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 25=

You are already the greatest beauty alive.

When His Lordship wants to get you a husband,

the other States responded quickly.

Even the most prestigious Prince Huang Chao

responded.

Is it really necessary to earn the title of the Divine Fairy?

I need the prestigious title

to stand on equal ground with them.

Only then can I have leverage.

(Besides,)

(Huang Chao is not my concern.)

(Eight Pagoda)

(Young Hua Chunran)

(Young Huang Chao)

(Young Feng Xiyun)

Buddy,

do you know where

(Young Feng Lanxi) Lord Feng's Huang Crown is?

I get it now!

You are playing the statues.

The first to move loses.

Buddy, am I right?

All right, stop poking me.

All right, I lost.

I shouldn't have played this game with you.

Why do you ask about the crown?

My father says this is the Eight Pagoda.

Lord Feng's ceremonial crown is kept inside this pagoda.

Emperor Weilie named it himself.

The Huang Crown is more distinguished than the Feng Crown.

I want that crown.

Lord Feng only had one crown.

When Lord Feng passed away,

the body was buried inside the Eight Pagoda by Emperor Weilie.

It was decreed that Lord Feng had returned to heaven

and the crown must never be worn again.

Not even Lord Qing who succeeded Lord Feng

could wear it,

you certainly can't wear it.

I like the crown. I want to wear it.

I'm done with the game.

You should be

more attentive to the lady.

Hush, don't cry.

The crown has been kept there for centuries.

It's been old and ruined by now.

Miss, you were born a beauty.

Only the Feng Crown is worthy of you.

Isn't that right, Xiyun?

I don't know about that,

but I do know that you lost.

Five silver leaves from each of you.

All you ever care about is the money.

What do you even need the money for?

For delicious snacks.

One silver leaf is enough to get me a dozen of drumsticks.

Let's go.

Is the Feng Crown pretty?

Of course.

An empress shows love for all her subjects.

That makes the empress the most beautiful woman.

Remember, you should wear the Feng Crown meant for the empress,

not Lord Feng's Huang Crown.

Very well.

I don't want the Huang Crown anymore.

I want to be the most beautiful woman

and wear the beautiful Feng Crown.

(I wonder, who will be the one)

(to put the crown on me?)

Hua Chunran?

The Divine Fairy of Dadong?

This sounds interesting.

Hua Chunran is very witty.

Before New Year, there were rumors

the greatest beauty of Youzhou was looking for a husband.

She's been titled the Divine Fairy.

All the men from this land

will want to try their luck.

Moreover,

if she was only the greatest beauty of Youzhou,

she'll only be an heir's consort

no matter who she marries.

But now, she is the Divine Fairy.

Even if she married you or Huang Chao,

her status in the marriage

wouldn't be beneath you.

(We share the same thought on the matter.)

What's wrong?

News from the Royal Palace of Youzhou

is only passed among the royal families.

How did you know all this?

This is huge.

It's already made a wave.

Everyone in the martial arts world talked about it.

By the way,

what is your thought

on Youzhou's greatest beauty?

There are talented minds everywhere.

A heroine is nothing to be surprised at.

Hua Chunran may be smart,

but she is still inferior

to Princess Xiyun.

When you reunite with Princess Xiyun,

your jaw will drop so hard.

She's not who you think she is.

Xiyun had made a name for herself long ago.

Do you think

Hua Chunran can outmatch her?

Of course not.

I...

I'm done with you. I'm going out.

But...

Your Highness,

is Miss Fengxi

jealous of her?

Jealous?

That is a good sign.

It means she cares about me.

That's how it goes

in the novels.

Your Highness,

you need to read the whole story!

There is more after that.

Don't you remember?

There's more?

You must figure out a way

to cheer Miss Fengxi up.

A jealous girl is an essential element

of the story.

It could take the guy

around a week to cheer her up.

In the worst cases, jealousy turns into hatred.

It could be the man's demise.

By the way,

how is the camp in Qingzhou?

They are preparing for war.

They will close in on Liangcheng in a few days.

Your Highness,

what should we do?

War

seems inevitable.

The better plan

is to have a truce treaty

and avoid casualties.

But,

it seems His Lordship

wants to wage war on Qingzhou.

Your Highness, how do we counter this?

The people come first.

While the general is away, he must learn to improvise.

