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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Thirty-Seven]

I told you once that if you dared to let Princess down

what would happen to you?

Stripped of my title... Executed...

But then you knowingly made the same mistakes again.

It seems that you have no regard for me either.

- No! - Guards!

Present!

Drag Xiao Hou Po away to await execution!

- Yes! - Have mercy on me, Your Majesty!

My Lady!

- Save me! - Hold it!

I ask that Your Majesty take back your order.

Marquess of Ruyin must not be killed.

His life may be as trivial as dirt

but Princess' reputation is more important than anything.

In the eyes of the people

Princess is a gracious and righteous woman.

Should her husband be executed for treason

Her Highness' loyalty and love for Your Majesty would be undermined.

I'm afraid that even though Princess is innocent

Your Majesty would be in a dilemma

and your closest kin would be deeply affected.

I've already suppressed the news of Xiao Hou Po's treason for Princess.

But he has let Princess down.

He knowingly ignored my warnings.

Just that crime alone is enough to get him killed.

All the things that Xiao Hou Po has done

have hurt the Princess deeply.

He deserves to die thousands of times for it.

But if he is sentenced to death for his personal morality

people are sure to say that Princess married a bad husband.

That would impact her reputation.

For the sake of Princess' reputation and dignity

I hope that Your Majesty will take back your orders.

Sister, what is your opinion?

That person's life or death has nothing to do with me.

It is up to Your Majesty!

Xiao Hou Po, first of all, you are unfaithful to Great Han.

Then you're unfaithful to Princess!

But in order to protect her reputation

I have no choice but to spare your life!

Thank you for sparing my life, Your Majesty!

Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Highness!

Thank you, Your Highness!

From now on, you and Princess are divorced.

You are never to see her again!

You are to crawl back to Ruyin and should you ever make another mistake

I'll make you die a terrible death!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Be gone!

The past few years... have been hard for Your Highness.

Time reveals the true heart of a man.

He should have been a devoted husband.

When he was out of the house, he acted as if he was unmarried.

When faced with great danger, he became meek and submissive.

On the other hand, even now that Great General and I are no longer bonded

you've still stood up for me and protected me in every way.

I am deeply grateful.

Marquess of Pingyang asked me for a favor before he passed away.

He asked me to take good care of you.

I have always kept that in mind.

Moreover, Your Highness is the benefactor of my family.

Whenever you are in need of help, I will stand up for you.

You are a man of great loyalty.

You are true to your words, and always grateful.

Did you know that those rumors of me conspiring with Empress' relatives

were all made up and spread by Xiao Hou Po?

He wanted us to become estranged in order to avoid suspicion.

Perhaps it really is the gods' will.

All we can do is comply.

Hatred and dissatisfaction would only lead to unhappiness.

Your Highness, your nightmare is over.

Please cherish the moment.

Make the best out of the rest of your life.

Yes. I believe there is something wonderful on the path ahead.

I have not forgotten the promise to serve you for life

and be at your command.

As long as Your Highness needs me, I will risk my life for you.

This promise will be kept for life.

An honorable man had meant to treat me with his true heart.

Gods...

Why wouldn't you grant us our wish?

Father! Father!

Is Ju Er playing soccer?

Yes.

- Greetings to Father. - Greetings to Your Majesty.

Here, you may both get up.

Come over here.

Ju Er knows more and more about etiquette.

Mother taught me.

Mother said that I am not to forget about etiquette.

I must know etiquette before I can learn how to behave.

Good.

You only remember what your mother taught you.

I taught you how to play soccer and you forgot all about it in a second.

How could my son not be able to learn to play soccer?

Here, practice with it.

Perform for me later.

Yes!

Where did you find the time to play soccer with Ju Er?

We're selecting new soldiers.

I had wanted to greet Auntie, but she was busy weaving something.

I didn't want to disturb her so I took First Prince out here to play.

Empress has been busy with the arrangements

of Duan Hong's father's funeral.

She is weaving something? What is it?

It is called the Million Knots.

Million Knots?

Mother said that Million Knots is woven for the love of one's life.

So it was intended for Your Majesty!

No wonder Auntie was so devoted to weaving it.

Millions of thoughts weaved into millions of knots cannot be untied.

Take glue and put it upon the paint; Who can separate them?

Let's go. We'll play soccer with Ju Er.

Yes.

Here, Ju Er. Father's quite good at soccer as well.

I'll teach you.

Learn well.

Great!

Here.

Thank you for your advice, wise sir.

