Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME

The mastermind of this plot is Wang Yuan.

Feng Ju knows of Wang Yuan's treachery.

He likes taking credits.

He takes risks if necessary.

That's why he keeps Wang Yuan by his side.

With Feng Ju's wits,

he can absolve himself of everything

even if my father learns the truth.

My younger brother is treacherous.

He may seem reliant on Baili,

but if I can put up an act,

so can he.

My dear Feng Ju

must not be underestimated.

But even so,

Your Highness was able to see through his plot, wasn't it?

It is fortunate

to have you come to my aid

when I am in bleak times.

It is my utmost honor

to have Your Highness put so much faith in me.

After all, the Feng family only helps the future ruler.

Naturally, we do everything we can to serve them.

Are you just that confident in me, Minister Feng?

Your Highness is well-equipped

with military, strategy, and tactical expertise.

Who else but Your Highness may seize that throne?

I had failed to recognize a true talent when we first met.

I shan't

repeat that mistake.

After this incident,

might the Feng family

have the honor of serving Your Highness as your arms and limbs?

Isn't the Feng family

already doing that?

What will your next step be, Your Highness?

I survived a great catastrophe.

It's time I see my father again.

My son, Lanxi,

was born by my first lady.

He is sophisticated, poised, refined, and intelligent.

An unfortunate accident

led him to fall into the waters.

We have searched for days, but we have yet to find anything.

I am…

devastated.

May our ancestors in the heavens

guide my son to return safely.

He had just led the men to repair the Lian River Levee,

-Who would… -and he just…

It's no wonder they say the good don't live long.

-Indeed. -My brother is in distress.

My heart suffers so.

I would like to donate

100,000 piculs of rice as my father did

to pray for my second brother.

Prince Ju is so kind and caring.

Indeed.

He is the only prince who came today.

I heard Prince Chang was raised by the late lady herself.

But I don't see him anywhere.

Report!

-Your Lordship. -What is it?

Speak!

Prince Lanxi's body has been found.

Father.

Bring the body.

Yes.

Bring the body!

YONG

Your Lordship.

It is better for you not to see this.

His body is barely recognizable anymore.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship.

Prince Lanxi has returned to his residence.

What did you say?

Prince Lanxi has returned to his residence.

Do you mean Xi'er is still alive?

His Highness is blessed by the heavens and deities.

He was saved by the fishermen

after he was swept away by the waters.

Our men were able to locate His Highness.

His Highness has returned to his residence now.

-I will go to see him at once. -Understood.

Find out who this is

and what this is all about!

YONG

STELLAR TALENT

Your Highness, the severe pathogenic cold in your body has yet to be fully cured.

You will still need to consume medicine.

Thank you, Imperial Physician.

Please come with me to write the prescription.

Thank you for your hard work.

I shall excuse myself now.

His Lordship has arrived.

Greetings, Father.

Get up quickly.

How is your body?

Are you all right?

The physician has said

that it was just coldness.

It's nothing serious.

I've made you worry.

Nonsense.

You are my son.

Of course I would worry about you.

You don't look so well.

This is what we'll do.

I'll leave the physician at your residence

to look after your health.

Thank you, Father.

You had suffered

for the sake of the people.

I will reward you well.

Thank you, Father.

I hope you will be fair

in rewarding and punishing those deserving.

I will find

the people who harmed you

and ensure they are severely punished.

Do you know who might have done it?

I have some leads.

Tell me.

I've just returned from a close shave with death.

I do not wish to be known as one who harms his own sibling.

Who do your leads point to?

My little brother,

Feng Ju.

It looks like

you've been busy since you were swept away.

Do you have any respect or care for your father?

Please forgive me, Father.

Do you know how worried I was?

Your first thought

after you were saved was not to inform me.

Instead, you were busy thinking of how to deal with your brother.

Do you know that this alone

is enough for me to punish you for deceiving your lord?

I know what I did wrong.

But I ask you to punish Feng Ju for attempting to murder a prince

as well, Father.

Are you forcing me right now?

You are forcing me to punish two of my sons at once!

You know

that I am not

trying to frame or slander my brother by doing so.

As long as I keep investigating,

I will find the proof.

Father.

We are father and son, subject and lord.

Above our relations

are the laws of the family and the nation.

Laws of the family and the nation.

Stay in your residence and focus on recovering.

I will give you an explanation.

One of Feng Ju's aides attempted to harm Xi'er.

Feng Ju might not have been aware,

but he still has to be held accountable.

