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[The Flame's Daughter]

[Episode 20]

Tell me your opinion.

If you turn down the marital alliance

you'll be blamed for the deaths of all the soldiers and people.

However, if you agree to the marital alliance

you'd be in an awkward position should Japan invade us again.

So... no matter how you look at it, you're at a great disadvantage.

Is this Prince Jingxian's ploy?

What if... it's really just a marital alliance?

If it's just a marital alliance, with no conspiracy involved

would you still object to it?

You can just marry her then.

Is that so?

Yes.

It would be much livelier with a sister-in-law

in Bamboo Quarters and Royal Jingyuan Manor.

Plus, my father wouldn't worry that you have no one to look after you.

I'm just teasing you!

You're right. It's a conspiracy.

So there won't be a marital alliance.

Have you come up with a solution?

My report has been sent to Luoyang.

I just have to wait for my father's reply.

Do you think it can be resolved?

My father will need to consent to it.

Zi Han replied that he's willing to lead 100,000 men to fight off the Japanese.

How can he lead the army on a conquest in his condition?

He thinks that the marital alliance is just a ploy.

Even if we compromise this time

they will only make more unreasonable requests in the future.

Moreover, the Japanese specifically chose him for the marital alliance.

Therefore, he has to be the one to lead our army through their defenses.

That would appease the people.

I think that Zi Han is right.

I've also thought about it very carefully these past few days.

I don't think the Japanese invasion can be settled with a marital alliance.

In the past few years, coastal defense has weakened, with its corrupt officers.

They neglected their duties and colluded with the Japanese.

That's why the Japanese have the upper hand.

Zi Han is the most capable among us.

If he were to head over to the coastal cities personally

to fortify the coastal defenses and investigate the corrupt officers

he will surely restore peace there for our people.

But Zi Han's condition renders him unfit for a conquest.

Since they chose him for the marital alliance

and he's turning them down

he can only appease everyone by going on the conquest himself.

You have a point.

How rare this is.

You two rarely agree on anything.

Father, don't hesitate then.

Announce the decree.

Father, please announce the decree.

All right.

I took it upon myself to make that decision.

I'm sorry to cause you trouble, Mentor.

It's all right.

Don't worry, and set out.

I'll be here in Flame Villa.

Yes.

When you return, we'll hold the wedding for you and Ru Ge.

I understand.

She's always been on your mind.

I'm also well aware that you'd be the best spouse for Ru Ge.

Ru Ge is as precious as pearls and jade.

I never dared to think that I could marry her.

Fine, you can start thinking about it from today.

Young Mistress! Young Mistress!

What is it? Why are you so panicked?

An imperial decree has been announced.

Young Master Yu has to lead 100,000 soldiers

to fight off the Japanese on the coast!

- Did you hear correctly? - It can't be wrong.

So many people came from the royal manor to tidy up Bamboo Quarters!

Young Mistress, go take a look!

Security Officer Huang, where's my senior?

Master Lie and His Highness are in the room.

Father. Senior Yu.

Here you are.

Did you rush over

because you were worried about your Senior Yu going to war?

Yes.

Father, you should know that

Senior Yu isn't fit enough to go on a conquest.

Besides, it's very humid in that area.

I'm worried that it will be too much for his legs to bear.

I'm worried about that too.

But Zi Han and I have already discussed it.

He's a prince.

This is his duty.

It's a duty he can't shirk.

All right, I'll get going.

Stay and chat with Zi Han.

Sure.

Zi Han, I won't keep you from setting out on your mission.

You must bear my words in mind.

Mentor, take care.

I'll await your victorious return.

Father, take care.

- Here, this one. - All right.

Be careful!

His Highness might be away for months or years this time.

- Check thoroughly. - Yes.

Don't leave any of His Highness's favorite items behind.

Is this the good plan you mentioned?

It's the safest plan.

No wonder you refused to tell me a word about it.

Are you leaving today?

The war is an urgent issue.

There isn't a moment to waste.

But I suspect that it's a trap laid out by Prince Jingxian.

There's no way he'd give up easily, so there must be some other tricks.

You'll be in grave danger again if you go on this conquest.

Whether or not it's a trap, the Japanese invasion is real.

Battles on the coast are ceaseless and our people are suffering.

That's also a fact.

You saw a lot of refugees, didn't you?

Yes.

This is my responsibility.

I must go.

I'll go with you.

No, it's too dangerous on the battlefield.

You mustn't come with me.

But you saw how much I've improved.

My martial arts skills are so much better now.

If I go with you, I might be able to help you.

You're not to go there.

I'll leave Huang Cong behind to protect you.

Await the news of my victory.

