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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 6]

My dear subject, Official Xun.

Present.

Song Fu is condemned to death.

His testimony isn't to be regarded as admissible.

In order to prevent him from making wild charges...

this list of names will have to be thoroughly investigated.

You're the Cabinet Minister.

I'll leave you in charge of this matter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You!

Send someone who is articulate to report the details of the trial

to the old prince of Changlin at the Royal Changlin Manor.

But, His Highness said--

Once Ping Jing returned to Jinling City

my brother handed over the witnesses and evidence immediately.

He then refrained from asking about them.

This is because he believes that I will handle this case impartially.

He doesn't want to influence my judgment but that doesn't mean

that he's not concerned about the case.

Can you not tell the difference between the two?

I'm too slow-witted.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

And... What was he? That assistant.

He must be brought to trial right away.

Yes.

Miss Lin.

You have a visitor.

The princess consort of Changlin Manor has asked to see you.

Who did you say it is?

The princess consort of Changlin Manor.

After bringing Ji Chen and Song Fu to trial separately

their statements seem... somehow strange if you compare them.

Really?

Song Fu insisted that he didn't collude with Shanliu Camp.

However, Ji Chen didn't even bother denying it at all.

It didn't make any sense even if one of them is lying.

If...

What if both of them are telling the truth?

Ping Zhang, you mean--

Although Ji Chen believes that he was cooperating with Song Fu

the gifts, letters, and promises were all conveyed by the assistant.

Song Fu and Ji Chen were thousands of miles apart.

I don't believe they have ever discussed this in person.

If Song Fu's assistant didn't act according to his instructions

but went to Qi Province of his own accord to contact Ji Chen...

Is that possible?

It might not be possible if it were some other assistant.

But this assistant...

You're right.

He is no ordinary adviser.

Duan Tong Zhou is a renown fighter on the Pugilist Ranking.

Song Fu might not be the only one who hired him.

There could be someone else.

Although Changlin Manor is not to interfere with the trial

we could drop hints about this theory to Master Wu of the Enforcement Division.

Ping Zhang only managed to survive in Gan Province

because of Miss Lin's miraculous hands.

I haven't even expressed my gratitude

and yet I have already come to ask Miss Lin to visit the patient.

The first born prince has been my patient from Gan Province to the capital.

I should visit him for a follow-up.

Princess Consort need not come to fetch me personally.

Old Hall Master Li and my father have known each other over 30 years.

There's no need to be so polite.

Don't call me Princess Consort.

That sounds too distant.

I'm a few years older than you.

Just address me as your older sister.

We can leave now.

My brother, you must be very occupied with the state affairs.

You haven't visited me in the palace for some time.

I've indeed been negligent of greeting Your Highness and Crown Prince.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

I heard that since Changlin Manor's Second Young Master returned

it hasn't been too peaceful in the Imperial Court.

My brother, is there anything you wish to tell me?

Do rest assured, Your Highness.

I definitely have nothing to do with this case.

Really?

For the sake of Your Highness and Crown Prince, I won't act rashly.

The moment you left the palace

you came straight to question this assistant.

It's so hard on you.

What's the point in whining? It's such a serious case.

I have to bring him to trial quickly.

Where is he?

Where is the prisoner?

Sir!

I really don't know.

How could this happen?

Halt!

[Qiantian Yard]

[Royal Changlin Manor]

- Disciples. - Yes.

Back away quickly.

My servants have driven recklessly.

Have we startled Princess Consort?

It's fine.

Guru, please don't worry about it.

I thank Princess Consort for being so forgiving.

[Xun Fei Zhan] Commander General Xun.

[Great Liang's Commander General] Guru Puyang.

Princess Consort.

Senior.

This is--

What happened?

We have a felon on the run.

It's said that he was spotted in this area.

Therefore, we've sealed off the streets to search for him.

Princess Consort, please take a detour.

A felon is on the run?

What has it got to do with the Imperial Guards?

Why are you in charge of going after this criminal?

His Majesty is furious.

The felon is highly skilled in martial arts

so no ordinary man can arrest him.

I have been assigned to arrest him.

