Original subtitles

♫ Nowhere to escape. ♫

♫ No bough to alight. ♫

♫ Retrograde with smile. ♫

♫ Never give in. ♫

♫ Forget about the youth. ♫

♫ I've never been afraid of loneliness. ♫

♫ I also shed the tears of regret. ♫

♫ But my heart is still fiery-hot. ♫

♫ To the distance. ♫

♫ The miserable past is like a dagger. ♫

♫ Though my wings are broken, ♫

♫ I will keep flying. ♫

♫ Following the light, ♫

♫ I'll forget you. ♫

♫ The memory shaped my stubbornness. ♫

♫ By virtue of the light in the dark night, ♫

♫ I'll return it with a long ballad. ♫

♫ The river of life is under my feet. ♫

♫ I don't regret my craziness. ♫

The Long Ballad

Episode 11

[Governor Mansion]

Governor.

Governor.

Registrar Li.

Governor.

As a new register of the Governor's,

I'm not familiar with affairs in Shuozhou,

so I ought to accompany you there.

Not this time.

Xu Feng'll go with me.

Registrar Li, both of you can have a day off.

Yes.

I thought if Gongsun Heng took me to see Sima Tu,

I'd be able to take in the northern border defense.

It seems we'll have to work harder in the future.

What about following them?

No.

He refused us.

If we follow them, it seems we're ill-intentioned.

Master, what're you doing?

Have a day off.

Tegin, according to our scout,

Ashile Sun headed for Shuozhou last night,

while Eagle Division remains unmoved.

Ashile Sun only took Mu Jin with him.

- Guards. - Tegin.

Assemble the Bear Division.

Yes, sir.

Given this chance, I'll let him know who's the descendant of Sirius.

Brilliant.

It's pretty good.

How's it going?

I won't believe it without seeing in person.

There're slightly over 1,000 soldiers stationed in the east and south.

As expected, relying on the terrain in the east and south,

it's easy to hold but hard to attack.

Governor of Shuozhou mainly deployed troops in the west and north,

but according to our scout, the soldiers are less than 20,000.

How did Shuozhou City get its reputation for impregnability?

Tu Kashe said they were all good for nothing.

Is what he said true?

When getting in the city, did you notice the wall?

It's much thicker than other cities in the Central Plains?

The clay is new, which means the wall is timely reinforced.

People of all kinds come and go freely in normal times,

but once there's a war, no one can go through when the gate is closed.

As long as the supplies are enough,

It's not hard to guard the city for years.

Interesting.

Have you got any idea?

Let's go.

We've to but some paulownia wood.

Can't you stop bluffing?

If you can help Gongsun Heng

analyze the political climate and promise him a bright future,

won't he a former subject of Sui Dynasty be touched?

I'm afraid it's not what Gongsun Heng wants.

How old are you?

How can you be choked when eating noodles?

Master, it seems we lack money.

We ran out of money when giving away food to beggars.

Not a penny left?

Wasn't it you who said we had to be grateful to who helped us.

Without those beggars who told us where bandits came from,

how can we be allowed to the Governor's?

Being well-accommodated, why did we need money?

Master, it's what you said.

Let's run when I count to three.

Guests, have you enjoyed the meal?

Ten pennies for two bowls of noodles.

No, we haven't finished.

We'll pay you later.

I'm sorry, boss.

We came out in a rush and forgot to take wallet with us.

What about this, let my bro fetch money, while I stay here.

Okay.

I'll go fetch money.

Don't run.

Well, one ran away, and the other seeks time to go.

I've seen much of this.

- Go see the police with me. - No, boss.

Listen to me, he'll be back as soon as he gets the money.

How can I trust you?

Go.

Hands off.

How much?

I'll pay.

Why're you here?

Ten pennies.

The rest is the tip for you.

Thank you, Mister.

I'm sorry.

Leave now.

Move out.

A'Zhun, nice to see you again.

Shisi.

Who is he?

I told you not to come to Shuozhou.

You turned a deaf ear to me.

What about you?

You came instead.

How's your wound?

You even know his wound?

I bandaged it.

I know of course.

You turn out to be that vet.

It'd heal soon without being bandaged, but you... It's okay now.

He's...

Then it'll be fine.

By the way, Border trade in Shuozhou is strictly rectified.

A profiteer like you're certain to lose.

Shisi, how long will you stay in Shuozhou?

Come on, it's better not to inquire about each other's business.

Master, you escaped.

- Pedlar. - Who's he?

A'Dou, A'Zhun paid the bill for us.

We're about to go out of the city.

Shisi, can you see us off?