That is your reward.

She is being treated so much better now that she has given birth to a Prince.

You have no idea how luxurious and gorgeous Phoenix Hall is.

And they all call her Madame.

This is only the beginning.

Don't start getting cocky after having a few benefits.

Why would we?

We have indeed become more glamorous after having the prince

but His Majesty is still much closer to Empress and her son.

Honestly, if Empress wasn't so busy arranging the funeral for Duan's father

His Majesty would not come to see the little Prince so often.

Did you say Duan?

As in the Prefect of Gentlemen-of-the-Palace, Duan Hong?

I think so.

But he is no longer the Prefect of Gentlemen-of-the-Palace.

He was demoted by His Majesty.

The witch Chu Fu practiced witchcraft and dark arts.

She caused chaos in the harem.

She is sentenced to death by cleaving at the waist.

She is to experience excruciating pain!

Carry out the execution!

It sounds strange, but he seems to be very close to the Empress.

After his father died, the Empress has been very busy.

It is as if she is arranging her own father's funeral.

Young master. Sir?

In a sea of people, it is in one's destiny to meet each other.

You seem to be troubled.

Could I perhaps help your troubles through glyphomancy?

That isn't necessary.

I believe in neither destiny nor divination.

Judging from your expression

you seem to have worries that you can't share with anyone.

One's destiny lies in one's stroke of luck.

You happen to raise the goblet to drink.

Why don't I tell your fortune with the word 'Zhi'? (goblet)

I'll see if I can help you.

The goblet is made of ceramic, and ceramic comes from the dirt.

Dirt is of a lowly status.

I believe that you were born poor?

The top half of the character 'Zhi' is the same as the character 'Hou.'

'Zhi' and 'Hou' look almost alike. ('Hou' means Empress.)

May I be so bold as to guess

that you might be related to our Empress?

Or that you are quite close?

It appears that you are an official in the capital, then.

Please excuse my manners.

You made this assumption because I am very well-dressed.

But you could only be in a meritorious status for half your life.

The character 'Zhi' could be broken down into 'E.' (ill luck)

'E' means to be in adversity.

You seem to be illustrious and influential now.

But in fact, your pursuit of merit and fame is ominous.

In officialdom, it is normal to be in good or bad positions.

What you said could be applied to anyone in the world.

'Zhi' can be further broken down into 'Jie.'

The preface font 'Jie' looks as if one feels wronged.

You might seem to be broadminded

but you feel bitter, depressed, and unfortunate in love.

'Zhi' sums up your whole life.

I could use three sentences to summarize it.

Half a lifetime in office.

A lifetime of loneliness.

Unfortunate in love.

I already told you that I do not believe in divination.

I'll take my leave now.

It isn't important whether you believe it or not.

As long as that person believes in it, it is good enough.

His Majesty arrives!

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

At ease.

I responded to your invitation immediately after finishing my work.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I asked Your Majesty over because I have something to present to you.

Please take a look, Your Majesty.

This is the poem that Ju Er learned today.

He copied it down to give it to us as a gift.

'Your wife matches you well, as if the zither and the lute are played in tune.'

'Your brothers act with one accord, and all are harmonious and overjoyed.'

Ju Er learns new poems every day and writes them down.

He learns the ways of great saints.

He chose this one especially for us.

He said that he likes what was described in this poem.

Brothers are harmonious in a family.

The parents and children are all happy.

They are as harmonious as the zither and the lute.

Ju Er is making great progress.

His handwriting is tidy and written with strength.

He prefers poems about the harmony of brothers and family.

It is definitely worth your efforts, teaching him so diligently.

I haven't preached to him often.

I hadn't expected him to be so understanding at such a young age.

Perhaps it is because everyone in the palace respects and loves each other.

Ju Er is influenced by what he sees and came to this realization.

I'm glad that Your Majesty likes it.

I present this scroll to you as a gift on behalf of Ju Er.

Is this the gift that Zi Fu has for me?

That isn't the only gift.

The night is clear and beautiful.

I'd like to invite Your Majesty to join me for dinner in the courtyard.

I've just made some pear soup.

It took me a few tries to get it right.

I'd like to ask Your Majesty to give it a taste.

Sure.

Hong Er has grown so quickly.

He seemed like a newborn baby yesterday, and now he is already learning to talk.

Yes, this is the first time I've heard Hong Er address anyone.

I cried out of happiness.

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Wang Sang, you came too late. Hong Er is already asleep.

