Original subtitles

Subbed and Timed by the Lang Ya Bang Team @ Viki

Nirvana in Fire

Episode 02

With the addition of the letters of credence from Northern Yan today,

almost all the countries surrounding us have expressed their interest

to seek Princess Nihuang's hand in marriage.

Yes.

Except for Southern Chu.

Nihuang is the general in charge of Yunnan Palace's hundred thousand troops

who have deterred Southern Chu for some ten years.

Even if we lent them a hundred times the courage,

they wouldn't dare come to Jinling

to try and marry the Princess.

Is it not.

The Princess is not only a Marquise General of the first rank that was personally granted by Your Majesty.

Her name has even made it onto the Langya List of Martial Masters.

How can an average person match one of such character?

So, Your Majesty, you have to worry more for her.

Nihuang has been at the southern borders for ten years and it's been peaceful.

The hundred thousand troops are unwaveringly loyal to her.

I'm afraid if this continues then,

the army at the southern borders will only acknowledge the 'King of Mu'

and not the Emperor of Liang.

This 'southern border'

would probably become 'southern country'.

Since Mu Qing is of age, it's time for him to

take over the the Palace of Yunnan from his sister.

As for Nihuang, she should have a rest.

Meng Zhi - Commander General of the Imperial Guards

Excellent, excellent!

General Meng, you are indeed the best fighter the Empire.

Excellent.

These two gentleman can be counted as outstanding amongst the youngsters.

Who would've thought, even working together,

they couldn't take more than fifty moves against you Commander General.

Your Highness, Prince Yu. Marquis, you flatter me.

I didn't make it hard for them on purpose,

it's just that, the Princess is choosing a husband.

The other countries brought many masters.

Our Da-Liang's young men must stand strong.

Commander General, you are right.

Since it is an open competition, the result will affect the face of our Empire, so we must be careful.

Recently the suitors from the other countries haven't stopped coming.

The coordination of defences between the Capital and the Royal Palace needs to be adjusted.

If Commander General you have time, how about we discuss this matter at my residence?

His Majesty has also given me orders

to communicate more with Your Excellency's patrol guards.

If so, please excuse the trouble.

Since you have business to discuss, feel free to take your leave.

I have to pay respects to Father as well.

Your Highness, please excuse me.

- Please excuse me. - Go ahead.

Princess Nihuang only lost to Commander Meng after a hundred moves.

Look at you two. Even together, you can't make it past fifty moves.

It's just delusional think you two could win the Princess's hand in marriage.

His Majesty has already sent Xia Dong from the Xuanjing Bureau to Binzhou.

It's unclear if Duke Qing can extricate himself from this case.

If one of my trusted allies can become Nihuang's husband,

then I will gain another supporter in the military.

Didn't Your Highness say that His Majesty is in a hurry to select a husband for the Princess

because he was wary of her?

What would you know?

Since His Majesty is uneasy with the Princess continuing to control the army in the south,

who cannot figure out the importance of the Princess's husband

when she remains in the Capital after marrying?

Even the surrounding countries are hastily sending envoys to seek marriage.

Of course, the Crown Prince and I would not let this opportunity pass by.

So that's how it is. I am slow-witted.

Is there still no news regarding Mei Changsu?

Mei Changsu has already left Langzhou. Fei Changshi is working to find out his whereabouts.

Could the Crown Prince have found him first?

Unlikely. The Crown Prince's peopledefinately arrived at Langzhou after us.

Vanished into thin air?

Go out and play.

Go ahead.

I'm not going.

You can go yourself. Don't go too far.

Brother Su! Brother Su!

You're here alone? Where's Fei Liu?

He went out to play.

You... you let him go out alone?

Even though Fei Liu has mental insufficiencies,

but he has a good temper. He'll be fine.

Brother, do you really think Fei Liu has a good temper?

This way.

Who dares behave so inappropriatelyin the Manor of the Marquis of Ning?

Where do you think you're going?

Fei Liu, stop it.

- Father. - Marquis.

- Commander Meng. - Fei Liu, don't be unruly.

Jingrui, what is going on?

Please forgive us, Marquis.

This is one of my guards. He has always behaved badly.

He doesn't follow rules. I will discipline him strictly.

Sir Su is an esteemed guest. My household will graciously receive you.

However your retainers' habits will have to change,

otherwise a misunderstanding like today

might be unavoidable in the future.

Thank you for your generosity, Your Excellency.

I apologize for startling you Commander into personally stepping in.

