Original subtitles

[theme music]

Your Imperial Majesty, the Danchi people are very aggressive.

If we don't teach them a lesson,

they will continue to cause problems in the future.

Don't you want to know why they assassinated the Crown Prince?

Doing so brings nothing good upon their kingdom.

So why did they do it?

Chengye.

You will lead a troop of men to the Western Regions Protectorate

and investigate the assassination.

Chengyin will take our ambassadors to the Xi Province.

The Crown Prince was assassinated,

but the Eastern Palace still stands.

If the princess of the Xi Province

marries into the Eastern Palace,

it will bring peace and stability there.

That is especially important during these troubled times.

Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.

The Fifth Prince of the Li Empire is here.

Your Majesty, I am Li Chengyin, the Fifth Prince of the Li Empire.

You may rise.

We are here in the Xi Province because of my father's orders.

This is an invitation to join our families.

Please read it, Your Majesty.

My father hopes that

you can let the Ninth Princess marry into the Eastern Palace.

Just like Consort Mingyuan,

this will help forge a strong bond between our kingdoms

that will carry on into future generations.

Forming a strong bond between our kingdoms

is also my ultimate goal.

-I've stayed here for a week now! -I...

Why can't I meet the king?

Move!

Your Majesty,

is this how the Xi Province treats their guests?

Your Majesty, we see that you have some affairs to tend to.

His Highness can leave now

and I will take care of the details concerning the marriage.

Your Majesty,

I heard that my aunt, Consort Mingyuan, is ill.

I would like to visit her.

Would that be possible?

Of course.

I'm sure that Mingyuan

will be happy to see you.

-Guards. -Yes, Your Majesty.

Take the Fifth Prince to visit Consort Mingyuan.

-Yes, Your Majesty. -Thank you, Your Majesty.

Come in.

Here.

[gasps]

Look at your great appetite.

You seem to have no worries at all.

What's wrong, Mother?

You're my only daughter.

Now that your father is going to marry you off to a faraway place...

I just feel...

-Mother. -Your Highnesses.

-Your Highnesses. -What is it?

Ambassadors from the Li Empire and Shuobo are in the throne room

asking for the Ninth Princess' hand in marriage.

What did you say?

Shuobuo is here too?

Yes.

[gasps]

This...

[light music]

[light music continues]

The Li Empire asked for her hand first.

That should be respected.

Prince Lidun, you should probably leave.

Don't make things awkward for everyone.

Speaking of that,

I've been waiting at the posthouse for a week.

Also,

marriage is all about sincerity.

Shuobo is willing to offer

a betrothal gift worth ten times our annual tributary offering

in exchange for the princess' hand.

That's right. Asking for a maiden's hand

is all about showing your sincerity.

Your Majesty.

I am Du, the Ninth Princess' attendant.

Be respectful.

I heard that ambassadors from the Central Plains and Shuobo

have asked for the princess' hand.

It's quite an awkward situation.

The princess has a plan to help Your Majesty choose the right man.

Ambassadors,

the princess has sent me to figure out which kingdom is more sincere.

She had me prepare the Blood of Five Evils.

The Blood of Five Evils is very good for one's health.

It has the blood of the scarlet bat, poisonous lizards, toad's blood,

viper, and centipede.

It's a mixture of all those things.

It sounds like

the princess is trying to kill us.

What do you mean by that?

Don't drink it if you don't want to.

No need to insult the princess.

If he won't drink it,

I won't drink it either.

If neither of you will drink it,

I'll drink it for you.

[gags]

[gags]

[gags] [groans]

-There's a centipede leg in here. -[vomits]

-Look, it's moving. -[gags]

[laughing]

Both ambassadors are cowards.

It was just thick condensed grape juice.

Your Majesty,

the Xi Province respects those who are brave and fearless.

How could we let the princess marry a coward?

Tricks and lies?

Your Majesty,

is this how the Xi Province treats their guests?

Your Majesty,

this maid is out of line.

She has disrespected this court,

which is detrimental to our diplomatic relations.

Guards, lock her up.

Do not let her out without His Majesty's orders.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

[sighs]

I'm sorry about what just happened.

