Original subtitles

♪Flower petals have fallen, piling as high as mortal mercilessness♪

♪Gone with the wind, as if it has never existed♪

♪I ask for more time♪

♪To rewrite our stories♪

♪We travel together in joys and woes♪

♪Blood bathes this entangled destiny♪

♪For the next reunion in the troubled times♪

♪We tread a treacherous path♪

♪To find each other♪

♪Wars and bleakness, the bright moon shines upon the city♪

♪I will offer my bravery♪

♪Fighting relentlessly♪

♪All for no regrets♪

♪In this life-and-death battle, I will not back down♪

♪Withstand enduring time♪

♪Someone at the end of the world never leaves♪

♪I brave the grim haze to be with you once again♪

=Love of Nirvana= (Based on Xiao Lou's novel of the same name)

=Episode 18=

(Changfeng Estate)

Every transaction of the Foundry Bureau

was recorded in detail.

If the account book were presented to His Majesty,

the century-old endeavor of the Pei Clan

would vanish overnight.

What do you want?

I want you to kill Jiang Ci.

If you want Rong Yudie's account book,

trade it with Jiang Ci's life.

It seems you're looking forward to my roasted crabs.

To them, you're a kind man

and a hero.

What's your duty from now on?

Prioritize the Pei Clan

to safeguard the ancestral endeavor.

I wonder how long it will take

before Ayan finds Zheng Sheng's home.

She will.

Do you miss home?

I miss home

and my master.

I used to think

that Jiang Village was small and boring,

and not as prosperous as the capital.

Now, only I realize

how precious a tranquil place is.

Everyone can go home

as long as they have one.

How long has it been since you last returned home?

I can't remember.

Do you remember what Yueluo is like?

I don't.

Do you want to go back there?

It's empty there.

Why should I go back?

Maybe

you can come to Jiang Village with me.

Give me back the clay cat.

Once I meet my master,

I'll take you back there.

You see,

the case is closed,

and everything is resolved.

We're friends who went through death together.

Just give me back the clay cat.

No.

Why not?

The Shameless Cat is just as cruel

and heartless as it always was.

Cats are aloof.

(Yuzhou Island, Liang State)

Ci hasn't shown up yet?

Don't worry.

Perhaps she got held up on the way.

There are two groups of people

searching for my whereabouts

along the way.

From the imperial court?

Doesn't look like it.

I'm worried I might get Ci involved

when I keep staying here.

You mustn't expose your identity.

You should leave

and hide first.

I'll distract them.

My Lord.

Have you found anything about the Yans?

Not yet.

Mr. Ping sent a letter.

The selection of the city lord of Yuelue will soon begin,

the Elder wishes for you to preside over the event.

I know

you don't want to go back.

Besides,

you're sent to Nanling by the order of His Majesty.

It might raise suspicion

if you go to Yueluo without permission.

Perhaps you should decline the request.

I can't control Yueluo's future,

but I mustn't forget

Elder's kindness.

How do you plan to go to Yueluo?

Do you remember

the letter from Mr. Si?

He wrote that Lu Yu has some secret trading

with the Foundry Bureau.

What does this have to do with your return to Yueluo?

There are always some exceptions to acting without a decree.

His Majesty has been wary of Lu Yu for years,

which is why

Lu Yu's elder son is held in Qingkang.

If I reveal Lu Yu's secret weapon

to His Majesty,

he'll send me

to investigate in Liangzhou.

Then,

I can find a chance to return to Yueluo.

That's brilliant.

Lu Yu is the culprit

of Yueluo's crisis.

We'll have to

deal with him eventually.

So we need to get the leverage

against him.

Being able to mingle among various parties,

He Zhenwen must have something to protect himself.

He probably

has the records of the dealings

with Lu Yu.

If we can present those records,

perhaps His Majesty will

get rid of Lu Yu.

By then, Yueluo can break free

from the control

of the Zhenyuan Army.

Think of a way

to find that record book.

Yes, My Lord.

I heard

that He Zhenwen is being held captive

at Changfeng Estate by Pei Yan.

All right.

Thank you, Miss.

I should make it in time

if I leave before the day after tomorrow.

But what if the liaison isn't Master,

and I can't prove my identity to them

without the clay cat?

Isn't this great?

It's not as good

as my cooking skills.

Hopefully, the liaison

could cut me some slack.

Everything will be clear

once I see Master.

(Changfeng Estate)

Madam already knows

about what happened to He Zhenwen.