No matter. I just saw that this young lad's moves were peculiar.

He was fooling around in your manor,

while the guards around your manor were completely unaware.

That's why I couldn't help but step in on behalf of Your Excellency.

Since this is a misunderstanding, let's consider today a learning experience.

This here is...?

I am Su Zhe. I met Young Master Xiao in the Pugilist world.

By the courtesy of his invitation, I came for a short stay in the Capital.

This young lad of yours has exceptional skills.

I wouldn't dare say that I could have won within a hundred moves.

To have his protection, you must be exceptional yourself.

I have nothing exceptional.

I just happened to help Fei Liu when he was in need.

He stays by my side out of gratitude.

I see.

There really are crouching tigers and hidden dragons in the Pugilist world.

I have seen much today.

Commander, this way.

Please, Commander.

Brother Su.

Even though I've heard that Fei Liu's martial arts skills were good,

I never thought he would be this good!

Who was that outside? Commander General Meng.

A first-class general who is in charge of over 50,000 Imperial guards.

On the Langya List, only Xuan Bu from Da-Yu can beat him.

Our Fei Liu was able to fight him to a standstill.

Stop exaggerating. What standstill?

Commander Meng didn't even use his full strength,

and he already pressed Fei Liu to the point of no escape.

No matter what, Fei Liu's skill is very surprising.

I'm afraid Father won't be able to believe that Brother Su is just a normal man of the Pugilist world.

If it really can't be hidden, there's nothing we can do.

I, Mei Changsu, am not a criminal of the Royal Court.

Taking the name Su Zhe was just to lessen the inconveniences.

From the mess that happened today, I'm afraid we'll have our share of inconveniences.

Annoying.

Exactly, that Commander Meng is so annoying.

What did you say?

Mei Changsu is staying at the Snow Cottage in your manor?

Came from Langzhou, of the Pugilist world,

and knows no martial arts.

Jingrui also calls him Brother Su.

It must be him.

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Us and the people from the Eastern Palace, ran in circles trying to find him,

and it turns out he had already entered the Capital.

His style and behaviour really are far from normal.

Then what does he mean by doing this?

This isn't hard to understand.

Both Your Highness and the Eastern Palace are determined to win him over.

As a man from a sect in the Pugilist world, how is he to resist?

Instead of being forced to accept an offer,

it would better to take the lead by entering the Capital first.

Mei Changsu must have his own plans for doing this.

It's best to inquire further about this.

Here, make the arrangements.

I will invite the Empress to meet with him first.

This person entered Jinling at a crucial time,

openly yet discretely took up residence in my household.

It's hard to determine

if this move was deliberate or accidental.

If it was deliberate, then that means

he already knows that you're of my party,

and intends submit to me. If it was accidental,

then it's possible he'll turn to Prince Yu.

It is hard to determine his intentions,

and he is backed by Pugilist powers.

If this person turns to Prince Yu,

will Your Highness and I be confident in handling him?

So what do you think...?

If he's not a friend, then he's an enemy.

If we cannot win this person, we cannot let him fall into the hands of Prince Yu.

He must be immediately eliminated

to prevent future troubles.

This trip to Binzhou is fraught with dangers.

You're also used to doing things alone. You must be careful with all things.

When investigators at Xuanjing Bureau are on a case, it's always under secret orders.

This time it seems as if the entire city knows. It's quite lively.

It might be a little dangerous out there,

but you can't rest easy in Capital, either.

The Royal house of Mu of Yunnan, a sovereign of the region, have been observed for a long time.

How can you ignore others and preserve your own integrity in this disturbance?

Since 17 years of age, I've worn armour and braved the battlefields.

After ten years of iron and blood, I've already lost my female heart.

No matter what kind of disturbance,

will have to be able to overcome me before it counts.

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Princess.

Prince Jing looks travel-worn.

- Are you returning back to camp after changing guards? - Yes.

During these years, it seemed like you were banished.

Living in barracks and fighting battles in all regions,it has been hard on you.

Princess, are you going on a trip? Xiao Jingyan - Seventh Prince, Prince of Jing.

No. Xuanjing Bureau has received Royal orders

to investigate a case in Binzhou. I'm here to see Dong-jie off.T/N: -jie, elder sister

Investigate a case?

This wouldn't be another big conspiracy case, would it?

I'm in a hurry to see his Majesty. Good day.

It's been ten years. You're still not speaking with Prince Jing?

You saw how he was.

