Original subtitles

♪The tempestuous northern wind, the tempestuous martial arts world♪

♪Blades and bows drawn♪

♪What is youth without bravado?♪

♪With a wave of my hands, the world flows through my fingertips♪

♪Traveling the world with a damsel♪

♪The wind blows, the moon's reflection on the water♪

♪The night has been cut short♪

♪Who there is hiding in the shadow?♪

♪Oh, the long journey. Fate wills if we live or die♪

♪But let's give our shot at this world♪

♪Fight together as two♪

♪Right or wrong, I'll brave the storm, watching as things rise and fall♪

♪Black and White, as the drum sounds, it's for passion and justice♪

♪The fury, the wavering blades♪

♪I catch a glimpse of the divine beauty♪

♪How can we determine if the soul is flawless?♪

♪Let's see who can rule the world♪

=Who Rules The World=

=Episode 11=

Why are you tailing me?

I'm here for your head.

Charge!

Who are you?

Retreat.

Why do people always seek to take your life

every time I run into you?

You always turn up in time.

Who are those people just now?

I have no idea.

But they don't look like they were from Soultaker Sect.

I'll look into this matter.

I wasn't at home today.

I rushed over here when I heard of your news.

Let's head to House of Jade first.

Rubbish!

Tell me,

how did she get away?

Your Highness,

that woman has excellent martial arts.

But most importantly,

someone showed up to save her.

Who?

It was too dark at the time.

But

it seems to be Prince Yongping.

Who?

Prince Yongping.

Him?

Why would he...

Have you found out where she lives?

At the Pagoda Tree Alley.

Send more men.

This woman mustn't live.

- Your Highness... - Do as I say.

Yes, Your Highness.

Wait.

I'll go with you.

(Your Highness,)

(you'll get married tomorrow.)

(Young Lord of Yongzhou)

(What about our child?)

(To Xiang) Miss,

His Highness has written a letter.

Is he taking me to his residence now?

Chang will surely be recognized as the eldest son.

Greetings, Your Highness.

(Queen of Yongzhou, Yige)

I didn't know, so you must have suffered in the past.

Once you're here,

remember to serve His Lordship well.

I shall obey your order.

He's clumsy and frail.

How about letting a palace maid be his nominal mother?

Is that my father?

I'll work hard. I want to be the heir of Lord of Yongzhou

to carry on Father's great cause.

I'm sure she won't deny me

when I've become the feudal lord.

It's already been 20 years.

Miss,

you're

so heartless.

About your Master,

I'll send those from Fountain Abode to investigate the matter.

So don't worry.

Thank you.

You were out this late today.

Did anything happen today?

It was only a trivial matter.

Why do you

have to be so proud when anything happens?

Why?

Don't you like it?

Does it matter

if I like it or not?

Enough.

I've ordered the shop to prepare some dishes.

I'll help you with the investigation.

You'll eat with me.

What are you doing?

Catch insect.

What are you doing?

Catch insect.

Why are you sweating so much?

It's because of the wine...

Your pulse is racing.

Would you be ill? Are you all right?

Wine is good for blood circulation.

You end up like this with just over a few cups of wine.

Are you all right?

I'm a little drunk now.

I'll get going first.

(That's a little strange.)

(I'll drink alone, then.)

I must have drunk too much.

Otherwise, why would I find

his grin

to be attractive?

Again?

This is the capital of Yongzhou.

You sure have the nerve

to make your move in this city.

In that case, I won't hold back anymore.

But

I don't want to play with you, so I'm leaving.

I'm sorry about that.

Have no fear. I'll protect you.

Retreat.

Sorry about that. Did that scare you?

I don't know who I have offended

that I almost got you in trouble.

Don't you remember me?

We've met before.

You do look familiar.

You're...

You're...

I still can't recall.

I'm sorry.

I need to take my leave now.

Your Highness, I was incompetent.

No need to kill her for now.

I have other arrangements.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's see if you were just putting up an act.

If you dare lie to me...

That man who showed up just now

must have sent those people to kill me

to hide his illness.

I had nothing to fear

if I was alone.

But now Master has asked me to watch them.

It's better that I don't cause any trouble.

I'm sure you must know

that Huang Chao of Jizhou is returning

the Empyrean Token.

I called you here today

to discuss something.

His Majesty wishes to hold a Six States banquet.

Who do you think is

more suitable for me

to send?

Your Lordship,

I think we should send Prince Chang this time.

Prince Chang is the eldest among the three princes.

It's only natural

for him to represent Yong.

I think we should send Prince Ju.

Prince Chang may be the eldest.

But he's not the legitimate son.

