1
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,700
=The Road to Splendor=

2
00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,760
(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

3
00:01:35,320 --> 00:01:38,000
=Episode 17=

4
00:01:38,160 --> 00:01:39,640
Why did you falsify the records?

5
00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:42,400
Why did you claim Lu Dahu's merits

6
00:01:42,680 --> 00:01:44,040
under the brothers' names?

7
00:01:48,319 --> 00:01:50,000
Yucheng, why did you do it?

8
00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:57,920
Answer me.

9
00:02:01,319 --> 00:02:03,280
Doesn't this happen all the time
in the army?

10
00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:04,959
I'm asking about you.

11
00:02:08,039 --> 00:02:08,960
Yang Yucheng.

12
00:02:09,759 --> 00:02:10,479
Why

13
00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:14,120
did you do this?

14
00:02:18,199 --> 00:02:18,719
Fine.

15
00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:22,479
Then let me ask you something, Mr. Zhao.

16
00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:24,039
Why

17
00:02:26,199 --> 00:02:29,039
shouldn't I do it?

18
00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:33,759
Those singers in the pleasure houses...

19
00:02:34,719 --> 00:02:36,360
all they have to do is humble themselves

20
00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:38,000
and smile for the officials,

21
00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:40,759
and their pockets fill with gold.

22
00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:43,439
Those who act as attack dogs
for powerful families

23
00:02:44,360 --> 00:02:46,439
may rip out a few throats,

24
00:02:46,520 --> 00:02:48,319
fawn on their masters
with wagging tails,

25
00:02:48,599 --> 00:02:50,599
and still climb the ranks.

26
00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:52,080
If everyone else can do it,

27
00:02:52,800 --> 00:02:54,240
why can't we?

28
00:02:58,919 --> 00:03:00,560
The men came all the way out here

29
00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:01,520
to serve in the army.

30
00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:02,280
What for?

31
00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:03,800
Wasn't it so they could

32
00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:04,639
take the heads of enemies

33
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and bandits

34
00:03:05,599 --> 00:03:06,479
and earn military merit?

35
00:03:07,120 --> 00:03:08,000
And what did they get?

36
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No grain.

37
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No salt.

38
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Not even the merit
we'd rightfully earned.

39
00:03:11,919 --> 00:03:12,719
How is that fair?

40
00:03:13,439 --> 00:03:14,879
Now I've found a way

41
00:03:15,039 --> 00:03:16,479
to set all that injustice

42
00:03:16,479 --> 00:03:17,360
right.

43
00:03:17,360 --> 00:03:19,080
Why shouldn't we take it?

44
00:03:23,319 --> 00:03:24,120
Lately,

45
00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:27,039
I keep thinking about

46
00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:29,639
when we were salt smugglers.

47
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One job,

48
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one payment.

49
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Sure, we lived outside the law,

50
00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:38,919
but we were free

51
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to live as we pleased.

52
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But now?

53
00:03:46,280 --> 00:03:47,199
Look at us now.

54
00:03:51,120 --> 00:03:52,800
We always do the right thing,

55
00:03:53,439 --> 00:03:55,599
and somehow we're the ones
with our hands tied.

56
00:03:58,039 --> 00:03:59,159
If that's what it means

57
00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:01,319
to be an honorable man,

58
00:04:04,479 --> 00:04:05,439
then I'd rather be a villain.

59
00:04:19,399 --> 00:04:20,079
Mr. Zhao,

60
00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:21,839
I've said my piece.

61
00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:23,800
Beat me or punish me. I'll take it.

62
00:04:24,319 --> 00:04:25,399
But when there's a shortcut,

63
00:04:25,399 --> 00:04:26,519
everyone wants to take it.

64
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I'm begging you.

65
00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:33,199
Take the easy way just once.

66
00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:35,040
Bend the knee just once.

67
00:04:35,839 --> 00:04:36,560
Just once.

68
00:04:44,639 --> 00:04:45,120
Yucheng,

69
00:04:45,120 --> 00:04:46,839
when you worked as muscle
for those bandits,

70
00:04:48,480 --> 00:04:50,040
did you ever take an innocent life?

71
00:04:54,959 --> 00:04:56,319
There are lines we can cross.

72
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But there are some

73
00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:02,240
we never can.

74
00:05:04,560 --> 00:05:05,279
Yucheng,

75
00:05:06,439 --> 00:05:08,120
do you want a moment of glory,

76
00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:11,480
or a lifetime with a clear conscience?

77
00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:15,199
Fine.

78
00:05:16,160 --> 00:05:18,279
The men and I can put up
with the hardship.

79
00:05:18,439 --> 00:05:19,279
But what about Miss Xie?

80
00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:21,920
Are you willing to make her suffer
with you for the rest of her life?

81
00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:23,160
We still have a long road ahead.

82
00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:23,720
Why rush?

83
00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:25,560
You have a long road ahead.

84
00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:28,720
What about my mother?

85
00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:32,959
How much time does she have left?

86
00:06:13,879 --> 00:06:15,439
(For Fifth Madam Fu, the Capital)
The post station sent

87
00:06:16,160 --> 00:06:17,920
all your letters back.

88
00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:20,720
They said they're short-staffed,

89
00:06:20,959 --> 00:06:23,000
so they won't be delivering letters
to the capital anymore.

90
00:06:23,879 --> 00:06:24,759
They also said...

91
00:06:25,439 --> 00:06:26,319
What did they say?

92
00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:29,160
They said

93
00:06:29,399 --> 00:06:31,360
you could try asking for a favor,

94
00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:33,360
but you'd better ask the right person.

95
00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:35,079
It made me wonder

96
00:06:35,399 --> 00:06:37,120
if someone specifically ordered them

97
00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:38,319
not to deliver our letters.

98
00:06:40,959 --> 00:06:42,439
I think I know who it is.

99
00:06:43,639 --> 00:06:44,800
Yu Jingxiu.

100
00:06:49,759 --> 00:06:50,639
No.

101
00:06:50,879 --> 00:06:52,959
That's your favorite hairpin.

102
00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:54,839
You can't pawn it.

103
00:06:55,399 --> 00:06:56,759
I'll go ask Mr. Zhao.

104
00:06:57,639 --> 00:06:59,199
He is already upset.

105
00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:01,319
Don't burden him with this too.

106
00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:08,959
Sanniang,

107
00:07:09,399 --> 00:07:10,199
could you

108
00:07:10,199 --> 00:07:11,639
make another trip to the post station
for me?

109
00:07:15,080 --> 00:07:17,080
(Zhao Residence)

110
00:07:19,839 --> 00:07:21,199
There'll be other chances.

111
00:07:22,079 --> 00:07:23,079
What matters most

112
00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:26,480
is that you don't lose your drive.

113
00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:34,279
Don't worry.

114
00:07:35,519 --> 00:07:36,800
I'm no hothead anymore.

115
00:07:39,279 --> 00:07:40,040
I can be patient.