She asks how you plan

to deal with him.

I'll manage.

Ask Mother not to worry.

He Zhenwen has helped us a lot,

we should protect him.

As for those insignificant ones,

kill them if necessary.

Your Lordship, if you're clear now,

give the orders.

I said,

I will manage!

Ask Mother not to worry.

Madam said

that if you act on your own,

you'll let down the ancestral endeavor.

Do think about

which is more important

to you.

Please think it through carefully.

But before that,

you need to calm He Zhenwen's nerves.

(Dungeon of Changfeng Estate, Nanling)

Rest assured, Official He.

Madam will give you what you want.

Madam especially grants you a chance

to see your son

before he's buried properly.

Official He,

concerning Madam's sincerity,

you should hand over the thing she wants in return.

Lin.

Ms. Du,

I haven't lost my senses yet.

If you want the account book,

trade it for Jiang Ci.

Bring him away.

No.

Lin.

No.

Hold on.

(Wei Zhao shot me in the hand first.)

Your Lordship.

Mr. Cui examined

the wound on He Yonglin's hand.

It matches the small arrow

of the Silver Masked Person in Fanglin Manor.

Sanlang,

it's you.

Miss Jiang has been deceiving you?

Your Lordship,

what's your plan?

Don't alert them.

As for now,

we should urge Wei Zhao to return to Qingkang with us.

We'll figure something out afterward.

Your Lordship?

Your Lordship,

do you really want to defy Madam?

Do not kill Jiang Ci.

I'll explain this to Mother.

Ms. Du, if you dare hurt her again,

I won't show you no mercy.

My Lord.

Pei Yan brought Miss Jiang back to Changfeng Estate.

Let's return as well.

My Lord,

is it because of Miss Jiang?

He Zhenwen is being locked up in Changfeng Estate,

If Pei Yan could find out the whereabouts of

the account book from him,

we could take advantage

of this situation.

But it sounds to me

like we're putting our heads into the lion's mouth.

I'm not a prey.

Pei Yan

may not have an appetite as big as a lion's.

You're awake.

Here.

Try this.

You knocked me out?

Have some soup.

Ci, you're pure and kind.

You haven't encountered the darkness of the world,

that's why your trusting nature gives you away.

I saved your life

at the very beginning.

You should've trusted me.

I know

all of you think

I'm a presumptuous brat.

But I'm able to tell right from wrong.

Your Lordship,

I trusted you.

Tell me

what's kind

and what's evil.

Wei Zhao has killed many lives.

How could he possibly be concerned about Ayan's case?

Doesn't he have other motives?

Do you remember

that I asked you why

those famine victims turned to you?

Because in their hearts,

you're a big hero.

They see you that way,

so do I.

But have you never disappointed them?

Why did you disappoint me then?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Stay in Changfeng Estate for now.

We'll return to Qingkang afterward.

I'm a free person.

Please let me go, Your Lordship.

Let go.

Let go of me!

Your Lordship,

do you want to ruin

the last bit of goodwill between us?

Ci!

What's wrong, Ci?

Nothing.

Let's go.

All right.

Why did you come back here?

For free food.

Have some sweets.

It helps you

get past sadness.

Is this why you always eat sweets?

I'll leave it

with you tonight.

Did you come back for me?

Don't overthink.

I flatter myself.

Anyway, I'm leaving tomorrow.

I'm going to go separate ways with you all.

(Changfeng Estate)

Did you have a good night last night, Sanlang?

Better than yours.

Guangming Bureau shouldn't meddle

in my family matters.

If I insist,

can you stop me?

If I offended you during the investigation,

please bear with me, Sanlang.

I was judging according to the evidence.

And now,

I'm tying up the loose ends of the military equipment case.

It's time to return to Qingkang.

Why don't you join me, Sanlang?

How about

tomorrow?

Sanlang, are you so eager

to leave Nanling?

I'm homesick.

Please understand, Shaojun.

All right.

At the hour of Mao tomorrow,

we'll depart on time.

My Lord,

you could've waited for the decree to be sent to Liangzhou.

Why do you want to return to Qingkang?

I'll personally report Lu Yu

to His Majesty

before going to Liangzhou.

This is better.

I thought

you did this for Miss Jiang.

Miss Jiang always plans to leave.

But the Changfeng Estate is tightly guarded,

and people walk around.

I don't think she can escape.

If the group is returning to Qingkang tomorrow,

they'll have to prepare the carriages and horses today.

