Original subtitles

♫ Nowhere to escape. ♫

♫ No bough to alight. ♫

♫ Retrograde with smile. ♫

♫ Never give in. ♫

♫ Forget about the youth. ♫

♫ I’ve never been afraid of loneliness. ♫

♫ I also shed the tears of regret. ♫

♫ But my heart is still fiery-hot. ♫

♫ To the distance. ♫

♫ The miserable past is like a dagger. ♫

♫ Though my wings are broken, ♫

♫ I will keep flying. ♫

♫ Following the light, ♫

♫ I’ll forget you. ♫

♫ The memory shaped my stubbornness. ♫

♫ By virtue of the light in the dark night, ♫

♫ I’ll return it with a long ballad. ♫

♫ The river of life is under my feet. ♫

♫ I don’t regret my craziness. ♫

The Long Ballad

Episode 3

You were fine yesterday.

How did you get hurt today?

Did you run into an enemy?

Eat something at least, Young Hero.

Then you can get recovered soon.

I’ve been wandering in streets since little.

And I’ve met all kinds of people.

I can conclude that

you must been in tough days recently,

or you have a blood feud.

Did you have a big fight with an enemy earlier?

If you say one more word,

you will die.

No. No. No.

Young Hero.

No. Master.

Though I don’t know who you are,

you can’t be an ordinary person.

I, A’Dou, live a poor life.

Even if I died someday,

I’m afraid that no one would realize it.

If I can follow you and do something great,

it would be worth even if I’d die.

Search carefully.

Master, why are soldiers here?

They found me here so quickly from Rongen Temple.

Rongen Temple?

I heard this morning that soldiers guarding Rongen Temple

got poisoned.

Was that you?

I knew that I was right about you.

You even dare poison soldiers.

Master, you’re indeed not ordinary.

[Pinxiang Store]

Brother Du.

It’s so late now.

I didn’t expect you’re still investigating here.

Brother Du.

Why are you here, Brother Fang?

I heard that Pinxiang Store [Pinxiang Store]

has the best cookie among Chang’an.

My wife wants to taste it,

so I’m here on my own to see how good it is.

When I was downstairs,

I got stopped by soldiers.

Upon checking what was going on,

it turns out Brother Du is investigating here.

You’re really well-informed, Brother Fang.

[Pinxiang Store]

Why is it on fire?

It looks like I can’t buy cookies today.

Foster-Father.

Duke Fang.

Brother Fang.

You really want to indulge an enemy and cause trouble for yourself?

I don’t understand, Brother Du.

I’m confused.

Brother Du. I have to go.

I need to go home now

to tell my wife about it.

See you.

[Pinxiang Store]

Master, why is it on fire?

Foster-Father, there’s something weird about the fire.

I’m afraid...

Please be assured, Foster-Father.

I’ll investigate it thoroughly.

No need.

Since someone wants to protect her,

he won’t leave a trace.

Is it possible...

that Duke Fang set it on fire?

Don’t draw a conclusion so soon.

Pinxiang Store is empty today.

That person might not want to hurt innocent people.

Let’s leave here.

Send people put the fire out first.

Master, the fire is too strong.

What should we do?

Run.

Master. Wait. Stop.

Master.

Why is it suddenly on fire?

And that ladder.

Looks like someone prepared it for you.

What’s going on?

Master.

Why don’t you say anything?

The fire burned all traces of me.

They won’t ever see that I was there.

Then that’s a favor for you, right?

A favor?

My mother just died recently in Rongen Temple.

I won’t accept that favor.

Rongen Temple?

So Madam Jin is your mother?

Knowing too much won’t do any good to you.

Whoever you are,

you’re my master.

Pinxiang Store is burned.

From now on, I have no place to stay.

Master,

please let me follow you.

Let me say it again.

I’m not your master.

Following me means you’ll die at any time.

Leave me alone.

Master...

[Crown Prince and Prince Qi were killed. All their subordinates were annihilated.]

Fang Yi.

[Harmony Brings Serenity]

Yes, Your Highness.

Go to battalion suburbs and send my order,

that the rebellion stops at Jiancheng and Yuanji.

