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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 11

Madame Xiang sits in the picturesque imperial courtyard

and plays with the parrot.

She plays with the parrot, and the parrot plays with her.

At least, they have each other as companions.

You think that she is also locked up in a cage?

A cage made of palace walls?

Behind these palace walls lies the youth, tears, and blood of so many women.

Compared to the concubines of Nan Dynasty

to be the Madames of the Tartars are a blessing.

At least, when they are lonely, they get to gallop on horses

under the sun and clear blue skies.

Women here could only sit quietly in the corner of the courtyard.

Qin Xiang is the most favored concubine in the harem.

That is already the best outcome a woman can desire.

It isn't too bad that a woman gets a parrot to play with.

Although you used to be a bit...

you are extremely intelligent

and also very lucky.

You bet the right horse.

I'm flattered by Your Highness's compliments.

I will take caution in my every move.

- Greetings to Sister. - Don't stand on ceremony, Madame Xiang.

Xin Yue greets Your Highness.

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

It's a rare opportunity that Xin Yue gets to visit Madame Xiang today.

You haven't met for a long time, so you must wish to catch up in private.

I'm going to visit Empress Wan now.

I won't keep you from your reunion.

When I leave the palace, I'll send someone over to get you.

Thank you, Sister.

- You may all dismiss. - Yes.

Xin Yue, you especially came to the palace to see me.

Is it because you find the money I gave you too little?

As for money, the more, the better.

It can never be too much.

I would only say that it isn't enough.

Seriously.

What are you trying to figure out?

I hadn't wanted to figure out anything in the first place

but after you reminded me

I'd quite like to figure out something.

You've peeked at those books?

You really have no shame.

No shame.

What a gorgeous beauty.

His Majesty has really gotten himself a treasure.

Now that he has you, he'd still smile no matter how troubled he is.

Did you know that there was a huge hailstorm in the desert this spring?

I've only heard a bit about it.

There is a sudden rush of female dancers from the desert into Jian-An.

In order to survive, their virginity is sold at the price of a show ticket.

It seems that all ticket prices at dance houses will decrease.

And then it would only keep getting lower and lower.

Human lives are as cheap as those of dogs in times of peril.

One natural disaster might not bring total devastation.

But war is even worse than a natural disaster.

Exactly.

Although they came from beautiful and rich lands

they could only become beggars now.

Can Fair Maiden's House offer them any assistance?

That is why none of my dance houses are allowed to lower ticket prices.

The other dance houses aren't powerful enough to influence the prices.

Good, then you have given those girls a chance to survive.

Lowering our prices doesn't guarantee more profits.

It might be easy to lower the prices now

but it isn't easy to increase it back later.

Why would I bother doing that?

You have such a weird personality.

Everyone wishes to be praised and complimented

but you never take credit for all the efforts you made.

It's as if you're worried that others might discover how kind you are.

No matter what, if helping Fair Maiden's House

means offering aid to innocent women

I'll be more than happy to help.

I'm unlike you.

Although I grew up in the desert as well

I have no sentiments for that place.

Neither do I have the will to help them.

All that I do is for the sake of the dance houses.

As long as you can offer them some assistance

I am already grateful to you despite whatever your motive is.

That is fulfilling my wish in a way.

By the way, how are my brothers?

You should get to see Mister Qin from time to time?

I do get to see him because His Majesty often summons him over to play the zither.

I would sometimes dance to the music.

But we hardly get the chance to talk to each other.

I'm actually a bit scared to talk to my oldest brother.

Your younger brother is now on great terms

with those young masters in town.

They are all kissing up to him.

Your oldest brother reprimands him often as well.

As for Yuan Qi's words, Yuan Chao only pretends to listen

but he doesn't fear him.

However... I heard that my younger brother is a bit scared of you.

Tell him off for me.

I can only obey Madame's words.

Don't act like this.

I mean it. If anything happens to my second brother

it won't do you any good either.

What about Ding Ling and Yuan Qi?

Your Highness, do you intend to hire me as your brothers' supervisor?

You would like me to mind this and that.

The Senior Princess should be leaving the palace soon.

I'm off now.

My brother has choreographed so many dance performances for you.

You should at least make an effort for him.

His Majesty arrives!

