Original subtitles

=Tigers Sniff the Rose=

(Based on the novel of the same name by Yiren Kuikui)

=Episode 24=

Tomorrow really is perfect hunting weather.

Please be very careful tomorrow.

Tomorrow isn't even here yet,

and you're already worrying yourself sick.

Haven't you heard

the saying

that every moment of a night like this is precious?

Then how about

we save our strength

and get some proper rest?

I am getting proper rest.

♪Playing out life's game, forever by your side♪

♪Innocent years drift gently by♪

♪I thought time might stand still forever at that crossroads♪

(Who knows what tomorrow will bring?)

(But whatever happens,)

(I must kill Meng Zaishi.)

(Huai)

(Huai)

As expected of your personal guards, Your Royal Highness.

Quite the killer instinct.

Lord Yu, you flatter me.

How lucky they are

to earn praise from an expert like you.

(Wanyao, I'm sorry.)

(I'm breaking my promise again.)

(I can't hunt that deer for you.)

(Just like)

(I couldn't take you away from Sheng'an.)

(Huai)

The deer wears a golden bell.

It was released into the mountains last night.

The gong signals the start.

Teams, enter the mountains.

The deer hunt ends

at sunrise tomorrow.

(Huai)

Go!

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Yan.

Why are you leading your horse?

Did you cram in some riding practice?

Even so,

I doubt you can beat them.

I'm not here to hunt the deer.

I'm here to see someone.

Who?

Mu Xianqing.

What do you want with him?

I'm going to talk him

into killing Meng Zaishi in the chaos out in the mountains.

After all, if he misses this chance,

he'll never get a better shot

at taking the Central Circuit.

Mr. Wei,

this is a big deal.

It stays between us.

If I'm back

in two hours,

we'll wait for news of Meng Zaishi's death.

If I'm not,

that means Mu Xianqing refused me.

And I'm probably done for.

Mr. Yan,

since you told me,

you must've made up your mind.

But I still have to ask.

Is this really

what you have to do?

It's not that I have to.

There's no other way.

As for my chances,

whether in Sheng'an or Lingnan,

I've never met anyone my silver tongue

couldn't win over.

Let's hope

this time's the same.

Mr. Wei.

I'm off.

Go!

Your Highness.

Forgive me for not getting off to pay my respects.

Doesn't matter.

Sooner or later,

I'll make you look at me the way you used to,

with tenderness in your eyes,

begging me.

We'll see.

It'll happen soon.

Zhi.

Everyone,

follow this dog

and take it slow.

Don't make a sound.

Zhi.

Track.

(Didn't expect to find him so fast.)

(But what's Mu Xianqing doing here?)

(Looks like he's waiting for someone.)

(Shi, Xun, Yu, Qing)

(Why'd the Crown Prince)

(get involved?)

(He's always kept his abilities hidden)

(and never dared show his strength before Lord Yu.)

(Why step into the spotlight now?)

(What is he really after?)

(Qing-Xun)

Go!

Come clean.

Did you just stumble in,

or were you spying on purpose?

(No wonder the Crown Prince suddenly made a move.)

(So he's found a new ally.)

Yang Si,

when did the Crown Prince and Mu Xianqing team up?

Before the Qiuqian Banquet or after?

Yan Shang,

you must have a death wish!

Yang Si,

I know what you're planning next.

But please, talk the Crown Prince

out of doing anything rash.

If those two have been scheming together all along,

Yu Cheng'an probably already knows,

which is why he let them hunt together.

Even I caught the Crown Prince's move

and found it odd.

Yu Cheng'an can't be unaware.

But it's come to this.

Even if we do nothing,

would Yu Cheng'an ever let His Royal Highness off?

Why not wait and see,

and play defense?

Better than a misstep.

We've already come this far.

Keep playing along,

and we'll only miss our window,

maybe even let Yu Cheng'an steal the initiative.

Tonight we fight to the death!

But now's not the time.

Trust me.

Okay.

Yan Shang,

you think we're throwing rocks at a wall?

You underestimate the Crown Prince.

Yan Shang,

don't blame me.

If those two find out,

you're as good as dead.

It's been more than two hours.

What do I do?

(I need to find Miss Zhao for help.)

Yan Shang?

