Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Fallen City Revivers Team @Viki.com

'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' - Sun Nan

♫ The flower petals have fallen, piling up with the mercilessness of the world ♫

♫ It's gone with the wind as if it has never existed ♫

♫ Using a drop of ink from time to rewrite the story of you and me ♫

♫ Together through highs and lows, we roam with the universe ♫

♫ Blood flows over this entwined fate ♫

♫ We'll meet again in trouble times ♫

♫ Side by side, we have overcome hardships and regained what was lost ♫

♫ War and desolation have fallen silent as the moon shines on the city walls ♫

♫ I am willing to give my all and fight relentlessly ♫

♫ All for the sake of no regrets, I will not back down in this life-and-death battle ♫

♫ Even as time passes and stars change, people remain steadfast at the end of the world ♫

♫ I brave the grim haze to be with you once more ♫

[Love of Nirvana]

[Episode 6]

Your Majesty.

- What is it? - Do you still remember

the guard on duty at the water gate who witnessed Prince Qi's abduction, the eunuch Zhao Wu?

Back then, Lord Pei tried to find Prince Qi but to no avail. Zhao Wu was the only survivor.

Although he was strictly interrogated, Zhao Wu was sure that someone knocked him out from behind.

After that, he died from a serious injury.

It became an unsolved case. But lately, I've heard that...

Speak.

Zhao Wu already had a wife and a child before joining the palace.

Continue.

His wife passed away due to sickness long ago. But his son had been living in Nanling all these years.

Nanling?

That's right.

The Pei Family, huh?

- With her personality, she wouldn't have returned without a reason. - This...

The Pei Family is truly "loyal", huh?

Your Majesty, please calm down.

Marquis Pei is celebrating his mother's birthday tonight. They're enjoying her banquet right now.

Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and all civil and military officials are all there.

Moreover, she's also Madam Rongguo.

Your Majesty, please think it through before acting.

You're right. After all, she's Rong Yudie.

[Young Rong Yudie]

[Young Pei Zijing] [Prince Xie Che]

Your Highness! What do you think about my horsemanship?

Why don't we compete in archery?

The one who shoots down that butterfly will win the beauty.

Your Highness, I dare not.

Zijing, you're my trusted aide.

What is there to fear?

Yes, Your Highness.

Zijing. Thank you for letting me win.

Your Highness, why is Marquis Pei in a bad mood?

I made a bet with Zijing.

Why don't you let me join in the fun? See if I can defeat you.

- Prepare to depart for the Pei's Residence. - Yes, Your Majesty.

[Pei Yang, Steward, Qingkang, Marquis Jianding Residence]

Inform them immediately.

[Command] (TN: Emperor's command token)

Yes, Sir.

[Longevity]

Madam.

I need to change and will return soon. Your Highness, please pardon me.

Madam, please go ahead.

You shouldn't stay here with us.

Go and take a walk. It's good for you to make new acquaintances.

All right.

When I heard that His Majesty was coming, I knew that something bad would happen.

Therefore, I sent our men out to scout the area. He brought his Imperial Guards with him.

Don't panic. The Crown Prince is still at the banquet.

There's still room for maneuvering.

- Should we... - I know him well.

It's fine if he doesn't take action. But when he does, it'll be drastic.

If we try to do something about it, we'll be digging our own graves.

Notify the Marquis in secret. Tell him to lure His Majesty to the east building.

Tell him this.

Excellent.

Your Highness, please excuse me for a moment. I shall return immediately.

Go ahead, Marquis Pei.

Please enjoy your meal.

Come. Let us drink.

This is where Mother usually meditates and lives alone.

It's the quietest place in the residence.

Your Majesty, Mother will arrive soon. [Quiet Room]

Instead of chatting with me, you should worry about your Marquis Pei.

He's such a calm and collected person.

How serious it must be, for him to leave all of a sudden.

You better pray that he lives a long life.

If he dies, there's no point in keeping you alive.

And it'll be easy to clear the debt between us.

[Linfeng Mansion]

No. This is too bland. Add some salt.

- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.

Pei Yan, it must've been tough on you all these years.

Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. I will do my best, not stopping until the end.

You're reserved and patient. You do resemble me in that regard.

Farewell, Your Majesty.

The maidservant behind Pei Yan, was she the one he sought medicine for?

That should be the case.

Here.

Here, Big Brother.

Here.

Why hasn't Marquis Pei returned yet?

Big Brother, didn't you notice that the lass has gone missing as well?

Your Lordship.

Tell them that I'm quite drunk, and that I'll return soon.

Make sure not to neglect the banquet.

Yes.

[Quiet Room]

I'm the one who's let you down.