She might find a chance to run during the commotion.

My Lord,

you're helping her.

Yifei,

you can spin tall tales.

Why don't you set up a storytelling stall?

My Lord,

do you really bear to let her leave?

Why is everyone

suddenly preparing to return to Qingkang?

Initially, His Lordship planned to return three days later,

but Commander Wei

suggested tomorrow.

It's good, anyway.

You can slip off during the commotion.

They're departing in the hour of Mao tomorrow.

In the hour of Chou,

I'll wait for you at the west back gate.

Let's check it out.

Ci, over here.

Ziming.

Did anyone follow you?

No.

Get in now.

All right.

Thank you

for getting me out of the place, Ziming.

The imperial court is

a deep vortex of chaos.

It wasn't your intention to get involved.

This is not the right place for you, after all.

Is this the right place for you, Ziming?

I can't let down

my master's entrust.

So you joined the officialdom for the sake of your master?

The late Lord helped my master before,

so I have to return his favor on behalf of my master.

We had similar experiences.

I was also raised by my master.

However,

I'm not as capable as you.

Not getting myself in trouble

is the only thing I can do to not upset my master.

Don't worry.

You'll reunite with your master in no time.

I believe you'll

return to the carefree days

you once had.

I'll not forget

the kindness you extended to me.

It's windy at night.

Sit inside.

All right.

♪First encounter or the past♪

♪We are drawn to each other♪

♪Dangers and threats endured♪

♪For a shared moment♪

♪Predestined or chance encounter♪

♪We are being drawn apart♪

♪Helpless against the hands of fate♪

Let's check it out.

♪Fortunate to walk together, even for a moment♪

Ci, over here.

Ziming.

Ci.

Ziming.

Did anyone follow you?

No.

Get in now.

All right.

♪I cannot bear to leave you♪

I thought he didn't want to return this.

♪From then on, no more pain or regret♪

♪No more memories of you♪

Hopefully, nothing will happen

after returning to Qingkang.

What has happened?

A few days ago,

His Lordship discovered

the wound on He Yonglin's hand

matches the arrow

shot by the Silver Masked Man at the Fanglin Manor.

(He's always been cautious,)

(but he exposed himself to save me.)

Why did you disappoint me then?

(Was His Lordship asking about this?)

Did His Lordship return to Qingkang for this reason?

I believe so.

Ziming,

you said His Lordship

planned to return to the capital in three days,

but Commander Wei proposed today.

That's right.

(He knew I wanted to leave.)

We're crossing the boundary of Nanling soon.

Ci, you're about to be free.

Here.

Be careful.

Thank you, Ziming.

I appreciate your help, Ziming.

You should head back now.

You would get into trouble

if His Lordship finds out.

Until next time.

Ci,

I'll take a detour

on my way back later.

That way,

the wheel tracks

will be difficult to distinguish.

Remember

to take a few extra turns.

In that case,

His Lordship won't be able to trace you

when he discovers you're gone

and comes looking for you.

I will.

Ci,

take care.

You too.

Ziming,

I'm sorry,

but I have to fail you this time.

(Changfeng Estate)

Put it in the carriage.

Yes.

Be careful.

(I have to think of a way)

(to lure His Lordship away.)

Tighten it up.

Inform Ci that we're leaving now.

Your Lordship!

This is bad,

Your Lordship!

Miss Jiang is missing.

When did that happen?

Just now, I heard a noise

coming from Miss Jiang's room,

so I went to check,

but no one was there.

Your Lordship,

we're about to depart.

An Cheng,

come with me.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Your Lordship!

Your Lordship,

the wheel tracks overlap.

We can't trace it.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship,

there's a commotion at the front gate

and it's startled the horses.

An Cheng.

Yes, Your Lordship.

My Lord,

it's time to set off.

My Lord?

I'm fine.

You go first.

Yes, My Lord.

You're heavy.

Why did you come back?

You can't return to Qingkang.

After I saw you shoot He Yonglin,

I hid the arrow.

I think you didn't want to leave any trace.

If it weren't for saving me,

His Lordship wouldn't have discovered you.

Hide this arrow.

How do you plan to deal with His Lordship?

It's too late.

You're here, Your Lordship.

Your Lordship,

I shall inform Commander Wei.

This is His Lordship's courtyard. Who are you trying to stop him?

Why did he get here so fast?

Go inside.

Don't let him take me away.

All right.

Move aside.

Shaojun,

what a setup to send me off.

