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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 6

Greetings to the Senior Princess!

Don't stand on ceremony.

Thank you, Your Highness.

This is our zither player.

His surname is Qin and his first name is Yuan Qi.

This is Ding Ling and that is Qiu Xiang.

They will perform for Your Highness.

You may begin.

This performance is longer than the average ones.

We usually break the entire play into several days.

I wonder if Your Highness would like to watch it from the beginning

or would you like to request for a certain scene?

Choose the scene that they perform the best.

- Yes. - Yes.

Have a look!

Come and take a look!

The Senior Princess is watching 'Moon and Blossoms.'

Would Xin Yue be killed for offending her with the play?

There's no telling what will happen.

Head back there and continue to observe in secret.

Notify me right away if anything happens.

Yes!

We know that we have fallen for one another but it is not to be.

Therefore, we could only choose to end this romance.

Yet we are swayed by our feelings.

Our feelings are too deep for us to break it off easily.

We couldn't forget our feelings and now we're both in misery.

Uncle!

What's with you?

I heard that you've been fooling around.

Uncle, you should know me.

That is how I am.

Everything is great about you except for your attitude.

When one is young, it's important to learn to do things well

and get along with others.

I know that, Uncle.

But I'm unlike you.

You don't have to be like me.

You just need to learn how to exercise restraints and not do everything your way.

Yes.

Father!

- Is my cousin here to fawn on my father? - Don't say such nonsense!

I wouldn't dare to do so.

What are you doing here?

Cousin, you should be with your lady friend.

Otherwise, you might still see her today but tomorrow, death will separate you.

What did you say?

That girl of yours is too bold, and now got herself into trouble.

I am worried about her.

Stop beating about the bush!

I'm just reminding you that my mother has already gone to Fair Maiden's House

to watch your Xin Yue's show.

Uncle, I have other matters to attend to.

Go on.

Who are you to be so cocky!

Even if the heavens is furious

and all gods are angered

those who are killed in battle are abandoned on the fields

Remain calm.

As long as one is sincere and valiant in battle

one shall become so strong that no one could surpass him.

Our love runs so deep

that it could never be forgotten.

This love would never vanish

and even in death, our souls shall never be apart from each other.

Every strumming of the zither brings back memory...

and every note reminds me of our love.

It is tragic and solemn on the battlefields.

This playing of the zither leads the mood of the story very well.

Qin Xiang! Please don't make an irrational move.

This is bad!

Qin Xiang, where are you?

'Moon and Blossoms' is indeed unique.

Where have you been?

What are you up to?

Xin Yue, don't worry. I would just like the Senior Princess to meet me.

Do you think that you could benefit from meeting Her Highness?

You're too naive.

Even we do not know what lies ahead for us.

I don't care. I have to give it a try.

Do you want everyone to die with you?

Whether the Senior Princess is pleased or furious about this show

and whether she would reward or punish us is still unknown.

You know the importance of making use of the right timing.

Are you sure that this is the best timing now?

If you end up infuriating the Senior Princess

you would never get another chance.

Greetings to the Senior Princess!

The play itself is a good one.

The dancing is also well-choreographed.

The zither is beautifully played as well.

But it is time to put this show to an end.

Your Highness...

You've choreographed such a deliberate show.

I should reward you for that.

You are the House Mistress?

Did you create this show?

Yes.

Then I shall reward you.

Death is your reward.

I beg Your Highness for forgiveness!

Why didn't you beg for mercy?

Why didn't you say a word?

I will accept your verdict.

I wouldn't dare to defy you.

What a clever girl.

Since you're capable of coming up with 'Moon and Blossoms'

you're not afraid of death?

I seek to live, not to die.

All I wanted is to present a romantic and sentimental story to all.

I hope that everyone would know and understand the story.

I believe that this would serve as a beautiful tale in Jian-An City.

Is it that simple?

This show might be well performed

but it is wheeling and dealing.

Do you think that I wouldn't notice?

I am willing to be of service to the Senior Princess.

There are many who would like to offer their services to me.

Among them, many are very capable.

Indeed, there are many who are more meticulous than me in Jian-An City.

I am just...

Master Wei seeks audience with Your Highness.

Look at how impetuous you seem.

If your uncle sees you behaving this way, he would give you a good scolding.

Wu Ji greets Your Highness, my aunt.

How long has it been since you visited your uncle?

