Original subtitles

♪We are both dim light♪

♪Will time erase us?♪

♪Those who fade away in the shadows silently♪

♪Also crave a life under the bright sun openly♪

♪How can I break free from the chains of fate?♪

♪Who whispers in my ear♪

♪That I'm bound to fall?♪

♪Then burn me♪

♪Burn my stubbornness♪

♪The surging bitterness♪

♪The hot tears♪

♪Nobody knows♪

♪Entangling in the past♪

♪Silence in the darkness♪

♪The dim light finally turns♪

[Kill Me Love Me]

♪Into the fire of rebirth♪

[Episode 20]

The true culprit of the Qingzhou chaos

is none other than the Crown Prince,

Murong Xuanlie.

What did you just say?

Ten years ago,

the Crown Prince forged the Weibei Army's token

and used Zhang Yin's Momai warriors, who disguised themselves as the Weibei Army

and set fire to Qingzhou City.

Then, he dispatched his former advisor, Li Qing,

to incite the people

to attack the military camp.

To become the heir, Big Brother

turned the righteous Weibei Army

into a criminal force,

burning a hundred thousand innocent civilians in the inferno.

He

is the real mass murderer.

What you want is the position of the heir, isn't it?

If you want it that badly,

I can give it to you.

Why fabricate such lies before Father?

Big Brother,

Zhang Yin is not dead.

Not only is Zhang Yin alive,

but so is Li Qing.

I have

both of them.

Do you still wish to continue lying, Big Brother?

Father,

the Wenhua Pavilion's fire incident

was orchestrated by the Crown Prince to silence Zhang Yin

and his Momai warriors.

He made it look like an accident.

I learned of Li Qing's whereabouts

from Zhang Yin.

Ten years ago,

Big Brother tried to kill Li Qing,

but Zhang Yin saved him in secret

and hid him at the West Mountain Mine.

When I disappeared recently,

I went to find Li Qing.

This

is Li Qing's confession.

Your Majesty,

even if you discover the truth,

what good will it do?

The struggle for succession

makes everyone's hands stained by blood.

I am the one who made Jinghe a target.

When it comes to the ruling,

Jinghe fell short compared to Xuanlie.

My choice was not wrong.

Father!

Father!

Father!

Imperial Physician!

Imperial Physician!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Father!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Highness,

what if Prince Jing returns alive?

He may bring me down,

but he can't bring down the Emperor.

Your Highness, have you made up your mind?

I'll take care of it immediately.

Rest assured, Your Highness.

Within a month,

His Majesty will surely

pass away due to illness.

Father, rest assured.

The Great Yan's empire

will be safeguarded by me.

[Chengping Gate]

[Yanming Palace]

How is Father?

Your Highness,

His Majesty has been suffering from frequent dizziness, nausea,

and loss of sensory perception recently.

Just now, his condition worsened due to anger,

leading to blocked meridians and unconsciousness.

The symptoms

appear to be a stroke.

Since it's a stroke,

why haven't you prescribed a cure for him yet?

Hold on.

What do you mean by "appear to be a stroke"?

You can't be vague

About Father's illness.

Your Highness,

my medical skills are limited.

His Majesty's symptoms

do not seem to be a typical stroke,

but his condition shows no signs of poison or injury.

If it isn't a stroke,

the Imperial Medical Institute cannot confirm another diagnosis.

Then find out about it.

Find the true cause of the illness

before prescribing treatment.

Yes.

Every day wasted is a delay in saving.

Father's well-being is a matter of the state.

Who can bear the responsibility

if something goes wrong?

What's the rush, Big Brother?

Father has always been in good health.

This sudden illness is indeed suspicious.

Suspicious? How?

Ever since you went missing,

Father has been tormented with worry and distress.

It was your deliberate disappearance

that caused Father's stroke from agitation.

You've been out with the Beauty for a long time,

so you wouldn't know

his illness has accumulated over time.

If it isn't a stroke,

then it means you're harming Father.

Third Brother,

even now,

are you still slandering me?

Your Highnesses.

You're the head of the Imperial Medical Institute,

and I trust in your medical skills.

If you treat His Majesty with stroke therapy,

will it harm him?

No, it won't.

Stroke treatment focuses on clearing blockages,

which is also beneficial for health.

