Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 26)

3,000-li massacre.

What did he mean by that?

What you see now is everything I saw back then.

3,000-li massacre.

This man was killed in a remote mountain not far from the capital,

likely ambushed and murdered.

There's been frequent conflict in the north.

Dafeng has suffered consecutive defeats.

3,000-li massacre.

It's such a major event, and yet I've heard nothing about it before.

This is serious. I must report this to Lord Wei immediately.

Wait.

Take him with you.

Thank you.

Lord Wei.

How dare you, Xu Qi An? Coming upstairs without reporting first!

Lord Wei, I have urgent matters to report.

You have 15 minutes.

Yes, My Lord.

What is this?

Enough already.

If you keep this up, the entire Dafeng will know

we've entered the city in three days.

Can't you tone it down a little?

My charm spell has never failed before.

Why doesn't it work on Young Master Xu?

Ordinary men might fall for your tricks,

but he's not one of them.

(Chuzhou)

3,000-li massacre?

You suspect the Lord of the North stationed in Chuzhou

of falsifying military reports?

It wouldn't be surprising if he did.

What puzzles me is

why the court hasn't received

any intelligence about it.

At the start of the year, I redeployed most of our spies

to the northeast.

I left very few in the north.

Plus, the Lord of the North has turned Chuzhou

into an impenetrable fortress.

We rarely receive news from there.

If he's deliberately covering this up,

it's nearly impossible

for the court to uncover it.

(He moved all the spies to the northeast?)

(What is Lord Wei plotting?)

So, how should we proceed

with this matter, My Lord?

Leave this to me.

I'm going to the palace.

Rou,

bring him along.

You're coming with me.

Yes, Foster Father.

You're saying there's someone more powerful helping Young Master Xu?

Hard to say,

but that black blade of his is no ordinary weapon.

And

for a mere Silver Guardian

to take on my spear head-on?

Xu Qi An is definitely more than he appears.

Hoping he'll fall for your charms?

That's wishful thinking.

If he's so capable,

why don't you tell him about my problem?

Everything has its timing and priority.

Besides,

I'm not going to share your story

with someone I don't fully trust.

So you're gauging his character.

So? Does he pass your test?

We're here.

(Xu Residence)

Ladies, who are you looking for?

Xu Qi An.

I did not come here

to argue with you all.

The northern front is in dire straits.

The Kui Tribe is amassing their forces for an impending attack.

War is imminent.

So, Your Majesty, I am here to request

300,000 taels of silver for military expenses

and 250,000 bushels of rations

to address

the urgent crisis.

Your Majesty,

in the 36th year of Yuanjing reign,

Jiangzhou suffered devastating floods, Jingzhou endured a severe drought,

and Jingzhou faced a locust plague.

The court has allocated resources for disaster relief multiple times.

Our main granaries in Yuzhou and Zhangzhou

are nearly empty.

We cannot spare the resources.

How about redistributing supplies from other provinces?

That would be inadvisable.

Your Majesty, even with canal transport,

transferring grain and supplies from distant provinces

would involve significant wear and tear on carriages and animals.

It's costly and time-consuming.

By the time the supplies reach the border in Chuzhou,

what remains will likely be insufficient.

This plan

is unfeasible.

Your Majesty, I have a proposal.

We can implement a temporary corvee labor system,

specifically for grain transport.

We can order commoners to deliver grain and fodder to the border.

Such a system would ensure minimal loss of supplies during transport

and significantly reduce the financial burden of moving these goods.

Your Majesty, under your benevolent rule,

you have always sought to protect the people.

It is now the spring planting season,

a critical time for farmers.

We mustn't impose additional labor requirements.

Moreover, after last year's natural disasters,

the people are already short on food reserves.

This proposal is tantamount to oppressing the people further

and driving them to desperation.

Such a plan would devastate the nation.

- Lord Cao must be condemned! - You...

Chief Advisor Wang, your compassion for the people is admirable.

However, are the people of Chuzhou

not also citizens of Dafeng?

Your Majesty, you may not be aware,

but the Kui Tribe is advancing aggressively.

Several major battles have erupted since the end of last year.

His Lordship has led our forces with bravery and brilliant strategy.

Even though we've secured key victories,

our troops

are exhausted.

Therefore, Your Majesty, I implore you

to quickly allocate grain and funds

so our soldiers know

that the court

values their efforts and sacrifices.

Your Majesty, please consider the plight of the common people.

Such a matter requires careful deliberation.

Wei Yuan,

you are an expert in military law.