Am I that lucky?

Some people don't even get to see His Majesty for years

and I get to see the Emperor on my first visit to the palace?

Come with me to welcome His Majesty then?

Greetings to Your Majesty.

- You may rise. - Greetings to Your Majesty.

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

You are Xin Yue?

Wu Ji really has a good taste.

Fortunately, you showed up in time to drive away those bandits in the desert.

You may visit Madame Xiang often to keep her company.

Yes.

Does Your Majesty have any good news to share with me?

I'd also like to know about what Your Majesty is concerned about.

Otherwise, should Your Majesty bring up national affairs in daily life

you would find me a bore if I couldn't express any opinions.

My dear, you always think one step ahead of me.

That's all right.

I'd just like to spend days of wine and roses with you.

Your Majesty, General Wan has sent reports on the war.

Greetings to Your Majesty.

I will take my leave first.

Speak.

Your Majesty, former General Zhao Zheng has suddenly surrendered to the Tartars.

Is this confirmed?

Great General Wan has sent scouts to investigate into this matter

and it is now confirmed.

Convey my imperial decree. Wipe out Zhao Zheng's entire clan.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I am really impressed by you.

You managed to come up with so much money in such a short time.

I truly am speechless.

I'd like to become a tree

that stands next to the Ninth Lord.

Have you forgotten about that?

I'll return the money to you as soon as possible.

You don't have to give it back.

My Lord is kind to me and appreciative of my abilities.

I haven't repaid your kindness yet. This is a good opportunity to do so.

I didn't sell you Fair Maiden's House to offer you guidance.

How can you call that being appreciative of your abilities?

I should be the one to be thankful that you lend me the money.

If My Lord sees me as...

Sees you as what? Why don't you finish your sentence?

How does it concern you what he sees me as?

Business is business.

Paying back a loan is paying back a loan.

There is no difference in that even though we are friends.

Since My Lord handles matters with just

it would seem that I underestimate you if I insist on refusing your payment.

Only small-minded men and women are hard to deal with.

Xin Yue, you're just like that Zhao Zheng.

You change so quickly.

You're sometimes gentle and sometimes fierce!

Are you talking about Marquess of Xi, Zhao Zheng?

- Exactly. - What is with him?

I heard that he surrendered to the enemies before the war commenced.

His Majesty was furious and had his entire clan massacred.

Is this Zhao Zheng still a man?

He has no regards for the lives of his family!

He managed to save his two sons in the nick of time.

Aren't the families of the generals all closely monitored in case of mutiny?

Zhao Zheng actually managed to rescue his sons

under the surveillance of the imperial court.

He's quite resourceful.

If I am right

it should be the King of Tartars who sent his men to rescue them.

Is it that Hu Wei Li?

Is he that capable?

He is both intelligent and valiant. He's also very decisive in his actions.

He must not be underestimated.

It seems difficult for Nan Dynasty to defeat the Tartars now that

there is a man as capable as Hu Wei Li.

General Wan is just as valiant and intelligent.

Hu Wei Li has met a match.

He might not necessarily take the lead.

I'm wondering when the war would end

and all the people could live in peace and harmony.

Wei Wu Ji... Why was I suddenly so worried about him?

But this daring man does make make people worry about him.

But if Hu Wei Li is truly resourceful

he could easily have me killed.

Why is that I'm still living today?

How has Zhao Zheng's surrender influenced our army?

Great General, there are some five thousand soldiers who surrendered with him.

They are all very familiar with our military strategies.

I'm worried that our strategies for the next confrontation

would be seen through.

This morning, Right General Su Jian's area was already taken by enemies.

His entire troop was wiped out.

What about the others?

I've executed the officers who surrendered to the enemies.

The army's morale is now gradually stabilizing.

Although we have already changed our plans in deployment

Zhao Zheng followed me for years

and even took part in the planning of military strategies against the Tartars.

Therefore, I need everyone to work with me to come up with new strategies

in order to seek victory through an unexpected move.

We understand!

What is your opinion, General Wei?

Now that we aren't far from the Tartar troops

we would need time to change our current formation.

I'm sure that the Tartars are fully aware of this.

They would surely attack on horseback while we're occupied with the changes.

Wu Ji, do you mean...

