Original subtitles

"The Killing of Three Thousand Crows"

"Episode 16"

Why did my father ask for me?

There is a respected guest.

Follow me to the living hall.

I was you told you like poetry yourself, Lord Li.

This afternoon in the Purple Bamboo Garden,

there will be a spring feast celebration.

All the renowned scholars of Feng City...

will be at the feast...

to celebrate for you.

Chancellor Zuo, it's an honour.

Father.

You are just in time.

This is Master Li from Ministry of Rites.

Master Li.

Good.

A handsome young man indeed,

I can tell you are destined for greatness.

There is no surprise you were able to write such a great poem.

Master Li.

If my son ever gets the chance to serve the nation,

I hope he could count on your help.

-You are welcome. -You mean the devilish nation?

Only the demons serves the nation run by devils.

Why would they need a normal human like me?

Master Li, don't mind my son.

After a trip to the sages' mountain,

he keeps making jokes about sages and demons...

after he came back from there.

I hope you wouldn't mind.

Young Master Zuo is very humorous indeed.

Later on the spring feast,

I look forward to your performance.

I am sorry.

I am in no mood for poetry today. I won't be joining.

But you can still play the lute for us.

Master Li, this is Empress of Li's younger sister.

Madam Qiu Hua.

I have heard rumours about the beauty of Madam Qiu Hua...

and her daughter Princess Xuan Zhu.

It's my honour to meet both of you in person today.

Such a great honour.

Why isn't Xuan Zhu with you?

My daughter is preparing a dance for the feast later.

So Zi Chen, if you won't play the lute for her,

Xuan Zhu would be dancing alone.

That could be embarrassing for her.

You wouldn't want to see her embarrassed.

Come, Master Li.

To your health.

Chancellor Zuo, to your health.

Miss Qin Chuan.

Chancellor Zuo will be holding a feast in the Purple Bamboo Garden.

Chancellor Zuo

If only we could have some human meat for this feast,

it would be a great pleasure.

Master Li, that is a nice suggestion.

Mr. Wang.

-Sir. -Bring us the food.

Yes.

Come, Master Li.

Master Li, to your health.

-Great! -Great!

Great!

Great!

A remarkable melody.

Nothing is remarkable.

I never would have believed it if I hadn't witnessed it myself.

We are flattered.

So, to the demons.

To Princess Xuan Zhu.

And Master Zuo's...

Master Li.

My son is getting more slack and arrogant by the days.

He left without a word right after he played the song.

Put on a smile.

If you can't keep your man,

don't show your frustration to the world.

You are right, Mother.

Right, Princess Xuan Zhu.

I hope you are not upset by this.

If that brat ever be rude to you in the future,

just let me know.

I'll get an explanation for you.

Chancellor Zuo, that is not Zi Chen's fault.

Zi Chen and I have an agreement.

He has other matters to tend to.

I am grateful enough he was here to play the lute for my dance.

Your daughter-in-law is very thoughtful.

She knows manners.

Not at all, it's all because of Zi Chen's outstanding qualities.

My daughter was simply spoiled.

She has the princess tantrum.

But when it comes to Zi Chen,

she starts to behave and learn her manners.

Madam Qiu Hua.

That is all thanks to your upbringing.

The Empire of Tian Yuan prospers.

Toady,

The demon army fortified the borders and eliminated...

all our enemies.

Chancellor Zuo!

Where are you going?

What about Zi Chen?

Chancellor Zuo is gone.

Zi Chen is not our concern now.

Run!

Father!

Father!

Father!

You...

will be the first.

As long as the Spirit Lantern is lit,

your spiritual energy will be in torment to the end of time.

Treacherous fiend.

You owe your life to the people of Li.

Now it's your time to repent.

What's the matter?

Nothing, it's all right.

Get up, the medicine is ready.

Mei San.

I get it now!

I get it now!

Come here.

She can have all the revenge she wants.

But the success is not about what she does,

-it's not about fate! -So...

It's about you?

Where are you going? What about your medicine?

Jiu Yun?

Your energies are sealed, you need at least two weeks for recovery!

Then come with me!

Well off you go.

