1
00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:34,400
The storm rises

2
00:02:35,319 --> 00:02:36,199
on the peak.

3
00:02:36,639 --> 00:02:37,759
The traveler shall not return.

4
00:02:38,759 --> 00:02:39,960
A barren womb

5
00:02:40,879 --> 00:02:42,240
that bears no fruit.

6
00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:43,879
The omen is dark.

7
00:02:44,599 --> 00:02:45,159
No fruit?

8
00:02:45,240 --> 00:02:45,960
Holy One,

9
00:02:46,080 --> 00:02:47,039
speak plainly.

10
00:02:47,439 --> 00:02:48,439
My lord and I

11
00:02:48,599 --> 00:02:50,120
yearn for an heir.

12
00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:51,680
We have sought

13
00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:52,879
every healer,

14
00:02:53,400 --> 00:02:54,719
yet our cradle remains empty.

15
00:02:54,879 --> 00:02:57,039
Do not despair, My Lady.

16
00:02:57,800 --> 00:02:58,879
A son is written

17
00:02:59,159 --> 00:03:01,280
in Lord Gu's fate.

18
00:03:01,759 --> 00:03:02,439
Though

19
00:03:03,439 --> 00:03:04,759
his life-spark burns dim.

20
00:03:05,039 --> 00:03:06,280
Yet, destiny

21
00:03:07,159 --> 00:03:09,360
is not set in stone.

22
00:03:10,159 --> 00:03:10,919
With pious deeds

23
00:03:10,919 --> 00:03:13,159
and charity,

24
00:03:13,240 --> 00:03:15,639
the gods may relent.

25
00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:16,840
Praise the gods!

26
00:03:17,560 --> 00:03:18,199
My love,

27
00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:20,159
we shall have our heir!

28
00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:26,599
Holy One,

29
00:03:27,319 --> 00:03:28,439
from this day forth,

30
00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:30,000
on every new and full moon,

31
00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:31,639
I shall fast

32
00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:32,719
and pray

33
00:03:33,199 --> 00:03:34,800
within

34
00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:35,960
these walls.

35
00:03:36,439 --> 00:03:37,439
May the gods

36
00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:39,159
grant our house

37
00:03:39,479 --> 00:03:40,400
an heir.

38
00:03:40,680 --> 00:03:41,719
Your devotion

39
00:03:42,199 --> 00:03:43,879
shall move the heavens.

40
00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,039
May the gods watch over you!

41
00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:55,919
[Merciful gods,]

42
00:03:56,479 --> 00:03:57,479
[grand me an heir, ]

43
00:03:58,199 --> 00:03:59,560
[and I shall pledge my life]

44
00:04:00,199 --> 00:04:01,120
[in return.]

45
00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:06,199
Zhishu left in such haste.

46
00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:08,400
So secretive.

47
00:04:08,879 --> 00:04:10,400
What if he is

48
00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:11,560
in peril?

49
00:04:11,960 --> 00:04:12,800
Fret not, fair sister.

50
00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:14,360
He never

51
00:04:14,360 --> 00:04:15,680
deprives himself

52
00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:17,079
of comfort.

53
00:04:17,360 --> 00:04:19,279
Besides, he is a master of the sword.

54
00:04:19,480 --> 00:04:20,480
No harm shall find him.

55
00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:23,240
We always knelt here as three,

56
00:04:23,240 --> 00:04:24,560
praying for our parents.

57
00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:26,439
I used to find his chatter tiresome.

58
00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:28,600
Now, his absence

59
00:04:28,600 --> 00:04:30,040
leaves a cold silence.

60
00:04:30,399 --> 00:04:31,839
When will he return?

61
00:04:33,079 --> 00:04:34,600
He thinks himself

62
00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:35,560
cast aside.

63
00:04:36,639 --> 00:04:37,839
Yet he's barely gone,

64
00:04:38,199 --> 00:04:39,680
and the house feels empty.

65
00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:41,600
Catch me!

66
00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:44,319
Master. My Lady.

67
00:04:44,920 --> 00:04:45,519
Peace be with you.

68
00:04:45,519 --> 00:04:46,120
Zhili.

69
00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:48,199
Your seat was empty yesterday.

70
00:04:48,920 --> 00:04:50,000
What befell you?

71
00:04:50,759 --> 00:04:51,879
A slight fever,

72
00:04:52,040 --> 00:04:52,959
Master.

73
00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:54,160
Nothing more.

74
00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:55,199
Did the healer tend to you?

75
00:04:55,279 --> 00:04:55,959
My Lord,

76
00:04:56,920 --> 00:04:57,560
My Lady.

77
00:04:58,079 --> 00:05:00,000
Do you seek the gods' grace today?

78
00:05:00,519 --> 00:05:02,519
We pray for an heir.

79
00:05:02,879 --> 00:05:04,720
To secure

80
00:05:05,079 --> 00:05:06,040
the Gus' bloodline.

81
00:05:06,879 --> 00:05:08,639
May your prayers

82
00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:09,959
be answered.

83
00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:11,519
- Dear sister!
- Careful!

84
00:05:13,240 --> 00:05:13,879
Keep up!

85
00:05:14,079 --> 00:05:14,879
Almost there!

86
00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:16,040
Are you bruised?

87
00:05:17,439 --> 00:05:18,120
I am well.

88
00:05:22,079 --> 00:05:24,360
How fiercely protective.

89
00:05:25,040 --> 00:05:25,680
My love,

90
00:05:25,879 --> 00:05:26,639
behold,

91
00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:29,199
what a perfect match.

92
00:05:29,399 --> 00:05:30,279
They bear no resemblance

93
00:05:30,279 --> 00:05:31,160
to siblings.

94
00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:32,560
We share no blood.

95
00:05:33,439 --> 00:05:34,000
Fair sister,

96
00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:35,040
come.

97
00:05:35,399 --> 00:05:36,759
The altar awaits.

98
00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:39,160
We must

99
00:05:39,480 --> 00:05:40,480
bid you farewell.

100
00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:52,639
You made

101
00:05:52,759 --> 00:05:53,879
a fool of yourself.

102
00:05:54,199 --> 00:05:54,600
It was but

103
00:05:54,600 --> 00:05:55,680
a minor stumble.

104
00:05:55,879 --> 00:05:57,000
Yet you trembled like a leaf.

105
00:05:59,079 --> 00:05:59,759
Look at them.

106
00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:01,199
Green and fair,

107
00:06:01,199 --> 00:06:02,160
bound by Venus herself.

108
00:06:02,399 --> 00:06:03,279
You are

109
00:06:03,519 --> 00:06:04,519
a graying man.

110
00:06:04,759 --> 00:06:06,079
Do not let lust

111
00:06:06,240 --> 00:06:07,439
rot your reputation!

112
00:06:09,439 --> 00:06:10,319
This is a holy place.

