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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 10]

How's your homework coming along?

Sister-in-law.

Ping Zhang could have finished all these reports just by lifting his fingers.

Why did he have to make me read them?

He certainly has his reasons for making you read them.

Just read them through carefully.

The list of envoys from Eastern Sea State.

Qian Xue, look.

Who is this?

Marquis Mo Zi of Eastern Sea State?

He ranks first this year on Langya Hall's Pugilist Ranking.

What is he doing here in the capital?

You're right.

Could it be...

Could it have to do with Consort Shu?

It's written here in the state letter.

"Offerings are prepared by Eastern Sea's customs"

"to pay respects to Consort Shu."

Consort Shu?

Which Consort Shu?

Eastern Sea State and Great Liang have always been joined by marital alliances.

20 years ago, they once married two princess into our capital.

One was married into East Palace and became Consort Shu.

What about the other princess?

The other princess was bestowed by the former emperor to the second prince.

She's now Grand Madam of Laiyang.

Grand Madam of Laiyang?

Yuan Qi's mother?

I almost forgot that she was from Eastern Sea State.

Although Marquis Mo Zi is renown

he has long withdrawn from the society in Eastern Sea State.

For many years, no one actually knew that he was the older brother of Consort Shu.

Consort Shu passed away seven years ago.

Why would he suddenly wish to pay his respects now?

It's understandable that one would wish to pay respects to one's siblings.

However... is he just here to pay his respects?

Whatever the reason, whether his intention is malicious or not

we mustn't take the visit of a top ranking professional fighter lightly.

Fortunately, we have great fighters here in Great Liang as well.

Here in the capital, we do have two people who could take him on.

Fei Zhan and Ping Jing.

Although Fei Zhan isn't on the Langya Hall's Pugilist Ranking

everyone knows that he is an extremely skilled warrior.

He surely won't have any trouble tackling the marquis.

As for Ping Jing...

Father, do rest assured.

Ping Jing hasn't just been fooling around in Langya Hall all these years.

If he joins forces with Fei Zhan

they won't be too far from being invincible.

I think that Marquis Mo Zi's intention is unclear.

I'm afraid we can't deduce his intentions.

Why don't we choose not to restrain Fei Zhan and Ping Jing?

Let them act spontaneously

as if this is just another case in the fighting world.

I think we should just leave this to the children.

Your Majesty shouldn't have to worry about this matter.

But he is, after all, Consort Shu's older brother.

I'll allow it.

I'll leave it to you to instruct Ping Jing and Fei Zhan on this.

Yes.

Mother!

Mother.

What happened? You seem so anxious.

I have great news for you.

What great news can there possibly for me?

Go on, tell me.

The Imperial Court has informed me

that envoys were sent out from the Eastern Sea State.

They should arrive in Jinling by the end of next month.

Mother married into Great Liang from afar.

Your maternal family is visiting.

Shouldn't you be happy about that?

I certainly am.

I'm so happy that I'm at a loss for words.

Paying respects to Consort Shu

is specifically requested in the state letter.

It proves that after all these years

Eastern Sea State never forgot either of you.

We...

This is so exquisite.

Grand Madam, there are more over there.

The empress was kind enough to let me have a look.

I really am blown away.

I've never seen such an exquisite makeup box.

Grand Madam, tea is ready.

Grand Madam, I'll serve you some tea.

What you just did in the empress's quarters...

I witnessed it all.

I didn't expose you on the spot

because we both came from Eastern Sea State.

We married into Great Liang at the same time.

I know what you brought with you into Great Liang.

Since you have figured it all out...

Why do you have to hear it from me?

You know the chilling element of Eastern Sea Dracaena!

You're trying to cut off the bloodline of the Royal Changlin Manor!

I can't relieve myself of the hatred in my heart!

It's all because Prince of Changlin got my husband killed!

I've always advised you to just let bygones be bygones.

Just keep Yuan Qi safe and spend your days in comfort.

Don't hold such unnecessary grudges.

Why can't you heed my words?

