Original subtitles

[Episode 5]

I can help Your Majesty

take care of Lu Chang Fu's case.

But I

have three conditions.

First,

I'll deal with all obstacles and enemies blocking Your Majesty's way.

In return, Your Majesty must help me

clear the name of the Heiyun Cavalry,

restore the reputation of our family,

and find justice for my brother.

Back then, General Xiu Wen said

he entered the Capital following the late emperor's edict.

But he could not show the edict.

So...

Without the edict,

it will be difficult to overturn the case.

When I was in prison,

Marquis Muyang told me

that he had destroyed the edict.

Marquis Muyang was outrageous.

Your Majesty, do you believe me?

I believe you, Cousin.

If Marquis Muyang is killed,

there may be a chance.

Okay.

You have my word.

Before Marquis Muyang is dead,

the court will never find peace.

Secondly, I request the power of investigation.

I want access to all archives

and documents of the six ministries.

I shall have the right to

summon anyone involved in the case for questioning.

I also request the power of arrest.

For any official below the fifth rank involved in the case,

I can skip the Dali Court

and send them to the imperial prison.

I request the right to submit secret reports.

Information gathered by my detectives

within the Capital's districts

shall be reported directly to Your Majesty.

Thirdly,

I want a person.

Lady. This is our new osmanthus cake. It is soft and not too sweet.

Even the prefects' ladies specifically asked for it.

- Alright. - This way.

[Qingfeng Mingyue Tower]

If Lu Chang Fu manages to go to Huaixi,

it'll be impossible to solve the arms case,

and it will be even harder

to take down Marquis Muyang.

His Majesty's message is clear.

Lu Chang Fu

cannot leave the Capital alive.

Okay.

Then let's kill him.

Poison, sword, fire, or drowning.

What do you prefer, Your Highness?

Lu Chang Fu is guilty of heinous crimes.

Though we can't get him legally punished now,

he must die.

What do you think, Cousin?

I think

if he is to die,

he should die before all the officials,

in broad daylight.

But Mother...

After all, Your Majesty shall come first.

But Marquis Muyang has eight evil subordinates.

Zhou Cheng Xiang,

Wen Zhong and Lv Cheng have all been executed.

And Lu Chang Fu will also be dead soon.

Then, should we kill the rest?

Those with blood on their hands

should all be killed.

Have you thought this through?

If we kill Lu Chang Fu,

Marquis Muyang will surely seek revenge.

My family was ruined,

and so am I now.

Why should I be afraid of Marquis Muyang's revenge?

So are you?

You are married.

You have a wife.

Ye Li.

You can leave now.

Where would I go?

Anywhere.

You married me to leave Li Mountain.

We have been married

for some time now.

I can report to the Empress Dowager

that you and I

are incompatible,

and request a divorce.

You can either return to your maiden family,

or leave the Capital.

It's a big world.

You can go anywhere.

Why are you looking at me?

I think you're acting strange today.

You keep urging me to leave.

And you say I can go anywhere.

Are you plotting a rebellion?

Don't talk nonsense.

I'm doing this for your own good.

Drink the soup. That's really for my good.

Otherwise, if it gets cold, I'll have to heat it again.

If you just want to repay me

for saving you in the desert back then,

you can count the snacks you gave me when I was

locked in the prisoner cart as your repayment.

After all, without those snacks,

I wouldn't have survived the hardships of prison.

You remembered me?

Why didn't you tell me?

I thought you had forgotten.

On our wedding day,

you told me

it was our first time meeting.

Wasn't it you who had forgotten?

When did you remember me?

Did you recognize me at first sight,

or was it only later?

I'm talking to you about divorce.

My question is also important.

Since we both want an answer first,

why don't we let the coin decide?

If it's the side with "Xi De Tong Bao,"

I'll listen to you.

We'll continue talking about divorce.

If it's side with the star and moon pattern,

then you'll listen to me.

We'll talk about

when you remembered me.

[Xi De Tong Bao]

Fine.

I'll do as fate says.

We'll talk about what happened before,

and then the divorce.