113
00:06:10,879 --> 00:06:12,079
Silence your wicked tongue.

114
00:06:12,759 --> 00:06:14,439
Before the gods,

115
00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:16,319
you should fear

116
00:06:16,639 --> 00:06:17,959
your own dark thoughts!

117
00:06:19,879 --> 00:06:20,600
Your eyes...

118
00:06:21,920 --> 00:06:23,920
they held the same fire they did

119
00:06:25,079 --> 00:06:26,319
when you first

120
00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:27,319
gazed upon me...

121
00:06:27,319 --> 00:06:28,000
Insolence!

122
00:06:29,279 --> 00:06:30,800
Silence your slander!

123
00:07:26,759 --> 00:07:28,519
Have you waited long, Your Majesty?

124
00:07:29,839 --> 00:07:30,800
I have only just arrived.

125
00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:48,399
The tea is perfectly brewed.

126
00:07:49,199 --> 00:07:50,759
Sit,

127
00:07:51,199 --> 00:07:52,040
warm yourself.

128
00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:19,759
You are

129
00:08:19,920 --> 00:08:20,959
usually so fierce.

130
00:08:21,480 --> 00:08:22,959
Why does your heart flutter so tonight?

131
00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:25,240
The noodles will grow cold.

132
00:08:25,879 --> 00:08:26,959
Pray, taste them.

133
00:08:39,639 --> 00:08:42,039
The royal kitchens boast

134
00:08:42,039 --> 00:08:43,039
the finest delicacies,

135
00:08:44,039 --> 00:08:45,440
yet this lamb broth

136
00:08:45,440 --> 00:08:46,399
warms my soul far better.

137
00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:51,639
Did no other dish

138
00:08:51,879 --> 00:08:53,720
tempt your palate,

139
00:08:54,039 --> 00:08:55,440
Your Majesty?

140
00:08:57,399 --> 00:09:00,240
Are you trying to unravel me?

141
00:09:01,320 --> 00:09:03,519
My life is an open book to you.

142
00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:07,120
I shall read a page of yours,

143
00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:09,039
Your Majesty.

144
00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:17,159
When I

145
00:09:17,879 --> 00:09:19,120
was a lad,

146
00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:20,799
my mother made

147
00:09:22,919 --> 00:09:24,519
sweet pastries.

148
00:09:25,759 --> 00:09:26,840
When she passed,

149
00:09:26,840 --> 00:09:28,240
I gorged myself

150
00:09:28,799 --> 00:09:29,759
on twelve chests of it,

151
00:09:30,159 --> 00:09:32,000
weeping until

152
00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:33,279
I spat blood.

153
00:09:33,519 --> 00:09:34,360
Since then,

154
00:09:35,519 --> 00:09:37,279
food has held no joy

155
00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:39,080
for me.

156
00:09:39,639 --> 00:09:41,919
We hunger for

157
00:09:42,919 --> 00:09:44,039
the hands

158
00:09:44,360 --> 00:09:45,559
that fed us.

159
00:09:47,279 --> 00:09:49,320
When I see apricot cake,

160
00:09:49,440 --> 00:09:51,000
I remember Xiang.

161
00:09:55,639 --> 00:09:56,639
You brought flavor

162
00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:58,480
back to my life.

163
00:09:59,639 --> 00:10:00,519
Think of me

164
00:10:01,519 --> 00:10:02,759
when you taste this.

165
00:10:17,679 --> 00:10:18,480
Snow!

166
00:10:33,679 --> 00:10:35,120
I never saw snow in Shazhou.

167
00:10:36,279 --> 00:10:37,559
Wishes made on the first snow

168
00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:39,240
are granted by the gods.

169
00:10:40,519 --> 00:10:42,600
I fear I have missed it.

170
00:10:45,519 --> 00:10:47,000
Why petition the gods?

171
00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:50,120
A prayer to me may be pragmatic.

172
00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:54,279
Then I pray for

173
00:10:54,639 --> 00:10:55,840
the downfall of Ling Yunfei,

174
00:10:56,320 --> 00:10:57,600
the ruin of his Tiger Roar bandits,

175
00:10:57,919 --> 00:11:00,519
and eternal peace for our lands.

176
00:11:06,519 --> 00:11:07,600
And what does the Crown pray for?

177
00:11:13,559 --> 00:11:15,200
By the heavens, this is scandalous!

178
00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:16,080
They...

179
00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:19,399
Hush! Shall we summon the heralds

180
00:11:19,559 --> 00:11:20,919
and blow the trumpets too?

181
00:11:23,039 --> 00:11:24,639
A royal tryst?

182
00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:26,440
In the gardens?

183
00:11:26,639 --> 00:11:27,320
Witching the Crown

184
00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:28,320
is a death sentence!

185
00:11:28,559 --> 00:11:30,320
They will tear her limb from limb!

186
00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:31,399
Watch your tongue!

187
00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:33,440
They are debating the affairs

188
00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:34,039
of the realm.

189
00:11:34,200 --> 00:11:34,559
Affairs

190
00:11:34,559 --> 00:11:35,840
of the realm?

191
00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:37,879
Feeding him like

192
00:11:38,159 --> 00:11:39,679
a tavern maid?

193
00:11:39,840 --> 00:11:41,200
It is a disgrace!

194
00:11:41,399 --> 00:11:42,600
I shall intervene before honor dies!

195
00:11:45,320 --> 00:11:47,159
Your prayers shall be granted.

196
00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:49,960
May

197
00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:51,399
the winter never

198
00:11:52,399 --> 00:11:53,759
find me without companionship.

199
00:12:00,480 --> 00:12:01,440
We are both

200
00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:02,399
kinless.

201
00:12:03,879 --> 00:12:05,480
Adored by millions,

202
00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:07,279
yet you spend the feast nights

203
00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:09,080
in solitude.

204
00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:12,120
I pray

205
00:12:13,399 --> 00:12:14,399
your hall

206
00:12:14,799 --> 00:12:16,000
is never

207
00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:18,320
cold

208
00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:19,720
again.

209
00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:28,200
When the spring blooms,

210
00:12:28,879 --> 00:12:30,600
shall we cast our prayers upon the waters?

211
00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,080
I pledge it.

212
00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:43,639
Disgraceful!

213
00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:48,120
A sovereign whoring with his own minister?

214
00:12:48,440 --> 00:12:49,799
He spits on the laws of the realm!

215
00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:50,799
I knew

216
00:12:50,799 --> 00:12:51,440
that baseborn girl

217
00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:53,039
was poison!

218
00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:55,080
The whole realm

219
00:12:55,759 --> 00:12:57,120
whispers of his shame!

220
00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:58,960
How have you failed your watch?!

221
00:12:59,960 --> 00:13:01,559
The girl has a tragic past.