It's only right that Xi'er talked to me in that manner.

I haven't treated Xi'er well over the years.

But if this matter is pursued,

my sons will turn against each other and my family will no longer be peaceful.

That is not a sight I wish to see.

Yuan Lu.

-Yes, Your Lordship. -Prepare two decrees for me.

Yes, Your Lordship.

You've taken care of things in my stead while I was away

from the capital of Yongzhou, Master.

You've worked hard.

It is my blessing to see Your Highness return safely.

What's more, given what Your Highness did today,

I believe Prince Ju will be in hot water.

I merely turned his scheme against him.

Prince Ju's trivial tricks mean nothing before Your Highness' witty plans.

Right. Have the members of the Tianshuang Sect settled in yet?

Yes.

Is the Tianshuang Sect in Yongzhou?

I was saved, all thanks to Bai Fengxi.

Otherwise, you might not see me again.

No.

We can't let them keep investigating.

At this rate,

they will find out it was our doing.

It's time to answer Father.

It was my idea.

Your Highness had nothing to do with it.

I will bear all the consequences.

I have sent a letter to Her Ladyship by pigeon.

I got it.

Leave.

"My second son, Prince Lanxi, has made a safe return.

I am most glad.

I hereby grant him the title of Prince Yongping.

He will be allowed to establish his own office

and oversee Jin City and Dang City remotely.

He will also be granted 5,000 servants.

Additionally, Ren Chuanyun shall be appointed as General of Agile Cavalry

and take charge of the Qinglin Army.

Ren Chuanyu shall be appointed as Commandant Guoyong.

That is all."

-Thank you, Your Lordship. -Thank you, Your Lordship.

His Lordship has asked me to deliver

another message to Your Highness.

His Lordship said,

"Between a subject and his lord, the law of the nation is paramount.

Between a father, son, and brother,

family comes first.

May Prince Yongping remember those words always."

I've remembered them.

I shall excuse myself now.

TOLERANT AND UNBIASED

Move.

TEMPLE AT MOUNT NING, YONGZHOU

I can tell that you're in turmoil from the sound of the wooden fish.

Mother.

LADY OF YONGZHOU, BAILI

Mother, I have missed you so much.

Do you know what you did wrong?

I was unable to protect Wang Yuan.

He was one of your old attendants.

You had him stay by my side to assist me.

But he died because of me.

Wang Yuan is but a servant.

It is only right for a servant to die for his master.

Your mistake was running here and hiding in the mountains

to pray the minute Feng Lanxi returned in one piece.

Why not just carve the word "guilty" on your forehead?

What did I tell you before I left the capital?

Tell me.

You said you would come to Mount Ning to pray.

On the surface, you came here to pray for Father,

but you are secretly meeting

with my uncle, Marquis Xun'an, who is stationed at the eastern frontier.

If Uncle Ning could support us,

I'd have the highest chances of becoming the heir of Lord of Yongzhou.

You also told me to plan and manage well in the capital

and not to cause any trouble.

Did you do as I said then?

I have worked so hard to secure your uncle's support

for you here at Mount Ning.

And yet, I haven't even left the mountain,

and I am being told

that Feng Lanxi was granted the title of Prince Yongping.

I was wrong, Mother.

I fell for Feng Lanxi's schemes.

Feng Lanxi hid his capabilities

and pretended to be meek for over ten years.

He even fooled me.

You are indeed no match

for his cunningness.

Yes.

I know you are discontented.

But you must admit defeat when it is due.

Admitting defeat

is easier than facing death.

Your father only took Wang Yuan's life.

That means you still have a chance.

If you lose, figure out how to win.

What I want

is not for you to just win against Feng Lanxi.

I want you

to sit on the throne your father sits on someday.

I understand.

Wang Yuan is dead.

You need others to assist you.

I do have a few candidates.

How good can you be at reading people?

I have someone named Li Jiaxian that serves me.

He is more careful and meticulous than Wang Yuan.

Keep him by your side.

Thank you, Mother.

I am at a loss without you, Mother.

It is only right for a mother to plan for her child.

I've finished with my matters here.

Go and get ready.

I shall be returning.

May you be blessed with health and fortune, Mother.

I shall leave now, Mother.

QINGYIN MONASTERY

I, Li Jiaxian, greet Your Highness.

My mother has told me about it.

From now on, you will serve me.

Understood.

QINGYIN MONASTERY

You did well.

