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 11

[Governor Manor]

Governor.

Governor.

Registrar Li.

Governor.

As a new register of the Governor’s,

I’m not familiar with affairs in Shuozhou,

so I ought to accompany you there.

Not this time.

Xu Feng will go with me.

Registrar Li,

both of you can have a day off.

Yes.

I thought if Gongsun Heng took me to see Sima Tu,

I’d be able to take in

the northern border defense.

It seems we’ll have to work harder in the future.

What about following them?

No.

He refused us.

If we follow them,

it seem like we have ulterior motives.

Master, where are you going?

Have a day off.

Tegin,

according to our scout,

Ashile Sun headed for Shuozhou last night,

while Eagle Division remains unmoved.

Ashile Sun only took Mu Jin with him.

- Guards. - Tegin.

Assemble the Bear Division.

Yes.

Given this chance,

I’ll let him know who’s the descendant of Sirius.

You’re brilliant, Tegin.

It’s pretty good.

How’s the situation?

I won’t believe it without seeing in person.

There are merely less than 1,000 soldiers...

stationed in the east and the south.

I knew it.

With the advantage of impregnable terrain...

in the east and the south,

the Governor of Shuozhou...

mainly stationed troops in the north and west.

But I just scouted the areas.

There are only less than 20,000 soldiers.

How did Shuozhou get its reputation...

of being a secure and resilient city?

Tu Kashe said these people are all useless.

Is what he said true?

When getting in the city,

did you notice the wall?

[Shouzhou]

It’s much thicker than other cities

in the Central Plains?

The clay is new, which means

the wall is timely reinforced.

People of all kinds come and go freely in normal times,

but once there’s a war,

no one can go through when the gate is closed.

As long as the supplies are enough,

It’s not hard to guard the city for years.

Interesting.

Have you got any idea?

Let’s go.

We’ve to but some paulownia wood.

Would it kill you to stop being mysterious for one second?

If you can help Gongsun Heng

analyze the political climate and promise him a bright future,

won’t he a former subject of Sui Dynasty be touched?

I’m afraid it’s not what Gongsun Heng wants.

How old are you?

How can you be choked when eating noodles?

Master.

I think we’re out of money.

We ran out of money when giving away food to beggars.

Not a penny left?

Wasn’t it you who said

we had to be grateful to who helped us.

Without those beggars who told us where bandits came from,

how can we be allowed to the Governor Manor?

Being well-accommodated,

why did we need money?

Master,

it’s what you said.

Let’s run when I count to three.

Guests,

have you enjoyed the meal?

Ten pennies for two bowls of noodles.

No, we haven’t finished.

We’ll pay you later.

I’m sorry, Boss.

We came out in a rush

and forgot to take wallet with us.

What about this,

let my brother fetch money,

while I stay here.

Okay.

I’ll go fetch money.

Don’t run.

Well, one ran away,

and the other seeks time to go.

I’ve seen much of this.

- Go see the official with me. - No, Boss.

Listen to me,

he’ll be back as soon as he gets the money.

How can I trust you?

Go.

Hands off.

How much?

I’ll pay.

Why are you here?

Ten pennies.

The rest is the tip for you.

Thank you, Young Master.

I’m sorry.

Leave now.

Move out.

A’Zhun.

We meet again.

Young Master Shisi.

Who is he?

I told you not to come to Shuozhou.

You didn’t listen to a word I said.

What about you?

You’re here yourself.

How’s your wound?

You even know his wound?

I bandaged it.

I know of course.

You turn out to be that vet.

It’d heal soon without being bandaged,

but you...

It’s okay now.

Just ignore him, Young Master Shisi.

He’s...

Then it’ll be fine.

By the way,

Border trade in Shuozhou is strictly rectified.

A merchant like you’re certain to lose.

Young Master Shisi,

how long will you stay in Shuozhou?

Forget it!

It’s better not to inquire about each other’s business.

Master,

you escaped.

- Merchant. - Who is he?

A’Dou,

A’Zhun paid the bill for us.

We’re about to go out of the city.

Young Master Shisi,

can you see us off?

Of course.

We’ve to part in the end.

I’ll stop here.

A’Zhun,

I wish you a booming business.

Young Master Shisi,

as I told you last time,

if you have no reason to stay in Shuozhou,

you’d better leave early.

Where shall I go?

Have you thought about going to the grassland?

Grassland?

I don’t know anyone there.

I’d better not go there.

You know me.

No, but thanks.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Go.