Our top priority

is to contact Xieyue and learn about his plan.

If our opinions align,

that's for the best.

Yes, consider it done.

But,

what if he disagrees with us?

We have a contingency plan.

We must stay alert.

Order the Moyu Cavalry to stand by.

Have you

learned anything new about the water canals of Liangcheng?

My men have found

the original blueprints.

They are compiling.

(Main Camp of Qingzhou Army)

Generals.

Yu Ming refuses to fight.

We can't afford to waste more time here.

If we don't alter the drainage in time,

(Heir of Lord of Qingzhou, Feng Xieyue) Qingzhou will suffer great damage.

(Heir of Lord of Qingzhou, Feng Xieyue)

Therefore,

we will attack Liangcheng in two days.

Yu Ming specializes in defenses.

What is the plan?

Liangcheng is the most fortified stronghold in Yongzhou.

But over the years,

Yu Ming has filled his pocket

by asking for funding

in the name of flood control.

To avoid inspections,

he built some water canals as his front.

These water canals

will be our opening.

Therefore,

- we... - Brother.

Xiyun, why are you here?

Greetings, Your Highness.

At ease.

Dismissed.

Yes.

I got your letter.

I knew you were stationed near Liangcheng.

So, I came right away.

Did you come from Liangcheng?

Yes.

I'm not here to fight your war.

I'm here because

I want a truce.

Truce?

Perhaps you haven't heard.

Yu Ming is dead.

The person in charge of Liangcheng

is Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou.

Mr. Lanxi, the Prince Yongping?

It's him?

You have surrounded Liangcheng

to prevent a possible flood.

Feng Lanxi already has a plan to overcome that.

I think

you should have a word with him in person.

If war broke out,

it'd only exert a great cost

on Yongzhou and Qingzhou.

How do you know he already has a plan?

I saw everything.

It's going to work.

Very well.

I will send my envoy

to Liangcheng.

In that case,

I should get going.

Stay here for the night.

I brought some liquor.

I wouldn't mind that.

Your Highness!

Have you found her?

All of our scouts in the city are newly assigned.

They could only gather so much information.

They haven't heard anything about Miss Fengxi.

Who would have thought?

She cares so deeply about me.

She got so jealous

over a mere name.

Do not blame yourself.

You should start thinking about ways to cheer her up.

You are right.

Come, tell me

how they do it in the novels.

Well?

After trying all kinds of liquors on my journey,

the best of them

is still the Clear Water Liquor of Qingzhou.

Brother,

you don't partake in alcohol.

Why did you bring the liquor with you?

Actually, I always bring some with me

when I leave home.

I hope to meet you

on your journey.

You are the best brother.

Has Father ever mentioned me?

Is he well?

Father is healthy and well.

He misses you.

Whenever he receives your letter,

he smiles with joy.

When he hears about your heroic feats,

he is proud of you while worried about you.

If it wasn't for your secret identity,

I bet Father would have announced to the world

that the gallant and famous Bai Fengxi

was Feng Xiyun, the Princess of Qingzhou.

I am able to roam the land freely,

lead a life I want,

and do what I love

because I have a brother and a father who love me.

Well,

what is going on between you and Feng Lanxi?

In your letter, you said

you'd spend the New Year in the capital of Yongzhou.

But now,

it seems

there was a reason for that.

Honestly,

it's a long and complicated story.

I'm not in a hurry.

I'll listen.

Liquor and stories.

How delightful.

I thought you were the only one who entered the martial arts world.

As it turns out,

Prince Lanxi is actually Hei Fengxi.

You two are meant for each other.

Does he know about your identity?

Not yet.

If you ever talk to him,

do not tell him my true identity.

Of course.

It should be a truce negotiation tomorrow.

But now,

it's the first meeting for two families.

I want to see if Feng Lanxi

is worthy of marrying my younger sister.

No one is marrying.

Nonsense.

When you told me the tales of you two,

the smile on your face was too obvious.

Do you think I can't tell?

I am your brother, after all.

Tomorrow, I will find an opening

to give him a word of warning.

I want to make sure

that he knows someone has your back.

Brother,

don't make it difficult for him.

You are obviously taking his side now.

What I mean is,

the fate of the two States is at stake.

Do not let my relationship get in the way of the greater good.

You are still

just as witty with words.

Perhaps my worry is unnecessary.

