Original subtitles

♪ The white sail came too late ♪

♪ Where did he go? ♪

♪ Snow veils the mountains ♪

♪ Love endures beyond life and death ♪

♪ A black chess piece ♪

♪ Whose game did he stumble into? ♪

♪ All his life, there's no escape ♪

♪ In ten thousand years, what will still remain? ♪

♪ Will anyone still love with an unchanging heart? ♪

♪ I will remember ♪

♪ Those days long past ♪

♪ As the wind drifts with the white sail ♪

♪ Ten thousand years ago ♪

♪ Did you once walk this shore? ♪

♪ Why can't our bond be severed in this life? ♪

♪ I am lost yet willing ♪

♪ Still I love you with a steadfast heart ♪

♪ Until all things fade away ♪

♪ The stars will remember us ♪

[Love & Crown]

[Adapted from the novel "My Queen" by Xie Lounan]

[Episode 3]

She must be Ling Cangcang.

Huan always moves with a goal in mind.

So he is after her.

I've long admired Miss Ling, your sect's leader,

and always wished to meet her,

but official duties

kept me too busy.

Busy with official duties?

Aren't you known for being quite idle?

You've actually met Miss Ling.

She was the one who tattooed you last time.

With your sect's

leader and you

both so brave and clever,

Mr. Bai here

must be

no ordinary man either.

Naturally.

Then why not have Mr. Bai

perform a sword dance

to enliven this gathering?

Your Highness,

I don't think that's necessary.

We're swordsmen,

not...

Since Your Highness wishes to be entertained,

I shall oblige.

Has Mr. Bai lost his mind?

How dare he swing at His Highness?

Does he have a death wish?

Do they have some kind of grudge?

His Highness is Empress Dowager Liu's only son.

Even the Emperor treads lightly around him.

Who would dare offend him?

Then Bai must be a man of integrity

who fears no authority.

You came all the way to Southern Chu.

You've made quite the effort to marry

the Grand Tutor's daughter.

I'm merely traveling incognito.

You're overreacting.

Traveling incognito?

And you just happened to come to my territory

and join Fenglai Pavilion?

All under heaven belongs to the Emperor.

If you've done nothing wrong, Qianqing,

why the unease?

Or have you just realized

there's corruption festering

in your domain?

Why is the cold poison flaring now?

Due to my clumsy swordsmanship,

I damaged Your Highness's flowers.

Please forgive me.

Miss Zhong,

Mr. Bai,

goodbye.

Your Highness,

the mine incident was the Lingbi Sect's doing.

Please

look into it.

Rest assured, Miss Zhong.

[Prince of Yuzhang's Manor]

I'll investigate

this matter thoroughly.

If there's any progress,

Fenglai Pavilion will be the first to know.

Good.

Thank you, Your Highness.

If I manage to wipe out the Lingbi Sect entirely,

I wonder how you will

thank me, Mr. Bai.

Your Highness already rules over Chu

and has everything one could desire.

Surely there's nothing I can offer.

What if I do have a request?

What did he mean by that?

You're awake?

Where's Cangcang?

She's safe and sound.

The mine has been forced to shut down.

The Lingbi Sect suffered heavy losses.

The Grand Tutor is not pleased.

I failed to live up to Father's trust.

Fortunately, the mine owner is dead.

They won't be able to trace anything useful.

But that man

won't give up so easily.

If he...

if he uses Cangcang...

Focus on your recovery.

I'll take care

of the rest.

[Pure Integrity]

Shi Yan,

do you think slipping in and out unseen is the only way

to live up to your title as a Xiaoxing Guard?

Your Majesty, how did the cold poison flare up?

Hasn't Preceptor Du's medicine

always kept it under control?

Take this.

The medicine's run out.

You're out of medicine?

Why didn't Li Hongqing send someone back to fetch more?

How is he doing his job?

It's not his fault.

Things have been hectic.

Have the miners been properly settled?

Li Hongqing and I

have already sent people to escort them home.

But

the number of miners we found

doesn't match the number reported missing.

Could some

have died in the mine?

We've counted all the bodies,

but the total still falls short by many.

Perhaps some escaped.

No one's been found returning home on their own.

Then something else

is going on here.

I'll keep investigating.

What about that masked young man in the forest?

Any leads?

I never saw him in my past contact

with the Lingbi Sect.

