Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 10)

You...

I don't care about fame and gain.

I already stated that I would only serve Princess Royal in this life.

The world can be a witness to my sincerity.

You've underestimated me.

Looks like you've made up your mind.

I won't change my mind.

Very good.

Greetings, Princess Ro...

He is Huai Qing's lapdog.

What do we do, Your Highness?

Since he won't take the polite way,

let him taste the hard way.

Someone, drag him out!

Princess Huai Qing...

Beat him up!

(Linhu House)

Orchids...

Delicate...

Elegant?

Writing poetry is so hard.

If I weren't so short on capable people,

why would I go to such lengths to recruit?

Your Highness.

Well? Has Yang Ling said yes?

He refuses to yield, no matter what.

Didn't I tell you to scare him?

- Did you do that? - Yes.

I even went through all 18 Night Guardian techniques

one by one to frighten him all night.

But he's as stubborn as a mule.

If that doesn't work,

- whip him a few times. - I did.

And I gave him several hard lashes.

And he's still not afraid?

Oh, he's terrified!

So much so that

he passed out twice.

But every time he woke up, he refused to change his mind.

He kept repeating the same thing.

What did he say?

"I swore to follow Huai Qing,

unwavering and loyal to the end."

Those few whips

are nothing but a tickle to me.

I'm at the Qi Refining Realm.

The Night Guardians have far more severe instruments of torture than this.

Aren't these the Night Guardians' torture tools?

Untie him.

Whatever other tricks you've got, bring it on!

Stay still!

Hang on...

I'll give you one last chance.

Who will you follow?

I swore to follow Huai Qing,

unwavering and loyal to the end!

Then there's no other choice.

Take him away.

Wait, where are we going?

I swore to follow Huai Qing,

unwavering and loyal to the end!

Wait, what? That's it? It's over?

My mistress said that since you have no intention of following us,

we won't force you.

- Hang on... - Bye.

Seriously?

You're giving up this easily?

Your Highness.

You sent him away?

Yes, he's gone.

Good.

Let's hope he doesn't go to report this to the authorities.

If the palace finds out, I'll be in trouble.

Your Highness.

- Your Highness. - What is it?

Yang Ling... He...

He went to the authorities?

No, but he's been pacing outside the door,

yelling about the humiliation he suffered all night.

He's demanding to see you and get an explanation.

(Are you kidding me?)

(If I leave now, )

(that would be a huge loss for me!)

Twelve lashes,

a night of humiliation,

I must get an explanation today!

Get your mistress out here to face me!

I'm not seeing him.

- Just get rid of him. - Yes, Your Highness.

Is he gone?

He's still blocking the door.

He's completely impervious

and unyielding.

Now he's even set up a mat.

He says he's not going anywhere

until you agree to see him.

Impressive!

I've never seen someone like him before.

Such unwavering resolve,

it's certainly different from the useless lot at Shaoyin Palace.

What a pity he refuses to serve me.

Your Highness,

what should we do?

How are we going to return to the palace if he stays there every day?

Of course we're going back.

Fine, fine.

Him sitting at the door is drawing too much attention.

I'll go see him myself.

Young Master, why put yourself through this?

You humiliated me all night.

Shouldn't you at least give me an explanation?

It was rash of me.

I had intended to recruit you,

but I didn't expect your unwavering loyalty

and noble character.

Since it's not meant to be,

I wish you a bright future.

Let's move.

Hold on!

You're not even showing your face.

Is this how you apologize?

You make a fair point.

This was

my mistake.

I...

I've been rude.

Greetings, Princess Royal.

Princess Royal?

So you're the Princess Royal.

I was blind not to see it

and almost missed the chance to serve a worthy master.

I forgot to introduce myself.

I am Xu Qi An.

Yang Ling is merely my pen name.

Xu Qi An?

Are you sure that was the Princess Royal's maid?

Of course!

They came all the way to our door.

Doesn't that show how much they value us and their sincerity?

Ci Jiu,

in time,

you too will achieve what Ning Yan has.

Don't lose heart.

Ning Yan, how did it go?

It went well.

I pretended not to know she was the Princess Royal.

Under her threats, temptations,

and thunderous methods,

I demonstrated my unwavering loyalty to her,

passing her test

and gaining the upper hand.

Did the Princess Royal

really not know who you are?

Of course she knew me.

I'm just a pawn she casually placed on the board,

but I'll make sure she realizes

that even a pawn can change the game.

