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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 8]

Merciful Buddha.

Whatever it might be that my junior prays for

please answer her prayers for the sake of her utmost sincerity.

Commander General.

Are there any clues?

It's not easy to hide in here.

Nothing seems suspicious.

If so, Qiantian Yard is the only place

Duan Tong Zhou could have gotten the oil on himself.

Let's go.

Yes.

Mentor--

Is there any news from Eastern Sea State?

Mentor, you need not worry.

The letter has been delivered.

What were you going to tell me?

He's here and waiting in the Elixir Chamber.

- Bring us some good tea. - Yes.

- Supreme Master. - Mentor.

How did it go?

It was a narrow escape.

After Xun Fei Zhan saw my handprint

he went directly to Xun Bai Shui's manor that very night.

He must have discovered that I contacted Master Xun.

Are you certain?

I am.

This Commander General who has 50,000 Imperial Guards under his charge

definitely won't sit by doing nothing.

Since we've already driven a wedge between him and his uncle successfully

I believe that Commander General Xun will certainly get involved.

[Qiantian Yard]

Surround this place!

Mentor!

Mentor, there are so many Imperial Guards outside.

The Patrol Force is also here.

Qiantian Yard is now surrounded.

All routes are sealed off.

Commander General Xun leads the troops in person.

How did Xun Fei Zhan find his way here?

This isn't the time to figure that out.

We have to find you a hiding place.

Commander Xun!

Why are you here to investigate my cult's followers?

Sorry to alarm Guru.

I'm acting upon the decree to arrest the escaped felon, Duan Tong Zhou.

I discovered that he had stains of the Inner Court's unique oil.

Hence, I suspect that he recently showed up in Qiantian Yard.

Oh?

This place is unlike any other.

Not only are there many quarters but also many servants.

During the day, there are many followers.

Many come and go.

For a skilled fighter like Duan Tong Zhou

this place is indeed a good hideout for him.

A felon wanted by the Imperial Court...

It seems that Commander Xun means...

You wish to search every room?

There's the altar of the White God here in Qiantian Yard.

Although I'm not a believer

I wouldn't dare to act in an offensive way.

Thank you.

However...

I do know that it's still somehow inappropriate of me

to search the rooms one by one

as I was instructed to arrest the felon only by His Majesty's oral decree.

Yet if I were to submit a request for the written decree

- the timing would then-- - I understand.

Commander Xun has duties to carry out.

Besides, the thought of a felon wanted by the Imperial Court

lurking in my Qiantian Yard

makes me very uneasy.

However, there are many bestowed items of the Imperial Clan in Qiantian Yard.

Please have your men watch out for those when they search the premises.

I thank Guru for being so understanding.

Commander Xun, search as you please.

- Search. - Yes!

Didn't you say that you have nothing to do with Song Fu's case?

Your Highness.

I am not directly involved.

However, His Majesty happens to be furious about this case.

It would be difficult for me to explain clearly

however little I'm involved in it.

Judging by Fei Zhan's temperament

there's no saying how he would handle this in the end.

I'm just here to inform Your Highness, to give you a heads-up.

Fei Zhan won't handle this too ruthlessly.

I am just worried about... what might happen in the future.

What about the future?

Your Highness.

Could you bear to see Crown Prince look to Xiao Ping Zhang

of the Royal Changlin Manor for every matter in the future?

Xiao Ping Zhang?

The first born prince of Changlin is not some reckless man.

He might not behave as you assume.

The key doesn't lie in what they will do now

but what they intend to do in the future.

A man's mind is ever changing.

We must take precautions.

I still have to attend the Imperial Court.

I'll take my leave now.

This elixir cauldron has always been lit.

Duan Tong Zhou surely wouldn't dare to climb into it.

Commander General Xun.

- Ahead of you is my-- - Guru.

If I got this right, there should be a gadget here.

Commander General Xun, you're so sharp.

There is indeed a secret chamber behind this wall.

This is intended for my meditation.

Why don't you open it and we'll take a look?

Commander Xun, you said that followers come and go in Qiantian Yard

so it would be easy for a felon to blend in and sneak past us.

Therefore, I've cooperated with the Imperial Guards as much as I could.

I have nothing to complain about.