What is your view on this?

Thank you.

Ning Yan should be back soon.

Please wait here for him.

We apologize for coming unannounced.

Ling Yue.

Ling Yue.

I'm going to take a bath.

Do you know where Ning Yan leaves the soap?

Go back to your room first. I'll get it for you.

You have guests?

Miss, wait.

Was that young man

your second brother?

Yes, that's my second brother, Xu Xin Nian.

He's Xu Qi An's cousin brother, Xu Xin Nian?

A scholar from Yunlu Academy?

That's right.

It's just that the imperial examinations are around the corner.

To focus on my study, I'm currently in seclusion in the academy.

I can't spare the time.

Why don't you just go ask my elder brother?

Miss?

It's nothing.

Go and do what you have to do.

He said he was going into seclusion to study.

Turns out he just doesn't want to see us.

And after all the effort you put into helping him.

Men.

Mistress?

Mistress, where are you going?

Excuse me, where is Xu Xin Xian?

- The opposite room. - Thank you.

Who are you?

Ling Yue, just leave the soap on the desk.

I'll take it myself.

Ling Yue, you...

Who are you?

How did you get in?

Get out!

Who are you?

Get out!

- Help! - Shut up!

- Assassin! - Why are you like this?

Your Majesty,

during peacetime,

military households cultivate military fields to be self-sufficient.

However, once war breaks out,

the court must allocate supplies and provisions to the troops.

This is a well-established principle.

But before addressing that,

I have something important to report.

What is it?

One of my Copper Guardians discovered

a group of martial artists

engaged in a deadly brawl on the outskirts of the capital.

He intervened to stop them,

but the larger group

not only refused to stop but turned on them,

killing the one who tried to break up the fight before fleeing.

Just before he died, the victim shouted,

"There is a military revolt in the North."

A military revolt in the North? It's not surprising.

The Kui Tribe has been pillaging, burning, and killing indiscriminately,

trying to provoke a war.

- That's why they... - So...

So, the Kui Tribe has carried out

a 3,000-li massacre in the north.

General Chu,

you're trying

to brush it off

as mere pillaging and plundering?

Wei Yuan.

What do you mean by

3,000-li massacre?

Your Majesty,

nothing like that happened.

Shut up.

Do you have proof?

Your Majesty,

I've brought the victim.

The body is just outside the palace gates.

You can send someone to examine it.

The deceased

was from the northern territories.

You're claiming there's a military revolt with just one body,

- Lord Wei, that's just... - Examine the body.

Examine the body!

Yes, My Lord.

Summon a sorcerer from Astronomical Bureau

to the palace for questioning.

Everyone else,

wait outside.

You.

Stay.

What are you guys doing?

Help!

Shut up!

Miss, who are you?

I really don't know you.

At least let me put on some clothes first.

You call me Miss?

Still pretending you don't know me?

I really don't know you.

Oh, very clever, Xu Xin Nian!

Pretending not to know me after what I did for you, huh?

You... Who the hell are you?

What's going on here?

Looks like Xin Nian owes her something

and is pretending not to know her.

Looks like Xin Nian has really grown up.

Congratulations, Uncle.

Not so fast.

From what I hear,

this kid is trying to weasel his way out of it.

That's why she's mad at him.

But, well,

I suppose this does mean he's matured.

Still, this isn't right.

How can he just refuse to take responsibility?

Refuse to take responsibility?

Deny everything?

And he calls himself a scholar.

Why is there no sound now?

Young Master Xu, you're back.

Yes, I'm back.

What are you doing here?

Mistress and I have come to see you.

Don't tell me the one inside is...

Oh, no.

Let's just wait.

This is the price you have to pay

for lying to me.

What are you doing here?

Lord Wei,

is this true?

Minister,

do you think I would joke about something like this?

I wouldn't dare.

It's just that

if this so-called "3,000-li massacre"

is true,

how many lives in the northern territories would already be lost?

The Night Guardians' network has informants everywhere.

How is it that we've heard nothing about this until now?

His Majesty requests all officials

to return to the Imperial Study.

After you, Lord Wei.

Your Majesty, I've used the Qi Observation technique to assess him.

Everything Chu Xiang Long said is true. He wasn't lying.

Thank you, Official Song.

I don't know where you got that information, Lord Wei,

but it nearly caused His Majesty to misunderstand His Lordship.

As far as I recall,

His Lordship hasn't wronged you in any way, has he?

Your Majesty, this matter is far too serious to dismiss.