- Yu Zi Han has left? - Yes.

Prince Jingxian does have quite a few tricks up his sleeve.

He's not too dumb.

He's ambitious and has the means.

If we can manipulate him, once he takes the throne

who would dare to go against Supreme Master?

Everything is now in order...

I'm just worried that Zhan Feng might not have the heart to make a move.

Use your fists!

Young Master Feng--

Master Lie was just testing your skills.

Young Master Feng...

Do you have to be so nervous?

Zhan Feng, well done.

Your martial arts skills have improved greatly.

Your combat skills are almost as good as mine now.

Zhan Feng.

You just have to train diligently.

Be persistent.

As long as you persist, you'll succeed one day.

As for alcohol...

Stop drinking from now on.

It might ruin... your health.

Come. Follow me.

Zhan Feng... it's time you take a trip to Top Blade City.

Top Blade City?

All brides are supposed to visit their maiden homes after the wedding.

But I forgot all about the customs.

We've delayed it for some time.

We've been married for months.

What's the point of going now?

No, you must go.

Take Dao Lie Xiang to Top Blade City for a few days.

For all the pugilists to see.

Yes.

Zhan Feng lashed out Dark River Palace's skills just now.

Zhan Feng...

You have really let me down.

Father?

What's wrong, Father?

I'm all right.

I exchanged a few blows with your Senior Feng just now.

He has also improved a lot.

I'm really pleased.

What is it?

Have you come to discuss some matters with me?

How did you know?

I also know that it's about your Senior Yu.

I can never keep anything from you.

You're worried that the Japanese invasion is a trap.

You want to help your Senior Yu fend off the Japanese.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

What else is there to say?

Father, you really make me feel so flustered.

Go ahead. Go and fend off the Japanese for your Senior Yu.

But then I hesitated.

I'm scared that...

There's nothing to be scared of!

I'm right here in Flame Villa.

I'll set out tonight.

When the war is almost over, I'll come home to help you.

Sure, don't worry about it.

I still have Zhan Feng, Jing Lei, and Yi Lang here.

Get going.

I'm a bit tired.

Father, give me a smile.

Naughty.

- I'll get going. - Return home soon.

All right.

Go on.

Get going.

Judging by your current skills

it will still be hard for you to defeat Master anytime soon

even with the inner force you learned from Dark River Palace.

What are you up to?

Do you want me to kill you?

No.

I'm going to help you.

Help me?

I'm going to help you become the next Master.

I've been Lie Ming Jing's confidant for years.

As long as I take your side

everyone will believe in you all the more.

Why?

It's because...

I don't wish to walk away with nothing

after serving Lie Ming Jing for all these years.

All that matters to Lie Ming Jing is his precious daughter

and no one else!

Besides, I have nothing to gain if Lie Ru Ge takes over the villa.

That's why I'll help you.

When you become the Master

I'll be the Deputy Master.

If you don't trust me, you can investigate.

Before Lunar New Year, Lie Ru Ge sent a letter home.

She asked Master Lie for help to save Yu Zi Han.

I kept that letter from him.

Lie Ming Jing has treated you well.

Yet you'd betray him for the mere position of Deputy Master.

We're alike.

I'm nothing like you.

- Master. - Master.

Zhan Feng left?

He left this morning.

How long will Zhan Feng be staying there?

At least seven days.

Ge'er left too?

Young Mistress left the villa last night.

All right, you're dismissed.

Yes.

Relocate 5000 of Azure Dragon Hall's elites back to the villa in five days.

No one is to know of this matter.

- Master, this is-- - Don't ask.

Do as I say.

You must act fast.

Yes.

[Royal Facial Mask]

Why does your mistress look so pale?

Castellan recently bought a pair of twin sisters.

They're his favorites now.

He has already forgotten about Madam Xiang.

Do you regret it?

Marrying him.

If it weren't for Castellan Dao

I'd still be a maid at Blossoms House.

There's nothing to regret.

Since he has taken me in, I belong to Top Blade City.

I belong to Castellan Dao.

I, too, belong to Top Blade City.

He's my brother.

Please have a seat.

Have some tea.

Brother-in-law, if you don't mind

stay in Top Blade City for a few days.

After all, my sister won't be able to visit as she pleases.

Why would pugilists like us follow traditional customs?

Your sister can visit whenever she wants.

How is that appropriate?

Castellan, Young Master Lei Jing Hong of Thunderclap Sect asks to see you.

Lei Jing Hong?

What is he doing here?

- I'll drive him away. - No.

Invite him in politely.

Yes!

He has already been driven out of Thunderclap Sect.

Why be polite to him?

Only then can we find out what brought him to Top Blade City.