222
00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:02,720
His Majesty snatched her

223
00:13:02,720 --> 00:13:03,919
from the slavers.

224
00:13:03,919 --> 00:13:05,840
It is but a lingering pity.

225
00:13:05,840 --> 00:13:06,960
The whispers in the taverns

226
00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:08,320
are lies!

227
00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:10,120
He is now

228
00:13:10,120 --> 00:13:10,919
the laughingstock

229
00:13:10,919 --> 00:13:12,480
of the lowborn!

230
00:13:12,519 --> 00:13:14,120
The Crown's honor is bled dry!

231
00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:16,480
He reads the

232
00:13:16,480 --> 00:13:17,600
ancient decrees

233
00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:19,159
every dawn.

234
00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:22,240
Surely His Majesty knows his bounds.

235
00:13:22,399 --> 00:13:23,840
Yet his chambers

236
00:13:24,159 --> 00:13:25,320
remain empty!

237
00:13:25,639 --> 00:13:26,919
No son to secure the succession!

238
00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:29,200
The throne cannot stand without an heir!

239
00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:31,159
I have sweated blood over this.

240
00:13:31,480 --> 00:13:32,919
When the

241
00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:34,240
noble maidens danced,

242
00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:35,639
his wrath nearly

243
00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:37,159
saw me

244
00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:39,039
executed!

245
00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:44,559
An heir would

246
00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:47,120
bind his wandering heart.

247
00:13:48,600 --> 00:13:49,360
My Lord,

248
00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:50,519
what is your counsel?

249
00:14:01,919 --> 00:14:03,000
My love,

250
00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:06,039
the whispers of the Crown and Lady Meng

251
00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:07,879
grow louder by the day.

252
00:14:08,720 --> 00:14:10,039
I've gazed upon her

253
00:14:10,159 --> 00:14:11,759
at feasts.

254
00:14:12,120 --> 00:14:14,399
She is poised and dignified,

255
00:14:15,159 --> 00:14:17,440
not the siren they paint her

256
00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:18,360
to be.

257
00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:20,360
If the Crown

258
00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:21,759
is smitten,

259
00:14:21,919 --> 00:14:23,440
I cannot blame him.

260
00:14:25,559 --> 00:14:27,879
A sovereign bedding his minister

261
00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:29,399
is a scandal.

262
00:14:30,200 --> 00:14:31,080
We shall

263
00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:33,480
have Wen Ruomei sent to the palace.

264
00:14:34,679 --> 00:14:35,720
That shall extinguish

265
00:14:36,039 --> 00:14:37,799
Meng's hopes.

266
00:14:38,879 --> 00:14:39,919
That maiden

267
00:14:40,279 --> 00:14:41,840
is dull-witted.

268
00:14:42,159 --> 00:14:44,159
She lacks the grace to wear a crown!

269
00:14:44,799 --> 00:14:46,000
Words of a simple mind!

270
00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:47,759
It is vital we sever

271
00:14:47,759 --> 00:14:49,559
the Crown's attachment

272
00:14:49,759 --> 00:14:51,240
to Meng Tinghui!

273
00:14:52,159 --> 00:14:53,399
You bury yourself

274
00:14:53,399 --> 00:14:55,759
in statecraft,

275
00:14:55,799 --> 00:14:57,320
yet you ignore our own house.

276
00:14:57,320 --> 00:14:59,320
Our son is of age.

277
00:14:59,320 --> 00:15:01,240
You should find him

278
00:15:01,279 --> 00:15:02,559
a lady

279
00:15:02,679 --> 00:15:04,519
of high birth.

280
00:15:06,960 --> 00:15:08,120
If you and the lad

281
00:15:08,480 --> 00:15:09,840
have chosen a maiden,

282
00:15:10,000 --> 00:15:11,360
name her.

283
00:15:11,559 --> 00:15:12,600
No house in the realm

284
00:15:12,919 --> 00:15:15,159
would dare refuse us.

285
00:15:15,679 --> 00:15:16,519
Father!

286
00:15:16,559 --> 00:15:17,240
Mother!

287
00:15:18,399 --> 00:15:19,399
Fetch the finest matchmakers

288
00:15:19,399 --> 00:15:20,360
in the realm!

289
00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:21,480
I have found

290
00:15:21,480 --> 00:15:23,080
the lady of my heart!

291
00:15:24,960 --> 00:15:26,639
Listen to him!

292
00:15:26,799 --> 00:15:28,039
Our little bird is ready to

293
00:15:28,039 --> 00:15:28,879
build his nest!

294
00:15:29,240 --> 00:15:29,799
Tell us,

295
00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:31,679
who is she?

296
00:15:33,039 --> 00:15:34,000
She is

297
00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:34,639
no

298
00:15:34,639 --> 00:15:36,320
mere mortal!

299
00:15:36,759 --> 00:15:39,840
She is a moon-goddess

300
00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:41,840
fallen to earth!

301
00:15:42,039 --> 00:15:44,759
A vision of peerless grace!

302
00:15:44,799 --> 00:15:46,200
Her every breath is music...

303
00:15:47,159 --> 00:15:49,080
What a poet we have raised!

304
00:15:49,279 --> 00:15:50,039
Pray tell,

305
00:15:50,039 --> 00:15:51,399
who is this goddess among mortals?

306
00:15:53,600 --> 00:15:55,080
The first

307
00:15:55,080 --> 00:15:57,120
female grand scholar of the realm!

308
00:15:58,440 --> 00:15:59,240
You speak of whom?

309
00:16:00,240 --> 00:16:02,279
Lady Meng Tinghui!

310
00:16:04,159 --> 00:16:05,200
Only when I am

311
00:16:05,279 --> 00:16:06,440
in my grave!

312
00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:08,559
My soul is bound!

313
00:16:08,559 --> 00:16:09,679
I shall wed her or no one!

314
00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:12,480
- You insolent...
- Set it down!

315
00:16:16,639 --> 00:16:17,519
You

316
00:16:17,879 --> 00:16:20,279
neglect him for your state scrolls,

317
00:16:20,759 --> 00:16:22,000
and then wonder

318
00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:23,120
why he has no bride!

319
00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:26,120
You should

320
00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:27,559
hide your face

321
00:16:27,879 --> 00:16:29,159
in shame!

322
00:16:30,679 --> 00:16:31,799
Do not rage, Father.

323
00:16:32,120 --> 00:16:33,200
The whispers said

324
00:16:33,200 --> 00:16:33,960
she was

325
00:16:33,960 --> 00:16:35,120
a wonder,

326
00:16:35,399 --> 00:16:36,799
even the Crown coveted her.

327
00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:38,320
I sought

328
00:16:38,679 --> 00:16:39,519
her out.

329
00:16:39,919 --> 00:16:41,440
And she is

330
00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:43,039
a creature of pure light!