Duan Tong Zhou?

Disciples!

Clear the path quickly!

Yes.

Thank you, Guru.

Senior, I'll take my leave.

I apologize for intruding.

Guru?

Why are you in such a hurry?

Where are you heading off to?

The empress has made a decree.

I am to visit the palace.

Guru, please go ahead.

I'll take my leave.

Once a fighter on the Pugilist Ranking gets away

it will be hard to track him down again among so many people.

I heard that Princess Consort just...

Judging from how Sister Meng addressed Commander General

he must have been mentored by the Meng family?

Yes.

He was trained and mentored personally by my granduncle.

He was too young then so he ended up listed under my father.

We address each other as senior and junior.

Old Master Meng was once ranked first on Langya Hall's Pugilist Ranking.

Under his training

Commander General Xun must be exceptional.

I remember that my granduncle always favored boys then.

He didn't train me as seriously as he trained Senior Xun.

Later...

I got married.

Senior Xun was appointed as an official of the Imperial Court.

He became too occupied with work.

We rarely get to meet up.

Now, we're not as close as we once were.

All right.

Don't attend to me.

You may both be dismissed now.

- Yes, Master. - Yes, Master.

You really are very bold.

Are you not afraid that I'll have you arrested?

How would you benefit from having me arrested, Master Xun?

Master Song has been interrogated harshly many times.

He never even once mentioned your name.

Aren't you grateful for that at all?

I never took part in any of this.

There's nothing for me to be grateful for.

Master Xun, you once said that you're the only one

who truly understands why Master Song did what he did.

He even instructed me in advance

that should anything go wrong, I am to act on your orders.

I have no orders for you.

The Imperial Guards are now at your heels.

This isn't someplace you should be.

You should get going.

I don't wish to implicate Master Xun in this either.

I've come here today to inform you in advance.

When this case has died down, I'll be at your service again.

Master, Commander General Xun is here.

- Uncle. - Fei Zhan.

You seem to be in a hurry. What's so urgent?

A felon has escaped from the Celestial Prison.

The Imperial Guards and Patrol Force are looking for him

so I've come to inform Uncle to keep the manor well guarded.

Sure, I'll have them arrange that.

Get back to work then.

I'll take my leave.

We had a hard time arresting Duan Tong Zhou!

Even Qian Xue joined in.

What now?

He got away just like that without anyone knowing?

So much for reminding Head Officer Wu about taking extra care

in guarding a fighter on the Langya Hall Pugilist Ranking!

Did he not pay attention or did he do that on purpose?

Slap yourself!

How is your behavior acceptable?

Are these the kind of words to blurt out so easily?

Father, please calm down.

Ping Jing is still young.

If he's in the wrong, we can just reprimand him.

Father, you need not get angry.

Ping Zhang, sit.

Thank you, Father.

Talk some sense into this misbehaved brother of yours.

Yes.

It's easier to blame others than to know one's own faults.

We've only heard rumors of how skilled Duan Tong Zhou is.

Even though you exchanged blows with him, you can't really say for certain.

Not to mention that Master Wu is but a civil official.

Although we can complain about it, some things should not be said.

If anyone is to take what you just said seriously

it is as good as an accusation by saying he did it on purpose.

What evidence are you basing your speculation on?

That's quite an offensive remark.

I understand.

I've speculated without cause.

I've misspoken.

It's good that you understand.

Get up quickly.

Father, His Majesty has already assigned Xun Fei Zhan to hunt him down.

He is the best one in the capital for this task.

Once Duan Tong Zhou makes a mistake

Fei Zhan will surely be right on his heels.

Fortunately, Duan Tong Zhou isn't the mastermind.

Although he has escaped, Song Fu is still in prison.

It doesn't have too much of an impact on the case.

Your Majesty, the escaped criminal is a highly skilled fighter.

It won't be easy to capture him.

It will be hard to find him in a short time frame.

We've posted his picture in four cities, and I've assigned the Imperial Guards

and the Patrol Force to perform a long-term search.

As long as the criminal is still lurking near the city

I believe that we will get him eventually.

How is it going with that list of names provided by Song Fu?