Who are they?

They are men in the vanguard of the Ashile Army.

They’ll attack the city.

Young Master Shisi,

I still have some men in the north.

I’ll be back to take care of them.

You’d better get as far away from Shuozhou as possible.

See you.

Take care.

Master,

what shall we do now?

Return.

How dare Tu Kashe take credit when you’re absent?

Do we really have to do nothing?

If you wanna see Tu Kashe fall utterly,

stay here.

I’m not interested in watching losers.

Are you sure he’ll be defeated?

Tu Kashe is an idiot,

but she’s there.

She? (T/N: Tā (他) - Can be either he or she)

Stop.

Who dares break into the defense base?

Light the beacon and beat the drum.

Ashile Army is coming.

Out of my way.

If we miss the warning time,

can you account for it?

- Hurry up. - It won’t do.

Registrar Li.

Let him go up.

Okay.

Registrar Li,

why are you here?

Governor,

Ashile Army is coming.

Beat the drum.

Not now.

Not now?

You mean not beating the drum now?

It’s not in a rush.

It’s okay for them to go closer.

Governor,

think about it carefully.

Once Ashile Tribe breaks into the city,

Shuozhou will be doomed.

- It’ll threaten our whole country. - Stop!

- How dare you push Governor? - Alright, Xu Feng.

He just acted on impulse.

The enemy’s coming.

I’ve no time to explain to you.

- Guards. - Yes.

Take them back to the Governor’s and into custody.

Gongsun Heng.

Go.

You’re too stubborn to deploy forces.

Gongsun Heng!

[Governor Manor]

Hello?

Can’t I walk around the Governor’s if not allowed to the gate tower?

As Governor ordered,

you can’t walk around.

Don’t you doubt his words?

What if his decision is wrong?

Governor has got a plan.

I think he doesn’t deserve his reputation.

I wonder how he fool the public here

into supporting him wholeheartedly.

Have you heard the drums?

He didn’t get the drum beaten until this late.

It’s hard to win this battle.

A’Dou,

do you think we shouldn’t come here?

I even hope a man ignorant of military tactics can help me

launch a counterattack.

That’s it.

Even I know

beating the drum in time on seeing the enemy.

As the Governor of Shuozhou,

how can he not know?

I’m afraid he’s doing it on purpose.

If he dares to give up Shuozhou to the Ashile Tribe,

I won’t make it easy for him.

So will I.

Governor.

Registrar Li.

- I... - Why didn’t you beat the drum?

Ashile’s cavalry raided us.

We were not prepared for it.

No wonder we’ll be badly defeated.

How many casualties are there?

10,000,

20,000,

or even more?

Registrar Li.

- We... - Ignorant of military tactics,

why didn’t you listen to me?

Why must you’ve been so stubborn?

Were you doing it on purpose?

You...

Don’t you care about the public in the city at all?

Registrar Li,

we has won the battle.

We won.

We won?

How did we win?

Right, Governor,

tell me about it.

How did you win?

Please calm down.

Let me explain it to you.

Governor didn’t beat the drum until that late on purpose

for he deployed 3,000 archers in ambush in and out of the gate tower.

When Ashile’s cavalry are coming,

they soon came within our range.

Once he ordered,

ten thousand arrows shot at once.

Ashile’s cavalry had no time to turn around,

and soon panicked.

At that time Governor asked us

to open the gate and set knife rests.

Our soldiers in arrays resisted the enemy.

It’s Crescent Moon Array.

You know military tactics.

I’ve learned a bit before.

Come on.

Sit down please.

Tell me if you’re the commander,

what will you do next?

Next...

The Crescent Moon shall transition to the Serpent Battle Array.

If the body of the serpent is attacked,

the head and tail can come together as reinforcement.

And then?

Imperial Guard Xu, go on.

Next,

after taking such heavy blows,

Ashile’s cavalry were already utterly destroyed.

but their commander Tu Kashe refused to give up,

and attempted to launch another attack.

Beat the drums!

Send smoke signals!

At that time, our warriors lying in wait

beat the drums and sent smoke signals

in the northeast and northwest across the tower.

Soldiers’ war cries resounded.

For fear of being besieged,

Tu Kashe was so terrified that

he turned around and helplessly retreated.

Bravo, Governor!

But if we had the ambush in the northeast and northwest,

why didn’t you let them march quietly and launch a surprise attack?

Why did you make such a noise?

Were you...

What?

Were you bluffing?

You’re such a talent.