While what he says may be true,

the situation in the north

might not be as straightforward as it seems.

Lord Wei, what do you mean by this?

Your Majesty, Lord Wei has a point.

This is a grave matter and must not be taken lightly.

A thorough investigation is necessary.

How should we investigate?

Your Majesty, you could continue mobilizing grain and military supplies

to Chuzhou

while dispatching an imperial envoy team to accompany the shipment

and investigate the northern territories.

I second this proposal.

I second it.

I second it.

I second it.

So, he doesn't know you.

- That's exactly how it should be. - You're lying to me too.

You'll pay an even heavier price for this.

You don't understand.

My brother is a student at Yunlu Academy,

the most prestigious institution for scholars in the entire land.

- He's also... - Get to the point!

Alright, alright, the point.

The point is his future career.

- His future career? - Yes.

Think about it. As a student of Yunlu Academy,

he is incredibly talented and destined to join the court,

to become a minister who serves the people.

If certain shady individuals find out

he's been associating with powerful figures from various factions,

they'll use it to discredit him.

If that happens, how will he ever serve the people?

You know how the political arena works.

Then...

Then...

Even so, I helped him!

You did help him. That's why he asked me to help you in return.

He's just a scholar, he's got no skills to speak of.

What do you expect him to do?

You don't even know how he cried and pleaded with me.

He said, "My benefactor has arrived,

but I can't acknowledge her or repay her kindness.

I'm such a terrible man!"

Look, he even gave me the Jade Mirror

just so I could assist you with everything I've got.

And what do you do? You show up and beat him senseless

without even hearing him out!

I feel so bad for him.

I really didn't expect

No. 3 to be this kind of person.

Hang in there, son!

We'll be there soon!

I didn't see that coming either.

You seem to know a lot about Tiandi Society.

Of course.

Most of No. 3's affairs in the capital are handled by me.

What can I say?

As the eldest brother, I have to take responsibility.

Taking on more work is part of the deal.

Fine. I get what No. 3 meant now.

Su Su.

Su Su, why are you playing around on someone else's bed again?

Pay up!

Sorry for the trouble today.

We will take our leave now.

I won't see you out then.

Let's go.

I'll pass the message along to him.

Mistress, my matter hasn't been settled yet!

How am I supposed to settle it now?

Sure, I helped him before,

but today I gave him a beating.

That evens the score.

How can I possibly ask him to help after that?

Look, I'll figure out another way to help you, alright?

But we don't know anyone else in the capital.

Who else can we ask to go to the Ministry of Personnel for us?

At worst,

I'll sneak in with you

in the dead of night.

Mistress, stop joking.

This is the capital.

That kind of stunt won't work here like it did in Yunzhou.

Do you really think the Ministry of Personnel can stop me?

What do you want from the Ministry of Personnel?

Father?

You're awake.

- Ling Yue? - You're awake!

- Xin Nian, you're finally awake. - Thank goodness!

This is a clinic.

The doctor has checked you.

Are you feeling unwell anywhere?

Father, Ling Yue, turn around at once! Don't look at me.

This is improper!

Turn around now!

Fine, fine.

We're family. Why are you making such a fuss?

So fussy.

Father,

when you brought me here,

did you make sure I was dressed properly?

You were dying! Do you really think I had time to worry about that?

If I hadn't rushed you over,

you wouldn't even be awake right now.

The doctor said

you just caught a little chill on the way.

One dose of medicine and you'll be fine.

Then...

Did anyone see my face

on the way here?

The doctor at the clinic near the alley wasn't in,

so we had to run through a street,

then two more alleys before we found this place.

So, um...

I think

probably

everyone saw it.

- Nian? - Xin Nian?

- Nian? - Xin Nian?

Doctor!

He passed out again!

He passed out again!

They are sending a team to the north

to investigate the 3,000-li massacre?

This matter is of utmost importance.

His Majesty is still deliberating on

who will oversee the investigation.

It's not going to be me, is it?

You're just a Silver Guardian.

The lead investigator will need to command all three divisions.

You're not qualified for that yet.

Yes, yes, of course.

By the way,

how is Li Miao Zhen these days?

She's doing well. She's settling into life in the capital nicely.

Remember,

her identity is sensitive. It's not safe for her to stay here for long.

Find a way to get her out of the city.

That

might be a little tricky.

Why?

Li Miao Zhen came to the capital to investigate something.

She won't leave until she gets to the bottom of it.

Plus, in my eagerness to uncover the truth

behind the 3,000-li massacre.