You didn't get to hear him call out 'Father' in his own words.

I'm afraid that I can no longer attend to my sister or help raise Hong Er.

Why is that, Sister?

Mother is in a rush to get me married.

She even hired a fortune-teller about my marriage.

Is the fortune-teller accurate?

I don't know if he is accurate or not

but even Master Duan went to him for glyphomancy.

I'd imagine he is skilled.

Master Duan?

Are you referring to Commandant Duan Hong?

I think it is him.

It's the valiant-looking one who is always by your side.

He went for glyphomancy?

Yes, I think that he also went to ask about his future marriage.

I was waiting on the side for it to be my turn.

I heard the fortune-teller say that his love life is hectic

and his pursuit of career is ominous.

Sister, that fortune-teller is obviously lying.

Commandant Duan has always served by His Majesty's side.

Why would his career pursuits be ominous?

I have no idea, that was just what he said.

He also said that Master Duan is very close to Empress.

I guess none of what he said was accurate.

Sister, what nonsense are you saying?

How could it be related to the Empress?

If anyone is talking nonsense, it is that fortune-teller.

He used the word 'Zhi' to say that Duan Hong is related to the Empress.

They are very close.

There's a shape in the word 'Zhi' which makes it an extended word from 'Hou.'

It means that they are closely related and always by each others side.

He also said that they are intertwined in fate and rely on one another.

Sister, you've said so much

but you didn't say what the fortune teller said about you.

He said that I will marry well.

I won't have any bad relationships that will taunt me.

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

- You may rise. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty came here in person. Is there an important matter?

Today is a great sunny day.

Tonight's full moon will be beautiful.

I am here to admire the moon and play music with you.

- You're dismissed. - Yes.

You look unwell. Do you have any troubles?

I am just surprised that Your Majesty has visited

and I didn't welcome you in time.

Excuse my manners.

You don't have to be so reserved.

Empress has been very busy with arranging your father's funeral.

I'm grateful to the kindness of Your Majesty and Empress

for granting a honorable burial for my father.

He was even awarded an ancestral shrine of merit.

I thank Your Majesty and Empress

for the benevolence you bestowed upon my father.

You risked your life for the peace and safety of Great Han.

This is what Empress and I should do for our faithful subjects.

But we couldn't help with what truly would have comforted the deceased.

Your Majesty is referring to...

However grand the funeral might be

it is not better than bestowing a pretty lady to you in marriage

to continue your bloodline so that your father may be comforted in heaven.

What is your opinion on this?

Are you still thinking about the lady who lives beyond Shanhaiguan?

I have already forgotten about her.

Is that so?

You don't keep that braided hair with you anymore?

The braid was thrown away.

As were the feelings.

Do you have anyone on your mind now?

As of years ago, I have no desire to consider any romantic relationships.

Since you've already let go of your past feelings

why won't you get yourself another pretty lady?

Perhaps I don't have such good fortune.

I haven't met anyone suitable yet.

You haven't met anyone suitable?

It could well be that you have but you lied and stole from another!

I am foolish.

I don't know what Your Majesty is referring to.

The pouch that you carry on your waist is a gift from the Empress?

It is a gift of empathy from the Empress.

You have always been close to the Empress.

Her Highness empathized with me and looks after the harem.

She sends cosmetics over in spring, and makes coats in winter.

But the pouch that she gave you contains the Million Knots.

I don't know what Million Knots is.

It is a token of love for the Empress' love of her lifetime.

This pouch of mine contains...

the dirt at my father's tombstone when his tomb was constructed.

If you don't possess the Million Knots

why were you so nervous when you saw me?

Do you really have nothing to hide?

Or is that Million Knots hidden somewhere else?

It won't be difficult for me to search for it.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, we found a suspicious looking lady out in the courtyard.

After questioning, we found out that she is Lady Li

the god-daughter of the rebel King of Huainan.

- Move it! - Move!

I deserve to die!

Duan Hong...

I am sorry.

I was in my room when I heard that His Majesty had arrived.

I was afraid that I'd implicate you if they found me

so I went to hide in the courtyard out of panic.

Who knew... I've failed you!

Audacious Duan Hong!

How dare you hide a fugitive!

[Feichang Palace]

Duan Hong, you've really put me in a tight spot!

- Your Majesty! - I will not be disturbed!

But the Empress is waiting outside to seek audience...

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

I've heard Duan Hong has a fugitive under his roof.

I wonder...

I don't know what to do with him.

