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 9]

[Lingxiang Pleasure House]

No flowers bloom

at Dai Mountain throughout the year,

and only a few birds can be heard chirping

in certain seasons of the year.

It's a place

that's devoid of life throughout all four seasons,

and she was there

living alone

for the past 10 years.

She's returning to the capital soon.

Do you not want to know

what she's like now after ten years since you last met?

Once she's back,

I'll visit her when I can.

General.

Please stop drinking.

You need to inspect the military warehouse soon.

Yes.

I forgot.

I've been busy with work

so I'm afraid I can't visit her for now.

Since you're occupied with work,

I shall not disturb you any longer.

Linlang.

That day at the Residence of Marquis Jing'an,

I had a hunch

that Anning must have known

that the Di family was wronged.

Then, why didn't you tell Official Ren?

Anning was like a sister to her

and she'd hate to implicate her.

Now that Anle is leaving the capital,

we need to investigate this matter.

Also,

we need to solve the case

of the lotus pendant quickly.

Yes, sir.

Never seen it before.

Hey, you.

You said you'd be here to find out about the pendant,

but it looks like

you're shopping for weapons.

I'm just looking for a good weapon

to protect you and Young Lady.

We thought that a soldier like him

would trade this pendant for a sword,

but we've asked around

all the weapon shops here,

and we haven't learned anything.

We've been searching for the entire day.

I'm famished.

All you care about is food.

I'm hungry.

This pendant has been missing for the past ten years.

It must hold significant value to its owner.

They wouldn't have pawned it unless they were desperate.

In recent years, the region of Jiangnan has been plagued

by floods and famine.

Let's go.

Where are we going?

The rice shop.

Rice shop?

[Rice]

We finally got some useful information.

Now, we can finally treat ourselves to a good meal.

All you care about is food.

Currently, we only know that the man goes by the surname Zhong.

His identity and whereabouts remain unknown.

But I'm hungry.

Tomorrow,

we'll follow Young Lady to Wangjiang Terrace,

the biggest restaurant in Jiangnan.

You can stuff yourself there.

Really?

Deal.

[Wangjiang Terrace]

Your Highness, it's rare of you to take the initiative for once.

My efforts have not been in vain.

Everyone's looking

so I need to play my part.

I learned this trick from you

during the cheating case of metropolitan examination.

But my love for you

has never been an act.

Do you really think so?

(Speaking of which,)

why do you call yourself "Anle" in the first person

when you're with Han Ye?

I keep calling myself "Anle"

to remind myself constantly

that I'm putting up an act with this identity.

Whatever Anle says and does

are all fake.

Your Highness, your presence today

has brightened the atmosphere in Wangjiang Terrace.

Indeed.

Your Highness.

On behalf of the townsmen of Mutian Prefecture,

I raise a toast to you.

Your Highness.

Why aren't you drinking?

Are you unhappy with the food we've provided?

Your Highness?

His Highness has much work to do so he's refraining from alcohol.

It just so happens that I love drinking,

so I shall drink this on behalf of His Highness.

Sure.

Impressive.

Official Ren is a true heroine

among the womenfolk.

Thank you. I'm flattered.

She sure holds her liquor well.

Yes.

-Here, Official Ren. -Here, Official Ren.

We'll also raise a toast to you, Official Ren.

Wait.

Fill my glass.

Official Zhong.

Why don't you let everyone come one by one?

Yes, I should have thought of that.

Yes, one by one.

One by one.

Yes.

You're all too polite.

I will be counting on you

to show me around Jiangnan, after all.

This is a great opportunity to get to know all of you.

How should I address you, sir?

I am Liu Benshan, from the south of the city.

Liu Benshan?

That's a good name.

He's just like his name,

so eerily good-natured.

Bottoms up.

Eerily?

Here.

Cheers.

Cheers, Official Ren.

And what's your name?

I'm G-G-Gu Minghong, from the east of the city.

