Original subtitles

Episode 15

Your Majesty, it's time.

I'm not sure what Yun Ye is doing.

Will it work?

I sincerely hope he'd win.

This liar may be able to fool the world,...

...but he can't escape from Your Majesty.

If he wins, then you win, too.

We can only hope so.

Let's go. -Chengqian,...

...where are you taking me so mysteriously?

I'm not going anywhere. -If Yun Ye knows you're there,...

...he'll be glad.

I'm not going. -I've even brought the invitation.

Don't worry. I have a gut feeling that he'll succeed.

Isn't he doing all this for you?

If you don't go, he'll be really sad.

You're right. He's doing it all for me.

I shall go. -That's my good sister!

Let's go. -Wait. Let me get changed.

Hurry.

Ladies and gentlemen,...

...welcome to the first...

...auction of Tang Dynasty!

Welcome to the first auction of the Tang Dynasty!

What's he talking about? -What did he say?

This is Chang'an. This is the Tang Dynasty.

We have quite a few treasures and collectibles.

I love the bricks here. I love the grass here.

Everything here feels like a dream.

In my race against time, I share the glories of Tang.

The lands of Tang are fertile.

The clouds are elegant like the famous dances of the city.

The beautiful mountains, rivers and fat soil. It's all Tang's.

The winds never die down. Exclaim with me and my rhythm.

Among the pottery, we have Tang Glazed Ceramics.

Let's build the silk road with the footsteps of Tang.

A wonderful history also has to be protected.

The nation is rich and peaceful. The cities flourish.

We extend our friendship to the far west.

Tang forms ties with the other nations.

The ministers of Tang are wise.

The generals of Tang are great. -Not bad.

The people of Tang carry smiles on their faces.

I love the bricks here. I love the grass here.

Tang rules and reigns.

I love the bricks here. I love the grass here.

Tang rules and reigns!

Great! -Great!

Amazing! -Great!

Great!

Great!

That's great. -Great.

My fellow guests and ladies,...

...welcome to the first international auction of Tang.

Today, we're deeply grateful to His Majesty, Her Highness...

...the Crown Prince and all the people presence.

I'm deeply grateful.

Great.

Lastly, let's present our deep respects for His Majesty...

...and Her Highness.

May the Tang Dynasty flourish with peace and prosperity.

Bow.

Alright. Everyone, please take a seat. Be at ease.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Please. -Alright, without further ado,...

...let's welcome our first auction item to the stage.

Alright, you may go now.

What's this?

Get Yun Ye to make another one. -That's right.

This is called perfume. With just a few drops,...

...a wonderful fragrance shall be emitted.

It's made from opium poppy.

It's eye-catching.

Thus, this perfume shall be called...

..."Soul Catcher".

It's only one of its kinds. The floor price shall be 1,000.

May the auction begin!

There is no second of its kind on this world?

Guan Yin Bi, if you like it,...

...I shall get Yun Ye to make another bottle for you.

There's no need.

This doesn't suit my status.

Your Majesty, you're a wise and incomparable Emperor.

If I have to use this method...

...to capture your attention,...

...isn't that tainting your reputation?

You're right.

1,000! -Alright.

Lady Fang, 1,000. -1,000 it is.

1,600.

Zhangsun Wuji's second wife has set the price at 1,600.

1,800.

Minister of Ritual's wife has set the price at 1,800.

3,600. -Alright! We have 3,600 here!

Do we have any higher bids?

3,600, going once.

3,600, going twice.

3,600, going thrice! Deal!

Congratulations for securing this item!

Take a look. He keeps crying to me...

...saying the people are poor and the treasury is empty.

Didn't all the money end up in their pockets?

It seems that the matter of gathering funds...

...was only my job alone.

I even saved up to donate.

Er Lang, don't be angry.

Isn't Yun Ye helping you to vent your anger?

I'm afraid these ministers...

...wouldn't dare to...

...lament about their purses in the court tomorrow.

Congratulations for obtaining the perfume again!

Good. -Good.

Alright. Let's bring out the second item.

The second item. -What's it?

What's this?

This is "Floating Horse Ornament".

This is made of glass. Is everyone amused?

I'm sure everyone is taking a good look...

...at its colour and structure.

If you like it, name your price! The floor price is 1,000.

