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 08

Younger Brother Xia.

Younger Brother Xia.

Xia Xun.

- Brother Yang. - Xia Xun.

Younger Brother Xia.

[Prince Yan's Mansion]

You're awake, Xia Xun.

Are you called Xia Xun or Yang Xu?

I think Xia Xun sounds better.

If Your Highness prefers to call me Xia Xun,

then call me Xia Xun.

Where am I?

The Prince Yan's Mansion.

You were injured saving me.

I have to take care of you.

Naturally,

changing clothes, examining wounds, applying medicine,

bandaging and feeding porridge

were all done by others.

I was just watching from the side.

It's not that I don't want to serve you,

but they wouldn't let me do it.

Thank you.

But I cannot accept such care.

You don't need to feel stressful.

My brother-in-law is working with the three judicial offices

to investigate Beiping Prefecture

to ensure no remnants of the traitors escape.

My sister is also very busy, only I have nothing to do.

Once they finish all this,

they will surely reward you.

Thank you.

But I am just a commoner.

Staying long at the Prince Yan's Mansion is not suitable.

I should return to my inn

and recuperate peacefully.

Be careful.

Your wound has just stopped bleeding.

By the way,

I really can't find anything on me to give you.

This is my favorite sachet, I'll give it to you.

Princess.

For a man like me to carry this,

it's not very appropriate.

Besides, if I give away something gifted by you to someone else,

that wouldn't be right.

Who said you can give it to someone else?

Everyone in Prince Zhongshan's Mansion recognizes this sachet.

If one day you go to Yingtian Prefecture

and need my help,

just take it and find me.

You are my life-saving benefactor.

I must repay this kindness.

Just take it.

Xia Xun, you're awake.

Miss Xie.

This fox fur coat is now burnt and cannot be sold to you.

I will send someone to return your deposit.

What's wrong with her? She doesn't seem very happy.

Could she have been injured in the secret hall?

Should I ask my sister to find a doctor to check her pulse?

Young lady, your pulse...

At first glance, it indicates natural beauty.

Bright eyes, pearly teeth, a stunning beauty that shuts flowers and eclipses the moon.

You're lying.

I am the number one physician in Yanggu County.

Trust me, I'm definitely right.

Who's next?

- Me! - Me!

Don't rush.

Take it easy.

Why are you all like this?

I'll do it.

Your hand.

Miss Xie, Miss Xie.

You must feel weak lately.

Brother Ji.

Where are you going?

We can wait until Brother Xia wakes up, and then we go together.

No, I shall leave now.

Miss Xie,

you just escaped from the secret hall.

You're in such a disheveled state now.

If you return to the Xie Mansion like this,

I'm afraid it won't be easy to explain.

I forgot I'm in such a terrible state now.

Not at all.

No matter what, Miss Xie,

you are always radiantly beautiful.

What?

Nothing.

How about Miss Xie rests first?

Let's return to the inn first and then make plans.

Brother Ximen, what are you thinking about?

Thinking about a girl.

Which family's girl?

What's the point of asking that?

Younger Brother Xia, what are you doing? Why are you getting up?

Brother Xia.

If it weren't for you two brothers rescuing me in time,

my life would probably have been lost long ago.

Please allow me to bow to you both.

Brother Xia, get up quickly, don't do this.

Get up, Brother Xia.

Brother Xia, don't say that. We're all brothers.

Why say such formal words?

How could we stand by and watch you die?

Come, sit.

Exactly, just focus on recuperating properly.

Once you're better, you can bow however you want.

First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to parents, no problem at all.

Bow to parents?

Brother Ximen's words actually remind me.

The three of us can be considered brothers who have been through life and death.

Why not take this opportunity

to become sworn brothers?

Great! I've been wanting to do this for a long time.

Great!

By the heavens above

today, I, Xia Xun.

I, Ji Gang.

I, Ximen Jing.

Hereby swear to become sworn brothers.

May the heavens and earth bear witness to our sincerity.

If we betray our oath, may we be condemned by both gods and men.

From this day forward, we three

entrust our lives to each other, share fortune and support each other in times of hardship.

Thank you very much for helping me,

so that I was able to save my life.

It was clearly Ji and I who saved your life.

Why are you thanking her again?

Brother Ximen, you don't know.

In the secret hall, I was surrounded by three people.

Thanks to Miss Xie using a torch to lure one away,

I was able to catch my breath.

But I never expected Miss Xie to be so formidable.

I wasn't trying to save you.

