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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 30]

Father.

Uncle Yuan.

Second Young Master is home after such a long time.

You haven't even stayed long and now you're leaving.

Anyway, my old face can't come up with any other expression.

Isn't this how military families should be?

We don't get together much.

Ignore him. Get going.

Come with me to the Imperial Court.

General of Subjugation, you're leaving already?

Yes.

I attended the Imperial Court today to bid Your Majesty farewell.

I'll leave the capital tomorrow.

I don't know much about military affairs.

Since Uncle Ting Sheng has sent you back to Gan Province

he has his reasons for doing so.

I wouldn't dare to keep you here.

It is the duty of Changlin to safeguard the frontier for Your Majesty.

Your Highness.

This is a decision made by the cabinet according to His Majesty's wishes.

Is something amiss?

Your Majesty.

The divisions of Mount Wei and Cuifeng have protected the capital for years.

At least, I didn't notice that they made any mistakes.

I wonder why Your Majesty would suddenly wish to reform them.

Uncle Ting Sheng... you don't agree to this?

Your Majesty!

Your Highness.

There are precedent examples in Great Liang of new emperors

reforming the old Palace Guards upon succeeding the throne.

Even if His Majesty suddenly thought of doing so

it's not a serious matter that should be rejected.

According to the cabinet's proposal

it's obvious that the high-ranking military officials are to be dismissed

military households redistributed, and soldiers regrouped.

How is this just reforming old divisions?

Your Highness.

Since His Majesty took the throne

he has obeyed your every word.

He just wishes to follow the example of the former emperor

to establish a small troop of Palace Guards.

By rights, this should be a matter decided solely by the emperor.

I don't understand how Your Highness doesn't find this to your liking.

Empress Dowager.

They are already discussing that issue.

Your Highness, will you head straight in?

No, I'll enter from the back hall.

I have to listen for a little while to understand the situation.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

The Royal Palace Guards have always served the emperor directly.

I'm not objecting to that.

However, disbanding the old troops to establish new guards

isn't something that is done simply with just a few words.

There are 70,000 men in the Mount Wei and Cuifeng divisions.

Even if just the sixth-rank officials are to be relocated

this will implicate half of the military households.

The personnel and resources required for just that are quite numerous.

Not to mention--

Your Highness, do rest assured!

At the moment, the political situation is stable

and our national power is solid.

His Majesty is the ruler of the nation.

Moreover, he is assisted by outstanding officials.

The ministries of personnel, revenue, and war didn't voice their objections.

Your Highness, why should you have to worry about it?

It certainly isn't an issue

that Your Majesty wishes to re-establish the Palace Guards.

I only objected because I fail to see why you're in such a rush to do so.

Your Majesty is still underage.

You've just started to learn to govern the nation--

What is the matter with His Majesty being underage?

- Greetings, Empress Dowager. - Mother.

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

The old prince's subordinates at the northern frontier

total about 200,000 men.

You can have all the men and rations that you want.

When did the Imperial Court ever have a say in that?

Although His Majesty's prestige can't be compared to yours

he is an emperor now.

Is he to act in accordance with the will of others just because he's young?

Mother, this isn't the issue here.

Empress Dowager should just enjoy her retirement.

This matter we're discussing is of no concern to the harem.

Your Highness, you need not advise us on anything.

Besides, His Majesty holds his Imperial Court sessions

here in Chaoyang Hall.

It can't be appropriate for members of the harem to be present.

Harem?

How is this interfering?

The old prince need not make it sound so serious.

I've been in the palace for decades.

Not even the former emperor ever blamed me for misconduct.

What is this?

Now that you make all the decisions

my son and I are always at fault and I can't even voice my opinion?

Mother...

Empress Dowager.

The old prince is just acting upon the former emperor's decree

to assist His Majesty and offer some suggestions.

He never did what you implied.

Your Highness, you should head back now.

Look at His Majesty. He's also feeling a bit awkward now.

Mother.

Since the old prince is making every decision

why don't you hold the Imperial Court in Changlin Manor?

Why would His Majesty hold the sessions here?

Empress Dowager, what does that mean?

Ping Jing!

Since this is an Imperial Court session

shouldn't everyone voice their opinions?