You must have forgotten, Your Highness.

It was you who recommended me to join the Night Guardians.

The Night Guardians?

Huai Qing has a remarkable eye.

She has recruited such talent under her banner.

You're the one that Huai Qing...

That I recommended

to the Night Guardians? That Xu Qi An?

That's right. It's me,

Xu

Qi

An.

- What happened next? - It was easy then.

She couldn't stop praising my poetry.

She recruited me as her guest scholar,

and asked me to write poems for her.

She even invited me to her residence tomorrow for a chat.

Please get up.

I've read your poems before.

Your talent is exceptional.

That's why I specifically recommended you to Lord Wei.

Those small tests earlier

showed me

you are a loyal man,

and I'm quite pleased.

You mentioned

wanting to repay me just now?

It would be my greatest honor.

For Your Highness, a thousand times over.

Very well. Then let me ask you once more,

will you be my guest scholar,

write poetry for me,

and attend the Poetry Conference together?

I swear to serve Huai Qing,

unwavering and loyal to the end!

The Princess Royal is renowned as a talented poetess

with an impeccable reputation.

Why would she need someone to write poetry for her?

That's what we call a "persona."

Persona?

People are complicated.

What you see of her is only what she wants you to see.

Remember this when you join officialdom one day,

it will be immensely helpful to you.

I should learn how to create a persona too.

By the way,

she promised me gold

and made me her guest scholar,

all for the sake of my poetic reputation.

But this is also our opportunity.

Where are the gold?

I didn't take it of course.

Compared to the Princess Royal's favor,

what's a mere thousand gold?

Never trade the greater for the lesser.

True enough.

As long as you win her favor,

you'll never have to fear trouble from your superiors again,

and our family will have a powerful backer, right?

Ning Yan, when you make it big, don't forget about me.

Don't worry, Uncle.

If the Princess Royal thrives,

I thrive.

If I thrive, our family thrives.

Cheers.

Fill Ning Yan's cup.

Ci Jiu, for our family's future,

it's going to be a long night for you.

What for?

You have to grind ink for me.

Got it!

That was a close call.

But your brilliance saved the day, Your Highness.

By switching identities with the Princess Royal,

you completely won his loyalty and devotion.

I never expected

Yang Ling to actually be Xu Qi An.

But disguising myself as Huai Qing

was a risky move.

They say fortune favors the bold.

In my opinion, there's no need to worry.

As long as we keep him from meeting the Princess Royal,

everything will remain under control.

That's easier said than done.

Xu Qi An was recommended by Huai Qing to join the Night Guardians.

It'll be difficult to prevent the two

from meeting.

True enough.

But with the Poetry Conference approaching, without his help,

I stand no chance

of defeating Huai Qing.

So,

what do you intend to do?

Keep him appeased for now.

Get the poems first.

Tomorrow,

after he brings the poems,

we'll figure out a way

to send him away.

Who would've thought that Xu Ning Yan is actually the great poet Yang Ling?

Does that mean the next time we go to the Imperial Music Bureau,

we can have Miss Fu Xiang accompany us

without spending a dime?

He's here.

Yang Ling!

Lower your voice!

Why are you so late?

Something happened at home last night.

I slept late.

Good thing Boss isn't here.

Oh, actually,

he's been here for a while and has been looking everywhere for you.

- Why is he looking for me? - No idea.

But he didn't look too happy

when he noticed you hadn't signed in this morning.

What happens if you miss signing in?

If he lets it slide, you'll just get a scolding and a small fine.

And if he won't let it slide?

Severe punishment.

A harsh scolding.

Boss!

Boss.

How's the file review going?

Very well. I'm carefully going through everything.

Boss, why don't you go have some tea at Chunfeng Hall?

I'll report back to you shortly.

I heard that you're dissatisfied with this file review assignment.

And that you think I'm giving you a hard time.

No.

Not at all.

Who's spreading such nonsense?

Probably Zhao Jia from Weiwu Hall making stuff up.

If you really dislike it,

no need to pretend.

Take to the streets instead.

Taking to the streets? Isn't that a little much, Boss?

Boss, I'll get right back to reviewing files.

I actually prefer reviewing files!

Come on, let's go.

Wait, wait!

Boss, I really enjoy the archives.

I don't think taking to the streets suits me.

Boss!

- Guys... - We'll talk outside.

What exactly is taking to the streets?

What do I have to do?

You're not going to tie me up and parade me around, are you?