That scoundrel wanted to snatch my fox fur,

that's why I hit him with the torch.

So it was for the fox fur I gave you, Miss Xie.

Then I am truly flattered.

Don't flatter yourself.

What fox fur you gave me?

This fox fur means nothing to me.

Believe it or not, I'll throw it away now.

Miss Xie,

since you stopped selling sesame cakes,

you've become increasingly extravagant.

Move aside.

What?

Brother Xia.

What's wrong with you?

You're injured so seriously, you mustn't take it lightly.

Is Miss Xie concerned about me?

What are you talking about? Who's concerned about you?

How could I care about someone like you,

who's only interested in profit and currying favor with the powerful?

What do you mean by that, Miss Xie?

Prince Yan is in trouble, that's why I...

That's why you what?

So many common people are starving and freezing outside.

Why don't you help them?

Besides,

you're just a fur trader doing business.

How did you know something happened at the Prince Yan's Mansion?

It's all because...

Can't say it, can you?

It's precisely because you're vain and ambitious,

constantly watching every move of these powerful and noble people,

that you could rush out to play the hero at the first opportunity.

Just now, you were even getting handsy with the Little Princess in the room.

I despise people like you the most.

Miss Xie...

Brother Ximen,

what are those two arguing about?

I'm getting more and more confused.

Of course you don't understand. Younger Brother Xia, you're amazing.

When did you start getting handsy with the little princess?

Even with your hand injured like this, you can still move it. Impressive!

I truly admire you.

Amazing.

[Jiqing Inn]

Brother Xia,

your injuries are healing quickly.

In a few days, you'll be able to move normally.

Brother Ximen,

what are you looking at? You seem so engrossed.

The women in Beiping, each has a bewitching figure.

Truly top-notch.

How are they top-notch?

Look,

women from the south are petite, soft yet charming.

As for northern women,

their figures are more slender, their features more spirited.

They lack a bit of that delicate, fragile feeling

and have a bit more of a heroic, straightforward neatness.

It turns out what our brothers like

is the heroic, straightforward type.

Brother Ximen,

you've been standing there all morning.

Have you seen any heroic, straightforward women?

Let me tell you,

my taste is quite particular.

The woman I like

must have the charm and allure of a woman,

and the magnanimity and openness of a man.

I happen to know a woman

who meets all your requirements.

But Brother Ximen, you might not be able to handle her.

You're joking.

Is there really a woman in this world that I can't handle?

But Younger Brother Xia,

is your judgment reliable?

The woman I like must have a face like a lotus, eyebrows like willow leaves

a smile topples a city, a second one topples a kingdom.

Green grass by the river, the spring breeze in February is like scissors.

What kind of nonsense is this?

Brother, you really should read more books.

Why do you ask me to shush?

There's suddenly some guards downstairs.

Guards?

Although they're dressed in plain clothes,

they're clearly martial artists.

With so many guarding the place,

I'm afraid the visitor means trouble.

Are they here for us?

Who is it?

Is Yang Xu from Qingzhou staying here?

It's the Prince Yan.

I, Yang Xu, pay my respects to Your Highness.

You are injured.

This is not the princely mansion. Rise.

Your Highness, please.

Yang Xu,

you are a man of scholar.

If you can pass the examination and become an official,

you will have an official background.

I know,

for you scholars,

the official path of the court is the most honorable.

But if you have great ambitions,

I will not force you.

Thank you for your understanding.

If you ever change your mind in the future

and wish to join the Prince Yan's Mansion,

you can come to Beiping to find me at any time.

If I had the opportunity to serve Your Highness,

I would certainly give my all, even to the point of death.

Don't say that.

Yang Xu, to me, you are a benefactor.

Please don't say that.

You risked your life to break into the palace to warn us

and bravely fought the villains to extinguish the explosives,

saving the lives of dozens of people in Prince Yan's Mansion.

Moreover,

you also protected the precious Princess Minger, beloved by me and my consort.

Both publicly and privately,

I should express my gratitude to you.

After hearing about the evil plans of those villains,

how could I stand by and do nothing?

How could I let them act tyrannically on the land of the Ming Dynasty?

Although I am just a mere scholar,

I have not forgotten to worry about the country.

Every word strikes at the heart, well said.

Yang Xu,

with such courage and insight,

your future will be immeasurable.

Thank you for your high regard.

By the way,

I have already given instructions to the Three Judicial Offices.

Also, regarding Seventh Brother's matters,

I have also ordered my subordinates.

You can transport goods with peace of mind from now on.