I won’t blame their followers.

Your Highness, that’s...

What happened in Xuanwu Gate was not what I want.

No more people should die.

Yes.

[Harmony Brings Serenity]

That was an unexpected disturbance.

I can’t help with that.

I wish after the disturbance,

Great Tang will be fine

and people will be safe.

[Crown Prince and Prince Qi were killed. Execute all their soldiers.]

Changge.

Didn’t you say that you’ll accept

the 100 amulets that I prayed for your blessing?

You haven’t got any,

and now you’re missing.

Please be safe.

Bodhisattva.

Please.

Please make sure that Changge stays safe.

[Yining Pavilion]

[The treason charge ends with Jiancheng and Yuanji.]

[Their henchmen shouldn’t be held accountable.]

[Prince Qin already quelled the chaos in the army.]

Tegin, how is it?

Our effort was in vain.

Prince Qin has suppressed the turmoil among soldiers.

How can he be so quick?

I didn’t expect him to be so capable and broad-minded.

He pardoned all followers of the two princes.

With only an order,

he eliminated the turmoil among soldiers.

I underestimated him.

What should we do now?

Prince Qin isn’t an ordinary man.

Even if we continue staying in Chang’an,

we won’t gain anything.

Let’s leave here now

and go to Youzhou.

Youzhou?

Why are we going there?

We can’t gain anything here in Chang’an during this visit.

Father Khan has been suspicious. [TN: 父汗 (fù hán) refers as Father]

If I go back with no gain,

my dear brother will make a fuss.

Youzhou is like a gateway to Chang’an.

We can only search things there

to keep him quiet.

I understand.

Mr. Fang.

I’m on my way to meet you at your home.

Greetings to Princess Yongan.

Princess?

Princess might haven’t heard about it.

During the meeting this morning,

His Majesty has granted Prince Qin as Crown Prince.

Naturally, you are a princess now.

Thanks to His Majesty. [Great Mountains]

Why did Princess want to meet me?

Mr. Fang.

I want to ask for your help.

Changge?

I know that Mr. Fang cherished Changge most.

I also know that you won’t capture Changge.

Today I come here

just wanting to know the truth from you.

How is Changge?

Please don’t worry, Princess.

Princess Yongning hasn’t been caught.

I knew it.

I knew Changge would be fine.

Please be assured, Princess.

She was taught by His Highness and Wei Zheng.

I also spent a lot of time on her.

How can she be caught easily?

Just... it would be tough to her.

[Elegant Heavenly Devotion]

About Your Highness’ intention to pardon people.

I can understand that.

But I think Your Highness can’t pardon everyone.

What do you mean?

Leader of Tianjie Army, Luo Yi,

has been good friends with Li Jiancheng.

If he wants to revolt, it will be huge trouble.

Also, Li Changge, the daughter of Li Jiancheng,

will do harm to...

Keming.

The essence to make the country in harmony is to win people’s heart.

If officers keep suspecting each other

and I get strict and abuse punishment,

I’m afraid that I’ll be like Emperor Yang of Sui.

Have you heard the saying?

“A reform after a rebellion...”

“will be twice as effective.”

I haven’t heard of it.

That’s not strange.

It’s from Wei Zheng.

Xuanling just recommended him to me.

Your Highness.

Wei Zheng has always been stubborn.

And now Your Highness wants to recruit him.

I’m afraid that it won’t be easy.

Stubborn?

Wouldn’t that just match your flavor?

Mr. Du.

[Crown Prince and Prince Qi were killed. All their subordinates were annihilated.]

It’s about the safety of Chang’an.

Be careful.

Don’t leave any trace.

Besides,

it’s special period now.

Send more people to guard every city gate.

Don’t let any related person sneak out.

Please be assured.

I’ll try my best to do it for His Highness.

[Tonghua Gate]

Does the officer from Eastern Palace

also need to hide in Chang’an?

Move away.

You can even beat soldiers in the street in public.

What are you hiding from?

So it’s you.

Why are you following me?

Following you?

It’s you that ran into me.

What do you want?