331
00:16:43,399 --> 00:16:44,679
A single glance,

332
00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:46,919
and my life was forfeit to her.

333
00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:48,600
Ignorant little...

334
00:16:49,279 --> 00:16:50,320
My Love,

335
00:16:50,799 --> 00:16:52,320
when has our boy

336
00:16:52,519 --> 00:16:54,440
ever shown such fire?

337
00:16:55,840 --> 00:16:56,960
You wish to sever

338
00:16:56,960 --> 00:16:58,840
their bond, aye?

339
00:17:00,159 --> 00:17:02,279
If we bring her

340
00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:03,879
into our house,

341
00:17:04,359 --> 00:17:05,119
then...

342
00:17:05,119 --> 00:17:06,119
Then she shall

343
00:17:06,119 --> 00:17:07,279
draft all your decrees!

344
00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:09,279
She'll be ten times better

345
00:17:09,279 --> 00:17:10,359
than those fat court scribes!

346
00:17:10,359 --> 00:17:11,240
Aye!

347
00:17:11,319 --> 00:17:12,480
Folly!

348
00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:15,880
Our lineage is ancient and pure.

349
00:17:16,079 --> 00:17:17,559
I will not have it stained

350
00:17:17,559 --> 00:17:18,720
by a lowborn street-urchin!

351
00:17:19,920 --> 00:17:20,400
I...

352
00:17:21,039 --> 00:17:21,960
I care nothing for lineage!

353
00:17:22,240 --> 00:17:23,359
If she is

354
00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:24,720
denied to me,

355
00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:26,920
I shall hang myself!

356
00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:27,839
Then hang!

357
00:17:28,480 --> 00:17:31,200
What a foul tongue you have!

358
00:17:35,720 --> 00:17:37,359
Can you not see

359
00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:39,440
his heart is breaking?

360
00:17:39,680 --> 00:17:41,240
If anything happens to my boy,

361
00:17:41,279 --> 00:17:41,799
I...

362
00:17:42,039 --> 00:17:43,039
shall join him

363
00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:44,119
in the grave!

364
00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:45,519
My ghost shall haunt these halls!

365
00:17:45,519 --> 00:17:48,440
We shall die together!

366
00:17:51,559 --> 00:17:52,759
Silence! You fools!

367
00:17:56,720 --> 00:17:58,559
Out of my sight!

368
00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:00,319
Gladly!

369
00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,000
Folly in the mother, ruin in the son.

370
00:18:10,039 --> 00:18:10,680
Fuzhi?

371
00:18:11,519 --> 00:18:12,240
What has happened?

372
00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:12,720
My dear,

373
00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:13,799
thank the gods.

374
00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:14,720
My father

375
00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:15,440
is gravely ill,

376
00:18:15,440 --> 00:18:16,559
lost in a deep sleep.

377
00:18:16,559 --> 00:18:17,519
I must ride home.

378
00:18:17,759 --> 00:18:18,799
What ails him?

379
00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:19,839
I know not.

380
00:18:19,839 --> 00:18:21,039
Some lingering plague of his youth.

381
00:18:21,559 --> 00:18:22,440
He has fought

382
00:18:22,720 --> 00:18:23,599
many winters.

383
00:18:23,599 --> 00:18:24,559
I shall be by his side.

384
00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:26,279
My Lady, the hour grows late.

385
00:18:26,279 --> 00:18:27,359
We shall depart.

386
00:18:27,839 --> 00:18:28,519
My dear,

387
00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:30,039
Ling Yunfei

388
00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:31,400
is a cornered wolf.

389
00:18:31,559 --> 00:18:32,759
He shall strike again.

390
00:18:32,759 --> 00:18:33,799
Be on your guard.

391
00:18:33,799 --> 00:18:34,480
I shall.

392
00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:35,920
Have a careful journey

393
00:18:36,319 --> 00:18:37,680
and tend to your father.

394
00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:39,279
Farewell, then.

395
00:18:42,319 --> 00:18:43,319
Ride safe!

396
00:18:54,319 --> 00:18:55,039
My Lady,

397
00:18:55,319 --> 00:18:56,200
your lady mother

398
00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:58,200
ordered this tonic for your health.

399
00:18:58,200 --> 00:18:58,920
Leave it.

400
00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:00,319
I shall have it when I finish.

401
00:19:06,319 --> 00:19:07,200
And this scroll

402
00:19:08,079 --> 00:19:09,799
from Lord Gu.

403
00:19:10,359 --> 00:19:11,200
It is

404
00:19:11,200 --> 00:19:12,559
for your eyes only.

405
00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:14,759
You may leave.

406
00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:34,759
"A straight stem requires

407
00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:36,920
pruning to flourish..."

408
00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:44,319
[My fair protege.]

409
00:19:44,559 --> 00:19:45,880
[I feel your distance,]

410
00:19:46,319 --> 00:19:47,359
[but the game of thrones]

411
00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:49,480
[is not for the innocent.]

412
00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:52,039
[The Bureau is the Crown's eyes,]

413
00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:54,079
[yet of late it grows reckless.]

414
00:19:54,799 --> 00:19:55,960
[Unbridled,]

415
00:19:56,279 --> 00:19:57,480
[and it shall breed ruin.]

416
00:19:58,839 --> 00:20:00,480
[All I do is]

417
00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:01,480
[for the peace]

418
00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:03,079
[of the realm.]

419
00:20:03,799 --> 00:20:04,960
[Hold fast]

420
00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:08,000
[to your honor,]

421
00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:10,839
[and do not be deceived by whispers.]

422
00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:14,319
[He seeks to guide me.]

423
00:20:15,279 --> 00:20:16,559
[He reins us in]

424
00:20:17,039 --> 00:20:18,880
[only so the Bureau]

425
00:20:19,839 --> 00:20:20,759
[can truly]

426
00:20:21,480 --> 00:20:22,880
[serve the realm.]

427
00:20:29,519 --> 00:20:31,559
A fair night,

428
00:20:31,799 --> 00:20:33,480
Your Majesty.

429
00:20:34,319 --> 00:20:35,079
Behold,

430
00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:36,079
the waters are calm,

431
00:20:36,079 --> 00:20:37,640
and the fish thrive.

432
00:20:37,839 --> 00:20:39,200
May your reign

433
00:20:39,519 --> 00:20:40,920
be forever peaceful!

434
00:20:41,559 --> 00:20:42,200
Your Majesty!

435
00:20:43,559 --> 00:20:44,200
Your Majesty!

436
00:20:44,960 --> 00:20:45,559
A message

437
00:20:46,079 --> 00:20:46,839
from Lord Shen.

438
00:20:46,839 --> 00:20:47,960
A matter of grave import.