116
00:07:50,720 --> 00:07:51,639
Mr. Zhao, I...

117
00:07:56,519 --> 00:07:57,639
You already know?

118
00:07:58,040 --> 00:07:59,399
If it's something you treasure most,

119
00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:01,680
you should keep it.

120
00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:23,680
I still have some personal savings.

121
00:08:24,120 --> 00:08:25,160
I had Zheng San

122
00:08:26,120 --> 00:08:27,439
give it to a courier
at the post station.

123
00:08:28,160 --> 00:08:29,759
Hopefully, the money will persuade him

124
00:08:30,959 --> 00:08:31,959
to make the trip for you.

125
00:08:52,639 --> 00:08:53,559
I'm not in a hurry.

126
00:08:54,120 --> 00:08:54,879
Mr. Zhao,

127
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you don't need to rush either.

128
00:08:58,320 --> 00:08:59,000
There will always be

129
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another chance.

130
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Mr. Zhao.

131
00:09:20,039 --> 00:09:21,039
Did the letter get sent?

132
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They returned the money.

133
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(Just one rank above you,)

134
00:09:57,039 --> 00:09:58,200
(and I can crush you.)

135
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(Ganlin Town is like a swamp.)

136
00:10:02,399 --> 00:10:04,960
(You have to walk over corpses
to carve a path forward.)

137
00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:06,720
(Ten lifetimes won't be enough
to get ahead.)

138
00:10:06,720 --> 00:10:07,559
(Want to turn things around?)

139
00:10:08,519 --> 00:10:09,360
(That's a bit difficult.)

140
00:10:09,559 --> 00:10:12,080
(But the inspector
has flagged your record.)

141
00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:14,320
(If you can't get past this yourself,)

142
00:10:14,879 --> 00:10:16,440
(there's nothing I can do for you.)

143
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(She was born a lady of a noble house.)

144
00:10:24,519 --> 00:10:26,159
(Now she wears rough clothes
and eats plain food,)

145
00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:28,519
(her hands scarred from hard labor,)

146
00:10:28,519 --> 00:10:30,480
(no different from the farm women
of Ganlin.)

147
00:10:32,159 --> 00:10:32,960
(Why)

148
00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:35,519
(would you let a jewel like her
be buried in the dust?)

149
00:10:36,040 --> 00:10:41,640
♪The wind howls,
yet never chills my soul♪

150
00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:47,240
♪War drums resound across the vast sky♪

151
00:10:50,799 --> 00:10:51,639
(But what about Miss Xie?)

152
00:10:52,080 --> 00:10:54,159
(Are you willing to make her suffer
with you for the rest of her life?)

153
00:10:54,279 --> 00:10:55,759
(Now I've found a way)

154
00:10:55,919 --> 00:10:57,360
(to set all that injustice)

155
00:10:57,360 --> 00:10:58,240
(right.)

156
00:10:58,240 --> 00:11:00,039
(Why shouldn't we take it?)

157
00:11:03,440 --> 00:11:10,400
♪Looking back, this life was a song♪

158
00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,919
Your subordinate, Banner Commander Yang,

159
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is credited with killing 36 bandits.

160
00:11:17,360 --> 00:11:19,480
Today, according to the military
merit record,

161
00:11:19,480 --> 00:11:20,919
we're conducting a second verification.

162
00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:22,320
Commander Zhao,

163
00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:24,240
is this military merit

164
00:11:25,320 --> 00:11:26,360
genuine?

165
00:11:49,559 --> 00:11:50,720
My Lord,

166
00:11:54,279 --> 00:11:55,360
this record...

167
00:12:08,919 --> 00:12:10,120
is accurate.

168
00:12:10,799 --> 00:12:11,360
Alright.

169
00:12:11,600 --> 00:12:12,679
If it's accurate,

170
00:12:12,960 --> 00:12:14,600
then countersign

171
00:12:14,720 --> 00:12:15,720
the military merit record.

172
00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:27,000
(Zhao Ling)

173
00:12:42,559 --> 00:12:43,440
Miss Xie!

174
00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:44,600
Miss Xie!

175
00:12:44,840 --> 00:12:46,000
Word just came from the army.

176
00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:47,279
Mr. Zhao's military merit

177
00:12:47,399 --> 00:12:48,440
has been approved!

178
00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:49,720
Before long,

179
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he'll be made battalion commander.

180
00:12:51,399 --> 00:12:52,600
Battalion commander!

181
00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:53,559
Really?

182
00:12:53,799 --> 00:12:54,799
Really.

183
00:12:55,279 --> 00:12:57,039
We can go back to the capital!

184
00:12:58,480 --> 00:12:59,720
I'll go make something tasty.

185
00:12:59,919 --> 00:13:00,360
I'll go.

186
00:13:00,360 --> 00:13:00,840
Okay.

187
00:13:10,639 --> 00:13:11,440
Mother...

188
00:13:12,519 --> 00:13:13,879
I can come back to the capital.

189
00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:19,120
I can finally come home.

190
00:13:42,919 --> 00:13:44,000
Mr. Zhao, you're back.

191
00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:50,360
This is wonderful.

192
00:13:50,679 --> 00:13:52,240
We can finally go back to the capital.

193
00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:54,639
I can finally be reunited with Mother.

194
00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:57,039
Back then,

195
00:13:57,960 --> 00:13:59,159
I promised your mother

196
00:13:59,799 --> 00:14:01,360
I'd get you safely back to the capital.

197
00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:05,679
I never expected all these twists
and turns

198
00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:09,360
to delay us for so long.

199
00:14:10,159 --> 00:14:11,799
I wouldn't call it a delay.

200
00:14:12,080 --> 00:14:14,120
Mother only asked you to take me back
to the capital.

201
00:14:14,480 --> 00:14:15,919
I was the one who thought

202
00:14:15,919 --> 00:14:17,120
there might be another way to get there.

203
00:14:17,399 --> 00:14:19,559
And you stayed with me
through the hardest path of all.

204
00:14:41,399 --> 00:14:43,000
Once we're safely back in the capital,

205
00:14:44,080 --> 00:14:45,320
I'll visit your family in person

206
00:14:46,480 --> 00:14:47,679
and complete all the proper
betrothal rites.

207
00:14:48,679 --> 00:14:49,799
I only hope

208
00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:52,840
your mother will forgive
my earlier disrespect.

209
00:14:55,679 --> 00:14:57,039
She'll like you.

210
00:15:00,039 --> 00:15:01,080
And then,

211
00:15:01,399 --> 00:15:02,919
just as we promised

212
00:15:02,919 --> 00:15:03,960
back in Yongning.

213
00:15:05,720 --> 00:15:06,919
We'll stand together in what is right

214
00:15:09,919 --> 00:15:11,159
and trust each other with our lives.

215
00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:31,240
For these three-grain buns,

216
00:15:31,320 --> 00:15:33,000
steam at least twenty baskets
in advance.

217
00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:34,360
Between each layer,

218
00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:36,159
pack plenty of pepper-and-salt
cured meat.

