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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 16

There are so many hot springs outside Jian-An City.

I won't get to enjoy them anymore.

Young lass, tell your boss not to boil any more water.

There is still a bucket left.

You... What are you doing here?

It must be Ms. Hong.

Didn't I tell her to give him the letter in a few weeks?

She must have betrayed me!

This is bad. He seems furious this time.

No, I should say that he is extremely furious.

The angrier the enemy, the calmer I should be.

This is especially so when the enemy is in great advantage.

I mustn't infuriate him lightly again.

Otherwise, I might not even have a corpse to leave behind.

Did you really have to shatter my confidence?

In such a situation, shouldn't you at least react like a normal man?

You expect me to react like a normal man.

But why don't you have the normal reaction of a normal woman

who was seen bathing by a normal man?

I'll see how long you're staying in the water.

Are you sure that you'd like me to have a normal reaction to this?

Somebody help!

General, the horse is ready.

- Go and pack her bags up. - Yes!

Stop making a fuss.

- Where are you taking me? - South Mountain.

We should be able to get there before dawn.

You can have a bath with ease and have some hot soup by then.

Are you insane?

I'm not going to South Mountain.

My bags are still at the inn.

As well as my Humbleton and Rascal.

Put me down.

You don't have to worry about your belongings.

Someone will bring them over.

I don't have time to fool around with you. Listen up.

You either be obedient, or I'll knock you out right now.

You choose.

- Wei Wu Ji! - Present!

You're a lusty jerk!

Did you hear me? I called you a lusty jerk!

I heard you.

You're a bum, stinky fish, stupid turtle, asshole!

You learned to swear quite well in just a few years in Jian-An?

Here, go ahead.

We have all the time in the world anyway.

By the time you're done swearing, or when you're too tired to swear

you will have a good sleep.

Why are you so well-informed?

Young lady, let's not forget where you are at.

This is the Central Plains.

My troops are stationed at the west of the river.

Uncle Chen sent your letter over and I got it on the same day.

It doesn't take much to track you down.

Damn. Ms. Hong didn't obey my instructions.

You abandoned Fair Maiden's House without a word.

That is so irresponsible.

Ms. Hong hasn't even scolded you yet, and you're already scolding her?

I'm sleepy.

You can doze off if you're sleepy.

This isn't comfortable. I can't fall asleep like this.

Then you're not sleepy enough.

If you really are very sleepy, you will be able to sleep and ride a horse.

Have you slept like that?

Of course.

You won't fall asleep now, would you?

Sleep with ease.

We already arrived! Put me down now!

You can put me down now?

Wei Wu Ji, are you trying to drop me to my death?

Are you still mad at me?

Untie me before you leave!

Hey.

He's even prepared binding linen for my chest.

He does know quite a lot.

Although there are only men's clothes here

it's still better than having nothing to wear.

You would look more handsome when your hair is done.

Turn around and sit up.

The weather is great. I'll take you out to the town in South Mountain

to have some nice food.

Is your army cook that bad?

My cook is one of the best in the palace.

But he isn't very good in making

those delicacies you like that are of this region.

Let's go.

Is Li Ji here?

He isn't.

What wrong deed is it exactly that you had done to Li Ji?

Nothing!

What wrong deeds could I possibly do?

That's good then.

Since you're so energetic, why don't you think about what to eat later?

I don't care.

You brought me here, so you should be in charge.

It is my duty to be responsible for you. I will definitely bear the responsibility.

You're the one who simply left without a word.

I will go wherever I wish.

Fine!

But if I can't find you anywhere when I wake up tomorrow morning

I will be worried.

When I'm worried, I get scared.

When I get scared, I give orders.

All the troops that I command

will start having wolf meat as our staple food.

I will also encourage all the people from the tribes

to treat the soldiers of Nan Dynasty with wolf meat.

I dare you.

Wait and see.

Young Master, this is for you.

Here you go.

- Sir, I don't want your money. - That young man is so handsome.

- Exactly. - This flower is a gift.

Thank you.

Young Master, judging from your attire, you don't seem to be a local.

Where do you live?

Yes, where do you live, sir?

Don't leave, sir!

What would you like to have, young men?

Two bowls of 'Rubbing Roe.'

- Sure. Here, have a seat. - Sister.

This flower is for you.

May your business be as popular as these peach blossoms.

I love putting peach blossoms in my hair.

This meal is on me since I get to receive flowers today!

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

Please have a seat, sir!

Who knew that you could get free meals so easily?

You don't walk like a woman in a man's outfit.

I'm considering keeping you here in my army

as my personal bodyguard.

You'd better be careful.

If you infuriate me enough some day, I'll turn into an assassin.

Is South Mountain fun?

It's fun.

Then stop being angry at me.

All right?

