Original subtitles

The peaks here are gracefully scenic,

veiled in mist and clouds.

From the valley floor, it looks like a fairyland.

The scenery in this painting

does resemble what's inside the valley.

Miss Luo,

do you happen to know...

Miss Luo,

I see many flowers

in the courtyard.

What are they for?

Tomorrow is

the Flower Festival of the village.

I'm busy preparing

the flower cakes for the celebration.

You just rest

and enjoy your talk.

If you need anything,

just call me.

Lady Meng,

I meant to ask about

the whereabouts of Fairbane.

But why...

We've only just arrived.

If we bring it up too soon,

we might scare them off.

Lady Meng.

Miss Luo

is kind and sincere.

I was bitten by a snake,

and she cured me.

She and her brother depend on each other.

The villagers here live

almost in seclusion,

rarely dealing with outsiders.

Just to be safe,

we should

look around first.

Yin Qing,

you know the mountain trails well.

You arrange the schedule

for this operation.

Understood.

Your Majesty,

Skyvale is rugged

and full of snakes and insects.

For safety,

I suggest

we pair up, one man and one woman, for the search.

I'll go with Zhili.

Look how eager you are!

Is Zhili your sister

or mine?

Then I suppose

I will reluctantly

go with Miss Yan.

You stole my words.

Who's really the reluctant one?

Say it clearly.

A slip of the tongue.

What I meant was,

it's my honor to protect you

up close.

That's more like it.

Then I'll go with my lady...

You can barely fight.

You can't protect her.

I'll go with her tomorrow.

Whatever we find,

we must be back before dark.

What about me?

Bo,

you have

an important role here.

Bo.

Talk with Miss Luo,

Nurture some feelings.

Don't talk nonsense.

Bo,

I meant was that,

try to be friends

with her, and

get to know

the valley's customs.

What were you thinking?

Bo,

you're not thinking

that Miss Luo and you...

I wasn't.

Ning's scenery is magnificent.

We have the fairyland of Skyvale

and the vastness of Shazhou.

Amidst all this beauty,

there are

still so many sights I have yet to see.

It's been a while

since I left Shazhou.

Were you born there,

or brought there

by the traffickers?

I don't remember.

As far back as I can recall,

I've lived in Shazhou.

What about your parents?

Do you remember them?

I can't recall

anything before that.

I notice you've been

asking about my past

a lot lately.

Like you're investigating me.

Am I not allowed to be curious about you?

Isn't my past

already clear to you?

It's precisely because I've seen darkness

that I must

uproot them completely.

Rest here for a while.

I'll find us something to eat.

Here.

Wild mountain fruit, fresh at least.

Fill your stomach.

How is it?

Very sweet.

Want some?

It's all yours.

So cold.

I'll add more wood.

What's wrong?

So hot.

It's cold out.

Don't catch a chill.

This is the first time I've seen you this close.

You're

not yourself now.

What is it?

What's happening?

Taste this.

Get rid of it.

The fruit is bad.

Do you even know

who you are?

You tell me. Who am I?

Meng Tinghui.

A subject who seduces the emperor

deserves death by a thousand cuts.

If you take one more step,

we'll both be ruined.

An emperor who indulges a subject

must issue an edict of self-condemnation.

Are you afraid, Your Majesty?

I have never been afraid.

Neither have I.

My lady.

Miss Shen, you're back.

Come sit down.

Zhili.

let me help.

- Careful, it's hot. - Thank you.

Zhili.

Thank you.

Mr. Shen, you're back too.

Come sit down.

I just can't believe it.

This is the first time I've met

someone so hopeless with directions.

We searched all day and found nothing.

My legs are about to fall off.

You kept whining, so we stopped

over and over. We'd have been back

much earlier.

Hal is back.

Tinghui,

you're back.

What's wrong?

Your face is all red.

I picked a lot of

fresh fruit

to quench your thirst.

Should have brought them.

Wait.

Fuzhi.

Don't eat it!

Why not?

These,

these are Love Fruits.

