yixia and Luo Kedi.

No matter which side you align with,

the outcome in the end will be...

Then what should I do?

Since nothing works,

then I won't follow anyone.

Then they'll be even less likely to let you go.

Old Man,

what on earth should I do then?

Sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight.

Drag it out for as long as you can.

You are smarter than I am.

Steward Shu.

Young Master Yang.

I heard that you encountered villains again recently.

Prince Qi is very concerned

and specifically asked me to come visit you.

Thank you for Prince Qi's concern.

I really seem to be possessed by the god of misfortune.

Even the King of Hell finds me repulsive.

It's good that you are fine.

About the matter Prince Qi instructed earlier,

I wonder if it can...

Rest assured, my lord.

I have contacted reliable merchants

and will begin action immediately.

Thank you, Young Master Yang.

Goodbye.

Where am I supposed to find any merchants?

Feng Xihui, you didn't even help me make the connection before you died.

Now what am I going to...

Yang Xu, there's a letter for you.

Bring it.

[Meet you in Yanggu, Ximen Jing]

Prepare the horse.

I'm going to Yanggu County.

What's the rush?

Prince Qi's business has found a lead.

Then I'll accompany you.

You stay here for more important matters.

Me?

Listen to me.

If Liu Xu's subordinates come looking for me again,

you need to stay here

and help protect all our people,

understand?

Protect everyone?

Right.

If anyone gets hurt,

I'll go to the Peng family and report you.

I...

protect everyone?

What do you take me for?

[Yanggu County]

Found another good item.

Selling it for a hundred taels is no problem.

Sesame Cake Girl!

What are you doing here?

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land. Aren't you happy?

Why did I run into that jinx again?

Why are you following me?

I'm not following you.

You're not following me?

I need to go over there.

I want to see who you really are.

[Li's Residence]

Young lady, who are you?

Sir.

The young lady of your mansion ordered a bracelet from me.

She wasn't satisfied with the quality of the previous designs.

Look,

as soon as I got a good piece, I hurried over to deliver it.

Alright. Wait a moment, I'll inform her.

Wait a moment.

Actually, your young lady bought this bracelet to give to your madam.

She repeatedly instructed me not to disturb the madam.

If you inform her,

the young lady's thoughtful gesture will be in vain.

Is that so?

Where has that wretched girl run off to?

Then I'll trouble you to take me to see your young lady.

Let's see how you escape my grasp.

Wait.

I'll have her take you to see the young lady.

Thank you.

This way, please.

I need to find your young lady.

Are you going to resort to violence?

Violence?

If you don't leave, I'll break your legs.

Believe it or not.

Fine.

Fine, I'm leaving.

Just go!

I'm leaving...

Get out!

This wretched kid.

You still want to be beat?

Young lady, your illness is rheumatism penetrating the bones.

It's nothing.

Qianhe Clinic's bone pain plaster

dispels wind and cold, promotes blood circulation, unblocks meridians.

For joint pain caused by cold-damp obstruction like yours,

just apply a few patches, and it will take effect immediately.

I guarantee you'll feel light as a swallow, graceful and elegant.

That's what you call a charming and graceful figure.

Little brat, stop buttering me up.

Young lady?

When I was sisters with your mother,

you were still wearing split pants.

[Ximen Jing, doctor in Yanggu]

So it's Auntie Liu.

I was taking your pulse,

thinking it was the Liu's eldest daughter.

If you hadn't said anything, I really wouldn't dare to recognize you.

Here,

Qianhe Bone Pain Plasters, seven patches.

One patch a day, and you'll be fine in seven days.

Auntie Liu.

Auntie Liu.

So handsome.

Look at my mouth.

I should call you sister.

Sister, get the medicine.

We're neighbors, so forget the consultation fee.

I won't even charge you the small change for the medicine.

Alright then, I'll get the medicine.

Alright, take care.

Next!

- Me, me, me! - Let me!

- Don't block me! - Me, me!

Me, me, me!

Me! Move aside!

This kind of person hits so hard.

You little brat, just wait.

Uncle, let me ask you something.

In this town, is there someone named Ximen Jing?

Of course there is.

You're also here seeking out Doctor Ximen's reputation?

Yes.

You have no idea,

my back pain has been acting up again lately.

I heard Doctor Ximen is skilled and compassionate,

so I wanted to ask him to take a look.

You've come to the right place.

Doctor Ximen's bone pain plasters are really effective.

Really?

My wife's knees were cured by him.

Where is he?

It's the Qianhe Clinic.

[Qianhe Clinic]

Qianhe Clinic.

Thank you.

No problem, goodbye.

Flowing smoothly, like beads rolling on a plate, the pulse feels round and smooth.

Congratulations, madam, this is the pulse of pregnancy.

What's wrong?

Look carefully.

I'm a man, how could I have a pregnancy pulse?

Who says men can't have a pregnancy pulse?

I'm complimenting you.

If you don't understand, just get out!

You quack, do you have any medical ethics?

What?

What's your problem?

Me, a quack?

I'm a quack doctor?

Say that again!

Look for yourself.

I'm a friend to women, and you call me a quack?

I think you're the one here to cause trouble.

Besides, whether you're a man or a woman,

according to the pulse,

you should rest and protect the pregnancy.

My skills are never wrong.

It's because you were born the wrong gender.

- Wait. - What's wrong? Still not leaving?

What's your name?

What? Want to fight?

