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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 8

Sir, is this fresh?

Master Li? Master Li!

Sir, was someone playing the zither that I repaired?

Yes, that young lady just left with it.

I'll take my leave.

Sir.

You're here to look at paintings again?

I didn't expect this view to appear here.

I was there as well.

Sir, this painting...

This painting is also drawn by Master Li.

It seems that you have a liking for his paintings.

Master Li?

Is it the third young master of Li family?

Exactly.

Miss, you seem to be drawn to that Master Li by fate.

Both of you appreciates similar things.

Please take it if you like it.

Master Li said that he is willing to part with it if someone likes it.

He won't charge a cent.

But he hopes that whoever likes it would leave an item behind in exchange.

The value is of no importance, as it serves as a souvenir.

Master Li! Master Li!

Please don't leave yet!

What is the matter, sir?

Your painting is bought by the veiled young lady.

She left behind this handkerchief in exchange for the painting.

Could Master Li have also been to this place?

Did he feel the same emotions as I did?

Miss, there's a young master outside the pavilion.

The emotions in your music make it feel as if you have sorrows

that cannot not be resolved.

I was just playing randomly out of boredom.

I've embarrassed myself.

Since we met by chance, who knows when we would meet again?

Why don't you share your troubles with me

and perhaps I could resolve them for you?

Please don't blame me for being nosy.

It's just that I can empathize with your tune.

Hence, I've approached you so rudely.

I hope that you would forgive me.

Why would I blame you?

You are just trying to help.

But how you can tell that I am troubled through my music?

Young lady, why don't you tell me about it?

Should you have to choose between personal feelings and principles

how would you choose?

'The wife has her correct place in the inner'

'and the man his correct place in the outer.'

'That man and woman occupy their rightful places'

'is the great righteousness shown in heaven and earth.'

'Should we let our feelings take hold of us, then the principles are lost.'

I believe that a noble man should not choose feelings over principles.

If it is for the sake of the nation and the people, I'd give it my all

and even my life.

Why are you sighing, young lady?

All men resort to deceit.

They always say that principles come first.

Of course. A man's life is but a few decades.

We should allow ourselves to live happier and more blissfully.

Besides, what are principles for?

Whenever I feel depressed I often ask myself

why humans stay alive?

When I know the answer

I know what I should do next.

Your words have greatly enlightened me.

I hope that I haven't made it awkward for you with my nonsensical words.

I have yet to introduce myself.

My name is Li Ji.

You're too polite, Master Li.

I wonder if the zither that I repaired for you is working well?

Master Li repaired my zither?

Thank you, Master Li.

We've missed each other many times.

Yet, we finally met, so this must be fate.

Perhaps fate played a joke on us.

Why would you say so?

Master Li, I'll take my leave.

- Young lady! - Master Li, please stay.

Madam Yue, look at him!

Go back to your chores.

That book... is for Qin Xiang?

Did you read it with her?

You're going through my things again!

Why are you here to see me?

I'm here to see if you are well.

I'm very well.

Does that mean you've read that book or not?

I didn't read it!

Come clean quickly. Did you read the book or not?

I dare you to do that again!

You didn't learn anything new except to tease others like me.

You won't scare me.

Quit fooling around.

We'll talk about a serious matter.

Come to me if you need any help.

My words are still worth something here in Jian-An City.

Everything is almost prepared.

You don't have to worry about it.

All right.

If you have any questions regarding that book

you can come to me as well.

I...

Xin Yue. Xin Yue.

Bad news.

The third young master of Li family is paying us a visit.

He came here with this handkerchief to ask if its owner lives in our house.

I figured that this belongs to Qin Xiang.

Who is this third young master of Li family?

His father is General Li Da. He ranks among the most important court officials.

His uncle, Marquess of Anle, Li Que

is of an even higher rank. He is one of the three dukes.

Although Young Master Li is born of nobility

he isn't arrogant.

His literary sophistication and military performance are both

outstanding among the other young masters.

Battles occur very frequently in the desert these years.

He could easily be made a marquess or a general.

Receive Master Li for me first.

Sure, I'll tell him that we're asking around about the handkerchief.

It's an encounter of two similar souls.

This is mutual affection and a relationship hard to come by.

I can only say that we may be destined to meet, but not meant to be.

Now that we have already come so far

we could risk losing everything if we aren't cautious enough.

But I believe that Master Li came here with great sincerity.

It's up to you whether to see him or not.

I won't see him.

You won't?

You really won't see him?

Get someone to replace me and give him an answer.

Are you really willing to do so?

I've already made up my mind.

Master Li.

This is the lady that you're looking for.