Castellan Dao.

Young Master Lei, it's been a long time.

Young Master Feng, you're here too?

Isn't this Miss Phoenix?

Castellan Dao, how have you been?

Please have a seat.

Miss Phoenix, I heard that Blossoms House closed down.

Who knew we were fated to meet again, in my manor?

Indeed, we are.

So Young Master Lie and Miss Phoenix are...

I'm his concubine.

I see.

Ladies, take care.

Please visit again.

Young Mistress!

Lei Jing Hong is here!

- Where is he? - In the manor.

What did you say?

Lei Jing Hong is at our manor?

Yes, he just arrived.

He should be in the front hall now.

Second Madam took the sect from me.

Only three minor branches serve under me now.

I've really lost the foundation.

So I've come to visit Top Blade City and Flame Villa.

I didn't expect to see Young Master Feng here.

That saves me some trouble.

Now that I think about it...

the last time I visited was before Lie Xiang got married.

Who knew that Lie Xiang would belong to Flame Villa in the blink of an eye?

Right, you and my sister are very close friends.

Young Master Feng happens to be visiting with my sister.

Dao Lie Xiang is here too?

Young Master Lei.

You should address her as Madam Zhan.

Yes, indeed. Madam Zhan.

Third Young Mistress.

Who's in there?

Castellan, Second Young Master, Young Master Feng, and Young Master Lei.

Why is the door closed?

I don't know either.

Castellan said that they have important matters to discuss.

Third Young Mistress!

You can't go in there.

How long have they been in there?

About an hour.

Brother-in-law, get some rest in the inner quarters first.

This way, please.

Young Master Lei.

You haven't visited Top Blade City for some time.

Stay in the city with my brother-in-law for a few more days.

I'll do as you say then.

Lie Xiang, you're here?

You're old friends.

You can have a chat.

Great skills.

What are you doing in Top Blade City?

I made up an excuse to come visit you, of course.

Visit me?

What other reason would I have?

You know I wouldn't want to come to Top Blade City anyway.

You're lying.

You've obviously come to Top Blade City for some other purpose.

Am I right?

No, I didn't.

Weren't you driven out of Thunderclap Sect?

Lei Jing Hong, don't you know that it's more dangerous to come here?

I know that.

Don't look at me like that.

My dear Miss Dao.

All right, I'll be honest with you.

Since Thunderclap Sect drove me out...

I've felt so useless.

I don't even feel like a man.

Or my father's son.

I feel so defeated.

I wanted to see you.

I just wanted to have a look at you.

How does seeing me help?

If some day, I get murdered on a river...

at least I still got to see my future wife before I died.

Who's your future wife?

I'm already married.

You became mine when you left this dowry for me.

Who cares about Zhan Feng?

Anyway, you're my wife.

Madam Lei, née Dao.

Give it back to me!

Why are you snatching it back?

Aren't you worried that Zhan Feng will kill you?

Have you forgotten who you spent your wedding night with, dear bride?

Lie Xiang, if I die tragically some day

you must remember that... the culprit is Dark River Palace.

You don't have to tell me that.

I know.

I also want you to remember

to never to side with your brothers and Zhan Feng.

Don't assist the wicked.

I won't.

That's great.

By the way, what's going on between you and Phoenix?

Phoenix?

Be honest with me.

It's a long story.

She saved my life.

She wants to stay by my side, and I can't do much about it.

Lei Jing Hong.

I heard that the world-renowned Dongbin Restaurant is here.

There's also the Royal Facial Mask shop that everyone knows about.

Since we're here, I'd quite like to take a look.

Go on your own.

Why can't you go with me?

Aren't you a bit too indulgent?

I've endured so much hardship with you!

Now that I have the chance, I want to indulge a bit.

You went up the city walls to see the sunrise two days ago.

Yesterday, you shopped for fabric.

Today, you want to visit Dongbin Restaurant and Royal Facial Mask.

Sister Phoenix, what else do you want to do?

Know thy enemy.

I'm helping you check out all the places in Top Blade City.

Jing Hong, why can't you just accompany me?

I really don't want to--

The food at Dongbin Restaurant is exquisite and delicious.

It's indeed one of the best restaurants.

As for Royal Facial Mask, it's where the ladies love to go.

I heard that the beauty products there are made according to ancient recipes.

They take great care in making them.

Usually, those two places are always crowded.

They are indeed worth visiting.

Castellan Dao is so lucky.

You have the best shops here in your city.

I've only inherited my father's luck.

My father especially recruited both shops here with a handsome reward

in order to please my mother.

He even made it so they're exempt from paying rent for 100 years.

That's why they settled down in Top Blade City.