Despite several attempts

to investigate,

I found no trace of him.

It seems the Lingbi Sect

is still growing stronger.

Shi Yan,

I have

a new mission for you.

At your service.

Strengthen Fenglai Pavilion.

[Fenglai Pavilion]

Bai.

You're up early.

You just promoted me to hall master.

Of course I should set an example

for the other disciples.

Looks like I didn't misjudge you.

Really?

Funny. As I recall,

you used to keep me

well outside the door.

Did I?

Well, life in the martial world

leaves one little room for trust.

You can

never be too cautious.

Bai,

I admit it.

I once suspected you were my father's spy,

so I was wary of you.

Then I tricked you into posing as the Prince of Yuzhang,

and you were injured

and even imprisoned.

That was my fault.

Bai Chifan,

I apologize.

Bai...

no,

Master Bai,

Hall Master Bai,

thank you for not abandoning me in danger

and for sending people to help Zhong Lin rescue those children.

Bai,

I swear,

from now on, I'll see you

as my brother-in-arms at Fenglai Pavilion.

I'll never deceive you

or doubt you again.

Hopeless.

You still won't forgive me?

You'd better find a new bookkeeper.

Here,

take a look.

Since Fenglai Pavilion was founded over a year ago,

we've run a deficit of 3,800 liang.

That's why you sighed?

Of course.

That's no big deal.

I'll just steal a few of my father's paintings or antiques

and make up the loss.

There are plenty.

That's not

a long-term solution.

Relax, Bai.

Fenglai Pavilion

isn't short on money.

Besides,

we've got you, haven't we?

Miss Ling!

Miss Ling,

a big crowd has gathered outside.

They all want to join Fenglai Pavilion!

What?

[Fenglai Pavilion]

What were you two talking about just now?

Nothing much.

Nothing much?

I doubt that.

You used to be so wary of him,

but now look at you,

making him a hall master

and calling his name nonstop.

Cangcang,

what exactly happened between you two?

I'll do all I can

so you won't have to act alone.

Really, nothing happened.

He saved my life.

Then we spent one night together in prison.

One night?

And you call that nothing?

Don't tell me you plan to repay him with your heart.

What are you...?

Well, that doesn't sound so bad.

You...

Don't you think he's

dashing,

charming,

and easy on the eye?

Not one bit.

I think he's

all appearance

and no substance.

Absolutely repulsive.

Why do I feel

like his every move

carries a kind of...

A kind of duplicitous danger?

A kind of fatal charm.

You're hopeless!

My name is Shi Yan.

I specialize in the blade,

especially the 72 Kunlun Swift Strikes.

Cangcang,

that man

is the one who helped us rescue the children last time.

That's right.

Greetings, Miss Ling.

Very well.

You're in.

Miss Ling,

shouldn't you think it over?

What's to think about?

He's Bai's man.

I trust him.

Master,

I led Fenglai Pavilion

to strike a heavy blow against that inhumane Refinement Quarry.

We rescued all the children

who'd been taken there by force.

I know you mean to rid the world of evil,

but do you understand

how tangled the powers behind that mine are?

Of course.

They're all people from the Lingbi Sect.

I even saw

the Ghost King himself.

What is it, Master?

The Ghost King is dangerous.

Yes,

he's committed countless atrocities

and harmed so many people.

And guess what?

They didn't take those children

just to work as slaves.

They were turning them into stone-like creatures.

There must be a greater plot behind it.

I hear Bai never leaves your side.

His ambitions may

well match the Ghost King's.

Did Zhong Lin say something to you?

I've looked into him.

His identity is false.

I knew that already.

And you still trust him?

Everyone has their own burdens

and secrets.

Just because he hasn't told me the truth

doesn't mean he never will.

I can wait.

Besides,

I've kept my own identity from him too.

The human heart is unpredictable.

He's worked hard to get close to you.

He must have his own agenda.

Perhaps

it has to do with your other identity.

Time reveals all.

Whether he cares for me as the Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion

or as the Grand Tutor's daughter,

I'll

find out one day.

Cangcang,

I know you've always been kind

and unwilling to see the world through suspicion.

But remember,

the only person

who loves you without reservation

is your father.

Even I, your master,

am not worthy of your full trust.

How could you say that?

If you hadn't saved me back then,

I would've been taken away

and killed.

You saved my life.

If I can't trust you, who can I trust?