Prince Lanxi is a legitimate son

but he's frail.

I'm afraid the long and arduous journey

might affect Prince Lanxi's health.

After comparing,

Prince Ju is the most suitable person for this.

Feng Ju,

are you willing

to set out to the Imperial City on my behalf?

I shall obey your order.

Your Highness, Prince Ju is here.

Let him in.

I wish Mother fortune and health.

Mother, why did you ask Minister Wang

to suggest that I go to the Imperial City?

You've committed several foolish things.

Your father may not blame you.

But he's naturally

disappointed in you.

You should go out and explore.

About the matters in the capital,

I'll be around to take care of them.

But Mother,

the royal examination is around the corner.

It's a great opportunity for me.

I'm afraid it's not a good time

for you to sit for the royal examination this year.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Please rise.

Are you here

about the royal examination?

I can't seem to hide anything from you.

Today,

I've paid a visit to Pei Youshuo,

Senior Secretary Pei.

The Feng family is indeed well-connected.

Even Pei Youshuo who doesn't involve in the court dispute is

on the Feng family's side.

Senior Secretary Pei and my father are friends.

I'm also Official Pei's student.

This time,

Mentor gave me a name list.

Your Highness, please go through.

Mentor has set his eyes on these three candidates.

He said they were

the best candidates

in terms of talent,

character, and family background.

Now that you were granted the title of Prince Yongping,

you'll need more people

on your side in court.

There's one person missing

from this list.

Feng Shiying.

My brother is a member of the Feng family.

So he's naturally on your side.

If you need to pull these three to your side,

Mentor will speak to them.

With Mentor taking care of this,

they will definitely be your men.

I'll be counting on you, then.

It's my honor to serve Your Highness.

I'll take my leave now.

Your Highness,

we've already investigated the incident

after Miss Fengxi arrived in the capital of Yongzhou.

She may have caused

some trouble when she was

at House of Jade at that one time.

The next day,

Minister Feng went there once

with our residence's bill.

How did Minister Feng get a hold of our bill?

I think it was Miss Huan.

By the way,

Prince Chang was there too.

He seemed to be ill.

Who are you?

Retreat!

So those were Chang's men.

Here's your bun.

Thank you.

Here you go. Don't drop it.

Thank you.

Miss, how many do you want?

One.

One?

All right.

Here's the money.

Miss.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Miss, your buns.

Thank you.

All right, thank you.

It's you again?

Do you recognize me?

Of course, I recognized you.

I left you there alone last night.

Did they do anything to you?

No.

I know.

You must be here asking

for compensation

because I left you there alone last night.

Am I right?

I suffered from shock last night.

I had to take three bowls of calming soup

to recover.

The physician checked my pulse and said I have

six vessels with sunken-fine pulses, which severed my vitality.

I fear I only have several days to live.

But if someone is willing

to give their blood to me

and let me eat a steamed bun dipped in it,

I may have a chance to live.

Miss,

can you do me this favor?

You were tricked.

You must have met a quack.

If I find

this quack,

I'll definitely break all his teeth.

I've checked your pulse.

It's extremely energetic.

You'll be able to live a long time.

So don't worry.

I don't have a bloody steamed bun that you want.

But

I'll share one stuffed bun with you.

Here you go.

Take it.

I'm busy, so I have to go.

(That was close.)

(He really wanted to kill me.)

(He may be hateful.)

(But he's pitiful too.)

(I can only feign ignorance, then.)

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign)

(Royal Examination. Ways to promote peace.)

Official Pei,

your handwriting still has such a vigorous style.

Thank you, Your Lordship.

Please seal the examination paper, Your Lordship.

All right.

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign)

(Royal Examination. Ways to promote peace.)

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign)

(Royal Examination. Ways to promote peace.)

I'll leave the royal examination to the three of you.

Thank you, Your Lordship.

His Lordship has passed down his edict.

The examination will be held on the Ninth of this month.

Senior Secretary Pei Youshuo, Yan Shizhang the Duke of Liang,

and Minister Wang Liangde of Rite would invigilate the examination.

It seems like we can't hide the matters

in Yongzhou from His Lordship.

I'm sure that His Lordship already knows

that Senior Secretary Pei is on the Feng family's side.

It's also no secret in court

that the Feng family is on your side.

That's why

His Lordship let Duke of Liang

and Senior Secretary Pei be the examiners.

Duke of Liang's daughter may be

Queen Baili's palace maid.

But everyone knows

that Miss Yan

will be married to Prince Ju sooner or later.

I never intend

to keep the Feng family or Pei Youshuo

a secret from Father.

When I was young,

I once heard Father talk about the way of a feudal lord.