I've already given orders to punish the remnants of the rebels severely.

Zhuang Zhu only accepted Liu An's gift

but I've already accepted Zhang Tang's request to execute him!

Meanwhile Liu An's god-daughter was hidden in the palace!

This is as good as conspiring!

I admit my crime.

Your Majesty, Duan Hong trotted into grave danger on his own.

He pacified the rebellion and rendered meritorious service.

He couldn't have betrayed you.

I know that he didn't!

I also know that he deserved a huge credit for his services!

But you did what you wanted because of your merits.

Did you really think that I wouldn't bear to kill you?

I've never dared to claim any credit.

Because I know that I've committed a deadly sin by hiding a fugitive

I didn't dare to accept any rewards that Your Majesty bestowed to me

nor be restored to my original post.

You didn't refuse rewards because you were unhappy over your father's death?

I was out on a mission.

His Majesty had every reason not to notify me then.

How could I be discontent?

It's because I know that not only am I unfilial, but also disloyal.

I didn't dare to accept the rewards.

You knew you were being disloyal, but still committed the crime?

Duan Hong, is there something that you haven't told us?

If you have an unmentionable reason, just be frank with us.

His Majesty knows that you are loyal.

If you have a valid reason

I'm sure that His Majesty will handle this within his discretion.

Get up first!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Lady Li was originally just a songstress in Huainan Palace.

Because Liu An thought that she and I had much in common

he took her in as his god-daughter to be in my good favor.

How did you know that she wasn't sent by Liu An to spy on you?

I once doubted her as well.

But if Lady Li hadn't protected me by staining her own reputation

my true identity would have been exposed.

The tiger tally would have been taken by Liu An and his son.

We would never have eliminated Liu And and his gang.

Lady Li is just a frail woman, but she risked it all to save me.

How could I allow her to be killed when she is innocent

just because she is considered family to the rebels?

Your Majesty, please look into it.

Why did you take the risk to hide her instead of explaining to His Majesty?

You could've asked His Majesty to investigate and uphold justice for her.

After Liu An died, I wanted to let Lady Li go free.

But His Majesty had already ordered the capture of all Liu An's family members.

I'd witnessed how the local officials didn't even question the suspects

and used instruments of torture on them immediately.

I was afraid that Lady Li would confess under torture.

The situation was critical. I had to take Lady Li back to Chang An.

I had planned to ask for forgiveness after reporting to you about Liu An.

But Your Majesty had already given orders to punish rebels severely.

I could only keep Lady Li in my manor in the city.

I went out from time to time to get her things that she needed.

I hoped to wait for the right time to make a plan to ensure her safety.

I was always in fear of having this matter exposed one day.

Indeed, Zhang Tang is searching all the households of Chang An.

He had even asked to search my manor.

I didn't dare to let Lady Li leave.

But I was even more afraid to keep her in the manor.

So you took her with you into the palace and hid her in your office?

That was the only place that wouldn't be searched.

Stupid!

Even if I believe in you, how can you get the officials to believe you?

You were in Huainan for a long time.

Lady Li was saved because she was innocent or you're infatuated with her?

How will you explain it?

I deserve to die.

But I owe Lady Li my life.

Even if it costs me my life, I have to repay her kindness!

Aren't you afraid of being accused of hiding a fugitive in the palace

and putting the Emperor and Empress' lives at risk?

You wouldn't have enough lives to be taken!

I'm willing to confess to my crime and accept my punishment.

I only hope that Your Majesty will spare Lady Li's life!

Duan Hong...

You're so protective of Lady Li in every way possible.

You're even willing to give up your life in exchange for hers.

Is there a mutual affection between the both of you?

I was saved by Lady Li in Huainan.

She also took great care of me.

Although I was there on a mission, I couldn't help falling for her.

You went all out to protect her.

But when you speak of her, you mutter and mumble.

Have you already been on intimate terms with her?

Yes.

Your Majesty, I beg that you bestow marriage to the both of them.

This will allow two lovers to be together.

Uncle Duan can also be comforted, now that his son is getting married.

This also fulfills my wish to see Duan Hong marry well

and repays the kindness of Uncle Duan for offering me a meal.

Your Majesty, please bestow marriage to Duan Hong and Lady Li.

I wanted to reward my meritorious subject heavily.

Instead, I gave your merits to your father.

But that was not even half of the rewards that you deserved.

Now that there is a beauty that can comfort you

I will bestow marriage to the both of you.

Lady Li has already surrendered, so she is free of all charges.