Of course.

We've to part in the end.

I'll stop here.

A'Zhun, I wish you a booming business.

Shisi,

as I told you last time, if you have no reason to stay in Shuozhou,

you'd better leave early.

Where shall I go?

Have you thought about going to the grassland?

Grassland?

I've no acquaintance.

I'd better not.

You know me.

No, but thanks.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Who're they?

They're men in the van of Ashile's army.

They'll attack the city.

Shisi, I still have some men in the north.

I'll be back to take care of them.

You'd better get as far away from Shuozhou as possible.

See you.

Take care.

Master, what shall we do now?

Return.

How dare Tu Kashe take credit when you're absent?

Do we really have to do nothing?

If you wanna see Tu Kashe fall utterly, stay here.

I'm not interested in a stray dog.

Are you sure he'll be defeated?

Tu Kashe is an idiot, but she's there.

She?

Stop.

Who dares break into the defense base?

Light the beacon and beat the drum.

Ashile's army is coming.

Out of my way.

If we miss the warning time, can you account for it?

- Hurry up. - It won't do.

Registrar Li.

Let her go up.

Okay.

Registrar Li, why're you here?

Governor, Ashile's army is coming.

Beat the drum.

Not now.

Not now?

You mean not beating the drum now?

It's not in a rush.

It's okay for them to go closer.

Governor, think about it carefully.

Once Ashile Tribe breaks into the city, Shuozhou'll be doomed.

- It'll threaten our whole country. - Stop!

- How dare you push Governor? - Alright, Xu Feng.

She just acted on impulse.

The enemy's coming.

I've no time to explain to you.

- Guards. - Yes.

Take them back to the Governor's and into custody.

Gongsun Heng.

Go.

You're too stubborn to deploy forces.

Gongsun Heng!

[Governor Mansion]

Hello?

Can't I walk around the Governor's if not allowed to the gate tower?

As Governor ordered, you can't walk around.

Don't you doubt his words?

What if his decision is wrong?

Governor has got a plan.

I think he doesn't deserve his reputation.

I wonder how he cheats the public here

into supporting him wholeheartedly.

Have you heard the drums?

He didn't get the drum beaten until this late.

It's hard to win this battle.

A'Dou, do you think we shouldn't come here?

I even hope a man ignorant of military tactics can help me

launch a counterattack.

That's it.

Even I know beating the drum in time on seeing the enemy.

As the Governor of Shuozhou, how can he not know?

I'm afraid he's on purpose.

If he dares to give up Shuozhou City to Ashile,

I won't make it easy for him.

So will I.

Governor.

Registrar Li.

- I... - Why didn't you beat the drum?

Ashile's cavalry raided us.

We were not prepared for it.

No wonder we'll be badly defeated.

How many casualties are there?

10,000,

20,000,

or even more?

Registrar Li.

- We... - Ignorant of military tactics,

why didn't you listen to me?

Why must you've been so stubborn?

Were you on purpose?

You...

Don't you care about the public in the city at all?

Registrar Li,

we has won the battle.

We win.

Really?

How did you make it?

Right, Governor, tell me about it.

How did you win?

Please calm down.

Let me explain it to you.

Governor didn't beat the drum until that late on purpose

for he deployed 3,000 archers in ambush in and out of the gate tower.

When Ashile's cavalry are coming, they soon came within our range.

Once he ordered, ten thousand arrows shot at once.

Ashile's cavalry had no time to turn around, and soon panicked.

At that time Governor asked us to open the gate and set knife rests.

Our soldiers in arrays resisted the enemy.

It's Crescent Moon Array.

You know military tactics.

I've learned a bit before.

Come on.

Sit down please.

Tell me if you're the commander, what will you do next?

Next,

we've to change Crescent Moon into Long Snake Array.

Hit the enemy with the body of snake, wag the head and tail,

and hang them.

What's next?

Guard Xu, go on.

Next, after waves of strikes, Ashile's cavalry were utterly routed,

but the head Tu Kashe refused to give up,

and attempted to launch another attack.

Beat the drums!

Send smoke signals!

At that time, our ambush beat the drums and sent smoke signals

in the northeast and northwest across the tower.

Soldiers' war cries resounded.

For fear of being besieged, Tu Kashe was so terrified that

he turned around and fled in helter-skelter.

Bravo, Governor!

But if we've the ambush in the northeast and northwest,

why didn't you let them march quietly and launch a surprise attack?

Why did you make such a noise?

Were you...

What?

Were you bluffing?

You're such a talent.

You see through my tricks.

You're right.

We've only 2,000 soldiers in ambush.