Yan Shang?

Yan Shang!

Yan Shang?

Yan Shang?

Are you okay?

Yan Shang?

Hurry.

Take me to the temporary imperial palace.

(Temporary Imperial Palace at the Hunting Grounds, Yuhua Palace, Yu)

(Yu Cheng'an's always)

(Yu) (heavily guarded wherever he goes.)

(Yet)

(it's so loose here today.)

(Yuhua Palace, Yu.)

Who are you?

I

am a collator at the Hongwen Hall.

I came to the hunting grounds with my colleagues.

It's truly a rare chance,

so I came to pay my respects to Lord Yu.

Please pass it on.

Get lost!

I've been to Lord Yu's residence.

Really.

Haven't you seen me before?

What about you?

Please, cut me some slack.

Mr. Liu!

Mr. Liu.

(Huai)

I'm here to see Lord Yu.

Lord Yu's tied up.

No visitors.

Sir, please go back.

Please, just give me a chance.

I just need one meeting with Lord Yu.

Please go back.

Lord Yu really isn't seeing anyone.

Why are you here causing trouble?

Don't worry.

That deer was never released.

It's locked in a cage.

Wenji,

what he's really hunting here

is the Crown Prince.

Shang.

This is none of our business.

Stop asking me.

You'll get me killed.

Get out!

A nobody official like you

wants to see Lord Yu?

Out!

(Yu, Yuhua Palace)

(Wanyao,)

(where are you?)

(The hunting grounds)

(are the most dangerous place right now.)

(Every moment you stay)

(puts you in greater danger.)

Your Highness.

When do we start looking for the deer?

The real hunt

begins after sunset.

Your Highness.

Zhi stopped up ahead.

Meng Zaishi

should be around here.

Good.

(It's the golden bell.)

(The deer is nearby.)

(Please,)

(let Wanyao get there first.)

The golden bell?

Just a hundred paces away.

Heaven's on my side.

You stay here.

Don't do anything to spook the prey.

Yes.

Yes.

(The golden bell?)

(But there's no deer at all.)

(It's Wanyao.)

(She's luring Meng Zaishi in.)

Your Highness,

it seems you heard the bell too.

So

who do you think wins tonight,

you or me?

General Meng.

Is this

what you meant?

Stop shooting!

Since you show no mercy,

don't blame me for being ruthless.

Mu Wanyao.

All those bells and ambushes...

After all that trouble,

you still end up right where I want you.

There's a saying from the Central Plains I really like.

"Raw power beats skill."

Save your schemes

for someone else.

So that's how it is.

You left me an escape route, set a trap,

and waited for me to walk right in.

Mu Wanyao.

I couldn't outsmart you in the end.

I don't care

who kills the deer.

As long as you die by my hand.

Why can't you play fair with me?

I always wanted you alive.

But you've wanted me dead all along.

You're so cruel to me.

I saved your life

in front of Meng Baiyu.

I killed Meng Baiyu,

but it was you who reaped the spoils.

Fair?

We've been even for a long time.

Then why do you hate me so much?

You brought this on yourself.

If you'd stayed put in North Jing,

we could've coexisted just fine.

But you had to travel all the way to Sheng'an

to cut off my future.

Then don't blame me for sending you to your death.

After all that,

you're still blaming me for coming to Sheng'an

and ruining your little romance.

You exposed my secrets at the Qiuqian Banquet.

Weren't you trying to get me killed by public opinion?

Knowing how you usually operate,

I doubt you'd care about something like that.

If you ask me,

you're just worried

about your lover.

If he minds that you can't bear children...

I don't mind.

Shut it!

Everything I've done

since coming to Sheng'an

has been out of love for you.

In North Jing,

when a man likes a girl, he just throws her on his horse.

That's just how it is.

Even if she resists at first,

she'll come around after a few days.

You treated me like prey

you could just throw on a horse.

Then taste what it's like

to be prey at someone else's mercy.

Meng Zaishi,

since that's what you think,

then you deserve to die.

No, Your Highness!

Yan Shang?

What are you doing?

Thank god.

Your Highness,

now's not the time to kill.

Go.

Leave the hunting grounds now.

What happened?

Mu Xianqing and the Eastern Circuit behind him

have joined the Crown Prince.