No one alive is capable

of mistreating you.

I should consider

giving Feng Lanxi some tips to deal with you.

Otherwise, he might get mistreated.

How can you do that to your own sister?

Fine.

That's enough from me.

Cheers.

Cheers.

You're finally back.

You were gone the whole night.

I can explain why I was gone.

Last night,

I...

(I was only away for one night.)

(There is no need to restrain me.)

(Feng Lanxi, don't overdo it.)

(It's not like I'm afraid to fight you.)

Your Highness.

To cheer a girl up,

the first step

is to calm her down.

Don't provoke her.

Stop her from being jealous.

Otherwise, the situation will only get worse.

It could escalate

into a worse argument.

The best way

to calm her down

is to show her you are caring and gentle.

Let her feel your love

once again.

Admit your mistake,

and she will forgive you.

It's quite a lot of work.

You were away the whole night. Are you hungry?

Did you catch a cold? Did you sleep well?

(This Black Foxy is acting like a different person.)

(Is he hallucinating?)

I prepared breakfast for you.

This is your favorite snack

and your favorite porridge.

(Kindness purposefully shown comes with ill intent!)

Here.

I feel a little dizzy.

I should get some rest.

Now that you're back,

your whereabouts last night don't matter now.

I'm so glad

you decide to come back.

I understand your concern.

You are concerned about Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou.

(He knows who I really am?)

(Forget it.)

(I guess I have no choice now.)

Now that you know...

I will not mention her name again.

I will never mention

Feng Xiyun again.

My heart belongs

to the heroic Bai Fengxi of the martial arts world.

Feng Xiyun doesn't hold a place in my heart anymore.

(Is he telling me)

(he won't expose my identity?)

(But why would he do that?)

(No, I must think it through carefully.)

I understand what you mean.

Thanks.

(I knew it.)

(He wouldn't)

(let it go easily.)

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

A messenger from Qingzhou's camp

sent a letter.

A letter?

Prince Xieyue wants to negotiate a truce with you.

The meeting is tomorrow.

Prince Xieyue will be here personally.

Summon everyone to the side hall for a meeting.

Yes.

I'm sure all of you are aware

of why we are holding this meeting.

What are your thoughts on the situation?

I think

Prince Xieyue already knows

you'd taken over Liangcheng.

His visit must be to test you.

I suggest

we use this opportunity to show our strength

to deter the enemies.

If Prince Xieyue fears you,

war can be prevented.

I have a different idea.

Qingzhou's army has surrounded Liangcheng

for half a month.

The timing of this negotiation is suspicious.

Prince Xieyue must be up to no good.

I suspect

this is part of their plan

to lead troops into the city.

With his men on the inside,

they will attack us.

We should proceed with caution.

Your concerns and suggestions are justified.

Prince Xieyue's sudden visit

is rather suspicious.

If we overreacted

before we even learned their intention,

it could cause contentions.

From what I see,

if he is here for a truce,

I should discuss it with him.

If we come to an agreement,

the people of Liangcheng will be safe.

However, a contingency plan is needed.

Chuanyun, Chuanyu,

assign the guards of Liangcheng to the Moyu Cavalry.

Secure the city gate

to prevent an assault from the enemy.

I want another group

hidden and standing by around the Protectorate.

If Prince Xieyue does anything suspicious,

lock him inside that building.

- Yes. - Yes.

My soldiers and I will do our best

to assist the two generals.

Fear not,

the Moyu Cavalry is my personal troop.

When you join the Moyu Cavalry,

you become one of us.

Is Your Highness going to station troops in Liangcheng?

Indeed.

Yu Ming was notorious for building his own army here.

But, we are different.

I am royalty.

Even if I mass troops here,

you are still my father's subjects.

You still serve the court of Yongzhou.

You may have lived in Liangcheng,

but I'm sure you know what your priorities are

on the court.

I will not let Your Highness down.

We will not fail you.

(I understand your concern.)

You are concerned about

Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou.

I will never mention

Feng Xiyun again.

(How does he know about my identity?)

Come in.

I didn't finish our conversation.

Is this about Princess Xiyun?

So, you know.

Yes.

You've made it very obvious.

Of course I know.

I made it obvious?

Tell me,

what gave me away?

You were gone last night,

and just now, you barely looked at me.

Isn't that obvious enough?

I know.

You're jealous.