439
00:20:51,119 --> 00:20:52,200
[My search has]

440
00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:53,160
[revealed secret forges]

441
00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:54,079
[where the empire meets]

442
00:20:54,079 --> 00:20:55,000
[the frozen waste]

443
00:20:55,440 --> 00:20:56,680
[of Northsunder.]

444
00:20:57,480 --> 00:20:58,920
[The ghosts of Midvale are]

445
00:20:59,119 --> 00:21:00,119
[lingering in shadows.]

446
00:21:00,359 --> 00:21:02,160
[And the Northsunderers gather at our gates.]

447
00:21:03,440 --> 00:21:04,000
Huang Bo.

448
00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:05,799
Dispatch my decree.

449
00:21:06,160 --> 00:21:07,079
General Huo

450
00:21:07,079 --> 00:21:08,079
must march his legions

451
00:21:08,559 --> 00:21:10,119
to Zhishu's side.

452
00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:10,960
Aye!

453
00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:11,640
Your Majesty,

454
00:21:12,440 --> 00:21:13,400
the rot of

455
00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:14,119
illegal steel

456
00:21:14,119 --> 00:21:15,440
traces back to Midvale.

457
00:21:15,920 --> 00:21:17,160
If the Northsunderers are in their pay...

458
00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:19,559
Then we shall bury them all.

459
00:21:28,960 --> 00:21:30,759
Shen Zhishu was at your heels,

460
00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:32,319
and you blind fools saw nothing!

461
00:21:32,920 --> 00:21:34,920
Had the Grandmaster not sent me,

462
00:21:35,559 --> 00:21:36,680
the crows would be picking at our bones!

463
00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:38,279
The Conclave

464
00:21:39,319 --> 00:21:40,480
does not

465
00:21:41,720 --> 00:21:43,200
feed useless dogs!

466
00:21:45,240 --> 00:21:46,000
Grandmaster!

467
00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:47,559
Let our blades prove our worth!

468
00:21:47,839 --> 00:21:48,720
We beg of you!

469
00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:50,640
Grandmaster,

470
00:21:50,759 --> 00:21:51,839
The Edge and The Plot

471
00:21:51,839 --> 00:21:53,240
were sworn to the cause.

472
00:21:53,559 --> 00:21:54,880
None are more loyal to the old kingdom.

473
00:21:55,519 --> 00:21:56,799
Do not

474
00:21:56,799 --> 00:21:57,359
thin

475
00:21:57,960 --> 00:21:58,799
our ranks

476
00:21:58,799 --> 00:21:59,839
before the war begins.

477
00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:02,000
Punish me

478
00:22:02,400 --> 00:22:04,400
in their stead.

479
00:22:07,839 --> 00:22:10,079
Rise.

480
00:22:11,079 --> 00:22:12,000
Our cause

481
00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:13,000
brooks no failure.

482
00:22:14,319 --> 00:22:15,440
If you fail me again,

483
00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:17,559
you shall answer to Orcus.

484
00:22:18,400 --> 00:22:19,440
Gratitude!

485
00:22:22,319 --> 00:22:24,000
Praise the Grandmaster!

486
00:22:24,640 --> 00:22:26,440
We shall carry your grace to victory.

487
00:22:26,559 --> 00:22:27,759
For the glory of Midvale!

488
00:22:28,160 --> 00:22:29,920
The Usurper's eyes are upon us.

489
00:22:30,240 --> 00:22:31,799
Quench the fires. Stop the forging.

490
00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:33,440
The Usurper

491
00:22:33,960 --> 00:22:35,079
has been at our heels

492
00:22:35,079 --> 00:22:36,200
since we left Shazhou.

493
00:22:36,559 --> 00:22:37,880
He is a shadow we cannot shake.

494
00:22:37,880 --> 00:22:38,440
Yet,

495
00:22:38,839 --> 00:22:40,240
we did not return empty-handed.

496
00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:41,160
Our men have

497
00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:42,359
harvested the Fairbane.

498
00:22:42,680 --> 00:22:43,519
The dark opium

499
00:22:43,519 --> 00:22:44,279
scheme

500
00:22:44,599 --> 00:22:45,519
may now commence.

501
00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:48,079
Grandmaster,

502
00:22:48,759 --> 00:22:49,880
I brought news

503
00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:51,559
on this very matter.

504
00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:53,000
Two nights ago,

505
00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:54,319
a highborn patron came to Huiyin.

506
00:22:54,599 --> 00:22:55,960
He was a mere ghost of a man,

507
00:22:56,279 --> 00:22:56,920
yet after taking

508
00:22:56,920 --> 00:22:57,880
his own pill,

509
00:22:58,079 --> 00:22:59,400
he rose again as vigorous as

510
00:22:59,400 --> 00:23:00,319
a young stallion.

511
00:23:00,519 --> 00:23:01,799
The Lyre sensed a threat.

512
00:23:01,960 --> 00:23:03,359
Using the art of dream-binding,

513
00:23:03,359 --> 00:23:04,279
she unraveled his secrets.

514
00:23:04,279 --> 00:23:05,279
His drug is crude,

515
00:23:05,279 --> 00:23:07,160
but it mirrors the very pills

516
00:23:07,160 --> 00:23:08,640
you brewed.

517
00:23:21,119 --> 00:23:22,559
It is sold

518
00:23:22,559 --> 00:23:23,720
only in secret,

519
00:23:23,720 --> 00:23:24,720
brokered to

520
00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:25,839
the wealthiest merchants.

521
00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:26,920
The next trade is near.

522
00:23:26,920 --> 00:23:28,359
The dealer is a cutthroat

523
00:23:28,839 --> 00:23:30,400
named Lyu Da.

524
00:23:31,079 --> 00:23:32,240
So the Tiger Roar Gang dally with

525
00:23:32,240 --> 00:23:34,359
the devil's weed as well.

526
00:23:34,960 --> 00:23:36,640
Let them sow the seeds;

527
00:23:37,279 --> 00:23:38,759
we shall reap

528
00:23:38,759 --> 00:23:40,279
the harvest.

529
00:23:41,079 --> 00:23:42,279
The boy emperor

530
00:23:42,559 --> 00:23:44,680
sits on a fractured throne.

531
00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:46,440
When the tide turns,

532
00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:48,240
Midvale

533
00:23:48,519 --> 00:23:50,519
shall rise in glory!

534
00:23:51,400 --> 00:23:53,079
Eternal soars the Dark Bird!

535
00:23:53,079 --> 00:23:54,640
Forever shines the Crimson Moon!

536
00:23:54,640 --> 00:23:56,039
Eternal soars the Dark Bird!

537
00:23:56,039 --> 00:23:57,759
Forever shines the Crimson Moon!

538
00:24:03,240 --> 00:24:03,880
Good sir...

539
00:24:20,599 --> 00:24:21,319
I

540
00:24:22,480 --> 00:24:23,359
beg you...

