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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 5]

If you're so worried, just send more men to collect him.

I'm worried about the last day before they get to the capital.

That's the most crucial night.

I'm just trying to deduce where Ping Jing might choose to make camp.

Where?

Here.

Bamboo Stream.

[Bamboo Stream]

You're referring to Bamboo Stream?

Exactly.

There isn't a place nearby where we can stay overnight.

We have to make camp tonight.

There are 400 soldiers in total.

If the enemies strike, they won't dare to take us by force.

They can only sneak up on us.

I suggest that we make camp in the east of Bamboo Stream's valley.

There are cliffs on both sides.

As long as we watch the east and west of the valley

nothing can go wrong.

I agree.

All 400 soldiers will focus on guarding both sides.

Even if a fighter of the Langya Hall Pugilist Ranking acts as the vanguard

he won't be able to break through.

I don't know much about these tactics.

What do you think, Ping Jing?

You don't agree with them?

That's not true.

You've chosen well.

It's just that I don't think we will be able to arrest Duan Tong Zhou

before we make it to the capital.

I feel a bit uneasy.

Second Young Master.

Our priority is to get the witness to the capital safely.

Once we seek out the mastermind behind this case

a hired thug like Duan Tong Zhou will eventually be arrested.

General Ji, you're right.

We should prioritize.

All right, we'll set out immediately.

This is the best scenery this close to Jinling City.

Unfortunately, we're not in the mood for it now.

When we're done with this case

I'll show you around a few places unknown to most people.

Thank you for the kind offer.

I'm just accompanying Doctor Chen and the others to the capital.

I'll be leaving in a few days.

Why?

I remember that there's a huge branch of Jifeng Hall in the capital.

Don't you need to offer your assistance?

My mentor must have already escorted the first born prince to the capital.

He will see to the clinic.

Miss Lin!

We'll arrive in the capital soon.

Master Zhang, you really intend to remain silent?

He's doomed anyway, whether he talks or not.

I wonder what he has to gain from protecting the mastermind.

You're right.

He's keeping his lips sealed.

What does he have to gain from this?

Second Young Master.

Uncle Yuan.

Uncle Yuan, I'll take the first shift.

Go and get some rest.

Who is it?

Officers! Take him down!

Don't let him get away!

How could this happen?

What's going on?

You didn't expect this either, Second Young Master?

Honestly, I did.

When did Second Young Master get the governor out of here?

I didn't even know about it.

I did it when I figured out why he killed Commander Qian first.

You figured it out?

The one who could rat out the mastermind in the capital

are Governor Zhang and Commander Qian.

Yun told me that Commander Qian lives all alone in Datong Prefecture.

He has no family.

A man with no family, who realizes he is destined to die

couldn't be threatened into protecting the mastermind.

Therefore, with only one chance to strike

you chose to kill Commander Qian.

You then left Governor Zhang, who has a wife and children

to be handled by your accomplice.

His accomplice?

Who is his accomplice?

Am I right?

General Ji.

I don't think that I have made any mistakes.

What made you doubt me, Second Young Master?

I didn't doubt you at all originally.

It's just that I was puzzled by certain matters.

However, once I figured everything out

you stood out immediately.

For instance, you once said...

I don't think that he came up with such a plot spontaneously.

As for the mastermind in the capital

has he ever mentioned him?

I certainly had to confirm that he hadn't spoken yet.

If his testimony was already included in your report to the capital

our actions would have been irrelevant.

After you confirmed that he had not revealed the mastermind

all you needed to do was ensure that he remained silent.

He is unlike Commander Qian.

He has a few people he cares about a lot.

The day that Duan Tong Zhou decided to strike

he should have taken out Governor Zhang, who is a bigger threat to him

in order to get away.

Instead, he killed Commander Qian.

That was to remind you to get rid of Governor Zhang

whose weakness lies in his wife and children.

You are a dead man.

But it doesn't have to be the fate of your wife and children.

Give it some thought on your way to the capital.

