Original subtitles

♪By the riverside♪

♪I sow a seed of karma♪

♪Forlorn fates intertwine♪

♪Written in the stars♪

♪Should your passion smolder out♪

♪Will you give up on your ideal world?♪

♪Our past can only be entrusted to memories♪

♪I'm mooning over you♪

♪Amidst loneliness♪

♪Berthed in sleepless nights♪

♪You're my desire♪

♪That teems underneath♪

♪I'm drowned in your beautiful eyes♪

♪I'm mooning over you♪

♪Next to the Three-life Stone♪

♪I cross the Bridge of Forgetfulness♪

♪Gazing at moonlit nights♪

♪The moon appears brighter because of you♪

♪Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze♪

♪Gazing at moonlit nights♪

♪The moon appears brighter because of you♪

♪Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze♪

[The Legend of Anle] [Adapted from a novel by Xing Ling]

[Episode 6]

Gu Qishan

will be exiled instead.

It's all right. There's still plenty of time.

But Your Highness,

you feel guilty about it

and I have nothing to lose, anyway.

Well, I assume this meal

will be on you today.

Take your seat.

Today,

I've arranged something great for you.

Where are you?

Coming.

Here I am.

Look.

Sorry for being late.

Please forgive me, Your Highness, Official Ren.

It's all right, you're just in time.

I wanted to have a private moment with you,

but you might get embarrassed, so...

Considerate, aren't I?

What would you like to listen to today?

Anything.

I heard that people are talking about this story

called "The Pretty Pirate Ren Anle

Courts the Crown Prince with Thirty Thousand Naval Forces".

Can you do this?

That book has been selling like hotcakes,

and I haven't gotten my hands on it yet.

Instead,

how about I tell you the story

of General Anning, the Defender of the Borders

and Conqueror of the Northwest?

What do you say?

We'll listen to that.

Wonderful.

Anle is here,

but you want Anning.

The current emperor has a daughter

whose bravery and prowess rival those of a man.

Out in the war field, she has never lost a battle.

She is Anning, the Eldest Princess.

Princess Anning has always loved martial arts.

At the age of 12, during the annual Fall Hunt Banquet,

she emerged victorious among her contenders.

Overjoyed, His Majesty asked what she wanted.

Instead of riches and gold

or expensive silk clothes,

Princess Anning requested to be deployed to the Northwest...

Your Highness.

-To guard the borders. -Let's have a drink.

While the princess's request seemed reasonable...

Listen attentively.

After all, the Jing State was founded by warriors,

and the founding emperor...

It's a boring story.

What's there to listen?

It's still better than some stories

laden with exaggerated and fabricated content.

During that, men fought bloody battles,

so did many women.

On the borders of our state, however,

life is still hard.

Why?

For you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Continue.

Don't stop, no matter what happens.

Yes, Your Highness.

The Northwest borders Northern Qin.

Two states have ceased fire for years,

the borders were often plagued by rogue bandits.

Over the past six years,

Princess Anning's bravery

and constant victories in battle

secured peace among the people.

And, on that fateful day,

some bandits from Northern Qin struck again.

Princess Anning rode her steed, rushing to the battlefield.

Such high praises.

Don't tell me he's actually the royal storyteller.

There's no need for envy.

Heroines like you two should respect each other.

Instead of having respect for me,

you want me to respect her?

(She was quite elegant, though.)

(She wore a golden crown of condor wings)

(and a silver-red battle cloak.)

(She rode her ebony war horse)

(and hold her scimitar.)

(As she saw the bandits,)

(she remained as polite as ever,)

presenting the demeanor of our state.

[Anning, Princess of Jing] So, you're Ren Anle?

Anning?

Why are you back?

We'll settle your scores later.

Could she be the legendary...

The legendary Princess Anning.

I didn't expect her

to be ruder than what the stories tell.

You're asking for this.

Anning!

Stop this!

Out of my way!

I am the Crown Prince.

I only listen to the General.