Your Majesty.

I have investigated everyone listed.

After a thorough investigation, half of them were manipulated.

Some were deceived into assisting Song Fu.

However, five of them are indeed his accomplices.

That is to say, despite the reasons and the degree of their involvement...

these people on the list are indeed involved in this case?

I think that since the reasons of their involvement are different

we can't have them punished for the same crime.

There are actually so many officials in my Imperial Court who--

So many covet wealth.

So many desire power.

So much that they don't even care about their country's safety.

Your Majesty, those are but a few people.

Their plan has failed.

Your Majesty, don't be upset.

Official Xun...

Discuss this with the Enforcement Division

and draft a charter for punishment.

Send the draft to the Royal Changlin Manor first.

I'd like to have my brother's and Ping Zhang's opinions on it.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty?

- Summon the imperial physician! - Summon the imperial physician!

Summon the imperial physician!

Yuan Shi, go on.

Father. Father.

The White God has spoken.

As the imperial physician said

His Majesty is suffering from the invasion of cold air in winter

as well as a troubled mind in recent days.

That has made him unwell.

Your Highness, fret not.

It's not serious.

Crown Prince is still young.

He can't do without his father's protection and advice.

Guru, I hope that you will make more of an effort.

Your Highness, I wouldn't dare take on such a responsibility.

I will surely do my best for His Majesty's health.

[Royal Changlin Manor]

His Highness's injuries are fine now.

However, it will take time to recover from the loss of blood

and the mending of bones.

It's normal to find recovery slow.

It's unwise to be impatient.

You should be more patient.

His Highness should start another prescription.

Miss Lin is prudent and highly skilled in medical practices.

If Old Hall Master Li hadn't brought it up

I wouldn't have thought that someone of such temperament

was actually the same age as our Ping Jing.

Thank you.

Xi.

It's almost time for lunch.

Would you care to stay for lunch?

Thank you for inviting me.

I have matters to see to at the clinic, so I should get going.

Xi, it's a deal then? You must stay for a meal the next time.

I have a few specialty dishes that I'm sure you'll like.

You have such beautiful hands.

Not at all.

Look, I have calluses.

Fortunately, my husband doesn't mind.

Please don't walk me out.

Tell me quickly.

What is the matter?

You asked a question out of nowhere?

Don't I know you well enough?

Since you were little, Mother trained you in etiquette.

Not even the Ministry of Rites could find fault with you.

Yet you asked Miss Lin about her age.

You normally wouldn't talk like that.

What exactly is it? Tell me.

Didn't I already make it very clear?

Old Hall Master Li brought that up.

I don't understand.

Like you said, we wouldn't discuss a young lady's date of birth

even in a random conversation.

Why would Old Hall Master Li bring that up?

- Why? - Why?

I don't understand either.

That's why I wanted to see how she would react.

See how she would react?

Miss Lin didn't react to it at all.

Exactly.

Miss Lin really is very prudent.

I can't tell what she thinks at all.

Of course... It could be that Old Hall Master Li didn't think much

and I've been too sensitive.

You are too sensitive.

Let's see what else is interesting these days.

Second Young Master.

Dong Qing.

Second Young Master.

The first born prince has asked to see you.

So early in the morning?

He's also asked that you dress in formal attire.

I understand.

Breathe in and hold it.

Did I tug too hard?

You didn't.

How are you holding up?

It's not as if I'm traveling.

- What are you worried about? - Ping Zhang!

Sister-in-law.

- Done. - I'll set out now.

Ping Zhang?

What are you doing in the palace?

How are you? Are you feeling better?

Although I can't make big movements

I can still come to the palace to greet people.

Ping Jing, you've been back for a while, but you're afraid to come to the palace

because His Majesty might complain that you're hardly at home?

Brother Xun, His Majesty hasn't told me off yet.

But you already did.

According to etiquette, I should walk you to the grand hall

but I've just received information from the Patrol Force

about Duan Tong Zhou.

I won't walk you in.

Attend to your task first.

Brother Xun, I've exchanged a few blows with Duan Tong Zhou.

I'm sure I could be of help to you

- I'll visit you later. - Sure.