Yet now, you want to open my secret chamber?

That would then mean something different.

Secret chambers are triggered by trap door gadgets.

They are not places outsiders could sneak into.

If Commander Xun insists on searching the secret chamber

does it imply that you assume I am harboring a felon?

I have a question for Guru.

Ask away.

Are you?

Am I?

Harboring a felon.

Certainly not.

Since you aren't, what's the harm in opening it to take a look?

Guru, if you please.

Please lead the way, Guru.

The Enforcement Division has been trying the case of Datong Prefecture

and generally, the details of the case are now clear.

The crimes committed by Song Fu and his accomplices are deemed distinct.

Although one prisoner got away

the end of the year is approaching.

If we delay concluding this case simply because of that

it would seem unwise.

In my opinion, we'll conclude the case as Official Wu drafted.

Should we arrest the escapee another day

we'll open a new case to handle him.

What do you say, my brother?

I'll obey Your Majesty's orders.

We'll do that then.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Commander General Xun, feel free to take a look around.

Excuse me.

I've given Guru a hard time.

I'm truly sorry.

Should there be any strange sightings

please remember to alert the Imperial Guards.

I should be the one to apologize.

I've disappointed Commander General Xun.

Guru, I'm sorry for intruding.

I've been in the capital for quite some time

but this is the first time that I've found myself in a cold sweat.

Xun Fei Zhan...

He is one striking figure.

You said that Xun Fei Zhan recently searched Qiantian Yard?

What was the reason?

He was after Duan Tong Zhou.

Did he discover Duan's tracks or did he suspect Puyang Ying?

If he hadn't had any clues, Fei Zhan wouldn't have gone there recklessly.

Guru Puyang is greatly favored by the empress.

No one would have dared to offend him if it were someone else.

However, Fei Zhan is from the Xun family.

He could take such an action.

Although Puyang Ying has the title of Guru

he doesn't have an official title nor participate in politics.

Judging by the recent course of events

it doesn't seem to be related to him at all.

However, if he's involved, that would be baffling to me.

I can't figure out what part he would play in this case.

Although the investigation of the shipwreck

in Datong Prefecture was concluded quickly...

there are many loopholes in Song Fu's testimony.

The key witness in this case, Duan Tong Zhou, is on the run.

The real mastermind is yet to be exposed.

Not one official dares to breathe a word of this case in the Imperial Court.

Why do I think that the case is yet to be concluded?

It seems as if we've only just uncovered the tip of an iceberg.

How did it go?

I was right.

It is the Eastern Sea Dracaena.

That makeup box was bestowed to Sister Meng seven years ago.

The impact it has had on her health so far couldn't have been slight.

How could that be?

My sister-in-law is of a military family

and she trained in inner force with a great mentor.

Could she not have sensed that her health was deteriorating?

It's hard for me to explain that to you in a few words.

This impact it has on her doesn't present itself in a form of discomfort.

You said that it's possible to restore her health, right?

Let me know by all means if you need any help.

If it's medicinal herbs you need

I'll bring them back to you wherever they might be.

I know that you'll do your best.

I'll also do all that I can.

But I don't wish for Sister Meng to suffer a greater disappointment.

Therefore, don't tell them

that there's still hope of reversing her condition.

All right.

[Royal Changlin Manor]

Miss Lin will visit tomorrow.

She will diagnose Qian Xue's condition carefully again.

Ping Zhang, don't be too worried.

Lin Xi said apart from... the damage in that aspect

the dracaena shouldn't affect Qian Xue in any other way.

You must thank Miss Lin for me.

This is such a ruthless and vicious method.

But it's hard to investigate.

Ping Jing...

The wind in the capital is getting colder day by day.

Can you feel it?

Ping Zhang, are you very cold?

Be it cold wind...

Or a rainstorm...

It isn't as if the Royal Changlin Manor hasn't weathered storms in the past.

Ping Jing, take a trip with me.

Where are you going, Ping Zhang?

Celestial Prison.

Ping Zhang, Song Fu has confessed.

What else is it that you want to know?

I want to know what they were actually thinking when they did such a thing.

Thank you.

Didn't they say

that the Royal Changlin Manor won't interfere with the trial?

Your Highness, you still can't help but interfere?

This case is concluded.