I already promised to lend her a hand.

What did you promise her?

Sit down and tell me.

We're going to the Ministry of Personnel to investigate Su Su's father.

Why would you need to go to the Ministry to look into her father?

Su Su's father's name is Su Hang.

He was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations

during the 29th year of Zhende reign.

In the 14th year of Yuanjing reign,

he was promoted as His Majesty's imperial chronicler.

After that, he disappeared without a trace.

It's unknown whether he's still alive.

For over 20 years, there's been no news of him.

So you believe that since he came to the capital to take up his post,

the Ministry of Personnel must have some records about him?

The Ministry of Personnel?

Please punish me for not reporting it to you before.

It's fine.

Trading information about the massacre

for this matter seems fair enough.

Thank you for your understanding.

But with my abilities,

there's no way I can access the Ministry's archives.

Thankfully, we have you.

With your influence,

I'm sure it's not a problem.

Rest assured, as soon as this matter is resolved,

I'll send her out of the city.

The Ministry of Personnel is a restricted area,

not somewhere the Night Guardians can just waltz into.

Besides,

it's under Wang Zhen Wen's jurisdiction,

which makes it even harder to enter.

However,

if it's just about reviewing the files,

there's no need for the Night Guardians to act directly.

I have someone in mind

who can make it happen.

Who?

Your cousin brother, Xu Xin Nian.

Ci Jiu.

I fixed the window for you.

Why don't you go check it?

Xin Nian, look.

I made you a new robe.

It has your favorite cloud motif.

Why don't you try it on?

- Yes, try it on. - Try it on.

See if it fits.

Xin Nian.

Xin Nian.

Xin Nian, I heard you went to the clinic.

Are you feeling unwell?

He's fine.

He's totally fine.

- Right? - Are you really fine?

Mother, don't worry.

Xin Nian may look frail,

but he's always been in good health.

He just studies too hard sometimes.

It's normal to feel a little tired,

right, Xin Nian?

I'm glad you're fine.

I made some lotus seed soup for you myself.

Xin Nian, put this aside.

Take a break. Have it first.

Is he under too much pressure?

You are studying hard.

With your talent,

you're bound to succeed in this year's imperial examinations.

But you know, balance is the key,

rest and work go hand in hand.

How about we

take a break today and relax a little?

Aren't you still in the middle of your kitchen chores? Go finish them.

That can wait.

- Go on. - Look at him, he's under so much pressure.

Let me talk to him.

Xin Nian, I just remembered a funny story

I overheard when I was out on the street earlier.

Apparently, a young man

had a sudden health scare

and

ended up running through the streets completely...

Completely naked!

They say he's quite handsome too.

So, my friends and I made a little wager,

we bet on whether or not this poor guy

would ever show his face in public again.

Isn't that funny?

So funny.

Not funny?

It's hilarious.

He was naked.

It wasn't funny?

Mother, please stop adding fuel to the fire.

What fuel?

What fire?

How am I adding fuel to the fire?

I'm not adding fuel to anything!

Honey, how am I... Honey? Hey?

What does that mean?

Ci Jiu?

Ci Jiu?

I'm coming in.

Ci Jiu?

Where is he?

He's not back yet?

Ci Jiu, what are you doing here?

What do you want?

Well, your voice sounds strong,

so I can relax now.

I got you

some premium medicinal herbs to help you recover.

Ci Jiu,

I have a favor to ask of you.

The Ministry of Personnel.

Yes, I need access to the Ministry of Personnel.

If even a Night Guardian like you can't get in,

how am I supposed to help you?

I asked Lord Wei the same question,

but he told me everything would work out

as long as I came to you.

Nonsense.

Someone like Lord Wei wouldn't just say...

What's wrong? Did something come to mind?

Nothing.

Ci Jiu, don't keep anything from me.

If you really have a way,

you'd be doing me a huge favor.

Come on, think again.

- Think carefully. - It's not that I don't want to help you.

It's just...

I do have a friend who might be able to make this happen.

But...

But

she might not want to see me.

You've got to at least try.

How will you know if you don't?

Just give it a try. Just a try.

I'll think about it.

Alright. Take your time.

Take a break. I'll give you a massage.

This way.

Gently.

So, Lin An is on her way back?

Yes. Upon hearing of Xu Qi An's death,

Princess Lin An got Lady Yu settled in as soon as she could

and set off.

But...

But what?

In her haste, Princess Lin An took a wrong route.

She could have arrived in the capital in three days

by staying on the main road,

but instead, she tried to take a shortcut

and ended up in the Heifeng Forest.