Once you make such a move to harm someone

how could you not leave any trace behind?

Once this matter is exposed

I'm afraid that I'll also be implicated as I was from Eastern Sea State as well.

But the makeup box has already been sent out of the palace by now.

What do you plan to do?

I'll give you 10 days.

Come up with a way to retrieve what you have sent out.

This is as much as I can do for you for the sake of our friendship.

Dear sister!

My sister... You're right.

I lost my mind in the heat of the moment.

Thank you... for leaving me a chance to survive.

Mother?

Mother.

You're right.

In the blink of an eye...

Consort Shu has been dead for seven years.

[First on Langya Hall's Pugilist Ranking, Marquis Mo Zi of Eastern Sea State]

It's written in the state letter that the ritual for Consort Shu

is to be held according to Eastern Sea customs

so there's no use of the White Cult.

I wonder why Your Highness has summoned me here.

There are past rituals to refer to.

I didn't summon you here for the ritual.

I've heard that Consort Shu's older brother is a remarkable figure.

I'd like to find out more about him.

I understand what Your Highness means.

The Imperial Court is staying alert for the visit of Marquis Mo Zi.

Once I receive any information, I'll be sure to report to Your Highness.

Guru, you have always been very resourceful.

I'm too flattered.

Do rest assured, Your Highness.

Madam, is there a change of plan regarding the makeup box?

What do you mean?

I see that between your brows, there's a dark aura gathering.

This is a sign of impending disaster.

I was observing the celestial signs last night.

The Purple Star has dimmed.

The Guest Star in the southeast is shining.

It's vying for radiance with the Purple Star.

It is the sign of rivalry between siblings.

You mean--

Madam, one of your sisters from your clan wishes you dead.

A sister from my clan?

Have a seat.

This is my father's collection of great tea.

Top quality Xuanchuan tea.

Try some.

What is it you want to tell me? Be quick.

I have to do an acupuncture treatment for Sister Meng soon.

It bothers me that the culprit behind Qian Xue's misfortune can't be found.

You once said that Eastern Sea Dracaena is a rare medicine.

Not just anyone can obtain it.

Do you think it's feasible to look into this from where it was sourced?

Eastern Sea Dracaena has a very chilling effect.

It's extremely useful for treating fevers.

It's collected every year to be sold to vendors of Yan, Liang, Yu, and Chu.

It's sold across the states.

It's rare and even a small quantity is very expensive.

It's only obtained by certain people

and only found in specific places at specific times.

Hence, whoever has Eastern Sea Dracaena

can't possibly come from just an ordinary family.

Other than that, there's nothing to deduce from the Eastern Sea Dracaena.

My brother and sister-in-law are very much in love.

My brother won't take a concubine.

Isn't this meant to cut off my brother's bloodline?

Could this culprit bear a grudge against the Royal Changlin Manor?

Judging from the tactics used

this person doesn't have a chance to seek revenge directly.

The culprit might not even get to leave home often.

The tactic used to harm Sister Meng is a makeup box.

Do you mean to say that the culprit can very well be

a lady within the Imperial Clan?

If it's a lady within our clan, there's not much I can do.

There are so many women in the palace.

I don't have any clue what grudges they have against one another.

How am I supposed to investigate?

- Ping Zhang. - Your Highness.

Fei Zhan, you're here.

Please come in.

- Get Second Young Master to join us. - Yes.

You two had a public fight.

Have you made up yet?

Ping Jing certainly did strike them much more heavily

in defense of his family.

It's not entirely his fault.

I was also at fault.

However, I do understand your kind intention in holding him back.

Second Young Master.

Commander General Xun is visiting.

His Highness has asked you to join them.

Ping Zhang.

Brother Xun.

Have a seat.

You're about to carry out a task together.

You can't have that little to say to each other.

Carry out a task together?

Brother Xun is the commander general of His Majesty's Imperial Guards.

I don't have a title or post.

What task can we possibly carry out?

You're smart. Can't you make a guess?