I saw them plotting.

The fight for the throne happens tonight, right here

in the hunting grounds.

No wonder the Crown Prince's been wary of me.

So he went to Mu Xianqing.

They're trying to take down Yu tonight?

No wonder Xun, who's always so self-important,

got involved in this hunting mess.

Exactly.

They think Yu Cheng'an's forces

are thin in the hunting grounds,

and it's worth the gamble.

After tonight,

Huai changes hands.

Congratulations, Your Royal Highness.

It's a bit early

to say that.

We wait for the moon to reach its peak.

Once the Zi hour passes,

Yang Si and I

will strike the temporary imperial palace

as planned.

If Yu Cheng'an catches on,

he'll move to encircle the palace.

That's when

we'll need you to hold the rear, General Mu.

Your Royal Highness, don't worry.

Taking down that eunuch will be like shooting fish in a barrel.

He won't get any reinforcements.

I've long heard of your valor in battle.

With you on my side,

my strength is doubled.

But killing him

won't be so easy.

I hear he has a man named Qiu Shuo.

A real handful.

Your Royal Highness,

I'll risk my life with you.

When it's done,

surely you won't forget the Eastern Circuit's contribution?

Today,

we've entrusted each other with our lives.

Once the Yu faction is wiped out,

I'll give you

whatever

you want.

By then,

North Jing will finally be united.

I'd

be glad to see that.

The Crown Prince took this risky step

without even telling me.

But it's come to this.

I can only burn my boats and join him.

Don't.

Yu Cheng'an's been ready all along.

He's been waiting for the prey to walk into his trap.

Absolutely true.

Third-Place Scholar.

Were you saying all that just so I would hear it?

You're dead tonight no matter what.

Listen all you want.

Wait, wait.

Since it was meant for me,

how about you hear me out first.

Mu Xianqing allying with the Crown Prince?

I doubt that's for real.

Tell us everything you know.

The Central and the Eastern Circuits have never gotten along.

The Mengs and Mu Xianqing have been at each other's throats for decades.

We probably know

Mu Xianqing's character better than you

and the Crown Prince do.

Remember Yuan Jia, the Military Commander

of the Western Circuit?

Your Highness.

He and Mu Xianqing have been allies for decades.

Always followed Mu Xianqing's lead.

But you probably don't know

how many times Mu Xianqing has screwed him over.

It's only because they share a common enemy,

the Central Circuit,

that Yuan Jia had to swallow his pride.

Mu Xianqing may look valorous,

but he's vicious.

And he's insanely greedy.

He has no sense of honor.

So I guarantee you,

tonight with the Crown Prince,

he'll turn on him at the last minute.

Then the Crown Prince will be fighting on two fronts tonight.

If he storms the temporary imperial palace

and Mu Xianqing doesn't back him up,

with the few men the Crown Prince has,

he's as good as dead.

Best case, he ends up a prisoner.

Worst case, Yu Cheng'an

finishes him off

for good.

Even if the Crown Prince pulls it off,

after barely surviving Yu Cheng'an,

his men will be exhausted.

And he'll still have Mu Xianqing breathing down his neck.

Your Highness,

Yu Cheng'an has allowed the Crown Prince

and Mu Xianqing to join the hunt.

He must have something planned.

So

Yu Cheng'an has already chosen a new heir to the throne.

By then, with a new emperor under his thumb,

my father will be expendable too.

Right.

Tonight,

the Crown Prince and Yu Cheng'an are still locked in battle with no winner.

We need to get back and save your father.

We have to hurry.

Let's go!

Your Highness.

I can't ride half as well as you.

I can't keep up.

There's no time to lose.

Take Fang Tong and the others and go ahead.

I'll meet up with Wei Shu and the Zhaos,

then join you at the palace.

Be careful.

Keep an eye on Meng Zaishi.

Don't worry.

Fang Tong, have two men protect Yan Shang.

Everyone else, follow me!

Third-Place Scholar,

right now,

the most dangerous place is the hunting grounds.

You tricked her into going back, right?

Yeah.

Charge!

Her Highness put your life in my hands.

You seem pretty sure I won't kill you.

She gave you the job of dealing with me,

which proves you're a smart man.

That's how things stand tonight.