Why am I suddenly being sent to the streets?

Winning tile! Eight Bamboos!

Self-drawn!

Can't believe you pulled that off.

Come on, come on.

Next round, I'll catch you.

Come on, next round!

Drawing Eight Circles.

Wait, this is what you do when you patrol the streets?

Patrolling the streets,

it's game first, then patrol.

Dry weather,

be cautious of fire!

Patrol's done! Now, carry on.

With the way you two were acting earlier,

I thought you were going to strip me of my clothes

and parade me around in public.

Turns out, it's just lazing around and having fun?

Who wants to stay cooped up in Chunfeng Hall

when you can patrol the streets?

- This is still considered being on duty. - Yes.

Hurry up and organize your tiles.

I quit. I've lost too much money.

I'll play with you next time.

- Come on, just a few more rounds. - Next time.

Look at this,

we're one short.

- Join us? - No, thanks.

Come on, buddy, join us.

Wen Yang, come on, join us!

I'll pass. I'm busy.

What about you, Yuan?

All my money's with my wife. Sorry.

This bunch of henpecked husbands!

Unbelievable.

Now what?

Ju.

Hey, come play a couple of rounds with us.

Forget it, I'm getting ready for business.

We're just playing a quick hand game.

Stop trying to take advantage of me.

Lan!

What is it?

- Come join us! - Sure thing, I'm coming!

Lan is the best.

By the way, Boss has a temper like a stubborn bull.

Once someone crosses him,

he never lets it go.

He was cursing you out yesterday, wasn't he?

So why did he suddenly change his tune today?

If you see me as a friend, tell me the truth,

did you pull some strings?

Was it the Astronomical Bureau?

Yunlu Academy?

Or maybe...

Yes, it was me.

Since you're now under my wing,

of course I have to look out for you.

I inquired about you within the Night Guardians

and heard that

you don't get along with your superior Lord Li.

So, I instructed Wei Yuan

to ensure you're looked after.

What's the matter?

Did it trouble you?

Not at all.

Your Highness, you're showing such care for me

despite your many responsibilities,

I am so overwhelmed with gratitude.

I can never repay you.

Actually,

you can.

The poem?

Where is the poem?

Here you go, Your Highness.

"In gold cups, clear wine costs ten thousand coins;

in jade plates, rare delicacies worth even more.

Yet, I set down my cup and chopsticks as I cannot eat;

I draw my sword and gaze around,

lost in thought."

A fine poem.

"I wish to cross the Yellow River, but the ice have frozen the stream.

I wish to climb Taihang Mountain, but snow has covered the summit.

In leisure, I fish by the emerald stream,

suddenly..."

Suddenly what?

Suddenly what?

This poem is extremely challenging.

I racked my brains all night

and am still working on it.

Are you satisfied with the first half?

Very satisfied.

When can you finish the second half?

It could take three to five days,

or perhaps as long as a few months.

Poetry comes as an inspiration,

like the clearing sky after a sudden rain,

unpredictable and fleeting.

It's hard to say.

So, according to you,

I'll have to wait for divine intervention

before I can see the rest of the poem?

Not at all.

If I were allowed to accompany you closely,

perhaps inspiration would strike,

like the clouds part for clear skies.

You made a good point.

Gang,

give him a copy of my residence's gate pass.

If you ever need anything,

you can come here anytime.

Whether it's rain or shine,

let's meet every three days.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness, your plans are flawless.

You've got everything under control.

But when did you go to see Lord Wei?

I wasn't aware.

Why would Lord Wei bother with me?

I'm too intimidated to even approach him.

It was Xu Qi An himself who said he wasn't getting along with his superior.

I simply used that to my advantage

to make him feel indebted

and devoted to writing poetry for me.

Brilliant.

But in my opinion,

he seems to be holding back,

as if he's trying to bargain for better terms with you.

I've noticed.

He's no fool,

but he does have genuine talent for poetry.

Just this half-verse is proof of his brilliance.

It seems our plan will need some adjustments.

For now,

we must take a long-term approach,

patience and persistence for his poems.

What do you mean?

Spread the word,

from now on, everyone in this residence

must conduct themselves with discipline,

show proper virtue,

and cultivate refinement.

From this moment on, this place is Huai Qing's residence,

and I am

the Princess Royal.

Yes, Your Highness.

What?

How dare he leave the team without permission!

That Xu Qi An...

Find him and bring him back today!

I'm charging him with dereliction of duty!

Yes, sir!