You see through my tricks.

You’re right.

We’ve only 2,000 soldiers in ambush.

You’re a superb military commander.

Don’t you think I’m too stubborn to deploy forces?

I’m sorry for my ignorance.

I was so confident of my study of military tactics

that I disrespected you.

I’m so ashamed.

Alright,

I won’t keep it in mind.

But your risking life in sending signals

impressed me with your concern about the public.

I want to express my thanks to you on behalf of the public.

Governor!

I admire your tolerance.

After this battle,

I finally know why you’re invincible,

and where the firmness of the wall

and the peaceful life in Shuozhou come from.

If you don’t mind,

I want to...

I want to...

You want to fight against enemies

with us to guard Shuozhou?

That’s what I want.

For you a talent good at military tactics,

I appreciate you very much.

Stand up.

I’d like to learn military tactics as well.

Okay.

Guard Shuozhou with us as well.

Stand up!

Congratulations on your safe return!

Now you all come to see me.

Of course.

To take credit, you secretly launched a sneak attack with cavalry

on Shuozhou.

Though you lost,

you were not wiped out at least.

I’m in a rather bad mood.

Shut your foul mouth up!

You acted rashly and alerted the enemy.

You’re to blame if we’re at a disadvantage later.

What’s wrong?

It’s just a drill.

Why am I to blame?

I know what I did.

None of your business.

We don’t care about your business.

We’ll faithfully report today’s battle to Khan.

You don’t have to.

I’ll report it myself.

Help me send the letter to the Military Governor’s.

[To Military Governor Sima Tu]

This time Ashile Tribe’s not that easy to deal with.

If I get it right,

they’ll launch another attack for sure.

We need reinforcements.

I’ll go right now.

[Protect the Country and Pacify the People]

Governor.

Registrar Li.

Governor,

you may have a look at the new map.

Why are you so worried?

We won the battle.

Why aren’t you happy?

Just a small battle.

What’s so happy about it?

I sent Xu Feng to ask the Military Governor for reinforcements.

Reinforcements?

Why do we need reinforcements

in such an impregnable city?

Our real enemy in Ashile Tribe hasn’t appeared.

Look,

the wide and deep Wuding River should have been

a natural defense line between Shuozhou and Ashile Tribe,

but due to our lack of soldiers,

we can’t deploy troops to guard the river bank,

so that the enemies come and go freely,

threatening Shuozhou.

Considering they’ll come and go across the river,

what about turning it into a military installation?

Military installation?

For Ashile Tribe who’re not good at swimming,

they’d prefer dry season.

That’s it.

If the river bed is dry,

they’ll march much faster than usual without obstacles.

If so,

we can grant them a dry season.

Grant them a dry season?

What do you mean?

I heard the dry season usually starts from July,

but with plenty of rain this summer,

the dry season may come about half a month later.

There’s a dense forest right up the river.

If we deploy our elite soldiers

to block the river with soil, stones and logs,

the river can be blocked within days.

Governor,

what do you think?

You’re really something, Registrar Li.

What a brilliant idea!

Governor, excuse my humble opinion.

You’re so quick-witted.

Impressive.

However,

Ashile Tribe’s Bear Division just lost and ran away.

They dare not launch attacks within days.

Even if they do so,

they’ll be cautious.

We should think about how to let their guard down.

If Ashile Tribe’s cavalry aren’t that capable,

we’ve more feasible ways to defeat them in fact.

More feasible ways?

Speak up.

As Sun Zi said, we need direct tactics to join battle,

indirect ones to secure victory.

If we take our troops as a lure to attract their main forces,

and then deploy our cavalry to detour

and surprisingly attack the enemy on its flanks and from behind,

we’ll defeat them one by one when their array’s broken.

Isn’t it exciting?

Great.

Young as you are,

you’re so imposing that I admire you.

You reminds me of another man.

Who?

The former Prince Qin,

the current Crown Prince.

In the late Sui Dynasty, heroes distinguished themselves.

As a youngster,

he led thousands of soldiers fighting against enemies,

with such tactics.

He’s almost invincible.

Unexpectedly, today you told me similar tactics.

Registrar Li,

it seems you were just being modest before.

The Crown Prince is renowned.

I just follow his example.

I’m flattered.

Registrar Li,

don’t be so modest.

How lucky you’re here in Shuozhou!

What’s more,

Registrar Li,

this is a report to the royal court.

Get it sent day and night to Chang’an asap.

Governor,

don’t you trust Military Governor?