- Marquis Mo Zi? - Marquis Mo Zi?

Marquis Mo Zi ranks first on Langya Hall's Pugilist Ranking.

It's such a rare chance to meet such a remarkable fighter.

It's neither gold, jade, copper, nor iron.

A sword crafted with an extract of Eastern Sea's water and black crystal.

That weapon alone is enough to trigger one's curiosity.

Langya Hall judges and ranks all matters in this world.

It lists all heroes and outstanding figures.

The rankings are never inaccurate.

Since Marquis of Mo Zi is ranked first among all fighters

he must have excelled above all others.

What do you know about his martial arts skills?

All of Langya Hall's rankings are judged by Old Hall Master.

I know just about as much as you probably know.

Generally speaking, Marquis Mo Zi is more like a hermit.

He lives alone on an island.

His swordsmanship is malicious, but he rarely strikes.

No one knows who his mentor was.

He really is extremely mysterious.

Exactly.

We only know that he's from the Eastern Sea State.

We weren't even aware that he was born into the royal family.

Honestly, all this time, I had thought his name was Mo Zi.

Isn't Mo Zi his name?

It now seems it was just his title when he was ennobled.

Who cares what his name is?

Even if he's the top fighter and he harbors ill intentions

what trouble can he possibly stir up in Jinling?

We must jump to conclusions.

After seven years, Eastern Sea State suddenly asked

to pay respects to Consort Shu.

There must be a reason for it.

I'll be honest with you both.

Although the envoys of Eastern Sea State are set to arrive at the end of the month

I can't help but feel that

the best fighter in the world is now in Jinling City.

Do you want to die or will you answer my question?

I want to live...

I want to live!

Seven years ago, when Consort Shu was in labor

you were one of the imperial physicians who was on duty, am I right?

Yes, yes.

What was her cause of death?

Abnormal fetal presentation.

She died from obstructed labor.

Really?

Consort Shu was ranked high among the concubines.

She was carrying an imperial heir.

That was two lives taken at once.

It was a serious issue.

His Majesty ordered Prince of Ning and the Inner Court

to investigate her death for three full months.

How... how could this not be true?

Write down a list of every person who was present that night.

Yes.

Is anyone there?

Anyone?

Is anyone there?

Six victims.

Three of them were imperial physicians and one is a midwife.

The other two are family members.

Not even you could wield the sword to make such an incision.

This proves that you were right.

Marquis Mo Zi has already arrived in Jinling.

Why would the world's best fighter kill these six?

What is he trying to do?

Does he think that no one in Great Liang can stop him?

No, I suspect that there's more than meets the eye

in regards to Consort Shu's death.

Ting Sheng, I'll be honest with you.

I did suspect foul play when Consort Shu died of an obstructed birth.

I assigned Prince of Ning and the Inner Court to investigate thoroughly.

However...

Since Your Majesty had it investigated, it must have been very thorough.

If nothing was found amiss

we can only say that Consort Shu wasn't fortunate enough.

Yet I've still had doubts for all these years.

This time, her brother will be in town.

Perhaps he might put some past doubts to rest.

Your Majesty, please allow me to bring Ping Jing here

to keep watch outside your quarters

and assist the Imperial Guards in defending the palace.

Ting Sheng!

You're always so worried about me.

I still have Fei Zhan here in the palace.

Just send Ping Jing to the palace.

You're not to join him.

You mustn't assume that you're much fitter than I am.

After all, you're over 60 years old now.

You must be tired.

Judging from what you said, Marquis Mo Zi's intention is obvious.

He really has come to re-investigate Consort Shu's death.

Although His Majesty insisted on the investigation, nothing was found.

What can the marquis find out now?

It will be different this time.

His Majesty is always calm and reasonable.

He won't judge by his suspicions.

He will refer to both witnesses and solid evidence.

Marquis Mo Zi is unlike him.

He doesn't have to consider too much.

He can make his judgment just by questioning the witnesses.

As for the final outcome, it depends on what he chooses to believe.

What will he do once he reaches a verdict?