This is the only lady in our house with the name 'Xiang.'

Her name is Chen Xiang Yun.

Yes, we believe that the lady you're looking for must be her.

Xiang Yun, greet Master Li.

Greetings to Master Li.

Miss Chen, nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Xiang Yun has already told me that

Master Li was very thoughtful.

She bought your painting with her handkerchief.

She's embarrassed.

As for the tune she played in the garden

she is also very thankful to you.

You're too polite.

Master Li, since you're destined to meet our Xiang Yun

why don't you become friends first?

Perhaps it might evolve into a wonderful romance later?

No...

Master Li, our Xiang Yun is also very talented.

She is gentle and clever.

She tentative, and quite understanding of people.

I'm sure that you'll like her if you spend time with her.

I suddenly thought of urgent matters to attend to.

Excuse me. Sorry for intruding.

If you decide to call this all off, there is still time.

The worst is offending the Senior Princess, that's all.

But I could try to resolve that.

That won't be necessary.

Ms. Hong told me that Master Li is the son of General Li Da.

He is mild-tempered and faithful.

He is a great man whom you could spend your life with.

Moreover, although he is born of nobility

he doesn't not have an ounce of haughtiness.

His literary sophistication and military performance are

considered outstanding among the young masters in Jian-An City.

Why don't you reconsider?

I've already thought it through.

You're actually also a sentimental person.

Otherwise, you wouldn't feel sorrowful for the tribes in the desert.

But if you couldn't be numb and sentimental at the same time

all your plans would eventually fail.

In the end, you're the only one who would get hurt.

It isn't too late to go back on your decision.

I'm grateful for your reminder.

I really do envy you.

You are so carefree.

You can do whatever you want.

You could bare your heart to the one you like.

You could pursue the happiness that you wish for.

So can you.

No one is forcing you to do this.

That's enough. I never change my mind once I've made a decision.

Why can't you think for yourself?

You asked me this morning if you can borrow my bamboo woods.

For what in particular do you need to do so?

There are two reasons.

The first is that beauties are like flowers.

They each have a charm of their own.

There are different ways to admire different flowers.

Only then could one see the ultimate beauty in every flower.

The second reason is that most people have stereotypes of things.

If we find someone pitiful and frail we would always sympathize with her.

Therefore, the first impression is very important.

Since I could get the right timing, place, and people

I wouldn't let such an opportunity go to waste.

Did you make her do so?

All things must not come unprepared.

But if everything seems too intentional, then it is a downfall.

The mere sight of her from behind triggers many thoughts.

This fluttering of one's heart could not have happened

if I were to see her indoors.

Qin Xiang!

Greetings to the Senior Princess.

Get up quickly to speak to me.

Thank you, Your Highness.

She is like a beautiful jade.

A gorgeous and priceless gem.

This way, please.

I've done all that I can possibly do for you.

From now own, it is up to you.

I'm going home now.

You must take care of yourself.

Likewise.

This way, please.

I hope that Qin Xiang can win the favor of His Majesty.

That would benefit Fair Maiden's House greatly.

Have you received all the supplies that you need?

The supplies we received are already transported out of the city.

Thank you, Ninth Lord.

My master gave those supplies to you in order to offer you assistance.

He hopes that you would make good use of them.

All these years, Shi's Shipping has helped our tribes generously.

Our tribes in the desert are deeply grateful and impressed by the Ninth Lord.

But with the Ninth Lord's ability, you could have done much more.

Our King would like to see you.

Hu Wei Li is here in the Central Plains as well?

This means that our King values you very much.

Our King often says that if Jian-An's Shi's Shipping stands on our side

we would surely defeat Nan Dynasty.

I've been helping the tribes these years so your people could survive famine

and not go around killing and robbing for food.

I know that I have not done enough, and hence do not deserve the credit.

But that is all that I have to offer.

Please relate my message to your King.

I do not wish to waste his time.

There's no need for us to meet.

Our King invited you over with great sincerity.

How can you turn him down without a thought?

He is the ruler of the Tartar tribe and the hero of the desert.

There are many who wanted to follow him but you have no regards for him at all.

- How dare you! - Mao!

You're in no place to behave atrociously to the Ninth Lord.

In order for your people to enjoy peace and prosperity

the Ninth Lord not only used all his wealth

but also risked his life.

Should the imperial court learn of this matter

do you know how many people under Shi's Shipping could be implicated?

Do you even know the danger the Ninth Lord is in?

You...

Ninth Lord, Mao is very blunt. He's too eager to stand up for our King.

I hope that none of you will take it to heart.

You are very loyal to your King.

I respect that very much.

But I have my own principles.

I can only give you my apologies.