You wasted my fine medicine.

Dismiss.

Yes, Master Zuo.

All of you, dismiss.

Yes.

Even if your sight can't be healed,

I will still read all the pages for you.

It's been years.

I don't remember.

What I've done as a father...

is nothing respectable whatsoever.

I know this hairpin carries a special meaning to you.

So I have my men bought it back.

Get rid of the demon statue.

My son doesn't like it here.

A talented man like yourself should be contributing to your country.

Country?

What country?

If only we could have some human meat for this feast...

Master Li, that is a nice suggestion.

But the Emperor came for it personally.

And that doesn't mean I have to oblige to his request.

Delicious buns!

Big and delicious buns!

Fragrance pouch with special recipe!

Freshly made buns!

Come for some tofu!

-Boss. -Enjoy your meal.

What is this?

This is a special delicacy prepared by our cook for the Pageant of Consort.

It's called the "Beauty for One".

This is interesting.

Beauty for One.

This name gives a lot of room for imaginations.

The Beauty for One is specially selected for the Crown Prince.

You? Just eat your carrot.

Come, let's start eating.

Here, enjoy your meal.

Madam Guo?

Madam Guo!

Madam Guo!

I am coming.

She took a day off today.

-Let me help you out. -You need to hurry.

I need to prepare food for House of Blossoms.

Yes.

Have a look, the colour is so vibrant.

Okay, thank you.

It's all right, goodbye.

Mother.

I think that is enough for the day.

All of these clothes...

is no match for this piece of fabric.

A robe with this fabric...

will catch all the attention during the Ghost Festival banquet...

held by Master Li.

Have a look around, let me know if you need help.

But we have no money left.

That is nothing to be concerned, we can put it on our tab.

Today is Zi Chen's first day at work.

When he gets his payment,

we'll pay the shop back.

Shopkeeper.

-I am here. -I want this fabric as well.

No problem.

Even Zi Chen knows how to read the current situation...

and chose to become the Crown Prince's overseer.

It means he is more sensible now.

But you on the other hand has never changed.

Are you still going to make the purchase?

Yes, of course.

I want this,

this, this over here and that fabric.

Pack them for me.

And the bill is on the Zuo family as well?

Of course.

Very well.

Shopkeeper.

Can you lower the price more?

I am going to be the new consort for the Crown Prince.

Miss, please don't make it hard for me.

There has been a dozen of ladies saying the same thing to me today.

I can't lower the price any further.

As soon as the Pageant of Consort kicks off,

every woman in Gao Capital wants to be the next consort.

That is true.

Prince Ting Yuan is here.

Prince Ting Yuan is here?

Prince Ting Yuan is here.

Shopkeeper, what is going on?

Madam, Prince Ting Yuan is visiting the capital today.

You should greet him as well.

Who would have thought?

The prince of Tian Yuan shows a great grandeur.

Xuan Zhu, if you could just...

-If you could just... -Mother.

Have we seen him before?

Come on, put some effort into your work!

This is the main venue for our Pageant of Consort.

If the progress is delayed, trust me on this,

all of you here will become tribute for the demons!

Did you hear me?

Unload the goods.

Chuan, what took you so long?

I was delayed on the way here.

-Go on, Chuan. -Thank you.

The foods are here.

Here.

Chef Chuan.

Chef Chuan, what took you so long?

There are too many works to be done today.

Braised sea cucumber.

Fine, you can have your lunch now.

It's lunch time!

-It's lunch time! -Come on, have your lunch.

Let's get our food.

-Here. -We're coming.

Slowly.

Finish your meal and start working.

-Everyone gets his share. -This is delicious.

What's wrong, Chuan?

I was just having a look around.

Be careful, it's still in construction.

The painting looks better than you in person.

Such a shame.

Your Highness, have mercy.

Guards.

-No, Your Highness. -Get me some real beauty.

Your Highness, have mercy!

Your Highness, have mercy!

Your Highness!

Your Highness, have mercy!

Your Highness, have mercy on me!

Spare me, Your Highness!

Have mercy on me!

Dismiss.

Yes.

I am the overseer of Eastern Palace, Zuo Zi Chen.