Definitely not!

Wu Ji!

Wu Ji! You're not allowed to go!

General! Now that Zhao Zheng has already surrendered

the Tartars' morale is at a peak.

Our only chance at victory is to strike them fast!

We must take over their vanguard camp and put them back in their place.

I can guarantee you that I will succeed.

You are one of our commanding generals.

You have to obey the military laws, or you shall be severely punished.

If you insist on acting so impulsively you are just throwing away your life.

Instead, I'd rather that both armies confront each other head on

and fight for victory.

Now that our enemies are right before us

we don't have much time left to keep stalling.

When the enemies attack, we would only suffer more losses.

Great General should be aware of this.

Great General, a scout has reported back to us.

The Tartars have camped fifty miles away from us.

Their vanguard camp is even closer to us.

- They are within twenty miles. - Great timing.

General, success lies in swift attacks and taking the initiative.

I'm willing to lead a small troop of elite officers to attack them by surprise

and turn the current situation around to our advantage.

If I should fail

you wouldn't see me return.

If I succeed, then my merit will make up for my defiance.

Wu Ji, this attack must be kept swift and short.

You have to end this attack very quickly.

I obey your orders.

Depart!

Hurry up!

- I welcome Your Majesty. - Please rise, my dear.

I'm here to tell you about a matter

so that you could share my happiness.

What is it about, Your Majesty?

Make a guess.

Is it about the war against the Tartars?

Exactly. Wei Wu Ji is indeed extremely bold and daring.

He led a few elite soldiers and took the enemies' camp alone.

All in all, Wei Wu Ji turned the tables

and changed the course of war.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

The Gods have sent a great talent to come to my aide.

Your Majesty reigned with great kindness and brought prosperity to the people.

Hence, you're blessed with great talents to make the nation grow and prosper.

I am right about Wei Wu Ji.

I will surely put him in an important position in the future.

These are the expenses for this month.

And there's this one as well.

- This was spent on musical instruments. - All right.

House Mistress, Madame Xiang is here.

Why has Qin Xiang suddenly come back here?

Ms. Hong!

You've just violated hierarchy. Shouldn't you address her differently?

Yes. Why has Madame Xiang suddenly come back here?

Greetings to Your Highness!

- You may all rise. - Thank you, Your Highness!

Madame Xiang has honored us with your arrival.

Your fleet of carriages and men have blocked the entire street.

It's majestic and splendid.

Fair Maiden's House is also honored.

My sister is the favorite of all concubines in the harem

and doted greatly by His Majesty.

As her brother, I'm very proud of her.

If you study hard and have achievements in the future

why would you worry about not leading a good life?

How can we keep Madame Xiang standing outside?

Please forgive us, Your Highness.

Let's all go inside.

Thank you for your gifts, Your Highness!

I'm here at Fair Maiden's House to visit everyone

and also to talk to Xin Yue.

- We'll take our leave now. - Yes.

- You may dismiss as well. - Yes.

Xin Yue, you know that Wei Wu Ji has won every battle?

His Majesty has made it clear that upon Wei Wu Ji's victorious return

he would award him a higher title.

This means that he will be leading more soldiers and fighting more battles.

I'm afraid that he is not to be underestimated.

You mean...

Wei Wu Ji is gaining more power with time.

Even if Wan Qian is no longer as glorious as he once was

Wan family will still gain more power.

This will surely have an impact on my plans.

You still intend to take on the Wans?

You lied to me about forgetting your hatred.

That was but a temporary shift, or else you...

Would you have helped me to get into the harem then?

I just need you to tell me what Wei Wu Ji is up to.

I would never tell you that.

Wolves are faithful animals.

They would never betray friends.

Be it you or Wei Wu Ji.

Moreover, Wei Wu Ji might be young

but he can differentiate priorities.

He would never tell me anything that I shouldn't know.

But you'd have a way if you really want to get to the bottom of it.

All right.

Since you aren't willing to do so, I wouldn't force you either.

Thank you for being understanding, Your Highness!

By the way, my antique zither has been kept here in Fair Maiden's House.

I'd like to take it back with me to the palace this time.

The antique zither?

The one you brought to Fair Maiden's House?

You've given this a thorough thought?