Xu Qi An!

Yes, sir!

Where were you?

I...

Look at you,

you're not in your uniform,

you're not even wearing your Copper Gong badge!

You're completely disregarding the rules!

Take him to the disciplinary hall.

Give him a severe punishment!

Don't upset him more.

Bear with it. Come on.

Wait!

Since you're now under my wing,

of course I have to look out for you.

I inquired about you within the Night Guardians

and heard that

you don't get along with your superior Lord Li.

So, I instructed Wei Yuan

to ensure you're looked after.

Li Yu Chun!

You've got some nerve!

What is he trying to do?

Step aside, guys.

What... What is he doing?

- You... - Shut up.

I was merely patrolling the streets as usual.

How can you claim

I acted with disregard for the rules?

Leaving your team without authorization

is the definition of disregarding the rules!

Patrolling should mean

surveying the area, investigating thoroughly.

If all we do is follow a predetermined route,

walking back and forth like clockwork

to complete a task,

that's not patrolling,

that's walking a dog!

You're not wearing your uniform or carrying...

Ah, so I didn't wear the uniform, didn't carry the badge,

didn't button my collar, and now I'm damaging the image

of the Night Guardians and becoming a laughingstock, is that it?

Fine, fine! It's always the same complaints with you,

can't you come up with something new?

You... I'm warning you!

Stop mimicking me!

You're completely incorrigible!

Incorrigible?

What exactly am I supposed to repent for?

I've been meaning to ask,

wearing intimidating uniforms is one thing,

but who's the genius that came up

with the rule about banging the gong during patrols?

Every few hundred steps, we clang the gong so loudly

that everyone can hear it.

Everyone knows the Night Guardians are coming.

Aren't we just announcing to the thieves,

"Hey, we're here,

better run now!"?

What's the point of this? Are we shooting a movie here?

Do you think these thieves are stupid?

If we can catch criminals like this, that would be the real joke.

Shooting a movie? What does that mean?

Just a new way of expressing things.

Enough

of your clever wordplay!

Look, everyone,

I'm not making this up.

In just over a month,

I've identified numerous issues within the Night Guardians' operations.

And it's not just limited to us Copper Guardians.

- Guang Xiao! - Yes, sir!

- I mean, what? - Go to the archives

and fetch my white paper for me.

Fine.

Run!

What...

It's been a long time since this office has been so lively.

(I had prepared this for Lord Wei, )

(but today, I'm using it to put you in your place.)

Since you've noticed

so many flaws,

why didn't you bring them up sooner?

How was I supposed to know if some people

wouldn't get rid of it for personal vendettas?

I'll convene the Silver Guardians

to discuss the points you've raised.

If there are indeed problems,

I'll find a way to address and improve them.

Yu Chun,

since you're showing such a good attitude in admitting your mistakes,

fine, I'll go back and do some more research.

Have some tea.

Calm down.

White paper?

The incident began when Xu Qi An left his post without permission

and got into a dispute with Li Yu Chun.

Following that, Xu Qi An produced a white paper

detailing numerous flaws within the Night Guardians' operations.

I've brought it for your review.

Although this young man has a rebellious nature

and appears unconventional,

he is filled with a strong sense of justice

and conducts himself with a methodical approach.

The color of the uniform

and

the gong-striking protocol?

Yes.

Xu Qi An criticized the current design of the Guardians' uniforms

and the practice of striking the gong before making arrests.

He said that if we can still catch thieves

while dressed in uniform and banging the gong,

then those criminals must be incredibly foolish.

He even asked who came up with such a rule.

I did.

Your wisdom is unparalleled, Foster Father!

(Li Yu Chun is all bark and no bite.)

(Now that I've got the Princess Royal in my corner, )

(I'll be running the show)

(in the Night Guardians from now on!)

(April 30th, )

(today marks my 31st day as a Night Guardian.)

(I'm still a Copper Guardian, )

(but I no longer have to review case files)

(because)

(I've hitched my wagon to the Princess Royal.)

(Recently, I've met a talented scholar)

(named Xu Qi An.)

(He thinks I'm Huai Qing)

(and is determined to write poetry for me.)

(As long as I keep cranking out poetry for her, )

(it's only a matter of time before I become one of her trusted confidants.)

(Promotions and pay raises)

(are practically guaranteed.)

(As long as I keep up the act, )

(I'm confident)

(I can outshine Huai Qing at the Poetry Conference)

(and claim the title of Dafeng's best princess.)