G-G-Gu Minghong?

Ch-ch-cheers.

Ch-ch-cheers.

I wonder how long Young Lady is going to drink inside.

Didn't she say we could join her?

Relax.

Young Lady has ordered us

to prepare the horses and wait,

so she must have planned something.

But

why is Wen Shuo allowed

to go inside with them?

Remember that before the assassin showed up yesterday,

Young Lady ordered me to help him with his revision?

Yeah, I guess so.

How is that relevant?

This boy

will prove to be useful.

Official Ren, here's to you.

Anle.

Don't drink too much.

It's fine.

Official Ren.

While you were drinking and getting to know everyone,

His Highness seemed very fidgety.

Yeah.

Yeah.

After all, I am a beautiful woman.

So many men

in the capital have been smitten by me.

His Highness might look

calm and composed most of the time,

but he's got a green-eyed monster living inside him.

That's right.

Official Ren,

you used to spend a lot of time in Lingxiang Pleasure House

and often jested with the men there.

How could I not worry?

Your Highness, you are absolutely right.

I admit that this is my fault.

In the future, I won't leave you waiting alone

in our chamber.

Here's to you, Your Highness.

Look at that.

You naughty girl.

To think

that the noble C-C-Crown Prince

is in l-l-love with a female pirate!

That's fine.

Anle is offering her 30,000 navy forces as dowry.

This is a sincere gift

that no one could ever pass up,

even for the Crown Prince.

Yeah.

Actually, we've heard

so much about your love story.

That's why we've prepared a little token

to celebrate your engagement in advance.

Yeah!

This way, please.

Official Zhong, you can't do this.

Anle is a court official.

She cannot accept expensive gifts.

Your Highness, you sound

as if you're denying our sincere thoughts for Official Ren.

These are celebratory gifts,

not bribes.

Have you ever seen anyone reject

gifts meant for newlyweds?

Who are you informing on this time?

Both memorials are naturally informing on Ren Anle.

Why two memorials?

This memorial is about Ren Anle accepting bribes.

Accepting bribes?

Your brother loves giving presents

for the purpose of future extortion.

Once Ren Anle takes the bait,

she will be convicted of bribery.

Well,

what about this one?

[Memorial from Marquis Zhongyi, Gu Yunnian]

It's a five-colored glazed jar.

His Highness and I

are grateful for the sincerity you've shown us.

Anyhow,

just the grand occasion today

feels like

a wedding banquet for His Highness and me.

Official Ren, you're a wise woman.

You guys.

Put the gifts away.

After today's banquet,

send them to Official Ren's residence.

Yes, sir.

Wait.

Since I likened this to a wedding banquet,

your presents can be considered as wedding gifts.

So, it is important

for His Highness and I

to make a list of the wedding gifts.

Boy, get me some paper and a brush.

Do list your names

and your gifts on the paper provided.

All right.

Official Zhong, you...

Anle's request

seems reasonable to me.

Official Ren.

T-T-These are just meager tokens of our blessings.

Y-Y-You don't have to list them down, do you?

Why not?

Of course I have to.

Otherwise, His Highness and I

won't be able to repay your kindness.

Do we really have to write it down?

What should we write?

Come.

Please go ahead.

What should we do?

She doesn't remember any of you.

Make it up.

It's not a guillotine.

Why are you so nervous?

Well...

[Jin]

What is it, Wen Shuo?

I'm sure his surname is Gu.

Since when did he change his surname to Jin?

That's m-my mother's surname.

Mr. G-G-Gu.

Honesty is the best policy.

His Highness is watching.

Yes, ma'am.

Everyone.

This is my brother.

He has a photographic memory.

Don't try to fool him.

Yes.

I raised him up personally.

I can vouch

for his photographic memory.

My surname is Gu.

[Gu]

[Wangjiang Terrace]

[Golden brocade]

Everyone.