No need to worry.

Really?

Thank you, Your Highness.

Yang Xu, are you perhaps a lover of fine wine?

I usually enjoy having a couple of drinks.

Your Highness, do you also like to drink this?

I usually enjoy having a couple of drinks as well.

[Jiqing Inn]

[Prince Yan's Mansion]

What do you think of this Yang Xu?

Despite being alone and outnumbered,

he still can uncover the shocking conspiracy from those villains.

This shows outstanding strategy.

He was able to prevent the explosion and save others' lives.

This demonstrates exceptional courage.

To possess both bravery and wisdom is truly rare.

Such a talent,

yet Seventh Brother uses him for smuggling and errands.

What a pity.

If he could serve Your Highness in the future,

that would be the best outcome.

This ginseng chicken soup was prepared by you?

Of course.

I simmered it for a full three hours.

I added ginseng and many other medicinal herbs to the soup.

What a pity,

there's only this small bowl.

It seems Brother Ji and I won't have the fortune to taste it.

Neither of you are injured.

Drinking such a potent tonic could actually harm your health.

Miss Xie is no longer angry with me?

But I remember last time you...

What last time?

I've already forgotten.

Are you going to drink it or not?

Of course. How dare I not drink it?

Xia Xun!

- Put it on the table. - Princess.

What is all this?

These are the most precious delicacies from the Prince's mansion.

Some were even bestowed by the Emperor.

Look here,

red dates, deer antler, safflower,

and cordyceps.

Cordyceps sinensis, a precious medicinal herb!

Why are you drinking that?

I brought you the best thing.

This is Xie...

Since Brother Xia has the Princess taking care of him,

I won't disturb you any further.

Farewell.

Miss Xie.

I'll see Miss Xie off.

I just arrived.

Why did Sister Xie leave so quickly?

How strange.

Don't just stand there, eat.

Little Princess,

with so many delicacies,

I think Brother Xia definitely can't finish them all.

How about...

Don't be hypocritical. If you want to eat, just say so.

Then I will drink this.

Brother Xia, have some red dates.

Thank you.

Here, Miss Xie.

Thank you.

Please don't take that seriously.

The Little Princess didn't know you cooked that chicken soup.

Even if she knew, so what?

Compared to the Princess's delicacies,

my measly bowl of bland chicken soup

wouldn't be coveted by anyone.

Please don't think that way.

You care for Brother Xia, you made him chicken soup.

We all see your affection.

Affection?

You mean the gift may be small, but the affection is deep.

No, that's not what I meant.

I know.

I'm not that petty.

The princess comes from a life of luxury and immense wealth.

The things she gives are always the most nourishing.

Of course they're very helpful for recovery from injury.

Deer antler, cordyceps, red dates.

With such meticulous care from the little princess,

Xia Xun will surely recover soon.

By the way,

recently,

a troupe of traveling performers has arrived in Beiping.

They perform every day in the market.

I wonder if you're interested?

Miss Xie?

How about we go to the market together tomorrow?

Alright.

With the little princess taking care of him, there's no point in me staying here.

It seems I should return to Moling,

follow the marriage arrangement, and get married soon.

♫ 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 ♫

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

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

♫ Who knows her silent love ♫

Brother Xia,

did Miss Xie come to the inn this morning?

Have a seat.

Brother Ji, what about Miss Xie?

I had made an appointment with her to watch the acrobatics together,

but even after the performance ended,

she still hadn't shown up.

Did you go to the Xie Mansion?

Yes.

The people at the Xie residence said

she packed her bags and left in the morning,

probably to leave Beiping.

What did she say?

She instructed Squire Xie

to properly repair the Xie family ancestral hall.

The maid said she took nothing with her,

only that burnt fox fur coat.

This girl left without even saying a word.

Yes.

I thought that before leaving,

she would at least come to check on your injury.

I never expected her to leave so quietly without a word.

This girl is always traveling north and south.

After all, we are friends. You should say something before leaving.

Brother Ji,

I think we should leave Beiping as soon as possible.

Coming back.

What are you doing here?

Well,

the last batch of goods has been shipped,

but Brother Xia told us to leave here quickly.

The women in Beiping are just too beautiful.

I really can't bear to leave.

Miss Xie is no longer here either,

so there's nothing left to miss in Beiping.

Let's hurry back to Qingzhou.

Right.

I heard the women in Qingzhou are also exceptionally beautiful.

Someone is following us.

What?

Don't look back. Let's split up.

Go into the alley.

Brother, why are you following us?