Xin Yue, you're so smart and popular among everyone.

If you're willing to help me, things would be easier for me.

Your Highness has overlooked a fault of mine.

If I assist you, I would only implicate you.

Why is that?

I am much weaker than you.

At least, I wouldn't use someone who likes me to achieve my own goals.

Then I have to thank you for giving me such a huge credit.

Do you know that I once asked His Majesty

what it is to be an emperor

and how he answered me?

Love the people as if they were his own children?

He only answered me with one word.

Unfeeling.

You didn't expect that, did you?

To be a person with no sentiments.

Perhaps that is how an Emperor should be.

You were the one who insisted on entering the harem for an answer.

Yes, I entered the harem according to my wishes.

Then I could continue carrying out my plans.

Have you reconsidered that everything you're doing now

is really playing with fire?

Don't forget about my zither.

I'll get someone to take care of that. It will be sent to the palace later.

Xin Yue, will you still help me?

Although you deceived me

I wouldn't tell anyone about your plans. Yet.

Do not go any further with it.

Qin Xiang plans to use this zither to connect herself to Li Ji.

Li Ji's infatuation would become Qin Xiang's best weapon in her plans.

She would really do anything to accomplish her goals.

She even lied to me.

I hope that she could realize her mistakes soon.

I only hoped to help the Ninth Lord by getting her into the harem.

When it is peaceful at the frontier and people are safe

would the sorrow that lies in the Ninth Lord's heart be dispersed?

His heart could then be free, and he could do whatever he wishes.

Would I regret what I have done for the Ninth Lord?

Xin Yue, did you ask for me?

Ms. Hong, get someone to send Madame Xiang's zither

and belongings into the palace.

This old zither? Madame Xiang could have whatever she pleases now.

Why would she want this old zither?

Perhaps, it means something to her?

Means something?

What could it mean to her?

You're right. Perhaps it was left to her by her family.

All right, don't worry. I will get that all done.

I heard that General Wei is almost at the city gates!

Let's go and have a look!

- Sure! I'll go with you! - I'll go with you as well!

- Let's go! - Xin Yan!

What is the commotion about?

It's said that General Wei returns to the city today.

Why don't we go and have a look as well?

Madam Yue, General Wei looks so majestic.

[The Villa]

Wei Wu Ji.

You did not let me down.

You led a troop of eight hundred elite soldiers

against the troop of Tartars, and killed four of their nobles.

You headed straight into the core of their quarters and attained great victory.

I award you the title of Marquess of Jianxi.

You shall have the lands of sixteen hundred households.

I thank Your Majesty for the generous rewards.

Wan Qian, two of your troops were defeated.

One of your generals surrendered.

Your merit makes up for your faults. Hence, no rewards nor punishments.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty places Wei Wu Ji in an important position.

This is the blessing of Wan family.

Be it Wan Qian or Wei Wu Ji, they are both warriors of Wan family.

They should work hand in hand to serve Your Majesty.

Good!

As long as you return in victory

I am in great spirits.

Ladies, you may keep ordering whatever you like.

- Yes! - Sure! I'd like to have the bear's paw.

- Order it yourself. - Same here.

General Wei is here.

Greetings to General Wei.

Greetings to General Wei!

- It's the Marquess of Jianxi now. - Marquess of Jianxi!

- They... - Didn't we have a deal?

When you return in victory, we would have a feast at The Villa.

Order whatever you want.

- Sure. Thank you, Marquess of Jianxi. - Thank you, Marquess of Jianxi!

Why are you so petty?

Everyone wants to meet you.

You can't leave like this.

It's a rare opportunity that all the girls in my houses get to meet up.

I want to treat everyone to a meal

but if the meal is too cheap, I would be laughed at.

But if it is too expensive, I find it hard to part with my money.

It's a good opportunity since you made me a promise to order the rare dishes.

That's why I told The Villa to do their very best.

You get to be a Marquess after you wandered about for a while.

You can still afford to treat a hundred people to a meal.

Wandered... Wandered about for a while?

You do make it sound all so simple.

So why don't you of wandering about with me for a while next time?

Then I'll share half of what I make with you. How is that?

Why are you being so petty?

The ladies even ate very little at lunch just to enjoy this meal of yours.