Is he going to seek revenge?

Now that you mention it

I do think that's how he's narrowing down his final target.

Ping Zhang, tell me what you think.

Marquis Mo Zi put down his name on the list of envoys.

It will make his investigation known.

He will use this method to announce to the world

that he is the best fighter in the entire world.

He is here for the sake of Consort Shu.

He kills without any mercy.

He doesn't care if he takes innocent lives by mistake.

You're right.

If there really is a secret behind Consort Shu's death

someone must be panicking right now

with all these murders and revenge sought throughout the city.

Ping Jing, come with me.

We have to head out.

Where to?

The Inner Court.

Your Ladyship!

You must hang in there!

Your Ladyship!

Your Ladyship!

- My sister... - Get hot water quickly!

My sister..

Help me, my sister...

Help me, my sister...

Your Ladyship!

Hang in there!

Your Ladyship! Hang in there!

My sister...

Your Ladyship, you'll be fine.

Hang in there!

Hang in there, Your Ladyship!

Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship!

- Your Ladyship! - It hurts! My stomach hurts so much!

What's wrong, Your Ladyship?

Your Ladyship!

- Hang in there! - It hurts so much!

Your Ladyship!

My sister!

Four murders.

Six victims?

Yes.

Marquis Mo Zi is swift and vicious.

Mentor was right in inviting him over from a great distance.

However, it's strange that neither

the Metropolitan Government Office nor the Ministry of Justice is in charge.

Commander General Xun and

Second Young Master of Changlin are investigating instead.

Xun Fei Zhan...

Xiao Ping Jing...

His Majesty really is very good at using the right people.

I believe this must have been suggested by the first born prince of Changlin?

Mentor, would you like to send someone to stalk them?

No, although the suicide warriors that Duan Tong Zhou trained are skilled

they aren't good enough to stalk those two unnoticed.

We must keep a close eye on Marquis of Laiyang Manor.

Yes, Mentor.

Ping Zhang, Ping Jing.

Have you found anything new?

- Brother Xun. - Fei Zhan.

Marquis Mo Zi is extremely skilled.

He's also in the dark.

We must follow his tracks and then overtake him.

Only then can we stop him from making his next move.

These six people he killed were all currently serving in the palace.

They were either imperial physicians or midwives.

Based on that, we should look into the people who were present

at the time of Consort Shu's obstructed labor.

We're looking into that right now. Look.

These are the detailed records.

And these are the reports of her death from back then.

Indeed, we must overtake Marquis Mo Zi.

What Marquis Mo Zi has been doing so far

is to interrogate all the personnel who were present then.

Take a look at this.

This is a list of all personnel who were present then.

Imperial Academy of Medicine... Master Wang, Master Zhao, Master Huang.

Midwife...

They were all killed by Marquis Mo Zi!

[Ministry of Rites, Zheng Shi Xiao] If we go by the order here...

the next victim will be Master Zheng.

Let's go.

[Case Report]

[Prince Ning and the Inner Court investigated]

[the sudden demise of Consort Shu.]

[Three imperial physicians, one midwife, eight palace maids, four eunuchs]

[and Grand Madam of Laiyang were present at the scene.]

[Zheng Residence]

We stayed up all night for nothing.

He might have been here.

Once I get the questioning arranged in the palace

I'll send someone to inform you.

[Royal Changlin Manor]

Father, has something urgent come up in the palace

that you have to be there so early in the morning?

His Majesty has caught a cold.

I'm worried, so I'm heading over there to take a look at him.

Why don't I also--

You look pale, so don't bother accompanying me.

Stay in the manor and recuperate.

You had Fei Zhan and Ping Jing reinvestigate Consort Shu's death?

Marquis Mo Zi only came to Jinling City seven years after her death.

This must have been triggered by something.

It's too dangerous to follow behind such a skilled fighter.

Whatever the chances, we have to try and get ahead of him somehow.

Wouldn't government officials be meddling too deep

into the matters of the harem?