If I were you...

I wouldn't say a word until the very end.

Just as Governor Zhang and Commander Qian are completely different

so are you and Duan Tong Zhou.

As a third-rank general

you can't bear to give up your promising future.

You wanted to silence the witness and remain undetected at the same time.

You can't take the same actions he would take.

On our way to the capital, you've been looking for an opportunity.

Am I right?

I see...

Luckily, Uncle Yuan has been guarding the witness so he couldn't do much.

- Until now-- - That's enough!

Those who are too clever die young.

If Second Young Master hadn't figured it all out

only Governor Zhang would have died today.

Unfortunately, you had it figured out all too well.

Therefore, all of you will have to die here with him!

Do you think that the prince of Changlin and His Majesty will let you off

if you kill us?

I am certainly aware of the consequences!

However, the derelict of my duties will suffer a lighter punishment than death!

Death?

You were far away in Qi Province.

It's because you couldn't possibly be in collusion with Datong Prefecture

that you were sent to our aid. How could you be sentenced to death?

Second Young Master.

He might not know, but you couldn't possibly be ignorant of it.

I just had that figured out.

I didn't actually know why you would cooperate with Duan Tong Zhou.

But when Yuan Qi brought up that you were far away in Qi Province

I finally sorted that out.

Why?

My brother held on and refused to retreat. Why was that?

The people of Great Liang are behind us!

Men of Changlin will die fighting!

There is no other fortress after Gan Province.

Once my brother fails to hold the fort

the flames of war will spread quickly down south!

Enemies will invade into Great Liang's central region.

There will be no other armed forces to intercept them.

Not until... the enemies get to Qi Province where Shanliu Camp is.

Could the old prince and the first born prince not know of your intention?

No one knows the defense at the northern frontier

better than Father and me.

That's why you suspect Qi Province's Shanliu Camp?

By the time Great Yu State's army gets to Qi Province

they will be exhausted.

Ji Chen is good at managing the army.

Shanliu Camp has quite a decent army.

If they were to confront the enemies

he definitely could surprise the others by saving the crisis

and stopping the enemies from heading south.

The five provinces...

Tens of thousands of our people...

You would have left them at the mercy of our enemies?

Changlin Army would have been defeated at the northern frontier

while you were honored for saving the nation.

This is what you plotted with that mastermind in the capital?

Am I right?

My brother managed to safeguard Gan Province.

You didn't get a chance to do anything at all.

It seemed as if you're not involved

but an accomplice is an accomplice.

I can imagine just how frantic you must be.

I wonder, as a military man...

Did you ever regret this decision?

All men should attain merits and great achievements.

Should the Royal Changlin Manor be the only one to earn military merit?

Should it?

If you think that the Changlin Manor only defends the northern frontier

for the sake of merit and achievements...

The strength of character that my father inherited...

I'm afraid you will never understand.

What can you do even if you've figured everything out?

Take a good look around.

These are all confidants of mine whom I've trained for years!

None of you should even dream of escaping today.

Mister Duan.

Strike.

Mister Duan, do it!

I think that Mister Duan must see the big picture now.

Am I right?

Sister-in-law.

The Changlin Army hereby acts upon His Majesty's decree

to arrest the commander of Shanliu Camp, Ji Chen!

Whoever dares to resist will be deemed an accomplice in treason!

Ping Jing, are you all right?

Thank you for asking, my sister-in-law.

Apart from being manipulated like a fool for so long

I'm actually doing all right.

Greetings, Princess Consort.

That was really dangerous.

Thank you for coming to our rescue, Princess Consort.

There's one thing I don't understand.

How did the capital know we were in danger?

And you got here just in time.

Yuan Qi, don't you get it?

All in all, this matter was carefully planned by that old fox--

My papa did this.

Of all the troops, why did he choose Shanliu Camp of Qi Province?

- Princess Consort. - Uncle Yuan.

We didn't lose the defensive line south of Gan Province.

Ji Chen actually hadn't done anything yet.