Your Highnesses,

I believe it would be prudent

to treat His Majesty while investigating.

Eunuch Liu.

What is this, Eunuch Liu?

His Majesty is gravely ill.

The Imperial Guards are here to protect His Majesty as a matter of course.

Your Highnesses,

your filial piety is evident.

Perhaps it is best to return and pray for His Majesty's recovery.

Since Prince Jing's disappearance,

His Majesty's health has been poor.

Now that he's just returned, it's made His Majesty fall ill.

I...

Don't worry, Your Highness.

His Majesty will be fine.

If he isn't,

Prince Jing will send a message.

Your Highness,

Prince Jing has arrived.

How are things in Yanming Palace?

Has His Majesty woken up?

No.

I must go to Yanming Palace.

Your Highness,

Liu Zhong has already ordered the Imperial Guards to surround the palace.

No one can enter.

The palace will soon be under lockdown.

I must take my leave.

Your Highness,

I'll see Prince Jing off.

[Chengping Gate]

My Lord,

the Imperial Physicians are all at Yanming Palace.

His Majesty will wake up soon.

When I was a kid and acted mischievous,

Father often said furiously that he needed to see the Imperial Physicians.

Unexpectedly, he has fallen ill now.

His Majesty has seen all kinds of things in his life.

How could he faint suddenly?

Could it be an illness that has been accumulating?

The symptoms appear to be a stroke.

Since it's a stroke,

why haven't you prescribed a cure for him yet?

Every day wasted is a delay in saving.

I'm afraid Father

isn't truly suffering from a stroke.

This may be a dangerous move of the Crown Prince.

The urgent task now

is to quickly identify the cause

and wake Father up as soon as possible.

By order of the Eastern Palace,

the palace gates are sealed.

No one is allowed in or out without authorization.

With the Forbidden City under martial law,

news from the palace will not get out.

I will stay in the palace to help you.

No.

The palace is too dangerous.

I can't keep you here.

I now stay at Fanghua Palace

under Concubine Yan's protection.

The Crown Prince won't dare to attack me.

Don't worry.

I will find a way to resolve this.

You shouldn't be involved in this any longer.

Revenge is never just your burden.

It shouldn't fall solely on you.

My Lord, if you let me stay,

I can assist you in investigating

His Majesty's illness more quickly.

Close the palace gates!

I'll leave my mother's hairpin with you.

I won't risk my life recklessly.

[Chengping Gate]

General,

we have learned that

tonight, His Majesty summoned the Crown Prince

and Prince Jing to Yanming Palace,

dismissing everyone else.

Even Eunuch Liu is unaware

of what happened in the palace.

What's the situation now?

Eunuch Liu has begun inspecting

everything His Majesty has come into contact with.

So far, nothing unusual has been found.

The Imperial Medical Institute claims

His Majesty's stroke

is due to accumulated fatigue.

With the Forbidden City under martial law,

His Majesty's illness may not be minor.

Issue my orders.

Have all units of the Pingnan Army strengthen their defenses

to prevent external threats.

The tiger tally has already been handed over to His Majesty.

Someone will take over.

As long as military matters aren't officially handed over,

I remain a general of Great Yan.

Do not slack off.

You may go back.

I will visit Aunt.

Yes.

His Majesty

has long been worn out.

This day was bound to come.

I'm worried

someone might cause trouble

out of dissatisfaction.

Are you referring

to Prince Jing?

The food, medicinal soups,

and incense I sent to Yanming Palace

have all been inspected by Liu Zhong.

They even suspect me of poisoning His Majesty.

Eunuch Liu is just doing a routine check.

If we have nothing to hide,

then let them investigate.

We and the Eastern Palace share the same fate.

They are trying to smear Fengyi Palace

to prevent the Crown Prince from taking over as regent.

Given the circumstances,

I actually hope His Majesty won't wake up.

As long as the Crown Prince ascends the throne,

the Pingnan Army's tiger tally will be returned to the Yin family.

Do you think

I am heartless?

But for so many years,

His Majesty has only been treating me as the sovereign.

The Yin family in the harem

can never long for his love.

If I hadn't been tough,

I would have perished in this palace long ago.

Luomei,

you're luckier

than me.