I don't want to hurt you.

See?

The Crown Prince would rather protect me, not you.

You are shameless.

We told you not to stop, no matter what happens.

Go on.

(Despite her beaming smile,)

Princess Anning showed no mercy.

(She...)

(She rode her horse and hold her scimitar,)

(toward the bandits bravely,)

(She...)

(Taking cover from the glint of her scimitar,)

(she waved her left arm)

(and punched hard)

(directly against the bandit's chest.)

Where's your beaming smile?

Don't believe his exaggerated story.

All fight and no talk.

Where's your noble demeanor?

When we deal with bandits,

we don't show mercy.

What did you say, bandits?

I am a palace official.

Is that so?

On my way here, I heard so much

about you harassing the Crown Prince.

What a coincidence!

I also heard many tall tales about your so-called exploits.

I have no need for a false reputation.

I only want your life.

My life is worth a fortune.

I'm afraid you'll have to exchange it with your life.

Princess Anning, follow me if you dare.

Stop!

General!

Nice fight.

It was exhilarating.

I'm Anle.

I'm Anning.

I wasn't able to stop the Crown Prince.

You may punish me, General.

Given his martial abilities,

you did a good job stalling him for minutes.

You're just back from the borders for debriefing,

but before seeing His Majesty,

you caused quite a scene.

Isn't it appropriate?

Yeah.

I thought only my presence

would bring chaos and calamity

wherever I go.

Only your presence?

Disagree?

Of course.

Let's have another round.

Who's scared? Bring it on.

(Come on.)

[Lingxiang Pleasure House] (Cheers.)

(Here, one more drink.)

(You sure can drink.)

Cheers.

How many times have you scared the bandits off till they wet their pants?

Don't mention it. Too many times.

Do men take orders from you?

[Lengbei, Princess Anning's Bodyguard]

Of course, they do.

Come on.

So,

do men admire you?

Wrong question.

Actually, I don't care

if men admire me.

I chose a life of war and battles

for my own sake and my nation's peace.

Well, I'm different.

I have my own abode

and thirty thousand navy forces,

but for the Crown Prince,

I can give up everything.

Your Highness.

You know how I feel, don't you?

We had a tiff.

Your Highness?

You know what I mean, don't you? Say something.

Do you?

Ren Anle.

You may not be interested in defending the borders,

but you've shown great bravery in the face of danger.

You have my admiration.

Everyone, listen up.

I, Ren Anle...

And I, Anning...

We like each other.

Right here and now, we pledge to be sisters.

To celebrate this happy occasion,

everyone's bill for tonight

will be on me!

-Great! -Nice!

-Nice! -That's great!

[Wanshou Hall]

The moment you came back, you smashed a pleasure house

and became sworn sisters with Ren Anle.

Even worse,

you're meeting me in this inebriated state.

Anning.

Do you care a little bit about your reputation?

Saying nothing?

You're a general now,

a big-shot general?

Now, you have no regard for me, huh?

Your Majesty.

I keep fighting wars

and I'm even ready to risk my life,

let alone my reputation.

Come on, Anning.

Look at you.

How are you going to get a husband?

Why would I get a husband?

Can a husband lead an army to war

or can he rule the nation?

You're testing my patience.

Fine.

After your debriefing,

you will not return to the Northwest!

I am the Defender of the Northwest.

How can I not return?

You're not the only general there.

Northern Qin is mostly inhabited by the poor and sick.

Nothing would happen even without you there.

Enough.

Just get yourself a husband soon

and give birth to my grandchildren.

By then, you can go as far as you want.

Listen, that's impossible!

I will never get married, have children,

and lead a pathetic life.

Stand right there.

Stand...

(Both Anning and the Crown Prince refuse to get married.)

(And you?)

(Your seemingly loyal advice)

(is just a guise for your selfish motives.)

(Look at this. Not again.)

"Gentle and soft-spoken, the daughter of Marquis Zhongyi

is a chaste lady who will perform her wifely duties responsibly,

and will make a perfect Crown Princess."