It must have been almost half a year. We are after all a family.

Understand?

Please let me off this once, Auntie.

I was already nagged at by the Empress when I went to the palace

and even the most reasonable aunt of mine is also nagging at me?

Fortunately, I've just been to visit Uncle.

He said that you're here.

Is that so?

Wu Ji asks Auntie for forgiveness.

You would made mistakes as well?

It is a long story.

I have start from how Miss Xin Yue and I first met each other.

That day, I ran into bandits in the desert.

It was a close call.

I only managed to escape unscathed because Miss Xin Yue commanded

a pack of wolves to save me.

Then I got lost in the desert

but there was no water, and I didn't know the way out of the desert.

It was a perilous...

What is the matter?

I'm fine.

I think that I've been bitten by a treacherous scorpion.

The incense is lit in this room, and I've ordered to have this room cleaned.

There shouldn't be any insects.

Auntie, I'm talking about the desert.

There are poisonous snakes, ants, bees, and all sorts in the desert.

They like to bite people

but once you yell out...

They won't bite you anymore.

No matter what, I emerged safely out of danger

because of Miss Xin Yue's help.

Then I came back to Jian-An.

But I've left such a lasting impression

that she had to resort to this solution because she misses me so much.

You mean to say that she came up with this show

in order to attract your attention?

Exactly.

I have been too bold. Please punish me, Your Highness.

For your sake, I wouldn't punish her.

I also couldn't be bothered with what goes on between you two.

I am pleased to have heard a story.

This is the first time that I've heard about

someone who could command a wolf pack.

Xin Yue is deeply grateful for Your Highness's kindness.

You may all rise and leave now.

I heard that you went hunting some time ago.

Who knew that you went to the desert on your own?

You mustn't always take advantage of His Majesty's indulgence towards you

and forget about the importance of matters and hierarchy.

You should consult your uncle in all matters.

It seems that your trip was fruitful?

You should report back to your uncle.

Auntie is right.

Auntie is thoughtful.

I will obey your orders.

I'll visit Uncle another day

to report to him about my trip to the desert and discuss national affairs.

That is the right thing to do.

Just now, you took liberties with Miss Xin Yue.

Should your uncle see that he would definitely get angry.

Who would dare to tell him if you won't?

This Xin Yue is quite a beauty.

She is also chivalrous and fearless.

She could be considered brave and astute.

No wonder you're so protective of her.

No matter what, I have to thank Auntie for everything.

The Senior Princess is departing!

We greet Your Highness upon your departure!

Get up now.

Let's head back home.

How does it feel?

I'm a bit tired.

I had to think carefully before I say every word.

But I mustn't be too slow in answering.

My knees hurt a bit from kneeling as well.

That's true. You even dressed up today.

Aren't you afraid to be chosen by the Senior Princess?

Fortunately, I knew that Senior Princess is coming here so I rushed over in time.

You worry too much.

I worry too much?

If the Senior Princess offers you to His Majesty

I'll see if you could still be so smug.

What if there is a better choice than me?

Who could that be?

Are there other ladies here in the house that haven't made an appearance?

Speak up. What on earth are you planning?

All in all, I have to thank you for your kindness today.

I have a question for you now.

If someone from my house enters the palace, would you blame me?

My aunt (the Empress) is now a withering flower in the eyes of the Emperor.

His Majesty is seeking new palace maids all the time these days.

There are some who are also in search of great beauties.

Even if you don't offer beauties to him, someone will.

The Senior Princess has been worried as well.

Whenever His Majesty visits her manor

she would gather young and beautiful ladies

to perform for him and serve wine to him.

There were definitely a few that were taken back to the palace.

Unfortunately, they were all forsaken after being favored a few times.

'Don't be upset about having a daughter and don't be happy about having a son.'

'Empress Wan Zi Jin has the world in her hands.'

Whoever could sing this folklore well wanted to become like Wan Zi Jin.

But how many of them could be like my aunt

who was once gorgeous as a blossom and gentle as water?

You are right.

Empress Wan's status could not be matched by any other women.

I'd like to listen to your opinion.

Empress Wan not only has Great General Wan Qian as her younger brother

but also two brothers-in-law

Sima Zan and Chen Zhang who are both influential imperial court officials.

Then there's also you, her nephew which makes four heroes in her family.

Empress Wan's position could not be wavered.

I am too flattered!