Couples eat it when they want a child.

Wild fruits all look so alike.

Sir,

how did you tell them apart?

Everyone, good news.

We've found

Fairbane.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

Well...

Never mind.

Luo,

do you know this Fairbane?

Fairbane?

We call it

Money Grass here in Skyvale.

Every household

grows it deep in the valley.

Miss Luo,

we need to

tell you something.

That dealer surnamed Lyu said

Money Grass

is a precious herb,

so we started

growing it widely.

We just wanted

to live off the land,

trade herbs

for some money to get by.

We had no idea

they'd use it

for such

atrocities.

Miss Luo, don't worry.

We're telling you this

because we believe

your people were used.

Seven days ago,

my brother delivered the herb.

I thought he was hunting.

Do you think

he might...

Miss Luo, rest assured.

We're here

to find the real culprits

and take down the whole ring.

Tomorrow we'll

follow this batch of herbs

deep into the den to find out the truth.

I'm willing to join you

to fight those villains.

We usually deliver the herbs

at the start of each month.

But we just got word

that the dealer

wants all remaining stock right away.

They're taking it first thing tomorrow.

Luo,

come help with the flowers!

Miss Luo,

this is serious.

Not a word to anyone.

Don't worry, Miss Meng.

I know what's at stake.

You focus on your planning.

I'll

handle things out here.

Ling Yunfei

and what's left of the Tiger Roar Gang

are most likely

holed up in the drug-making base.

Your Majesty,

I've just received word

that the terrain here is rough.

Imperial Guard's main force got held up.

They won't make it till noon tomorrow.

But the dealer's

moving at dawn.

If we wait for the troops,

we'll lose our window.

Luo's brother

and other missing villagers

are probably being held hostage.

Every day we delay

puts them in more danger.

The situation's changed.

Your Majesty, we need your orders.

Di Nian,

get out of Skyvale tonight.

Push the Guard here

by any means necessary.

Zhishu,

take Zhili and Fuzhi

and stay in Skyvale.

Guard the villagers and be ready

to receive reinforcements.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What about Tinghui?

Plan stays the same,

but we change the approach.

Tomorrow we'll pose

as herb deliverers

and infiltrate.

That buys Di Nian and the Guard

the time they need.

Lady Meng is going?

Then I'm going too.

Tomorrow, we

capture Ling Yunfei

and destroy Godsgrain.

By now, that wretched emperor and Meng Tinghui

have found Skyvale.

They'll slip into Thrallbarrow tomorrow.

Grandmaster lets them investigate this far?

We've produced a huge batch of Godsgrain.

If they take down

Thrallbarrow...

That actually suits

Grandmaster perfectly.

He was using Godsgrain

to quietly line his pockets.

But Ling Yunfei is a mad dog.

He'll stop at nothing

to kill Meng Tinghui,

even turning against Grandmaster himself.

He's long out of control.

Grandmaster has already ordered an evacuation.

Ling Yunfei and Thrallbarrow

are just bait now,

a gift to

Meng Tinghui, if you will.

Tomorrow's game is

an invitation. We're laying the trap.

Mr. Shangguan is playing

a game of borrowed knife,

pitting Ying Gua

against Ling Yunfei.

Whether Ling lives or dies

doesn't matter.

But Ying Gua

must die in Thrallbarrow.

Then the world will believe Ling

killed the sovereign.

With no one at the helm,

this land will

fall to Midvale.

Kill Ying Gua!

Keep feeding him.

Not a single pill left.

Understood.

Baron,

a letter from Chancellor Gu.

Read it.

Meng Tinghui and her people

have been away from Jingdu for days.

Shut down Godsgrain operation immediately,

and stop...

Go on.

And stop dragging me down with your madness.

He wants to control me?

Not happening!

Tell those alchemists

to work around the clock,

step up production.

This time

I'm going to make Meng Tinghui

see the power of Godsgrain,

and throw the whole Jingdu into chaos.

Baron,

the Gang's hideout has been raided.