This is my fault.

Please return to the posthouse and get some rest.

Regarding the marriage,

I'll give my answer in three days.

I've been gone for so many years.

I wish I could go back for a visit.

Aunt, how about this?

Go back with me this time and stay there for a while.

Our imperial physician could help cure your illness.

Child, you're just like Yuyao.

You're sensitive and considerate of others.

My mother?

When she passed away,

I was still young.

I don't remember her face.

Chengyin,

I have something to tell you today.

Please do.

Let me take you somewhere first.

Princess, your bath is ready.

Princess?

Du, come here. Have a look.

-Okay. -Come.

Do you know this character?

Princess, no need to embarrass me.

How would I understand writing from the Central Plains?

[clicks tongue, sighs]

Too bad.

I only know three characters.

Look.

This is "three."

This is "day."

This is...

"meet."

Is he coming to see me in three days?

Who is it?

The person who gave me this message.

Who is the person who gave you the message?

I wouldn't be so confused if I knew.

This person also said

he owes me three favors.

But he left before he even did anything.

Princess, if you really want to know,

you could ask Mr. Gu.

I don't want to.

I wonder

if this person's wounds have healed.

[door opens]

[intense music]

Mr. Chai?

Your Highness.

Chengyin, come here.

This is your uncle and mother.

Your mother, Gu Yuyao, was from a prestigious family.

Your uncle, General Gu Ruhui,

was framed by Chancellor Gao Yuming.

He falsely accused General Gu of treason.

The emperor ordered Chancellor Gao to investigate the matter,

but Chancellor Gao faked an imperial edict

and led soldiers into the Gu Residence.

That night, blood flowed like river.

Limp bodies piled up.

That was also the night

Consort Shu gave birth to you in court.

My son.

The empress did not have a son.

She was jealous that your mother was dearly loved by the emperor.

Your birth

made her worry that she would lose her power in the palace.

Your mother was tormented by what happened at the Gu Residence.

-He has your eyes. -She became depressed.

-Let me do it. -Her health declined.

-Here, careful. -The empress seized this opportunity

to gain your mother's trust.

She appeared to be kind and caring,

-but she secretly had servants -You may leave.

add poison into her medicine.

Here's your medicine. Drink it while it's hot.

Here.

-Please... -When she found out what the empress did,

-Take care of him for me. -she knew she didn't have much time left.

In order to save your life,

she begged the emperor before she died

to give you to the empress.

YIN

-Your Highness. -Fifth Prince, slow down!

-Your Highness! -Careful, Fifth Prince.

-[sobbing] -Fifth Prince!

-Yin. -Mother.

They said you're not my mother.

They said my mother was Consort Shu who lived in Shicui Palace.

She's already dead.

Don't listen to their nonsense!

I'm your mother, do you understand?

No more playing with them.

Do you hear me?

Yes, Mother.

Yin,

you're my only hope in this palace.

You must make me proud.

"The way of great learning consists in manifesting one's bright virtue,

loving the people,

stopping in perfect goodness.

Knowing shame...

Shame..."

Mother,

I have been a bad son.

All these years, I loved the woman who murdered you.

I swear to you.

I am going to avenge the Gu family.

I have one more thing

I need to tell you.

Back then, Mr. Chai risked his life

and did whatever he could

to save what was left of the Gu family.

This is the only son of your uncle, Gu Ruhui.

He's your cousin, Gu Jian.

Your Highness.

Gu Jian...

You're of age now.

You have to marry soon.

If you became the first wife of the Li Empire's Crown Prince,

that would be quite an honor.

I don't want to.

I don't want any kind of honor.

I've met the Fifth Prince of the Central Plains.

He's kind of skinny,

but he's handsome and carries himself well.

I imagine the Crown Prince

would be even more spectacular.

He'll treat you well.

Father.

I've told you many times.

I don't care about that.

I'd rather marry a shepherd

if it means I can come home and see you two all the time.

You're a princess. You should act like one.

Two years ago,

other men came to ask for your hand.

You refused as well.

If you agreed to it then,

you wouldn't have to move so far away now.