Tell me now.

When did you remember me?

It's the fifth watch, the hour of Yin.

Early to bed, early to rise.

Take care of yourself.

[Lu's Mansion]

The hour of Yin is when officials go to court.

From Chongren Ward through Yanximen Street,

and then to the Imperial City,

it's such a long way.

No matter how careful we are,

there will inevitably be oversights.

We can set an ambush in advance.

When he passes by, we'll shoot arrows.

We'll make sure he won't leave alive.

It's difficult.

You should know,

Lu Chang Fu's carriage is no ordinary one.

It doesn't look special,

but actually,

it's double-layered elm reinforced with steel.

Moreover, the carriage is surrounded by expert fighters.

We can have a try,

but if we don't kill him in one strike,

it will only alert him.

It won't be easy to kill him after that.

From Daming Palace's Longwei Road to Danque Gate,

officials must walk unarmed.

Inside the Imperial Palace,

Lu Chang Fu isn't allowed to bring his bodyguards.

When the court assembly is finished,

the Imperial Guards will pass

cross halberds for the shift change.

Besides, the defense there is weak.

It's the perfect place for his death.

Okay.

Then our men

will hide in the high buildings.

- Commissioner Lu. - Alright.

Alright.

- Alright. - Congratulations, Commissioner Lu.

Commissioner Lu.

Congratulations, Commissioner Lu.

Congratulations, General...

no, I mean, Commissioner Lu.

[Lv Cheng] [Zhou Cheng Xiang] [Wen Zhong]

By the way, someone from the Ye family came.

They said next month is Madam's birthday.

They want you back for a reunion dinner.

A reunion dinner?

Your Majesty. Her Majesty.

Marquis Muyang was unwell,

so he didn't attend court.

In the Capital's districts,

four high-ranking officials have been killed in succession.

Though we have investigated day and night,

we have no leads.

I...

am too ashamed to lead the office.

I beg Your Majesty for punishment.

Minister Gongshu, that's not necessary.

The bandits are getting bold.

First, they killed Yuan Fang,

and now the four court officials.

They are so ruthless.

It's impossible for you to stop them by yourself.

I can't blame it only on you.

Besides, you have led the office for six years,

and overturned 36 wrongful cases.

Mother and I are well aware of your service.

Do not mention punishment again.

What do you think, Mother?

Your Majesty is correct.

Thank you, Your Majesties, for your mercy.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.

Huaixi is the strategic key to the Jianghuai region.

Now that its commissioner, Lu Chang Fu, is dead,

I think

we must find a capable person for the position now.

Does anyone have a recommendation?

I have a recommendation.

I think Gongshu Yang is fit for this position.

During the Huaizhou army revolt in the fifth year of Xide,

as the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture,

he oversaw the transport of Jianghuai grain.

He defeated thirteen groups of pirates.

He is a capable official.

Minister Gongshu's achievements are indeed remarkable.

Moreover, he was handpicked by Mother.

He is a man of noble character.

Since Huaixi is currently in peril,

we need exactly someone

loyal and diligent like him.

What do you think, Mother?

Your Majesty makes a point.

Minister Gongshu,

are you willing to take the position?

I...

am willing.

I shall follow the arrangements of Your Majesties.

Okay.

Draft the decree.

Yes.

Promote Governor Gongshu Yang to the Acting Chancellor of War

and appoint him as Huaixi Military Commissioner.

Give him the Qilin Tally and the Golden Armor.

He shall leave the Capital for his position three days later.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Since Governor Gongshu is promoted to Huaixi Military Commissioner,

the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture position is now vacant.

We should find a person for that position.

You are right.

I think,

with the bandits out of control,

this person must have military experience

to deal with these evil bandits.

Do you have a recommendation?

Prince Ding,

Mo Xiu Yao.

Minde Hall was

quite a scene today.

Murong Shen recommended you as Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture.

Zhang Heng Yuan was the first to stand out and object.

He said you...

It's his word.

He called you a cripple and a man in disgrace.