Should Zhang Tang and the investigators keep on probing

tell them to come straight to me.

Your Majesty is wise!

Duan Hong, thank His Majesty quickly!

Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.

Thank you for bestowing marriage to Lady Li and I.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Majesty, Your Highness. The Prince was looking for you just now.

He couldn't wait any longer and fell asleep.

I'll take the Prince back to his chamber now.

That's not necessary.

Just let him sleep here for a little while longer.

Yes.

You're dismissed.

Is that Million Knots that Ju Er has on him?

Yes. Ju Er likes it so I wove one for him.

How did Your Majesty learn about Million Knots and care so much about it?

It's just that I heard that this knot is woven by the love of a lifetime.

So Zi Fu's love of a lifetime is Ju Er?

Ju Er is definitely the love of my life and my closest kin.

Then I...

Your Majesty is my husband.

You are like the gods to me.

Not only are you my love of a lifetime

but also the most respected person in my heart.

I have to admit that I got a bit worried.

Qu Bing told me that you've been busy weaving and braiding Million Knots.

I heard Ju Er say that it is meant for the one you love most.

I thought that I'd receive it from you soon

but I got Ju Er's scroll of poetry

and Zi Fu's pear soup.

Have I been too negligent to Your Majesty?

Since that is so...

I will stay here tonight and you can make it up to me.

I will do whatever pleases my husband.

This is for you!

Do you still think of that lady who lives beyond Shanhaiguan?

Do you still keep that braid with you?

Haven't met anyone suitable?

It could well be that you have, but you lied and stole from another!

Duan Hong.

Thank you for saving my life.

I only did what I could.

The will of gods is quite unexpected.

I wonder if it was I who saved you, or the other way round.

Of course it was you who saved me.

It was you who snuck me out of Huainan to Chang An.

You even hid me in the palace.

If you hadn't, I'd be dead right now.

I thought that I'd be unfortunate and troubled in the future.

Even if I got to stay alive, I'd have to be constantly on the move.

You risked your life to protect me and His Majesty bestowed marriage to us.

It is indeed a blessing in disguise.

I wouldn't even dare dream about anything as blissful as this.

Please don't say so, Sister.

The situation was very critical then.

I had no choice but to say to His Majesty

that we have already been on intimate terms.

I have stained your reputation.

Since it was so critical, why would I mind?

You are my savior.

I am willing to repay your kindness with my body.

- Not to mention that... - Sister.

I had not been on intimate terms with you then, and I won't now.

- Lady Li... - I understand.

I was born of a lowly status. I really...

It has nothing to do with your background.

It isn't that you're not good enough either.

You're a lovable and respectable lady.

But...

I am just too stupid.

Some things should have long been forgotten.

But I just can't let it go.

No... It is because I have yet to deserve such a great bliss.

Please don't worry.

Since we are to be husband and wife

I am sure to play my part in front of everyone.

I will be your wife in public.

As for the rest, I won't ask for more.

I am grateful for your understanding, my sister.

Please don't say so.

The gods are kind enough to let me meet you.

It's already...

I hope the gods can continue to watch over me.

May the day come

when you will finally open up your heart to me.

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

Duan Hong finally has a loved one by his side.

Uncle Duan would be happy for you in heaven.

We owe this to Empress.

If Empress hadn't stepped in in time

Lady Li and I would have been punished by now.

Duan Hong risked taking all the blame in order to save Lady Li.

His Majesty's eyes are sharp, and so is his mind.

He knew what Duan Hong was thinking.

I was just going along with it.

Lady Li, I should apologize to you.

Years ago, I thought that Jia Er and Master Duan shared a mutual affection.

I kept trying to pair them up.

Master Duan almost became my son-in-law.

Mother!

Xi Niang, you're still teasing them with such an old joke.

You should be punished.

I won't bring it up again.

Jia Er and Wei Qing are now a loving couple.

Master Duan, whom we were worried would end up all alone, is now married.

You are all happily married.

Forget that I tried to play the matchmaker then.

I punish myself to a glass of wine.

I should be the one who is punished.

I've made everyone worry all these years.

I will drink this glass of wine to thank everyone for their kindness

as well as my apologies.

You must cherish your wife and family from now on.

Don't make us worried again.

Sister-in-law, we are your family.

You don't have to be too reserved. You can just be at ease.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I was originally just a songstress.

Then I became a criminal.

I almost lost my life.

But Your Highness treats me as family.