219
00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:37,240
Otherwise,

220
00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:38,159
we won't have enough for the journey.

221
00:15:38,519 --> 00:15:39,440
Yes, Miss Xie.

222
00:15:39,440 --> 00:15:40,360
Don't worry.

223
00:15:40,799 --> 00:15:41,879
That'll be more than enough.

224
00:15:41,879 --> 00:15:42,320
Miss Xie,

225
00:15:42,679 --> 00:15:43,440
we found

226
00:15:43,440 --> 00:15:44,639
six sacks of millet in the storeroom.

227
00:15:44,759 --> 00:15:45,919
I'll go to the market now

228
00:15:45,919 --> 00:15:46,840
and have it ground into flour.

229
00:15:47,519 --> 00:15:49,080
Keep three sacks each of grain
and flour.

230
00:15:49,639 --> 00:15:51,200
Then go to the market

231
00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:53,080
and have all the mules and horses fitted
with double horseshoes.

232
00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:54,320
Also, buy

233
00:15:54,759 --> 00:15:56,120
20 tanned-leather waterskins,

234
00:15:56,120 --> 00:15:57,559
along with fire starters and tung oil.

235
00:15:57,679 --> 00:15:59,360
Dozens of men burn
through supplies fast.

236
00:15:59,360 --> 00:16:00,639
Don't wait until we run short
on the road

237
00:16:00,639 --> 00:16:02,279
and have to scramble everywhere
for more.

238
00:16:02,519 --> 00:16:03,039
Okay.

239
00:16:18,159 --> 00:16:19,120
Take this with you.

240
00:16:19,399 --> 00:16:20,279
It's a long journey,

241
00:16:20,559 --> 00:16:21,639
and it'll only get colder as you travel.

242
00:16:21,879 --> 00:16:23,000
You'll definitely need the extra layer.

243
00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:35,320
(But there are some)

244
00:16:35,799 --> 00:16:37,360
(we never can.)

245
00:16:38,200 --> 00:16:38,960
(Yucheng,)

246
00:16:39,399 --> 00:16:41,120
(do you want a moment of glory,)

247
00:16:42,879 --> 00:16:44,679
(or a lifetime with a clear conscience?)

248
00:17:07,319 --> 00:17:09,400
(Chiyu Post Station)
They murdered innocent people!

249
00:17:09,640 --> 00:17:12,599
Please, My Lord,

250
00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:16,160
give us justice!

251
00:17:17,240 --> 00:17:17,960
Commander Wang,

252
00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:19,720
the victim's family claims

253
00:17:20,440 --> 00:17:22,000
Zhao Ling was involved.

254
00:17:22,519 --> 00:17:23,559
You there.

255
00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:26,720
How can you be sure the man
was Zhao Ling?

256
00:17:27,160 --> 00:17:28,799
I was too far away that day.

257
00:17:29,119 --> 00:17:29,920
But I vaguely

258
00:17:29,920 --> 00:17:32,200
heard his men and soldiers

259
00:17:32,279 --> 00:17:33,480
calling him Mr. Zhao.

260
00:17:36,400 --> 00:17:37,160
Well...

261
00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:39,559
according to the military merit records,

262
00:17:40,480 --> 00:17:41,960
the unit escorting the supplies that day

263
00:17:42,839 --> 00:17:44,720
was indeed Zhao Ling's.

264
00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:49,280
(Yang Yucheng; Zhao Ling)

265
00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:51,839
(Garrison Military Merit Record)

266
00:17:51,839 --> 00:17:52,920
Zhao Ling

267
00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:55,599
is a soldier I personally trained
and promoted.

268
00:17:56,000 --> 00:17:57,359
I don't believe

269
00:17:57,359 --> 00:18:00,319
he'd murder civilians and claim them
as military kills.

270
00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:01,119
Commander Wang,

271
00:18:01,759 --> 00:18:03,480
Zhao Ling is your subordinate.

272
00:18:03,759 --> 00:18:04,440
By law,

273
00:18:05,279 --> 00:18:06,440
you should recuse yourself.

274
00:18:06,799 --> 00:18:07,759
Why don't you leave this case

275
00:18:08,279 --> 00:18:09,680
to us?

276
00:18:20,119 --> 00:18:21,000
(Official Document)
You're accused

277
00:18:21,079 --> 00:18:21,960
of killing civilians for merit.

278
00:18:22,480 --> 00:18:23,359
Come with us.

279
00:18:26,519 --> 00:18:27,400
Miss Xie!

280
00:18:29,039 --> 00:18:29,720
Sis?

281
00:18:29,960 --> 00:18:31,680
Commander Zhao has been arrested.

282
00:18:32,079 --> 00:18:33,039
Someone reported him

283
00:18:33,039 --> 00:18:34,279
for killing civilians
and claiming military credit.

284
00:18:34,559 --> 00:18:35,359
That is a crime

285
00:18:35,359 --> 00:18:37,079
punishable by death.

286
00:18:39,839 --> 00:18:41,400
The Wangur people are attacking!

287
00:18:42,559 --> 00:18:43,880
The Wangur people are here!

288
00:18:52,200 --> 00:18:55,920
(Shaqiong Town Border)

289
00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:00,160
(Hall of Pacification)

290
00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:00,680
Sir.

291
00:19:04,279 --> 00:19:05,079
The Wangur people

292
00:19:05,079 --> 00:19:06,119
launched a surprise attack on Shaqiong.

293
00:19:06,279 --> 00:19:07,519
They breached the defenses

294
00:19:07,759 --> 00:19:09,000
and extinguished the beacon tower.

295
00:19:09,200 --> 00:19:10,759
By the time the six frontier towns
realized what had happened,

296
00:19:10,880 --> 00:19:12,519
Shaqiong had already fallen
to the enemy.

297
00:19:15,039 --> 00:19:15,880
Pass down my orders.

298
00:19:16,319 --> 00:19:17,880
Muster the troops
for battle immediately.

299
00:19:18,079 --> 00:19:19,240
All provisions and weapons

300
00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:20,920
must be ready by dawn tomorrow.

301
00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:23,400
They'll go with the advance force
to reinforce Shaqiong.

302
00:19:24,160 --> 00:19:24,799
Yes, sir.

303
00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:28,400
The evidence that you killed civilians
and claimed merit has been reported.

304
00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:30,759
There's no chance
of overturning the case now.

305
00:19:31,680 --> 00:19:33,720
All that's left is for you
to be beheaded.

306
00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:36,480
If you're after me,

307
00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:39,400
why drag innocent people into it?

308
00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:43,400
You can't even save yourself,

309
00:19:43,720 --> 00:19:45,160
and you're still trying
to protect others?

310
00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:47,519
The army has confirmed

311
00:19:47,599 --> 00:19:49,359
that your men killed 16 civilians

312
00:19:49,359 --> 00:19:50,720
and claimed them
as Wangur to earn merit.

313
00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,240
Those civilians didn't choose
to be branded as enemies.