Look closely.

This is your very own admission

of your attempt to bribe a court official.

I...

I...

Wen Shuo, pass this to Yuanqin

and send it to the courier station.

Make sure it reaches His Majesty.

Yes, ma'am.

This...

This won't do.

What should we do now?

Bribing a third-rank official with exotic treasures.

This is a serious offense.

We could even confiscate your properties.

Spare us!

Spare us, Your Highness!

Please spare us, Your Highness!

Yuanshu.

Let's go.

Official Zhong.

You didn't do anything wrong or try to bribe me.

Why are you kneeling too?

Right, Your Highness?

Get up.

Your Highness, listen.

Something seems to be going on outside.

Help!

Help!

Look.

What's going on?

Mother, I'm hungry.

Shall I take a look?

Today sure is busy, Your Highness.

Help us.

Your Highness!

We want to see His Highness!

Your Highness.

This is bad, this is bad.

[Wangjiang Terrace]

Your Highness.

Official Ren.

I guess we've run out of rations again,

and the disaster victims must have heard of your arrival,

so they're here to cause trouble.

Get out!

Unfortunately,

the emergency funds will only arrive four days from now.

There's not a single grain left in the granary.

What should we do?

Your Highness!

It's your fault, Your Highness.

If it weren't for your visit,

you wouldn't have implicated these squires

and the people here.

Everyone!

We've been kneeling here all this while,

yet the Crown Prince refuses to show himself!

He even sent his soldiers to block us!

Does he have any respect for us?

No.

It's time for you to make the call.

Official Zhong.

We came here today to discuss

the disaster relief arrangements.

The funds have not arrived yet

and the government's granary is empty.

I have a quicker solution to this issue.

Your Highness, please enlighten us.

These squires can make up for their crimes

by opening their private granaries to the public.

This...

We don't have any rations either.

I...

If they don't have rations as well,

the evidence of their bribery

will soon reach His Majesty.

Everyone!

The Crown Prince is turning a blind eye to our plight.

We should just barge our way in

and demand an explanation!

Yes! Let's go!

Make him come out!

Let's go!

Back off!

Come out!

The Crown Prince's visit to the South

might start a riot instead.

Zhong Liwen may be punished eventually,

but our Crown Prince

may have to bear the main responsibility.

This is a deadlock.

That depends on who's playing this game.

Despite Zhong Liwen's careful scheming,

he forgot a random factor on Han Ye's side.

What do you mean, sir?

Ren Anle has 30,000 navy forces under her command

and all of them have pledged their loyalty to her.

A few thousand disaster victims is all Zhong Liwen could muster.

He has underestimated her.

Your Highness, come out!

Your Highness.

Even if the squires donate their rations,

their residences are scattered around the prefecture,

and it would take a long time...

-Exactly. -That's right.

The disaster victims are roaring with anger.

Can we really appease them?

Your Highness.

Official Zhong.

Answer this.

The Crown Prince is trapped by a mob while visiting your prefecture.

Is there anything you'd like to say?

I deserve to die.

Unfortunately, now that I'm also trapped,

I can't deploy more men here.

Your Highness.

I am unable to resolve this problem.

I...

I deserve to die!

I really deserve to die!

This isn't enough.

Your Highness.

I'm telling you, this isn't enough.

Not enough at all.

I deserve to die!

I really deserve to die!

Official Zhong.

What are you doing?

I meant that His Highness's Imperial Guards

are not enough to keep these people in check,

not that you haven't slapped yourself enough.

I...

You're right.

There are thousands of disaster victims down there,

yet we only have a few dozen Imperial Guards.

Anle.

Before the sun sets,

can you help me keep an eye on the victims?

I told you before,

as long as it's what you wish,

I will do it for you.

Very well.

Official Zhong.

I do not jest.

I will personally visit the squires' residences to collect rations.

Anle.

Wait for me.

Your Highness, I hope we will not disappoint one another.