When I talked about Hua Chunran

and Princess Xiyun,

I didn't...

I know what you mean.

I'm not jealous of them.

So, why have you been so cold to me?

My heart belongs

to the heroic Bai Fengxi of the martial arts world.

Feng Xiyun doesn't hold a place in my heart anymore.

(So, he doesn't know about my real identity.)

Yes, I was jealous.

But, I forgave you.

Don't take it to heart.

Really?

You forgave me?

I forgave you.

Rest well.

(Jizhou)

What's the special occasion today?

Why are you in the mood for a game of chess, Father?

Do I need to pick a date to play chess with you?

That's not what I mean.

If you ever fancy a game of chess,

I'll gladly join you, Father.

Is that so?

You were obedient as a young boy.

Now that you're all grown up,

you have your hands full with work.

Perhaps

you've forgotten my advice.

Pardon me.

What have I done wrong?

Please tell me.

Forget it. Let's continue the game.

My treacherous son.

Taking a step back for a better chance?

Not bad.

I do not understand.

How did Grand Tutor Ran die?

I am shocked

that you would do such a thing!

Father.

Grand Tutor Ran had conspired with the officers many times.

He slandered me.

He left me with no other choice.

You had no choice?

Do you know

how many have reported to me

about your violent behaviors

and your lack of mercy?

I covered up every accusation for you.

But from what I see now,

I've raised a monster.

Father.

Please hear me out.

Many nobles

are greedy and debauched.

My effort

got in the way of their interest.

They see me as a threat.

That was why

they spoke ill of me.

I only want what's good for Jizhou.

I have no personal agenda.

Father, please see the truth.

Are you giving me an order?

You've grown arrogant.

You've become heedless.

Are you satisfied

with only an obedient son

and not a loyal official?

You taught me that I should

know what's right from wrong,

and that the fate of Jizhou comes first.

Insolence!

Are you saying I'm defending the traitors?

That is not what I mean.

I only hope

that you can trust your own son.

Father!

Father!

Father!

Father!

Help!

Father?

Wuyuan,

my father is saved

thanks to your medicine.

Don't mention it.

It's only right to help.

These people

are heartless and vile.

They would even

poison my father.

They made accusations against you,

but that didn't work.

So, they went after your father.

Then, they will brand you

a patricide.

When you're loathed by the people,

they will crown a new ruler.

The people would do anything

for their own selfish goals.

They want to bring me down.

I shall show them no mercy.

Guards.

Yes.

Send my words. Muster the Skyrider Cavalry.

His Lordship has been harmed by traitors.

He was fortunate

to have survived.

Today,

we will pray for him

and prosperity for Jizhou.

The tributes will be the traitors' lives.

We'll cleanse them from the court.

Yes.

(Yongzhou)

Your Lordship,

Prince Ju wants to see you.

Let him in.

Yes.

Greetings, Father.

Long Live Your Lordship.

At ease.

Thank you, Father.

Ju,

do you even know what time it is?

I do.

Why have you come at this hour?

Father,

I've made an important discovery.

It concerns the House of Jade.

The House of Jade?

I know.

The business started out in Yongzhou

and they now have branches across the land.

What about it?

Is something wrong?

I was investigating the taxation at the Ministry of Revenue.

The House of Jade

is guilty of tax evasion.

There's more.

The House of Jade is also involved

in the illegal selling of salt

for a lucrative profit.

I suspect the House of Jade of treason.

They must be executed.

Please pass your judgment.

It's a business.

A businessman wants profit.

You can accuse him of being cunning and deceiving.

But treason?

Can you prove it?

If the House of Jade was a normal business,

I wouldn't connect it

with the heinous crime of treason.

Based on my investigation,

the House of Jade belongs to an organization

known as the Fountain Abode.

The Fountain Abode

is known to have information about everything

and they sell intel.

After the group was formed,

we can see traces of it in many major incidents.

I am deeply concerned.

The Fountain Abode?

I've heard about them.

Their leader

is known as Hei Fengxi by the people.

He, Lanxi, Yu Wuyuan,

and Huang Chao

are known as the Four Gentry.

Who would have thought?

He also founded the House of Jade.

Hei Fengxi is indeed

a force to be reckoned with.

A business with branches across the land

is working for an intelligence organization.

The leader

is certainly capable

and even terrifying.