314
00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:55,319
But your brothers are so loyal.

315
00:19:56,559 --> 00:19:58,039
Maybe they'd volunteer.

316
00:20:02,759 --> 00:20:03,799
What do you mean?

317
00:20:06,440 --> 00:20:08,079
It's only 16 heads.

318
00:20:08,079 --> 00:20:09,039
Easy enough.

319
00:20:09,680 --> 00:20:11,640
You've got plenty of brothers
who've risked their lives with you.

320
00:20:12,559 --> 00:20:13,480
Kill 16 of them

321
00:20:13,720 --> 00:20:14,440
and use their heads instead.

322
00:20:14,920 --> 00:20:16,039
Then you get to live.

323
00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:17,359
Otherwise,

324
00:20:17,519 --> 00:20:18,920
your entire unit

325
00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:22,039
won't even get the chance

326
00:20:22,039 --> 00:20:22,960
to fight at Shaqiong.

327
00:20:29,279 --> 00:20:30,559
The Wangur tribe has attacked
the frontier?

328
00:20:32,680 --> 00:20:34,680
Shaqiong has already fallen.

329
00:20:34,680 --> 00:20:36,279
The army is about to march out,

330
00:20:36,279 --> 00:20:37,119
while you

331
00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:38,799
will be stuck in here,

332
00:20:38,799 --> 00:20:40,720
without even making
the deployment roster.

333
00:20:40,880 --> 00:20:41,960
Yu Jingxiu!

334
00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:43,599
To go after me,

335
00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:44,880
you disregard the external threat.

336
00:20:44,880 --> 00:20:46,799
The Wangur attack on the pass
is a matter of national security.

337
00:20:47,519 --> 00:20:49,240
Aren't you afraid of delaying
critical military actions?

338
00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:14,759
You're nothing
but a lowborn former salt smuggler.

339
00:21:14,759 --> 00:21:17,079
Don't presume to lecture me
about affairs of state.

340
00:21:18,160 --> 00:21:20,119
You can use brute force
to seize a few warhorses,

341
00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:22,920
or use some street tricks
to win a lantern festival contest.

342
00:21:22,920 --> 00:21:24,119
But so what?

343
00:21:26,440 --> 00:21:27,720
You know nothing of military texts,

344
00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:28,680
nothing of strategy,

345
00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,079
and you've never killed an enemy
on the battlefield.

346
00:21:30,079 --> 00:21:31,200
All your military merit

347
00:21:31,200 --> 00:21:33,319
came from tricks and shortcuts.

348
00:21:34,480 --> 00:21:35,960
How far do you think that'll take you?

349
00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:38,759
You're the son of a high censor

350
00:21:39,400 --> 00:21:41,039
and the top scholar of your year.

351
00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:42,559
Yet you stoop to this.

352
00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:44,839
Aren't you afraid people will laugh
at you?

353
00:22:13,359 --> 00:22:14,759
No one will laugh at me.

354
00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:17,680
Everyone wants to be me.

355
00:22:18,440 --> 00:22:19,759
Don't you want to be me too?

356
00:22:20,519 --> 00:22:21,279
Otherwise,

357
00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:23,759
why did you sign

358
00:22:23,759 --> 00:22:25,480
that falsified military merit record?

359
00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:28,519
People are born into different stations.

360
00:22:29,720 --> 00:22:31,440
Some are highborn, others lowborn.

361
00:22:32,799 --> 00:22:34,599
If those at the bottom want to rise,

362
00:22:34,599 --> 00:22:36,519
they have to climb over others to do it,

363
00:22:36,519 --> 00:22:38,839
even if it costs them a piece
of themselves.

364
00:22:38,839 --> 00:22:40,920
For every man promoted,
another is demoted.

365
00:22:41,119 --> 00:22:43,160
For every man who prospers,
another suffers.

366
00:22:43,160 --> 00:22:43,920
Whenever one person gains,

367
00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:45,519
someone else has to lose.

368
00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:48,480
You want to reinvent yourself
and rise in the world?

369
00:22:48,480 --> 00:22:50,079
It's not that easy.

370
00:22:50,839 --> 00:22:52,440
You could spend ten years,

371
00:22:52,519 --> 00:22:53,759
even decades,

372
00:22:53,759 --> 00:22:55,799
and still never reach my father's level.

373
00:22:57,279 --> 00:22:59,279
This world has its phoenixes

374
00:23:00,839 --> 00:23:02,119
and its barren branches.

375
00:23:05,799 --> 00:23:07,319
(She was born a phoenix,)

376
00:23:08,079 --> 00:23:09,759
(yet she's perched on a barren branch.)

377
00:23:10,440 --> 00:23:12,160
(She believed you were
an honorable man.)

378
00:23:13,079 --> 00:23:13,880
(But look at you.)

379
00:23:15,039 --> 00:23:16,400
(The moment your own desires got
in the way,)

380
00:23:17,160 --> 00:23:19,039
(you became just as selfish
as anyone else.)

381
00:23:21,200 --> 00:23:21,960
(Zhao Ling.)

382
00:23:23,039 --> 00:23:25,200
(If you have any pride left as a man,)

383
00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:27,279
(then let her spread her wings and go.)

384
00:23:28,960 --> 00:23:30,960
(Don't waste the best years
of her life.)

385
00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:37,920
Madam,

386
00:23:38,079 --> 00:23:39,559
Zhao Ling has been framed.

387
00:23:40,039 --> 00:23:41,200
Please help us get justice.

388
00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:42,319
Let me see him.

389
00:23:42,759 --> 00:23:44,400
With war breaking out,

390
00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:45,960
Commander Wang simply can't get away
right now.

391
00:23:46,319 --> 00:23:48,599
And I certainly can't let you see
Zhao Ling without permission.

392
00:23:49,759 --> 00:23:50,920
You'll have to wait a little longer.

393
00:23:51,799 --> 00:23:52,680
Advisor Li!

394
00:23:54,880 --> 00:23:56,880
The army is about to march.

395
00:23:57,119 --> 00:23:58,960
Why haven't your military
supplies arrived?

396
00:23:59,839 --> 00:24:01,640
The soldiers are cold and hungry.

397
00:24:02,200 --> 00:24:03,920
How are they supposed to fight?

398
00:24:04,160 --> 00:24:05,000
Commander Wang,

399
00:24:05,680 --> 00:24:07,599
let's not talk as though
we've already lost.

400
00:24:07,759 --> 00:24:09,160
It's not that I'm withholding supplies.

401
00:24:09,359 --> 00:24:10,400
The truth is,

402
00:24:10,599 --> 00:24:11,480
the storehouses

403
00:24:11,559 --> 00:24:12,720
are empty.

404
00:24:14,599 --> 00:24:15,759
Advisor Li,

405
00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:18,240
if that's your answer,

406
00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,200
then I'll report this to His Majesty

407
00:24:21,200 --> 00:24:22,920
and ask him to investigate.