Who exactly are you?

Why are you following us?

I'm looking for Yang Xu.

Yang Xu?

Hasn't he been with you all along?

I am his bodyguard.

Take me to see him.

Gunpowder?

Just you, Yang Xu?

Trying to rescue someone unarmed?

Don't be ridiculous.

Younger brother,

why is this Young Master Peng so strange?

It's the first time I've seen a man

with such delicate and fair skin,

even prettier than a woman.

Could it be that he is...

Neither man nor woman?

Young Master Peng,

we are not joking with you.

Brother Xia not only fought the villains unarmed,

he also infiltrated the secret tunnel and pulled out the fuse,

single-handedly preventing the gunpowder explosion.

I saw you hadn't returned for many days.

I thought you were indulging in pleasure in Beiping.

I never expected you to be so chivalrous and righteous.

It seems I was the one being shallow and narrow-minded.

Please don't say that, I dare not accept such praise.

It's just that since you came here,

why didn't you come directly to the inn,

but followed me all the way?

I came to the inn before,

but there were heavy guards at the entrance.

I thought you had offended someone,

so I didn't dare act rashly.

Heavy guards?

Could it be from the day the Prince Yan came?

Young Master Peng, are you married?

Brother Ximen, why are you asking this?

Having such a handsome,

martially skilled man by my side,

I worry he might affect my search for a soulmate.

Brother Yang,

if your tasks here are completed,

come back to Qingzhou with me.

My mission is to protect you.

I will never let you fall into such danger again.

Thank you, Young Master Peng.

I am truly grateful.

Well, Brother Yang,

your alias outside is Xia Xun,

so may I call you Brother Xia?

Sure.

Actually, if you don't mind,

you can also call me Elder Brother Xia.

Elder Brother Xia?

Such a soft, gentle way of addressing someone.

Young Master Peng isn't a woman.

Is that so?

I actually think this name suits Young Master Peng quite well.

Brother Xia, you jest. It's getting late.

I should head back to my room to rest.

Elder Brother Xia.

No, wait.

I need to find a wife for this Young Master Peng.

What if one day I meet my soulmate,

and he snatches her away? What would I do then?

Xia Xun... Does he know something?

- It hurts. - Just bear with it.

It hurts so much.

Why can this ointment only heal my external wounds,

but not the wounds in my heart?

It hurts so much.

It hurts so much.

I am supposed to be a friend to women,

yet I was beaten up like this by a woman.

It hurts so much! Be gentle.

Brother Ximen,

didn't you bring this upon yourself?

You went and peeked at a girl changing clothes for no good reason.

That's really...

You knew that Peng...

Wait,

you knew that Miss Peng was disguised as a man,

and you didn't tell us?

That's her secret.

Since Miss Peng didn't want to say,

I wouldn't say more either.

Brother Xia, you already knew it?

I think you'd better call me Elder Brother Xia.

Miss Peng,

why did you disguise yourself as a man?

The Yang family came to Peng family demanding someone.

The old master refused,

saying this Yang Xu was a notorious playboy.

So I thought of disguising myself as a man to...

To cause trouble for me every day.

Isn't that right, Miss Peng?

Alright, I had already guessed that.

Now that we've been completely open and honest with each other,

can you tell me your real name, Miss Peng?

I am Peng Ziqi.

A good name!

Miss Peng, you have a truly excellent name.

It's both graceful and heroic.

It truly matches the person.

Brother Ximen, you'd better say less.

Since the misunderstanding has been cleared up,

I shall leave now.

Younger brother,

the woman you told me before who was especially suitable for me,

was it Miss Peng?

My dear brother,

I advise you to give up on this idea as soon as possible.

Aren't you just asking for trouble?

Brother Ximen,

Miss Peng has that kind of fiery temper.

If you ever dare to have improper intentions towards her,

you might just get castrated by her.

She possesses both the charm and allure of a woman,

and the decisiveness of a man.

Miss Peng is truly an extraordinary person among people.

However, no matter how strong a woman is,

she still needs someone to cherish her.

How many people can truly appreciate a woman like Miss Peng,

and dare to cherish and protect her?

Although I always act like a playboy,

as if I won't give a girl my own heart,

I have made up my mind,

unless she beats me to death,

otherwise,

I will definitely marry her one day.

[Jiqing Inn]

Looking at you,

your injuries seem to have mostly healed, right?

Thank you for your concern, my lord. They haven't fully healed yet.

Do you know why those two died?

Because of you. Because you were injured.