We're down to less than

half our men inside Thrallbarrow.

This is no time for a fight.

Where there's life, there's...

What about Ruyan's death?

What about your brother Lyu Er?

If you're scared,

get out now.

Don't say that, Baron.

We've shared life and death for over a decade.

When have I

ever shown fear?

I, Lyu Da,

will never abandon you.

You've bled

for me all these years,

more loyal than

my own blood brother.

But the people we loved most

were murdered by Meng Tinghui.

If we don't avenge them,

what's the point

of living?

Baron,

I know the pain you've carried

since Ruyan's death.

And I want my brother's

revenge just as badly.

Since you've made up your mind,

I'll follow you to the end.

My good brother.

But baron,

Chancellor Gu's letter

said Meng and her people aren't in Jingdu.

Could they have

traced us to Skyvale?

This batch of Godsgrain

is almost ready.

Those villagers are just dead weight now.

Once the last batch of herbs arrives,

take the men and wipe out Skyvale.

Leave no loose ends.

Every Flower Festival,

we give each other flowers

to share our feelings.

This bouquet is for you.

May you be safe and well.

Thank you, Miss Luo.

And we wish you

and your people

peace and health, year after year.

Thank you.

Bo,

what are you grinning about?

Bo,

with that leg injury,

Miss Luo's been taking care of you.

Why not send her flowers to say thanks?

Yeah, Huang Bo.

We leave tomorrow, you know.

Go.

Miss Luo.

Words can't express my gratitude.

Bo,

are you about to

swear brotherhood with Miss Luo?

Nian.

Words can't express my gratitude.

Thank you.

Ladies,

come swing with us!

Here, take it.

Let's go.

Xiaoyue,

may this peachwood be our token.

I vow

to share with you the flowers of seasons

and the changing of dawn and dusk.

Let this bind our hearts

together forever.

It shall take it.

Why do they give peachwood?

It's a custom here in Skyvale.

Peachwood is how we show our feelings.

Zhili,

they said,

to give flowers for blessings.

Since I'm leaving,

I give you these flowers.

Nian,

with these flowers,

I wish you find the girl

who truly makes your heart sing.

Then I won't have to

worry about you anymore.

This is a specialty of our place.

You won't even find it in Jingdu.

Luo,

what's wrong?

Every Flower Festival,

my brother used to

make my favorite flower cakes.

If only he were here.

That flower braid is beautiful.

Would you like to learn?

Miss Luo,

look.

Is it not well done?

I think it's lovely.

This is the most

unique wreath I've ever seen.

Pretty?

Very.

It's almost over, and you still

haven't had them given away?

A fair lady is hard to find.

I need

the right spot

to show my sincerity.

So

you've taken a fancy to this swing?

I'll let you have it.

I've looked around.

None of the ladies here

are as lovely as you.

Shen Zhishu,

how many girls have you said

those sweet words to?

Fine.

I used to be wild

and thought romance was pleasure.

But after meeting you,

I learned what fear is.

Afraid of what?

Afraid of you frowning.

Afraid of you turning away.

More than that,

afraid you won't believe

that in my heart,

there is only room for you.

Maybe right now

you do like me.

But how long

can that liking last?

So many noble ladies in Jingdu

are waiting for you.

Can you truly give up

all that glitz?

I promise you.

If I ever fool around again,

you can walk away.

Could you give me a chance

to prove myself?

How much of your salary did these cost?

You shouldn't have.

What I fear most is that

you do not know

how much these cost me.

Otherwise, how else could I show my sincerity?

I know.

You don't want to hold back my career.

How could I not know your feeling?

And, how could you

not know mine?

They fit quite well.

We settled that

the first time we met.

Silly.

Does it hurt still?

It does.

That way I'll remember it for life.

The Flower Festival is so lively.

Why aren't you joining them?

Seeing those villagers,

I feel so complicated.

They are so simple and honest.

They only wanted to use Fairbane

to earn a little money.

Yet they were used by the Tiger Roar Gang

and became part of

drug production.