408
00:24:23,119 --> 00:24:24,559
We'll see whether someone

409
00:24:24,839 --> 00:24:26,559
has been lining his own pockets.

410
00:24:26,960 --> 00:24:27,680
Very well.

411
00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:29,319
Then you and I

412
00:24:29,960 --> 00:24:31,319
can both submit reports.

413
00:24:31,680 --> 00:24:33,240
Let the Censorate

414
00:24:33,519 --> 00:24:34,960
conduct a proper investigation

415
00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:37,200
into exactly who has been allowing

416
00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:39,759
the garrison

417
00:24:39,880 --> 00:24:40,720
to openly engage

418
00:24:41,160 --> 00:24:42,960
in the illegal salt trade.

419
00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:46,119
If you hadn't spent all these years

420
00:24:47,079 --> 00:24:48,759
skimming our military funds,

421
00:24:48,759 --> 00:24:50,480
why would I ever have needed

422
00:24:50,599 --> 00:24:52,319
to buy illegal salt from bandits?

423
00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:54,000
Skimming funds? Nonsense.

424
00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:55,759
Transport losses,

425
00:24:55,920 --> 00:24:56,680
and storage losses...

426
00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:58,119
every expense

427
00:24:58,119 --> 00:24:59,079
is clearly itemized

428
00:25:00,119 --> 00:25:01,920
in the account books.

429
00:25:02,319 --> 00:25:03,839
I've always been

430
00:25:03,839 --> 00:25:05,400
diligent in my duties

431
00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:06,240
and, as an official,

432
00:25:06,359 --> 00:25:08,039
completely aboveboard.

433
00:25:08,039 --> 00:25:08,480
You...

434
00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:10,279
Commander Wang,

435
00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:13,240
if you really want to take this
all the way,

436
00:25:13,759 --> 00:25:15,599
my life isn't worth much.

437
00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:17,279
I have nothing to fear from death.

438
00:25:17,440 --> 00:25:18,400
But we're different.

439
00:25:19,200 --> 00:25:20,359
War is about to begin.

440
00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:22,359
If His Majesty takes notice of this,

441
00:25:23,279 --> 00:25:24,599
one imperial decree

442
00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:26,480
could summon you back to the capital.

443
00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:27,160
And then,

444
00:25:27,759 --> 00:25:29,200
the army would be left
without a commander.

445
00:25:29,559 --> 00:25:30,200
You still couldn't

446
00:25:30,519 --> 00:25:31,759
fight the war.

447
00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:43,400
Ninth Young Lady, you're here.

448
00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:44,920
I, Fu Tingyun,

449
00:25:45,519 --> 00:25:47,559
have come regarding the false charges
against my fiance, Zhao Ling.

450
00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:49,799
I beg you to investigate
the matter fairly, Young Lord Yu.

451
00:25:50,240 --> 00:25:51,319
The charge against him

452
00:25:51,960 --> 00:25:53,119
is a complete fabrication.

453
00:25:55,839 --> 00:25:56,839
Do you have proof?

454
00:26:05,319 --> 00:26:06,480
The proof is right here.

455
00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:07,239
(Declarant: Yu Jingxiu)

456
00:26:07,839 --> 00:26:09,240
These four written confessions

457
00:26:09,480 --> 00:26:10,480
are enough to prove

458
00:26:11,319 --> 00:26:12,920
that you put Zuo Junjie up to

459
00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:15,480
falsely accusing me of adultery.

460
00:26:18,519 --> 00:26:19,960
You, the distinguished top scholar,

461
00:26:20,359 --> 00:26:21,680
broke your word
and backed out of the match,

462
00:26:21,960 --> 00:26:23,200
then went so far as
to frame a defenseless woman,

463
00:26:23,759 --> 00:26:25,319
all because you were
at odds with your mother.

464
00:26:25,319 --> 00:26:27,079
If this becomes public,

465
00:26:27,799 --> 00:26:29,319
your reputation will be ruined.

466
00:26:30,599 --> 00:26:32,079
Are you threatening me,
Ninth Young Lady?

467
00:26:34,799 --> 00:26:35,920
Do you think I'm afraid?

468
00:26:38,319 --> 00:26:39,799
If you're willing to show mercy

469
00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:41,880
and let Zhao Ling go,

470
00:26:42,680 --> 00:26:44,599
I'll let this matter go

471
00:26:44,839 --> 00:26:46,279
as though it never happened.

472
00:26:47,400 --> 00:26:48,440
From then on,

473
00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:50,119
we'll have

474
00:26:50,599 --> 00:26:51,519
nothing more

475
00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:53,400
to do with each other.

476
00:26:57,400 --> 00:26:58,799
(Declarant: Yu Jingxiu)
You went through so much

477
00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:01,880
to get these four written confessions.

478
00:27:08,039 --> 00:27:09,119
And now you're just giving them up?

479
00:27:18,440 --> 00:27:19,920
What is so special about Zhao Ling

480
00:27:20,599 --> 00:27:21,880
that you'd go this far for him?

481
00:28:08,240 --> 00:28:09,319
I've shown you my sincerity.

482
00:28:10,480 --> 00:28:11,880
I hope you'll accept it.

483
00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:15,160
Do you really think

484
00:28:17,119 --> 00:28:18,000
I did all this

485
00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:20,319
just to get these four confessions?

486
00:28:21,440 --> 00:28:22,799
Do you truly not know

487
00:28:22,799 --> 00:28:24,160
what it is I really want?

488
00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:28,960
Zhao Ling has no hope
of recovering from this.

489
00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:32,160
In family background,

490
00:28:32,160 --> 00:28:32,880
in talent...

491
00:28:32,880 --> 00:28:33,960
How can you say this to me?

492
00:28:35,039 --> 00:28:36,720
What about Fan Yake?

493
00:28:40,400 --> 00:28:41,480
I always believed

494
00:28:43,119 --> 00:28:44,160
marriage meant

495
00:28:45,359 --> 00:28:46,880
finding someone to walk beside you,

496
00:28:47,200 --> 00:28:49,279
never failing each other
as you rise together.

497
00:28:49,640 --> 00:28:50,920
But you've made me realize

498
00:28:51,319 --> 00:28:52,680
that even within marriage,

499
00:28:53,480 --> 00:28:54,960
a person can still be heartless.

500
00:28:57,839 --> 00:28:58,680
Yu Jingxiu.

501
00:29:00,319 --> 00:29:01,759
I already have someone I choose
to stand beside.

502
00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:04,160
I will never treat him as coldly
as you treat others.

503
00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:10,240
Guards!

504
00:29:12,599 --> 00:29:13,440
What are you doing?

505
00:29:13,960 --> 00:29:14,640
Sanniang!

506
00:29:14,839 --> 00:29:15,599
Let go of me!

507
00:29:15,680 --> 00:29:16,440
Miss Xie!

508
00:29:16,920 --> 00:29:17,680
Miss Xie!

509
00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:18,240
Let me go!

510
00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:18,960
Don't hurt her.