Your Highness!

[Wangjiang Terrace] Your Highness!

Everyone.

As the Crown Prince of Jing, I promise you

that your rations will arrive today.

I ask for everyone to calm down.

Impossible!

This must be a trick to stall us!

Everyone.

His Highness is going to collect your rations

while I, Ren Anle, will stay here with you.

You may take me hostage.

Are you the pirate who got rid of the bandits

and punished the corrupted son of a high-ranking official?

Since you have helped us

uphold justice before,

we will trust you this once.

So, you've all heard about me?

Your reputation

precedes you around Jiangnan.

Since you're here,

we shall put our faith in His Highness too.

-Yes, we trust His Highness! -We trust His Highness

Then, I promise everyone

that with me here,

His Highness will not abandon any of you.

-Great! -Great!

-Great! -Thank you, Official Ren!

We're finally getting food!

-Nice. -Thank you, Your Highness!

Thank you, Official Ren!

The disaster victims are ecstatic.

I hope His Highness manages to collect the rations successfully.

Everyone.

I was born in Jingnan

and I was a pirate,

so I know your fears

and needs.

I can also empathize

with your suffering.

So, please rest assured

that His Highness will bring your rations.

Your Highness.

The local government has discovered a copper mine recently,

so we've submitted

half of our rations to the mine.

It's not that I don't want to give them to you,

but we really can't...

Fair enough.

Just give me the remaining half of your rations.

My residence's granary is far from here.

We'll set off immediately.

Show us the way.

Yes, Your Highness.

Over here.

Over here.

After I got rid of the Dongqian Pirates,

I tried to court the Crown Prince,

and I solved the metropolitan exam cheating case.

Then, I was given the chance to join the Crown Princess selection,

so I've come to Jiangnan

to assist in the disaster relief efforts.

That's why I also have the chance

to meet all of you today.

Over here.

Quick, over here.

Mother, I'm hungry.

-I want to eat something. -There, there.

I'm hungry.

The sun is setting soon.

Is the Crown Prince coming back or not?

Mother, I'm hungry.

Calm down, everyone.

Don't worry. They'll be here soon.

Mother.

I know.

Everyone, I'm sure

they're just fooling us.

I've never heard that the Crown Prince

is bringing rations to Jiangnan.

He lied to us.

-Really? -No food?

I think it's the wrong way.

Again?

It's all my fault.

Your Highness, I'm afraid it's impossible

for you to collect the rations before sunset.

If this goes on,

a riot would break out at Wangjiang Terrace.

Where's the food?

Where are our rations?

We want food!

Everyone!

We want food!

Give me food!

I want food!

Everyone!

Look!

His Highness has brought half of the rations.

Food!

It's food!

It's really food!

That's really food!

Let's grab some!

Everyone!

To ensure a smooth process,

please register your names, and we'll issue the rations accordingly.

Official Ren.

Is this another trick?

Trying to stall us, huh?

Right, everyone?

Yeah!

Who knows if there's really food inside?

What if it's actually rocks and sand?

Yeah!

How should I prove it?

It really is food!

It's true. That's food.

It really is food.

It really is food?

There's food?

Have I proven myself?

Stay calm, everyone.

Let's queue up to register. Follow me.

-Yeah! -Yeah!

-Queue up! -Queue up!

Okay, we'll follow you!

(Zhong Liwen has planted his men among the victims.)

I have ordered Jili to prepare some fake sacks of rations,

but one sack tied with a black string actually has rice inside.

What happens next

depends on you.

Your Highness, when did you learn to pull off tricks like that?

As they say,

if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

(I wonder how the Crown Prince is doing now.)

Next.

Sir, I'd like to register my name.

There are four people in my family.

Mother.

Yes.

I'm hungry.

My name is Chen Dali.

It's spelled Chen.

I'm famished.

Wait.

-You need to register first. -Sir.