You're a superb military commander.

Don't you think I'm too stubborn to deploy forces?

I'm sorry for my ignorance.

I was so confident of my study of military tactics

that I disrespected you.

I'm so ashamed.

Alright, I won't keep it in mind.

But your risking life in sending signals

impressed me with your concern about the public.

I wanna express my thanks to you on behalf of the public.

Governor!

I admire your tolerance.

After this battle, I finally know why you're invincible,

and where the firmness of the wall and

and the peaceful life in Shuozhou come from.

If you don't mind, I wanna...

I wanna...

You wanna fight against enemies

with us to guard Shuozhou?

That's what I want.

For you a talent good at military tactics, I appreciate you very much.

Stand up.

I'd like to learn military tactics as well.

Okay.

Guard Shuozhou with us as well.

Stand up!

Congratulations on your safe return!

Now you all come to see me.

Of course.

To take credit, you secretly launched a sneak attack with cavalry

on Shuozhou.

Though you lost, you were not wiped out at least.

I'm in a rather bad mood.

Shut your foul mouth up!

You acted rashly and alerted the enemy.

You're to blame if we're at a disadvantage later.

What a fuss!

It's just a drill.

Why am I to blame?

I know what I did.

None of your business.

We don't care about your business.

We'll faithfully report today's battle to Khan.

You don't have to.

I'll report it myself.

Help me send the letter to the Military Governor's.

[To Military Governor Sima Tu]

This time Ashile Tribe's not that easy to deal with.

If I get it right, they'll launch another attack for sure.

We need reinforcements.

I'll go right now.

Governor.

Registrar Li.

Governor, you may have a look at the new map.

Why're you so worried?

We won the battle.

Why aren't you happy?

Just a small battle.

What's so happy about it?

I sent Xu Feng to ask for reinforcements to the Military Governor.

Reinforcements?

Why do we need reinforcements in such an impregnable city?

The real enemy of us in Ashile Tribe hasn't appeared.

Look,

the wide and deep Wuding River should have been

a natural defense line between Shuozhou and Ashile Tribe,

but due to our lack of soldiers,

we can't deploy troops to guard the river bank,

so that the enemies come and go freely, threatening Shuozhou.

Considering they'll come and go across the river,

what about turning it into a military installation?

Military installation?

For Ashile Tribe who're not good at swimming,

they'd prefer dry season.

That's it.

If the river bed is dry,

they'll march much faster than usual without obstacles.

If so,

we can grant them a dry season.

Grant them a dry season?

What do you mean?

I heard the dry season usually starts from July,

but with plenty of rain this summer,

the dry season may come about half a month later.

There's a dense forest right up the river.

If we deploy crack soldiers

to block the river with soil, stones and logs,

the river can be blocked within days.

Governor, what do you think?

You're really something, Registrar Li.

What a brilliant idea!

Governor, excuse my humble opinion.

You're so quick-witted.

Impressive.

However, Ashile Tribe's Bear Division just lost and ran away.

They dare not launch attacks within days.

Even if they do so, they'll be cautious.

We should think about how to let their guard down.

If Ashile's cavalry aren't that capable,

we've more feasible ways to defeat them in fact.

More feasible ways?

Speak up.

As Sun Zi said, we need direct tactics to join battle,

indirect ones to secure victory.

If we take our troops as a lure to attract their main forces,

and then deploy our cavalry to detour

and surprisingly attack the enemy on its flanks and from behind,

we'll defeat them one by one when their array's broken.

Isn't it exciting?

Great.

Young as you're, you're so imposing that I admire you.

You reminds me of another man.

Who?

The former Prince Qin, the current Crown Prince.

In the late Sui Dynasty, heroes distinguished themselves.

As a youngster,

he led thousands of soldiers fighting against enemies,

with such tactics.

He's almost invincible.

Unexpectedly, today you told me similar tactics.

Registrar Li, it seems you were just being modest before.

The Crown Prince is renowned.

I just follow his example.

I'm flattered.

Registrar Li, don't be so modest.

How lucky you're here in Shuozhou!

What's more,

Registrar Li, this is a report to the royal court.

Get it sent day and night to Chang'an asap.

Governor, don't you trust Military Governor?

It's not the case, but it's a matter concerning the public's lives,

so we must approach 100% safety as mush as possible.

Okay, I'll arrange it right now.

Li Shimin,

can't I get rid of you at all?

I remember you're from Shuozhou, and know Shuozhou well.

You already knew I'd lose today.

Did you collude with the enemy?

I'm wronged.

Heaven knows I'm loyal to you.

I've an idea to tell you, Tegin.