- Thanks, Yu Chun. - Go on.

(May 1st, )

(back where I'm from, )

(today is Labor Day, )

(and we'd get a three-day holiday.)

(So I told Li Yu Chun that I wanted to take three days off.)

(As expected, he agreed without a second thought.)

- Bye, Wang. - Bye.

(I know all of this is thanks to the Princess Royal looking out for me.)

(Ci Jiu reminded me)

(that the Princess Royal is incredibly talented)

(and has a deep understanding of poetry.)

(Whenever she encounters a good poem, )

(she always puts on a show, offering her critique.)

(To keep up this charade, )

(I'll have to mimic her.)

(That means)

(I have to brush up on my studies quickly.)

(It seems I need to focus on writing as soon as possible.)

(The quality of my poetry could be a real issue.)

(Every moment from now on)

(must be used wisely)

(if I'm to keep Xu Qi An, such a rare talent, firmly in my grasp.)

(...if I want to stay in the Princess Royal's good graces.)

(Today is the second day of my diligent effort to study Huai Qing.)

Your Highness, it's already noon.

Are you going to get up or not?

Wake me up at dusk.

(I'm drained.)

(I really regret not memorizing more poems before.)

Come on, I'll take you out for some lamb skewers.

(Our next meeting isn't until the day after tomorrow.)

(I might as well give myself a day off today.)

(Balance between work and rest, right?)

(I ended up getting up at sunset again.)

(Well, since our meeting isn't until two days from now, )

(I might as well give myself a day off.)

Gang!

Yes!

Great dance!

Give it to me!

(I wasted yesterday, )

(so today)

(I'm determined to make up for it.)

(I got up early.)

I'm ready to analyze and critique poetry.

(But I really am tired.)

Take Her Highness back to her room.

(Yesterday, I ran into Constable Wang and the guys)

(from the Mount Dahuang case at the Imperial Music Bureau.)

(Reuniting with old friends, )

(of course, meant we drank like there was no tomorrow.)

(So, )

(now I'm hungover.)

(And)

(I just woke up.)

(Getting up early ruins the entire day.)

(I actually passed out.)

(Gang had to call the imperial physician to give me a revitalizing tonic)

(just to get me on my feet.)

(Oh God, )

(what am I going to do?)

(The meeting is tomorrow, )

(and I haven't written a single word yet.)

(What am I supposed to give Her Highness?)

(I haven't even started studying.)

(How am I supposed to critique Xu Qi An's poetry tomorrow?)

(What do I do?)

(Can't we postpone it a few days?)

(Today is May 4th, )

(the day I'm supposed to meet with the Princess Royal.)

(So, )

(I'm going all in!)

Ci Jiu!

Write down everything Princess Huai Qing

usually says for me.

Yes, Your Highness!

Ci Jiu,

let your teacher know,

I'm borrowing the "Encouragement to Study" poem.

Ci Jiu!

Ci Jiu!

My dear brother!

(A whole collection of poems?)

(How am I supposed to critique this?)

(Gang and the others only wrote down a few phrases for me.)

I hold this collection

in the highest regard.

(Her Highness is clearly blown away)

(by my productivity these past few days.)

(She has given me such high praise.)

Xu Qi An, if you don't get that poem back for me today, I'll kill you!

Don't stop me!

I'm going to kill you, I swear!

Get that poem back!

- Get it back! - Come on.

- You keep stepping on me. - Get it back!

Or I'll kill you!

You stepped on me again.

(Looking at the time, )

(another three days remain.)

(In the days ahead, )

(I must stay vigilant)

(and take full control)

(of my destiny.)

Your Highness, want to play shuttlecock?

Take a break and have a drink with me.

Forget it.

(There's still three days left anyway.)

(That's right, )

(plenty of time.)

(Why not...)

(Leave it for tomorrow?)

Wait up!

Buddy, let's drink!

When you're wandering the martial world,

you've got to carry a few blades.

I'm carrying two blades!

I'm carrying seven blades!

I'm carrying three blades!

Oh, I messed that up.

Fly!

Wait.

- Let's go to the theater. - You should've proposed it earlier.

(Chunfeng Hall)

Lord Li.

Boss.

I only approved three days of leave for him.

It's been ten days, and Xu Qi An still hasn't returned to the office.

That scoundrel!

He...

He said he's working on ideas to improve the flaws in our operations,

so he's gone into seclusion to brainstorm.

For ten days?