What are you doing in front of His Majesty?

Your Highness!

My son, did you see that?

General of Subjugation is so aggressive!

Is he still an official of Great Liang's Imperial Court?

Your Majesty, Ping Jing isn't here to attend the session.

He shouldn't be squabbling with Empress Dowager during our session.

Since Empress Dowager insists on staying

I'm afraid it's inappropriate to discuss political matters now.

Your Majesty, please allow me to take my leave.

We will take our leave now.

Uncle Ting Sheng...

We will take our leave now.

The former emperor! The former emperor!

Old Prince, do you have to do that?

I will leave now!

Please stop being so harsh to His Majesty.

Mother...

The former emperor!

- Mother... - The former emperor...

Mother!

The former emperor...

Cabinet Minister!

Cabinet Minister.

Xiao Ping Jing is quite hot-headed.

He loses his patience when he gets angry.

If the first born prince of Changlin were alive

it wouldn't have ended like that.

Father.

Your Highness.

Empress Dowager's words were indeed bitterly disappointing.

However, it's your health that matters.

Don't let this get to you.

I wield military authority over the various frontiers

so I know that I should recuse myself from relevant issues.

In terms of the Imperial Guards, the Patrol Force

and the two divisions of Palace Guards

or any military affairs relevant to the defense of the capital

I have never interfered with them unless His Majesty asked me.

That's how it was when Emperor Wu Jing was alive.

It was the same during the reign of the former emperor.

However, I couldn't help but say a few words.

Your Highness, it's different now.

You're acting on the decree as a regent.

It's only right that you offer advice to His Majesty.

The Imperial Guards defend within the palace walls

while the Royal Palace Guards defend from the outside.

They are only deployed by the decree of and answer only to the emperor.

If a new emperor wishes to make changes

be it disbanding the old, or recruiting the new

it is the rightful action of a new emperor to establish prestige.

Who am I to object to that?

Deep down, I knew that all this unnecessary commotion

wasn't done for the sake of His Majesty.

They simply mean to pick on the Royal Changlin Manor.

This was not His Majesty's idea.

If Your Highness refuses to agree to it

this matter...

It will just come to an end.

Brother Xun.

This argument turned ugly because they targeted my father.

Don't you understand what Prince of Changlin meant

when he told everyone that you're still underage?

What was wrong with that?

Don't I often say that as well?

Yuan Shi, you're too kind by nature.

Therefore, you won't think much of it.

You can ask your maternal uncle.

Who in the Imperial Court didn't figure out what Prince of Changlin meant?

He said that you're still underage to indicate you're a young ruler

without the right to make decisions!

Once this is said a few more times, everyone will acknowledge that as a fact.

Prince of Changlin is to serve as an advising regent

but won't this make him the ruler instead?

Mother! This is defamation!

I'll never believe that!

Fine.

I am but a woman of the harem.

I don't know much about anything.

You can choose not to believe me.

However, time will tell a man's true intentions.

I hope that I am wrong to think that.

When I think about what happened in the palace hall

I'm really worried about leaving Father alone here.

I've been through a lot.

I'll find a way to handle it.

Stay out of it.

At the northern frontier, should you encounter any problems

discuss them with Old General Wei.

If Ping Zhang were alive...

You'll pass by Mount Langya on the way.

Don't forget to visit your sister-in-law and nephew.

Send my regards to Old Hall Master Lin.

Father?

Should I write to Qian Xue and ask her to come home?

You've only met your grandson once.

You must miss him dearly.

Ce...

I do miss him.

His Majesty is still young.

His disposition might change.

State affairs are too many and too complicated.

You're far out at the northern frontier.

I'm now an old bag of bones.

It's safer to keep Qian Xue and Ce there in Mount Langya.

I'll feel more at ease.

Father!

I really wouldn't dare to have Father see me out.

Allow me to bid you farewell right here.

Hold on.

This silver locket... You don't have to wear it anymore.

Father...

I've thought about many matters over the past year.

There are some matters that I've slowly come to let go.

His Majesty has grown up.

Naturally, you're not a child anymore.

Ping Jing...

From now on, I trust every decision that you make.

Be it Changlin Army

or your heart.

Every decision that you make from now on must not be based on

your brother's expectations, and definitely not on your father's fixation.