In General Wan's opinion, I am but a dandy boy

who is too insensitive, arrogant, and extravagantly wasteful.

General Wan would rather have nothing to do with me.

Are you?

Do I look like one?

Why did you tell the Senior Princess about the desert?

Are you referring to how you commanded the wolves?

If I was the only one who witnessed it, I would never bring it up.

But all of my servants saw it as well, so I couldn't keep it from her.

You are very meticulous.

You only realize how smart I am now?

Feed me some fruit.

Go get them yourself.

I am your savior after all.

Do you think that I am some maidservant in your manor?

If all my maidservants are just like you

why would I bother coming here to be bullied?

There's no one else around right now. This place is also quite spacious.

Should we have a combat?

Sure.

Are you specialized in flirting with maidservants?

You'd find out if you stay over in my manor for a few days.

Are you still going to show me that beauty?

We'll see.

I believe that you have some words to say to me.

Am I right?

Thank you for your timely reminder today, Madam Yue.

Otherwise, I would have ruined a carefully-devised plan out of anxiety.

How did you manage to spot the clues

and realize that the Senior Princess would punish you?

It could be my animal instincts.

I find the Senior Princess as dignified as a lion and must not be easily approached.

She also seems unfathomable.

There's a saying in the art of war

'Know your enemy, know yourself. Hundred battles, hundred won.'

Since it wasn't worth taking a risk

you might as well stay put.

Madam Yue acted smart and calmly.

I am deeply impressed.

I'll say this to you once again.

If you'd like me to help you

you have to be honest with me.

Otherwise, I'd never help you.

I have no intention of hurting anyone.

I can also promise you that

I would never do anything to implicate Fair Maiden's House in the future.

I don't believe in you.

I couldn't possibly risk everyone's life here in Fair Maiden's House.

You could tell from 'Moon and Blossoms' straightaway that I mean to build up

connections to the nobility, just like you intended.

So you had your brother turn down Beauties' House

to come to Fair Maiden's House.

What exactly do you have in mind?

If you misunderstood what I am because you've never met me before

then I suspect you because I've never met you.

I really don't understand.

Can any woman truly be happy in the Emperor's harem?

A smart person wouldn't choose to go to such a place.

I wouldn't, so why would you?

Mister Qin has heart for playing zither and a kind soul.

He isn't someone who would sell his sister for fame and wealth.

It's your willfulness that led me to watch your every little move.

You aren't after fame and wealth.

But why do you insist on going to that damned place?

You're right. I don't want to be there.

But this is the path that I am destined to take since I was born.

Madam Yue, I beg you to grant me my wish.

Destined?

Are you doing this for your parents?

Who exactly is your father?

How did you manage to figure that out?

I've asked Qin Yuan Chao about your life.

Although you aren't the biological daughter of his father

your father and brothers have always doted on you.

Only your mother was very stern to you.

You're but a young lady in the prime of your teens, and yet you are so cold.

Where is all that hatred from?

I'm really impressed by you.

But didn't you grow up outside the cities like I did?

Haven't you ever wondered where you truly came from?

Indeed I have.

But I'm not concerned about who my parents are.

All I need to know is that my family is Papa and the wolves.

All right!

Since you have an unmentionable past that you couldn't reveal to me

forgive me for not being able to help you anymore.

Hold it.

Do you really want to know about it?

My biological father was a meritorious commander at the frontier of Yumen Pass.

Yet he was framed to death by the Emperor's close officials.

His Majesty was the one who sentenced him to death.

Once a decree is announced, there is no room for discussion.

When my mother learned that my father was framed

she was in great agony.

Fortunately, she escaped death with protection from her friends.

She was pregnant with me then.

In order to continue my father's bloodline

she had to bear with the pain and continue living.

After my mother escaped

she ran into my brothers' father

who was traveling in the desert.

After she was rescued by Father, she married him as his second wife.

My oldest brother was then old enough to remember what happened.

Therefore, he knew that I was not his father's child.

As for my second brother, he was still too young then

so he knew nothing about it.

So Mother devoted greatly to my second brother out of her guilt for his father.

Therefore, although he knows that Mother isn't his biological mother

he treated her like she was his own mother.

As for Father, he never asked about my mother's past

until my mother passed away from illness.

It sounds that your mother ended up having quite a blissful life.

Although we led quite a stable life

my mother had always been in great agony.

She never once forgotten the pain in losing her husband.