When the Xuanjing Bureau was investigating the Chiyan case, the evidence was undeniable.

But even till now, he still refuses to believe that the Lins conspired to rebel.

And he still doesn't believe that Lin Xie killed my husband Nie Feng.

What have I to say to him?

You don't believe me either.

I know you trust your Lin Shu-gege, T/N: "-gege" is an endearment for older males lit. elder brother

but when the case happened he was only 19 years old.

He had to follow his father.

It is a shame that it ruined your marriage.

No matter what,

Prince Jing has his strength of character.

If not, based on his contributions

through fighting bloody battles all these years,

how could he still not have the title of Noble Prince.

It's late. I should get going.

Take care.

Without a badge bestowed by the Emperor, Your Highness cannot enter the Palace.

I have already sent someone to report back to His Majesty.

- Please wait here. - I understand.

Father, look, these strokes are bold and powerful. Even though it's a work by commoners,

it has an air of mastery and excellence. It's a worthy addition to your collection.

Your Majesty, Prince Jing is requesting an audience.

What are you yelling about?

Don't you see His Majesty is busy? Tell Prince Jing to wait outside.

It's already been over two hours.

Must Your Highness see His Majesty today?

The last time we returned to the Capital after changing guards,

because we went home before coming to the Palace,

His Highness was punished. He knelt in front of the Imperial Tombs for three months.

Your Majesty.

Prince Jing is still waiting outside the Palace.

Will you not summon him?

Will you look at this, I forgot about it. Tell him to come in.

Summon his Highness Prince Jing into the Palace hall.

Summon His Highness Prince Jing into the Palace hall.

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I have returned from the change of guards at the West Mountain barracks.

Here is the latest military report.

Good.

Jingyan. Why are you so travel-worn,

and entered the Palace wearing your armour?

Don't you know you are seeing Father today?

Why didn't you return home and clean up first?

Do you consider Father at all?

I received Father's orders at the West Mountain barracks,

to return to the Capital within three days.

Hence I rushed back and have yet to fix my appearance.

Xiao Jingyan, I am asking you a question.

I'm disciplining you for your own good

and you dare to argue back? Are you justified?

Jingyan always had this temper.

Why would you bother arguing with him in front of Father?

Okay, okay, okay.

What are you arguing for?

The job was well done,

but why hasn't your temper improved at all?

You haven't changed your habit of contradicting at will.

I cannot be bothered disciplining you. Alright, go back to home.

I will take my leave.

What a shame. How did Jingyan miss the time to enter the Palace when he returned?

It's the first of the lunar month in five days. According to rules, Prince Jing

will be able to come in the Palace and see you.

Still five more days.

My Lady, bear with it. Prince Jing has always been filial.

When it's time, he'll come to the Palace for sure.

- Xiao Xin. - Yes? Concubine Jing - Mother of Prince Jing.

The hazelnut pastry for Jingyan is ready. Concubine Jing - Mother of Prince Jing.

- Find someone to bring it to him.-Yes, my Lady.

- Brother Su, are you tired? - I'm fine.

Young Master and Sir are finally back.

Sir, esteemed guests have been waiting for an hour in the front hall to see you.

What esteemed guests?

Her Highness the Empress and Princess Nihuang came to view flowers.

The Grand Princess kept them company, and mentioned Sir Su.

They all wish to meet you. Sir, please come this way.

Sir, please.

Did you arrange this?

These guests were invited by Mother. What does it have to do with me?

Mother hasn't even met Sir Su. Why would she bring him up?

You're asking me. How would I know?

Brother Su, I'll accompany you back to the Snow Cottage to rest.

Tell the esteemed guests that Sir Su has an old illness and cannot meet them.

Elder Brother, what are you doing?

The people sitting in the main hall aren't normal people. How can you meet them at will,

- or deny a meeting at will? - I invited Brother Su to the Capital

for rest and recuperation.

I promised that I would keep his mind at ease.

I know Second Brother normally takes care of the household matters alone.

It's hard work, and I haven't helped you much.

But no matter what, I cannot treat a friend this way.

Elder Brother, you're being too serious.

Her Majesty simply wants to meet Sir Su.

There's no other meaning to it.

Just meet him?

If it weren't for Brother Su's identity of Sir Mei of Jiangzuo,

why would the Empress want to meet him for no reason?

Also, if during the meeting, the Empress solicits Brother Su on Prince Yu's behalf,

how should Brother Su handle that?

