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 5

Tegin,

I got enough water.

Su Yishe and Nu’er went ahead to explore the way,

and found substitutes for us

to head for the grassland through the pass.

But,

according to our speed now,

it’ll take us half a month to reach Youzhou.

Half a month?

It’s too long.

We need to hurry.

Yes.

That is...

How could it be a dead body?

Why is it him?

Tegin,

what’s wrong?

Yaro,

find a place to stay.

Yes.

Tegin, let me hold him.

No.

When did he change to a busybody?

Holding him as if he’s a treasure.

Search carefully!

Dead or alive, we must find her!

Yes...yes...

Wei Shuyu.

Congratulations!

For what?

You intercepted Li Changge yourself.

And then you took the first place to shoot her.

You made great contributions on clearing the leftover traitor.

Of course I should tell His Highness to publicize your contribution.

Hao Du.

You are so ruthless, aren’t you?

Aren’t you clear whether Changge is guilty or not?

It’s not important what I am thinking.

I just follow Foster-Father’s order.

What he orders is what I think.

But Wei Shuyu, I also have something to tell you.

We cannot have it both ways.

If you want your family,

follow my order.

Tegin.

This is where hunters take a rest.

Few people would come.

Take the wine bottle and medicine, and a set of clothes.

Yes.

Shameless!

Why did you hit me?

What are you doing?

Can’t you see what I am doing?

What did you see?

You are a man,

what can I see?

Then why are you covering your eyes?

I don’t like blood.

I don’t want to see your wound.

Since you’re very capable,

pull it out yourself.

I didn’t ask you for help.

Aliqi.

What does it mean?

Strong liquor from the western region.

Much better.

Thanks!

Are you stupid?

Bear it!

You are a real man.

Give him the medicine.

Don’t touch me!

Don’t cry aloud like a woman!

We don’t have to wait till now if we want to hurt you.

Leave him alone.

He’s really ungrateful.

Go.

Father,

what’s wrong?

Prince Qin was here just now,

and I scolded him out.

I think he will send someone here soon,

and put me to death.

Father,

I’ll prepare for the carriage now,

please escape to our hometown, Quyang, to avoid disaster first.

I’ll find Mr. Du now.

Shuyu,

your father is not a coward.

But...

I’ll be dragging you down.

Father,

it’s my fault.

I’m not strong enough to protect my father, nor my family.

Stand up.

What I did has nothing to do with you.

Today, Prince Qin came to our house,

so he is really a broad-minded man.

If you want to work for Prince Qin,

I won’t stop you.

Father,

I don’t know whether it is a right choice or not.

[Quite Calm to Move Forward]

Mr. Wei.

This is what His Highness asked me to deliver to you.

Father.

No!

I’ll plead to His Highness,

and I’ll beg Mr. Du.

Shuyu.

Father!

Accept it.

Mr. Wei.

Please enjoy.

Father.

Father, no!

I’ll plead to His Highness,

and I’ll beg Mr. Du.

What have I taught you since you were young?

Take off your hands.

Vinegar celery?

Duke Fang always says that Mr. Wei loves vinegar celery.

Crown Princess Consort Zhangsun made it with five flavors in person.

Just to show my gratitude.

Today it was my fault.

Please forgive me.

Fa... Father...

Father!

Father! No!

Fa...

I was too narrow-minded.

But Prince Qin knows when to yield and when not to.

Although we are from different sides,

I never say it out, but I know in my heart.

Prince Qin is kind and merciful,

but also decisive when killing people.

The changes that happened this time were unavoidable.

As for my loyalty to my master,

I can decline him for my whole life.

But the lands under our feet still belong to Great Tang.

People here are still people of Great Tang.

My long-cherished wish is just for repaying Great Tang.

Father,

I understand now.

For my whole life, I’m convinced by only a few people.

This vinegar celery...

has convinced me!

Thanks.

It’s a misunderstanding.

You saved my life, in the future I will...

No need.

You don’t owe me anything.

There’s nothing between us.

That would be good.

Well...

Can you let me take...

another sip of this wine?

Yes,

but I never suffer any loss in business.

Why not make an exchange?

I can give you the wine.

You need to answer my questions.

Okay?

It’s rude to just take without giving.

Then let’s play a game.

Do you dare to play?

There’s no game I don’t dare to play.

Let’s ask each other a question.

The one who can’t answer

must drink as punishment.

Okay.

Go ahead.

Where did you get the wound on your shoulder?

Soldiers from the court shot me.

You are so straightforward.

Since it’s an exchange,

no one is allowed to lie.

My turn.

What’s your name?

My surname is Qin.

Last name is Zhun.

You can call me A’Zhun.

A’Zhun...

You?

Surname, Li.

I was the 14th child in the family.

Call me Young Master Shisi.

Why did you want my dagger?

I just wanted to embarrass you.

I knew you were up to no good.

A’Zhun, where are you from?

I’m from the Central Plains,

born beyond the Great Wall.

Then where’s your home?

That’s another question.

Next,

where do you want to go?

To seek revenge.

Then what about you?

To the north.

Revenge for what?

What are you doing in the north?

A huge business.