You now have the right judgment and responsibility.

[Jifeng Hall] Take care.

There is a Jifeng Hall here.

I saw that there's one in the capital.

You've been at the frontier for so long that you're so clueless.

Jifeng Hall is the largest clinic in Great Liang.

Lang Province is a prefectoral region.

How could they not have one here?

I've heard they even opened one in Northern Yan.

Lu Zhao.

Present, General.

I'll take a detour to Mount Langya tomorrow.

You don't have to come with me.

Just wait for me in Lang Province.

Yes.

Old Hall Master.

Ping Jing has come up the mountain.

I believe that he won't stay long.

He's only taking a detour.

He will head north in two or three days.

The mundane world is always busy, and the wind never dies down.

That child simply can't see through that illusion.

Old Hall Master, have you?

If I could, I'd have attained salvation and become a deity years ago.

Although those in Langya Hall are bystanders

it's still interesting to watch such friendships continue

in the mundane world.

Friendship isn't the only thing that passes on for generations.

There is also sovereignty.

Ambition.

Plots and schemes.

Say, "Uncle Ping Jing."

Uncle Ping Jing.

You'd better not wake him up.

Right...

Lin Xi said that she's going to travel the world.

She's going to taste every plant

and publish a new pharmacopoeia.

She left Mount Langya some time ago.

I wonder where she is now.

Ping Jing.

How are you?

These days when I'm asleep, I keep dreaming of your brother.

This child reminds me of him so much...

that I miss him even more

When Ping Zhang was alive... I was used to relying on him.

Ever since Ping Zhang passed away

I've been worried almost every day that the frontier could be in danger.

I'm worried about Father because of his age.

I'm worried that I... I might not do well in certain matters...

and fail to meet Ping Zhang's expectations.

I might not be clever but I do think that I understood Ping Zhang very well.

Can I say some words to you on his behalf?

Please do, Qian Xue.

Ping Zhang did everything he could to save you.

Not for any other reason.

Just because he was your older brother.

You shared this intimate kinship.

He wanted you to stay alive and well.

Not so you could become like him.

Not just another Xiao Ping Zhang.

Your Highness, drink the medication while it's warm.

I have one.

Your Highness.

Didn't you say that you'd leave this to His Majesty as training?

Why are you still worried about it?

Changlin Manor, never did we once think that way!

We never wanted to manipulate any armed forces in the capital!

Not even one troop!

Veteran or new troops, what difference does it make to me?

The main point is that the Palace Guards are to defend the capital's gates!

They mustn't be manipulated by anyone!

Look at you. Didn't we say that we wouldn't get worked up over this?

Is there anything amiss about His Majesty's final proposal

about establishing the army?

Building the campsite, organizing, and training are the details.

There are people in the Ministry of War that I can trust.

I won't have to worry if the overall arrangements are made.

What is it that you're worried about?

Royal Palace Guards only answer to the emperor.

This might seem like a mere statement.

However, this statement isn't as simple as it sounds.

That is...

Generations of gratitude...

Duties passed down from one generation of disciples to the next...

Loyalty has to be carved into their hearts.

Yet now, these veteran soldiers with utmost loyalty in their hearts

are mostly being disbanded.

However well you may train the newly recruited soldiers

how could they pledge loyalty to His Majesty in such a short time?

Indeed...

It's hard to say how these new soldiers will turn out.

They are the easiest to manipulate.

Ordinary folks who are newly recruited as soldiers

are no different from common militia troops

even if they are Royal Palace Guards.

With so many commanding officers

it will be good enough if they can even recognize the Commander General.

His Majesty is simply too distant to them.

However, those of high rank in Jinling City

can't even imagine such issues.

I heard that you've been handed the military tally of Changlin Army?

Yes.

My father has informed all camps of Changlin Army

that the military tally has been passed down to me.

The mundane world is huge.

Everyone has different desires.

What they value is also different.

You might think that you have been dutiful and responsible

but it might not seem so in the eyes of another.

Old Hall Master is right.

I, too, understand that.

The peacefulness in the capital has always been a facade.

Minds can be deceitful and a stab in the back is hard to prevent.

No one knows what is truly happening right now.