I didn't expect your father to be so romantic.

The men of the Dao family have always treated women with tenderness.

Since Madam Phoenix would like to visit those places

why don't I ask everyone along?

Thank you, Castellan.

[Dongbin Restaurant]

Here, Brother Lei.

Thank you, Castellan.

Madam Phoenix.

What is it? Did we run out of wine?

It's bad for health to drink too much.

My dear Miss Dao, eat up.

Mind your own business.

Young Master Feng, why don't you ask your wife to have some food?

The beef is very good. Try some.

I've always had my meals here.

It isn't new to me.

Lie Xiang, they are our guests.

Don't dampen the mood.

Exactly.

Try some.

Try some.

Master.

Why are you asking his wife to eat more, instead of your own Madam Phoenix?

There are spring onions in it so I didn't get it for you.

Don't you dislike spring onions?

Castellan Dao, let's have a drink.

Thank you.

Here's a toast to everyone.

Thank you, Castellan.

Young lady, all our beauty products are made according to ancient recipes.

Please take a look over here.

We have all the best beautifying ingredients in here.

We offer these to the imperial harem every year.

We made this with ancient recipes from imperial physicians.

There are also beautifying ingredients in this one.

I'll take a look.

Sure, just let me know if you have any questions.

Miss Phoenix.

Castellan Dao.

Are you happy with this?

This is indeed Top Blade City.

You can't get tributes to the palace anywhere else.

I'll take a look with you.

Thank you, Castellan.

Miss Phoenix, you were so glamorous at Blossoms House.

Why did you choose to be with Lei Jing Hong?

After Young Master Xue died, Blossoms House closed down.

I thought that Lei Jing Hong would make a good patron.

Who would have known that he's be so incompetent?

Would you like to stay in Top Blade City?

Isn't that inappropriate?

I am his woman, after all.

It won't do me any good to offend him.

I meant... after he's dead.

I can kill him for you.

That's...

You will just have to put up with Lei Jing Hong for a while.

It won't be long until I come looking for you.

Wu Xia, that courtesan isn't that simple.

Indeed, she isn't.

Do you believe her?

I don't believe in her loyalty.

But I believe that she'll cater to those in power.

Lei Jing Hong might be in distress, but he's still a underlying threat.

If we plant a spy beside him, she might come in handy one day.

What are you doing?

You're in love with a married woman.

She's Zhan Feng's wife, at that!

Lei Jing Hong, are you trying to get yourself killed?

Stay out of it.

Stay out of it?

If I do, you'll be found out eventually.

If it hadn't flirted with Dao Wu Xia to cover for you

you would've fallen out with Zhan Feng today!

Give it back to me!

Give that to me!

- I won't! - You can't keep it!

Shut up!

Lei Jing Hong...

What--

Are you crazy?

I didn't take the risk of coming to Top Blade City with you

- so you could pester a married woman! - You--

This is so infuriating.

If I didn't find you pitiful, I wouldn't have to flirt with Dao Wu Xia.

I can't be bothered to hold it against you.

Japan's most powerful navy consists of our own people.

Five years ago, we successfully raided the pirates of Chengping.

Unfortunately, one of their leaders got away.

He gathered all of his remaining subordinates

and pledged allegiance to Japan.

Since they're familiar with our navy's strategies and armed forces

they became Japan's strategist and vanguard troop.

Continue.

Yes, Your Highness.

So the Japanese troops have avoided our defense lines

and set up ambushes around it.

We've sent out a great number of scouts

but none of them could find where the Japanese are hiding.

His Highness is travel-worn, but he has yet to get any rest.

Aside from Young Mistress, no one can persuade him to leave the sand table.

It's humid in this area. It's bad for His Highness's health.

Chi Zhang, that goes without saying.

Look! What is that?

Go take a look.

- Yes! - Yes!

Go save them, quickly!

- Yes! - Come!

Quickly!

Your Highness, I'll take a look.

Be careful.

What are those? They're so powerful.

Ge'er?

Senior Yu.

What brings you here?

I was worried about you, so I came here.

Father actually permitted it too.

Where's Huang Cong?

She was right behind me...

Where did she go?

I suspect that she must've been blocked by these palace lanterns.

Ge'er, do you know about these palace lanterns?

I do. They're called Flowing Fire.

It's a kind of magic.

Can you break it?

I can't.

Then why weren't you hurt by them on your way here?

When I went up there with two guards, the Flowing Fire exploded.

But the lanterns seem to stay out of Young Mistress's way.

That's strange.

You're right.

The Flowing Fire seems to steer out of my way.

I'll try it again.

Ge'er!

Ge'er!

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