Since you have answered it,

why did you take a drink?

Because you will ask me about the business,

and I cannot answer.

I will be drunk if I keep drinking.

Then the last question.

Are you really called A’Zhun?

Then Young Master Shisi,

are you really Young Master Shisi?

Good!

Come on!

Cheers!

Again!

Drink!

What is Tegin and that guy talking about?

It’s been a while since I’ve heard him laugh that way.

Tegin has been leading Eagle Division for years,

but Great Khan is always suspicious of him.

And his rival kept holding him back.

Under such a situation,

if it were you, could you laugh?

Yes, you are right.

But let’s not talk about it.

It will only ruin our moods.

But I haven’t seen him care about anyone so much.

[Game of Go]

Your Highness,

Princess Yongning has nothing to do with the rumor.

It seems that it was done by others.

As for Princess Yongning,

it was my fault to let her escape.

Fine.

These days, the capital’s important soldiers have already submitted.

Even if she has any move,

it won’t cause a big trouble.

Just pay more attention to her.

Yes.

Keming.

Do you need anything else, Your Highness?

What Changge took away with her,

is an important item of the court.

No matter what,

no one can keep it.

I understand.

Wei Zheng was right.

I’m the most ruthless person in this world.

It’s you, Princess.

Mr. Du.

His Highness is in there.

You can go in.

Tegin.

Let’s go.

Where is that guy?

He’s gone.

Gone?

Why did he leave without saying goodbye?

Su Yishe.

Send a scout back to the Eagle Division.

Ask them to prepare these,

and wait for me outside Youzhou.

And, hand this to Great Khan.

Don’t worry, Tegin.

Go.

Tegin,

what should we do after we get Youzhou?

I’ve already asked Su Yishe to prepare the road stone.

[Bring Forth Harmony and Peace]

Greetings, Father.

It’s hard for you to see me yourself.

Anything happened?

Nothing.

I just want to come to see you.

That’s so kind of you.

If nothing wrong, just go back and have rest.

I’m still very busy now.

I want to ask you about Changge.

Please don’t hurt her.

Changge just has a bad temper.

- But she... - Yan’er.

Yan’er.

Forget that Changge exists in this world.

That will be better for both you and her.

Father!

Your Highness, the court sent someone here.

He is here to see Princess.

His Majesty heard that Princess harbors great righteousness in mind,

and would love to marry into the grassland.

I am here to send rewards,

and the imperial edict.

Please accept it, Princess.

“Crown Prince’s daughter...”

“is a young and gentle member...”

“as one of the members of the royal family...”

“all your reward is according to the regime.”

“She’ll be given the title of Princess Yongan...”

“with the rewards of 3,000 lands.”

“This will be executed at once.”

Princess Yongan.

I accept the imperial edict.

I accept it with pleasure.

Thank you to His Majesty!

I still have to marry into the grassland, right?

[Du Manor]

Foster-Father,

you have been upset since you came back from Hongyi Palace.

Is that because His Highness is still concerned about Li Changge?

If she is still alive,

then she’ll be a big trouble.

I don’t understand.

How can Li Changge make Crown Prince, Princess,

and the Wei family protect and defend her?

His Highness the Crown Prince cares for her like a daughter.

Princess sees her as a sister.

As for Young Master Wei...

If Li Changge is alive,

she’ll surely look for Wei Shuyu.

Keep an eye on Wei Shuyu.

Find the Crown Prince’s seal.

And kill her.

I understand.

Hao Du.

You must remember.

Never mind the trivial things when doing something important.

Never be tied by any affections.

Yes.

[Chang’an]

From here I will leave Chang’an.

I never thought that I would come here one day.

Hurt! Hurt!

A’Dou?

Master!

What’s wrong?

Nothing.

Why are you here?

I asked you...

I’ve been here waiting for a whole day.

Since I know Master will head north,

then you must pass this boundary tablets on your way.

Master, I’ve been with you for some days.

Am I making any progress?

But if you didn’t show up,

I would doubt myself if I was wrong.

A’Dou,

I still have no idea where my future is.

You have a bright future.

Although you can’t stay at Pinxiang Store,

you have many other choices.

Why must you follow me?

Master,

you are my future.

I will be with you no matter I’m alive or dead!

I said that,

I won’t be wrong.

my master must be a big hero!

Which hero has no general with him?

I am my master’s general!

Master!

I’m serious!

A’Dou.

Master!

Let me follow you.

Kowtow.

Since you take me as your master, we must have a formal ceremony.

Master, please take me as your apprentice!

From now on, you are my apprentice.

We will never betray each other.

Okay.

Master,

where are we going now?

Youzhou.

My father’s soldiers and horses are there.

Li Yuan, the Governor of Youzhou, is my father’s good friend.

Besides,

if we can persuade him to help us,

it will be possible for us to win.

Then I am going to be a general so quickly?

Far from that!

But,

I will never give up.

[Chang’an]

[Quite Calm to Move Forward]

My humble home doesn’t deserve repeated visits by Your Highness.

I am here to say sorry.

Mr. Wei was right.

I scolded you so much,

which one are you referring to?