As a feudal lord,

one shouldn't be open about their talents.

Why would

Baili let Ju leave

the capital at this time?

Tell Feng Qiwu

to be prudent during the royal examination.

There shall be no mistake.

Yes, Your Highness.

I shall take my leave.

Sirs,

please examine the examination topic

to see if it's properly sealed.

Official Pei,

we rode in the same carriage all the way here.

There was no chance of it being swapped at all.

I don't think

we need to examine it.

We must follow the rules anyway.

Here.

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign. Royal Examination)

There's no problem.

All right.

It's completely sealed.

Please place it in the cabinet.

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign. Royal Examination)

(Prince Chang's Residence)

Uncle De,

(Celebrate Prosperity and Respect)

do you think that woman tried to fool me?

Does she really not know me,

or is she feigning ignorance?

I'll be frank

if you won't be upset.

When you had an attack,

you often had a distorted appearance.

So it's not surprising

that the lady can't recognize

what you normally look like.

Since that lady

didn't recognize you,

she wouldn't tell anyone

about your illness.

Your Highness,

how about we spare her life

for now?

It's better to be cautious.

Tell the men to rent a residence nearby her residence

so we can monitor her.

Yes, Your Highness.

How far along are we?

We're 20 li away from the Imperial City.

(Imperial Palace of Dadong)

Your Majesty,

Prince Huang Chao was attacked 20 li away from the Imperial City.

What?

Dong Shufang.

(Dadong General, Dong Shufang) Yes, Your Majesty.

I order you

to bring Prince Huang back safely.

I shall obey your order, Your Majesty.

Father, what about the Six States banquet?

It shall go along as planned.

We shall wait at the palace.

Yes, Father.

(The Heir of Lord of Qingzhou, Feng Xieyue)

(The Heir of Lord of Youzhou, Hua Chunyuan)

(The Heir of Lord of Shangzhou, Yang Muchi)

(The Heir of Lord of Beizhou, Yuchi Lie)

Report!

Your Majesty,

Prince Huang Chao is waiting outside the palace.

Summon him in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Summon Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou

for an audience!

I, Huang Chao, greet Your Majesty.

Long live the Emperor.

Prince Huang, please rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

I was delayed

because I was attacked outside the city.

I hope Your Majesty can forgive me.

You're loyal to your country.

So you've committed no crime.

I...

I've lost the Empyrean Token.

The Empyrean Token is missing?

I was attacked 20 li away from the city.

Someone has taken

the Empyrean Token.

Prince Huang,

do you know who's behind it?

The assailants wore black clothing with their faces covered.

I was unable to identify them.

But the last troop was cavalry.

I don't think they're from the martial arts world.

What do you mean by this?

If they're not from the martial arts world,

don't tell me

other states did it?

I was only stating the facts.

Why are you so anxious?

Is it because you're hiding something?

Don't slander me.

If it was as Prince Huang had said,

the person who snatched the token

must be fearless.

Are you suspecting us?

If the Yong did it,

why did we have to attack 20 li from the Imperial City?

But if we see it this way,

I'm afraid the only one who had to do it outside the city

would be from Beizhou, which is located in the north.

You...

It's not the time to point fingers now.

What matters most is

to find the Empyrean Token.

Mr. Xieyue has a point.

The Empyrean Token is the world order.

The ones who dared to snatch the Empyrean Token outside the city

must be recklessly bold

to attempt to rebel.

I hope all the Six States work together

to find out the person behind this.

Gentlemen,

is there anyone willing to investigate this matter for me?

Your Majesty,

I was the one who lost the token.

I'm willing to make up for my incompetence

and help Your Majesty investigate this matter.

But

this matter concerns Six States.

I request that Your Majesty draft a decree

so it's convenient for me to do the investigation.

In that case,

I shall decree

that Six States assist Prince Huang in this matter.

Other than that,

I shall bestow Prince Huang with the Imperial Sword

so he can carry out his investigation.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Chief Feng said she'll be careful.

Your Highness, an emergency message from the Imperial City.

Interesting.

They lost the Empyrean Token again.

This token was a fake one.

Even if Huang Chao returned it,

he wouldn't be able to explain himself.

It's better to lose it on his way there.

Do you mean

it was only an act by Huang Chao?

I just fear that the Six States may not carry out

His Majesty's decree.

But with this decree,

Huang Chao could openly carry out

his investigation in the Six States.

As to ordering the lords and princes of the other states,

that'll depend on his capabilities.

You can say Huang Chao has more strength

with Yu Wuyuan beside him.

Your Highness, I think Chief Feng is great too.

If she can...