I've got several kids waiting.

Let me take some rice.

I knew it was fake!

I...

My rice is fake,

and so is your identity.

If you dare to make a scene,

I'll stab right in.

Move it!

Take him away.

Yes, sir!

Official Ren, why are you arresting him?

He tried to stand up for us earlier.

-Release him! -Release him!

Everyone.

He was cutting the queue.

If I do not punish him,

it would be unfair to those waiting in line,

and people might follow his lead.

By then,

how would the young and elderly secure their rations?

His Highness is now

bringing more rations over.

Calm down, everyone.

You've been saying that

for several hours!

Yeah!

How much longer do we have to wait?

(Your Highness.)

(Hurry up.)

That's enough.

Our search ends here.

Your Highness.

We...

We haven't reached the place yet.

Your Highness!

I've got the rations!

Your Highness.

This is just part of the rations.

The rest

is being sent to Wangjiang Terrace as we speak.

Well done.

Back to Wangjiang Terrace.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's go!

My rations!

At this rate,

we're going to die!

Is this really a trick?

We need an answer!

Give us an answer!

Anle.

You did a great job.

Everyone.

Thank you for waiting.

I hereby promise

that no citizen of Jing

will die of starvation in this nation.

Hooray!

Thank you, Your Highness!

-Thank you, Your Highness! -Thank you, Your Highness!

This is great!

You're our savior!

Thank you, Your Highness!

You saved us!

Thank you, Your Highness!

With a body as frail as mine,

why would you even take a fancy to me?

Why not?

You have the most dashing looks in the nation,

so of course I'd take a fancy to you.

Your performance today

was admirable.

Ren Anle.

Thank you for everything you've done.

No need to thank me.

I told you, as long as it's what you wish,

I would do it for you.

Your Highness, do you really think

I'm going to do anything indecent

out here in the public?

I, Ren Anle, value my decency.

But the decent Ren Anle

has immense audacity in front of me.

Darn that Crown Prince.

Darn that Ren Anle!

Official Zhong.

Drink some tea.

Here.

Official Zhong.

In my opinion, you shouldn't worry.

After all, Mutian Prefecture is your territory.

The Crown Prince wouldn't threaten you here.

This is a disgrace! What do you know?

If

the Marquis was right,

their next step would be

investigating the floods in Jiangnan,

and all of us would be in trouble.

About the disaster relief effort,

how are you planning to thank me?

Anle.

You are a clever lady.

Your Highness, are you praising me?

Come on, tell me more.

During the banquet at Wangjiang Terrace,

Zhong Liwen tried to bribe you

so that he could extort you,

but you gave him a taste of his own medicine by preparing that list of gifts

and made everyone spit out the relief funds.

For that, I also have to thank Your Highness

for nurturing Wen Shuo

and his photographic memory.

While I was collecting the rations,

you also sent Yuanshu

to search the rice shop's granary,

and even got her to sneak out some ledgers that will be useful to us.

Your Highness, since you're in the mood for praising,

you have to praise your heart out tonight

so that we're motivated

to do more.

Zhong Liwen may be a dunce,

but he's still a useful weapon

in the hands of Marquis Zhongyi.

Ren Anle, here's a question.

If we were to search for evidence of Zhong Liwen's corruption,

where should we begin?

Obviously, the river dam project.

We spent millions to build the dam at Yuanjiang River,

and it burst in less than a year.

Who knows how much funds

Zhong Liwen has usurped?

If that's the case,

we need to find the river workers and ledger books.

I heard

that Zhong Liwen has an internal ledger book.

That's right.

The river workers will be the witnesses,

and the ledger books, the evidence.

If we were to investigate the funds of the dam project,

we'd have to look into wage payments

and logistics.

The river workers

will show any discrepancies in payment,

and the internal ledger book

will shed the light

on logistics and other expenses.

Come in.

Your Highness.

Young Lady.

I've checked.