His Majesty did it personally.

You'll be chopped in half and dumped in the market.

Three generations of your family were to be killed

but His Majesty was forgiving and allowed men in your family to be sold in exile.

What's wrong?

Have you not heard of the outcome?

I have here a documented resume of Master Song.

As recorded, in the seventh year of the Xianguang Reign

you were the county magistrate in Ying Province.

West Li State invaded and had the province under siege.

Both the governor and commander escaped.

Yet a civil officer like you safeguarded the city.

Hence, you were praised and given merit by the former emperor.

Since then, your career has been smooth sailing.

Master Song was still quite valiant then.

You still kept the nation and our people on your mind.

I wonder, when did such a mind begin to change?

I served the former emperor and His Majesty with the same loyalty!

All that I did was to ensure the stability of His Majesty's reign!

I don't quite understand what Master Song means by that.

You cut off supplies to the frontier.

It's as good as handing Gan Province over to the enemies.

How did that ensure His Majesty a more stable reign?

The situation at the frontier was just as the old prince speculated.

I had nothing to do with that.

However... As the commanding general

he only based his speculation on years of experience but not solid evidence.

He simply asked for the tally of the border-guardian army!

I still think that it sets a very bad example!

It shouldn't be allowed!

Your Highness, Great Liang bases our civil and military actions on orders.

May I ask, Your Highness

could all four armed forces follow the old prince's example from now on?

Therefore, you find it unbearable.

You wanted to use the lives of soldiers at the frontier

and the people of five provinces to serve as a warning?

That never crossed my mind.

I did give orders to sabotage the ships in Datong Prefecture.

It's just that I never expected Great Yu to invade down south

and focus attacks on Gan Province!

I only wanted to delay the supplies.

I just wanted to prevent Changlin Army from initiating a battle with Great Yu!

I never wanted Gan Province to be invaded!

Honestly speaking, many officials in the Imperial Court

share the same thoughts.

All of us wanted... We wanted to see Changlin Army get defeated once!

Break your spirit!

That would make the Royal Changlin Manor have some humility!

You wouldn't surpass the emperor in achievements!

We just want you to be defeated once!

Be defeated once?

My brother nearly died in Gan Province!

Do you hate Changlin Manor so much?

I respect the old prince for his benevolence and loyalty.

However...

Changlin Manor's authority rises above all other officials

and has overpowering influence.

Changlin Army surpasses all other troops

and defies orders from the central government!

This is a fact!

Even if Changlin Manor can remain completely loyal...

can you guarantee that your descendants won't succumb

in the face of power and covet the throne of Great Liang?

Do you know that Mister Qin is actually the renown fighter, Duan Tong Zhou?

I do.

He told me after he became my assistant.

Does Duan Tong Zhou work for you?

Duan Tong Zhou and Ji Chen worked together to kill the witness.

I saw it myself!

If Ji Chen didn't collude with you

why would he take such a great risk?

I wasn't working with him.

I never sent anyone to Qi Province.

I never did.

I'll be honest with you.

I actually believe that you didn't.

Who else in the Imperial Court actually shares the same thoughts as Song Fu?

I have matters to attend to.

You can head home.

Ping Zhang, where else are you going?

You have yet to recover, so I need to stay with you.

I'm going to the palace.

Prince Ping Zhang, are you here to question me?

I wouldn't dare.

This set of makeup boxes was bestowed by Your Highness.

Since I've now learned that something is amiss

I should report it to Your Highness first.

Report it to me?

You've brought these things to Zhengyang Palace.

Isn't that so that you can question me about this?

It's already been seven years.

How would I know what happened?

The Inner Court was given orders to have them specially crafted.

However, before they were sent out in the name of Your Highness

someone actually managed to tweak them first.

Your Highness should be angry about that.

However, am I the one you should direct your anger at?

You...

The pattern, materials, craftsmanship...

How it was made and examined...

How it was stored and delivered...

I think this can be investigated.

However, such personnel are all in the Inner Palace.

Even if I ask His Majesty for a decree to investigate

it won't be as convenient as having Your Highness supervise it.

Therefore, I have come to the palace today

to ask Your Highness to uphold justice for me.

You'd ask His Majesty for a decree to investigate?