A smart man

should know I can't be killed right now.

Because I am

the only wild card

not in either side's plan.

Yes.

Long term,

you command the Central Circuit's troops.

Short term,

in these hunting grounds,

apart from the Crown Prince and Mu Xianqing,

you brought the most men.

You can't die.

But have you thought about it?

Whether it's Mu Xianqing or Yu Cheng'an,

once they take down the Crown Prince,

their next move is straight for the palace.

You tricked her into going back.

Aren't you just letting her wait to die with her old man?

Then don't let them

get to the next step, General Meng.

Only then can Her Highness truly be saved.

Third-Place Scholar.

Your name's Yan Shang, right?

No time to waste.

Come on up.

First, tell me your terms.

Whatever the terms,

you'll help anyway.

(Tranquility Brings Wisdom)

(Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai)

Mr. Chen.

It's the Zi hour.

Close the gate.

Princess Danyang?

Aren't you at the hunting grounds?

Why are you back?

Mr. Chen.

I have urgent business

with my father.

Please let him know.

His Majesty has already gone to bed.

Come back tomorrow morning.

Just tell my father Princess Danyang is here.

He won't blame me.

His Majesty gave orders before bed

that no one is to disturb him.

I wouldn't dare disobey.

I have good news.

If I wait until tomorrow,

I'm afraid my father will blame me

for not telling him first.

Then why not tell me?

I'll pass it on for you?

That won't do.

I must tell my father

this good news myself

and make him happy.

Well...

Father!

Your Highness.

Father!

Your Highness!

Your Highness, there's nothing I can do.

His Majesty has already gone to bed.

Come back tomorrow morning.

Never mind.

Since he's asleep,

I'll come back tomorrow.

We'll be waiting to welcome you, Your Highness!

(Father never sleeps that soundly.)

(Not a single cough.)

(That's not him)

(in that bed.)

I do like Mu Wanyao.

But I'm not about to go die for her.

We both know the Crown Prince is doomed tonight.

It's already decided.

You come dragging me in when your backs were against the wall.

Don't you think it's a bit late?

I came to Sheng'an

just to deliver a birthday gift

and

take back the woman the Emperor owes me.

Now the waters are this muddy.

None of my concern.

I'd be more than happy to see

all three sides lose.

General Meng, have you ever heard

that the game opens up where you cut?

The Crown Prince, Yu Cheng'an, and Mu Xianqing

all have their own agendas.

If no one else enters the game,

one of the three will come out on top.

What if

Mu Xianqing wins?

Military Governor,

are we still holding position?

No rush.

Wait a little longer.

Let the two fight.

I want to see which one kills the other.

Wait till one's dead and one's crippled,

then we step in

and take on whoever's left.

That'll be much easier.

You're right.

Does the Crown Prince

forget

I'm a Mu too?

Once he and the old man are both dead,

I'll be the only one with a legitimate claim

to the throne.

If you just stand by

and let him reap the spoils,

once he's got all the power,

who's going to be his next target?

Mu Xianqing won't let anyone pose a threat

to his Eastern Circuit.

But you saw it yourself.

A moment ago, Mu Wanyao wanted me dead.

Now you want an alliance with a few smooth words.

Why should I trust you?

Let me be blunt.

I'm afraid you'll kill me once I'm no longer useful.

General Meng,

can your grudge with the Princess

really outweigh the crisis right now?

After tonight,

you'll be the hero who saved Huai

and the man who saved the Princess's father and brothers.

The Princess is true to her feelings.

She'll treat you differently.

I'm afraid

the Crown Prince has already made his move.

Guess

whether the Crown Prince promised Mu Xianqing

your Central Circuit as part of his reward.

General Meng,

whether we break this deadlock tonight

hangs on your choice.

Why haven't the Eastern Circuit men shown up?

Yu Cheng'an's main force isn't here.

They must be tied up with Mu Xianqing outside.

We have to end this fast.

We can't let him call in reinforcements.

Then let's charge in

and grab that traitor Yu!

Who dares intrude?

Yu Cheng'an.

You are a eunuch,

yet you abuse your power and line your pockets.

Do you plead guilty?

So

it's you, Your Royal Highness.

Don't waste time stalling!

Get out here!

His Royal Highness is merciful.