I sent you to her side

in hopes that one day

you would return to me.

I should actually thank Feng Lanxi for this.

I couldn't have gotten rid of Wang Yuan without him.

From now on,

I finally have one of my own aides by my side.

Everything I do is for Your Highness.

You must have questions.

She is my birth mother. She loves and cares for me.

Why would I do such a thing to her?

I don't dare to wonder.

I obey your every command, Your Highness.

I've never thought about it.

It's not that you haven't.

It's because you don't dare.

I said you are one of my own.

As such, there are things you should know.

This is my sincerity.

Thank you for your trust in me.

My mother plans and plots for me.

For the title of the heir of Lord of Yongzhou.

But my father is in his prime.

So what if I become the heir of Lord of Yongzhou?

The power wouldn't be in my hands. It would only go to my mother.

In the end, I'm just a puppet.

-Your Highness, these words… -What?

Should I not say them?

Or you don't dare to hear them?

It's fine if you don't want to. You can turn around and leave.

But what leaves shall be a dead body.

I'm all ears, Your Highness.

Do you know why my father didn't actually punish me

even though I dealt with Lanxi?

It's because His Lordship favors Your Highness more.

You're wrong.

It's because my father only sees me

as a good-for-nothing who only obeys my mother.

Your Highness, you mustn't think that of yourself.

Enough. I don't need you to flatter me.

In fact, I happen to like it this way.

Not just my father.

I hope the entire world sees me that way.

That would please me.

So not only will I keep this up,

but I will behave even more peevishly.

Only then

will Lanxi show his true colors.

Only then

will my father turn his animosity to him.

Your Highness, you intend to let them fight and reap the spoils?

Yes.

That's why the more Lanxi shows off his skills,

the happier I am.

You know what I want now, don't you?

I am at your disposal, Your Highness.

DADONG

How is the plan coming along?

It is as that man said.

The Six States are fighting for the Empyrean Token.

They won't have the time or energy to bother with us right now.

Besides, one of the three fake tokens

has fallen into the hands

of the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao, as he said.

Jizhou and Yongzhou are the two strongest states.

This matter has allowed us to weaken Jizhou as well.

It is a great fortune for the Imperial Family.

So now you know

what that man is capable of.

I am deeply impressed.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Urgent report from Jizhou.

Bring it here.

WE HAVE RECOVERED THE EMPYREAN TOKEN AND WILL ESCORT IT TO IMPERIAL CITY

What a good move.

Jizhou is actually going to return the Empyrean Token.

What is the meaning of this?

Father, what should we do now?

What else can we do?

I will issue a decree summoning the Six States

to come to the palace for a banquet to celebrate

and thank Jizhou for returning the token.

I…

shall greet them myself.

Yes.

THE CAPITAL OF YONGZHOU

THE CAPITAL OF YONGZHOU

Feng Chang?

You've returned so soon.

You must have had a tiring journey.

I heard you went to Mount Ning.

Chanting prayers and knocking the wooden fish.

You must've had a harder time.

You don't know yet, do you?

A few days ago, Father granted Lanxi the title

of Prince Yongping.

He is the only one

with that title among us.

We will have to bow and greet him when we see him now.

I'm fine with that.

But you've always wanted to be ahead of things, Feng Chang.

I'm sure you must have a hard time accepting this.

Why would I?

Lanxi is my younger brother.

The noblest blood of Dadong's Imperial Family runs within him.

That alone

is enough to make me accept

coming second to him in everything.

Do you accept it?

He is already safe and sound.

But he refused to show up.

Leaving you there trying to find him in the rain and sun,

without a single message.

You regard him as a brother.

But does he treat you like one?

THE CAPITAL OF YONGZHOU

PRINCE YONGPING'S RESIDENCE

-Your Highness. -Your Highness.

PRINCE YONGPING'S RESIDENCE

PRINCE YONGPING'S RESIDENCE

Feng Chang.

Greetings, Prince Yongping.

Feng Chang.

My health is already frail.

You would shorten my life by doing this.

You're worried about a shorter lifespan now?

Why weren't you worried about that when you left me

to look for you by the river?

Feng Ju said that, didn't he?

You know him well.

But he doesn't know us at all.

Easy there, Feng Chang.

I was in the water for days.

You must've had a hard time.

If I hadn't been lucky,

you might not be seeing me now.

My Lanxi is blessed and fortunate.

Feng Chang, let's sit and talk.

I heard our father sentenced Wang Yuan to death.