His Majesty is here!

Goodness! Ping Zhang!

Drop the formalities. Get up quickly.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Bring a seat for the first born prince of Changlin.

- Yes. - Your Majesty.

You mustn't do that.

All right now.

Usually, young ones like you don't get a seat.

But I've asked the imperial physician about your medical condition.

It's unlike any that you had before.

You can finally leave the house.

Yet, if you were to need assistance to get back home after a visit to the palace

how could I face your father?

Sit down.

Ping Zhang.

Ping Jing.

You've been out having fun all year round.

If it your brother weren't in danger

you probably still wouldn't have come home, right?

Your Majesty, you certainly know what happened in Gan Province.

However, as for Datong Prefecture

you probably only know a summary of the case.

Empress.

What is the crown prince doing?

Why have I heard that he skipped classes today?

Your Highness, the royal tutor said that Crown Prince has interpreted

the "Book of Odes and Hymns" very well.

He can have a day off from classes.

However, His Highness remembers what His Majesty asked of him

so he wouldn't take time off.

He's practicing his calligraphy in his room.

Even in the end, Yuan still didn't tell him about the plan?

He really didn't.

My older brother was always meticulous, even at a young age.

I'm not surprised he could deduce that Ji Chen was involved.

But to use that as a way to train you...

It doesn't seem like what he would normally do.

You're too impulsive.

It's right for you to undergo some training.

I knew that no matter what I said about my papa

Your Majesty wouldn't take my side.

It's good that you know that.

Your Majesty.

Crown Prince turned 10 years old and officially moved into East Palace.

Ping Jing has yet to offer his congratulations.

Oh, that is right.

Ping Jing, it's about time you visit the crown prince.

You barely make it home once a year.

If you don't visit soon, the crown prince might not recognize his cousin anymore.

Crown Prince has always liked me the most.

I don't believe what Your Majesty just said.

Send a message to East Palace.

Yes.

I'll take my leave.

Go on.

Ping Zhang.

I heard that you went to Langya Hall to ask a question.

Your Majesty.

This is just a casual chat.

You need not panic.

Second Young Master.

You are...

Master Guru?

I am Puyang Ying.

Guru Puyang.

Second Young Master isn't in the capital very often.

We've only met a few times.

It's only normal that you don't remember me.

It seems that His Majesty is right.

If I don't visit East Palace often, Yuan Shi will surely forget me.

Didn't he say that he was going to East Palace?

East Palace isn't in that direction, is it?

Ping Zhang, if you wanted to know what happened back then

why didn't you ask your father?

If you ask him, he surely wouldn't keep it from you.

Langya Hall isn't regulated by governments of any nation.

It has eyes that remain neutral.

I hope to see with its eyes.

So as not to have my eyes clouded and bogged down.

Have you managed to see clearly now?

Yes, I did.

Ping Zhang, I'll be honest with you today.

When your father decided to appoint you as his heir

I did strongly oppose it.

Your Majesty had wanted Ping Jing to be the heir.

Indeed.

I share the same thought as Your Majesty.

I had also wanted my father to appoint Ping Jing instead.

Then you got it wrong.

East Palace...

Which way is it?

Despite what I might have thought back then

I've watched you grow over these last few years.

It didn't take me long to realize that your father is right.

You're the child the elderly can fully entrust with the family.

No one deserves to be the heir to the Royal Changlin Manor more than you do.

Ping Jing will only need more training and experience.

In time, he will...

Ping Jing was born with a naturally free spirit.

Unless the circumstances should change drastically one day

regardless of how much training he gets, it won't change who he is deep down.

I admit that I favor Ping Jing more.

However, it is because I favor him

that I wish for him to always be protected by his father and brother.

He can then always remain carefree.

Don't you wish that for him?

However...

Ping Jing is naturally gifted.

I've always felt that if he is not entrusted with great responsibilities

it will be a disappointment to my parents for allowing him to slack off.

They have you.

Ping Zhang, you're your father's favorite child.

I will only be comfortable if I can entrust my crown prince to your care.

All right now, the two old bags of bones are still around.