You’re from Eastern Palace and you haven’t pledged allegiance.

Why can you go in and out at your will?

None of your business.

What are you doing?

Someone’s coming.

Why do you look like this?

As if I’m bullying you.

From now on, soldiers will guard the city gate

and control those in and out.

Yes.

If it weren’t for that guy,

we would have been out of this city now.

Let’s figure out another way.

Go back first.

Let’s go.

[Quite Calm to Move Forward]

It seems that Advisor Wei is determined to

keep sleeping until it’s dark today.

I’m sorry for that, Mr. Du.

My father doesn’t feel well recently.

It’s not convenient for him to meet guests.

Your father doesn’t feel bad physically,

but psychologically.

My father wouldn’t listen to anyone.

I apologize on behalf of my father.

Shuyu, do you have siblings?

I have three brothers and one sister at hometown.

They’re with my mother now.

Your father is so stubborn.

Like a tree so high up in the clouds,

it would break easily if it’s too tough.

If he breaks,

no eggs can remain intact if the nest is upset.

I’m afraid that the Wei family would become pitiful.

Don’t you know what’s at stake here?

I understand.

That’s good.

You’re at the similar age with my foster son Hao Du.

He is someone who knows what he’s doing.

You should see him more often.

Seeing him is like seeing me.

Can you understand my words?

[Wei Manor]

Li Shimin’s private army.

Could it be that Mr. Wei...

Mr. Du.

Please wait, Mr. Du.

[Wei Manor]

I’ll do my best to persuade my father.

Good boy.

His Highness gives this Fish Token especially to you.

From now on,

you belong to Crown Prince Mansion.

You can use it to get in and out of the palace,

and meet His Highness and me anytime.

[Wei Manor]

What’s that?

There. Look.

Look there. [Official Notice]

About the case that Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji revolted,

the masterminds have already been killed,

Crown Prince asked His Majesty to pardon everyone else.

As long as they pledge allegiance on their own,

they’ll be pardoned and no more punishment.

That’s really a kind Crown Prince.

Right.

With such Crown Prince,

it’s our fortune.

Changge. That was really you.

You caught me.

And you can get promoted with that, right?

Why would you think of me like that?

I won’t do it no matter when.

Why did you side with Du Ru Hui then?

Answer me.

My father was the Advisor to the former crown prince.

Given what happened in the Eastern Palace,

the Wei family is in danger

and it’s going to be ruined anytime.

If I treat Mr. Du indifferently,

how can I save my parents?

But Changge,

it won’t last long.

Please trust me.

I don’t trust anyone now.

Changge.

His Highness has ordered that

anyone pledging allegiance will be pardoned.

Am I guilty?

I don’t need to be pardoned.

You’re not guilty.

Neither am I.

Everyone isn’t guilty.

So you have to trust me.

I’ll accompany you.

No one can accompany me now.

My mother died.

They all died.

Changge.

No. The Fish Token.

She probably wants to use Fish Token to get in the palace.

Why does she want to go back?

[Hongyi Palace]

[Gentle and Pleasant Breeze]

The Ashile Tribe has been very cunning.

They often betray their allies.

We can’t reckon them like others.

I’m afraid the turbulence these days was also from them.

It’s late now.

You can go back.

- Yes. - Yes.

Your Highness!

It’s me.

Congratulations!

His Majesty ordered me to bring you the Crown Prince’s seal,

Your Highness.

Mother died. The Eastern Palace encountered such a disaster.

So many people’s blood was lost just for something like that.

Put it here.

If you don’t have anything else,

you can go back.

Yes, Your Highness.

Looks like something is wrong.

Changge. You can show yourself.

You know that I’m here?

You can hide from others,

but not from me.

I’ve let them record

that Princess Yongning has died.

You killed so many people in Eastern Palace.

Why would you like to let me go now?

Is it that you finally find your humanity?

So you can do me a favor,

and comfort yourself

because of your guilty conscience?

Or is it because

I’m just a woman who’s no longer a princess,

So I can’t be a threat to you.

Changge.

Changge. Stop.

Even if I might die,

I’ll revenge for my mother.