Half of the memorials I've recently received

are urging the Crown Prince to get married,

and more than half of those

are saying the daughter of you, Marquis Zhongyi,

will make a perfect Crown Princess.

I do not know anything about this, Your Majesty.

Since when did my officials

become so invested

in choosing a consort

for the Crown Prince?

Your Majesty,

in my humble opinion,

the Crown Prince is essential to our state.

Unless he gets married,

our state would remain shaky.

For the late emperor's will,

the Crown Princess doesn't get married,

waiting for orphaned Miss Di.

But it does no good in the long run.

Our top priority

is to select an eligible lady

for the Crown Prince

so that they can get married.

Right Chancellor,

you're the Crown Prince's tutor.

Who do you think is a perfect match

for the Crown Prince?

Your Majesty,

the final decision lies with His Highness.

So, after the discussion,

nothing has changed.

Left Chancellor.

Tell me what you think.

Your Majesty,

His Highness is noble and polite.

If I had an eligible daughter,

I'd have recommended her name as well.

Therefore, it is not surprising

that Marquis Zhongyi's daughter was recommended.

Official Ren, I see you have the time to mull over a trinket.

Looks like you don't have enough work to do.

This jade scepter

was a gift from Han Zhongyuan to Han Ye

at his 20th birthday.

Han Ye cherished it very much.

You got it from him, though.

You're in charge of the Court of Judicial Review,

and you're free to deploy my men in the Ministry of Justice.

You're also defended by Han Ye's Censorate.

Kind of controlling Three Monitoring Offices.

What's your next target?

Next target,

[Zhong] Zhong Liwen, Governor of Mutian Prefecture.

Gu Yunnian's brother-in-law in Jiangnan?

Exactly.

He was also an accomplice

in the massacre of my family.

But looks like he has been promoted

to the Governor of Mutian Prefecture.

And taking advantage of infrastructure projects,

he even colluded with ministers of Works.

And apparently, he's living in the lap of luxury.

He's said to have a secret list of 80,000 soldiers

of the Di Troops.

Well,

we're of different minds this time.

[Gu] You've offended Gu Yunnian.

Since he failed to assassinate you,

he's not going to let you off.

If he discovers your identity...

Since I've chosen this path,

I will have no regrets.

Still, I need to make sure you're safe.

[Chengning Temple]

You want to get her to the capital?

That's right.

Once the fake Di Ziyuan leaves the mountain,

she will be your best cover.

In that case,

it'll be harder for anyone

to associate you with Di Ziyuan.

Also,

Gu Yunnian is eager to reclaim his power.

He's gathered the ministers to pressure Han Ye,

and instigated the Empress Dowager

to make his daughter the Crown Princess.

Gu Yunnian sure has everything laid out.

By doing so,

he can target you

while sowing discord between Han Ye and the emperor.

Han Ye, however,

is insistent on the marriage contract.

If we can get the fake Di Ziyuan here,

we may benefit from Han Ye's obsession.

The more chaos, the better.

I asked to marry Han Ye with 30,000 naval forces

and no one else should be his wife.

[Jingxin Hall]

[Sun Yujun, Empress Dowager of Jing]

Mother.

The servants always told me

that you were busy with national matters.

Very well,

but why can't you take care of family business?

I have not visited you lately, Mother.

That's because...

I mean,

the Crown Prince is in his twenties, and he's still not married.

His marriage is

almost the biggest joke in our state.

It's not that I don't want to urge him.

But over the years,

he has been using the late emperor's will

as his excuse for rejection.

I can't refute that.

He may be insensible.

Don't tell me you are, too.

Your father was foolish enough

to sign a random marriage contract.

Are you as foolish as he was?

The Crown Prince's marriage concerns our family and our state.

A woman from the Di family can't hold him up.

Matron Sun.

[Daughter of the Hanlin Academy Chancellor] All eligible noble young ladies

and daughters of ministers in the capital...