That was why my mother always took me to revisit the place

where my father was killed

to make offerings to my father, who died a wronged death.

My mother wouldn't allow me to cry.

She said that tears could not save me.

She told me to smile, and I could only smile.

Qin Xiang, I think that the best solution for you is to forget all about this.

Your mother shouldn't make you avenge what you can't avenge.

She wasn't a good mother.

She shouldn't torture you because of her own pain.

If your father was truly someone worthy of a woman's love

then he would only hope that you could be blissful and happy.

He wouldn't have wanted you to be in pain and torment.

It is indeed a torture for me to bear such a hatred for life.

If you won't let go of hatred

your life would have ended before it has even begun.

You wouldn't be able to pursue happiness.

My life has ended before it has even begun...

Honestly, I feel helpless.

I have love for my mother

and I made her a promise, then...

We were assisted by people outside the frontier.

We herded sheep and sang.

They once helped us.

I also hope that it could be safe and peaceful over there.

You had a blissful start to your life.

You could have led a happy life here on the lands of Nan Dynasty.

The current Emperor is wise

so perhaps your biological father's death had nothing to do with him.

It could have been a misunderstanding.

How do you expect me to believe that

and just give up on my vengeance so easily?

I wouldn't know the outcome

unless you help me and agree to my request.

Could you do that?

How would you like me to help you?

Come up with a method to get me into the palace to meet His Majesty

to ask for an answer.

It's not difficult for you to get into the palace.

But if you'd like me to help you, you have to let go of your hatred.

Yes, I can promise you that.

Xin Yue, I'm really grateful to you for agreeing to help me.

But... in the future, don't tell anyone about your true identity.

This is the first time that I ever told anyone about my story.

I think that this would also be the last time that I do so.

Thank you.

I have my own interests at heart for helping her.

I hope to be of some help to the Ninth Lord.

At the same time, I hope that Qin Xiang can let go of her hatred

and find true happiness.

My Lord!

Don't be anxious. Speak slowly.

How is business at Fair Maiden's House recently?

Is Xin Yue doing well?

At first, everyone seems rather down at Fair Maiden's House.

But Miss Xin Yue thought differently.

She decided to purchase four new dance houses.

That has managed to lift everyone's hopes again.

Xin Yue could put her wisdom to use and lift everyone's morale.

That is quite unexpected.

Master Wu and Ms. Hong act upon Xin Yue's every word.

They are out searching for the four best dance houses.

It is all going according to plan, and going well.

My Lord, is Xin Yue acting too irrationally this time?

Is she too anxious to achieve success?

Xin Yue is unlike any other women.

She has great taste and ability.

Should we help her out secretly, so she could purchase dance houses easily?

Since I've already handed Fair Maiden's House over to her

I shouldn't meddle in it anymore.

You really wouldn't help her just a bit more?

Since one could walk, why would one use a crutch?

I used your method to haggle with them.

It was as expected. They were all willing to lower their prices

because of the popularity of 'Moon and Blossoms'

and sell their dance houses to us.

This is good news.

Yes. In the future all the dance houses will look to Fair Maiden's House!

Yue Er, you're just like a prophet.

That's because Ms. Hong has made all the right arrangements

and hence things went so smoothly.

Do you know how glad those dance houses that we chose are?

They all hope that you could bring them success and great prosperity!

The bigger our business is, the bigger our responsibilities.

We would all have to work harder now.

Any hardships would be worth it.

As long as we get to hold our heads up high.

We should discuss what show to put on after 'Moon and Blossoms.'

House Mistress! House Mistress, someone sent you a gift.

- What is it? - I don't know.

Who sent it?

No name was given.

I was only told that the House Mistress would know after seeing it.

They are so adorable!

They are adorable, but... useless.

If the both of them are made with gold then that would be quite nice.

Get me one?

- Get me some grains. - Yes.

Who sent this?

Silly lass! Start thinking about what show we should do after this!

You're so naughty.

I'm going to call you 'Rascal.'

You... You're so modest.

I'll call you 'Humbleton.'

I'm Xiao Yue.

I wonder if you can understand me or not.

It's a pity that I only know how to howl like a wolf.

I don't know how to coo.

Should I knock on the door

or should I just sneak in over the walls?

It's better to sneak in.

Is Yue Er there?

Uncle Shi, you haven't gone to bed yet?