As the saying goes, it's not the blade that kills,

but the hand that wields it.

Fairbane itself is not the real danger.

The real danger is those who use it with ill intent.

Follow this mountain path

ten li ahead.

That's where we trade

herbs with the dealer.

The road is rough, so we usually

travel through the night.

My brother's fate

is in your hands.

Miss Luo, do not worry.

We will find out

what happened to your brother.

Don't worry.

Your leg is not fully healed yet.

You must be careful.

Here, this is a sachet I embroidered.

My brother has one just like it.

I hope you both

come back safe.

Miss Luo,

I have nothing

to give you right now.

But when I return,

I will weave a beautiful flower crown for you.

I will wait.

It is getting late.

We should go.

Sirs.

The four crates of Fairbane

are all here.

Please inspect them.

Been watching you two for a while.

Haven't seen you before.

We're from

Skyvale...

You want to die?

Easy, easy!

Please calm down.

This man

is new to deliveries.

Doesn't know the rules.

The herbs are all here.

And...

Get lost.

Yes, sir! Right away!

Good fortune to you, sirs!

Quick!

Move them to the warehouse.

Nothing.

So they've already got them to Jingdu?

Looks like they've caught on.

Lady Meng,

you are looking for Godsgrain?

I have brought them for you.

Today I will shut down your drug den

and take you back to Jingdu for trial.

You are on my turf

and still dare to talk big?

I have ordered Imperial Guard

to surround this place.

You want to use drugs to throw Jingdu into chaos?

Dream on!

The sovereign of Ning is here too.

But your laws

do not apply in Thrallbarrow

See them?

They have been

forged through massive doses of drugs.

They are no longer just drug carriers, but poison carriers.

Imagine

the scene when they appear

on Jingdu's streets.

The entire Jingdu

will become my hell.

All the people

will be buried with you.

[Here, this is a sachet I embroidered.]

[My brother has one just like it.]

Luo's brother?

It has been so long.

I wonder if Tinghui

is doing well.

I heard honey water helps with fatigue.

I mixed it with warm water,

just right.

Try it.

Shen Zhishu, you cheat.

This is what cheating really looks like.

Zhishu?

You two...

Yeah, exactly what you see.

We are together now.

I always knew

you two would end up together.

But the way you are

stuck to each other now,

all sweet and clingy,

that does surprise me.

If you are jealous,

go find your Mr. Right.

Is it sweet?

Yes.

Mr. Shen, Miss Shen.

Miss Luo.

Something is wrong.

I saw some strangers

outside Skyvale.

They look like the same

people who tricked us into selling the herbs.

Miss Luo,

you do not know how to fight.

Is there

a safe place to hide in Skyvale?

Yes.

Deep in Skyvale

there is an old watchtower

where

villagers rest.

It'll be easy to defend.

You go there now.

I will tell the others.

I will go with you.

Do not worry.

I will join you soon.

Zhishu,

be careful.

Don't forget it.

Hurry.

Go, go, go.

Faster, move it.

Kneel down.

Do not hit my sister.

The baron said

no touching the children.

Please, sir,

spare us.

We are just farmers.

Farmers, huh?

Farmers.

Good.

Your corpses will fertilize the soil.

Niu!

Niu!

Stop!

Lord Shen.

You are clever

to find this place.

Not even women, children, or old folks spared.

You Tiger Roar Gang

are worse than beasts!

These lives are worthless.

What is the pity?

Everyone here dies today,

including you.

Kill him!

After them.

Pursue.

Everyone, get up.

You are safe now.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

Go back now.

Go back.

Your Majesty.

The guards on the side

held us up.

We are late.

No matter.

They have already taken drugs out.

Yin Qing,

search for

any remaining drugs here

and destroy them all.

Huang Bo,

come with me to hold off Ling Yunfei.

Yes.

Even that could not kill you.

Ling Yunfei!

You have harmed my people and brought

disaster to Ning.

Your crimes deserve death a thousand times.

Today is your end.

Kill them!

Your Majesty, watch out!