Both of them were Imperial Guards,

sent by me to look after you.

But they didn't take good care of you,

so they deserved to die.

Look after me?

I am just a commoner. Thank you for your concern, my lord.

From what you're saying, it seems I killed the wrong people?

How could my lord possibly do something wrong?

It must have been their fault.

It's best that you understand.

Xia Xun, come here.

Let me ask you,

do you have anything you particularly like?

What do you mean by that?

Working for me,

I won't treat you poorly.

Whatever you like is fine.

Do you like calligraphy and paintings,

or fine clothes and fast horses?

As long as it's what you desire,

I can satisfy you.

If you perform well under my command,

I can put in a good word for you before His Majesty.

Then, striving for high office, blessings extending to your descendants

is not a difficult matter.

Of course,

I cannot tolerate sand in my eyes.

I detest most those who harbor divided loyalties.

I know your background.

What you have done, whom you have met,

I am also clear about that.

I hope you understand the stakes involved.

Just like these two people.

They are the sand that got into my eyes.

I will not let them off.

I understand.

By the way, I forgot to tell you.

A few days ago, I met your adoptive father.

The old man is still in good spirits.

Thank you on behalf of my father.

I hope you know,

I, Yang Xu, have always been the lord's man.

Good, remember what you said,

and remember what I told you.

Did I tell you to rise?

Fisherman Hu Jiuliu from Xiaoye Village

is possibly a former commander of the Imperial Guard.

Further investigation in progress.

Meng Tian.

Yes, sir.

What leverage does Bai Yixia have over Yang Xu?

Have you found out?

My lord.

I have found out.

The reason Yang Xu is controlled by Bai Yixia

is because of an old man named Hu Jiuliu.

Hu Jiuliu?

So it's him.

Tighten your waist.

Good, come on, lift.

Waist tight, thighs exert force.

Kedi.

Master.

Kedi.

Your calligraphy has improved even more.

Master, you flatter me.

You gave these four lines of poetry to me.

I practice them often, engraving in my heart

the expectations you have for me.

I dare not forget them for a single day.

Whether practicing martial arts or calligraphy,

you are so diligent.

Accumulating day by day,

rising above others is a natural outcome.

That naughty girl is slacking off again.

Master.

Master.

The sun is so scorching, my face is burning from the sun.

No pain, no gain.

How can one practice without enduring some hardship?

Master, you're wrong.

Those ordinary folks are the ones who should train day and night.

Someone as naturally beautiful as me was born to be above others.

Right?

You never focus on proper matters,

always spouting such nonsense.

If you don't practice diligently, be careful I punish you.

Nowadays, the Imperial Guard is not what it used to be.

It's no exaggeration to call it a dragon's pool and tiger's den.

You are in the midst of it, yet you don't practice diligently.

In the future, if I'm not here, who will protect you?

If you had even half the dedication of your senior brother, I would be at ease.

Practice diligently.

Master, you cannot leave.

With your departure, the Imperial Guard will be left without a leader.

Moreover,

the Emperor said he will soon transform us into the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Why would you leave at such a critical moment?

The Imperial Guard was established

precisely to defend the imperial power.

Now that the world is at peace,

your master no longer has a reason to stay here.

We are merely a tool,

a dog at the Emperor's feet.

But if the Emperor feels

the world is not at peace,

then we will always be useful.

Silence!

Do not speak recklessly of the Emperor.

For so many years,

I have been expanding the Imperial Guard.

If we speak of sentiment,

who could be more reluctant to leave than I?

Watching the Imperial Guard grow day by day,

to the point where everyone feels insecure.

If we continue to expand recklessly,

sooner or later, even the Emperor will become wary of us.

This time,

if it is transformed into the Embroidered Uniform Guard,

in your eyes,

this is an unprecedented honor for the Imperial Guard.

But in my view, this is the most dangerous signal.

Given time, when the officials impeach us,

the Emperor will have only one path that is to utterly destroy us.

Master,

the rumors say you proposed to the Emperor to reduce Imperial Guard.

So it was true.

Yes, I did propose it to the Emperor.

But the Emperor

expanded the Imperial Guard into the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Therefore,

I can only choose to leave.

Master.

This map is the very foundation of the Imperial Guard.

You must not burn it

Master, you must not burn it.

That's right.

This map is the foundation of the Imperial Guard.

As long as this map exists for a day,

the world will be unsettled for a day.

Because of this,

I have no choice but to burn this map.

Keeping it will ultimately be a disaster.

Master!

♫ 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 ♫