At your service, Your Highness.

At ease.

They say this is your first day at work.

But you managed to sort out all the documents...

and paperworks back-logged for months.

I appreciate the attention.

Which is why I must not slack on my tasks.

You live up to the name of a prodigy.

I thought the recent loss of your father...

would hinder you from interviewing for this position.

It was my father wish for me to contribute to the nation.

I shall carry out my duties with my very life.

Officer Zuo, there is another matter.

I've been wanting to ask you.

Yes, Your Highness.

I was told you once trained on Mount Xiangqu.

The Master of the mountain even healed your sight.

Yes.

Have you seen the eldest of the Four Greatest Disciples...

known as Fu Jiu Yun?

Your Highness, I do not understand.

It's nothing significant.

Someone mentioned him to me.

So I wanted to know from you.

What does he look like?

What kind of a sage is he?

Fu Jiu Yun may seem like a lacklustre person...

and plays around with the ladies,

but his power is above all the others.

The whole Mount Xiangqu relies on his strength.

From what I've seen,

he is determined and flexible at the same time.

You have high regard for this sage.

I thought you look down on those simpleton sages.

However,

there are sides of him that annoy the others.

His temper is unpredictable at times.

He speaks in riddles.

It's hard to befriend this person.

In that case,

you were once close to him too?

I've only heard about him from the other disciples.

He spends most of his time inside his manor on mountainside.

We've only met for a few times.

I see.

How did you manage to escape from the mountain?

I have a friend.

Before the Dragon King's assault,

she helped me escape from another route.

Her name is Xuan Zhu.

She is the daughter of a duke from Li.

My father ordered her to accompany me while I get my eyes healed.

I know a thing or two about this girl.

Her mother, Madam Qiu Hua, has quite a reputation.

She basically shows up in every ball without being invited.

-I even heard... -Madam Qiu Hua...

is my late father's friend.

All the people from Li are friends to each other.

It's getting late.

It's been a long day for you too.

Go home and get some rest.

Yes.

Officer Zuo.

I plan to visit the Eastern Park tomorrow.

You should join me.

Yes.

Also,

remember to invite that girl named Xuan Zhu...

and her mother as well.

Is there a problem?

I will see to the matter at once.

"Zuo's Manor"

Dismiss.

Madam Qiu Hua.

Zi Chen.

I am sorry to bother your peace.

It's so late.

What's the matter?

The Crown Prince will visit the Eastern Park tomorrow.

His Highness has invited both you and Xuan Zhu.

Really?

Please inform Xuan Zhu for me.

Well...

I will let her know at once.

Zi Chen.

Xuan Zhu has been throwing a tantrum lately.

Please don't mind her.

I won't. I understand her frustration.

It's normal that she won't talk to me.

A girl like her knows nothing.

The world will soon be ruled by Tian Yuan.

With your vast knowledge,

getting a rank in Tian Yuan...

will give you a more promising future.

Madam, you are right.

I will carry my father's legacy with me.

I will serve the court,

I must achieve greatness.

Li has faded into history.

Please don't mind her temper.

Madam, you should get back to your rest.

I shall take my leave now.

Should I make a move here?

Chuan?

Chuan?

What is it?

Come here, let's have a word.

No.

Boss, Madam Guo,

please get to the point and stop beating around the bush.

Chuan, it's been over a month...

since you started working here.

I know I shouldn't be saying this,

but I am truly very fond of you.

I hope you won't mind if I say it.

I do mind.

Chuan, men and women are meant to get married sooner or later.

It's best if you find a life partner soon.

After all, you are no longer a little girl.

Perhaps you could form your own family here.

Most of the boys in our shop are decent men.

Boss, how about this?

Give her a sabbatical.

Let her try her luck at the Pageant of Consort.

-Maybe she could... -No!

I am just a lowly peasant.

Seriously, the Pageant of Consort?

I am not qualified for that.

Are you going to stay single for the rest of your life?

Actually,

I have someone in mind.

It's my dear Dou Dou.

According to him,

after he has earned enough money for our wedding,

he will marry me.

Dou Dou?

What does he do for a living?

He is a painter.