Father, do you mean that

if I marry someone else,

I won't have to marry the Crown Prince of the Li Empire?

I'm telling you.

You had better not get any ideas.

Just wait for your wedding day.

[foreboding music]

[whooshes] [eagle screams]

Grandfather, soldiers from the Central Plains are at the border.

We need to take this seriously.

-Yi Moyan. -Yes, sir.

Take 30,000 elite soldiers with you

and head 50 kilometers from the Western Regions Protectorate.

Observe from there.

Yes, sir.

[intense music]

PROTECTORATE

Chengye.

Your Highness.

Chengyin.

Father's message arrived a few days ago.

We've been waiting for you.

Your Highness,

I've ordered for the Crown Prince's coffin to be sent back to the palace.

I hope he may rest in peace soon.

Chengyin.

How are your wounds?

I'm fine now.

Thank you for asking.

Your Highness, let's speak inside.

The emperor has asked me to investigate the assassination.

Chengyin, you fought the assassin.

You're the only survivor.

Tell us what happened that day.

The assassins were wearing Danchi clothing.

They held curved swords and huge axes.

They were very skilled in combat.

[bones crack]

From what I saw that day,

they were all specially-trained assassins.

We have examined the weapons left behind.

They are Danchi army weapons.

The wound that took the Crown Prince's life

also fits the weapon perfectly.

Evidence shows that the assassin who killed the Crown Prince

is from the Danchi Kingdom.

They're known as barbarians,

but they were quite straightforward.

Besides, the Danchi Kingdom has always kept to themselves.

Killing the Crown Prince

does them no good at all.

You mean that Danchi had no reason to kill the Crown Prince?

Have you forgotten that Danchi took Haizhou City recently?

You said that they're straightforward.

Then General Gao,

is looting a city a straightforward act as well?

Your Highness,

I was just voicing my concerns.

I'm not standing up for Danchi.

I understand, General Gao.

Assassinating the Crown Prince is a huge crime.

I will be sure to investigate it thoroughly.

I'll find more evidence and leads

to continue this investigation.

But don't forget

why the emperor sent me here.

I'm not here to investigate alone.

I've brought

hundreds and thousands of men with me.

His Imperial Majesty takes the peace of the northwestern border very seriously.

And your job is to protect that peace.

Of course, Your Highness.

You've brought elite soldiers to the northwestern border.

If we can find a way to prove that Danchi

assassinated the Crown Prince,

we'll have a reason to attack and get rid of Danchi.

That will definitely take away some of the emperor's worries,

and you will be praised.

I, Gao Xian, am willing to do whatever I can to help.

What kind of plan do you have in mind?

Your Highness, Danchi is located in the north.

The land there is rugged and dangerous.

It would be hard to get rid of them at once.

-But... -But what?

Danchi's weakness is the Imperial Tent of Tie Da'er.

It is the center of their power.

All the important figures of Danchi are there.

The Imperial Tent of Tie Da'er often changes its location,

making it difficult for ordinary people to find.

But...

Once you find it,

you'll be able to eliminate Danchi at once.

Very well.

If you can help me find the Imperial Tent,

I'll make sure you are rewarded.

Thank you, Prince Xuande.

The princess is asking for you.

[sharp exhales]

-Your Highness. -Your Highness.

Something smells strange in my room.

Smell it.

Your Highness,

your room smells very nice.

I don't smell anything bad.

I don't either.

Really?

Try smelling again.

I think it's coming from here.

Come here.

Look over here.

Is it this smell?

Wake up.

[giggles]

Come on.

Your Highness,

if you can find the Imperial Tent,

you'll be greatly rewarded.

His Imperial Majesty will be very glad indeed.

[deep breathe] But...

it's quite dangerous.

Merits are important,

but your safety is even more important.

I believe that

you should reconsider this.

General Gao, are you having second thoughts?

Are you sure my brother was killed by Danchi?

It's just a guess of mine.

Without hard evidence, we can't be sure.

But Danchi has always caused trouble at the border.

I'm sure His Imperial Majesty would like to attack them

and bring peace to the region.