Don't you worry.

I would definitely pay for this meal.

But I would not allow anyone to disturb our meal.

What is this place?

What are you up to?

Since we want a good meal, we need to get into a big manor.

Let's sneak in and look for food.

This house looks quite luxurious.

It doesn't seem to be an ordinary household.

If I am caught, then I am caught.

But you're the Marquess of Jianxi.

If you were caught...

you would also embarrass His Majesty.

You'll be embarrassed if you couldn't sneak in.

Who would dare to sneak in on these nobles here in Jian-An City?

Anyway, I won't have to worry about my life

so I'll have all the fun I want.

Should anything happen, I'll just say that you instigated me.

If you were caught, it would be even more interesting.

This way, please.

Could this be your new manor?

The Marquess of Jianxi!

Unfortunately, you got it right.

I thought that since you like sneaking into houses

I'd give you some excitement.

Should you sneak in some other day, I'd be quite pleased with it.

But there won't be such hidden weapons around next time.

You're such a bore!

Yes, I am.

As boring as I am, at least I don't climb over walls to sneak into houses.

I thought that perhaps you might want to visit me someday

so I brought you over to get familiar with the layout.

Just in case you are discovered in the middle of the night

you'd be too embarrassed.

Where is your front gate?

I forgot to tell you that I brought back a chef from Ruoqiang Palace

and his culinary skills are very good.

Lamb that ran from spring to fall, and then to spring

is not tough, and not too soft, not too fat, and not too lean.

It is just right.

And there's cumin from Xinjiang...

and pepper from the north of the desert!

Stop staring at them or they would get burnt.

You must be very bored when I wasn't around?

What have you been doing in Jian-An City?

Nothing interesting.

I was just running my business.

I went to the palace, and saw His Majesty.

Why did you go to the palace?

I'll do whatever I want. It's none of your business!

Sorry, I've pinched you too hard.

Why don't you let me pinch you then?

Sure! That's not a problem. Here!

You're so vicious.

What did His Majesty say to you?

He complimented me a bit

saying that it was fortunate that I showed up in time

to drive away those bandits in the desert.

So he bestowed me some gifts.

He also said that I can go to the palace often to keep Madame Xiang company.

What do you think about His Majesty?

Nothing?

How is that possible?

He is so complicated that

it's hard to describe him.

He was kind and humorous when he spoke to us.

But I know that is just one of his many different tones.

He disregards social status, and overlooks Madame Xiang's background.

Therefore, he is also very kind to me.

At the same time, he is in a prominent position.

He would allow no affront to his dignity.

There seems to be many conflicting personalities in the same person

as well as some unified characteristics.

Be careful, or His Majesty might fancy you.

How is that possible?

Madame Xiang was right beside me.

Foxtail grass might be fancied if he gets sick of peonies.

So I am a foxtail grass?

Then it must be hard on you...

Me? What about me?

What are you thinking about?

What are you thinking about?

I'm thinking about Madame Xiang.

Ning Cheng advised General Wan to give Madame Xiang five hundred gold taels

as her birthday present.

His Majesty made Ning Cheng the Commandant of Donghai because of this.

You can tell how favored Madame Xiang is through this matter.

It was never Madame Xiang's intention to have General Wan take out

five hundred gold taels from his reward as a gift for her.

There's nothing she could do about those bootlickers.

I care about those five hundred gold taels.

Ning Cheng said that the Great General has many merits and rewards.

He was awarded ten thousand households of land, and his three sons were made

marquesses because of the Empress.

We fought for Nan Dynasty.

But in the eyes of outsiders, we only got credit because of the Empress.

It is true that my uncle was given a position because of my aunt.

But he has never ever been defeated in all his battles.

It's been years now. Can this only be the credit of Empress Wan?

But those officials just won't let us off.

What did they say about us?

They said that I'm arrogant, rude

and a man of very few words.

What can I possibly have to say to those corrupted, despicable people?

It turns out that there are some people that you can do nothing about.

I thought that you fear no one.

A man's actions lie in the sincerity of his heart.

Who is anyone to judge?

Some say that the Great General butters up to His Majesty.

Then would General Wan have to sound rough when he speaks to His Majesty?