Your Highness, I've given you my all.

You think you can regret your actions, and cut off your ties with me with just an apology?

My feelings for you have never changed. You're the one who won't...

Who won't be your concubine, and act submissively?

Your Highness, don't you think you're belittling me?

I know that it's unfair to you.

However... there are many situations that are beyond my control.

Your Highness, have you made up your mind?

If you part ways with me today, I shall never turn back.

I drew this for you.

I'll always have a spot for you in my heart.

If so, Your Highness, may you have a bright future ahead, and may your wishes come true.

[Bestowed to Yudie, Drawn in the spring of the year of Wuchen]

The Pei Family would've been wiped out had I not remained alert today.

Why did His Majesty come here?

Why did he come?

For the sake of the throne that he can never secure.

His Majesty fears the Pei Family of Nanling.

He fears the Changfeng Guards, who are loyal to the Pei Family.

Back then, to protect the Pei Family and the Changfeng Guards,

I had no choice but to send Yan, who was just six years old, to the palace to be their hostage.

After that, I stirred up an internal struggle between the nobles.

Only then was I able to get rid of his murderous intent bit by bit.

Now, he's trying to strike us down again.

[Bestowed to Yudie, Drawn in the spring of the year of Wuchen]

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Yudie, you suffered a lot all these years.

Your Majesty, you still remember my birthday. And, you're here to visit me.

I'm thoroughly moved.

However, Your Majesty, since you chose let go of me back then, you should've never seen me again.

Yudie, I know you hate me.

But back then, I was constrained by the late emperor.

Not only did he send me to the front lines, which was far from Qingkang,

but he also forbade me from choosing my own spouse.

That's why I entrusted you to Zijing.

I was helpless.

Helpless?

Your Majesty, do you know how helpless I've been?

I was helpless when I was married off out of the blue.

I was helpless when I had to tell people that I gave birth to Yan'er prematurely.

I had no idea what to tell Yan whenever he asked me about his father.

- What did you say? - When the old marquis passed away,

the other members of the Pei Family coveted the head of the family position and forced us to hand it to them.

During those moments of danger, if twas Your Majesty, i

who took Yan'er to the palace to be the princes' study companion.

Whenever I think about the fact that Yan'er could fulfill his filial duties to you,

I was happy, and sad at the same time.

But all those outsiders tried to frame us time and time again.

They targeted us from the back and front! Your Majesty, do you have any idea how difficult it was for us?

Your Majesty, I don't expect you to treat Yan'er well! I just hope that you can allow him to live in peace!

Let him be a proud man just like his father!

Zizhu.

Halt.

Investigate Zhao Wu's case thoroughly.

Find out how this rumor came about.

Yes, Your Majesty. Then, over at the Pei Residence...

Tell them to return home.

I'm well aware of the situation.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Return to the palace!

Back then, he abandoned me. He backed me into a corner.

I would've been dead without Zijing.

Today, I only gave him a slight hint. And now, he suspects that Yan'er is his son.

Did His Majesty believe it?

No matter if he believes my words or not,

at least he'll hesitate before he targets Yan'er in the future.

Find out the reason for his visit today.

Yes, Madam.

Marquis, let me make you some hangover soup.

No need for that.

You're an orphan, right?

That's right.

Then do you know who your biological parents are?

I don't. Back then, there was a flood.

My master found me in a wooden pail. I had nothing with me.

Then do you think about the kind of people they were from time to time?

No. What's the point of that? I can't locate them anyway.

It's not like I'm living for their sake. I just need to lead my own life.

Is that so?

Some people aren't even as clear-minded as you after pondering this for decades.

Instead of dwelling on such troublesome matters, I would rather focus on the present.

The present?

It feels like I've only experienced one kind of life.

[Pei Yan, Childhood]

You bastard! You're a bastard!

You're not a member of the Pei Family! I'll beat you to death!

What was your mistake?

Falling for rumors easily and fighting with my brothers from the same clan.

- What should you do in the future?! - Endure what ordinary people cannot.

Prioritize the Pei Family in every aspect, so that the family foundation is protected.

Tell me, don't you think a person like me is pitiful and sorrowful?

I don't think that you're pitiful or sorrowful.

Your Lordship, I've been mischievous since I was a kid.

I loved plucking flowers in the mountains, and catching fishes in the rivers.

When I came to Qingkang, I even managed to taste Lanyue Parlor's giant crabs.

I think I won't have any lofty aspirations in this lifetime.

I'll go and try delicacies and admire the beautiful views of the world when I have the chance.

To me, that's more than enough.

So does Your Lordship think a person like me is pitiful and sorrowful?

That's exactly it.