I have legs. I will eventually have to leave.

How long can you possibly hold on to me?

You know the desert.

We happened to be in need of a guide in my army.

I'll treat you as my guest.

But I will never let you leave.

I recognize this dagger.

The Crown Prince, Murong Feng, had this made for me when I was little.

I still remembered that he summoned the best craftsmen from

the desert and the city.

It took them great efforts to finally come up with this dagger.

Who knew that it would eventually end up here on a street stall?

My prince, this dagger is made according to your design.

Are you happy with it?

Where did you get this dagger from?

I bought it from someone else.

I'm taking it. How much is it?

That dagger isn't good. This one is better. Look!

Take it.

- You paid too much for it. - I'm sure it's worth it.

As long as he likes it.

You like this dagger a lot?

Xiao Yue! What are you doing?

Xiao Yue!

You're so silly!

It isn't as if you've never killed anyone.

How could it be possible not to bleed when you're stabbed?

Yes, I am a fool.

If he wasn't so concerned about me

how could he possibly not realize that I was joking

when he is so experienced on the battlefields?

Moreover, his face paled so suddenly.

I must have gone overboard with my joke this time.

Don't be angry.

It was just a spur of moment.

I was just teasing you.

I'm not angry at you for fooling around with me.

I'm mad that you made such a joke with your own life.

What if this dagger isn't what you thought it is?

It is just as I thought, so everything is fine.

This dagger is a gift from a very close childhood friend of mine.

When I was little, I used to scare my Papa with it.

How could I forget what it looks like?

Moreover, there is a slip of paper inserted in here.

When the blade goes in, it squeezes the fake blood out.

It makes it look real.

When I saw the dagger just now

I was overwhelmed with childhood memories.

That was why I wanted to pull a prank.

You have a father?

Of course!

How could I already be like this when I was born?

As for some fathers, it doesn't make any difference if you have one or not.

Listen up. It took a year to make this dagger.

I chose the patterns.

All right! I'll give it to you as an apology. How is that?

It's fine. Keep it for yourself.

Li Cheng!

General, your horse is ready.

Bring me another set of armor.

Yes, General!

Li Cheng might still be young but he is very skilled in horsemanship.

From today onward, I want you to learn from him.

- Here it is, General! - I am not going to learn it.

Where are you off to?

You don't even know about the battle drums?

The General needs to gather the troops for roll call.

I reckon that the army will soon set out to war in three or four days

to fight against the Tartars.

Stand still!

Sir, everyone is present.

The General ordered me to teach you to ride a horse.

Didn't you hear me? I said that I won't do it.

You have to learn it!

If you don't, then I won't be able to accomplish my task.

Why would I care if you can't accomplish your task?

If I don't accomplish my task, the General would have a bad impression of me.

Then I wouldn't be allowed to fight in the war!

If you can't ride a horse, when you run into an accident

you would be in grave danger.

You would be a burden to us.

You are still so young.

What are you doing here in the army

when you should be serving your parents at home?

Last fall, the Tartars came into Yumen Pass to stir up trouble.

No one fled in time.

My father, mother, and older sister were all killed by the Tartars.

Should anything happen

Wei Wu Ji would be the first one to be weighed down by me.

Junior horsemaster, let's begin our horse-riding class now.

But you have to remember not to be impatient with me

not to mock me

and you're definitely not allowed to call me stupid.

Otherwise, you'll get a taste of my fist.

Sure!

Mister Xin, this won't do!

You might be strong enough

but this is too dangerous!

Even my wolf brothers show me respect

why would I be scared of a horse?

Mister Xin! Mister Xin!

Take it slowly!

You have to get in rhythm with the horse first in order to coordinate well!

Mister Xin, I'm begging you!

Don't be like this!

Mister Xin! Are you all right?

Leave me alone!

Mister Xin!

Slower!

- General. - What's the matter?

Mister Xin was very serious in learning to ride a horse.

He fell from the horse many times

but he never gave up.

He always got back on it again.

He's courageous and very strong-willed.

I am totally impressed.

I am rendered speechless.

However...

However what? Speak up.

However, he was too eager to gallop on the horse

and things got out of control.

He started fighting with the horse.

I couldn't stop him nor persuade him to stop.

That is why he ended up looking like this.

It seems that someone is too eager to achieve instant success.

Li Cheng, get me some buckets of hot water for a bath.

Yes, General!

Does it hurt?

Why don't you try falling off the horse a few times?

- Turn around and sit upright. - What are you doing?

When you just learn to ride a horse

your waist and back would be particularly sore. I'll give you a massage.

Don't use too much force then. It aches a bit more on my left side.

It takes time to master horsemanship. Why are you in such a hurry?

Judging by your condition, you already wanted to gallop on the first day?