He said you cannot handle such a heavy responsibility.

Marquis Muyang's other lackeys were even worse.

They said you haven't left home for years,

and that you're eccentric, refusing to socialize with anyone.

You can't manage the affairs of the Capital Prefecture

and ensure the city's security.

You don't need to repeat every word.

I just want to make it clear.

Don't interrupt.

At that critical moment,

guess what happened?

Jin, have a guess.

Duke of Huaguo stepped forward

to support you.

Duke of Huaguo?

Yeah. Duke of Huaguo.

He hasn't spoken in court for years.

I wonder why he spoke up today.

At first, Murong Shen's men and Marquis Muyang's men were arguing endlessly.

They couldn't reach consensus.

But the Duke of Huaguo represents the military of our country.

As soon as he spoke up,

those who supported you had the upper hand.

They totally beat those who objected.

Those who objected couldn't do anything.

Then you were officially chosen.

Her Majesty didn't stop it?

Maybe because of the power of Duke of Huaguo.

Wrong.

Although Marquis Muyang was once favored by Her Majesty,

he is now a thing of the past.

The one who is truly in favor now

is Gongshu Yang.

Look at His Majesty.

He gave him such a lucrative position in Huaixi.

But Her Majesty couldn't say a word.

His Majesty's open scheme

is truly impressive.

No wonder he can be the emperor.

You talk as if you were at court today.

While I stayed home,

I was always the first to know.

That is what I'm capable of.

But we didn't

kill Lu Chang Fu.

Then who did?

Did His Majesty say anything?

If it is one of Lu Chang Fu's victims,

with no other crimes to his name,

His Majesty will forgive him.

I must say, this person is quite something.

If you can find him, you should recruit him.

By the way, the capital's new governor

is about to take office.

Any thoughts?

I think

you've been here a long time.

It's time to leave.

I heard that a few days ago,

Her Highness burned down your study.

That's quite a loss.

With Her Highness's temper,

you're in for a hard time.

Feng Zhi Yao.

You dare to plant spies in my place?

You've got some nerve.

I wouldn't dare.

Where is Her Highness?

Her Highness

went out early this morning.

[Seven Men of Li Mountain]

[My Late Teachers and Friends, Seven Men of Li Mountain]

Back then, Lu Chang Fu framed you all

and burned you to death.

We have avenged you.

You can rest in peace.

Are you alright?

Did you eat too much this morning?

I didn't eat anything at all this morning.

It's because of the boatman.

He kept swaying the boat back and forth.

It made me so dizzy.

We're leaving soon.

Aren't you going to say goodbye to your senior disciples?

No.

Let's go home.

Please enjoy your meal.

What's your next move?

It's my grandmother's birthday next month.

I plan to return to my maiden family's manor.

Will you tell them?

I have to tell them sooner or later.

Just be careful in everything you do.

Back at Suixue Pass,

someone tried to take Yuan Fang from us.

And this time,

on the same day we planned to take action,

someone killed Tian Feng, Chen Feng Yuan, and Lu Zhi.

Someone else must also be targeting

Marquis Muyang behind his back.

They might even have their eyes on us.

I'll be careful.

I haven't found any clues

about those at Suixue Pass.

They are disciplined and strategic,

and they are good at martial arts.

If we can get any clues,

we should find them out.

If we can't,

we won't necessarily need to find them.

From what we currently know,

they may not be our enemies.

Let them be as long as they don't get in our way.

Do you think

the ones who secretly killed Tian Feng and the others

could be the same people

from that day at Suixue Pass?

Are they all

His Majesty's men?

They might not necessarily be His Majesty's men.

If not, then who do they work for?

Don't tell me it's Her Majesty's men

who are fighting among themselves.

Currently in the court,

one side is with His Majesty and Her Majesty,

and the other is with the Duke of Huaguo.

Tian Feng and the others served Marquis Muyang.

Now that they are dead,

whoever benefits most from this

should be the mastermind behind this.

That makes sense.

By the way,

I've found a new place in the Capital.

Next time you need me,

no need to send word to Ye's Mansion.