There are plenty of people like me who don't have any lofty aspirations.

But there are also people with lofty aspirations who aspire to fulfill their duties.

To me, shouldering responsibilities is extremely tough. And, it requires a lot of courage.

Not everyone in the world possesses this kind of courage.

But Your Lordship, that's the kind of person you are.

It's all because there are people like you, Your Lordship,

who shoulder the responsibility and put the greater situation first,

that I can be carefree, join in the fun and drink up in a tree without worries.

Everyone has their own lives to lead.

Just like the stars in the sky, each has its own path of brilliance.

Even so, they don't stop each other from shining.

Then... you must keep what happened tonight a secret between us.

Your Lordship, regarding what happened, only Heaven, Earth,

you, and the stars know about it.

The stars too.

Greetings, Marquis Jianding.

Are you the Prime Minister's Second Young Lady?

That's right.

Second Young Lady Dong, may I know why you're here?

I heard that your garden was filled with vibrant flowers that signify everlasting spring.

I wanted to come see it, but somehow got lost.

Sorry for the embarrassment.

- Second Young Lady, I'll lead you to the hall. - Thank you.

Then... you may proceed with your work.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Second Young Lady Dong.

Marquis Pei.

What happened?

I'm truly ashamed. I was quite drunk.

Please pardon me.

Marquis Pei, I shall bid you farewell.

I'll invite you to have a drink with me in the future.

Pardon me for the poor hospitality.

Miss Jiang, when you've decided what kind of reward you want,

you can send someone to relay the message to me.

Yes, Sir. Thank you, Commander Wei.

Your Lordship! Your Lordship, it's bad! The side residence is on fire!

There's a fire! Hurry and put out the fire!

Hurry and put out the fire!

Go and get some water!

- Over here! - Hurry!

- Hurry! - Coming!

It's actually on fire?

[Linfeng Mansion]

The residence had tight security.

And while the Marquis was here.

How did it suddenly catch fire?

According to our preliminary investigation, the cause of fire was found within the house.

The charcoals used to grill the lamb weren't fully extinguished.

Sparks from the fire ignited the curtains.

Teng Rui was dead asleep and unable to escape.

The people of Wei State criticized us for failing to protect their envoy.

They're unwilling to engage in a genuine peace talk.

Your Majesty, please pardon me! Deputy Commander Tong and I patrolled the place constantly!

We didn't dare to be negligent! Your Majesty, this was an accident!

Fan Yi and Tong Min failed their duties.

They shall be stripped of their positions, sent to prison, and await further punishment.

Your Majesty, I was just careless for a moment!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

I was also careless for a moment! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Pei Yan, you were to hold the peace talks under imperial command.

And now, Teng Rui died under your surveillance.

What punishment do you deserve?

Your Majesty, I know that my crime is unpardonable.

I'm willing to bear all the responsibility.

Reflect on your errors in your residence in isolation.

You are not to leave the residence without permission.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

[Hongtai Hall]

His Majesty didn't give Pei Yan any punishments.

This is a clear case of favoritism.

Now, I'm afraid it'll be more difficult for him to become the Prime Minister.

Minister Dong, I heard that you intend to form a marriage alliance with Madam Rongguo.

Envoy Yin, how could you believe such baseless rumors too?

Minister Dong, I just want to remind you that you shouldn't try to establish your own faction.

[Prison, Qingkang, Secret Residence of the Shadow Branch]

Let me out!

Let me out!

Don't you guys know that I'm not just an envoy? I'm also the father-in-law of the emperor of Wei State.

You better release me if you know what's good for you.

The father-in-law of the emperor of Wei State? Or do you mean Prince Qi's scribe?

You're cautious indeed.

You've changed your name, your voice, your appearance, even your handwriting all these years.

However, you couldn't change your annotation habit.

.

You always add two horizontal lines at the very end.

You don't need me to explain myself, do you?

Wang Shiquan.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

I don't know any, who did you say, who... Wang Shiquan?

I only know that I'm one of the nine envoys of Great Wei, Teng Rui!

Your subordinates think you already died in a sea of fire.

No one will save you no matter how you try to drag this out.

- Hey... - What was your name again?

There's no rush.

[Marquis Jianding Residence]

Young Master Cui.

Miss Jiang.

What are you doing here?

I have a question that I hope you can answer.

- Please go ahead. - Did Teng Rui really die due to an accidental fire?

Are you sure he wasn't murdered?

Judging from the evidence at the crime scene, it was indeed an accidental fire.

Since Teng Rui is dead, how can the peace talks proceed?

Wei State already had their eyes on our northern border long ago.

Some of their officials had differing opinions regarding this peace talk.