Zhong Liwen has summoned the 500 workers

from last year's dam project

to repair the river dam.

You're already investigating?

Of course.

Your Highness.

I went to the river dam and asked around.

The summoned workers are not from last year's project.

So, you began the investigation even earlier than me

and you've gone into more detail.

Why did you make me waste my breath, then?

It wasn't wasted.

It's for me to confirm

that you are truly Ren Anle.

Young Lady, Your Highness.

We take our leave.

So, it seems

that the internal ledger book and river workers

are both missing now.

Compared to a mere ledger book,

it's much harder to hide 500 river workers.

Your Highness, you mean

we should search for the river workers first?

Your Highness, are you expecting me to start right now?

Your Highness.

You tried so hard to beat around the bush

and talked about work

just to avoid answering my question

about how you should thank me.

Your Highness, don't panic

and stop pretending.

Actually, you've already given me a promise yesterday.

When?

Yesterday.

You said you were going to make me a Beauty.

Let's celebrate.

I was just saying that you're a beautiful woman.

That doesn't count.

Your Highness, since you're pretending to be ignorant,

all the more reason why you should thank me.

I guess you are reluctant to have

even just one drink with me.

I knew it.

Now that you've made me do what you want,

I'm just a sword shelved away in the depths of your closet.

What a wonderful night.

We finally get to spend some private time together.

What should we do?

Your Highness?

Your Highness, you're born with such good looks.

No wonder they call you the most handsome man in the capital.

Ren Anle.

You're just as good.

You're an incredible woman.

Ziyuan?

It's you?

♪The endless night awaits the break of day♪

You're back.

♪Blurring myriad obsessions along the way♪

You're finally back.

♪A heart falling into the deep abyss♪

♪Your eyes are blinded from♪

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm back.

♪Carrying the weight of the world, come what may♪

Your Highness,

can you tell me?

♪Across the distance, years go by in peace♪

After the Di family was massacred,

has His Majesty shown you any evidence of treason?

♪Across the galaxies, my love will never cease♪

I...

I saw...

♪How can I forget? Promises within my heart stray♪

Ten years ago...

The Di Troops...

The Residence of Marquis Jing'an...

♪Journeying under the moon, three thousand li I tread♪

And...

And...

♪Brushing shoulders as we go our separate ways♪

And the crab apple flowers were blossoming.

So beautiful.

So beautiful.

So beautiful.

Yes, beautiful indeed.

So...

♪Countless thoughts and yearnings, in cycles they reside♪

Has His Majesty told you anything?

♪I'll stand by your side, wishing for a world serene♪

Your Highness?

♪Journeying under the moon, three thousand li I tread♪

♪Brushing shoulders as we go our separate ways♪

His Majesty told me...

He said...

♪Making a pact with you, our destinies aligned♪

He said you're my Crown Princess.

♪Across the starlit skies, our anticipation spreads♪

What Crown Princess?

To me,

you're just a silly little girl.

Little girl.

♪I'll stand by your side, wishing for a world serene♪

♪Journeying under the moon, three thousand li I tread♪

♪Brushing shoulders as we go our separate ways♪

(I thought he'd spill something useful now that I have him to myself,)

(but I didn't know he'd be even more unreliable than Ren Anle when he's drunk.)

Ren Anle.

♪Making a pact with you, our destinies aligned♪

Han Ye

will marry Di Ziyuan.

He will not let anyone else

become the Crown Princess,

♪I'll stand by your side, wishing for a world serene♪

even if he falls in love with someone else.

Your Highness, you're awake.

Here's your hangover soup.

Your Highness.

What did you do

with Anle last night?

You're back.

To me,

you're just a silly little girl.

Your Highness?

The door's not locked.

Just push it open.

Yuanqin.

Have you delivered the hangover soup to the Crown Prince

as I asked?

What a slim and well-structured hand.

Yuanshu?

♪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?♪