We won't think so far ahead.

Ping Zhang.

I need to get some rest now.

You should also visit Crown Prince in East Palace.

Send for a sedan chair for the young prince of Changlin.

Your Majesty, in the palace--

East Palace is too far away from here.

I'm not worried about Ping Jing.

As for you, you mustn't wear yourself out.

Send for the sedan chair!

Yes!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Ping Jing!

Stop for a while.

Ping Zhang!

It's not far from here. I'll take a walk.

You may be dismissed.

Yes.

Ping Zhang!

Ping Zhang, you finally got here.

Although I did sort of grew up in the palace

East Palace was sealed for years and I haven't been there.

Which way should I go?

You can ask for directions if you got lost.

What are you doing up on the roof?

This is the palace and etiquette is strictly upheld.

Who do you think you are?

How can you leap on the roof and walk on walls as you please?

Ping Zhang, don't be mad at me.

I just didn't think too much about it.

I know that you don't care much for regulations.

I don't want to restrain you much either.

But, Ping Jing, we're in Jinling City.

It's a place of regulations.

So many are keeping an eye on the Changlin Manor.

Despite His Majesty's fondness for us, you must bear that in mind.

Yes.

Come with me.

Empress and Crown Prince

the young prince and the second young master of Changlin

are waiting outside the palace.

Invite them in quickly!

Yes.

His Majesty has sent a message in advance.

Crown Prince has been waiting for them.

The second young master of Changlin was so slow getting here.

He is simply too relaxed.

Cousin Ping Jing!

- Cousin Ping Jing! - Yuan Shi!

Ping Jing!

- Here, let's fly! - Fly high!

Yuan Shi!

- Ping Jing! - Yuan Shi!

Subject, Xiao Ping Zhang, greets the empress.

Greetings, Crown Prince.

My younger brother hasn't been to the palace for a long time.

In a moment of joy, he forgot his manners.

Your Highness, please don't take it to heart.

Ping Jing greets the empress.

Greetings, Crown Prince.

I'm really sorry that I forgot Ping Zhang had a follow-up today.

You've made the visit for nothing.

It is still nice.

We get to have some tea and pastries together.

It's nice to chat, isn't it?

Qian Xue, do you mind if I take a look at your makeup box?

My makeup box?

Certainly.

This set of makeup boxes is so exquisite.

I wonder where you had them crafted.

I don't know much about these either.

These were bestowed to me by the empress when I got married.

If you like them, I could ask the Inner Court to craft a set for you.

I won't trouble you with that.

I don't usually put on any makeup.

It's just that an auntie at our clinic likes all sorts of floral patterns

but I've never seen a similar pattern to the one on these boxes.

If you don't mind, could I borrow the small one so she can copy it?

I'll return it tomorrow.

That's nothing.

It's just a small favor.

If it hadn't been bestowed by the empress, I'd give it to you.

You're too kind.

Thank you, Qian Xue.

Come.

You may both get up.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You need not be so polite, Prince Ping Zhang.

It's normal for such close cousins to be overjoyed and forget their manners.

I won't take it to heart.

Your Highness is forgiving but Crown Prince is the heir apparent.

Etiquette must be followed.

Ping Jing, you should ask the empress to forgive you.

Don't stand on such formalities.

In the past, His Majesty and the prince of Changlin grew up

having fun banter as well.

If you were to make the second young master apologize formally

His Majesty would call me petty should he hear about it.

Mother, can I head out with Cousin Ping Jing to play for a while?

You're no longer a child.

Why do you always want to play?

What did your royal tutor say?

But my royal tutor said that...

I get to take a day off.

Your Highness, Yuan Shi is only 10 years old.

It's good for him to get some air.

He can't always stay indoors doing homework.

Besides, Grandfather said the brothers of Xiao family

should study and fight well.

Second Young Master brought up the former emperor's words.

What else can I say?

Crown Prince, you may go if you wish.

Just remember not to leave the front courtyard.

Yes!

Cousin Ping Zhang, will you join us?

I'm still unwell today.

Why don't I join you the next time, Your Highness?

- Let's go? - Go!

Let's go!

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