You're not staying at Ye's Mansion?

Aren't you their head guard?

What's so good about being a head guard?

Their bed for me is too hard,

and the bedding is damp.

The daily meals are nothing but bland and watery.

Because of what you said back then,

I went undercover at Ye's Mansion.

It wasn't easy for me during these three years.

Now that everything is settled,

I will

move to a new place.

So where is your new place?

Xiangqi House.

Xiangqi House?

If Master Guan finds out, he'll definitely beat you up.

When he was young,

he was even more of a playboy than I am.

Is that so?

Qing Shuang,

is Master Guan really that kind of person?

I have no idea.

Qing Shuang

is also here?

Of course.

Li,

how have you been

at Prince Ding's Mansion lately?

I'm doing quite well.

Then what about Qing Shuang?

Is she adjusting well?

Why is she not?

Senior Brother,

you shouldn't be worrying about Qing Shuang right now.

You should worry about yourself.

Lu Chang Fu is dead.

And he was burned to death

right in the Imperial Palace.

There will definitely be an investigation later.

You'll live in a conspicuous place like Xiangqi House.

You must be careful with your whereabouts.

I know.

But you

should also be careful.

Your dear Prince Ding

is not simple.

Don't worry.

We're getting along quite well.

Really?

Of course.

Before I left the mountain, I asked Senior Brother He to read my fortune.

He said Prince Ding and I will live in harmony

and have many children.

Alright then.

How has Senior Brother He been lately?

He's doing well.

But he's always thinking about the tree in front of his house.

He told me many times

that after I left the mountain,

I must find time to cut it down for him.

Let's go.

Sir.

The bill, please.

Your Highness.

Why is it so noisy outside?

Who is here?

His Highness's friend is here.

He's in the front yard.

A friend?

A Ding said it's Feng Zhi Yao from Qingfeng Mingyue Tower.

He's here to borrow a horse from His Highness.

I'll go take a look.

Your Highness, you should freshen up before seeing a guest.

Alright then. Then be quick.

This horse, Jing Fan, isn't spirited enough, Xiu Yao.

I want to ride your horse, Lie Yun.

You can't ride Lie Yun.

What a joke.

If you can ride it, why can't I?

Jing Fan is Lie Yun's son.

I don't want to ride the son.

I want to ride the father.

Master Feng.

Lie Yun was raised in the desert winds, and is extremely wild.

He only recognizes his master.

Last year, he even bit the arm of a merchant at the West Market.

Be careful not to get hurt.

I'm going to a polo match tomorrow, and I need a good horse.

Don't be stingy.

Back then, it charged through the three towns of Cangbei.

Tomorrow, I'm going to ride it

and score three points in a row on the polo field.

Xiu Yao!

Help me!

You're just going to watch me die, Xiu Yao?

Lady, please get out of the way!

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

That's good.

Let's go.

But I'm not fine!

I must say,

Her Highness

is quite a match for you.

Let me borrow this.

I'm going to meet Her Highness.

I'm fine.

It's just a scratch.

You are not fine.

Look, you're bleeding.

And you wanted me to freshen up before seeing the guest?

I just didn't expect that

Master Feng dared to ride His Highness's horse

while he was so bad at horse riding.

He really overestimated himself.

I am Feng Zhi Yao from Qingfeng Mingyue Tower.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Your Highness suffered trouble today because of me.

I feel quite guilty,

so I've come to deliver some medicine.

You were talking about me behind my back, weren't you?

A man like him won't hold it against you.

Just apologize to Master Feng.

- Please forgive me, Master Feng. - It's okay.

I was just joking.

- Please. - Thank you.

This Ice Toad Ointment

is excellent for healing skin and promoting circulation.

Tomorrow, I'll send rouges of 12 colors

to make amends to Your Highness.

I'll accept the medicine,

but the rouges are unnecessary.

I have no use anyway.

Fine.

Since you've accepted the medicine,

I'll take it as your forgiveness.

I won't force you to take the rouges.

However,

I can tell Your Highness a secret.