It's his business to panic out of guilt.

But my father and brother

shouldn't have come to any rash conclusions.

Am I right, Uncle Yuan?

Indeed.

We are all military men.

It can't be good to wrongly accuse anyone.

His Highness debated this for a long while.

Although it's sad to think about this...

Ji Chen of Shanliu Camp stands to benefit the most from this.

This man is capable and ambitious.

I've been observing him discreetly with the hope

of appointing him to an important position in the future.

However certain we might be, a deduction is not a fact.

If we were wrong in our speculation

then we've sacrificed a man's career and his life.

Why don't we give him a chance to prove his innocence?

His Highness truly wanted to take cautious actions

without jumping to conclusions.

Therefore--

Therefore, he made up the excuse of having passed by along the way

and sent you to Shanliu Camp with his badge?

This plan is actually mainly the idea of--

That is a great plan.

If Ji Chen is innocent, he is just carrying out a task.

He's just escorting us to the capital.

However, if he's involved--

If he's involved, he will surely leave evidence of their interaction.

He will be scared.

He could have been terrified but there was nothing he could do.

Yet he was overjoyed that my father gave him an opportunity.

He handed me, Yuan Qi, the witnesses, and the evidence over to him.

He is truly impressive if he can refrain from taking any action.

It seems that Second Young Master is well aware of the situation.

What is there to be angry about?

I have nothing against luring Ji Chen into action.

Why am I being kept in the dark?

We never kept it from you.

You had already set out on the task by then.

We couldn't contact you about such a matter through letters.

So we--

That may be

but you still didn't tell me the truth after you met up with me.

Do you think that I don't know?

He just wants to test me.

He wants to see how far I can get.

Just how confident is my papa?

Isn't he even worried that I might mess things up if I can't figure it out?

I'll just have to mess things up once to spite him.

- Second Young Master! - Go.

Second Young Master!

Why does Second Young Master always assume it was the old prince?

It was the first born prince's idea!

It's because His Highness has always been strict with him.

Unlike his brother, he's so good at coaxing him.

I heard from Mother that since Ping Jing could walk

he was coaxed by his brother to grind ink and lay out paper for him.

See? My papa was behind all this.

I've meant to ask you.

Who is that young lady?

Shouldn't I feel wronged?

[Royal Changlin Manor]

Hurry up.

Housekeeper Zhou, where should these go?

Take these to the study.

Yes.

- Housekeeper Zhou. - Yes?

Will Second Young Master stay longer this time?

He will at least have to stay until after Lunar New Year.

Put those inside.

Your Highness. Princess Consort.

Is he still lecturing him?

He hasn't stopped for a moment.

Second Young Master is waiting for you to come to his rescue.

Although I don't expect you to act prudently

and take everything into account

you should at least act methodically.

I heard that you resorted to unconventional methods

and acted willfully in Datong Prefecture.

If it weren't that you're quick-witted and quite lucky

who knows how the situation would have turned out?

- Father. - Father.

Ping Zhang, you should lie down in bed instead of wearing yourself out.

Xiao Xue is keeping an eye on me.

If the doctor hadn't approved this

how could I even leave my bedroom?

Why is Ping Jing already kneeling here when he's just come home?

Father, weren't you chuckling yesterday and praising him heartily?

You told me that he's done really well on this task, didn't you?

He did quite well on this task.

The prefectural governor of Datong is now in the Court of Judicial Review.

It's only a matter of days before he confesses everything.

What good will it do to you if I only compliment you?

If I don't point out what you could have done better

you wouldn't have realized it yourself.

Papa, I'm not talking back to you.

But you haven't even given me one compliment all day.

All you did was point out my mistakes.

All right now.

Get up quickly.

Thank you, Ping Zhang.

Go and get some rest now.

Come and have dinner with me in my quarters tonight.

I'd like to have you tell me in detail what happened in Datong.

It's a deal.

Qian Xue is cooking?

Sure.

[Marquis of Laiyang Manor]

Why have you been away for so long?