And now, Teng Rui died in Qingkang. Someone will surely make a big deal out of it.

- Will we go to war? - That'll depend on how both states will deal with the situation.

What about the Marquis? Since Teng Rui died in his residence, will he be implicated?

Although His Majesty didn't press charges against the Marquis for his negligence,

I'm afraid it'll be difficult for the Marquis to fulfill his aspirations now.

If this actually happened because of me, doesn't that mean I've caused a catastrophe?

Young Master Cui, is that a book from Wei State?

That's right.

This covers the major events of Wei State over the past two decades.

It also covers the conflicts between us.

Are you interested in it?

My master always told me to read more. But I was stubborn and unruly.

I only read books that I was interested in.

I'm realizing now how ignorant I am.

But when something like this happens, I'm of no help at all.

Miss Jiang, such issues cannot be resolved by reading books alone.

However, it's good that you're interested in them.

Here, there are more.

These books cover the brief history of the two states,

as well as the customs and conditions of smaller states.

I hope these can resolve your doubts.

Thank you, Young Master Cui.

I'm only a few years older than you. You can call me Brother Cui.

All right, Brother Cui. You may call me Xiao Ci, then.

Young Master, I've already tortured him. But he still won't confess.

He's mentally resilient.

Lock him up. Feed him a bowl of congee per day.

Wake him up whenever he's about to fall asleep.

Don't let him eat or sleep well. He'll surely confess within five days.

[Emulate the Virtuous]

[Jiang Ci]

[A'Li]

[Yu Jiming] [Song Wenqing]

Commander An.

Reporting in! Lei Zhen, the envoy of Wei State, is here.

He's surrounded the residence's entrance. They're also making a big fuss.

Brothers!

It's obvious that Minister Teng died due to Pei Yan's nefarious plot! [Lei Zhen, Commander of the Imperial Guard of Wei]

Those who shield the murderer should be punished!

Those who shield the murderer should be punished!

Those who bully our state shall not be pardoned!

Those who bully our state shall not be pardoned!

Those who bully our state shall not be pardoned!

Sir. Lei Zhen is causing a fuss in front of the Pei Residence. He wants to avenge Teng Rui.

Pei Yan has already fallen from grace. He won't be able to obstruct you now.

Have you found out why His Majesty suddenly visited the Pei Residence?

I'm still working on it. I only know that Tao Zizhu chased everyone out of the room.

Only he and His Majesty knew what happened inside.

Keep a close eye on Tao Zizhu. Monitor his movements.

- Yes, Young Master. - Follow me to the Pei Residence.

If Lei Zhen does cause trouble, the Guangming Guards will be blamed for being negligent.

This time, I'll do Pei Yan a favor.

Those who bully our state shall not be pardoned!

Show yourself! You coward!

What are you all doing?

- Commander An, please give us an order. We'll chase them away immediately! - That's right!

- Please give us an order! - Do not be reckless!

What if we intensify the conflict? Are you all trying to get the Marquis killed?

What... What should we do, then?

Those who bully our state shall not be pardoned!

Open the door! Tell Pei Yan to show himself! He shall pay for Lord Teng's death!

General Lei, I don't think this is appropriate.

Minister Teng is highly respected. He treats us well usually.

What's inappropriate about upholding justice for him?

Marquis Pei was indeed negligent for failing to save Minister Teng from his accidental death.

However, don't you think you're crossing the line by branding him as the culprit?

He was the one who insisted on inviting Lord Teng to his private garden.

But it just so happened that everything went wrong.

Wei Zhao! You're too bold for your own good!

Aren't you afraid that another war might erupt between our states?

Since Minister Teng is dead, a war will erupt between the two states eventually.

Why don't I kill General Lei first? Then I can request His Majesty to reward me.

General Lei, if I kill you now, Wei State might attack us sooner.

This way, a nefarious villain like me will have the chance to ride into the battlefield and render military merit.

You lunatic.

His Majesty sent me here to relay a message to you all.

Great Liang will surely do everything we can to arrest Minister Teng's murderer.

It's regretful that the peace talk didn't go well.

Whether it's war or peace, I respect your decision.

However, if you want to get aggressive in Qingkang, don't blame His Majesty for showing no mercy.

Wei Zhao, just you wait.

I'll settle my debt with you eventually!

Let's go!

Commander Wei.

Commander An, I've already seen them off. You don't need to worry.

Commander Wei, thank you for your chivalrous act. You've saved us.

Marquis Pei loves to be courteous. I suppose his behavior has rubbed off on you.

Commander Wei, why don't we have some tea before you leave.

Sure. I won't stand on ceremony, then.