511
00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:19,519
Miss Xie!

512
00:29:21,599 --> 00:29:22,960
I don't care what you think of me.

513
00:29:23,240 --> 00:29:24,680
But a major battle is imminent.

514
00:29:24,839 --> 00:29:26,200
If Ganlin falls,

515
00:29:26,519 --> 00:29:28,839
it will descend into chaos instantly.

516
00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:31,480
Come back to the capital with me.

517
00:29:35,559 --> 00:29:36,480
During the sandstorm,

518
00:29:38,119 --> 00:29:39,480
you saved my life.

519
00:29:39,839 --> 00:29:40,799
So today,

520
00:29:42,359 --> 00:29:44,119
even if I have to use force,

521
00:29:44,119 --> 00:29:45,640
even if it goes against your wishes,

522
00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:47,279
I won't let you throw your life away.

523
00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:52,240
Shameless.

524
00:30:22,039 --> 00:30:22,839
Mr. Zhao.

525
00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:24,079
Mr. Zhao.

526
00:30:24,799 --> 00:30:26,480
The garrison's been busy
mustering troops these past two days.

527
00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:27,920
Security is thin.

528
00:30:29,279 --> 00:30:30,160
We should

529
00:30:30,519 --> 00:30:31,480
escape.

530
00:30:32,200 --> 00:30:32,920
Where's Miss Xie?

531
00:30:37,680 --> 00:30:39,279
She went to see Yu Jingxiu

532
00:30:39,680 --> 00:30:40,759
and still hasn't come back.

533
00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:46,720
Mr. Zhao,

534
00:30:47,440 --> 00:30:48,960
staying alive comes first.

535
00:30:48,960 --> 00:30:50,079
As long as we're alive...

536
00:30:50,920 --> 00:30:51,880
Where could we possibly run?

537
00:30:54,079 --> 00:30:55,240
When you're at the bottom,

538
00:30:56,519 --> 00:30:58,000
people can trample you
whenever they please.

539
00:30:59,359 --> 00:31:01,200
You can't even protect the people
you care about.

540
00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:03,119
Mr. Zhao.

541
00:31:05,160 --> 00:31:06,440
I was too eager for merit.

542
00:31:07,079 --> 00:31:08,200
I dragged all the men into this.

543
00:31:09,359 --> 00:31:09,960
You all go.

544
00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:10,839
I'll stay.

545
00:31:12,279 --> 00:31:12,960
I'm not leaving.

546
00:31:13,640 --> 00:31:14,359
Neither am I.

547
00:31:14,759 --> 00:31:16,160
But the charges have already
been decided.

548
00:31:16,319 --> 00:31:17,680
Even putting aside
how we clear our names,

549
00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:19,240
if we miss this campaign,

550
00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:21,640
will we ever get another chance?

551
00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:23,400
The horns haven't sounded.

552
00:31:24,279 --> 00:31:25,480
The war drums haven't beaten.

553
00:31:26,400 --> 00:31:28,279
As long as the army hasn't marched,

554
00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:32,519
we still have a chance.

555
00:31:51,760 --> 00:31:54,800
(Gandu Circuit Military Camp)

556
00:32:11,319 --> 00:32:11,880
Commander.

557
00:32:12,200 --> 00:32:13,599
Three more beacon fires
have lit up the north.

558
00:32:14,119 --> 00:32:15,160
The Wangur vanguard

559
00:32:15,160 --> 00:32:16,799
will reach the Black River before dawn.

560
00:32:17,480 --> 00:32:18,319
We can't delay any longer.

561
00:32:19,079 --> 00:32:20,400
The camp is in a panic.

562
00:32:20,599 --> 00:32:21,559
While making my rounds,

563
00:32:22,039 --> 00:32:23,079
I even heard men crying.

564
00:32:24,759 --> 00:32:26,799
Where did these bamboo slips come from?

565
00:32:26,799 --> 00:32:28,200
They were found in trenches
from the previous dynasty.

566
00:32:28,200 --> 00:32:29,519
Miss Xie restored some of them.

567
00:32:29,519 --> 00:32:30,759
Some were stored at the cavalry camp.

568
00:32:30,759 --> 00:32:31,319
These past few days,

569
00:32:31,319 --> 00:32:32,119
while preparing supplies,

570
00:32:32,119 --> 00:32:32,960
we came across them again.

571
00:33:00,839 --> 00:33:01,599
We're out of time.

572
00:33:02,160 --> 00:33:02,680
Hurry.

573
00:33:04,839 --> 00:33:05,279
Quick.

574
00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:07,359
Yucheng.

575
00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:08,079
Wait.

576
00:33:10,119 --> 00:33:10,680
Yucheng.

577
00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:11,160
What is it?

578
00:33:12,519 --> 00:33:13,400
Say something.

579
00:33:14,559 --> 00:33:15,359
Your mother

580
00:33:17,880 --> 00:33:20,039
fell ill last night and passed away.

581
00:33:36,519 --> 00:33:37,240
My mother...

582
00:33:40,359 --> 00:33:41,400
Did she leave any last words?

583
00:33:42,640 --> 00:33:43,559
She said...

584
00:33:47,839 --> 00:33:49,119
she wanted you to take care of yourself.

585
00:34:19,920 --> 00:34:20,800
Soldiers!

586
00:34:21,199 --> 00:34:23,039
The enemy beacons are already before us.

587
00:34:23,519 --> 00:34:25,920
I want to show you something.

588
00:34:26,960 --> 00:34:28,000
A hundred years ago,

589
00:34:28,440 --> 00:34:29,559
our people first

590
00:34:29,559 --> 00:34:30,920
took Ganlin back

591
00:34:30,920 --> 00:34:32,320
from the Wangur people.

592
00:34:32,880 --> 00:34:33,639
That battle

593
00:34:33,880 --> 00:34:35,960
lasted a full six months.

594
00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:37,239
And these are

595
00:34:37,639 --> 00:34:39,440
the final letters

596
00:34:39,599 --> 00:34:41,360
those soldiers left behind.

597
00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:44,320
If a young woman

598
00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,119
hadn't restored these bamboo slips,

599
00:34:46,599 --> 00:34:48,440
even I might have forgotten

600
00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:50,440
what we're fighting for.

601
00:34:51,480 --> 00:34:52,480
We fight

602
00:34:52,480 --> 00:34:54,920
to honor those recorded on bamboo slips,

603
00:34:55,440 --> 00:34:56,880
whose eyes have watched us
through the ages

604
00:34:57,199 --> 00:35:00,119
still hoping we defend
our homes and land!

605
00:35:00,719 --> 00:35:01,360
And now,

606
00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:03,719
the Wangur cavalry has returned,

607
00:35:05,159 --> 00:35:06,519
trampling

608
00:35:06,960 --> 00:35:10,159
the land our forefathers soaked
with their blood.

609
00:35:10,280 --> 00:35:11,599
What lies behind us?

610
00:35:12,079 --> 00:35:13,679
The gateway to the northwest.