Even centuries of the ancient past were but a fleeting moment.

All creations are fictitious.

Your father has dedicated his life to the military.

Since he has not the will to be in a political struggle

why doesn't he simply choose to let it go?

Old Hall Master, you observe the world and know the present by the past.

You can see through the mundane world.

However, not everyone can do that.

For the common folks

even if the world changes in an instant

nothing matters more to them than three full meals and a safe country.

My father once taught me

Changlin Army is also responsible for them, not just the capital.

But you used to tell me that you wish to just be a fighter.

You wished to live carefree and follow your heart's desire.

I only get to live carefree without worrying about the necessities of life

because I was born into the royal manor.

I had my father and older brother to support me.

I shouldn't take that for granted.

I'm really not used to seeing you speak in such a serious manner.

Here, have some tea.

Yes.

We finally disbanded the two divisions in Mount Wei and Cuifeng.

We've established the new Donghu Palace Guards.

It did take quite a lot of effort.

Fei Zhan might be quite proud and unyielding

but we can leave the Imperial Guards in his care with ease.

Now, after calculating and weighing our options

the situation in the capital can be kept stable

until His Majesty comes of age and take over the governance officially.

What about Xiao Ping Jing at the northern frontier?

He isn't just a third-rank General of Subjugation anymore.

He is now the commander-in-chief of Changlin Army.

Shouldn't we take precautions against him?

Compared to the deceased first born prince of Changlin

this Second Young Master is inferior to him in terms of prestige.

At the moment, there's no battle at the northern frontier.

It won't be that easy for him to make any impressive contribution.

We won't have to worry about him yet.

Fortunately, I have my brother to plan ahead for His Majesty.

It's good to get everything smooth and steady.

After a year at the frontier, your skills have improved so much.

Sister-in-law.

Perhaps, it's because I can concentrate better now.

Have you really decided to leave tomorrow?

Yes.

Father... he really doesn't want me to go home with Ce?

At his age, I'm also very worried that Father is all alone in the capital

without any young members of the family to attend to him.

However, since Father has made it clear that you're not to return home

he must have made his own plans.

It's best for us to obey him.

Brother Jiu?

What is it? Is this for me?

This is a farewell gift from Old Hall Master.

It will be helpful for the security at the northern frontier.

You may only open it when you get to Gan Province.

He's still so mysterious?

Old General Wei.

You mustn't.

Old General Wei, how have you been?

I'm all right.

Since Second Young Master-- No...

I should now address you as--

You served my father for decades.

You're still an elder to me.

There's no need to address me differently.

We received the notification from the capital.

Since the old prince has handed the military tally to you

you're now the deputy commander of Changlin Army

like the first born prince once was.

How can I address you so casually?

Thank you, Old General Wei.

I also thank everyone for your support.

I'll surely do my very best not to let my father and brother down.

However...

Be it the title of the first born prince of Changlin

or Deputy Commander of the northern frontier...

only my brother can be addressed that way.

Please do forgive me, but please address me as you always did.

Yes!

Old General.

After you.

How are things at the northern frontier?

Everything is still stable.

However, the royal army of Great Yu sent a troop of 300 men

to attack our watchtower in the south of Mount Mo a few days ago.

Our rations and provisions were all robbed.

We managed to round them up and captured one of their commanders.

All the commanders in their royal army are sixth-rank officers.

He's not a petty officer.

- Did you interrogate him? - We did.

He didn't say a word that was useful.

There's no need to worry.

You must be worn out from your travels.

It's best to get some rest soon.

I thank Old General Wei for your concern.

But please bring me the relevant reports, so I can have a quick read.

Yes.

Ping Jing, you rarely get to go home for a visit.

Why didn't you accompany Uncle Ting Sheng for a while longer?

My father is old.

How could I not wish to stay by his side?

Sadly, no one can remain loyal to their duties

and be filial at the same time.

Besides, it was my father who ordered me to rush back to the northern frontier.

How is the old prince's health?

He seems fine.

It's just that he's burdened with troubles as an advising regent.

That does worry me.

You just got back

so you don't have to finish reading all of them.

I'm just quickly skimming through.

By the way, Yuan Qi, have you read all these reports?

I've taken note of the things that you told me to watch out for.