This is my gift in return for the vinegar celery.

Mr. Wei is also a father,

when you were risking for Jiancheng,

did you think about Shuyu?

Don’t worry,

I have some farmlands at home,

it’s enough to support my children and grandchildren.

So a man like Mr. Wei also worries about your children and grandchildren too.

What exactly are you trying to say?

It’s just a random comment.

I also have children and always worry about them.

I’ve studied a lot of books,

yet I don’t know how to protect them as their family and an elder.

I’m a father,

I can feel your love for your kids.

I heard about the marriage of Princess Yongan.

If you’re worried about it,

then I may give you a suggestion.

Please tell me.

What?

I suffer a strange disease?

Yes.

Remember.

This strange disease cannot be cured so quickly,

and you have to go to Luoyang to get medical treatment.

Luoyang?

Yes.

I have already arranged for you.

Depart immediately.

Go!

You cry so easily.

How could you be a princess if you are so fragile?

You should learn from Changge!

Yan’er.

Because of your strange disease,

you can’t get married for now.

Understand?

Stay at Luoyang for the treatment.

I will send someone to take you back as soon as you are recovered.

I know you get on well with Young Master Wei.

I have asked him to escort you to Luoyang.

You don’t have to worry about anything with his help.

As ordered.

[Bring Forth Harmony and Peace]

Brother Shuyu.

I will take you to Luoyang.

Thanks, Brother Shuyu.

You will understand your father someday.

You!

Come!

Okay.

Next.

[Youzhou]

Be careful!

Next.

Go.

Okay, okay, go.

Okay.

Next.

Go.

Thanks.

What’s in your carriage?

Food.

- Food? - Yes.

You. You.

Go and search.

Yes.

No...no need to search.

Just some grains.

It’s not up to you.

Any problems?

No.

Okay.

Thanks!

- Go. - Thanks!

Go, let’s go.

Wait!

Officer.

Why are you so nervous?

No, Officer.

What’s in here?

Officer, just some grains.

Officer...

Open it and search.

Yes, yes.

No...

Take them all.

Yes.

No, no, no...

No, Officer!

Go, go.

Go, go.

I’m innocent!

General.

What’s that?

We didn’t find anything today.

You didn’t see anything either.

Understand?

Yes!

I’m innocent! Officer!

Go quickly.

I’m innocent! Officer!

Thanks.

- Thanks! - You’re welcome.

Master,

you’re so clever.

If we didn’t get on this carriage,

how could we get here so quickly?

There would be many blisters on our feet.

This is leveraging.

Learn from it.

Their food is quite good!

Slow down, Madam!

What will we do next?

Wander around.

Okay, let’s go.

Let’s stay here.

Please.

Waiter?

Here!

Two gentlemen,

which room do you want?

The cheapest?

The cheapest.

This way.

Go.

This way, please.

Have a look here.

Although our room is not big,

it is enough for you two.

Besides, it’s quiet here.

Are you satisfied, Sir?

Yes.

Okay, have some rest first.

And I will prepare the hot water for you.

I will explore around the Governor Manor.

You stay here.

Don’t expose yourself.

Yes.

Master, just bear it.

It is good enough for the boss to provide us with this wood shed.

I will clean it up.

And make it a cozy place for you to have a rest.

A’Dou,

don’t tire yourself out.

I don’t care about those things.

I’m not tired, Master.

Have some rest now!

I’m fine.

I’ll go and check things out.

Master, I will follow you.

You are just a little kid,

it’d be strange for you to go with me.

Sleep early.

I’ll bring you some food.

[Nan’an Inn]

This is the last stop.

Tomorrow we will arrive at the Luoyang Palace.

Brother Shuyu,

will you be leaving tomorrow?

The view of Luoyang Palace is very splendid.

Those servants will be your side.

Those days when we could play together are just like a dream.

The three of us used to be so close.

I don’t know why we must all part

and go our separate ways.

All good things must come to an end.

No one can stay with each other for the whole life.

Brother Shuyu, I understand.

I have to wake up.

We have grown up.

Brother Shuyu,

could you...could you write to me when you are free?

As soon as you get news about Changge,

you must tell me.

I promise you.

I will find her.

It’s getting late.

Go back and get some rest.

I never thought that you could be so quick.

I can catch up with you until you are almost at Luoyang.

Wei Shuyu, accept your orders.

Decree from Crown Prince.

“Wei Shuyu is assigned as the special envoy of Chang’an.”

“No need to go back to Chang’an.”

“Go with Hao Du to Youzhou.”

“Summon Li Yuan, Prince of Lujiang, to come to the capital.”

Please tell me the truth.

Do you have news about her?

Is that what you’re hoping for or not?

No matter what, you have to go with me.

Besides,

you just need to be responsible for being an envoy.

The rest,

is none of your business.

Someone saw that Princess Yongning and a boy appeared on the way to the north,

heading to Youzhou.

Listen to me.

Keep an eye on Wei Shuyu.

If they meet each other privately,

kill Yongning.

If Wei Shuyu stops you,

do the same.

Yes.

[Governor Manor]

[Tao River]

Boss.

Which is your best ironware?

♫ 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