It’s not the case,

but it’s a matter concerning the public’s lives,

so we must approach 100% safety as mush as possible.

Okay, I’ll arrange it right now.

Li Shimin,

can’t I get rid of you at all?

I remember you’re from Shuozhou,

and know Shuozhou well.

You already knew I’d lose today.

Did you collude with the enemy?

I’m wronged.

Heaven knows I’m loyal to you.

I’ve an idea to tell you, Tegin.

After you listen to me,

if you insist on killing me,

I’ll subject my life to you.

Go ahead.

What are the odds this time?

If it works,

Shuozhou will collapse on itself.

You’ll take the first-class merit.

Really?

Governor,

Governor Sima invited you to his manor.

Sima Tu?

Did he say something else?

No.

Does he agree to send reinforcements

and wants to discuss it with you?

Since Ashile Tribe’s last attack,

he has remained unmoved.

He’s always been on guard against me.

It’s not that simple.

- Okay, you may leave. - Yes.

Senior Qin,

it’s a banquet where treachery must be planned,

but he’s the Military Governor.

I can’t turn him down.

I’ve to accept his invitation.

Governor,

I’ll accompany you there.

No, thanks.

It’s more useful for you to stay here.

Senior Qin,

if I can’t return,

just give this note to Registrar Li.

Are you serious?

Their identities are dubious.

I tend to use a man without suspecting him.

As for this,

when to give it to them,

it depends on you.

Governor.

Senior Qin,

I know your concern.

I believe him,

but I’m more inclined to believe you.

Governor, it’s...

Judging from his words and behaviors,

you’ll know his heart.

I know he may hide something from us,

but I believe

he’s not harmful to our country and the people.

These years,

I’ve been resisting the enemy for numerous times.

Maybe they’ve long known my tactics well.

But he’s different.

I think he’s quick-witted in various military tactics,

which is unfamiliar to the enemy.

Maybe he can defeat them surprisingly.

However,

he’s not experienced in warcraft,

and still needs your help.

Even if I can’t survive this time,

I believe with you two’s joining of hands,

you’re bound to find ways to protect people from harms.

I want to thank you in advance.

Governor, you don’t have to.

I’ll do as you said.

[Ample Profound Knowledge and Open Broad-Mindedness]

[Military Governor Manor]

Governor.

Stop.

Why?

Xu Feng,

await for me here.

Yes.

Go.

Military Governor,

nice to meet you.

You even know I’m the Military Governor.

I’m not sure what you mean.

Please let me know what’s wrong.

Let me ask you.

Did you deploy the troops for the battle today?

Yes.

It was an urgent matter.

When we discovered the enemy,

the Ashile Tribe was already approaching the city.

It’s too urgent for me to notify you.

I acted as I saw fit.

Hope you may understand.

On behalf of His Majesty,

I govern the military forces in four cities.

All the troops must follow my orders.

No one is allowed to dispatch our troops on their own.

I know in an emergency you can act as you see fit,

but today’s battle lasted for four hours.

In the whole four hours,

were you too busy to send anyone to notify me?

I’m sorry I made a mistake.

Everyone knows how meticulous you are.

Why would you be careless?

Ultimately, this is all because

you’ve just never had any respect for me at all.

You, as a former subject of Sui Dynasty,

must have forgotten who rules the country now.

I’m serving the Tang Dynasty with utmost sincerity.

I hope you can understand.

I am absolutely loyal.

So you’re saying I’m falsely accusing you?

I dare not.

Knowing that the soldiers only listen to your orders,

you’ve been a tyrant in Shuozhou for decades.

You’ve gotten used to throwing your weight around.

There’s nothing you dare not do.

If I turn a blind eye to your deploying forces without permission,

Governors of the other three cities will

follow your example and ignore me.

Guards.

Military Governor,

now it’s urgent.

Please allow me to defeat the enemy first

and then go back to beg your pardon.

Go back after you finish your work?

You really are something.

Don’t you respect His Majesty at all?

Military Governor,

resisting enemies and protecting people are our priorities.

Take him into strict custody.

Governor Gongsun said he’d stay all night here,

and asked you to go back first.

Military Governor.

- Has Gongsun Heng’s report been intercepted? - Yes.

What happened here will never be known in Chang’an.

Send men to guard the post station to the south.

Before Ashile Tribe withdraws,

no news in four northern cities can be leaked out.

Yes.

Come out.

It’s done.

Hurry and leave.

You’re not welcome here.