Very well.

I'll find the Imperial Tent.

The Danchi people have a nomadic lifestyle.

Their area is always on the move.

They often pick the most dangerous places to stop.

Nobody knows where the Imperial Tent of Tie Da'er is.

Li Chengye probably has an ulterior motive

to give Li Chengyin this task.

The Second Prince

is not as honest and simple

as he seems to be.

Jian,

Chengyin will be heading out to look for the Imperial Tent.

You must make sure he isn't harmed.

If you can help him succeed,

he'll be even closer to the title of Crown Prince.

I'll do my best.

But I'm afraid we can't do it

with just the two of us.

There's one person who might be able to help.

Who?

King Tie Da'er's granddaughter.

She's the Ninth Princess of the Xi Province.

Xiaofeng?

If Xiaofeng can help the Fifth Prince,

he will be very likely to succeed.

No, Stepfather.

If we find the Imperial Tent,

the Central Plains will attack Danchi.

What will happen to Xiaofeng then?

I can't use her. I can't--

Gu Jian!

Have you forgotten what I've told you?

Fine.

I'll say it again.

Every one of us

has our own destiny.

You bear upon you

a dark task of revenge.

You're the last descendant of the Gu lineage!

No matter how difficult, tiring, or heavy this responsibility is,

you must take it.

To do so, you need to rid yourself of emotions.

Are you going to betray the Gu family

and all those who were killed for a woman?

Will you turn your back upon your family?

You are Xiaofeng's teacher.

She trusts you.

Arrange for her to meet the Fifth Prince.

Once he gains her trust,

think of a way to let her

lead the Fifth Prince to the Imperial Tent.

[screaming, groaning]

GENERAL'S RESIDENCE

[sword pierces flesh, groans]

[grunts]

[whimpers]

[gasps]

[whimpers]

[horse neighs]

[whimsical music]

Princess.

Why are you looking for him?

I'm going to try one last time.

[giggles]

Master!

Master, you're here.

Of course.

So?

What's going on?

I've come up with an idea regarding my marriage.

What is it?

Think about it.

If I marry someone else,

I won't be sent off to the Li Empire.

Then I won't have to marry the Crown Prince.

So?

So...

So...

I...

I want us to get engaged.

That way I won't be sent off to the Li Empire anymore.

Don't get me wrong.

I'm not really going to marry you.

We just have to put on an act for Father.

Please?

No.

Why?

Am I not good enough for you?

Is it embarrassing to put up this act with me?

No.

Then why?

You told me you would do whatever I asked you to.

I trust you, but you...

You're on Father's side.

Xiaofeng.

I don't deserve to be with you.

I'm too obsessed with revenge.

I'll only taint your innocence and happiness.

I don't have the right to change you into what I am,

and get you involved in this bloody mess.

Xiaofeng.

I've actually found

the best man in the world for you.

The best man in the world?

[romantic music]

Master.

Maybe I shouldn't go.

You should.

-You? -It's you?

[closing theme music]

♪ The night stretches on ♪

♪ Cool moonlight spilling Through the west ♪

♪ Carefully contemplating the past ♪

♪ The dream lingers on Forming and fading into obscurity ♪

♪ Teary-eyed ♪

♪ Hoping you will glance back ♪

♪ Pain in my heart, frosted over ♪

♪ Unable to forget the image of you ♪

♪ Looking back ♪

♪ On that moment When we first turned to each other ♪

♪ Your fingertips ♪

♪ Slipping out of my grasp ♪

♪ Heart shattered in parting ♪

♪ Tears shed in vain for you Will not return ♪

♪ The waters of oblivion A silent witness to the world ♪

♪ Turn back time with just a sip ♪

♪ Who would you want to meet For the first time again? ♪

♪ Heart shattered in parting ♪

♪ Tears shed in vain for you Will not return ♪

♪ The waters of oblivion A silent witness to the world ♪

♪ Turn back time with just a sip ♪

♪ Who would you want to meet For the first time again? ♪

♪ Autumn passes and spring returns ♪

♪ Dreaming and waking in turn ♪

Subtitle translation by Sophie Chang