I've been away for some time.

Mother must have been worried.

If you knew that I'd be worried

you wouldn't have taken such dangerous actions.

Mother.

It's just us, a widowed mother and an orphan.

We just have to keep ourselves safe from harm.

How does all that political strife concern you?

I shouldn't refute what Mother just preached.

However, as a male descendant of the Imperial Clan

how can I say that it doesn't concern me at all?

Yuan Qi...

Although you're a member of the Imperial Clan

you're unlike the others.

Especially the young princes of the Royal Changlin Manor.

There are certain matters that they are capable of handling

but you might not be.

I--

Whatever it might be, you must bear this in mind.

In the capital, it's the best for Marquis of Laiyang Manor to be forgotten.

All right, I know that I've done wrong.

I'll heed Mother's advice from now on.

Mother, don't be angry anymore.

I...

[Jifeng Hall]

- Take care. - Thank you.

It must have been tiring, Miss Lin.

Mentor gave us an estimate of when you might arrive.

We've been looking forward to having you here.

Here, we'll talk in the hall.

After Old Hall Master told us about Datong Prefecture's case

I've been worried.

Miss Lin, was everything all right on the way?

I'm fine.

It's still more comfortable in our own quarters.

- Exactly. - Mind the steps.

It's still nicer at home.

It's a pity that Doctor Chen is a witness.

He has to stay in the Enforcement Division.

He can't come with us.

It's all right. His Majesty is in charge of this case.

It won't take long to conclude.

This way, please.

Mind the steps.

Doctor Du, where's our mentor?

Miss Lin, don't you know?

Mentor left two days ago.

He already left?

Not only has Mentor left, but he also took Brother Xu with him.

I told Mentor that I can't manage the branch in the capital alone.

He consoled me saying that it is fine.

You'll be here soon so you can take over the management.

That's when I felt relieved.

I've been looking forward to your arrival.

You mean that Mentor has instructed me to manage the branch in the capital?

Is that not the case?

Mentor also said that the first born prince of Changlin

traveled all the way here, so his condition isn't very stable.

Since he is your patient, you should check on him.

The Enforcement Division acts upon the decree to invite Master Song Fu over

for the investigation of the shipwreck in Datong Prefecture. Please cooperate.

Greetings, Father.

Why bother pretending?

Come over here.

Thank you, Father!

Father, I heard that Cousin Ping Jing has returned to the capital.

Why hasn't he visited me yet?

You're thinking about having him over to play with you?

Give him some time.

He has a lot of official matters to take care right now.

It will take him a few days before he gets some time off.

How is your calligraphy going?

A few days ago, the royal tutor praised me.

Did he?

Write something for me.

Ping Zhang, you're nursing your health, so you didn't know how mean Papa was.

Uncle Yuan had been carefully protecting the witness.

It's obvious that he knew of the plan but he wouldn't even tell me.

Say, who else but Papa could have had him keep it from me?

But in the end, you still figured it all out.

Doesn't that feel quite good?

I only really figured it all out in the end.

On the way, I was so nervous that I couldn't eat or sleep well.

I woke up at any sound.

I was so scared of missing any clues.

But then for Papa, he had everything under control

so this was but a test for me.

Oh, right.

Ping Zhang, look.

I even have a couple of gray hairs in just a few days.

I also lost weight.

Is he really my father?

You really did lose some weight.

I specifically asked your sister-in-law to make you a few more courses.

You should have more to eat while you're home.

As for Father, I'll talk to him for you when I get a chance.

I'll tell him not to treat you like a child.

Ping Zhang, you're still the best.

Qian Xue, you're really so good at cooking.

I can't help coming home to stay for some time every year

because of your cooking.

Of course, it's mostly because I miss my brother so much.

Eat more.

I miss Father the most!

Don't bother playing the obedient child.

That's just Housekeeper Zhou making his rounds at night.

Father won't come here at this hour.

Move along.

After Song Fu and Ji Chen were arrested

the Enforcement Division had them separated for interrogation.