1,000? -1,000.

Yuchi Gong, 1,000.

Impudent.

This ornament is wasted in your hands.

This isn't a mere sculpture.

This is "Horse riding on Dragon Finch".

You're right. -It's a treasure.

You're right. -That's logical.

1,500 for me.

2,000 for me. -2,000.

2,500 for me.

Well.....

In that case,...

...2,550 for me.

So much? -So much?

3,000.

3,000? Well..... -That's enough.

This could be a national treasure. An outsider can't have it.

Yuchi Gong, 4,000.

4,000, going once! Going twice! Deal!

How's that a deal? -You're too slow.

Since our countries are close allies,...

...I shall give this to you. This golden horse is invaluable.

It's a gift.

Let's give a round of applause to General Yuchi...

...for securing the "Horse riding on Dragon Finch".

Good. -Good.

Where'd I get the money? -It's a gift. I'm not stupid.

A gift? -You've really got it.

Up next, we shall enter the highlight of the auction.

If the two items earlier are considered rare,...

...this next item...

...is truly a treasure.

What a beauty. -That's beautiful.

So beautiful. -How amazing.

This is the first time I've seen something so beautiful.

Your Majesty,...

...where did Yun Ye obtain such a valuable item?

This rascal. -Yun Ye,...

...you shouldn't sell this.

His Majesty has approved. It's also a sale from Yun family.

why shouldn't I?

It's the same rule. The highest bidder wins. Floor price, 3,000.

Another 1,000. -Alright, that makes it 4,000.

1,500. -Someone here is adding 1,500.

Do we have a higher price? -Forget it.

Isn't this too expensive?

Everyone knows that this is a rare treasure.

Not everyone can have it.

Its value and its meaning...

...can't be valued with money alone.

I'm willing to pay three times the price.

Four times for me. -Three times?

Four times? -Four times?

Brother, don't you already have a golden wolf?

Don't waste your money anymore. -How thoughtful of you.

We shall combine wealth and pay five times the price.

Five times? -How much is that?

Isn't that too much? -Why are you...

...stirring up trouble here? -Us?

We're willing to pay five times. -That's right.

The glass wolf is ours. -It's ours.

It's ours. -Where would you get the money?

We're combining our wealth.

Yun Ye has used a good tactic.

We can't let the Turks get their hands on the glass wolf.

They're already arrogant.

If they get it, it'll only make matters worse.

Guan Yin Bi, be patient.

It's ours. -Don't fight with us.

Let me tell you. I must have this glass wolf.

If you snatch it from me.....

Why? -Why did you break it?

How dare you disrespect the totem of my god? I shall kill you!

If you come any nearer, I'll break this, too.

You..... -That won't do.

Tell me.

How much would you like for this wolf?

Too bad. -What's he trying to do?

Your Majesty, would you let him make a fuss like this?

Guan Yin Bi, look at his confidence.

I don't even know what's up his sleeve.

Let's just wait for the show.

Eight times! -You.....

Eight is a good number. It means prosperity.

I like this number. 8 times!

Deal. -Alright.

Congratulations to Geshunu for having...

...the exclusive glass wolf at 8 times the price!

Good. -Good.

Congratulations.

I shall bring another good news to everyone.

This is good news especially for the women. After the auction,...

...there shall be a clothing exhibition in the side hall.

The exhibition has some of the special pieces I've designed.

It's all available for purchase. -Wonderful!

That's good. -I want it, too.

Me, too. -Old Master, me, too.

Up next, let's take a look at our fourth auction item.

We can finally celebrate...

...and Anlan doesn't need to go.

Let's toast to this.

I must buy this!

This is too much!

How would I not be able to afford this?

Old Master! -What's this?

This suits my wife a lot.

It suits my wife, too. -We've tried it already.

We saw this first. -My wife likes it, too.

Why are you being unreasonable? -This is clearly mine.

I must buy this today!

Me, too. -This is ours.

It's mine. -It's mine.

King Ashina, my apology. -Thanks for your advice.

If one day, I manage to unite the Turks...

...and become the king of the grassland. I'd never forget...

...the part you played. -I wouldn't dare.

I've heard of you. You'd never close a deal with a loss.

Baron Yun, what would you like from me?

With the other Kings like that,...