Again, if the Empress presents an unusually large reward to earn his favor,

should Brother Su accept it or not?

There is nothing moral about needlessly placing a friend

in a difficult position.

Xie Bi, I cannot help you today.

- Elder Brother! - This way.

Brother Su, please do not blame Xie Bi.

He is the heir to House of the Marquis of Ning.

It is unavoidable for him to be involved in politics.

So, Xie Bi is working for Prince Yu?

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu have been fighting for the throne for many years.

Even though Father is in a position of power,and controls the defence of the Capital,

he always stands on neutral ground.

What's weird is that Xie Bi sided with Prince Yu

and Father never stopped it.

The state of the Capital is chaotic.

Even the heir of the Xie family have been caught up in it,yet the Marquis can remain neutral?

How rare.

Yes, it's lucky that Father is neutral.

I am pleased with it.

Grand Princess Liyang's guests are quite arrogant.

I'm sorry about that, Empress.

It seems we can't meet him.I don't care much about this Sir Su.

I'm more interested in his bodyguard who was able to hold his own against General Meng.

No matter, they are just people of the Pugilist world.

It's fine not to meet them.

Princess Nihuang's suitor tournament,

first round begins now.

Reporting to Your Highness. He is not here yet.

This one doesn't look good, Fei Liu, try this one.

There you are! I've waited outside the Palace for you until my legs were sore

and you're here dressing Fei Liu?!

Today is the first day of the tournament. The Emperor will appear at Yinfeng tower.

Going early means we will be there for the bowing ceremony.How boring would that be.

Come.

Furthermore, the people fighting on the first day aren't that good.

We can go after midday.

I guess.

Next round. Donghai's Ye Bingkun

versus Yeqin's Gongsun Mo.

Excellent.

Excellent.

What is this?

Lao-Wei, weren't there preliminary rounds?

Hurry, go down and get rid of these random candidates.

Your Highness, calm down. This is the first day.There are bound to be some that are bad.

Yujin, who is that?

He is the one who has recently inherited the throne of Yunnan, young Prince Mu, Mu Qing.

The one who is most worried about Nihuang-jiejie's suitor tournamentT/N: "-jiejie" is an endearment of elder females

is not herself, but rather this little Prince.

The siblings of the Mu House have a good relationship,

it is only right and proper.

Crown Prince, if you are bored,

do you want to go for a walk?

It seems to me that you can't sit still either.

My respects to you your Highness Crown Prince, your Highness Prince Yu.

Jingrui, you're entertaining a guest. Why don't you introduce him to me?

- This is--- Do we still need to be introduced?

This must be, Sir Su.

-Yes.-Elegant and refined as expected.

The fourteen states of Jiangzuo have been peaceful and prosperous for many years,

thanks to your Alliances' care of the place.

I've always wanted to report this to His Majesty,so he can reward your Alliance.

However, I was afraid that since you are above such worldly trapping and would disdained it, hence

I have yet to take any action.

I, Su Zhe, came to the Capital with friends.

I am unrelated to the Jiangzuo Alliance. You have misunderstood, Prince Yu.

Indeed.

Sir Su is Sir Su. Why'd you talk about all that?

I heard you have a weak body, let's not stand.

Sir Su, please sit.

Since Sir Su came to the Capital to rest and relax.

So where have you visited?

We've been to all the fun places,

Luosi street, the music theatre, Shangxu city, where else?

Those are all places where you like to play.

Sir Su has more refined interests.

Why would he go to these lowly, busy places?

Sir Su, Jinling has lots of nice scenery.

It's a pity that most of it has been built into the Palace.

If you are interested,

please accept this token,

so that in the future, travelling will be more convenient.

-This is...-Oh, this is...

This is a token with the jade seal.

What a generous gift, Crown Prince.

That's good.

Then it'll be convenient for my bodyguard to move around.

I heard that Sir Su has studied under the former High Scholar Li Chong.

I have preserved some of his drafts.

Are you interested?

Which ones are they? Do you have the Non-suspecting Theory?

Yes, I do. It's in my library.

If you are interested, please come to my Palace.

No one will block your entry.

Jinghuan, aren't you a bit selfish?

It's only a few books. If Sir Su likes them, then give them to him.

You're making Sir Su go all the way to your Palace?

If you are really unwilling...how much are they worth?

Give me a price, I'll buy them

and give them to Sir Su.

I'm worried Sir Su will not accept. If he is willing,

then I will give them to him.