Enough, Cangcang.

Your father

entrusted you to me,

so I must keep you safe.

Promise me

you'll keep your distance from Bai,

all right?

Now rest.

I'll take my leave.

Master...

I received word from the Prince of Yuzhang's Manor

that His Highness released the Emperor

and started investigating the Lingbi Sect.

Sometimes,

I truly wonder

what goes on

in my own son's head.

Please calm down, Your Majesty.

Anger will only harm your health.

How did I give birth to such a stubborn child?

Instead of seizing

the opportunity to deal with Xiao...

he had to provoke the Lingbi Sect.

Does he know how powerful they are in the martial world?

What a troublemaker.

What should we

do with the Emperor?

At this point,

we'll have to take matters into our own hands.

Bai.

[Fenglai Pavilion]

Miss Ling,

we've taken in

73 disciples over the past few days.

I've written down

all their details here

for you to review.

Good.

Bai,

thanks for your hard work.

It's nothing.

Earning your trust is what matters.

I just got my hands on two fine jars of wine.

It's the Lantern Festival.

Let's celebrate.

Celebrate?

[Fenglai Pavilion]

Here.

You're in quite the festive mood today.

Good wine should always be shared with good friends.

Cheers.

Go on and try it.

Excellent wine.

Does it remind you of your hometown?

It's called Sangluo Wine.

"There we sit, sharing Sangluo Wine

and playing with chrysanthemum branches."

It's brewed by the Bai clan of Xiling.

Do you recognize it?

I suppose

you've figured out

that I'm not from the Bai clan of Xiling,

yet you still treat me as a close friend.

As close friends,

we should be straightforward with each other

rather than play tricks.

Very well.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

I do

see you as a close friend.

But I still think you haven't been entirely honest with me.

For instance, I still don't know

who you really are.

What about you, Miss Ling?

Will you tell me

your true identity?

That's not the same.

I have secrets I cannot speak of.

How do you know

I have no secrets I must keep?

I...

Since we both carry secrets we cannot share,

we are

not so different after all.

Someone told me

you got close to me with a plan.

Or perhaps...

Perhaps what?

Nothing.

Who said

I meant you harm?

Someone I trust.

Have I ever harmed Fenglai Pavilion?

Have I ever hurt you?

Then I suppose

my master is suspicious of you

because he doesn't know you well enough.

So it was your master.

As distance tests a horse's strength,

time reveals a person's heart.

You need not trust me now.

Just...

Bold fools,

how dare you break into Fenglai Pavilion?

You go first.

I'll handle them.

We'll fight together.

Look out!

Assassins!

Bai,

are you all right?

Let's go.

Seize them!

Be careful.

Bai.

Bai?

Bai?

Somebody!

Hurry!

Get a physician!

Go after them!

Stop him!

It was a suicide mission.

They all had poison in their mouths.

Sir,

how is he?

I've never seen such a complicated pulse before.

What do you mean?

The poison has invaded his internal organs.

He won't live long.

Now that he's lost so much blood,

his pulse should be weak.

But...

But what?

But his pulse is still strong and steady.

Then why hasn't he woken up?

That's what

baffles me.

You said the poison had

reached his internal organs. What does that mean?

Judging by his pulse,

he's suffering from cold poison.

It must have been in his body for over ten years.

Impossible.

He seemed perfectly fine,

and his martial skills are extraordinary.

How could that be?

Then it makes sense.

His martial arts training has allowed him

to keep the poison in check with inner force.

That's why his pulse remains strong despite the blood loss.

He must have been taking an antidote regularly.

Antidote?

What is this?

A life-saving medicine.

He gave me his last pill.

Then you must find him another one at once.

Shi Yan must know about the antidote.

Hurry.

Get Shi Yan here.

Got it.

Shi Yan!

Do you have Hall Master Bai's antidote?

What happened to him?

He fainted.

The physician said he needed the antidote.

I'll be right back.

Bai,

you fool.

That antidote was meant to save your own life,

yet you gave it to me.

You risked your life for me again and again,

yet I still doubted you.

Master only grew suspicious of you

because he didn't know you.

But deep down,

I'd already come to trust you.

I shouldn't have tested you.

It was my fault.

You haven't even heard my apology yet,

so you can't die.

Please, wake up soon.

Please, wake up soon.

Cangcang,

what's wrong?

Bai,

you're really awake.