Without my message,

if you keep letting Gongsun Heng provoke Ashile Army,

and attract their main forces,

the four northern cities will be in danger.

So is your title as the Military Governor.

I did you such a favor,

but you drove me out.

Wasn’t it improper?

Our Sima family has nothing to do with you now.

It was you who committed treason.

Don’t get me involved.

You wronged me.

I did so for your sake.

I didn’t want people in great misery.

Gongsun Heng wants to risk the lives of everyone in the city

so he can claim he cares about the people’s livelihood.

Let alone to take him into custody,

it’s reasonable for you to kill him.

It’s none of your business how I handle him.

Alright.

Shuozhou will sooner or later be occupied.

At that time your life...

Now working for Ashile Tribe,

I’m highly valued.

You know what my status is.

You’re my brother.

I won’t forget to benefit you.

You’re now on bad terms with Gongsun Heng.

If he’s promoted,

where can you gain a foothold in Shuozhou?

I can only advise you

it’s not too late to forsake darkness for light.

It’s almost dawn.

Scram.

[Governor Manor]

Registrar,

won’t you go to sleep this late?

I will after sorting out documents for Governor.

Senior Qin, at your age,

you’d better ask someone else to go on night patrol.

Registrar, do you have a guilty conscience?

Senior Qin,

I can only tell you I’ve a clear conscience.

Alright.

- Senior Qin. - Xu Feng.

Why are you back this late?

Where’s Governor?

Sima Tu’s men told me

Governor would stay all night there.

I think something’s wrong,

so I came back first.

Unexpectedly,

Governor was taken into custody.

Why?

Maybe because Governor deployed forces without permission.

Sima Tu has taken Governor as a thorn in his flesh.

He refused to reply to Governor’s application for reinforcements.

Governor had no choice but to resist enemies.

He finally got something on Governor.

Senior Qin’s right.

From Sui to Tang Dynasties,

Governor has been in charge of the military forces in Shuozhou.

The reason why Military Governor

was sent to govern four cities is to restrain his power

in case he’d go out of control.

Like today, the enemy lost the battle

but Military Governor got something on him.

That’s right.

Asshole!

So unreasonable!

I’ll break into Military Governor’s and save Governor out.

Stop!

You can’t go.

Why?

Idiot!

They secretly took Governor into custody

exactly for they hadn’t got something real on him.

If we revolt against Military Governor,

they’ll find evidence

for their charge of Governor’s treachery and rebellion.

So what shall we do to save Governor?

He’s the city’s governor.

Though in custody,

his life shouldn’t be in danger for now.

But it’s a secret among us,

and can’t be known by Madam

in case she’ll be worried.

Yes.

Xu Feng,

you used to be a scout

good at fishing for info.

Keep a close eye on Military Governor,

and send messages in detail with pigeons.

Tomorrow,

I’ll see Sima Tu in person to know the situation.

Yes.

Senior Qin,

I’ll accompany you tomorrow.

Registrar Li,

if you can stay here,

you’ll do our manor a great favor.

Do you know Tu Kashe’s military counsellor?

Surnamed Sima, he was an official in Central Plains

captured by Tu Kashe when out for a battle with Khan.

He was spared for his wit,

becoming a military counsellor in Bear Division.

A so-called villain holding sway in Central Plains.

I don’t know what kind of idea the villain got for Tu Kashe.

According to the scout,

Gongsun Heng was taken custody by Military Governor.

What?

It’s no use reinforcing the wall.

Gongsun Heng had secured Shuozhou for years,

but turned out to be taken custody by his fellow.

It’s no other than giving us Shuozhou as a gift.

What a pity!

A renowned general’s framed by a villain.

Keep a close eye on Sima Jian.

Don’t get us involved for his misbehavior.

Yes.

Congratulations, Tegin.

My brother has taken Gongsun Heng into custody.

I’ll go on persuading him.

He’ll surrender in days.

Great.

If it comes true,

not only I’ll climb up the social ladder,

but also you’ll make a fortune.

I’ll see how that bastard competes with me.

[Governor Manor]

What are you doing?

Speak up if you want us out.

Why must be like this?

Our manor was robbed.

Registrar,

this morning Sima Tu didn’t allow me in,

but according to my scout,

Sima Tu said Governor colluded with the Ashile Tribe,

ignored his orders,

and was suspicious of treason,

so was in custody.

Bullshit!

It’s against justice!

Justice?

If there’s justice,

then the world will be in peace.

♫ 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