Since its Your Highness's collection, I don't dare to take them from you.

Of course not. With your wisdom,

if Scholar Li was still alive, you'd be his first disciple.

It is most suitable

for his drafts to be in your hands.

However, for people who respect Scholar Li,

these books are all priceless treasures.

Brother, your words about giving a price

are shameful to Scholar Li's legacy.

You... how can you talk to your brother like this?

You are too rude.

Crown Prince.

What's the matter?

The Grand Empress wants to see you.

Grand Empress, your favorite children are all here to greet you, shall we let them in?

They are all good children, let them in.

Yes.

Gentlemen, please hold on.

We are going see an old grandma. If she speaks to you, then answer.

If she pulls your arm, you cannot shy away. If she gives you food, then take it.

She is the most peaceful grandmother on earth.

You have to be good and listen to her.

Please go in.

Thank you.

Greetings, Grand Empress. May you live in peace and longevity.

Good, good, rise, rise.Grand Empress. Grandmother of the Emperor.

Whose children are you all?

Great-grandmother, I came to see you not two days ago.

I'm so handsome, have you forgotten me?

You were here two days ago? What about you? Whose child are you?

Great-grandmother.

Grandmother, this is my child, Jingrui.

The Jingrui that was born on the Rui Mountain.

Oh, it's little Rui.

Have you married yet?

Not yet.

You must hurry.

Yes.

Great-grandmother, do you remember me now?

Grandma, this is my elder brother's child, Yujin.

He's always been impolite.

Oh, it's little Jin.

Have you married?

Yes, I have.

Good, very good. Do you have children?

Not yet.

-You must hurry. -Yes.

What about you? Whose child are you?

This must be Su Zhe, Sir Su.

I am Su Zhe.

Rise, do rise.

Come over here.

Xiao-Shu, come.

Come to Great-grandmother.

Come.

Xiao-Shu, you've gotten skinnier.

Sir Su is a famous scholar. Only you, Grand Empress Dowager,

can call him xiao-Su as soon as you meet.

Even Sir Su is surprised.

Come, xiao-Shu.

Eat this, this is your favorite.

Here.

You come here too.

Come.

Grand Empress Dowager.

You are both good children.

When are you getting married?

It's all our fault, we have confused the Grand Empress Dowager.

I am confused?

The Princess's husband hasn't been chosen yet, Grandmother.

It's not this child in front of you.

The husband hasn't been chosen yet?

You two, didn't you get engaged long ago?

Empress, you don't have to explain it so clearly.

The Grand Empress Dowager will forget it in a moment.

As long as our Grandmother is happy, that's most important.

Then... you...

Grandmother has been up all day,she must be tired.

Get her a pillow.

Grand Empress Dowager, Empress, then we shall take our leave.

Brother Su.

Going?

Are you all going?

It's good that we came here. The Crown Prince and Prince Yu

won't still be waiting there, right?

- I hope it's quiet when we get back. - Yujin.

Where are we? Be careful with your words.

Mmmm...

Sir Su, please hold on.

- Princess. - Nihuang-jiejie.

Then we will go first.

Jingrui, let's go. Fei Liu, let's go.

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Walk properly.

What can I do for you, Princess?

It was too warm inside the pavilion, not suitable for travelling warriors like me.

The autumn winds are refreshing. Sir Su, if you don't mind,

could you walk with me?

Just then, in the pavilion,

I was considering the elder's feelings. Princess, please excuse my actions.

If I should say that, I didn't mind.

Would you think that a Princess,

would be so frivolous.

I wouldn't dare.

If it was a normal day, your hand would have been cut off.

Sir, you are a patient man.

Actually willing to just stroll leisurely with me.

Aren't you concerned that the Crown Prince and Prince Yu become impatient?

I'm here to rest and heal. I will not be leaving any time soon.

Teaching them some patience is not a bad thing.

The world is far and wide.

Yet you've chosen the busiest and

the most chaotic place to rest.

To say that you don't have the heart to chase fame,

who would believe it?

Birds will find a good tree to rest upon. People will find a good leader serve.

I am also a traditional person.

What's to fault if I wish to benefit oneself?

If it's like this, then out of the two trees,

which one will you pick?

The House of Mu has always guarded the southern border

and never concerned itself with the political matters of the Capital.

Why are you interested in my future, Princess?

You caused trouble again, didn't you?

Look at your clumsiness.

Today, I must beat you to death.

Who told you to cause trouble?

I must teach you a lesson today!

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