What do you think that Prince Kang is up to?

They are stirring up trouble here at our northern frontier.

Could it be that they are sounding out Changlin Army's security measures?

As for the reason, I have yet to figure it out.

I'm concerned that Great Yu will soon make a big move.

I'd like to take a look at Mount Mo tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Yes.

It's best that I inspect it personally.

All right.

I'll make the arrangements.

[This October, a solar eclipse will be visible at the pass of Ning Province.]

General?

What does it say?

If it's a some secret of Heaven that can't be revealed

you don't have to tell me.

It's not a secret.

I just didn't expect Old Hall Master Lin to give me any useful information.

What does it say then?

This October

from seven to nine o'clock on the first day of the lunar month

a solar eclipse will be visible at the pass of Ning Province.

What does that mean?

It means that Old Hall Master Lin managed to calculate

that on the first of October

we will be able to see the solar eclipse here at the northern frontier.

Solar eclipse?

You left right after he returned.

You are indeed a man of your word.

The solar eclipse is a sign of gods' warning to men.

How could he calculate the date of that?

The hall master of Langya Hall is indeed almost a deity.

Lu Zhao.

This is a rare phenomenon.

You mustn't tell anyone or it might cause disturbance at the northern frontier.

Yes.

If the sun suddenly disappears...

How will it not stir up quite a commotion?

Is Your Majesty tired? Shall I send for the sedan chair?

Your Majesty.

The officials are all waiting for you in the palace hall.

If you don't get going, you might be late.

I don't wish to attend the Imperial Court.

Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation.

You rule the nation and protect thousands of people.

How can you not wish to attend the Imperial Court?

I really don't understand.

Why would my mother keep bringing up the issue of Donghu Palace Guards?

Uncle Ting Sheng already lets me do as I want

but she just keeps on saying...

It's just so frustrating.

Your Majesty, do you still remember

the former emperor's last words to you before he passed away?

After I've passed, you must obey your uncle's teachings.

Study diligently and accept criticisms.

Learn the ethics of an emperor.

I must obey Uncle Ting Sheng's teachings.

Your Majesty, would you prefer to walk or shall I send for the sedan chair?

I'll walk.

General, you've inspected carefully

the line of defense south of Mount Mo.

Is something amiss?

Great Yu started reclaiming wasteland in Xigao Province this spring.

30,000 new households moved in.

North of Gan Province, there's an increase in soldiers.

From my speculation

it's most likely that Qin Ling Shuo will invade Mount Mo.

I didn't understand what General just said.

Your Grace, can you explain it to me?

We don't have to understand it.

Ping Jing is the commander-in-chief.

He must have his reasons for making such a deduction.

General! General!

Reporting to General.

Great Yu State's messenger is waiting right outside your manor.

Great Yu?

I heard you.

Qin Ling Shuo hopes that we can release the captive.

In addition, he'd like to invite our commander-in-chief

over for a meeting in three days to discuss issues of the frontier.

Qin Ling Shuo wants to meet you?

General, in my opinion, this is very dangerous.

The people of Great Yu are known to be cunning.

Who knows what Prince Kang has in mind?

I wonder what both old generals think.

Second Young Master, Prince Kang sent his men to scout around our border.

Yet now, he's asked to meet you to discuss peace at the frontier.

These are all his ideas.

It's likely to be a trap of some sort.

General of Subjugation, please do consider carefully.

If it's just a simple meeting, it isn't much of an issue.

We're afraid that it isn't just a meeting that Prince Kang has in mind.

Has there been a precedent in the history of Great Liang

for commanders to meet at the border to hand over captives?

Although it's rare, it has been done.

However...

There is such a precedent?

Then I can meet him.

It might be risky but I think it's worth meeting with Qin Ling Shuo.

He has been playing petty tactics these days.

I suspect that he's after something much bigger.

If I meet him, we can then get an idea of what he's planning.

That might be the theory but there's a risk in meeting him.

Should anything go wrong--

Reply to the message.

Great Liang has always prioritized peace and harmony.

We don't wish for lives to be taken.

So as to keep our frontier peaceful

we're happy to negotiate with Prince Kang.

Three days later... we'll meet in the south of Mount Mo.

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