What's your name?

My name is Ximen Jing.

Hua Tuo Reborn, A Friend to Women.

I heard you are from Jinling.

Impossible. Since I was born...

My ancestors...

My ancestors lived on Qixia Mountain in Jinling.

Is that the Qixia Mountain, the last stop south of Jinling?

Correct.

Then do you know why it's called Qixia Mountain?

The original name of Qixia Mountain is She Mountain.

The lesser hermit hides in the wilderness, the greater hides in the city.

Although Qixia Mountain is bustling and lively,

it is actually a good place for seclusion.

Brother, please come inside to talk.

Assistant, close the shop.

How can this be?

I never expected Brother Ximen

to be a member of the Imperial Guards.

I am different from you.

You are a true Imperial Guard,

while I...

perhaps I count as one.

What do you mean by that?

You really don't know?

Brother Yang was only ordered to come here.

You might not know these things.

Actually, my father was the true Imperial Guard.

When the Imperial Guards were still called the Gongwei Division,

my father was sent here to gather intelligence.

Since then, he has presented himself as a physician,

and never changed again.

According to the laws,

military, civilian, artisan, and salt-worker households can't be changed.

If so, I should also be an Imperial Guard.

But...

You've never been to the Imperial Guard or served on duty?

More than that.

I haven't even met my superior in the Imperial Guards.

Even my official robe, waist knife, and token were all inherited from my father.

Then how did you know

the secret signal we used to make contact?

That was also something my father instructed me.

When I first started studying,

he forced me to memorize this.

If I couldn't recite it, I'd get beaten a lot.

My father said he was a member of the Imperial Guard,

and our family for generations had to inherit this identity.

Maybe one day,

someone would contact me using a secret code,

and then I would have to go all out

to carry out the mission.

Now, you have finally become a true Imperial Guard.

Your father, in the afterlife,

should be able to rest in peace.

That was his dying wish, not mine.

You can look further ahead.

Think about it,

becoming an Imperial Guard now

is such an incredible thing.

You're not me,

how would you know how happy I am as a gynecologist?

In a few years, I'll marry, have children,

and when I'm old, pass this mission on to my son.

How wonderful.

Your suddenly coming to find me surely means nothing good.

How do you know it's not something good?

I came to see you today

precisely to discuss

a big deal.

A big deal?

Very profitable?

Not just very. It's extremely profitable.

Go on.

What?

Fur, animal sinew, raw and wrought iron?

These are all restricted by the court.

I know.

I'm just following orders.

I won't ask,

and you don't need to know.

But I know you have a way,

right?

Exactly.

In earlier years, my father used the Imperial Guard's authority

to secretly engage in this kind of business

and made some money.

Our family then had our own channels.

But in recent years,

the Imperial Guard has been of little help.

When my father was still alive,

he had already rarely done this kind of business.

So...

So,

Brother Ximen, you must have a way.

You're lucky.

It's just that the person in charge is in Beiping City.

We have to go there ourselves.

Going to Beiping is no problem,

but can he really secure the supply?

If there's no certainty, I won't be able to give a proper account.

In business, there's never a fixed account.

But as long as I'm here, you can rest assured.

Leave everything to me to handle.

Even the checkpoints and government offices,

I can help you get through them.

However, the expenses for clearing those checkpoints...

I'll cover them.

It's Prince Qi's money.

Being generous with his wealth, you don't need to feel guilty.

You're a few years younger than me.

You've inherited your father's business like me?

My situation is more complicated. It's hard to explain in a few words.

The Imperial Guard...

Where's the benefit?

Since joining the Guard,

I've been treading on thin ice, as if standing on the edge of an abyss.

A few years ago,

people would try to get in, and still might not succeed.

But now,

the Imperial Guard is no longer as powerful and awe-inspiring as it once was.

But I always feel

the Imperial Guard won't just end like this.

Life has its ups and downs, fate is unpredictable.

Once the winds of change blow,

who can guarantee that the Imperial Guard

won't be able to make a comeback in the future?

Brother Ximen,

we're working for Prince Qi.

We mustn't let it get out.

We have to keep a low profile.

Also,

I'm somewhat well-known in Qingzhou.

If my identity is exposed, I might run into trouble.

So, when we're outside, could you not call me Yang Xu?

No big deal. Tell me, what should I call you?

Brother Ximen, just call me

Xia Xun.

Alright, Xia Xun, Younger Brother Xia.

♫ Evening lanterns glow, frost upon the moon ♫

♫ Candlelight flickers red where only few stars gleam ♫

♫ In her tower she sings, dreaming of home ♫

♫ Through wind and night rain, her gaze begins to roam ♫

♫ Sorrow under moonlight, endless are the nights ♫

♫ Dreaming of moments lost from sight ♫

♫ A rising sandstorm veils your face from view ♫

♫ Now worlds apart, with no path back to you ♫

♫ Love and hate, awake then gone like sand ♫

♫ We meet, forget, through lifetimes' shifting strand ♫

♫ Right or wrong, the song ends, but feelings stay ♫

♫ Two worlds apart, too far to see the way ♫

♫ Who knows her silent love, who knows her tears? ♫

♫ Who knows her heart, and whom it truly fears? ♫

♫ Who knows her tender thoughts, her hidden grief? ♫

♫ A beauty's fleeting dream for whom does life seem brief? ♫

♫ I'd give my all, through all the joy and pain, and never complain ♫