All their engagement cards are here.

I'm sure we'll find

a Crown Princess from here.

[Daughter of the Vice Minister of Personnel] Here are all the eligible ladies in the state.

Pick one.

Son,

what do you mean?

Regarding my marriage,

I will honor the promise my grandfather made.

Honor his promise?

You're living happily but what about me?

You know what?

Everyone has been pressuring me lately.

They're asking me

why I'm not finding you a wife!

I have failed you as a son.

Sorry for the disturbance I've caused you.

You have failed me!

Is there anyone else in this world

around your age

who refuses to get married?

You are the Crown Prince.

You were born into royalty,

so our family matters concern the nation too.

You don't want to get married?

What if our people call you a disloyal son?

I want to marry Di Ziyuan

to fulfill my grandfather's wish.

And that's my duty as the Crown Prince.

As you just said, Your Majesty,

I was born into royalty,

so our family matters concern the nation too.

I'm also remaining loyal to my nation.

Shut up!

Please let me marry who I want, Your Majesty.

Get out!

[Yuchen Hall]

Your Highness.

I am absolutely determined to honor my grandfather's promise.

Your Majesty.

Please have some tea.

Your Highness, when you need a wife,

you can't forget me,

who asked to marry you with my navy.

Your Highness, I'm here to solve your worries.

I'm Ren Anle from the Court of Judicial Review.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Rise.

What is it, Official Ren?

I'm here to beg for forgiveness.

What wrong have you done?

I was desperate to please His Highness

by solving the case,

and I captured the Marquis Zhongyi's son.

I got myself into such huge trouble.

I beg for your forgiveness, Your Majesty,

for I'm new here with little knowledge of officialdom.

The Court of Judicial Review handles all cases

and judges what's right or wrong.

Since you were enforcing the law, you did nothing wrong.

Your Majesty, are you praising me?

So, I don't need to apologize, huh?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Why do you think

that I would punish you?

I heard that Marquis Zhongyi

would marry his daughter to His Highness.

So I was thinking,

only am I losing a potential husband,

I have also offended Marquis Zhongyi.

Isn't it just like,

a wild goose chase

that ends up in a double loss?

So...

Days ago, you asked to marry my son

but it didn't turn out well.

You solved the cheating case perfectly, though.

Why would I blame you?

In fact, I think

you're a talented official.

No, no.

I became an official

just to be good enough for His Highness.

Now, I just heard

that someone else might marry him.

So I rushed here immediately.

If I were to choose,

I do think

you're a perfect wife for him.

But it's a pity

that the decision

lies with the Crown Prince himself.

Now, I'm willing to marry him,

but the Crown Prince isn't willing to marry me.

How about

we organize a Crown Princess selection instead?

Count me in,

as well as Di Ziyuan.

That way, both of us can compete fairly.

Ren Anle,

why are you helping the Crown Prince?

I'm not.

Humans are selfish, after all.

Think about it, Your Majesty.

I want to become the Crown Princess.

So, I need to make the first move.

But His Highness doesn't want to marry me

and all he wants is Di Ziyuan.

There's indeed no solution.

There is.

The Crown Princess selection.

Once Di Ziyuan participates,

His Highness will also join the process.

Your Highness,

take this imperial decree.

"True to our traditions and the laws of nature,

the palace hereby orders the Crown Prince,

Han Ye, who is of eligible age for marriage,

to marry a consort.

Hence, it is announced

[Imperial Decree] that any pretty eligible lady

and sign up and take a virginity test

for the Crown Princess selection."

I thank His Majesty,

but my mind is set.

I cannot take this decree.

"Miss Di Ziyuan,

who will be released from exile,

is also one of the candidates.

That is all."

Will His Majesty

finally release her?

That's right.

His Majesty has agreed to release Di Ziyuan.

You actually did it.

Your Highness, take this decree.

Yes.

Come on.