Changge. Just leave!

[Taoism Brings Peace]

Your Highness.

The country is depending on you.

How can you risk your life?

Traitor. You can’t escape now.

Take Li Changge away.

- Yes. - Yes.

Stop.

That dagger belongs to her.

I’ll use this dagger someday to kill the one who took my mother’s life.

How dare you!

Guards, take her to prison.

Wait.

Take Princess Yongning to the wing.

And take good care of her.

Your Highness.

You’re indulging an enemy and causing trouble upon yourself.

Keming. I’m tired.

About what happened today,

you can’t tell anyone else.

Yes.

Take her away.

- Move. - Go.

Foster-Father. It’s already well arranged.

Guards are placed in every corner of Hongyi Palace.

Please be assured.

Foster-Father.

How’s His Highness going to deal with Li Changge?

Indulging an enemy and causing trouble.

Foster-Father, don’t tire yourself out.

What should I do next?

Double the soldiers.

And let them secretly guard the wing at every corner of it.

Give her the illusion that she’s not well guarded.

If she wants to run away,

kill her at the spot.

Yes.

Why are they guarding me with so few soldiers?

Mother, what should I do?

Your Highness.

Duke Fang, I can’t fall asleep.

Play chess with me.

Yes.

How dare you!

I haven’t started.

How dare you make your move?

Isn’t Your Highness waiting others to make a move first?

You’re the one who knows me the most.

Changge isn’t a girl easy to deal with.

Your Highness is busy with official duties.

No need to bother with that.

Your Highness urgently summoned me here because of trusting me.

Your Highness. I’ll deal with that.

She’s your student.

You have to be responsible for her.

Yes.

[Assassination at Prince Qin Manor. The assassin failed and is locked in the wing room.]

Assassination at Prince Qin Manor?

I didn’t expect him to be so dauntless.

Tegin. Who are you talking about?

The guy who defeated us in Cuju.

So he’s not an ordinary man.

Of course.

He’s more than uncommon.

He also has an uncommon relationship with Prince Qin.

Prince Qin didn’t put him into cell,

but let him live in the wing.

So we’ll be friends with him.

Friends?

The enemy of our enemy is our friend.

What?

Changge was caught by my father.

She’s locked up?

I heard servants talking about it this morning.

And they were seriously scolded by Commander Hao Du.

As for where’s she now,

I didn’t hear that.

Changge.

What should we do?

Changge.

Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang must know

where they locked Changge.

Mr. Fang.

Princess.

I was going to visit you.

Princess.

Mr. Fang is really like a prophet.

The rain tonight is the biggest assistant.

Are you really prepared, Princess?

I’m afraid.

Don’t be afraid, Princess.

Think of every step that Mr. Fang has taught you.

And just do as he said.

Things will be okay.

I believe Mr. Fang.

Since little, it was Changge that protected me.

Now it’s time for me to protect her.

Stubborn as her, Changge won’t eat anything these days.

But Your Highness ordered that

they should take good care of her.

Those guards are also worrying about that,

because no one can afford to neglect Princess.

Only your appearance will let Changge eat something.

The guards pretend to stop you.

Actually they wish that you can show up.

Only by this can they be off responsibility.

Remember. Don’t get afraid.

The guards will definitely let you get in.

How dare you! That’s Princess.

Duke Du said that no one can get closed to the wing.

Please don’t make things difficult for us.

I heard that Princess Yongning

hasn’t been eating for 24 hours.

My father said that you should take good care of her.

If something bad happens to her,

can you afford that?

That’s...

Princess just wants to send her some food.

She won’t stay long.

Or are you doubting Princess?

Please, Princess.

Wait for me here.

Changge.

Chang... Changge.

I’m Leyan.

Why are you here?

Who sent you here?

Don’t let Changge know that I sent you there.

She wouldn’t accept this favor.

What you should do

is to show flaws deliberately.

Give her the information to run away.

Let Changge run away by herself instead of being rescued.

That’s what Changge would accept.

It’s raining tonight and suddenly becomes cold.

The guards the in backyard went home due to chill.