It's not a bad idea

to ally with the Feng family.

I, General Lin Lancang, am at your service, Your Highness.

Please forgive me.

Rise.

You were only playing along with me.

Not only did you do no wrong, but you've also rendered merits.

When we return to Jizhou,

I shall reward you handsomely.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I planned this out for you

to save Jizhou from disaster.

We've agreed to say

that people of the martial arts world snatched it.

But why did

you change the plan?

I understand what you want.

You don't want the Six States to be in chaos again

because of the Empyrean Token.

But we both know

that it's no longer possible.

Now,

I have the Emperor's decree.

It's more convenient for me to take action now.

If you think the Six States

can live in harmony together,

you might as well come with me.

It'll depend on you

if we can fight through the Six States

and even the world with words.

So

even I was your pawn in your plan.

I'm giving you an opportunity.

If you succeed,

the world will be mine.

If you fail,

I'll dispatch my troops everywhere

to unite the Six States.

This world

will still be mine.

All right.

I can travel to Six States with you.

But you're coming to a place with me.

Where?

Mount Wu.

How did my arrangement proceed?

It's all arranged.

I've prepared

a huge gift for Prince Yongping

in this royal examination.

Come in.

I, candidate Song Sihan, am here to pay my respect.

Greetings, Minister.

(Candidate, Song Sihan)

(Examination Hall, Yongzhou)

Candidate, Song Sihan.

Candidate, Xu Yuxin.

(Examination Hall)

Candidate, Wang Hui.

Wait.

Why is your inkstone so light?

I come from a poor family.

So I've been using this inkstone for a long time.

It becomes lighter after bumping it around.

Sir.

So that's the reason. Here, take it back.

- Sir, please have mercy! - Sir.

Sir, have mercy on me!

Sir, please spare me!

It's a serious offense to cheat in Examination Hall.

Take him away!

Yes, sir!

Sir, please spare me! Have mercy on me!

Sir, please spare me!

(Examination Hall)

Sir!

Dear candidates,

if you have notes with you,

you better destroy them now.

Don't risk your life

over greed.

Let's continue!

Senior Secretary Pei,

this must be your tenth year

presiding over the royal examination, right?

Now, we have a large number of talents in Yong.

And you contributed

in every little way in this, Senior Secretary Pei.

Duke of Liang, you're flattering me.

As they say,

(Senior Secretary of Yongzhou, Pei Youshuo) we have to share His Lordship's worries

(Senior Secretary of Yongzhou, Pei Youshuo) as his officials.

(Minister of Rite, Wang Liangde) The royal examination is

a stepping stone for the candidates.

It concerns the fate of these individuals

(Duke of Liang, Yan Shizhang)

and is also a rite for the nation to select talents.

It's especially a crucial matter.

As the chief examiner today,

I hope Duke of Liang and Minister Wang

to assist me.

Senior Secretary Pei, please rest assured.

I'll definitely do my best to assist you.

Official Pei, so will I.

You have my thanks.

Sirs,

we have finished inspecting all the candidates.

There were a total of six candidates who tried to smuggle notes.

They've been sent to the Ministry of Justice.

The rest of the candidates have entered the Examination Hall.

All right. You can leave now.

(Select talents for the state through scriptures.)

(Thirty-first year of Chunxi's reign. Royal Examination)

(Select talents for the state through scriptures.)

Sirs, please take a look at this.

The seal is intact.

Let's remove the seal and start with the examination.

All right.

(Examination Hall)

(Examination Hall)

(Number 10, Class A. Number 11, Class A. Number 12, Class A)

Greetings, Father.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Lanxi,

Queen Baili has been busy because of me.

But she often worries about your health.

So she has been praying for you

throughout the journey.

She didn't even rest after she arrived at the palace.

She kept herself busy making arrangements for you.

I called you here

to relieve her concern for you

and also to give you a chance

to thank her.

Thank you, Your Highness.

There are no outsiders here.

You can drop the formalities.

You may have suffered from near-drowning.

But you look a lot better now.

I've managed to escape death. I suppose blessings will follow.

Since the drowning,

my health has been

better than ever.

I'm glad to hear that.

I can finally feel relieved on behalf of the late queen.

Now that you've been granted the title of Prince Yongping

and your health is better.

Shall we start preparing

for the selection of your wife?

She has a point there.

You've reached marriageable age.

You can start considering marriage.

Your Lordship.

Speaking of this,

I do have a good choice in mind.

Several days ago,

my niece, Jing, paid me a visit

to the palace.

She looks dignified, polite, and tactful too.

She's indeed a nice girl.

It's natural for a man to marry.