I could even be here with you at this banquet

and receive warm blessings from everyone.

I truly...

Now that you're looking after Duan Hong

we should be the ones who are grateful to you.

Please don't worry, Your Highness.

I will definitely take good care of Duan Hong.

You're still calling him Duan Hong?

You should start addressing him as your husband.

Duan Hong, we've known each other since we were children.

We were fortunate to be reunited after we'd grown up.

We've been through ups and downs together.

Now that you're finally married with the one that you love

I am really happy for you.

I wish you a life together in love, until death.

When I was crowned the Empress

you arranged my coronation ceremony with great efforts.

Now that you're to be married to a lovely young lady

why don't you allow me to arrange your wedding?

How would I dare to trouble Your Highness?

Both of us are orphans.

We are here with all of you

and then we'll head to my father's burial grounds to offer our prayers.

That is good enough for us.

Duan Hong has never liked anything fancy.

We'll do without all the rituals and just hold a simple ceremony.

We'll keep it small and cozy.

That really isn't necessary.

I've already asked His Majesty for a few days off.

Lady Li and I will go to my hometown to pray to my ancestors.

We'll set out on our trip in three days' time.

You're in such a hurry?

I should report my marriage to the ancestors first.

Then I wish my brother and sister-in-law a safe journey.

- Thank you, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness.

It was quite a coincidence for Duan Hong.

He's been on his own for such a long time

but he has a loved one now.

It's a pity that someone worked so hard to make Empress an adulteress!

It has failed completely.

Flowers fall in the water, and the fragrance stays in the water.

Even if you take the flowers out

the water isn't as clear as it was before.

Why did you prick me?

If this thorn pricks you on the hand, it is nothing.

But if it pricks you in your heart...

Yes, yes.

Your schemes are better than my drugs.

But it takes years to see the effect.

I'm afraid that you won't be able to kill that Wei Zi Fu anytime soon.

Not only do I want her dead

but her honor stolen and her family ruined!

The great Lu Bu Wei used half of his life to make the hostage Prince Yi Ren

into the King of Qi!

In order to avenge Chu Fu's death

I don't care if I have to be poor all my life!

At least Wang Yan has already given birth to a prince.

I can use her.

Even if the Wei family is powerful

who can say for sure that I can't snatch victory from the jaws of danger?

I'll see how long that damn Emperor's Great Han can stay in glory.

Your Majesty is so focused on your reading.

It is already dark.

Why don't you take a rest?

It's already so late?

I don't feel tired at all.

Zhang Tang came to report that all remnants of the rebels are eliminated.

All those who should be punished are sentenced.

The weight on my shoulders has finally dropped.

Congratulations, Your Majesty. You've finally settled the inner unrest.

Our people and our soldiers can now rest and relax in peace.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, Great General and General Huo have arrived.

I will take my leave now.

You don't have to leave.

Keep me company.

Greetings to Your Majesty! Greetings to Your Highness!

Don't stand on ceremony.

Do you know why I've sent for you?

Your Majesty ordered Uncle Duan to inspect the floods on his way home

and then go around to inspect how the people are living

so as to think of a plan to gather army provisions

without adding to the burdens of the people.

Then you summoned Uncle and I.

It must be to have us eliminate the foreign threat once and for all.

I've settled the inner unrest and you're already pushing me to deploy the army?

Zi Fu, look at this nephew of yours.

He won't allow me a moment's peace.

It seems that it's impossible to change Qu Bing's bad habits

of impatience and competitiveness.

But he is indeed a lot better at reading the mind of the ruler.

Thank you for your compliments, Auntie!

Although the foreign enemies are defeated year after year

they keep coming back.

That is why it is so chaotic at the frontier of the deserts.

We must give them a heavy blow so that they will never try to invade us again.

If we can offer a prolonged peace to our people at the frontier

it will justify His Majesty's affection for this man.

If we plan to get rid of them once and for all, nothing must go wrong.

Due to years of war, we're short of soldiers and warhorses.

The national treasury is almost empty.

This final combat must be planned out with great care.

Your Majesty, allow me to recruit more soldiers and horses.

I will do my very best to train new soldiers.

We shall be ready for Your Majesty's final battle in the north.

I will be sure to train the cavalry.

We will trample the fields of the northern deserts!

Great!

You will both see to your duties.

Once the timing is right

we shall strike the foreign enemies a fatal blow!

May the flag of Great Han fly on the deserts!

- Yes. - Yes.

Subtitles by DramaFever