...if there's one destined to unite the Turks, it shall be you.

I'm just a decoration piece.

However, I must remind you.

The matter hasn't ended. If you don't return quickly,...

...you may have wasted this perfect opportunity.

I guess you're afraid I'd bring Princess Anyang back, too.

I shall wait until she recovers. If the world turns upside down,...

...a few more days wouldn't do. I shall leave soon.

Baron Yun, if we meet on the grassland one day,...

...I hope we would still be on the same side then.

Please take good care of Princess Anyang. See you.

Thank you, King Ashina.

I was merely planning to earn some pocket money yesterday.

I'd definitely leave one of the good things for you.

You're rather filial.

Tell me. How much did you earn yesterday?

Do you have enough fingers to count?

I've calculated for you.

There's 1 million at the very least.

It's a good 50% of the tax we collect.

However, do you know selling the glass wolf to the Turks...

...is as if boosting their confidence?

Master, calm down.

Please come in.

The colour composition is not bad.

This has better colour composition.

This is better than yesterday's.

I shall leave this for you.

Little rascal, you've done a good job.

There's news from Honglu Temple.

The 4 Kings of Turks have started fighting.

Then about the marriage.....

They wouldn't have time to think about that.

They've returned to settle their dispute already.

Who would have time to stay here?

That's good then.

I shall hand these glass wolves to them separately.

They might even quarrel over the names of these wolves.

You haven't fulfilled what you promised me though.

Do we still have some more in there?

Yun Ye, not bad. -Emperor Emeritus, thank you.

Aren't these planted by you personally?

That day, he brought some potato pieces.

I've planted the ones that have been cut.

I wouldn't think there would be so many fruits.

Is this edible?

You can steam or fry it. You can even mash it as porridge.

These are easy to plant and are filling.

They are as nutritious as wheat and grains.

How much land space does this need?

Look at this little piece of land. There's more to be harvested...

...but we already have so much. I think...

...we could get quite a lot from this plot of land here.

Only more and never less.

Father, is Baron Yun telling the truth?

This is a blessing from the heavens.

God is watching over Tang!

I've planted this all over at home.

Let's send this to Shandong for the people to plant first.

We just have to give them crops for 20 days and that'll be enough.

That's wonderful.

Your Majesty, Sir Lu from Shandong...

...seeks audience.

His timing is just right. Let him in.

Wushe, get someone to send the army crops...

...to the affected areas in Shandong. No more delays.

Get some farmers...

...to harvest all these lucky items to top up the army crops.

I shall have more orders. -Yes, Your Majesty.

Baron Yun, you've done well again this time.

Tell me. What would you like? I shall give it to you right away.

I'm merely doing my part.

How would I dare ask for rewards?

I may be old, but I still remember...

...your request for the marriage.

Why are you acting dumb? -Yes.

You're usually sly,...

...but I know your fierce loyalty to the Tang Dynasty well.

This time, you've also played a huge part...

...that Anlan can stay.

So, what you promised me.....

I approve it.

Thank you, Your Majesty for your kindness.

However, I haven't mentioned this to Princess Anyang.

I'm afraid she will think that we're forcing her.

What if she rejects me if I anger her? Wouldn't that be awkward?

So, what do you want to do?

I'd like to ask for a marriage certificate...

...and get Princess Anyang to fill in her name herself.

Then she won't be able to escape.

Alright, I shall follow your wish.

I shall create a blank marriage certificate for you.

Whenever Lan'er fills in her name,...

...I shall bestow marriage upon you.

Thank you, Your Majesty for your kindness!

Master, this is already the fifth home.

Why don't we.....

Master, why don't we call it a day?

If you aren't willing to, you may go back first.

That wasn't what I meant. -Fine, let's go to the next home.

Master, be careful.

Yes. -Go ahead.

Sir Lu, where are you going so early in the morning?

Don't mention it.

General Hou.

What kind of disciples are you? It's so cold today.

Why didn't you prepare a carriage for Master Lu?

Well..... -That's it.

Get in. I shall send you home.

Let's talk when we get back home. -Alright.

Add more ginger slices.

It can give you warmth.

Thank you for the lift.

Thank you for your care in this bitter winter.

Sir Lu, have you visited the homes of other ministers, too?