You don't have to choose between the Yin family and love.

The Crown Prince needs you more than I do.

Your Highness,

Liu Zhong is now investigating everything

that entered Yanming Palace in the past month,

including

the incense sent by Fengyi Palace.

Has he found anything?

No.

Rest assured, Your Highness.

All traces have been erased.

It won't be easy to discover anything.

My concern is that

Liu Zhong

seems to have sided with Prince Jing.

Liu Zhong is a loyal dog.

He has been in the palace longer than anyone else.

He won't take sides.

By the way, Your Highness,

since Fengyi Palace and the Eastern Palace are allies,

why don't we

inform the Noble Consort of our plans?

It's not the right time yet.

It's a pity we're just one step away.

Now, with the Imperial Guards defending Yanming Palace,

we can't take action.

As long as they don't find the cause,

they'll perform stroke therapy.

It's only a matter of time

before His Majesty passes away.

At such a critical moment, we mustn't lower our guard.

While the palace is under lockdown,

remove all of Jinghe's spies in the palace.

Understood.

Your Highness,

the Prince Heir of Xiyan is here.

This way.

Your Highness,

the Prince Heir has arrived.

Prince Heir,

you've come just in time.

I was just troubled by this chess game.

Your Highness,

I tried to visit Concubine Yan just now,

but the Imperial Guards stopped me,

saying I needed a decree from the Eastern Palace to enter.

Your Highness, have you forgotten?

I was granted the privilege

to visit Fanghua Palace at any time.

My apologies.

This is a special time.

There's nothing I can do.

What special time?

You don't know?

Well, you'll find out tomorrow.

Father often says you are a skilled chess player.

Why not help me solve this puzzle?

If I want to win with the black pieces,

how should I move?

The black pieces have surrounded the white ones.

No matter where you place the next piece,

victory is assured.

But what if you want to help the white pieces break free?

I am not a player in this game,

but a mere observer.

I have no intention of disrupting Your Highness's strategy.

Outside the chessboard,

are you my enemy or my friend?

The farewell gift I offered when leaving Great Yan

was a gift to a friend.

I have few close ties in this life,

and the only one I care for is my sister.

If Your Highness can promise not to harm Fanghua Palace,

I'll be

your friend.

Otherwise,

I'll be your enemy.

Very well.

Rest assured, Prince Heir.

Concubine Yan

will live peacefully

and prosperously

in Fanghua Palace.

You've got quite some skills, Prince Heir.

I'm not sure if we can be friends,

but I won't be your enemy.

I'm flattered, Your Highness.

As I said before,

I have no interest in the internal politics of Great Yan.

I only wish to protect the ones I care about.

Your Highness,

Mei Lin is still in Fanghua Palace.

Forget it.

At this moment, I cannot risk pushing the Prince Heir of Xiyan

toward Prince Jing.

Dawn

is approaching.

[Taichi Palace]

Proclamation:

I, as the sovereign of this realm,

for the stability of the state

and the expectations of the people,

while ruling the nation,

I have diligently considered day and night

how to restore propriety

and govern justly.

If any sudden illness

has prevented me from attending to state affairs,

the Crown Prince is granted

the authority to act as regent.

All military and governmental matters

are entrusted to the Eastern Palace.

Proceed with caution and due diligence

Execute as decreed.

The proclamation is now complete.

I humbly accept the decree.

I will not fail Father's trust.

We will comply with the decree.

Your Highness,

I have a matter to present.

Lord Censor, please speak.

The governance of Great Yan

has always relied on His Majesty's decisions.

The Yin family has long been graced by His Majesty's favor,

commanding the thirty thousand soldiers of the Pingnan Army

with the authority to mobilize the troops independently.

The camp to the west of the city

is tasked with defending Zhaojing.

Most of its troops are former members of the Pingnan Army.

I've heard that since General Yin returned to the capital,

she has been inspecting the camps at the West Suburbs Barracks.

What do you mean by this, Lord Li?

The Yin family and the Pingnan Army are loyal to His Majesty

and to Great Yan.

Now that His Majesty is unwell,

if General Yin is truly loyal,

she should hand over the tiger tally

to reassure the people

and restore order.

Lord Censor, you're overthinking it.

When Father arranged my marriage,

General Yin already relinquished her military authority.