So I bring you hot soup and cookies.

Eat it when it’s still hot.

How did you get in?

I’m Princess now.

They dare not stop me.

Your father killed my father.

You became Princess.

Princess Yongan.

Changge. It’s not like what you think.

I don’t care about being Princess or whatever.

From your room to this wing,

you won’t pass the backyard.

How did you know there are no guards in the backyard?

Who taught you that?

Changge is extremely smart.

If she found out you’re lying,

you don’t need to hide anything from her.

Changge, leave here now.

The door of the backyard is open.

The guards were also kept away.

Go as far as you can.

Don’t ever come back.

How can I believe you?

Is it your father’s trap,

or Du Ruhui’s trap?

Then you’ll declare that Princess Yongning

die from arrows when she was running away.

Yes or no?

Yes or no?

Changge.

Do you really think that I would harm you?

It’s Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang taught me that.

He said that you’re stubborn.

Only by this can you run away.

Fang Xuanling.

Tell Fang Xuanling,

It’s my business. I’ll try to think of a way it on my own.

He doesn’t need to have a pity on me.

I don’t want to owe him anything.

The only thing can dispel her misgivings

is your sisterhood since little.

The only one can save Changge

is actually you.

Changge.

This is the amulet that I prayed for you recently.

Take it with you.

Then you’ll definitely be safe.

Amulet?

The people of Prince Qin Manor

killed everyone in our Eastern Palace.

Your father killed my mother and father.

Now you want me to be safe?

I’m sorry, Changge.

I didn’t know that.

I...

I’m sorry.

Princess Yongan.

From now on,

we two are enemies and absolutely irreconcilable.

Changge.

We two are best sisters since childhood.

Changge.

Sisters?

How can I be sisters

with the daughter of the man that murdered my father?

I’ll count down from three.

Leave here now.

Otherwise don’t blame me for being too cold.

Three.

Two.

One.

Changge.

I don’t believe you really wanted me to leave.

If my death can relieve your hatred to my father,

I won’t regret.

Changge.

Leyan.

Sorry.

Princess.

Why don’t say anything?

Is it because Mr. Fang’s strategy didn’t work?

His Majesty ordered me to bring you the Crown Prince’s seal,

Your Highness.

Anything abnormal?

Princess Yongan was here with some food.

I have checked.

Nothing abnormal.

Princess Yongan?

Right.

Princess?

- Somebody here. - Yes.

Lock down Hongyi Palace.

The rest go after her with me.

Yes.

Princess.

Princess.

Princess.

Call the imperial doctor.

Your Highness.

Li Changge is a big threat to Great Tang.

Your Highness.

We found Princess’ maidservant

fainted outside of the study.

The study?

Hurry.

Back to the study.

Keming.

It’s gone.

Guards!

You must capture Li Changge.

Yes.

Go.

♫ The heart gradually responds, ♫

♫ gradually revives, ♫

♫ gradually swims towards you. ♫

♫ Before bidding farewell, ♫

♫ we expect an encounter. ♫

♫ Entwist your figure, ♫

♫ and lock it into my tender dream. ♫

♫ Before the daybreak, ♫

♫ through the obsession of love, ♫

♫ the longing flows. ♫

♫ There’s always a moment ♫

♫ which burns down the wastelands in my heart. ♫

♫ There’s always solicitude ♫

♫ which freezes everything between you and me. ♫

♫ Meet each other in different time. ♫

♫ Encourage each other in different worlds. ♫

♫ My longings become a cocoon, ♫

♫ layer after layer. ♫

♫ It turns into eternity. ♫

♫ The cocoon in the dark night. ♫

♫ There’s always a moment ♫

♫ which burns down the wastelands in my heart. ♫

♫ There’s always solicitude ♫

♫ which freezes everything between you and me. ♫

♫ Meet each other in different time. ♫

♫ Encourage each other in different worlds. ♫

♫ My longings become a cocoon, ♫

♫ layer after layer. ♫

♫ It turns into eternity. ♫

♫ The cocoon in the dark night. ♫

♫ It is sleepless. ♫

The Long Ballad