Lastly, I would like to give you some advice.

The current Nan Dynasty is way more powerful than you think.

Please relate my message to King Hu Wei Li.

The Tartars must not go against Nan Dynasty.

I understand.

Let's head home.

Papa said that after Murong Feng is married he would take me back to Jian-An.

Would we meet again?

We will.

I hope that by then, you would still be sitting next to me like this

and talking to me.

My King!

I'm sorry.

I didn't manage to accomplish the task you set me out to do.

Mo Xun refused to meet you no matter what.

It's all right.

That is what I had expected.

Mao Yun Zhu, you've already done well.

There's nothing to be said against Mo Xun for avoiding me.

Nothing to be said against him? I really don't understand.

As long as he serves you with all his heart and offer you his assistance

he is sure to gain great benefits from it one day.

But he is timid and reserved.

I think that he is just a coward!

Then you have underestimated this man.

On the surface, Shi's Shipping seems to be declining gradually.

But the truth is, be it here in Jian-An or the desert

Mo Xun still holds enough power to tilt the current situation.

The imperial court of Nan Dynasty is aware of this as well.

They have been trying to bring him over to their side

to offer services to Nan Dynasty.

But he doesn't want to side with them either.

Why is that so? Which side is he on?

Shi's Shipping is closely tied to the Central Plains and the desert.

Mo Xun's identity is very special.

He appears to have both sides on his plate

but he couldn't help becoming the one that both parties fight for.

It's as if he is walking on high walls.

If he's not cautious enough, he could fall and break easily.

He could have had everyone at his beck and call.

Yet he chose to stand aloof.

He had the passion of the tribal people of the desert in his blood

but he isolated himself in order to pay attention to the interests of the whole.

I am very impressed by him.

I'm foolish and don't understand exactly what you mean.

But are you really going to let Mo Xun off just like that?

At your command

I'll think of ways to persuade him!

That's not necessary.

After all, he has made great contributions to the desert.

And that is all you should understand.

Even without Mo Xun

I will still fight Nan Dynasty's emperor for the world!

Who knew that the Senior Princess would invite us to her birthday banquet?

This must be because of Qin Xiang.

Qin Xiang hasn't entered the harem yet

and she has already won the Senior Princess over.

We really have to thank her for this.

Go and dress up now!

Everyone that you'll meet tonight

are imperial relatives and court officials.

It's fine as long as I'm well-groomed so that I'm not being rude.

Just dress yourself up.

Should I lend you my most expensive set of accessories?

Really?

Thank you so much.

Continue with your make-up, and I'll get it for you. Hurry up!

This way, please.

This is magnificent.

The Senior Princess has gone all out for this birthday banquet.

It's a pity that we can only stay here at the last row of sets.

I don't think anyone would notice us here.

This is a good spot.

We get to see everything from here.

- This way, General. - Sure.

That man in indigo blue is Sima Zan.

He is Empress Wan and Great General Wan's brother-in-law.

The one in gray is General Li Da.

- Excuse me. - Please.

Xin Yue, look at Wei Wu Ji. Everyone is busy socializing

but he is drinking on his own

and ignoring everybody.

But I think that no one wants to talk to him either.

Wei Wu Ji and Master Li know each other.

They are both from families of generals.

Look. Master Li is way more well-mannered than General Wei.

I'd say that Master Li is a man whom a woman could marry.

His Majesty arrives!

Long live the Emperor!

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

This is the majestic emperor of Nan Dynasty

that Papa and Hu Wei Li spoke of.

Why do you keep staring at His Majesty?

Do you regret not putting yourself forward for the chance?

She is like water. Gentle, light, and elegant.

She has all those elements on her.

How is she a withering flower?

Look, Empress Wan is indeed the woman of all women.

No wonder His Majesty was so obsessed with her.

Unfortunately, there is always someone better.

How could the emperor stay faithful to only one woman?

Your Majesty, should we begin?

The performance begins now!

Brilliant! Brilliant!

Qin Xiang has succeeded.

Your Majesty, what do you think?

It's brilliant!

It is truly brilliant!

I'm too flattered, Your Majesty.

Who knew that anyone could move so charmingly and attractively?

It was indeed a gorgeous sight to behold.

I've been busy for days

in hope that Your Majesty would enjoy the performance.

It's to my dear sister's credit that I witnessed such a marvelous show...

and meet a beauty who is just like a water nymph.

Thank you for your compliments Your Majesty.

This beauty is called Qin Xiang.

Yesterday, the musician Qin Yun Qi played a tune about a beauty for you.

She is that beauty that would make one lose the crown and nation.

There is a beauty in the northern lands.