You've been crying?

I...

I haven't.

I was just a little scared.

Don't worry.

It'll take more than this to kill me.

I had a dream.

In it, I was wandering near death's door.

Then suddenly, someone called my name.

When I turned around,

I saw that it was you, crying your eyes out.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Then

I woke up.

You're making fun of me at a time like this?

Did I hurt you?

I'm fine.

You were worried about me?

Of course.

When I got sick as a child,

my father would stay up all night by my bedside too.

Are you close

to your father?

My mother passed away when I was very young.

Father raised me on his own.

Then how could he allow you

to wander the martial world alone?

Because I have my master.

No wonder your master's words carry such weight.

Bai,

my master only doubts you

because he doesn't know you.

Don't worry.

I'll make sure

he trusts you

as much as I do,

all right?

Now,

get some more rest.

I'll go check on the antidote.

Wait.

Did you get the antidote?

The Imperial Preceptor just made it.

Why the rush?

His Majesty's cold poison has flared up.

How could that happen?

It's complicated.

Let's head back first.

You're in this condition

and still planning to go out?

I'm going to take Cangcang away.

In your state,

even if you see her,

what can you do?

Cangcang is naive

and easily deceived.

I'm taking her back to the Capital.

Whether by deceit

or by force,

I'm taking her back.

The Lingbi Sect's affair

is what matters most right now.

If they really uncover something,

how should we answer to the master?

Father ordered me to protect Cangcang.

If anything happens to her,

how will I face him?

Are you doing this for your adoptive father's sake

or for your own?

You know the answer better than I do.

So Your Majesty

gave the antidote to Miss Ling.

I failed to notice

Your Majesty's relapse earlier.

I deserve punishment.

I've had this cold poison since birth.

After all these years,

I'm used to it.

Have you traced the assassins?

I let one escape on purpose

and sent the Xiaoxing Guards after him.

He eventually turned up

at the Prince of Yuzhang's Manor.

The Prince of Yuzhang's Manor?

Your Majesty,

we may have found a clue about the murder thralls at the mine.

What is it?

The Botang Pleasure Boat.

The Botang Pleasure Boat?

The Botang Pleasure Boat

is not that well-known,

but I've heard of it.

Despite its name, it offers no pleasure of that sort.

Rare and valuable items are auctioned there.

It's highly exclusive.

It's said

that one must have

a special invitation to board.

Zhong Lin can handle that.

I want to see it for myself.

[Prince of Yuzhang's Manor]

You still haven't

found the Ghost King?

What have you all

been doing?

At this rate,

when will you catch him

and root out the Lingbi Sect?

Make the Ghost King show himself in three days,

or

Bring me your heads!

Understood!

Your Highness,

Bai Chifan from Fenglai Pavilion

just sent word.

What is it?

Three words:

Botang Pleasure Boat.

Why does he

look different today?

Was he always like this?

Good morning, Miss Ling.

Good morning.

Are you feeling better?

Much better.

Thank you for taking care of me last night.

After all, you were hurt because of me.

It's only right that I look after you.

Why do you

seem different today?

So uneasy.

Do I?

Is it because of last night...?

No!

What?

I...

I...

I feel a little dizzy.

Maybe

I'm coming down with something.

I should go.

Your pulse is racing.

That's not quite normal.

But your complexion doesn't look like that of someone ill.

Is something bothering you?

How about I take you out

for some fresh air?

Hurry, honey.

I heard the boat had a Harmony Chamber,

and only couples are allowed inside.

A trip on this boat without a fair lady for company

would be a waste indeed.

It'll be a sleepless night.

A night of romance...

- Wait. - Is what makes the trip worthwhile.

Why did you bring me here

dressed like this?

Look around.

Isn't it obvious what we're here for?

Then I'm not going.

You can't back out now.

Everything's ready.

Only you're missing.

What?

Yes, I've roamed the martial world and care little for rules,

but I'm not that kind of girl.

What does that have to do

with rescuing missing youths?

What missing youths?

The number of rescued miners didn't match the missing count.

I suspect many were sold here.

That's why I invited you along.

Anything wrong with that?

Nothing.

Let's go, then.

You two look unfamiliar.

First time aboard?

A green haitang blossom?

Distinguished guests indeed.

Sir and madam,

this way, please.

Sir and madam?

After you,

honey.

The boat is setting sail!

Setting sail?