Before this, I thought Teng Rui was just lecherous.

I never expected him to be this cruel and merciless.

[Wei Poetry]

This poetry makes no sense as well.

Sir.

Marquis, you've shut yourself in your room for many days.

Do you feel better now?

It's not too bad. Thanks for your concern.

Marquis, try this.

This hasn't been refined yet. How can I consume this?

The process of refinement is just an extra step. It serves to make them sweeter.

These are freshly picked. They taste different.

Try it.

What do you think?

It's indeed sweet.

How do you know so much about flowers and plants? Did someone teach you?

No. My family didn't allow me to leave the mountain either.

I was bored and gluttonous. I could only figure out how to make tasty food myself.

Since I already tried all the ordinary dishes, I shifted my attention to the flowers and plants.

I became familiar with them after consuming plenty of them.

You're gluttonous indeed. Aren't you afraid of being poisoned?

I'm not dumb. I'll study each plant and its characteristics before consuming it.

If I do die from poison, I suppose it would've been predestined.

Thank you for the explanation.

My duty as a servant is to share your burdens.

Regarding the trouble I've faced today, I'm afraid these flowers alone won't do.

I have another idea.

How is the Marquis?

He's doing well. Thank you for your concern.

We're fellow officials. I understand the Marquis' difficulties to some extent.

Commander Wei, I'll surely deliver your message to the Marquis.

Your Lordship. I'm sorry.

- I'll go and wake the Marquis up. - No need.

He has a beauty beside him. Let's not interrupt him and his precious moment.

Commander Wei. Please.

Marquis, you're awake.

Miss Jiang, you really have your methods.

Your Lordship, just call me Xiao Ci. You keep calling me Miss Jiang.

I can't get used to it.

Xiao Ci?

Sounds nice, very nice.

Xiao Ci, I have a question for you.

What is it?

Is Wei Zhao the assassin?

Sir, what made you think it's Commander Wei?

I think...

he treats you differently.

In my opinion, Commander Wei is as terrifying as the Hell King himself.

He probably just thinks it's fun to pick on someone as defenseless as me.

Is that so?

Although the shameless cat always wore a mask, I did engage him on several occasions.

I should be able to tell if he was truly Commander Wei.

Ziming loves his books dearly. Look at what you're doing to his books.

He might nag you in the future for this.

Marquis, how did you know this was Brother Cui's book?

Did you borrow books from Ziming to share my burdens as well?

It's been chaotic lately. I'm just trying to offer help any way I can.

Xiao Ci, thanks for the concern.

Then just live in my residence. Only then will you be safe.

Live in your residence?

You don't want to?

Marquis, do you wish to hear the truth or not?

It doesn't matter if you tell me the truth or not.

Everyone here is well-dressed and well-fed. Everything is handed to you.

I'm sure everyone desires such a life.

That sounds nice, but they don't sound like your heartfelt words.

Your residence is just like a birdcage made of gold.

Staying here means that I'll be safe from all kinds of trouble.

There are always those who want this life.

However, I'm like a sparrow. I love to fly in the sky.

And, I'll return to the sky eventually.

My residence may appear to have everything you need,

but for you, it lacks things like a river and some river crabs, huh?

Marquis, seems like you really do crave my grilled crabs.

Here you go.

Marquis, what do you plan to do next?

They wish to defeat me and destroy my residence?

It won't be that easy.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Fallen City Revivers Team @Viki.com

'Far Away' - He Ji | Wang Yuexin

♫ Like plucking a red bean, I'm deeply in love with you ♫

♫ A flower of love blossoms and never withers in love ♫

♫ Fold a kite, let it fly with the wind into sweet dreams ♫

♫ Our beautiful moments endure through time, and we never part ♫

♫ My love witnesses the sun rising and the moon setting ♫

♫ Your silhouette is still vivid in my mind ♫

♫ Two hearts bound to each other ♫

♫ Like flowing water from afar, love and hate are endless ♫

♫ I only hope your heart lasts as long as the Heavens and Earth ♫

♫ I realized you're still there when I turn back ♫

♫ Those wonderful times feel just like yesterday while I hold your hand ♫

♫ Our time together is cherished, and our memories are everlasting ♫

♫ My love witnesses the sun rising and the moon setting ♫

♫ Your silhouette is still vivid in my mind ♫

♫ Two hearts bound to each other ♫

♫ Like flowing water from afar, love and hate are endless ♫

♫ Like flowing water from afar, love and hate are endless ♫

♫ I only hope your heart lasts as long as the Heavens and Earth ♫

♫ I realized you're still there when I turn back ♫

♫ Those wonderful times feel just like yesterday while I hold your hand ♫