If he wants to start a rebellion,

he could be unstoppable.

If that's the case,

he is a loose cannon.

This is serious.

I'll think about it.

By the way,

your mother

has recently mentioned your wedding.

Any thoughts about it?

My marriage is for you two to decide.

I will follow whatever arrangement you make for me.

Very well.

You and Duke Liang's daughter

were childhood friends.

I'll order the Astronomy Officer

to determine the day of your wedding.

You will officially be betrothed to her.

Thank you, Father.

You may leave now.

Rest well.

I take my leave.

Yuan Lu.

Yes, Your Lordship?

I want Zhang Zhongge to start investigating the House of Jade.

If we have evidence of their treason,

arrest the owner of House of Jade

immediately and secretly.

And...

What do we do with him?

It'd be a shame

to destroy the Fountain Abode.

They will prove useful

under my command.

Understood.

Black Foxy.

What brings you here?

I have some free time.

I'll wait with you.

Our discussion

is about national affairs.

I thought you weren't interested.

I'm not interested,

but I don't mind being an audience.

I can learn something.

Are you here

to meet Xieyue?

Yes.

I heard he was a wise leader.

The people of Qingzhou adore him.

A wise leader

earns my admiration.

Very well.

You can wait with us.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Prince Xieyue is heading for the Protectorate.

He will arrive shortly.

How many soldiers does he bring?

He comes alone.

Is Chuanyun

in position?

He and his team

are standing by at the gate.

The scouts have left the city

to monitor the enemy camp.

If Prince Xieyue comes alone,

someone is backing him.

I want to see

just who

is backing him.

Prince Xieyue arrives.

I am Feng Lanxi, Prince Yongping of Yongzhou.

Greetings, Prince Xieyue.

Greetings, Prince Lanxi.

I've heard great things about your talents and good look.

Now that we meet,

the stories are true.

Graceful and gentle as the stillness of orchids.

I'm flattered.

I've heard stories

of your wise leadership.

You're adored by the people.

I look forward to our meeting.

Welcome.

Let's set aside the formalities.

Dismissed.

Yes.

Prince Xieyue.

Welcome.

Welcome.

Act like a proper court lady.

Mind the cover.

Stand by my side.

My father ordered me to lead the troops here

because there was no choice.

Just recently, I learned that you had come to Liangcheng

and taken over the city.

I know

that you are one of the Four Gentry.

You're cultured and knowledgeable.

You're different from Yu Ming.

I came to Liangcheng

to learn more about your plan.

If we can have peace,

our people will not suffer the cruelty of war.

That is for the best of all.

You care for the people.

I'm impressed.

The tension and fighting

became an opportunity for others.

Before I came to Liangcheng,

I'd designed a flood control plan

based on the terrain.

I'd like to have your advice.

(Qingzhou, Red Sea Snail River, Yongzhou)

If we can proceed with this plan,

this dam will benefit

countless people,

including those from Qingzhou.

This dam will prevent the river from overflowing

and irrigate farmlands.

(Qingzhou, Red Sea Snail River, Yongzhou) It will benefit us all.

The future generations

will be grateful for your effort.

However,

I have some questions.

Speak away.

The freshet is coming.

How do you plan to complete the dam

before that?

Without war,

everyone in Liangcheng can participate

in the construction.

The soldiers and common folks

will work as one.

We can complete the dam

before the freshet.

What is your goal

in building this dam?

For the people,

this dam

will prevent Liangcheng from flooding.

It can be used for farming,

thus helping the farmlands.

It's killing two birds with one stone.

For the nation,

the completion of this dam

will be viewed as a defense.

It can defend us against Qingzhou

and tens of thousands of soldiers.

Well,

what about personal agenda?

I am of the royal bloodline.

Every trouble in the world is mine as well.

If the people thrive, so will the nation.

A thriving Yongzhou

is

the best support I can have.

On top of that,

there is someone

I must protect.

Not bad.

You said I was a wise leader,

but I think you're even wiser.

You will be a great leader.

Don't worry,

my army will fall back tomorrow.

There is someone

I must protect.

The negotiation is successful.

Tonight,

I will hold a banquet.

I hope you attend.

Sure.

Zhong Li.

Show Prince Xieyue to his room.

Yes.

Come with me, Prince Xieyue.

Care for a stroll?

I'll pass.

I'll be in my room.

♪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♪