The tiger tally

is now in my possession.

Eunuch Liu,

is this appropriate?

With the Crown Prince acting as regent,

the tiger tally should indeed stay in the Eastern Palace.

The Yin family members are all loyal subjects.

Both I and Father have no doubts about them.

Your Highness,

although the tiger tally has been handed over,

the transition of military command takes time.

The day after tomorrow will be my final inspection of the camps.

By then,

I will present to the court a well-disciplined Pingnan Army

with clear defense protocols.

General Yin's strict military governance

is what reassures me the most.

The Censorate has the duty to oversee all officials.

Lord Censor is known for his integrity and fairness.

I will not reproach him for his vigilance.

As His Majesty has entrusted me

with the nation's affairs in these perilous times,

I ask all of you to assist me

in stabilizing the state

and ensuring His Majesty's health.

We shall fulfill our duties

and help Your Highness protect the nation and its people.

General Yin,

His Highness would like to see you.

My Lord,

this is the residue from His Majesty's recent tonic.

Take it

and have a physician examine it.

Yes.

Also,

all our spies in the palace

have been replaced quietly.

Fortunately,

we still have Miss Mei Lin secretly relaying messages.

Don't worry, My Lord.

She is clever

and will be fine.

Send a message to General Yin.

Ask her to come to the mansion.

General Yin is betrothed to the Crown Prince.

Besides,

the tiger tally is currently in the Crown Prince's possession.

It might not be wise

to rope her in now.

She is loyal to the Emperor.

I trust her.

Your Highness' foresight is impressive.

Prince Jing's Mansion sent this man to send a message to the General's Mansion.

I've taken care of it.

Tell Jinghe

that I have received his message

on my Crown Princess's behalf.

[Sima's Code]

Your Highness.

I apologize for your mistreatment today in court.

Rest assured,

I will return the tiger tally to you soon.

Lord Censor spoke only

for the sake of the court's stability.

I did not feel mistreated.

Your Highness,

have you not been resting well?

Father fell ill today.

I'm managing state affairs,

worried about possible unrest.

I'm mentally exhausted.

Only when I'm with you

do I feel at ease.

So,

are you worried about my Yin family causing trouble,

so you placed spies in my mansion

and secretly detained Prince Jing's messenger?

You met him?

Before I did,

your men took him away.

I know of your concerns,

but my family has been loyal to the Emperor for generations,

never harboring any treacherous intentions.

Military authority of the Pingnan Army has already been handed over.

Even if I want to help anyone,

I am powerless.

Why would you think that?

If I doubted you,

why could I give you a letter of commission to lead troops into battle?

Have you forgotten?

I told you,

I would fulfill

whatever I promised you.

Then why did you

place spies in my mansion?

The Yin family's loyalty is known.

Even without military power,

you still hold respect and support among the people.

I'm worried someone might exploit it.

Given the current situation,

we must be wary of Prince Jing.

Remember,

whatever he says

is only to manipulate your military authority

and sow discord between us.

Are you worried that

I will take my previous relationship with Prince Jing into account?

Ever since we were children,

whenever Jinghe was present,

you would be looking at him.

Compared to me,

you have always been closer to him.

Yet, compared to Prince Jing,

I have spent more time with you.

Do you remember when the incident in Qingzhou happened,

and we were not sure if Prince Jing was dead or alive?

I waited an entire night at the city gate,

and you were the one who stayed by my side.

When he returned alive,

you left me a letter the next night

and departed for Qingzhou.

Your Highness, do you remember this sachet?

In the 19th year of the Zhaoming era,

I went to war in Nanyue.

Nanyue was filled with insects and diseases.

It was you

who sent this insect-repelling sachet to the border.

I just found out about this now.

Every gift you gave me

is a sign of your true intentions.

You've done so much for me.

I just realized it too late.

As long as you understand,

it is never too late.

Your Highness, as the heir apparent of Great Yan,

you are known for your benevolence and kindness,

loving your people as a father loves his children.

Jinghe and I are merely comrades.

But you

are my beloved.

No matter what happens,

I will stand by you.

Didn't you promise to stand with me

in defending Great Yan?

Luomei,

whatever kind of person you wish me to be,

I will become.