Who told me to learn it as soon as possible?

I only said that just in case you weren't willing to learn.

The army leaves tomorrow morning for battle.

Tomorrow?

But I've just learned to trot.

I don't know how to pull the reins to stop the horse or make it turn.

If I'm not careful, and fall off the horse...

But... But I could still manage to ride it anyway.

Tomorrow, I'll tie myself to the horse.

I'll see how it could possibly cast me off.

Have you gone mad?

This is the time I heard of someone learning horse-riding like this.

You told me that you could trot quickly on a horse on the first day.

I think that you're just relying on your great martial arts skills

to run around on the horse randomly because you won't fall to your death.

If I really allow you to come along with my army

all my troops would be broken up.

Forget it! You don't have to come with me.

Stay here and learn horse-riding slowly.

You're not afraid that I would run away anymore?

General, hot water is ready.

- Bring it inside. - Yes.

This way.

Go and have a bath first.

You don't get any servants to serve you in the camp.

But if you are willing

I would be happy to serve you.

What's with your mouth?

What about it?

You don't seem to talk with your mouth lately.

You're always making noises with your nose instead.

It sounds like...

That's right. You sound just like a piglet.

Piggy Xin Yue. That sounds like a good name.

It sounds quite auspicious.

Xiao Yue! Wait here for me in the camp.

I will end this battle quickly.

So it should take a minimum of a few days

or a maximum of ten some days.

I won't keep you waiting for too long.

I heard that wolf meat doesn't taste good.

I don't want to eat anything that doesn't taste good either.

Since you have already made a decision

why would you bother asking me for my opinion pretentiously?

Chen Yan Guang asks to seek audience with the General!

Come in.

General, the bags and the bird cage are here.

- Put them on the table. - Yes.

Those two little ones are finally here.

General, these two pigeons seem to be very intelligent.

When I brought them back here, they refused to eat and drink.

Why are they so stubborn?

Don't worry. They won't throw any tantrum once they see their owner.

General, there is another matter.

When I was at the inn, someone was inquiring after the lady in room two.

Who was asking after her?

It seems to be...

- You are dismissed. - Yes!

Humbleton and Rascal! Xiao Yue is here!

You're angry at me for leaving you both behind for such a long time.

Why don't you have some food first?

But you can't blame me for it.

It is his fault!

These two little ones are just as stubborn as you are.

They wouldn't eat and drink until they see their owner.

Of course!

In this entire world, they would only obey me and the Ninth...

They only obey my orders.

They would never eat anything given by others.

Xin Yue, what are you doing?

You have to let it go since you've decided to do so.

I overheard the person who brought my bags here say that someone inquired after me?

What is that about?

You suddenly disappeared, so your carriage driver kept looking for you.

They even reported you missing to the local official.

I couldn't even keep them quiet about this matter.

Why do you have so many troublesome people around you?

Even your carriage driver is so hard to appease.

Don't bully him.

That uncle is a nice person.

Don't worry, we will only settle this matter with tactics instead of violence.

Are you and His Majesty always discussing about either tactics or war strategies?

You didn't get to rest last night and you have to leave early tomorrow morning.

Aren't you going to bed yet?

I should have a good rest.

Otherwise, I could only sleep peacefully after this battle is over.

Where should I sleep?

Take the bed inside and I'll sleep out here.

Let's go inside.

Don't be mad at me anymore.

How is it?

My Lord, since we got news of her at the inn in Liang State

we couldn't find any more traces of her.

I think that she must have deliberately avoided us.

Notify all the tribes in the desert

to send more men to search for her.

Sure.

My Lord, we've always avoided being in touch too frequently with the tribes.

Even if they have the intention to make friends with us

we've always turned them down.

- But this time, for Xin Yue... - Just go ahead and carry out my order!

Even if the Ninth Lord insists on bringing Miss Xin Yue back

we would owe too many favors to too many people.

We have no idea what price we may have to pay in the future for this.

If I miss out on her

nothing else could ever make up for it, whatever the price might be.

I left a letter to say that I've left Jian-An

but now I'm brought to the camp by Wei Wu Ji and hired as his guide.

I'm learning to ride a horse and traveling with his army.

All these came one after another.

What should I do next?

Xiao Yue, I'm going to head out now.

Sleep well.

What time is it now?

Are you leaving now?

Dawn hasn't even broken.

If you need anything, you can ask Li Cheng to get things done for you.

You must remember not to be impatient when you learn horse-riding.

Try to stay inside the camp as much as you could.

If you get really bored

you can go and have fun with the young ladies in the market.

Don't forget to put on the male outfit.

I'm leaving now.

Wei Wu Ji!

Be careful.

I definitely will.

Why did the army leave just like that?

The entire camp is empty when I woke up.

Junior horsemaster?