Ladies from the Baili family are naturally good.

But

it hasn't been long since I was given this title,

and I haven't contributed to the country yet.

If I marry in a rush,

the ministers may criticize me.

Could it be that you have someone in your heart?

Is it Minister Feng of the Feng family?

I do know Minister Feng in private.

But she's first

the minister of Yongzhou,

and Feng Qiwu comes second to me.

I have no ulterior motives for making friends with her.

It's all for Yong.

As for my marriage,

I'll let Father decide

after I've accomplished some achievements.

I'm grateful for Your Highness's kind intention.

Xi has a point.

I'll think

about this matter.

Did His Highness really say that?

That's the news I got from the palace.

I'm only reporting as it is to you.

His Lordship summons His Highness this morning.

A family was having a conversation.

Yet, this piece of news reached

me fairly quickly through you.

Tell me,

why do you think this happened?

Do you mean

these words are meant for you to know,

so it'll drive a wedge between you and His Highness?

Queen Baili is using me

to test His Highness.

If His Highness didn't say that,

His Lordship would be suspicious.

Besides,

I'm His Highness's subject, to begin with.

I turn to His Highness for help

for the sake of the Feng family.

You can leave now.

(Is this how you truly feel, Prince Lanxi?)

She has been pretending to be a loving mother for years.

It must be hard on her.

You've exposed yourself this time.

Queen Baili naturally knows

that you're fighting to be the heir of Lord of Yongzhou.

She could only show that she's the benevolent matriarch.

She can only hold you down

in terms of filial piety and customs.

You've gotten a lot smarter now.

After you fell into the water,

you've changed a lot.

You may treat us well

as before.

But you've never treated me like this before.

I can feel

that Your Highness is kinder than before,

and you smile more often now.

It's wonderful

to be happy.

Who's there?

Lu Shi.

Why did you answer them?

Martial Sister has repeatedly told us to guard the door strictly.

But she didn't say we couldn't answer the door.

We've been making so much noise here.

Everybody knows there are people here.

Martial Sister is sleeping inside.

Go and inform her of this.

All right.

Who's there?

My Young Master is Miss Feng's friend.

We are here to deliver something.

Which one?

It's...

My Young Master is also Hei's friend.

Open the door.

Wait for a while.

Get some to help out.

Hurry.

Come and help out.

Come on.

Here.

Here you go.

So much charcoal.

We can keep warm tonight.

It's delicious.

We've been taking vegetables. I've finally tasted meat.

These quilts are so soft.

Our Martial Sister sure is popular.

She has such loyal friends everywhere.

You're right.

Gu Yu, try this.

It's delicious.

It's really good.

It's all right.

You can eat first.

It's really delicious.

Martial Sister!

- Martial Sister. - Martial Sister.

Come and have something to eat.

Come here.

Miss Feng.

Young Master is waiting for you at the entrance of the alley.

All right. Thank you.

Black Foxy!

Why didn't you go in?

Because you're the main character

for today.

Me?

Several days ago,

didn't you tell me

it was hard to be the acting leader of the sect?

I told Zhong Li to send some things over

to do a favor for you

to win their hearts.

So you're the main character,

not your friend.

No wonder you could manage

Fountain Abode so well.

I'm impressed.

Fountain Abode had heard

that Master Bai might have gone to Mount Wu.

I've sent some men to verify it.

I'm guessing

that you'll be extending your stay here.

Yongzhou may be situated in the south,

but the winter here is extremely cold.

I've sent some quilts and charcoal.

It can help you go through the winter.

How did you manage to be so thorough?

You've done me so many favors.

How should I repay you?

It's only a small matter

that's not worth mentioning.

For you to take it seriously,

I find you different from your usual self.

♪Like the dissipating fog, you become clearer♪

♪Like the hawk that soars freely, you reject the shackles♪

♪Your white silk is as light as a feather and yet it moves my heart♪

♪Ripples come at me but I don't want to dodge♪

♪Wind is just the outline of the cloud♪

♪Black is the lock of the White♪

♪Night is when the Day sleeps♪

♪You are a part of me♪

♪Right or wrong, don't worry about the why♪

♪Pain or joy, they are from our obsession♪

♪If some things cannot be taken apart♪

♪Then let's face the uncertainty together♪

♪Let tears run dry♪

♪Let's stop in another place♪

♪Let love sever all happiness and sadness♪

♪And pierce through the vicissitude of life♪

♪With a merry start, don't worry about a sorrowful end♪

♪A full moon will be more intertwined♪

♪If some things cannot be taken apart♪

♪Then let's face the uncertainty together♪

♪Then let's face the uncertainty together♪