541
00:24:23,359 --> 00:24:24,559
plead with the Baron...

542
00:24:24,759 --> 00:24:26,359
The bliss is too short!

543
00:24:26,400 --> 00:24:27,920
It lasts scarcely a dozen heartbeats!

544
00:24:31,079 --> 00:24:32,559
I meant no offense...

545
00:24:59,759 --> 00:25:00,839
I bring forth

546
00:25:01,359 --> 00:25:02,519
a river of gold

547
00:25:02,519 --> 00:25:03,680
for your guild.

548
00:25:05,079 --> 00:25:06,000
What game is this?

549
00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:08,160
The poison you sell

550
00:25:08,519 --> 00:25:10,079
is but crude ash.

551
00:25:10,359 --> 00:25:11,519
A man must

552
00:25:12,200 --> 00:25:14,079
buy for a sennight before he craves more.

553
00:25:14,400 --> 00:25:15,599
You scrape

554
00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:18,319
for coppers.

555
00:25:20,200 --> 00:25:21,200
Speak your name, or bleed!

556
00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:29,119
The herald of your fortune.

557
00:25:30,359 --> 00:25:31,559
Behold, Godsgrain.

558
00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:34,400
A single lick strengthens the blood.

559
00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:35,920
One dose,

560
00:25:36,359 --> 00:25:38,640
even the God of War

561
00:25:38,960 --> 00:25:39,880
cannot break the chains.

562
00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:41,960
You shall drown

563
00:25:42,599 --> 00:25:44,039
in silver.

564
00:25:45,559 --> 00:25:46,039
Why

565
00:25:46,039 --> 00:25:47,519
share such treasure

566
00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:49,599
with us?

567
00:25:49,880 --> 00:25:51,400
The leaf grows

568
00:25:51,599 --> 00:25:53,240
in the barren wastes.

569
00:25:54,079 --> 00:25:56,079
My twelve apothecaries

570
00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:57,440
refine the sap.

571
00:25:58,319 --> 00:25:59,880
Yet to flood

572
00:26:00,319 --> 00:26:01,559
the empire,

573
00:26:01,920 --> 00:26:03,640
we need your cubs.

574
00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:06,640
We shall thrive together.

575
00:26:23,079 --> 00:26:24,359
What is

576
00:26:24,759 --> 00:26:26,000
your scheme?

577
00:26:27,119 --> 00:26:28,440
Silver

578
00:26:29,519 --> 00:26:30,559
and gold.

579
00:26:31,279 --> 00:26:32,359
No man

580
00:26:33,039 --> 00:26:34,799
spits on wealth.

581
00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:38,119
Keep the box.

582
00:26:39,519 --> 00:26:40,880
Learn its truth.

583
00:26:45,079 --> 00:26:46,400
[Three nights hence,]

584
00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:48,640
[bring your Baron here.]

585
00:26:49,559 --> 00:26:51,599
[Our master wishes to discuss a conquest.]

586
00:27:13,519 --> 00:27:14,960
Mercy, My Lady!

587
00:27:15,319 --> 00:27:17,240
My husband was mad with wine

588
00:27:17,240 --> 00:27:18,920
when he bartered me!

589
00:27:19,599 --> 00:27:20,279
Madam,

590
00:27:20,680 --> 00:27:22,440
you have a gentle heart.

591
00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:24,119
Do not let

592
00:27:24,559 --> 00:27:26,279
my daughter suffer my fate!

593
00:27:26,279 --> 00:27:27,160
Cease your weeping.

594
00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:30,359
This is no Orcus' Hall.

595
00:27:30,799 --> 00:27:31,559
The door is there.

596
00:27:32,319 --> 00:27:33,160
Leave if

597
00:27:34,880 --> 00:27:35,720
you dare!

598
00:27:36,119 --> 00:27:36,720
In,

599
00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:38,000
little wench!

600
00:27:39,440 --> 00:27:40,359
Madam!

601
00:27:41,720 --> 00:27:43,200
This little filly tried to run.

602
00:27:43,559 --> 00:27:45,039
I brought her back!

603
00:27:45,960 --> 00:27:47,720
One pill for one maiden.

604
00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:50,200
The bargain is struck!

605
00:28:11,839 --> 00:28:13,000
Praise be to you,

606
00:28:13,440 --> 00:28:14,319
Madam!

607
00:28:18,640 --> 00:28:20,440
Father! No!

608
00:28:20,880 --> 00:28:21,799
Piss off, wench!

609
00:28:30,119 --> 00:28:30,960
Madam,

610
00:28:31,839 --> 00:28:33,759
send me home...

611
00:28:34,200 --> 00:28:35,640
I beg of you...

612
00:28:37,720 --> 00:28:40,119
How many times has he traded you?

613
00:28:45,039 --> 00:28:46,000
Open your eyes!

614
00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:50,319
I shall not trade my flesh...

615
00:28:50,680 --> 00:28:51,480
Flesh?

616
00:28:53,039 --> 00:28:54,559
That is for gutter-wenches!

617
00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:55,680
Xiangning.

618
00:28:56,359 --> 00:28:57,079
Tell these lass

619
00:28:58,319 --> 00:28:59,319
what we build here.

620
00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:04,119
In here,

621
00:29:04,400 --> 00:29:05,920
I never serve men.

622
00:29:06,559 --> 00:29:08,680
I make men serve me.

623
00:29:09,039 --> 00:29:10,599
I hold the strings of

624
00:29:10,599 --> 00:29:11,759
the wealthiest lords.

625
00:29:12,440 --> 00:29:14,279
They kiss our feet

626
00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:16,319
for a whisper of grace.

627
00:29:23,880 --> 00:29:25,000
You know my heart.

628
00:29:25,400 --> 00:29:26,240
I harbor

629
00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:28,880
no cruelty

630
00:29:28,880 --> 00:29:29,960
for the young.

631
00:29:30,839 --> 00:29:32,359
On the morrow,

632
00:29:32,359 --> 00:29:33,200
a master shall

633
00:29:34,319 --> 00:29:35,359
teach her the high arts.

634
00:29:35,920 --> 00:29:37,279
Bow, child!

635
00:29:37,960 --> 00:29:39,000
Gods bless

636
00:29:39,200 --> 00:29:40,200
your mercy!

637
00:29:40,920 --> 00:29:41,519
In this house,

638
00:29:42,680 --> 00:29:44,480
we are sisters.

639
00:29:45,119 --> 00:29:46,200
Beyond these walls,

640
00:29:46,799 --> 00:29:47,759
we are masters of men!

641
00:29:48,359 --> 00:29:49,759
Do you think the magistrates

642
00:29:50,279 --> 00:29:51,200
spare us

643
00:29:51,200 --> 00:29:52,720
out of kindness?

644
00:29:54,240 --> 00:29:54,920
Xiangning!