What secret?

A secret to handle His Highness's strange temper.

I'm all ears.

His Highness

has simply been alone for too long.

He just needs a wife

as beautiful as Your Highness.

I think

he shouldn't stay indoors for too long.

Take him out to see the bustling world.

Then he will no longer have such a strange temper.

His Highness is such a disciplined man.

Master Feng,

don't mislead him.

I don't deserve to mislead him.

His Highness is like a snake.

He is all venom.

See?

Next time you talk behind someone's back,

keep your voice down.

Goodbye.

♪ Huainan rice fills ♪

♪ The grain boats ♪

♪ Longyou grapes intoxicate ♪

♪ The imperial tower ♪

♪ A hundred shows perform ♪

♪ At Linde Hall ♪

Sighing for a hundred years?

These lyrics

should be written by those of Li Mountain.

Li Mountain?

An old friend from the past and I

have been apart for many years.

Are you thinking of Wan Zhou?

Regarding what happened back then,

we had no other choice.

With Wan Zhou's temper,

it was better for her to stay at Li Mountain.

How are things with Prince Ding?

They have been married for some time now.

Your Majesty.

Her Highness has been quite idle lately.

Their First Madam barely goes out.

I heard that

when Her Highness went to visit her on the first day,

she rejected Her Highness.

Do you want to see her?

[Shende House]

The losses are quite substantial.

I am sorry.

But in recent years, people

have been tightening their belts.

The porcelain market in the Capital

is indeed in a slump.

It has also been difficult for me.

A few days ago, while shipping fabric to Yangzhou,

the boat

capsized halfway there.

- All the fabric was lost. - Yes.

It's just been a bad year for me.

Your Highness,

my shop is in the most remote corner of the East Market.

On ordinary days, very few people visit.

On top of that, a lot of grain stock went bad.

That's why I am in the red.

The antique business is tough, too.

Your Highness,

I feel so ashamed.

I just want to resign from my post.

Yes, Your Highness.

We...

are not fit to be managers.

You should be the manager.

You are from Li Mountain,

and are highly educated.

I'm sure you will find a way to manage the business properly

and turn things around.

Exactly.

After you resign,

where do you plan to go?

My son is taking the civil exam.

I must go back to look after him.

My parents are getting old.

I must go home to fulfill my filial duties.

I've been too tired lately.

I want to travel around

to clear my head.

Well. I've been in the Capital for years.

Now,

I've found the right one.

I plan to get married.

Finding love while managing a shop?

It proves this shop

can bring you good luck.

I understand.

Running a business is never easy.

You've all worked hard all these years.

- Not at all. - My grandfather once taught me

to treat those with merit well.

I will keep

your kindness in mind.

- You're flattering us. - You're flattering us.

Before I left,

Master Zhu gave me

this recommendation letter for Steward Yang's son.

He asked me to give it to Vice Rites Minister Zhou, who oversees the exam.

Your son is Master Zhu's direct disciple.

Vice Minister Zhou will surely take care of him.

Impossible! That's impossible!

How could my son be his disciple?

Back in Yangzhou,

Steward Yang used Master Zhu's fellow townsman's help

to make his son Master Zhu's disciple.

Master Zhu is a renowned scholar.

Would he lie about a student-teacher bond?

Watch your words! Li Mountain is at the center of the chaos.

That could ruin my son's career!

It is you who should watch your words.

Li Mountain was sealed to compile books.

The palace sent guards

to ensure the peace of the mountain.

You doubted His Majesty's intent

and condemned Li Mountain.

This is a serious crime.

Steward Wang.

All these years,

the mountain has been short on supplies.

It's thanks to you for often sending rice and food to the mountain.

No, it wasn't me.

I didn't do that.

Li Mountain was guarded by layers of guards.

How could I send anything?

Your Highness, please do not slander me.

This is a matter of life and death!

The masters

on the mountain can all prove it.

No. How is that possible?

Impossible, impossible.

Impossible.

Steward Zhou.

Anything to say?

Your Highness,

I must have brought the wrong account books for Shende House.