What is he brainstorming? How to ascend to the heavens?

Listen, go find him right now and bring him back!

Yes, sir!

Lord Li!

Congratulations, Lord Li!

Thanks to your subordinate,

Copper Guardian Xu Qi An.

Using his white paper,

we've improved our methods for solving cases.

And guess what?

The efficiency is incredible.

In just ten days, we've been solving

so many cases that I can barely keep up.

Look at this, the Night Guardians' Fast Banner.

It's now with me.

But don't worry, I've told the higher-ups

that Chunfeng Hall deserves a share of the credit.

Take a look.

You're too kind, Lord Tao.

Lord Li,

I've heard that Xu Qi An is unruly

and doesn't get along with you.

How about you transfer him to Weiwu Hall?

I'll discipline him for you.

What do you say?

No need to trouble yourself.

Chunfeng Hall is a harmonious unit, united from top to bottom,

with no room for such friction.

But I've heard that Xu Qi An hasn't shown up

at Chunfeng Hall for a while.

That's because I've assigned him to work from home.

- That's right. - The office can be noisy

and full of opportunists scheming for personal gain.

He's still young

and inexperienced,

and I worry

he could be influenced or misled,

which might affect his work.

That's very

thoughtful of you, My Lord.

What are you looking at?

How dare he tries to poach people from my Chunfeng Hall.

Boss, do I still need to bring Xu Qi An back?

Just get on with your work.

Got it!

Ci Jiu,

"Diligence is the path up the mountain of books,

and hard work the boat across the sea of learning."

- Write that. - You've used that one.

On your right cheek.

This one?

"Within books lies beauty like jade..."

"Within books lies wealth like gold."

That one's been used too.

It's been four hours,

and you've only come up with three lines, two of which are repeats.

Ning Yan, when will you finish rewriting the Encouragement to Study poem?

Both sides are demanding poems from me.

I'm completely drained

and out of ideas.

Let me eat something and take a break.

If this keeps up,

when will I ever return to the academy?

When will I get to see my teacher again?

This yogurt tastes pretty good. Want some?

No.

Ci Jiu, don't get upset.

I have an idea.

Ning Yan,

why don't you introduce me to the Princess Royal?

I will be her loyal servant.

If I can make her happy,

you won't have to worry about that side anymore,

and you can focus entirely on helping Ci Jiu

finish the Encouragement to Study poem.

How about it?

Ci Jiu, let's continue. I'll think of something.

"You regret not reading more."

Write that.

Used that one already.

Ning Yan, a pretty lady is here to see you!

What pretty lady?

Leave me alone. I'm trying to write poetry.

Here! Just take a look.

Lady Cai Wei?

- You're here to see me? What's the matter? - Not me.

It's Senior Song.

He says there's been progress with that mirror of yours.

Really?

Come with me.

Let's go, let's go! Hurry up!

If you leave, who's going to finish the Encouragement to Study poem?

- Come back, Ning Yan! - Did you ride or fly here?

Mother, what do you think?

It's a fine poem.

Even though it's only half-finished,

the skill is evident.

Lin An,

where have you been finding all these masterpieces and verses?

Mother,

I recently enlisted a guest scholar who has exceptional talent for poetry.

They've prepared many such works for the Poetry Conference.

I believe they'll far

outshine Huai Qing.

This poem is excellent.

My dear Lin An, you will shine brightly at the Poetry Conference

and bring honor to your brother.

Look at you, you seem to have lost weight recently.

The kitchen made your favorite milk snowflake cake today.

Have a taste.

It's good.

Chun Tao, fetch more later and deliver it to Lin An.

Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Mother.

Mother hasn't rewarded me in so long.

It's a shame the Noble Consort

doesn't know you stopped liking sweets a while ago.

But she must still care about me,

or she wouldn't send me desserts.

This is all thanks to Xu Qi An,

I should reward him.

Where is he today?

He's been at home all day

and hasn't checked in with the Night Guardians yet.

But based on his usual routine,

he'll likely stop by a tavern to buy wine around dusk.

What about Huai Qing?

What's her schedule today?

Today is

the 25th,

it's the Princess Royal's study day at the Astronomical Bureau.

With Xu Qi An, I'll never have to go to the Bureau again.

Your Highness!

- Your Highness! - We're here.

- Your Highness! - We're here.

Your Highness!

- Your Highness! - Catch your breath and then speak.

Xu Qi An has gone to the Astronomical Bureau!

What?