645
00:30:01,640 --> 00:30:02,960
Their fortunes and lives

646
00:30:05,039 --> 00:30:06,119
are in my hands!

647
00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:09,039
Will you be worms

648
00:30:09,039 --> 00:30:10,559
crushed in the mud,

649
00:30:11,920 --> 00:30:13,880
or queens in silks?

650
00:30:15,519 --> 00:30:16,440
Speak your minds!

651
00:30:27,400 --> 00:30:28,160
Madam,

652
00:30:28,400 --> 00:30:29,200
I shall stay!

653
00:30:30,519 --> 00:30:31,279
Madam,

654
00:30:31,480 --> 00:30:32,440
I stay!

655
00:30:35,920 --> 00:30:37,039
We shall remain!

656
00:30:38,200 --> 00:30:40,480
We remain!

657
00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:41,160
Pliant

658
00:30:41,160 --> 00:30:42,599
fillies.

659
00:30:43,680 --> 00:30:44,400
Xiangning,

660
00:30:45,079 --> 00:30:46,240
take them to hone their arts.

661
00:31:14,240 --> 00:31:15,640
Must you always ravish me so?

662
00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:34,119
It is passing strange.

663
00:31:35,079 --> 00:31:37,000
The Tiger Roar Gang

664
00:31:37,720 --> 00:31:39,119
have vanished.

665
00:31:39,640 --> 00:31:40,079
I fear

666
00:31:40,079 --> 00:31:41,079
they are prepared for us.

667
00:31:41,079 --> 00:31:41,920
The serpent

668
00:31:42,319 --> 00:31:43,079
always

669
00:31:43,279 --> 00:31:44,880
draws back before it bites.

670
00:31:45,240 --> 00:31:45,799
My Lady,

671
00:31:46,680 --> 00:31:47,400
a small comfort.

672
00:31:49,400 --> 00:31:50,920
Time is our enemy.

673
00:31:51,680 --> 00:31:52,240
Zhili,

674
00:31:52,240 --> 00:31:53,359
sketch the phantom for us.

675
00:31:55,359 --> 00:31:56,319
You shall draw

676
00:31:56,319 --> 00:31:57,279
Ling Yunfei's face

677
00:31:57,279 --> 00:31:58,160
from the rumors.

678
00:31:59,519 --> 00:32:00,400
A fine idea.

679
00:32:00,960 --> 00:32:02,640
We shall gather rumors.

680
00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:04,039
I shall try

681
00:32:04,240 --> 00:32:05,000
to draw him.

682
00:32:05,279 --> 00:32:06,200
Separate.

683
00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:06,920
Let

684
00:32:06,920 --> 00:32:08,240
no stone remain unturned.

685
00:32:35,680 --> 00:32:36,960
"Thirteen maidens

686
00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:38,359
snatched...

687
00:32:39,119 --> 00:32:40,680
the caravans looted..."

688
00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:42,000
Where did you hear this?

689
00:32:42,359 --> 00:32:43,200
Lady Shen,

690
00:32:43,359 --> 00:32:44,839
those are tales for coppers!

691
00:32:45,039 --> 00:32:45,680
I know nothing

692
00:32:45,680 --> 00:32:46,519
of those bandits!

693
00:32:46,519 --> 00:32:47,519
You swear to this?

694
00:32:47,759 --> 00:32:48,680
By the gods, I swear it!

695
00:32:58,200 --> 00:32:59,000
The gods

696
00:32:59,599 --> 00:33:00,960
do not shield liars!

697
00:33:01,200 --> 00:33:01,920
There was

698
00:33:01,920 --> 00:33:03,319
a whisper of...

699
00:33:15,759 --> 00:33:16,440
Behold the beast!

700
00:33:28,240 --> 00:33:29,200
Why the delay?

701
00:33:29,359 --> 00:33:30,720
Slit her throat and throw her to the fishes.

702
00:33:31,039 --> 00:33:32,000
We made

703
00:33:32,119 --> 00:33:33,519
quick work of Lord Zhou,

704
00:33:33,839 --> 00:33:34,799
did we not?

705
00:33:35,200 --> 00:33:36,039
A dead hero

706
00:33:36,039 --> 00:33:37,599
is a dangerous thing.

707
00:33:38,799 --> 00:33:39,839
To break her,

708
00:33:40,720 --> 00:33:42,559
we must tear her honor

709
00:33:42,759 --> 00:33:44,119
to shreds.

710
00:33:45,319 --> 00:33:47,119
You used the same vile tricks

711
00:33:47,559 --> 00:33:48,799
on your lady wife.

712
00:33:48,799 --> 00:33:49,559
Silence!

713
00:33:50,079 --> 00:33:51,960
You couple with a brothel-crone

714
00:33:52,400 --> 00:33:53,000
who could

715
00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:54,559
have bred you!

716
00:33:54,759 --> 00:33:56,119
You are a disgrace!

717
00:34:08,039 --> 00:34:09,480
Had she not

718
00:34:09,480 --> 00:34:10,599
pulled me from the dead,

719
00:34:11,400 --> 00:34:13,199
I would be bones,

720
00:34:13,920 --> 00:34:15,320
and you would have no high place.

721
00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:19,599
Utter another insult,

722
00:34:20,679 --> 00:34:21,920
and I shall truss you up

723
00:34:21,920 --> 00:34:23,119
for Meng Tinghui.

724
00:34:24,440 --> 00:34:25,679
We can burn together.

725
00:34:28,679 --> 00:34:29,880
Do we understand each other,

726
00:34:30,960 --> 00:34:31,920
BROTHER?

727
00:34:40,480 --> 00:34:41,079
Truly.

728
00:34:42,280 --> 00:34:43,440
A tragic romantic.

729
00:34:43,719 --> 00:34:44,760
If you have no stomach for this,

730
00:34:45,199 --> 00:34:46,400
stay hidden.

731
00:34:47,199 --> 00:34:49,360
I shall weave the web for Meng myself.

732
00:34:51,559 --> 00:34:53,159
I know you excel

733
00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:54,760
at vile tricks.

734
00:34:55,639 --> 00:34:57,519
I shall see how foul a web

735
00:34:59,079 --> 00:35:00,280
you spin.

736
00:35:16,400 --> 00:35:17,280
Baron,

737
00:35:17,639 --> 00:35:19,119
the meeting place is ahead.

738
00:35:23,079 --> 00:35:24,719
You are a punctual man, Baron.

739
00:35:26,760 --> 00:35:28,039
You have seen the magic of my pill,

740
00:35:29,159 --> 00:35:30,679
I presume?

741
00:35:31,199 --> 00:35:32,159
I sell to the living,

742
00:35:32,159 --> 00:35:33,360
not the dead.