After you listen to me, if you insist on killing me,

I'll subject my life to you.

Go ahead.

What're the odds this time?

If it works, Shuozhou'll collapse of itself.

You'll take the first-class merit.

Really?

Governor, Governor Sima invited you to his mansion.

Sima Tu,

did he say something else?

No.

Does he agree to send reinforcements and wanna discuss it with you?

Since Ashile Tribe's last attack, he has remained unmoved.

He's always been on guard against me.

It's not that simple.

- Okay, you may leave. - Yes.

Senior Qin, it's a banquet where treachery must be planned,

but he's the Military Governor.

I can't turn him down.

I've to accept his invitation.

Governor, I'll accompany you there.

No, thanks.

It's more useful for you to stay here.

Senior Qin, if I can't return, just give this note to Registrar Li.

Are you serious?

Their identities are dubious.

I tend to use a man without suspecting him.

As for this, when to give them,

it depends on you.

Governor.

Senior Qin, I know your concern.

I believe him, but I'm more inclined to believe you.

Governor, it's...

Judging from her words and behaviors,

you'll know her heart.

I know she may hide something from us, but I believe

she's not harmful to our country and the people.

These years, I've been resisting the enemy for numerous times.

Maybe they've long known my tactics well.

But she's different.

I think she's quick-witted in various military tactics,

which is unfamiliar to the enemy.

Maybe she can defeat them surprisingly.

However, she's not experienced in warcraft,

and still needs your help.

Even if I can't survive this time,

I believe with you two's joint hands,

you're bound to find ways to protect people from harms.

I wanna thank you in advance.

Governor, you don't have to.

I'll do as you said.

Governor.

Stop.

Why?

Xu Feng, await me here.

Yes.

Go.

Military Governor, nice to meet you.

You even know I'm the Military Governor.

I don't understand.

Please let me know what's wrong.

Listen, did you resist the enemy today?

Yes.

Today the situation's urgent.

When I was alerted, the Ashile Tribe had been at the gate.

It's too urgent for me to notify you.

I acted as I saw fit.

Hope you may understand.

On behalf of his Majesty,

I'm patrolling the military forces in four cities.

You must listen to me when deploying forces.

No one's allowed to do so without my permission.

I know in an emergency you can act as you see fit,

but today's battle lasted for four hours.

In the whole four hours,

were you too busy to send anyone to notify me?

I'm sorry I made a mistake.

It's said Gongsun Heng's discreet.

How can you make such a mistake?

All in all, you've been ignoring me all the time.

You, as a former subject of Sui Dynasty,

must have forgotten who rules the country now.

I'm loyal to the Tang Dynasty.

Please find out the truth that I'm not treacherous at all.

So you mean I wrong you?

I dare not.

Knowing you're in charge of the forces, you've been bossing around

in Shuozhou for decades.

There's nothing you dare not do.

If I turn a blind eye to your deploying forces without permission,

governors of the other three cities will

follow your example and ignore me.

Guards.

Military Governor, now it's urgent.

Please allow me to defeat the enemy first

and then go back to beg your pardon.

Go back after you finish your work?

How cheeky you're!

Don't you respect his Majesty at all?

Military Governor,

resisting enemies and protecting people are our priorities.

Take him into strict custody.

Governor Gongsun said he'd stay all night here,

and asked you to go back first.

Military Governor.

- Has Gongsun Heng's report been intercepted? - Yes.

What happened here will never be known in Chang'an.

Send men to guard the post station to the south.

Before Ashile Tribe withdraws,

no news in four northern cities can be leaked out.

Yes.

Come out.

It's done.

Hurry to go now.

You're not welcome here.

Without my message,

if you keep letting Gongsun Heng provoke Ashile's army,

and attract their main forces,

the four northern cities will be in danger.

So is your title as the Military Governor.

I did you such a favor, but you drove me out.

Wasn't it improper?

Our Sima Family has nothing to do with you now.

It was you who committed treason.

Don't get me involved.

You wronged me.

I did so for your sake.

I didn't want people in great misery.

Gongsun Heng intended to risk all people's lives

for an undeserved reputation of valuing people.

Let alone to take him into custody,

it's reasonable for you to kill him.

It's none of your business how I handle him.

Alright.

Shuozhou City'll sooner or later be occupied.

At that time your life...

Now working for Ashile Tribe, I'm highly valued.

You know what my status is.

You're my brother.

I won't forget to benefit you.

You're now on bad terms with Gongsun Heng.

If he's promoted, where can you gain a foothold in Shuozhou?

I can only advise you it's not too late to forsake darkness for light.