You've been absent-minded all morning.

What's wrong?

Did you notice that I didn't fall off the horse this morning?

Junior horsemaster!

Although you're skilled in horsemanship

war is a totally different matter.

Shouldn't you train for that as well?

How long have you been in the service of the General?

You wish to go to war?

You want to seek revenge?

I want to seek revenge.

Why?

If I don't kill a few Tartars

to avenge my father, mother, and older sister

there is nothing else left for me.

I must... I must seek revenge!

May the war cease and the hatred too.

Can you fight?

Fine! Junior horsemaster, if you challenge me to a combat

and take on one hundred strokes from me

I'll ask the General to take you with him to attack the Tartars next time.

A real man always keeps his word!

Deal!

You...

All right!

Is this how you teach me?

If we are in a combat, we need to fight with our lives.

Would enemies wait for you to fight back?

If I had used a bit more force, you would have been crippled by now.

Do you think that the enemies would hold back their strength?

Wei Wu Ji led twenty thousand riders

out of South Mountain to launch a rapid attack.

He struck from a long distance with a flexible and indirect strategy

to round up the enemies and slaughter them with great speed.

This is a good strike! It seems much better now!

Your horsemanship is also pretty well-learned!

What is going on?

You don't know?

The General has returned victorious!

Everyone is to rest!

We shall drink in celebration tonight!

It seems that this battle is successful.

His Majesty would surely reward the entire army.

I bet all the survivors must be joyous.

General!

I thought that you would have a celebratory drink first.

Li Cheng, go and drink with them.

Yes, General.

Judging by how you look now, you must have spent all seven days on horseback.

Go and have a bath first.

No, I'm going to have some sleep first even if the sky collapses.

I really do believe that he could sleep while riding a horse.

Seeing how he is now, he could probably kill enemies in his sleep.

He stinks!

He sleeps like a pig.

I didn't expect you to stay by my side all night.

Have you missed me a lot?

I would have to be sick to miss you.

I had to sleep on the ground since you got back.

You even held on to me so tightly.

This bed is so big. You could have slept up here next to me.

You wish!

Get over here!

I'm begging you!

Go and take a shower now! You stink!

I already suffered a night of stench.

Do I stink? You must have gotten it wrong.

Do you want to take another whiff?

You're just tormenting me!

Mister Xin! Are you still going horse-riding today?

I didn't see a thing!

I saw nothing! Nothing at all!

Xiao Yue, you can't get away from me.

I'll go and take a shower first.

I'll check to see how well you've learned horseback riding later.

You won't let me down?

What's the matter?

The General is a true hero!

Why would...

Why would... Why would...

Why what?

No... Nothing!

Li Cheng, go and prepare some food.

Teach Mister Xin horse-riding later.

Yes.

Mister Xin.

I'll practice horse-riding after breakfast.

Mister Xin, if you feel upset

we don't have to practice today.

Stop making wild guesses.

Didn't I see you...

I was practicing combat skills with the General.

The General is so much more skilled in martial arts than you.

That is why we came to a draw.

We fell to the ground when we were wrestling each other.

You happened to walk in.

You are just as skilled as the General?

Of course.

This is good then!

The General is a true hero!

Mister Xin is also very outstanding.

I will have another fight with you today!

Children are so easily coaxed.

He cheered up so quickly.

I had him teach you horsemanship.

Are you so disgruntled that you have to beat him up like this?

Mister Xin is teaching me martial arts.

He isn't beating me up.

He's teaching you martial arts?

If every master teaches his disciples the way you do

who would still dare to learn martial arts?

This is the only method I know.

He has to learn from the struggles between life and death.

There are no other ways.

It is just about how to kill with one stroke.

You don't have to teach him horse-riding today.

- You are dismissed. - Yes.

Li Cheng!

Go and pick a fight with those soldiers who just got back from the battle.

They should still be quite aggressive.

If you could get them to fight ferociously with you

you are bound to learn a lot after the combat.

Yes! Yes!

Are you trying to make him into a wolf boy?

You're not afraid that my men might break his legs?

I've already reminded him.

Learning a lot includes breaking of arms and legs

as well as being punched swollen.

I was just wondering why you would be so kind

but now I realized that he was unlucky to have met you.

His parents were killed by the Tartars.

Do you know that?

I didn't know that.

There are so many soldiers here in my camp.

I don't have the time to ask about everyone's family and stories.

Only their courage on the battlefields matters to me.

I got him especially to teach you horsemanship.

He was recommended by Zhao Meng Shan.

I promised Li Cheng that as long as he could take a hundred strokes from me

I'll ask you to bring him to war.

A hundred strokes?

I really hope that he'd still be alive by then to go to war.

Enough nonsense. Let's see how good you are on horseback now.

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