Why?

You truly are newcomers.

The boat sails to open waters

before trading begins.

Once it's out at sea,

Shi Yan's men on shore

will be of no use.

Sir and madam,

come.

Look at his fan.

I know.

Isn't that...?

He looks

so dignified.

Who would've thought?

What a pity.

- Who would've thought? - Exactly.

Let's go.

Did you see that?

A green haitang blossom!

Did you see it?

Yes, I saw it.

What do the different colors

even mean?

I have no idea.

Everyone's staring at us.

Zhong Lin said she saw an invitation

with a green haitang blossom,

so she made one just like it.

Maybe we should slip away while we can.

Come, honey.

I'm not your honey.

If we're acting, we should make it convincing.

Don't forget why we're here, honey.

Sir and madam,

this way, please.

Let's go, honey.

Please come in.

Come on, honey.

Sit.

Playing the loving couple in the Green Haitang Chamber?

Aren't you tired?

Xiaoyang, mind your tongue.

They're guests.

Serve them tea.

What would you like?

That depends on what you have to offer.

Tiger, snake, and lion parts, dragon pills,

invincibility pills, prepared salt, and stink bugs.

As long as you can pay,

we have whatever you desire.

And how brave you are, sir.

We rarely see male guests

in the Green Haitang Chamber.

Did you see that?

A green haitang blossom!

Did you see that?

He looks dashing.

- Who would've thought? - Exactly.

Such a shame.

You don't understand what's going on.

Keep quiet.

Let me handle this.

Now, that's not very nice to say.

My husband and I share true affection.

I won't despise him

just because he's frail.

No matter what happens to him,

I'll love him all the same.

How touching.

For such devotion,

I'll give you

a discount.

Here's the thing, madam.

Ordinary medicine

doesn't work

on my husband.

Then what are you saying, madam?

I mean,

on a grand pleasure boat like this,

surely there are other chambers that can help him.

The red,

yellow, and blue

haitang chambers.

What are they all for?

Besides medicine,

what else can we try?

Do you look down on my chamber?

Not at all.

I don't doubt the quality of your goods, madam.

It's...

it's my husband's body I don't trust.

Say something, my love.

All these years,

has any medicine

worked for you?

Well,

none so far.

Madam,

you heard him.

Please, help us.

Let us enter the other types of chambers.

Sir and madam,

please leave.

Go that way.

A boat will take you ashore.

Don't you claim to fulfill every wish here?

Why drive us out simply for not buying

your medicine?

That's how the Botang Pleasure Boat operates.

If you refuse to leave,

you'll be thrown overboard to feed the fish.

Don't make this hard.

If we're thrown out now,

this trip will be for nothing.

I know.

As Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion,

I won't take this lying down.

Go.

Wait.

Those

animal parts, dragon pills, and whatnot.

We'll buy them.

My love,

get...

get the money.

In that case,

sir and madam,

please follow me.

Sir and madam,

follow me.

Sir and madam,

upstairs, please.

Can't we go in there?

We have an invitation.

Please,

go upstairs

to the Green Haitang Chamber.

This young lady is a distinguished guest.

♪ Dust gathers on the lost paths of time ♪

♪ A red candle keeps the dusk company in solitude ♪

♪ Blurred words on faded bamboo slips ♪

♪ Broken speech in twisted time ♪

♪ The heart still hums its old song of longing ♪

♪ On Phoenix Terrace, the seasons weave their tales in turn ♪

♪ Tears fall, nourishing all living things ♪

♪ Be it cloud or rain, sea or flower ♪

♪ The annual rings carve deep and shallow scars ♪

♪ In the end, silence is the only reply ♪

♪ Oh, broken-hearted one, still you wander the world ♪

♪ The setting sun listens to the tide's confession ♪

♪ A beam of moonlight keeps the hesitant poet company ♪

♪ Amid the swirling mortal dust, love and hate are hopelessly entwined ♪

♪ Empty cups greet the dawn of parting ♪

♪ The heart still hums its old song of longing ♪

♪ On Phoenix Terrace, the seasons weave their tales in turn ♪

♪ That iridescent soul gleams through the drifting past ♪

♪ Be it cloud or rain, sea or flower ♪

♪ The annual rings carve deep and shallow scars ♪

♪ When will the old friend answer? ♪

♪ Oh, wandering soul, one day you'll find your way home ♪