Should we really discover anything, we'll leave it to His Majesty to handle.

I don't think it's inappropriate.

I'll let you decide.

Guru, repeat what you just said.

Marquis Mo Zi killed six people in a night in Jinling City.

The Patrol Force has been searching for him throughout the city

but no traces could be found.

He... What is he trying to do?

He's here to seek revenge.

In my opinion, he doesn't believe that Consort Shu died of obstructed labor.

He came here to look into the cause of her death.

He's here to avenge his younger sister.

I speculated that there might be another motive behind his actions.

Guru, please elaborate.

He deliberately stirs up panic by seeking revenge for Consort Shu

so that the guilty culprit would blow his or her own cover.

Then he could seek out the true culprit.

Your Highness, forgive me for speaking bluntly.

Can you dismiss the servants?

Your Highness, if you have done something inappropriate

please tell me honestly.

I can then cover it up for you.

I'm indebted to Your Highness for recruiting my talent.

I'll most certainly do all that I can for Your Highness.

His Majesty was more fond of Consort Shu.

I felt helpless but I could still bear it.

What scared me then was what might happen in the future.

I was scared that His Majesty would favor Consort Shu's child even more...

More than my son, Yuan Shi.

If I hadn't had that thought in mind or picked on Consort Shu

that would have been a lie.

However...

In the end, I never actually played a part in Consort Shu's death.

I never did!

Since Your Highness didn't do anything at all

why are you so depressed and frightened?

Guru, do you know how scary it is to be suspected and yet

you don't know how to prove yourself innocent?

It's a pity that Consort Shu wasn't lucky enough to keep her child.

At times, when he looked at me...

I wondered what he was thinking.

Your Highness, you're so sensitive.

It would seem as if you're being too hard on yourself.

His Majesty is my husband.

After all these years, he still doubts me.

Not to mention Marquis Mo Zi, who is here on a hunt for revenge.

He could have already convicted me of killing his sister!

Consort Shu...

You've been dead for years.

Why are you still lingering here?

The White God knows of Your Highness's innocence.

I shall pray for Your Highness.

May the White God relieve Your Highness of the issue

that weighs heavily on your heart.

Crown Prince.

Your Highness... be careful.

We both married into Great Liang at the same time.

I know very well what you brought with you to Great Liang.

You know the chilling element of Eastern Sea Dracaena!

Once you make such a move to harm someone

how could you not leave any traces behind?

But the makeup box has already been sent out of the palace by now.

Is what you said true?

I overheard each and every word.

It's absolutely true.

This means...

Consort Shu has gotten hold of Grand Madam of Laiyang's weakness?

Your Highness, I only overheard them in the middle of their conversation.

I have yet to make heads or tails of this matter.

I only overhead some parts of their conversation.

Grand Madam of Laiyang seemed to be very scared.

Grand Madam of Laiyang brought Eastern Sea Dracaena with her.

Who is it that she's trying to harm?

Your Highness, I didn't hear very clearly.

I can make friends with Consort Shu's older sister now.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Grand Madam of Laiyang, do rise.

Give her a seat.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Madam, you don't look well.

It's said that one's appearance mirrors one's mind.

I wonder what is troubling Madam?

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.

I just happen to be having trouble sleeping recently.

I'm all right.

Oh?

Indeed.

Who could still sleep soundly after doing such a thing?

I don't quite understand... what Your Highness just said.

I heard that when Madam came here from Eastern Sea State

you secretly brought something with you.

Your Highness!

You...

How did you...

Exactly.

Consort Shu has already told me what you intend to do.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Your Highness! Please forgive me!

Your Highness!

Your Highness! Please forgive me!

Although both you and Consort Shu are sisters from Eastern Sea State

what does that matter?

At crucial times, isn't it common for siblings to turn against each other?

Even your husband was a victim of that.

Didn't he get killed because of his own brother?

These couple of months...

I've been attending to my sister so meticulously.

Consort Li tried to harm her many times, but I fended her off.

Who knew...

Who knew that she would do this to me?

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