He'll grant you a clean death!

I'd urge

Your Royal Highness to turn back

before it's too late.

Don't make a fatal mistake.

All troops, hear my command!

Surround this chamber at once.

Anyone who steps out

dies!

(Yu Cheng'an.)

(What are you doing?)

Father?

Why is His Majesty here?

Your Majesty, forgive us!

We meant no offense!

We walked into a trap.

We can't risk making a move.

A head-on fight won't work.

Let's go.

A subject

killing his lord!

A son

killing his father!

Such utter disregard for all order

can't be forgiven!

Your Royal Highness,

do you plead guilty?

Charge!

Kill! Kill them!

Kill!

Why isn't Mu Xianqing here yet?

He's not coming.

Your Majesty.

The Crown Prince pulled a stunt like this.

How do you explain it?

How do you want to explain it?

The Crown Prince

led troops into the palace.

He's clearly trying to force you off the throne.

Now all the court officials are in the hunting grounds.

We should

have them all come and witness it.

Now only one last thing remains.

Your Majesty,

please draft the decree deposing the heir.

Fight our way out!

Charge!

Cheng'an.

Can you hear me out?

Alright.

I'm all ears.

A puppet

and the hand that pulls the strings

need years to fall into step.

Swap them rashly,

and who knows what trouble it might bring?

The Crown Prince,

Xun,

born the eldest legitimate son,

second only to the Emperor,

yet walks the path of depravity,

with no word of virtue to his name.

You

really mean to take this all the way?

Your Majesty.

It's fine if you won't write it.

Zidu!

I'd long assumed you were unwell.

You shouldn't overtax your mind.

So

I

had Mr. Wei

draft one.

What do you think, Your Majesty?

(Crown Prince, Xun, born the eldest son, second only to the Emperor,)

(yet walks the path of depravity, with no word of virtue to his name.)

By

His Majesty's decree,

seize the rebel Mu Xun.

Dead or alive!

Your Royal Highness, go!

Let's go together!

Go!

How are you hurt this badly?

No.

You won't get far like this.

We need to find somewhere

to stop the bleeding.

Military Governor,

the Crown Prince's personal guards are all wiped out.

Yu Cheng'an's men fought the Crown Prince's guards.

Three in ten were casualties

He's not still foolish enough

to wait for us to save him, is he?

He'll be waiting in vain.

Yu Cheng'an has no idea

there's someone waiting to strike

while he's busy watching his own prey.

Move out.

Surround the temporary imperial palace.

Yes!

You actually let him get away?

Pass my order.

Have Qiu Shuo lead the pursuit.

Once found,

kill on sight!

Yes!

Sir, calm down.

Whether the Crown Prince lives or dies,

after tonight,

he's no longer the heir.

A new heir

is about to be named.

It's going to be a long night.

Let's hope dawn

brings

everything we wish for.

Oh, right,

bring that woman in.

Yes.

(Next Episode Preview)

Someone!

Father.

♪Be the ferry where you wait for the sun♪

♪Be the blue silk that catches your tears♪

♪Be the sleeve we held, worn by dust and years♪

♪Let's conspire to grow old together♪

♪Let me be a captive beast bound by the same lock as you♪

♪- Through trails of mud and blood; - let grief drown in your eyes♪

♪Soar with the wind; plunge into hellfire as one♪

♪Burning bright as a song♪

♪See how roses and green bamboo enchant♪

♪Be the vow I make with all my heart♪

♪If we say forever, then forever it shall be♪

♪Not a single hour less♪

♪However deep the snow, I'll wait if you're there♪

♪We'll be gods above, or wandering souls♪

♪In heaven or the underworld, you're all I need♪

♪If we can stay, let's return to the village of our first meeting♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪Sharp winds or fierce rain, nothing can break us♪

♪Be mine in this world; be mine in this life♪

♪My last untouched innocence♪

♪If only we could return to the village where we first met♪

♪Stay by me; help me forget the frozen dream of last night♪

♪Fireflies glow, flowers kiss our lips; just us, through dawn and dusk♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪By your side, through joy and pain, is that eternity?♪

♪Till fireworks flood the town♪

♪Till the lake is still and clear♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

(No animals were harmed or mistreated in production.)