It's almost dawn.

Piss off.

[Governor Mansion]

Registrar, won't you go to sleep this late?

I will after sorting out docs for Governor.

Senior Qin, at your age,

you'd better ask someone else to go on night patrol.

Registrar, do you have a guilty conscience?

Senior Qin,

I can only tell you I've a clear conscience.

Alright.

- Senior Qin. - Xu Feng.

Why're you back this late?

Where's Governor?

Sima Tu's men told me Governor would stay all night there.

I think something's wrong, so I came back first.

Unexpectedly, Governor was taken into custody.

Why?

Maybe because Governor deployed forces without permission.

Sima Tu has taken Governor as a thorn in his flesh.

He refused to reply to Governor's application for reinforcements.

Governor had no choice but to resist enemies.

He finally got something on Governor.

Senior Qin's right.

From Sui to Tang Dynasties,

Governor has been in charge of the military forces in Shuozhou.

The reason why Military Governor

was sent to govern four cities is to restrain his power

in case he'd go out of control.

Like today, the enemy lost the battle

but Military Governor got something on him.

Yeah.

Asshole!

So unreasonable!

I'll break into Military Governor's and save Governor out.

Stop!

You can't go.

Why?

Idiot!

They secretly took Governor into custody

exactly for they hadn't got something real on him.

If we revolt against Military Governor, they'll find evidence

for their charge of Governor's treachery and rebellion.

So what shall we do to save Governor?

He's the city's Governor.

Though in custody, his life shouldn't be in danger for now.

But it's a secret among us, and can't be known by the Lady

in case she'll be worried.

Yes.

Xu Feng, you used to be a scout good at fishing for info.

Keep a close eye on Military Governor,

and send messages in detail with pigeons.

Tomorrow, I'll see Sima Tu in person to know the situation.

Yes.

Senior Qin, I'll accompany you tomorrow.

Registrar Li, if you can stay here,

you'll do our mansion a great favor.

Do you know Tu Kashe's military counsellor?

Surnamed Sima, he was an official in Central Plains

captured by Tu Kashe when out for a battle with Khan.

He was spared for his wit,

becoming a military counsellor in Bear Division.

A so-called villain holding sway in Central Plains.

I don't know what kind of idea the villain got for Tu Kashe.

According to the scout,

Gongsun Heng was taken custody by Military Governor.

What?

It's no use reinforcing the wall.

Gongsun Heng had secured Shuozhou for years,

but turned out to be taken custody by his fellow.

It's no other than giving us Shuozhou as a gift.

What a pity!

A renowned general's framed by a villain.

Keep a close eye on Sima Jian.

Don't get us involved for his misbehavior.

Yes.

Congratulations, Tegin.

My brother has taken Gongsun Heng into custody.

I'll go on persuading him.

He'll surrender in days.

Great.

If it comes true, not only I'll climb up the social ladder,

but also you'll make a fortune.

I'll see how that bastard competes with me.

What're you doing?

Speak up if you want us out.

Why must be like this?

Our mansion was robbed.

Registrar, this morning Sima Tu didn't allow me in,

but according to my scout,

Sima Tu said Governor colluded with Ashile Tribe, ignored his orders,

and was suspicious of treason, so was in custody.

Bullshit!

It's against justice!

Justice?

If there's justice, then the world will be in peace.

♫ The heart gradually responds, ♫

♫ gradually revives, ♫

♫ gradually swims towards you. ♫

♫ Before bidding farewell, ♫

♫ we expect an encounter. ♫

♫ Entwist your figure, ♫

♫ and lock it into my tender dream. ♫

♫ Before the daybreak, ♫

♫ through the obsession of love, ♫

♫ the longing flows. ♫

♫ There's always a moment ♫

♫ which burns down the wastelands in my heart. ♫

♫ There's always solicitude ♫

♫ which freezes everything between you and me. ♫

♫ Meet each other in different time. ♫

♫ Encourage each other in different worlds. ♫

♫ My longings become a cocoon, ♫

♫ layer after layer. ♫

♫ It turns into eternity. ♫

♫ The cocoon in the dark night. ♫

♫ There's always a moment ♫

♫ which burns down the wastelands in my heart. ♫

♫ There's always solicitude ♫

♫ which freezes everything between you and me. ♫

♫ Meet each other in different time. ♫

♫ Encourage each other in different worlds. ♫

♫ My longings become a cocoon, ♫

♫ layer after layer. ♫

♫ It turns into eternity. ♫

♫ The cocoon in the dark night. ♫

♫ It is sleepless. ♫

The Long Ballad