Unequaled, high above the world she stands.

At her first glance soldiers would lose their town.

At her second, a monarch would his crown.

How could the soldiers and monarch neglect their duty?

For town and crown are overshadowed by her beauty.

I would say that this woman could be said to be exceedingly beautiful.

Even after Your Majesty has seen her looks, you wouldn't be disappointed.

Her elegance surpasses that of utmost beauty.

Qin Xiang?

I will summon her for a meeting.

I would make the arrangement for Your Majesty right away.

Qin Xiang's performance charmed everyone.

Xin Yue, with your arrangements, she will soon enter the harem.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

- I can't find the words? - You can't find the words?

We should be happy for Qin Xiang!

This is what she wants, and now she has succeeded.

Empress Wan also caught his Majesty's attention in this manor with a song.

Tonight, another woman repeated her legend right before her eyes.

I wonder if His Majesty would even remember how he first met

Wan Zi Jin from years ago when he looks at Qin Xiang tonight.

There would be someone else, even if there isn't Qin Xiang.

Men are fickle.

Moreover, Empress Wan is very smart.

She would know how to handle this with ease.

It might be so but this happened all because of me.

Don't think too much about it.

You must stay positive.

Besides, Qin Xiang has found someone to rely on for life now.

We should be more than happy for her.

- Ms. Hong. - What is it?

I can understand.

That's good then.

I'd like to go for a walk alone.

All right.

Stop the cart!

I really have to congratulate you this time.

You might understand some things

but when they happen before your eyes, they seem to be completely different.

I'm sorry.

But it already happened.

We can't do anything to change it.

Stop thinking about things that you can't change.

If you are upset, you can scold me.

It's rare to see you so submissive.

Even if I was angry

I'm not anymore.

This happened just as expected anyway.

I just didn't expect Qin Xiang's first appearance to be so well designed.

It is one straight blow to victory.

Qin Xiang and His Majesty's first encounter

can be said to be coincidental, but also well calculated.

Qin Xiang has her first victory, but what about the future?

Who knows?

- Sires, you're leaving so soon? - Please visit us again.

You must visit us next time.

- Take care. - Take care.

- Take care. - Take care, sires.

- Sure! We'll come again! - That's impossible.

How could it be him?

I thought I'd never ever see Hu Wei Li again.

Who knew that he's so close to me?

He is someone that I don't wish to see. Yet he's now here in Jian-An City.

What's the matter?

What made you so frightened?

As long as I am here, no one in Jian-An City would dare to hurt you.

Ladies in Jian-An City are very passionate as well!

Exactly! She is just as forthright as we are!

She looks quite pretty from behind.

What did you say?

Please excuse us, sir.

My servants speak too rashly. They did not mean to sound frivolous.

They are just used to being unconstrained in the desert.

If you're sensible enough, you should leave right now.

How dare you!

I've done wrong.

Sure, we'll leave right now.

My master apologizes to you politely, and yet you're still so snobbish.

How disappointing!

Mao Yun Zhu, what are you doing?

They're gone.

You abandon me the minute you're done using me?

Thank you.

I'm quite happy to help you with this sort of matter.

One couldn't be happier with a beauty in his arms.

But could you make a more expressive move next time?

For example...

Don't touch them!

Are those darts smeared with poison?

It isn't poison.

That one loves to play pranks.

It's dusted with some powder that makes one itch.

Although it won't kill you

it would make you unbearably itchy.

Unbearably itchy?

Men aren't that boring.

I bet that's a woman.

Thank you so much for tonight.

Are you thanking me for walking you home or for letting you hug me?

Who's thanking you for your hug?

I'm just thanking you for not asking about those people.

If you're willing to tell me about it

you'd have told me even if I didn't ask you about it.

If you don't wish to bring up your past

you would never have to explain anything to me.

The Xin Yue I know is the one who is right here now.

That man has an outstanding charisma about him.

His servants aren't any ordinary servants either.

He's definitely not any regular Tartar merchant.

Don't worry. I wouldn't get anyone to investigate him.

Xiao Yue!

No matter what problems you may run into, feel free to come to me.

You're not alone here in Jian-An City.

Have a good night's sleep.

Be careful.

What is Hu Wei Li doing here in Jian-An?

Is he here to investigate into Nan Dynasty's power?

Or does he have other motives?

Who knew that when I've completely forsaken my past

I'd lift my eyes up to the sight of Hu Wei Li?

It turns out that after all these years I still couldn't face the truth.

Murong Feng!

Back then, he was my hero.

No man could be compared to him.

But for the throne, he tried to kill me and Murong Feng.

Our childhood friendship was abandoned for the sake of power.

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