He's just a servant.

Father bestowed you a title.

You mustn't pursue the matter any further.

If not, Father might…

I understand.

You may have made it out safely this time,

but you and Feng Ju have also shed all pretenses of cordiality.

You must be careful.

I met him at the city gate today.

He was returning from Mount Ning.

That means she knows as well.

It won't be long before she gets back.

You must take precautions.

I will do so.

You are good in many ways.

But you keep too much to yourself.

You're smarter than Feng Ju,

but you must take good care of your health.

Overthinking and worrying too much is bad for your health.

If you really want to compete with him,

you must make sure you take care of your body.

Thank you for your concern.

I will be more mindful.

All right.

I'm relieved to see that you're all right.

You've had a long journey. Rest well.

I'll return to my residence now.

You've always worried about and cared for me.

I am truly grateful.

I ordered Chuanyu to prepare a gift

and deliver it to your residence

as a token of my appreciation.

Don't worry, Feng Chang.

No matter what happens,

I will always be the younger brother that grew up with you.

Fengxi, Gu Yu asked for another silver leaf.

But we don't have much left, so I didn't give it to him.

He got angry and ran out.

It's fine. Gu Yu won't go anywhere he shouldn't.

If he asks for more money next time,

give it to him.

I'll think of something to get more money.

Understood.

Mr. Fengxi.

Why are you here?

I own this residence.

Why can't I be here?

You do look like a noble young man all dressed up like this.

It took me by surprise at first.

But that mean-spiritedness of yours is back.

That must mean things went well with your family affairs.

It was all right.

How are you guys?

Have you gotten used to the place?

Langhua's condition has been stabilized.

The physician says she should wake up in a few days.

This residence is very comfortable as well.

Everyone enjoys it here, right?

-Yes. -Yes.

So that's why

I still have to thank you.

Just a "thank you" again.

What else do you want then?

Go out with me.

Consider it your repayment.

I still need to cook for them.

-And-- -The seasons change.

They won't stop because you aren't here.

Don't worry.

I've already sent Zhong Li to order food from Lanyun Restaurant.

He will stay here to help too.

You don't have an excuse to turn our Young Master down today.

Fengxi, you should go.

We'll take care of things here.

Nothing will happen. Isn't that right?

-Yes. -Go on.

Fine, I'll accompany you. Reluctantly.

Let's go.

-This is good. -Isn't it?

Yongzhou is indeed the greatest.

It's the best of the cities I've seen.

Even the people on the road

are so relaxed and carefree.

I hope this state of Yongzhou will never be ruined.

I hope so too.

You asked me to come out with you today.

Is there something on your mind?

I have an older brother.

He treats me very well.

But I am hiding things from him.

Have you ever plotted against him?

Of course not.

In that case, it's easy.

You deceived him.

It's normal that he would be upset.

All you have to do is talk to him and untie the knot in his heart.

As a kid, I often tricked my brother into helping me copy essays too.

He would try to hit me, but he was never really mad.

Since you guys are brothers,

you should talk to him

and try to solve what's bothering him if you feel bad.

Don't move.

What happened?

I just saw an acquaintance.

I don't want her to recognize me.

Don't look back.

The back of that man looks familiar.

It looks like Prince Lanxi.

Prince Lanxi wouldn't hold hands with a girl on the street.

You must've been mistaken.

I finally know why you want me

to come out with you as repayment.

You can shop longer than most young ladies.

It has been half a day. Don't you feel tired at all?

What?

Is a candied hawthorn skewer not enough to keep your mouth busy?

Wait.

You were born in Yongzhou.

You should be used to all of this now.

I just like how lively it is here.

That has nothing to do with you at all.

But it's my first time here

with you.

What a beautiful sea of flowers.

Miss,

our Second Prince designed this himself.

His Highness's name is Lanxi.

This sea of flowers is composed of various kinds of flowers.

They only bloom during this time.

The Gentlemen of Elegance of the Four Gentlemen

is plain and tasteful indeed.

Am I not tasteful?

Do you know what's missing between you and Mr. Lanxi?

It's just the character "Lan."

A character makes a world of difference.

"A promise as long-lasting and unchanging as the fragrance of orchids.

May one's heart be as faithful as the flower."

A single character makes a huge difference.

But I heard Mr. Lanxi doesn't have good health.

I hope he isn't like these orchids.

Miss, these flowers may only bloom for a short time,

but my art

can preserve the beauty of the flowers and you forever.

-Really? -Yes.