611
00:35:13,840 --> 00:35:15,360
Thousands upon thousands of homes.

612
00:35:15,760 --> 00:35:17,400
And the spirits of every hero

613
00:35:17,719 --> 00:35:21,079
who has given his life on this land
over the past century!

614
00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:22,400
Soldiers!

615
00:35:22,599 --> 00:35:23,360
Yes, Commander!

616
00:35:23,360 --> 00:35:24,119
This battle

617
00:35:24,519 --> 00:35:26,679
isn't just about rank and glory.

618
00:35:27,039 --> 00:35:29,159
It's about carving your names

619
00:35:29,599 --> 00:35:31,280
deep into the hearts

620
00:35:31,440 --> 00:35:32,800
of generations to come.

621
00:35:33,159 --> 00:35:34,039
So they will know

622
00:35:34,840 --> 00:35:36,119
that a hundred years ago,

623
00:35:36,960 --> 00:35:38,639
someone held this ground.

624
00:35:39,119 --> 00:35:40,280
And a hundred years later,

625
00:35:40,800 --> 00:35:43,320
we will hold it again!

626
00:35:46,239 --> 00:35:49,079
We will not fail our forefathers!

627
00:35:49,079 --> 00:35:52,239
We will not fail our forefathers!

628
00:36:01,360 --> 00:36:01,880
Let's go!

629
00:36:02,440 --> 00:36:03,239
Take their heads

630
00:36:03,599 --> 00:36:04,519
and earn our merit!

631
00:36:05,280 --> 00:36:07,280
(Bandit Camp)

632
00:36:43,960 --> 00:36:46,159
Murder!

633
00:36:46,159 --> 00:36:46,920
Help!

634
00:36:47,599 --> 00:36:48,519
Murder!

635
00:37:02,480 --> 00:37:03,480
Wretch.

636
00:37:03,480 --> 00:37:04,440
What's all that noise?

637
00:37:07,760 --> 00:37:08,960
How am I supposed to sleep?

638
00:37:20,639 --> 00:37:22,360
They're all dead.

639
00:37:23,440 --> 00:37:24,159
Commander Zhao,

640
00:37:24,559 --> 00:37:25,880
please spare my life.

641
00:37:31,840 --> 00:37:32,519
Mr. Zhao,

642
00:37:33,000 --> 00:37:33,719
we've got

643
00:37:33,719 --> 00:37:34,519
15 in all.

644
00:37:34,880 --> 00:37:35,840
We're still one short.

645
00:37:37,400 --> 00:37:38,800
Even Heaven's against us.

646
00:37:45,719 --> 00:37:47,400
We're only short one head.

647
00:37:49,079 --> 00:37:49,920
That's easy enough.

648
00:37:51,519 --> 00:37:52,760
What do you mean, Yucheng?

649
00:37:54,119 --> 00:37:55,960
You want us to grab some villager
and kill him?

650
00:37:58,599 --> 00:37:59,920
Don't talk nonsense.

651
00:38:16,639 --> 00:38:18,800
(Your mother fell ill last night
and passed away.)

652
00:38:20,079 --> 00:38:20,800
(My mother...)

653
00:38:21,360 --> 00:38:22,360
(Did she leave any last words?)

654
00:38:23,239 --> 00:38:24,239
(She said...)

655
00:38:24,639 --> 00:38:25,920
(she wanted you to take care
of yourself.)

656
00:39:08,599 --> 00:39:09,559
Yucheng!

657
00:39:11,719 --> 00:39:12,639
Yucheng!

658
00:39:12,960 --> 00:39:16,639
- Yucheng!
- Yucheng!

659
00:39:16,639 --> 00:39:17,400
Yucheng!

660
00:39:18,199 --> 00:39:19,119
Yucheng!

661
00:39:20,760 --> 00:39:22,000
- Yucheng!
- Yucheng!

662
00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:22,960
Yucheng!

663
00:39:22,960 --> 00:39:23,880
Yucheng!

664
00:39:23,880 --> 00:39:24,519
Yucheng!

665
00:39:24,760 --> 00:39:25,880
Bro.

666
00:39:26,280 --> 00:39:26,960
No.

667
00:39:26,960 --> 00:39:27,880
The heads...

668
00:39:29,519 --> 00:39:30,760
you've got enough now.

669
00:39:32,480 --> 00:39:33,199
No.

670
00:39:33,920 --> 00:39:34,400
No.

671
00:39:35,599 --> 00:39:36,440
From now on,

672
00:39:37,280 --> 00:39:38,400
the road

673
00:39:39,119 --> 00:39:39,679
ahead...

674
00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:43,840
I can't walk it with you anymore.

675
00:39:44,719 --> 00:39:45,480
No.

676
00:39:48,360 --> 00:39:49,239
I'm too tired.

677
00:39:51,199 --> 00:39:52,159
I can't go any farther.

678
00:40:01,440 --> 00:40:03,000
Yucheng!

679
00:40:03,960 --> 00:40:07,599
- Yucheng!
- Yucheng!

680
00:40:10,320 --> 00:40:12,119
Yucheng!

681
00:40:15,320 --> 00:40:16,239
Why?

682
00:40:21,199 --> 00:40:22,039
Yucheng!

683
00:40:22,039 --> 00:40:23,079
Why?

684
00:40:25,199 --> 00:40:27,159
Yucheng!

685
00:40:32,480 --> 00:40:33,639
Why?

686
00:40:35,360 --> 00:40:37,239
Why?

687
00:40:37,440 --> 00:40:39,519
Yucheng!

688
00:40:40,239 --> 00:40:42,599
Yucheng!

689
00:40:45,880 --> 00:40:47,320
16 heads.

690
00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:50,000
Not one short.

691
00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:51,239
From now on,

692
00:40:55,639 --> 00:40:57,920
there won't be a single stain
on your record,

693
00:41:00,440 --> 00:41:02,440
and no one will be able
to threaten you with this again.

694
00:41:07,800 --> 00:41:10,559
You really are something.

695
00:41:11,440 --> 00:41:13,119
My wife was born into a great family

696
00:41:13,679 --> 00:41:15,119
and knows the art of dealing
with people.

697
00:41:16,400 --> 00:41:17,480
She always says a good gift

698
00:41:17,800 --> 00:41:19,039
is what someone needs,
not what's expensive,

699
00:41:20,239 --> 00:41:21,519
something rare, not something ordinary.

700
00:41:22,360 --> 00:41:23,719
So tell me, Commander,

701
00:41:26,199 --> 00:41:27,559
this gift before you...

702
00:41:30,679 --> 00:41:32,360
is it to your liking?

703
00:41:41,079 --> 00:41:42,000
Tell me.

704
00:41:42,519 --> 00:41:43,800
What do you want?

705
00:41:45,760 --> 00:41:46,719
A chance.

706
00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:49,960
And what do you think a chance is?

707
00:41:57,440 --> 00:41:58,280
Fairness.