The Ninth Lord has orders to open the door for you.

- Thank you, Uncle Shi! - Go on inside.

You're pretty skilled.

Thank you for the pigeons.

I like them very much.

Do they already have names?

Not yet.

I named them quite whimsically.

What are they called?

The one that is naughty and dominant is called Rascal.

And the other one that is gentle and modest is called Humbleton.

Then I'll call you Xiao Yue from now on.

Yes. The next time when I introduce you you are Xiao Jiu (mini nine).

This whistle is exquisite.

A pair of flying pigeons are carved on it.

The master who trains pigeons said that Rascal and Humbleton are the smartest

pigeons he has ever trained.

In order to prevent them from acknowledging a master too soon

he wouldn't show them his face when he fed them.

You must feed them in person for the first month.

Once they know you, you won't have to keep them in cages anymore.

Does it sound awful?

I don't know how to use it.

Teach me.

I gave you two pigeons, of course I will teach you how to use it.

This is a custom made bamboo whistle.

A different pitch is a different command.

Once you know how to use this

Rascal and Humbleton would understand you.

Teach me now.

Cover all three holes with your fingers.

My feelings sway and tremble.

I feel limp and numb.

My feelings spread out in circles and came back in circles.

It's like silk that flows on forever.

How many couples could speak of their love through zither and flute as they do?

One plays the zither and the other plays the flute.

I believe that you must be composing a tune together?

But there's no one else here, so who is this performance for?

I believe that the only audience lies in one another's eyes.

Other people aren't important at all.

I've just composed a new tune as the House Mistress has requested.

I was teaching Miss Ding Ling to play the tune and sing with it.

I see.

Why don't we perform the song for Madam Yue first to see if she likes it?

The lyrics must be very romantic.

Indeed. So Madam Yue has already heard it once?

Do I need to hear it to know that? Wouldn't I know it from your blush?

I don't know what Madam Yue is saying.

But you must be here to discuss matters with Mister Qin.

I'll leave you to it.

Sister-in-law, goodbye!

Ding Ling is a good lady.

You mustn't let her down.

Why are you suddenly saying such nonsense?

Don't talk about Miss Ding like this.

When does Mister Qin plan to marry Ding Ling?

That would give me some time for me to be prepared.

Stop teasing my brother.

My zither is damaged and I'm going to have it fixed.

Come with me.

I don't have the time!

I'm going to listen to tunes with Ding Ling!

All right now.

Sir!

This zither here needs to be repaired.

Sure, let me have a look.

It's light, but not shallow.

It's dark, but not obscure.

An unprecedented sense of aloofness with refinement and yet unadorned.

It's solid and then hollow at times.

It sounds distant and tranquil.

It's noble and unsullied.

It seems that you are Master Li's receptive audience.

It is hard to find one who could read another's music.

Should I introduce you to him?

It's fine.

This is just a casual encounter, we don't have to meet.

- Thank you, sir. - You're welcome.

When would my zither be fixed?

You could pick it up in two days.

Thank you, sir.

- Goodbye. - Sure. Take care, young lady.

- Sir. - Master Li.

That zither sounds really well.

It could be said to be one of the best. I've decided to buy it.

Thank you, young master.

This design was re-drawn by hand.

Amid the brilliance of colors, the design is delicate, powerful

vibrant, and elegant.

You could tell that the artist is extremely skilled.

It could be considered as a rare and well-crafted instrument.

Master Li, the owner of the zither has just left.

She is a young lady with extraordinary air of elegance.

It's just that she is masked behind a veil.

She complimented greatly on your zither skills.

Who knew that someone would like my terribly played tunes?

You're too modest.

I had wanted to introduce the young lady to you in the first place.

But she turned me down politely.

We will meet each other if we're destined to meet.

You've truly put the soul into the art.

Thank you for your compliment, sir.

I'll give this painting to you.

I hope that you won't throw it away too soon.

Yes, I believe that a good piece of art would be appreciated.

I take my leave now.

Take care, young lady.

Sir!

This...

General Li, I don't mean to offend you

by drawing on your painting.

Just a few additional strokes

of the geese flying under the setting sun

added vitality to the stillness of the painting.

I didn't know what was missing from this painting the other day.

I always thought that it could do better

and that was why I threw it away.

This friend who appreciates your art is a veiled young lady.

It's a veiled young lady again?

What is the setting sun like in the desert now?

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