Sanlang, if you're ready,

it's time to set off.

I'm sorry, Shaojun.

I had some cold tea yesterday,

and I'm not feeling well.

I'm afraid

I need to stay here for a few more days.

First you said you want to leave,

and now you say you don't.

What exactly do you want, Sanlang?

This is unexpected.

Shaojun, if you're in a hurry,

you can

depart first.

All right.

I'll stay here for a few more days

with you.

By the way,

since we have some free time today,

I've brought some aged liquor

to have a drink with you.

What do you say, Sanlang?

Why not?

I'd love to.

Shaojun,

this way, please.

This seems to be our first drink together.

Better late than never.

Well,

I'll bottom up.

We joined the service around the same time,

but we didn't have much chance to get to know each other.

I always thought,

if given the chance,

I must befriend you.

I have a poor reputation, though.

I'm flattered, Shaojun.

Everyone misunderstands you.

I believe there are some reasons

behind your poor reputation.

I'm truly glad

to hear that, Shaojun.

We played Go together before.

Your style seems bold,

but it's actually scrupulous

and well-planned.

Shaojun, I'd say your approach

is subtle

and patient.

Speaking of which,

that was our first encounter.

Was it?

But I remember it was at the Fanglin Manor.

You must've been mistaken.

Sanlang, your elegance

is unforgettable.

You outshine

the men of Yueluo.

Shaojun, you're charming.

I'm surprised I could even catch your attention.

I just remembered

my maid reported

that Ci wasn't in her room.

Did she come here

to bother you again?

Are you saying

that your favorite maid is in my room?

That doesn't make sense.

Do you think

Miss Jiang

is closer to me?

Do you think

I hid Miss Jiang

under my bed?

If she hadn't hidden under the bed at Lanyue Parlor that night,

Xiao Wuxia wouldn't have

had a chance to use her

to divert Changfeng Guards

and capture Teng Rui.

So this is the truth about the night

at Lanyue Parlor.

You knew that the assassin

wanted to kill Miss Jiang,

but you purposely brought her

to Lanyue Parlor as bait.

No one is hiding under the bed.

Do you suspect

I hid Miss Jiang

in my bath place?

Water clears one's evilness

as well as one's name.

During the investigation of the arson case,

you jumped into the river

to prove to us

that you couldn't swim.

If you hadn't stolen the jade gourd

and used Ci,

I wouldn't have been trapped in deep water

and lost His Majesty's trust.

That's not true, Shaojun.

During the arson case,

Miss Jiang was helping you

wholeheartedly.

If Miss Jiang hadn't found the clue

from the murky water,

you would've lost

your position.

You've put quite some effort

into the military equipment case.

Due to this case,

you've built your reputation by eliminating your corrupted clan,

and removed trouble from the Pei Clan's territory.

After clearing out the unwanted pests and gaining power,

you're closer to becoming the Prime Minster.

Isn't that enough?

You imprisoned He Zhenwen in Changfeng Estate

because he has something

you want, right?

Shaojun,

we all know the truth

about the military equipment case.

Where are those fine weapons

Zheng Sheng forged,

and who

is secretly trading them?

Shaojun, you're never heartless.

But you always weigh the pros and cons

and choose what's best for you.

You know what's the most important

for the Pei Clan.

Shaojun,

don't lose your sense

after coming so far.

Everything you're looking for isn't here.

The truth,

we all know about that.

Since you don't believe me,

how about we have a competition?

We'll let fate decide.

Sure.

As you say.

♪Pluck a red bean, cherish you♪

♪Deep within♪

♪A flower of affection blooms without fading♪

♪Forever in love♪

♪Fold a kite, let it fly with the wind♪

♪Into sweet dreams♪

♪The beautiful moments we shared last through time♪

♪We never leave each other♪

♪My love sees the sun rising and the moon setting♪

♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪

♪Two hearts bound to each other♪

♪Like flowing water, love and hate continue♪

♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪

♪You are still there when I turn back♪

♪As passionate as we first met, I hold your hands through eternity♪

♪Time cannot separate us♪

♪Our longings go on♪

♪My love sees the sun rising and the moon setting♪

♪Your face stays vivid in my mind♪

♪Two hearts bound to each other♪

♪Like flowing water, love and hate continue♪

♪I only wish for your unwavering heart♪

♪You are still there when I turn back♪

♪As passionate as we first met, I hold your hands through eternity♪

♪Time cannot separate us♪

♪Our longings go on♪