The trial officially begins tomorrow.

Father thinks that the Changlin Manor should stay out of it.

Be it in public or in private, he refused to ask about the details.

I wonder what they can find out.

That's what Father is like.

I knew that would happen.

Ping Zhang, what would you like to know?

I'll ask around.

He's all right.

Ping Zhang, you're recovering so slowly that it's really worrying me.

What's the matter with Old Hall Master Li?

He just left without making sure you were okay?

It's good that Lin Xi has returned to the capital with me.

Why don't I ask her over tomorrow?

You should call her Miss Lin.

How could you call her by her first name?

You haven't offended her enough?

You didn't learn well at Langya Hall and instead become so frivolous?

I can't be more respectful to Miss Lin Xi than I am.

Qian Xue was adopted by Mother and you went to His Majesty

when she was only 14 to ask for her hand. You're calling me frivolous?

So rude.

Song Fu was a second-rank official.

He's been in the Imperial Court for decades.

Yet I didn't realize that he could be this kind of person.

I really failed to judge well.

Song Fu made quite a few contributions when he was in office.

Your Majesty wasn't wrong to use him.

Who could know that his mind was treacherous?

But it is indeed due to my lack of stamina in recent years.

My brother fought hard at the frontier

but I've failed to offer sufficient support.

It's normal that there are some treacherous villains in every reign.

If Your Majesty insists on blaming yourself

you'll make me feel very uneasy.

Didn't Your Majesty say that your cough was getting better?

I have indeed gotten better recently

since Empress invited Guru Puyang into the palace.

It's just that I've been more troubled lately.

Hence, the coughing has returned.

Your Majesty's health is the utmost priority

no matter what happens.

The Enforcement Division will handle this case.

Your Majesty only needs to read the final report.

You mustn't worry about it.

All right.

Since Father passed away, only you would nag me like this.

Your Majesty has overstated.

How could I dare?

You do nag me.

Since I received Your Highness's oral decree

I didn't dare slack off in my preparations.

I now have the ritual cauldron, longevity lamps, and a special fuel.

Once it's the auspicious hour, we can begin the ritual.

Please do rest assured, Your Highness.

Guru, it has been hard on you, preparing all this in such haste.

You're welcome.

I have also overlooked this matter.

I should have reminded Your Highness how highly

His Majesty values Changlin Manor, as much as the East Palace.

Naturally, he would be sensitive to the empress's attitude to them.

For years I've relied on you to remind me of certain matters.

From now on... I'm afraid you'll have to pay more attention.

I shall surely offer my services most willingly.

Your Highness.

This time, the second young master of Changlin Manor has returned.

It is a huge case that he has exposed.

Minister Xun has many disciples and past acquaintances in court.

It's best not to have too many people implicated.

Song Fu's case is of serious concern.

Your Majesty pays great attention to it.

Therefore, since I was assigned to the case

I have dared to take a rest.

Now, most of the events in this case have been clarified.

However, there are still some contradictions.

We still need to look into it and fill in the details.

We can't conclude this case yet.

What are the contradictions?

Tell me about them.

There are witnesses and solid evidence for the shipwreck in Datong Prefecture.

Song Fu has already confessed.

However, as for colluding with Ji Chen to attain military merits for him

Song Fu still refuses to admit it.

What about Ji Chen's statement?

Ji Chen confessed that Song Fu suggested

offering him a chance to claim military merit.

He sent out an assistant from his manor to contact him.

There's evidence of Song Fu's gifts listed in the books.

Have you had them confront each other?

I decided to interrogate the middleman, Mister Qin.

Once I've sorted out the relationship

I'll get the other two to confront each other.

In my opinion

Song Fu knew that he would be sentenced to death anyway

so he's just trying to stall for time.

I don't believe that he doesn't have other accomplices among the officials.

Has he admitted to any other accomplices?

He has.

I have made a list.

Your Majesty, please have a look.

My dear subject, Official Xun.

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