708
00:41:58,880 --> 00:42:00,000
Fairness?

709
00:42:01,559 --> 00:42:04,320
Fairness means having
what everyone else has.

710
00:42:04,800 --> 00:42:06,800
A chance is something no one else has,

711
00:42:06,800 --> 00:42:08,800
something that's yours alone.

712
00:42:10,239 --> 00:42:11,760
That's why they say

713
00:42:11,880 --> 00:42:13,159
talent is easy to find,

714
00:42:13,159 --> 00:42:14,559
but opportunity is rare.

715
00:42:16,559 --> 00:42:17,719
Young man,

716
00:42:18,639 --> 00:42:20,800
think carefully and tell me.

717
00:42:21,119 --> 00:42:24,000
What is it you truly want?

718
00:42:26,519 --> 00:42:27,880
I want to make something of myself.

719
00:42:29,599 --> 00:42:30,920
I want to rise to the highest ranks.

720
00:42:32,199 --> 00:42:33,800
I want the people I care about

721
00:42:34,440 --> 00:42:36,039
never to be bullied or humiliated again.

722
00:42:41,119 --> 00:42:42,800
I want the brothers at my side

723
00:42:45,559 --> 00:42:47,440
never to die because of me again.

724
00:42:51,280 --> 00:42:52,880
If there is

725
00:42:54,079 --> 00:42:56,000
a road in this world that leads
all the way to the top,

726
00:42:58,800 --> 00:43:00,320
no matter how hard it is,

727
00:43:02,639 --> 00:43:05,159
I'll climb it one step at a time.

728
00:43:09,719 --> 00:43:11,519
Zhao Ling.

729
00:43:12,840 --> 00:43:14,880
Everything you've said is for yourself.

730
00:43:14,880 --> 00:43:16,360
Why should I help you?

731
00:43:17,840 --> 00:43:19,920
Let me answer that for you.

732
00:43:23,159 --> 00:43:24,360
In this world,

733
00:43:25,159 --> 00:43:28,639
few are born with Yu Jingxiu's
advantages.

734
00:43:30,440 --> 00:43:32,519
But there are countless people like you,
Zhao Ling...

735
00:43:33,559 --> 00:43:34,679
born with nothing,

736
00:43:34,679 --> 00:43:37,119
with no family or status behind them.

737
00:43:38,039 --> 00:43:40,159
Only when someone like you rises

738
00:43:40,239 --> 00:43:41,760
will those without privilege

739
00:43:41,760 --> 00:43:43,320
be less easily trampled.

740
00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:45,760
And only when men like you hold power

741
00:43:45,840 --> 00:43:47,559
will there be a little less injustice

742
00:43:48,039 --> 00:43:49,920
in this world.

743
00:43:56,039 --> 00:43:56,840
Am I right?

744
00:44:02,639 --> 00:44:03,400
Zhao Ling.

745
00:44:05,559 --> 00:44:07,639
I need a trusted man.

746
00:44:08,159 --> 00:44:09,519
One with ability

747
00:44:09,519 --> 00:44:11,400
and, more importantly, integrity.

748
00:44:11,719 --> 00:44:13,320
Your methods may be unconventional,

749
00:44:13,320 --> 00:44:15,360
but your purpose must be honorable.

750
00:44:30,079 --> 00:44:31,199
Commander,

751
00:44:31,880 --> 00:44:33,079
I, Zhao Ling,

752
00:44:33,840 --> 00:44:35,559
will serve as the army's vanguard

753
00:44:36,960 --> 00:44:38,400
and pledge my life in loyalty to you.

754
00:44:38,920 --> 00:44:39,840
Zhao Ling.

755
00:44:41,320 --> 00:44:43,480
With your character and ability...

756
00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:46,360
Give me five years.

757
00:44:47,440 --> 00:44:49,199
As long as you remain loyal to me,

758
00:44:49,480 --> 00:44:51,679
I'll see you rise through the ranks.

759
00:44:56,320 --> 00:44:57,760
Thank you, Commander.

760
00:44:58,760 --> 00:44:59,800
Pass down my orders!

761
00:45:00,480 --> 00:45:01,199
Zhao Ling

762
00:45:01,400 --> 00:45:02,599
is reinstated to his former post.

763
00:45:02,960 --> 00:45:04,960
He may enter my command tent
without prior notice.

764
00:45:05,360 --> 00:45:06,000
Effective immediately,

765
00:45:06,480 --> 00:45:07,920
he will march with the army!

766
00:45:10,639 --> 00:45:11,599
Yes, Commander.

767
00:45:21,520 --> 00:45:23,920
(Next Episode)

768
00:45:24,480 --> 00:45:25,760
Go find the Ninth Young Lady!

769
00:45:25,760 --> 00:45:26,400
Enough!

770
00:45:26,800 --> 00:45:28,199
Ever since you came to Ganlin,

771
00:45:28,239 --> 00:45:29,320
because of that woman,

772
00:45:29,400 --> 00:45:30,920
you've been completely out of sorts!

773
00:45:30,920 --> 00:45:32,679
Don't forget
we're your superior officers,

774
00:45:32,679 --> 00:45:33,639
not your fathers!

775
00:45:34,760 --> 00:45:37,719
You brought armed men and forced
your way into my residence today.

776
00:45:37,719 --> 00:45:40,039
You have no respect for the law.

777
00:45:40,159 --> 00:45:41,800
I'll petition the Emperor himself!

778
00:45:41,920 --> 00:45:43,159
Then you,

779
00:45:43,159 --> 00:45:46,000
that wretched woman
you haven't even married,

780
00:45:46,000 --> 00:45:47,639
- and all you
- (Zhao Ling!)

781
00:45:47,679 --> 00:45:49,960
northwestern mongrels

782
00:45:49,960 --> 00:45:51,840
will all come down with me.

783
00:46:06,520 --> 00:46:10,840
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

784
00:46:14,440 --> 00:46:18,800
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

785
00:46:20,920 --> 00:46:25,560
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

786
00:46:25,800 --> 00:46:28,600
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

787
00:46:29,760 --> 00:46:34,400
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

788
00:46:37,600 --> 00:46:44,440
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

789
00:46:45,320 --> 00:46:51,840
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

790
00:46:52,800 --> 00:46:56,240
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

791
00:46:56,760 --> 00:47:00,960
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

792
00:47:01,240 --> 00:47:06,920
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

793
00:47:19,040 --> 00:47:22,920
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

794
00:47:26,840 --> 00:47:30,840
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

795
00:47:32,560 --> 00:47:37,240
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

796
00:47:37,560 --> 00:47:40,240
♪Kept close within my heart♪

797
00:47:41,320 --> 00:47:46,160
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

798
00:47:49,680 --> 00:47:56,600
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

799
00:47:57,480 --> 00:48:03,960
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

800
00:48:04,840 --> 00:48:08,360
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

801
00:48:08,800 --> 00:48:13,160
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

802
00:48:13,360 --> 00:48:19,080
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