I will go back to recheck

and get the detailed account books.

Both principal and interest must be calculated carefully.

Otherwise,

he will break your legs.

Yes.

What about the rest of you?

Yes. Perhaps

we made a mistake.

We will go back and check again.

- Yes. - Yes.

Let's go.

- Here. - Here.

- Hurry up. - Let's go.

I told you we shouldn't do this.

Exactly.

Your Highness, we have no stewards now.

I already have someone in mind.

Wei Zhuang.

- Zhuang! Great news! - Madam Wang.

Someone sent you a letter of offer.

They want to hire you as a steward.

A letter of offer?

- From which shop? - It's called Shende House.

I heard from my husband

that the items it sells are all worth a fortune.

Just a water cup of this size

can be sold for 50 guans.

If Wei Zhuang gets this job,

your family's hard days will finally be over.

[Shende House]

Are you hiring a steward?

Yes.

Your Highness.

Would you like something to eat?

Even if you want to compose a new piece,

you can't play for days without rest.

It's too much for your body to take.

Your Highness.

There is an edict from the palace.

You and His Highness shall enter the palace for an audience tomorrow.

His Highness and I?

Yes.

And Prince Ding and Princess Ding.

Your Highness didn't go to bed yet?

We will have an audience at the palace tomorrow.

But you're still in the mood to sleep.

Precisely because we are to see Her Majesty tomorrow,

we should go to bed earlier.

We should calm the mind and spirit

to perform well tomorrow.

I didn't expect you to be so relaxed.

Should I be nervous?

Li Mountain Academy has been neglected for eight years.

But Her Majesty suddenly summoned you.

Shouldn't you be nervous?

Li Mountain Academy has been sealed for years.

We have never received an imperial summons,

because we were focused on compiling books.

But I believe

Her Majesty has never forgotten

the many masters and students of Li Mountain.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent guards

to ensure the peace of Li Mountain.

Do you really think so?

I have admired Her Majesty since I was young.

I often followed my mother to the palace to see Her Majesty.

Her Majesty even bestowed on me

the palace's unique Nine-layer Cake and Imperial Red Tea.

She took good care of Mother and me.

So I am not worried

about entering the palace tomorrow.

If so,

go to bed and take a rest.

Your Highness, slow down.

Your Highness.

I didn't sleep well last night,

so I woke up a bit late.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Let's go.

Let me do it.

Your Highness. Let me handle this heavy work.

Don't worry.

Let's go.

You're so heavy.

Li. Slow down.

- Your Majesty. - Li.

Your Majesty. I've missed you so much.

You've grown taller.

Wan Zhou.

Mother.

It's been many years since we last met.

How are you adjusting to being back in the Capital?

Very well.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your grandfather, Headmaster Xu, was once my teacher.

I wonder how he is doing.

And how are the other masters?

Your Majesty,

everything is fine.

Grandfather is healthy and busy compiling books.

Knowing I was leaving the mountain,

he asked me to send Your Majesty his regards.

The other masters are also doing well.

They teach and answer questions every day,

assigning lessons to the students.

What are they teaching at Li Mountain Academy recently?

Astronomy, calendar systems,

the I Ching, and numerology

are all included.

My grandfather would also let his disciples

learn about current political affairs.

Really?

And how exactly did they teach?

When Grandfather and the masters

were annotating the "Gazetteer of Rivers and Canals,"

they often mentioned that in the fifth year of Xide,

Your Majesty reformed the transport network system.

I heard that after the reform,

30,000 fewer trackers were conscripted,

and taxes were reduced by 40 percent.

The masters all said

Your Majesty is a capable ruler.

They admire you greatly.

[On the Next Episode]

Your Highness.

Is Her Highness stealing a tree?

- Who's there? - A tree thief.

Stop right there!

Why are you cutting down the tree?

Can we go inside to talk?

So now you know it's embarrassing.

There is quite a lot of mud on your shoes.

Why?

Is the road from my place to Shende House

that difficult to travel?

I went to help Wu You with a fight.