You're known for your benevolence and kindness,

loving your people as a father loves his children.

This is...

The Crown Princess sent this calming tonic,

specifically instructing me

to ensure you finish it.

Is there any news from Yanming Palace?

Every item His Majesty uses,

from large utensils

to small grains he eats

is being thoroughly inspected by Liu Zhong.

But rest assured, Your Highness,

all arrangements have been made.

Even if His Majesty's illness is traced

back to the incense at Yanming Palace,

that incense was sent by Fengyi Palace.

It has nothing to do with the Eastern Palace.

If the Noble Consort is found guilty of regicide,

the Crown Princess, in order to protect the Yin family,

will still stand by your side.

Let's go

to Fengyi Palace.

[Fengyi Palace]

[Petition from] [the Imperial Medical Institute, Huang Qi]

I have discovered the cause of Father's illness.

He was poisoned,

and the culprit is you, Your Highness.

Who dares to slander me?

The incense

was sent from Fengyi Palace to Yanming Palace.

The incense

was a gift from the young lord of Xiyan.

It has a calming effect on sleep.

Recently, Concubine Yan has gained favor,

and Father can't sleep since he's worried about Third Brother.

Your Highness,

why not use this incense

to ease Father's mind?

How dare you.

You tried to kill the Emperor.

There is both evidence and testimony.

How could the crime of regicide be pinned on me?

Do you dare to falsely accuse me?

Aren't you afraid of implicating Luomei?

Your Highness, you may be the one endangering Luomei.

If this petition reaches the Ministry of Justice,

the entire honor of the Yin family

will be destroyed by you.

Are you trying to use the Yin family

and my life to threaten Luomei?

Father's condition won't remain hidden for long.

Luomei might show mercy to Jinghe

and make a different choice from you.

You and I are in the same boat, Your Highness.

If I disembark now,

I'm afraid

you'll end up a ghost at the bottom of the water.

Luomei has long since chosen you.

Luomei chose

the benevolent and kind Crown Prince.

Do you think that's me?

To prove my sincerity,

[Petition from] I will clear your name,

[the Imperial Medical Institute, Huang Qi] Your Highness.

So it was the incense powder.

[Yanming Palace]

Xiyan's heavenly gods,

Great Yan's Buddha,

I, Zigu, am willing to trade ten years of my life.

Please bless His Majesty to wake up soon.

[Wish the Emperor good health]

Why won't you help me?

Are ten years not enough?

I'll offer another ten.

Your Highness.

Mei Lin,

what should I do?

I'm so scared.

Don't be afraid, Your Highness.

I'm here,

and so is your brother.

My brother sent me a letter a few days ago,

saying he would take me back to Xiyan.

You don't want to go back to Xiyan?

In the past,

I would have been very eager to return.

But now, I don't know why.

Whenever I think about leaving His Majesty,

I feel extremely sad.

His Majesty's been nice to me.

I can't leave him now.

What should I do?

Even the gods don't seem willing to help me.

They won't help me.

It's okay.

It's fine.

Better to rely on people than gods.

Your Highness,

perhaps we can find a way to save His Majesty.

The Imperial Medical Institute says he can't be saved.

I'm not sure

if we can definitely save His Majesty,

but with your help,

there's a better chance.

I believe you.

I believe you.

To save His Majesty,

I'm willing to do anything.

Your Highness, listen to me.

[Fanghua Palace]

Are you from Fanghua Palace?

Yes.

What's your business outside the palace?

By the order of Her Highness,

I'm going out to make purchases for her.

All matters, large or small, in the palace

are managed by the Six Ministries.

There is no need to make independent purchases.

His Majesty once decreed

that since Concubine Yan follows different customs,

she may make purchases independently

without going through the Six Ministries.

No one can enter or leave

without a decree from the Eastern Palace.

How dare you!

Do you even dare to stop people from Fanghua Palace?

Your Highness.

His Majesty is gravely ill.

I have been praying for his recovery these past few days.

The tung oil scrolls used for the prayers have run out,

so I need to go to the temple

to retrieve the scrolls that I previously offered.

I beseech the gods and Buddhas.

The offerings must not be handled by others.

That is why I have sent my personal maid.

His Majesty has always treated me well

and valued the friendship between Great Yan and Xiyan.