Prince Ping Zhang, do you mean that as a threat?

My conscience is clear.

I'm not afraid of being framed by any villain.

That isn't my intention.

If Your Highness insists on interpreting it that way

there's nothing I can do about it.

However, everyone has his or her bottom line.

As for me...

Should my father, my wife, or Ping Jing be harmed in any way...

I will not put up with it.

Since Your Highness refuses to investigate it--

Who said that I won't?

How dare they play such tricks here in Zhengyang Palace?

I can't tolerate this either!

I already told you that it can't be the empress.

Otherwise, that would have been really foolish.

It's indeed very unlikely that it was instigated by the empress.

But I still had to see her reaction.

Not to mention that it's related to the Inner Court.

It also happened years ago.

The empress will surely have the means

to have this matter investigated.

You still need to recuperate.

How can you handle this?

Besides, we don't know where to start, so it's pointless to be anxious.

Ping Zhang, let me follow up on this matter.

I'll discuss it with you when I've made some progress.

Ping Jing...

I'm so glad that you're in the capital.

[Qiantian Yard]

Have the state letters from both Northern Yan and Eastern Sea arrived?

Yes.

Good.

It was more or less about the time I estimated.

Mentor, you're guided by the White God.

You certainly can predict accurately.

- Official Xun. - Present.

What is the cabinet's opinion on these two state letters?

State letters?

What?

The state letters sent by Northern Yan and Eastern Sea State.

Even I already received an excerpt

didn't the Court of State Ceremonial hand them to the cabinet?

Official Xun, what have you been busy doing these days?

You don't even remember this matter?

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, due to Song Fu's case

we're short a Head of the Legislative Bureau.

Many officials were involved.

The handling of the punishments is also complicated.

I can't keep up with my performance.

It's hard for me to multi-task.

Therefore, I've entrusted some matters of the cabinet to my deputy.

I've skimmed through the documents but I can't be certain of the details.

Therefore, I've embarrassed myself in front of Your Majesty.

This is a grave sin.

Your Majesty, please punish me.

Get up.

It's fine as long as you know it's your mistake.

There's no need for punishment.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Show these to him.

Your Majesty, Eastern Sea State and Great Liang are alliances by marriage.

We should approve right away of their envoy's visit to the capital.

Although it's almost the end of the year and might be quite inconvenient

if we are to estimate their time of arrival by the distance

the envoy will only arrive after Lunar New Year.

The timing is just fine.

As for Northern Yan...

Northern Yan is caught in internal unrest at the moment.

Their Imperial Court has split into two opposing parties.

It's still unclear how it will pan out.

I think that it's more suitable to have them visit next spring.

As for what they requested...

Your Majesty, you should consider carefully.

How about this?

The cabinet should draft a reply quickly.

I'll have a look at it first.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Master Xun.

Master Xun, how is your health?

You seem to be quite pale.

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.

I'm doing all right.

It's just that Song Fu's case in the Imperial Court

made me feel guilty as the Cabinet Minister.

Song Fu is set to be executed today.

I, too, feel very perplexed about all this.

However, Master Xun isn't acquainted with him in private.

You're not to be blamed for it.

Thank you for Your Highness's comforting words.

The thickness of the stem and roots

the number of leaves and petals, as well as the color

you have to verify these one by one.

You can't get any wrong.

I understand.

This concerns my sister-in-law, so I won't make any mistakes.

This herb prefers shade to sun, so it's not easy to find or pick.

You must be careful.

Don't worry.

When I was at Langya Hall--

Not even the aqua dragon of Lake Han can help.

Gloomy Cloud Stream is--

I'm even better at climbing cliffs and crossing streams.

Father.

Ping Zhang, come.

I heard that Father's been in the study since this morning.

What are you occupied with?

It's an excerpt of documents from the cabinet.

There's also the itinerary for the end of year ritual.

I have yet to read them all.

These miscellaneous matters are such a bother.

I've always been the one to handle them.

You don't have to read them.

You know that they are a bother.

The doctor said that you have to recuperate.

It's the end of the year, so there are more visits to make.

Don't wear yourself out.

Frankly speaking, I'm hoping to use that as an excuse

not to make so many visits this year.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I'm just wondering when Ping Jing can take over these matters.