Such an attitude may be commendable

but doesn't that put the entire clan into jeopardy?

As for those officials, they are after all, just scholars.

His Majesty might get angry at them, but he wouldn't be cautious of them.

However, General Wan holds, the power to command the army.

His Majesty would observe his every word and action.

A slight mistake could cause severe consequences.

Officials are just men who value good morals.

And your behavior really isn't worth any compliments.

Here you are tugging on my sleeve. How is that a good moral behavior?

But... I like it.

Such great grilled meats!

These are authentic grilled lamb from the desert area.

This is my uncle, Master Sima Zan.

That is General Sima Lie.

Greetings to both generals.

Have a seat.

Miss Xin Yue, have you once lived in the domains of the Tartars?

No.

Then why are you so familiar with the way Tartars hold their knives?

- Here, have some. - Thank you.

Miss Xin Yue, please don't take it to heart.

We'll help ourselves then.

Judging by the look in their eyes, they harbor evil intentions.

They must be as sly as a fox.

No, I mustn't judge a book by its cover.

You're home.

What is it? You have no appetite?

If you've tasted the best meat dishes made by the best cook

you won't have the appetite for anything else.

Which place could be better than The Villa?

Wei Wu Ji's cook!

Tell me, if I get to steal his cook

would he think that I am a greedy wolf?

Even if he scolds you, he would still let you have your way.

Miss Hong! Miss Hong!

Madam Yue, you're home...

Go and have a look right now!

Master Li is here and tearing the house down!

I even tripped and tore my clothes!

All right now. Don't cry. It's just an outfit.

I'll have a new one made for you. We'll get the tailor over here tomorrow?

What is with Master Li this time?

I don't know what's going on either!

He's usually very gentle, and treats us all very kindly.

But he started breaking everything the moment he got here

and even yelled to see you.

We were all so frightened, and couldn't even hold him back.

He is still breaking things now.

Xin Yue... Xin Yue!

Get out here!

- General Li! - General Li!

Please stop, General Li.

Who knew that a warrior like General Li didn't get any rewards?

It is truly upsetting.

General Li, you must feel quite aggrieved.

I feel sorry for you, General Li.

My best reward is to be able to share His Majesty's burdens.

Why would anything else matter?

You shouldn't take it to heart either.

- Let's go and have some wine. - Sure!

Here, this way, please.

- General Li? - General Li?

General Li! What's the matter?

I'll be with you shortly.

Sure, then we will take our leave first.

Who is it? Who dares to trespass into the harem?

General Li.

Eunuch Zhang.

I've trespassed by mistake. I'll take my leave now.

Eunuch Zhang, what is the matter?

Madame Xiang.

It must be her... It must be her!

Xin Yue! Xin Yue!

It seems that Master Li is here because of the handkerchief.

Exactly! When he got here, he asked about the handkerchief.

He said that we have all lied him.

Anyway, he just kept asking to see the House Mistress.

You should have made up an excuse to say that the House Mistress wouldn't be back

for hours when you saw how he's spiraled out of control!

You could have just made him leave.

How would I know?

You... Do you only know how to bicker?

How can I be as smart as Ms. Hong?

- You... - Ms. Hong, forget it.

This isn't Xin Yan's fault either.

Take ten steps backwards.

Xin Yue, Master Li probably knows that we had deceived him.

He already knows that the lady he seeks is Madame Xiang, right?

Only the both of us knew about the truth, so how would he know?

We should never have returned that handkerchief to him.

Ms. Hong...

From this day forth, you have to forget about the handkerchief completely.

This never ever happened.

In the future, whatever the circumstances

we are not to bring it up again.

I've forgotten about it.

I know nothing about it.

Xin Yue!

Xin Yue! Get out here!

Get out here to explain to me!

If you won't come out here, I'll tear down Fair Maiden's House!

Get out here!

- You shouldn't go up there. - Come out here to explain to me!

- I'll take care of this matter. - Come out here!

- Xin Yue! Explain to me! - Be careful.

- Come out! Xin Yue! - Why are you following me?

To go upstairs!

You don't find your clothes torn up badly enough?

Don't worry.

Master Li...

- Master Li... - Xin Yue! Xin Yue! Xin Yue!

I am not her...

Get lost!

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