743
00:35:33,599 --> 00:35:34,559
Your poison slays them

744
00:35:34,559 --> 00:35:35,519
in a single sunrise.

745
00:35:36,199 --> 00:35:36,760
Do I ask Orcus

746
00:35:36,760 --> 00:35:38,480
for the payment?

747
00:35:38,480 --> 00:35:39,559
It can be softened.

748
00:35:40,320 --> 00:35:42,199
A slight turn of the mortar,

749
00:35:42,639 --> 00:35:44,400
and they shall beg to live

750
00:35:44,920 --> 00:35:46,159
in your shadow.

751
00:35:46,920 --> 00:35:49,400
A sharp sting before the sweet promise.

752
00:35:50,480 --> 00:35:51,519
My friend,

753
00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:54,199
you excel this game.

754
00:35:54,760 --> 00:35:55,400
Yet,

755
00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:58,000
can you truly secure

756
00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:00,519
an endless harvest

757
00:36:00,519 --> 00:36:01,639
of this fatal bliss?

758
00:36:02,039 --> 00:36:03,920
I have found a secluded forest

759
00:36:04,119 --> 00:36:05,719
near the Capital.

760
00:36:05,840 --> 00:36:07,199
We shall cultivate

761
00:36:08,039 --> 00:36:09,760
the Fairbane in secret.

762
00:36:10,199 --> 00:36:11,960
If the Baron nods,

763
00:36:12,159 --> 00:36:13,840
the pact is sealed.

764
00:36:15,159 --> 00:36:17,920
Thoughtful of you.

765
00:36:19,920 --> 00:36:20,880
And how shall we

766
00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:22,639
divide the spoils?

767
00:36:24,800 --> 00:36:25,760
I demand sixty percent.

768
00:36:27,599 --> 00:36:29,079
When these broken souls

769
00:36:29,079 --> 00:36:30,079
wither,

770
00:36:30,920 --> 00:36:31,760
it is us they will curse

771
00:36:31,760 --> 00:36:33,039
with their dying breath.

772
00:36:34,559 --> 00:36:35,159
Agreed.

773
00:36:35,519 --> 00:36:36,639
When the poison

774
00:36:37,320 --> 00:36:39,400
takes the realm,

775
00:36:39,719 --> 00:36:41,320
you shall gladly yield

776
00:36:41,320 --> 00:36:42,239
that meager coin.

777
00:36:42,519 --> 00:36:43,159
A clean deal!

778
00:36:44,199 --> 00:36:45,400
Now we are partners in blood,

779
00:36:46,679 --> 00:36:48,519
why hide behind a mask?

780
00:36:49,400 --> 00:36:51,360
To see my face, Baron,

781
00:36:52,920 --> 00:36:54,400
is to see your own grave.

782
00:37:06,079 --> 00:37:07,920
A single sound summons the hollowed.

783
00:37:08,880 --> 00:37:10,039
Sound this,

784
00:37:10,719 --> 00:37:12,559
and the poisoned shall be

785
00:37:12,559 --> 00:37:13,599
but hounds on your leash.

786
00:37:17,920 --> 00:37:18,559
Gods, Baron...

787
00:37:19,159 --> 00:37:20,239
they move

788
00:37:20,239 --> 00:37:21,239
like shadows.

789
00:37:21,559 --> 00:37:22,840
In all my years,

790
00:37:23,400 --> 00:37:24,159
I have never witnessed

791
00:37:24,159 --> 00:37:25,199
such unbending pride!

792
00:37:25,639 --> 00:37:26,880
A whistle

793
00:37:27,880 --> 00:37:29,559
to command the hollowed...

794
00:37:29,559 --> 00:37:30,880
It is a rare treasure.

795
00:37:31,199 --> 00:37:32,039
There is more.

796
00:37:33,039 --> 00:37:33,719
Your face

797
00:37:34,199 --> 00:37:35,039
is plastered

798
00:37:35,800 --> 00:37:37,079
across every alley in the capital.

799
00:37:39,159 --> 00:37:40,119
A bounty?

800
00:37:43,239 --> 00:37:44,039
That pestilent wench!

801
00:37:44,639 --> 00:37:45,679
Who else

802
00:37:45,679 --> 00:37:46,400
but that viper?

803
00:37:49,639 --> 00:37:50,519
Yet... the artist

804
00:37:50,519 --> 00:37:51,840
has talent.

805
00:37:52,199 --> 00:37:54,199
The eyes are remarkably

806
00:37:55,519 --> 00:37:56,639
like mine.

807
00:37:57,599 --> 00:37:58,400
Let them search.

808
00:37:59,519 --> 00:38:00,519
The coin still rolls.

809
00:38:02,920 --> 00:38:04,239
Our ally in high places

810
00:38:04,719 --> 00:38:06,039
have more to fear than we do.

811
00:38:17,000 --> 00:38:17,639
Huang Bo,

812
00:38:18,280 --> 00:38:19,239
ready a carriage.

813
00:38:19,639 --> 00:38:20,599
I ride alone tonight.

814
00:38:20,840 --> 00:38:21,639
You stay.

815
00:38:22,199 --> 00:38:22,880
Alone?

816
00:38:22,880 --> 00:38:23,880
Your Majesty...

817
00:38:24,280 --> 00:38:25,280
Your sworn shields must follow.

818
00:38:25,760 --> 00:38:27,079
I shall go with you.

819
00:38:27,400 --> 00:38:29,079
It is a meeting with Lady Meng,

820
00:38:29,239 --> 00:38:31,000
not a nest of vipers.

821
00:38:31,159 --> 00:38:32,320
I need no shields.

822
00:38:32,320 --> 00:38:33,000
Your Majesty,

823
00:38:33,000 --> 00:38:34,400
have I displeased you?

824
00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:36,239
Why cast me aside?

825
00:38:36,400 --> 00:38:37,559
Lady Meng would not mind

826
00:38:37,559 --> 00:38:38,519
my presence.

827
00:38:38,519 --> 00:38:39,440
Yet I mind!

828
00:38:40,039 --> 00:38:40,920
Cease this babble

829
00:38:41,199 --> 00:38:41,960
and do as I bid.

830
00:38:42,639 --> 00:38:43,679
As you command...

831
00:39:10,920 --> 00:39:12,280
I said no servants!

832
00:39:12,800 --> 00:39:13,360
Leave me!

833
00:39:37,519 --> 00:39:38,519
Greetings, Your Majesty...

834
00:39:39,159 --> 00:39:39,800
Insolent wench!

835
00:39:41,119 --> 00:39:42,440
Who gave you leave to enter?

836
00:39:43,199 --> 00:39:44,199
Speak, or lose your head!

837
00:40:08,639 --> 00:40:09,320
Hal?

838
00:40:18,480 --> 00:40:20,039
The stars have turned.

839
00:40:21,280 --> 00:40:22,719
Why is he late?