How can I disappoint His Majesty's grace?

If you insist on stopping me,

I can only

go get the scrolls myself.

Your Highness,

how about this?

We will personally escort your maid out of the palace for the purchase.

Okay.

Chagu,

return quickly.

Okay.

[Yongping Gate]

Mei Lin,

please stay safe.

How are you?

I'm alright.

I found out the cause of His Majesty's illness.

The Crown Prince poisoned His Majesty using the Noble Consort's incense.

My Lord,

the incense contains centennial agarwood.

Agarwood is cold in nature,

while the tonic contains sulfur to invigorate the yang.

If they're taken together,

it will erode the heart meridians,

posing great harm to the body.

Is there an antidote?

Only if we get the exact formula

can I prepare an antidote.

Even a slight mistake could worsen the condition.

Using centennial agarwood in incense

is a unique method created by the Prince Heir of Xiyan.

It seems the Crown Prince is quite adept

at using others to carry out his schemes.

Using the Noble Consort is not enough for him.

The Prince Heir would not harm His Majesty.

He became the Prince Heir of Xiyan

with Father's support.

The succession of Great Yan

holds no benefit for him.

My Lord.

My Lord,

the Prince Heir of Xiyan is here.

We can just...

I will meet him shortly.

Yes.

I don't want you to meet him.

My Lord.

You need to rest now.

Other matters

are not worth your concern.

If you feel any discomfort,

tell me immediately.

It's summer,

and I've always feared the heat.

I'm fine.

Then stay in Zhanyue Pavilion.

As the Prince Heir of Xiyan, you're indeed a capable man.

You're skilled in tea brewing,

playing chess,

incense making,

and many other things.

No wonder the Crown Prince praises the gifts

given by you, Prince Heir.

I thought you wouldn't see me.

His Majesty is gravely ill.

I'm visiting you late at night.

Aren't you afraid the Crown Prince

will accuse you of conspiring with Xiyan?

I doubt the Crown Prince would be willing to part

with the incense you gave him.

Would he really let you accompany me to the grave?

His Majesty's illness

is related to the incense I made?

That's right.

To prepare the antidote,

we need your incense.

If my father passes away,

it will do you no good.

You're a wise man.

You should know what choice to make.

I made the incense merely for peace of mind.

Since you like it,

it is yours now.

[Incense Formula]

Here is the detailed formula.

Thank you.

You may have the formula,

but I seek a favor in return.

She is not a favor.

She is the one I love.

I love her too.

I hope that you let go

and let Mei Lin choose freely.

And if I refuse?

You will eventually agree.

I just don't wish

to see Mei Lin in danger again.

In the current situation,

I am the only one who can protect Mei Lin.

She is my woman.

I will protect her myself.

During the spring hunt,

if Mei Lin hadn't risked her life to get you out of the hunting grounds,

the one by her side now would be me.

Murong Jinghe,

it is not you who protects her,

but she who protects you.

If His Majesty truly does not wake up,

by that time,

in your current state,

it may be difficult to even protect yourself, Prince Jing,

let alone protect Mei Lin.

Thirty thousand Xiyan royal troops are already stationed at the border.

Even if the Crown Prince ascends to the throne,

he will still fear me.

Only I

can protect Mei Lin

while you

can achieve nothing.

♪The wind scatters the spring flowers♪

♪The dream was filled with sorrow for the entire night♪

♪Troubled thoughts shatter into a sky full of stars♪

♪If fate is too unbearable♪

♪I am mired in the mud♪

♪Love is helpless, falling into the abyss♪

♪If life is a predetermined sorrow♪

♪Love is an endless wandering♪

♪A place in the heart from which there is no return♪

♪It's a vain hope, it's in imagination♪

♪It's the distinguished light♪

♪If life is a predetermined sorrow♪

♪Love is an endless wandering♪

♪A place in the heart from which there is no return♪

♪It's a vain hope, it's in imagination♪

♪It's the distinguished light♪

♪If life is a predetermined sorrow♪

♪Love is an endless wandering♪

♪A place in the heart from which there is no return♪

♪It's a vain hope, it's in imagination♪

♪It's the distinguished light♪

♪It's a vain hope, it's in imagination♪

♪It's the distinguished light♪