All right. Please paint a picture of me.

All right.

Wait.

I'll do it.

Thank you, sir.

I'll help you with the ink.

If you're going to draw me, make sure you do it properly.

Don't make it personal.

You just sit tight.

Your painting skills

put mine to shame, sir.

What do you think?

I was born with good looks of course.

Not that I draw well?

It's all the same.

-Give it to me. -Give it to me.

It's over there.

Thank you, miss!

-Thank you, miss. -Don't mention it.

He must be scared.

You should bring him back now.

Thank you.

Don't cry.

What's wrong?

I think I twisted my ankle. I'm fine.

Come on. Let's go back.

Sit down and let me take a look.

Don't move.

Bear with it.

Try to move it.

It's a lot better now.

Don't be a hero if you can't do it.

I wasn't incapable.

-Everyone can be careless-- -You shouldn't use that foot too much.

Come on.

I'll carry you back.

You will carry me?

What else?

Dilly-dallying

will only waste time.

Do you think I'm so free?

Fengxi?

-Fengxi. -Sir.

What happened?

-Sir. -I just twisted my ankle. I'm fine.

Sir, we should head back now.

I'll be leaving then.

Wait.

The painting.

Just a painting.

A painting?

Go on.

I'm off.

-Come on. -I can walk.

Two days ago, we received news

that Lady Baili was returning to the palace.

She must've been made aware of what happened to Your Highness

and couldn't sit idly by anymore.

Take appropriate measures as the situation calls for.

My intention was to get her to return.

I'll see what she has up her sleeve.

Let's wait and see before making any moves.

Are you concerned, Minister Feng?

Lady Baili is guileful and resourceful.

When we greet her tomorrow,

she may try to harm Your Highness.

I will not allow such a thing to happen.

I'll be counting on you then, Minister Feng.

It's so cold today.

Yet His Lordship has come to receive Her Ladyship in person.

They are very much in love indeed.

I think

it's more likely because His Lordship

doesn't want her to be upset

when she finds out Prince Lanxi has been promoted,

so His Lordship is doing this to placate her.

Mind your words, Duke of Liang.

Her Ladyship may be the second lady, but her virtuousness is unparalleled.

Her Ladyship wouldn't be upset because Prince Lanxi

was granted a title.

EVERLASTING PROSPERITY AND PEACE

How much further?

We are almost there.

-I can't go on. -Here. Let me help you.

Come on.

Take care.

Hurry up.

What's going on?

That doesn't look like Baili's carriage.

Feng Ju, go and take a look.

Yes, Father.

Who dares disturb His Lordship?

Leave at once.

How dare you? Can you not even recognize Her Ladyship?

-Her Ladyship? -Her Ladyship?

-Her Ladyship… -Her Ladyship…

Greetings, Mother.

-Greetings, Your Ladyship. -Your Ladyship.

Get up, everyone.

You don't have to address me as such.

Just call me Mdm. Baili.

CANGYUN PAVILION

Your Lordship, it is Her Ladyship.

Baili?

His Lordship is here.

-His Lordship is here. -It's His Lordship.

Greetings, Your Lordship.

Get up.

What is going on?

I heard Xi'er got into danger when I was in the mountains.

So I prayed to Buddha.

As long as Xi'er could come back safely,

as his mother, I would dress plainly without accessories

and return to the capital on foot.

Bodhisattva answered my prayers.

On my way back, I encountered

a group of flood victims who were heading to the capital

to seek refuge.

I know Your Lordship cares very much for the people,

so I lent them a hand.

Mother, your leg was previously injured--

But Mother, didn't you suffer a leg injury before?

You're all right, Xi'er.

I am so glad.

I've made you worry, Your Ladyship.

I am all right.

Your Ladyship has had a tiring journey.

You've had a tiring trip, Baili.

Return to the palace with me now.

Let's go.

EVERLASTING PROSPERITY AND PEACE

Your Lordship, I have another matter to report.

A while ago,

I ran into the wife of our clan leader

at the Yutan Stream.

During our conversation,

I learned that Mother-in-law was a descendant

of the Xiao family of the previous dynasty.

Is that true?

I wouldn't dare lie to Your Lordship.

Mdm. Xiao has updated the genealogy register.

It will be sent to the capital in a couple of days.

Xi'er, Baili has been so thoughtful of you.

She cares for you deeply.

We in Yongzhou have always valued filial piety.

Shouldn't you give her a ride

as a gesture of gratitude?