Won't that be great?

You expect him to do this?

I wasn't aware that Your Highness was visiting.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I'm very sorry.

You may be dismissed now.

Your Highness, do you have some suggestions to give in private?

Changlin Manor has received the itinerary for the end of year ritual.

Master Shen, do you not find something inappropriate here?

As for the itinerary, the Ministry of Rites drafted it

according to what was done in previous years.

How we have offended you?

The previous years?

In the past few years, the crown prince was still young.

Therefore my father took his place

and made offerings to the gods on his behalf.

These can be traced back to examples in the past.

However, the crown prince has already turned 10.

He's been officially assigned to East Palace.

This is a huge event.

Now, all itineraries of every ritual and ceremony should be adjusted accordingly.

However, Master Shen, you didn't even change the seating arrangement

before you sent in the itinerary to the Royal Changlin Manor.

If my father approves it without noticing

would it be the negligence of the Ministry of Rites

or the Royal Changlin Manor's contempt of East Palace's authority?

Your Highness, please calm down.

I have failed to take the events into consideration.

It's also because his Majesty always says

that Crown Prince is from the younger generation

so he should respect his uncle--

The legal first born comes first in Great Liang.

There were many outstanding royal uncles in history.

As the Minister of Rites

Master Shen should know better how to respect them than I do.

Yes.

The Ministry of Rites should correct the itinerary immediately.

Once it has all been rearranged

I shall visit personally to apologize.

I'm not here for an apology from anyone.

I hope that Master Shen will carry out your duties as you should.

Don't think too much.

Take care, Your Highness.

Ping Zhang!

Here.

Ping Zhang, you were injured in the chest and lungs.

You shouldn't get too worked up or it will affect your recovery.

Princess Consort will be worried.

Fei Zhan...

You don't know what's going on.

I do.

The Imperial Guards have to contact the Ministry of Rites

for the end of year security.

When I got here, I overheard a bit.

That minister has always been quite a fence-rider.

You should know that.

He didn't set a trap for Changlin Manor.

It's more likely that he's trying to please you.

These many years, they are all used to doing that.

His Majesty comes first and then the old prince of Changlin.

They find it hard to change their habits.

Don't take it to heart.

Fei Zhan...

You're a smart man.

Just give it some thought and you'll realize how scary this habit is.

You can never tell what others might think.

I observe them, they observe me.

It's the same on both sides.

As for what one truly thinks, not even words can be trusted.

Although one's mind is unpredictable...

time will tell.

Many might have been mistaken.

They will understand in the end.

Fei Zhan, you also have much to do.

Don't worry about me.

My men are waiting outside.

I'll be fine.

It's fine. Let me walk you out.

After you.

Ping Zhang! You finally got home!

I've been waiting ages for you!

You were waiting for me?

Leave us.

I have a favor to ask of you.

You didn't get into trouble, did you?

How could I?

I just wish to leave the city and go somewhere.

It's quite far away, so I can't make it back in a day.

But Father gave strict orders that

I'm not allowed to go anywhere during Lunar New Year.

Cover for me.

You're leaving the capital now?

Where are you going?

What are you going to do?

I'm not doing much.

I'm just a bit too bored at home these days.

I'd like to visit Gloomy Cloud Stream.

Gloomy Cloud Stream?

This has to do with your sister-in-law?

I knew I couldn't keep anything from you.

Can you not guess so accurately?

You usually act out of the norm.

But at crucial times, you do know to have a sense of propriety.

Why do you need to go there?

Lin Xi said that an herb she needs to fix Qian Xue's health is there.

However fast I ride, I'll have to spend the night away.

Should Father and Qian Xue ask about me while I'm away

you'll have to cover for me.

Don't let it slip.

What's wrong?

You and Miss Lin have gone to such trouble for this matter.

Ping Zhang, can you not talk like this?

I'll be back after a night or two.

We're in charge of different tasks.

You've yet to recover, so you have to be in the manor.

Just leave all the errands to me.

When you've recovered, you can take over all big and trivial matters.

I'll just have Qian Xue make me delicious food every day.

If you regard obstacles as games, that is also quite a feat.

Go on then.

Leave our family to me.

Be very careful.

Thank you, Ping Zhang.

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