General Hou, Master Lu has been awake since early morning.

He's been making door-to-door visits to all the ministers...

...but they refused to meet him.

Many claim they are still in bed.

How could the court breed a group of cowards?

This is so disappointing, General Hou.

Sir Lu, you must know...

...there was an auction last night at Xin Hua Fang.

All the ministers, His Majesty and the Empress were there.

I don't know what time it ended.

Please calm down.

They didn't do this on purpose.

I'm afraid they weren't lying.

Auction?

I heard several rare items were auctioned.

Everyone has a chance to bid.

The highest bidder wins.

I received a blood-written letter last night from my hometown.

I naturally wouldn't be in the mood...

...to admire such lively event in Chang'an.

Now, the drought in Shandong is severe.

Many people are starving.

How could they still have an auction?

Blood-written letter?

Why would that happen?

Let General Hou take a look.

Yes.

The situation in Shandong...

...is so terrible.

Now, the aid hasn't arrived.

The crops donated by a few families aren't enough.

I really had no other choice...

...so I brought this letter to meet the ministers.

I hoped they would be kind enough to...

...speak up for the victims.

Sir Lu, this is important.

Why don't you speak to His Majesty personally?

I've already sent a messenger to the palace to seek audience.

However, I haven't heard any reply.

After the silent strike at the city walls,...

...His Majesty has always been looking for a chance to...

...rebuild the trust with you.

Logically, he wouldn't refuse to meet you.

General Hou, are there any other concerns?

There's nothing to hide.

I heard of the marriage between the King of Turks and Princess.

I don't know why it fell through.

The Kings are about to leave Chang'an.

Isn't that marriage set in stone already?

His Majesty has also revealed some news to us.

I'm afraid there would be a battle between Tang and the Turks.

What?

The victims haven't been fed.

Where would we get the resources to go to war?

The people are the foundation of a nation.

If all the people die, who would fight for Tang?

Muddle! Foolish!

Sir Lu,...

...what are you talking about?

It wouldn't be good if the others hear you.

His Majesty is merely trying to protect our authority.

He isn't entirely wrong.

I'm afraid he isn't willing to let his daughter go.

Sir Lu, if you're here to gather crops to help the victims,...

...I'd definitely offer help.

If there's anything else, please listen to a word of my advice.

It's better to be more easy-going.

Thank you for your kindness.

I know where I stand.

I have other family matters to attend to.

I shall take my leave. -See the guest off.

Sister Princess!

Linglong, what's the rush? Speak slowly.

Sister, Baron Yun is too much.

I met Qiuwen at Da'an Palace earlier.

His Majesty wanted to bestow marriage to you and Baron Yun...

...but he said to wait. How could he do this?

I'll never eat the food he brings anymore.

Baron Yun, why are you here to find the Princess?

Explain yourself!

Lan'er, I.....

Are you angry?

What's wrong? Why are you unhappy?

Is it because of our marriage?

Is that it?

I saw a pretty Hu girl on the street the other day,...

...so I regretted it.

Alright, I'm wrong. Don't throw it. It's innocent.

You can hit me if you want to.

Fine, that's exactly what I wanted anyway.

Although we've been through a lot,...

...our every move is for the good of the other.

However, there is one thing I can't decide by myself.

Li Anlan, will you marry me?

Although this hairpin once belonged to Xiao Ran,...

...you're different. I wouldn't lie about...

...how I've forgotten her. I hope that you know...

...our love...

...shall be pure and strong like this diamond.

It can stand the test of time.

My future is yours. Will you marry me?

I want to ask you something.

Did you like me from way earlier on?

Why are you so talkative?

I wanted the marriage. It's just missing your name on it.

I hope you would fill in your name yourself.

In that case, we aren't getting married by order...

...but you did it willingly. Do you understand my intention?

Grandfather, I want to stay here to take care of you.

Just go back like I asked you to.

There are so many servants here. I'll be fine without you.

In that case, after I leave,...

...you must take good care of yourself. Don't exhaust yourself.

Don't worry. Go home and help out more.

You don't have to worry about me.

Hurry.

Master, everyone is here.

Master. -Master.

Let's go. -Yes.

Brother Zhang, why are you in such a rush?

Don't even talk about it. Sir Lu is planning to enter the palace.