I followed you all the way

from Jingnan to the capital,

and I'm offering my 30,000 navy forces as dowry

just to be the Crown Princess.

But look at you.

You only care

about Di Ziyuan on Dai Mountain.

Whatever you want,

I'll get it for you.

You were worried about Dongqian Pirates,

so I went and eradicated them.

You were stressed out over the cheating case,

so I solved it on behalf of Pei Zhan.

You insist on marrying Di Ziyuan,

so I pleaded with His Majesty

to release Di Ziyuan from exile.

Still, Your Highness,

can you take your eyes

off Di Ziyuan for a while

and look at this girl beside you?

♪The fireworks light up the night sky♪

♪My hair has turned as white as snow, still waiting for you to look at me♪

♪If I don't survive this life, I hope fate smiles upon you♪

♪No matter how long this life lasts, my yearning for you lasts longer♪

Han Zhongyuan has finally agreed

to let Di Ziyuan leave the mountain.

How's our doppelganger doing up there?

She's been acting normally over the past ten years.

It's just that

sometimes, she longs to see the world outside.

If she's an obedient pawn...

We'll set her free.

Official Luo.

There's something else

that seems weird.

Speak.

Princess Anning, who grew up with Di Ziyuan,

has placed a heavy bet on Ren Anle.

Princess Anning studied with Di Ziyuan,

and they were close friends.

But she fell sick days after the Di massacre,

and her servants died suddenly.

Then, she left for the Northwest,

and had never returned since then.

Then, we should find an opportunity

to test her.

[Residence of Marquis Jing'an, the former Di Residence]

(Ziyuan,)

(His Majesty allowed you to leave the mountain.)

(I'm feeling)

(excited and scared at the same time.)

Ziyuan, wait for me!

(Anning, hurry up.)

(Let's play behind the rockery.)

(Sure.)

Ziyuan used to be your close friend, General.

Now that she's returning to the capital,

you should be happy.

I am happy.

It's just that I often lost to her when we sparred,

and I don't want to be disgraced again.

It's been ten years.

This residence

will finally have its mistress back.

Still, I wonder if her return

would a blessing

or misfortune for her.

You've also been away for years,

being stationed in the Northwest.

Why is that so?

I love the Northwest.

That's a very free region,

where I can ride my horse and do archery.

Unlike this boring palace.

Indeed.

Only the palace would produce such a boring man.

But as far as I know,

you used to be a genteel girl.

Why would you want to stay in that savage land?

It was Ziyuan who showed the timid me

grandeur mountains

and vast skies.

Greetings, Princess Anning.

To commemorate our meeting,

I've prepared a gift for you.

What is this?

It's so pretty.

How beautiful!

You are the Eldest Princess of Jing.

One day, you shall travel across the nation

to look at the boundless mountains and rivers.

(I knew something happened between them.)

With 30,000 navy forces under her command,

Ren Anle is the talk of the capital,

and solving the cheating case gave her prestige,

winning the support of the people.

Ren Anle has all the conditions to her advantage,

the position of the Crown Princess

would naturally...

Would naturally be a piece of cake.

However, as Ren Anle, everything I said

and every pledge I swore...

None of them counts.

Then,

do you know

why you've become a popular candidate again?

Anning placed a huge bet on you.

Perhaps,

you can invite her here to enjoy some music

and have a heart-to-heart conversation.

Wine makes people talk.

[Residence of the Princess]

Anning.

Anle.

What brings you here?

It's a lovely night. We can't let it go to waste.

With you around,

I guess I can still call this night lovely.

Are you unhappy?

No.

Tell me if you're feeling upset.

I will only listen, and won't offer advice.

If you don't offer advice,

why would I tell you?

When someone's depressed,

she needs a quiet listener.

Ten years ago,

I had a very close friend.

Due to certain reasons,

His Majesty ordered

her whole family should be massacred.

Although my friend survived,

she was thousands of miles apart and we couldn't meet.

Since then, I've always felt guilty.