The forest is riddled with bandits.

So, to ensure her safety,

we secretly contacted the local authorities

to wipe out the entire group.

Just as Her Highness exited the forest,

she wandered into the Sandstorm Ravine,

an area surrounded by desert.

After trekking for half a day,

she nearly collapsed from dehydration.

We had no choice but to reveal ourselves,

disguising as a merchant caravan to rescue her.

Your instructions were for us to protect her from the shadows.

I have failed you, Your Highness.

Please punish me.

I appreciate your hard work.

Where is she now?

Your Highness, if you don't mind,

from now on,

I can be your friend.

Boatman, could you please go faster?

"Bridge Meixi at me meet please?"

What is this?

It's "Please meet me at Meixi Bridge."

Ci Jiu, why are you putting these up?

It's a code I arranged with her.

A signal using a lantern.

If she agrees to meet up,

she'll meet me at Meixi Bridge tomorrow.

A secret code?

How mysterious.

Who is this person anyway?

You'll find out tomorrow.

(Meixi Lake)

(Meixi Lake)

Ci Jiu,

it's past the agreed time.

I don't think she's coming.

Let's wait a little longer.

She must have been delayed by something.

Aren't you hot?

Why don't you come and have some watermelon?

Stop talking nonsense.

That's improper behavior.

Boss, give me another slice!

You got it!

This is so good. I'll take all your watermelons today.

Boatman.

Thank you for your hospitality these past two days.

If you ever need anything,

you can find me at the Linhu House in the capital.

It's my pleasure, miss.

Go take care of your business now.

- Don't let me hold you up. - Thank you.

Guys, come on out!

The mission to escort the princess has been successfully completed.

Well done, everyone!

Follow me back to the palace to claim your reward.

Yes!

Shopkeeper, bring me some wine.

Coming!

- Please enjoy. - Thank you.

Did you enjoy the food?

Yes.

- Where are we going next? - The theater.

Gentlemen, you haven't paid for your drinks yet.

Know your place.

Let's go.

Aren't you forgetting something?

Pay your bill.

Do you even know who you're talking to?

If you're smart, you'll step aside. Or...

How dare you! Assaulting him in broad daylight!

Never mind.

It's fine, miss. I don't need the money.

I don't need it anymore.

I'll say it again.

- Pay your bill. - You have a death wish!

Guys, arrest her!

They are wanted criminals. Apprehend them! Go!

This is stupid.

It was our mistake. We didn't recognize you.

Please show mercy and forgive us, My Lord!

Get out of here.

Wait.

Pay the bill.

Scram!

I broke some stuff.

These should be enough.

It's more than enough.

Thank you, miss. Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You're a pretty good fighter.

You're not bad too.

It's just a shame about the fine wine,

wasted because of the fight.

Ci Jiu,

it's been six hours.

Are we really going to keep waiting?

Yes.

Boss, I'll take two slices of watermelon.

Alright.

I thought you didn't want them?

Stop talking nonsense and just eat your slices.

I am eating.

Boss, another two slices, please.

You look like you're melting.

There's no rush. Enjoy them slowly.

Two more slices, please.

Ci Jiu, another four hours have passed.

We can't keep waiting.

If I wait any longer, my stomach's going to explode.

I really don't think your friend is coming.

Looks like she really doesn't want to see me.

Who exactly is this person?

Whenever I released the sky lanterns from home,

she would always show up the next day.

Not once did she let me down.

But now...

Even two blades of grass entwine steadfastly,

yet human hearts

are less resolute than grass.

Exactly. If she wasn't coming, couldn't she at least have sent word?

Unbelievable.

Wait a minute.

When you say "from home,"

which home are you talking about?

That's it! The location changed!

It's not that she doesn't want to see me.

It's not that at all!

Let's go.

Let's go.

(Your Highness, the journey is too long for you.)

(Traveling back to the capital alone is far too dangerous.)

(Xu Qi An is dead. He's dead!)

(I have to see him one last time!)

(Xu Qi An, wait for me.)

(I command you to wait for me!)

Are you looking for someone?

The Xu family moved away a long time ago.

(Meixi Bridge)

Ci Jiu, isn't this a little over the top?

The wind is strong tonight.

We have to make sure they don't fly away.

Ning Yan, hold onto the string. Don't let go.

I'll be ready soon.

Relax. Don't you trust me?

You're the last person I can trust.

Then you can go ask your dad for help instead.

Xu Qi An!