He travels across the land,

looking for his inspiration.

An artist?

A painter?

Could it be...

No way, that is not possible.

He would have to be blind to fall in love with Chuan.

I didn't mean to be rude, it's not what I meant.

But who are you talking about?

Master Qi.

Master Qi?

What? Do you know the man?

Me?

I don't know him.

How would I know the guy>

I simply heard about him when I was in my hometown.

I am not surprised.

Master Qi is a legendary painter renowned to the world.

Any girl who could hold his hand...

will love to abandon everything...

and elope with him.

That is right.

If anyone is fortunate enough to get her portrait from him,

the Ministry of Rites...

will surely pick her as the next consort.

I finally got to see his face today.

It was through the small gap when the door was opened ajar.

I saw him while he was painting.

You took a day off today...

just to peak on Master Qi?

I worked my bones out for you today!

I wasn't peaking on him.

I did it righteously.

You were peaking!

-I did it with conscience! -Hold on.

Where is he now?

Chuan.

Chuan?

It missed.

Zi Chen, fetch the arrow for me.

Yes.

I am Madam Qiu Hua.

I am Xuan Zhu.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Here you are.

You are the Xuan Zhu I've heard of?

Yes, I am.

Your master was killed on Mount Xiangqu,

how did you manage to survive?

My master may have died,

but all his disciples were saved.

I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Unlike that cursed Master of Mount Xiangqu.

All his men and apprentices were killed,

but he went into hiding to save his neck.

You have a bold personality.

You are not scared of me.

I like that quality in you.

Your Highness.

These are the portraits of the recent candidates.

Leave it aside.

I've grown tired of them.

They all look the same to me.

I might as well just admire the painter's art.

Yes.

Officer Zuo, isn't that right?

Yes.

These painters are merely frauds seeking attentions.

They are doing harm to the society.

Your Highness needs a beauty,

not these peasants.

Have a look.

Appraise them for me.

But...

Could this be...

How is a human even capable of this art?

Who drew this?

Your Highness, that is the work of Master Qi.

Master Qi was once seen in Li years ago.

He knows arts and musics,

and he enjoys the company of beauties.

Master Qi?

I do know tales about him.

Have you seen him before?

No.

I've never met him.

Rumour has it,

he likes to visit the courtesans.

So he refuses to reveal his true identity.

He wears a wooden mask...

and always plays his lute.

A lute?

Meddling sage!

Does Your Highness know the man?

Master Qi.

Little boy?

Does Master Qi live here?

I want him to draw me a portrait.

Please inform him for me.

You are here for my master's painting?

Yes.

See? They are all here for the same reason.

See for yourself.

She comes out!

That's all for today.

Everyone, please leave.

-Come here again tomorrow. -But it's been two days.

-Please, leave. -Forget it.

-I should be here earlier. -Unbelievable.

Boss.

I've finished my tasks at the kitchen.

I need to take a day off.

Why?

I need to be on Mount Phoenix.

For the beauties.

You must be out of your mind.

Do you really think you get to be the consort?

Of course not, I really want to see the pretty ladies.

It's true.

With this make-up and dress,

I bet you are going to get your portrait drawn.

Just let her go.

She will never give up...

unless she knows the taste of failure.

Fine, go on.

But remember to get me Master Qi's autograph.

Sure.

-Get me one too. -No problem.

She looks gorgeous today!

Master Master Qi.

San.

This portrait is astounding.

You are welcome.

At first, I thought...

the screen will block the view...

and make the work difficult.

How ignorant of me.

With your skill as a master,

no screen will be enough to block your keen sight.

Once I became the consort,

I will send my gratitude to you.

San, see our guest off.

I need to rest for a moment.

Send in the next guest later.

Miss, this way.

What is taking so long?

She's been there for a while.

What is taking her so long?

She is still in there?

I'll wait even if it takes days.

She's been there for so long, why hasn't she come out?

She is here!

She is here!

-That is beautiful. -Remarkable.

-Indeed. -She is gorgeous.

So pretty.

Beautiful.

Unbelievable.

Who is she anyway?

That's right.

Let's go.

This is where Master Qi lives.

Why is he with them?