I joined the military because of her,

but it was only my wishful thinking.

I know what I owe her

and I can never repay her this life.

I didn't want her to get in trouble

but I was too weak to stop it.

Anning,

I'm sure she can feel

what you said just now.

Don't be upset.

Go, let's have fun at Lingxiang Pleasure House.

Bet on Ren Anle! Do it.

I heard that you placed a huge bet on me.

To express my gratitude,

I'll get you the prettiest courtesan

at this Pleasure House.

She'll keep us company.

What do you think?

The prettiest?

Ren Anle, you're truly a genius.

Of course.

You've seen a bunch of rugged soldiers.

So it's time to see the prettiest girls

and try something new.

Sure.

Let me see how pretty she is.

If she does look good,

we'll have her to ourselves tonight.

Let's go.

[Crown Prince's Residence]

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

What?

You're out of breath.

Princess Anning and Official Ren

are at Xiangling Pleasure House again.

I thought something horrible happened.

They became sworn sisters there.

So, they went back there

to enjoy a drink. That's normal.

But Princess Anning said

she would have the courtesan the whole night.

That's absurd.

One, one, one!

Six!

I don't think you can beat me.

Come on.

Look closely.

Is that your lucky puff?

Roll it!

Drink.

-Drink. -I'll drink up.

I...

Where's the courtesan?

Relax, ladies.

Miss Linlang is preparing.

Take her time.

The night is long.

My turn.

Another shot.

General.

Who is it?

How dare you barge in here?

Barge?

I thought he was your man.

Yes.

I am not her man.

What's going on here?

So, are you or are you not her man?

What do you mean?

You're quitting?

I am your bodyguard, General.

I misunderstood Official Ren.

Well, it's my fault.

Don't quarrel.

Next time, I'll just ask

if he's your personal bodyguard.

Ren Anle.

Ren Anle.

Go away.

Come on, Ren Anle.

How dare you tease me?

He's looking at us.

But you know what?

I'm feeling on a roll.

Ren Anle.

We'll get wasted tonight.

Of course.

Official Luo.

I'm going to meet the two ladies.

Anning does not like extravagance.

Simple and plain will do.

Linlang,

you need to make sure

everyone loves you.

You seem to be reluctant

to let Official Ren be the Crown Princess.

Ren Anle's goal

is never about being the Crown Princess.

How are your preparations?

I've prepared three to five songs I'm good at

for the ladies to choose from.

You don't need that many.

One song is enough.

It's always this hard to get that lady.

If she still doesn't come,

we'll be out of booze.

Let me go take a look.

Oh, my.

I saw what you did.

Isn't that personal enough?

He literally

held you in his arms.

Your eyes were fooling you.

Impossible.

You must be drunk.

Ladies, Miss Linlang is here.

My name is Linlang.

Greetings, General,

and Official Ren.

Requiem?

When we were young,

Ziyuan played this song too.

Your Highness.

♪I will stay valorous as I stand up to every challenge directed against me♪

Brilliant song.

♪If I bet my all on it desperately♪

♪I know my heart will be uneasy♪

♪I give up on my light and hide it under a bushel♪

♪You're the moon in my heart♪

♪I can't dream to own you♪

♪But I'm willing to forsake my life for you♪

♪I'd go the distance for you♪

♪May the light stay with you♪

♪Romance aside♪

♪I fight for your destiny alongside you♪

♪You're my dream from the bygone youth♪

♪Arriving at the end of my life♪

♪I bear no regrets But when we reunite in our next life♪

♪Will you still remember me?♪

♪I've concealed my yearning for you♪

♪And guarded your smile♪

♪Please don't leave me in oblivion when we part ways♪

♪I'd go the distance for you♪

♪May the light stay with you♪

♪Romance aside♪

♪I fight for your destiny alongside you♪

♪You're my dream from the bygone youth♪

♪Arriving at the end of my life♪

♪I bear no regrets But when we reunite in our next life♪

♪Will you still remember me?♪