He asked me to send the lady home quickly.

I'm not sure what'll happen this time with that temper of his.

I heard the Crown Prince is pretty close with Lady Lu.

Why wouldn't Sir Lu..... -Don't talk about that.

Sir Lu has already made up his mind.

If she knew, and she meets the Crown Prince,...

...I guess he wouldn't be able to live after that.

Are you asleep?

What are you doing?

I don't understand the both of you.

It was such a good chance.

Why didn't you take it?

As long as we understand. -Good for you both.

But I.....

I don't want to talk about it.

Is Xinyue still not willing to meet you?

I don't know what I said...

...to make her so unhappy. -Don't worry.

Wait till this busy period is over for me.

I shall help you court her.

This is what you said.

If you ruin this,...

...I'll get my sister to discipline you.

Did you go to Bei Tian Fang before this...

...to give the children gifts?

What about Xinyue?

You should give her a token...

...to remind her of you.

A token?

Why didn't you remind me earlier?

It's not too late now either.

Also,...

...don't just be on the same side as your sister.

We're men. We should be on the same side instead.

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

I've thought of a token.

I've thought of a token.

That was fast.

Where are you going?

I've thought of a token.

Let me get changed.

I still have to see your father...

...to collect my marriage certificate.

Hurry.

Yue'er? -Your Highness.

Your Highness, please save my grandfather.

What's wrong with him? -He.....

Don't rush. Let's speak as we walk. Let's go.

In this battle, General Li shall bring 20,000 cavalry.

What's the plan?

Cavalry can split and merge easily.

They can easily undermine and scatter the enemy.

This can ruin their formation and cover up their food source.

This method is good when advancing. They can easily adapt.

It's favourable when they retreat, too.

This is the battle plan. -Good.

General Li's plan is suitable for cavalry.

If we use this plan,...

...we can definitely beat the enemy easily.

Shandong wise man Lu Shou seeks audience!

Bring him in.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Sir Lu, what are you doing?

Don't be reckless.

If I don't come, the Shandong people will all starve to death.

You.....

Sir Lu is old. Bring him a chair.

There's no need.

I may be old but I'm healthy.

I can still hear the cries of the Shandong people.

What about you all?

You're all healthy and stout but don't care about their cries.

You shut your eyes to the issues. I'm better off as a wooden statue.

How dare you! -We're at the court.

I allow you to enter the court because you're wise...

...but you merely come here to spit at others.

Can this solve the drought in Shandong?

I'm disappointed. -Alright.

Let me ask Your Majesty.

What has the court done for the victims?

Wei Zheng.

We've assigned...

...one first-ranked official, two second-ranked officials...

...and 10 other ministers of rites to Shandong 10 days ago...

...to handle the situation.

The men have arrived.

80% of the army crops in the capital...

...have been sent to Shandong.

They will be arriving anytime now.

I've never neglected the drought in Shandong...

...but this matter takes time.

I'm not sure if you're satisfied with this arrangement?

The capital had crops but there are many hiccups along the way.

You're asking if I'm satisfied.

Why don't you ask the Shandong people instead?

Ridiculous!

We need time to gather and send the crops!

Which minister and official isn't doing their best for the victims?

Doing their best for the victims?

Are they not finding excuses to reduce the crops for the victims?

What do you mean? -What are you talking about?

How rude.

Take a look!

Take a look!

Take a look!

This is a blood-written letter by Shandong victims...

...before they died.

But you.....

You.....

It's you!

You've left the people to die!

You go to war for nothing!

How blinded and foolish.

If I rest my troops now,...

...then the crops headed to Shandong...

...would instead have been given to the Turks.

The army and people of Tang would be utterly destroyed then.

By then, the problem isn't just the drought,...

...we must also give up our land.

Is this what the generals want? Now the people are on high morale.

They can leave the moment my order is released.

Why would I not fight?

Well..... -It's thunder!

The heavens are watching this!

Your Majesty, you've left my people to die.

The heavens are angry!

Your Majesty, please be careful!

Ever since the drought, I haven't eaten or slept well.

I would never have thought you would speak such atrocities.

The enemies are right before us. You don't stand with us,...

...yet you spout nonsense! What are your intentions?

That's fine! If you don't believe me,...

...let me prove it to you!