Original subtitles

​Subtitles and timing brought to you by the 💫💖Daydreaming in Chang'an💖💫 Team @viki.com

♫ The silky moonlight and the chilly breeze ♫

♫ Are just like a mirage, slowly swallowing the canoe into the horizon ♫

♫ Listen to the petals drop, with no deliberation comes no vision ♫

♫ Is where I'm going the place I want to be ♫

♫ The country will look different if you leave or stay ♫

♫ The universe has no emotion and is unwilling to change for us ♫

♫ Staring at the sky together and feeling the time get slower ♫

♫ With one glimpse, the city of Chang'an can be wiped out ♫

♫ The mindless world, the thriving society, and me ♫

[STAND BY ME]

[EPISODE 44]

What do you want?

I am an invalid, and won't be of any threat to Qiu Yanzhi.

Why can't you just spare me?

Because you know something that you shouldn't.

You mean the…

- Yu'er? - Aunt.

Aunt, let's go. Come on.

Hurry.

- Aunt. - I can't run anymore.

- You go ahead first. - Why are they chasing after you?

It's better that you don't know about it, lest Qiu Yanzhi…

Yanzhi won't hurt me. Sit down and rest for a while, then.

Yu'er, I'll just tell you one thing.

I'm indeed not a good person.

But Qiu Yanzhi is far worse.

Whatever I've wanted to do, you already know about it.

But the things Qiu Yanzhi wants to do, do you have any idea?

Cheng Xi!

Yan Xiu?

Aunt, what are you doing?

She is your enemy. I can't let her accompany you.

I can make my own decision.

Wang Ruoling, don't be fooled by her.

I'll leave with you. Just spare her.

Aunt.

I'm already an invalid. I'm merely dragging out an ignoble existence.

But you're different.

- Yan Xiu, I beg you. Just spare her. Let her go. - Aunt.

Neither of you will go.

Yu'er, hurry up and go!

Ruoling!

Aunt. Aunt.

Aunt!

Why…

Aunt.

Aunt.

Yan Xiu.

- Why? - She ran into it herself.

Why do all of you still refuse to let me go?

I've already left, I'm no threat to any of you!

Why do you keep forcing me, again and again and again?

I…

Aunt. Aunt.

Save her first.

Aunt, take the medicine.

Yu'er, don't trust him.

Qiu Yanzhi and him, the both of them…

Don't talk. I know. Drink the medicine.

Listen to me.

Yu'er.

I've let you down.

I didn't know that Qiu Yanzhi would kill Li Rong.

Had I known, I wouldn't have sent her there.

I know, I know…

I wrote another copy on the silk cloth as a precaution.

All right. Take the medicine now, okay?

Yu'er, listen to me.

Actually, you're really like me.

We were born into high-placed families, pampered and loved.

And then everything changed in a single moment.

Our entire clan was annihilated.

But you and I are different.

Whatever I planned, all those treacherous things,

even my…

Even my own younger brother refused to help me.

But you're different.

You're kind-hearted and generous.

You're like a better version of me.

- Aunt. - A version whose conscience isn't consumed by hatred.

- Aunt. - Yu'er…

You must be well.

You must be well.

Qiu Yanzhi has wild ambitions.

Even my brother has been bewitched by her

and wants to assist her in ascending the throne.

That was why he betrayed me.

Do not believe her.

Never.

Aunt.

Aunt.

Aunt.

I'm sorry, Aunt. Aunt.

No.

- She's dead? - Yes, Your Grace.

Well done, Cheng Xi.

That's Cheng Xi for you.

She actually used her own life

to drive a wedge between the Wang sisters.

I respect her.

Since she did such a good job,

I've got to do my part, too.

Yanzhi, just you wait.

I'll let you experience

what heart-wrenching anguish really feels like.

Aunt.

Although you intentionally concealed my identity,

deliberately sent me to His Majesty's side,

and did so many evil things,

lying and deceiving me.

Still, right now

I can only remember...

the good things.

My death in exchange for long-lasting peace in the world.

It's worth it.

Stop it!

I went to great lengths to save you and train you.

And now I'm supposed to send you to your death?

Our Yu has really grown up. You've become quite mature.

You raised me for eight years.

In gratitude, I bow to you now.

♫ The place I've wandered has changed so much ♫

♫ Life is nothing without you ♫

♫ Even with all the hypocrisy ♫

♫ And the long distance ♫

♫ We won't miss each other♫

♫ I should be in your life ♫

This imperial edict to cut the Divine Army's salary and provisions, when was it written?

Three days ago.

Why? Aren't you afraid that Qiu Ziliang will see it?

That's exactly what I want.

The moment this is passed, many in the army will be upset.

Only when they are upset will we find our opportunity.

Your Majesty means…

These last three years, much of the army's salary and provisions have been embezzled by eunuchs.

It'll be tough for Qiu Ziliang to prove his innocence.

And the way he's forcibly suppressed them

has created a climate of fear and unhappiness among the rank and file.

It's been building so long, and now it'll finally erupt.

How so?

They'll direct their anger at me.

Only when they direct their explosive anger at me can I revive their morale and re-establish imperial power.

As you said, for this game,

I must play against Qiu Ziliang openly, with dignity.

[DANFENG GATE] Return our salary and provisions!

- What right do you have to take our salary? - Pay us our due!

What right do you have to take our salary and provisions?

How dare you cut our pay!

- Come out and give us an explanation! - Come out and face us!

Return our money! Pay us our salary and provisions!

Brother, do you know what's going on up there?

The chancellor wants to cut salary and provisioning.

The soldiers are protesting the decision.

The soldiers have gotten too big for their boots lately.

How dare they ask the emperor for an explanation!

Return our salary and provisions! Hand it over to us!

Return our salary and provisions! Return our salary and provisions!

What right do you have to cut our salary and provisions!

Han Ding? What's behind this?

This won't do. I've got to return to the palace at once.

Your Majesty. I've brought what you requested.

Concubine Shu, take a look at its quality.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I apologize, My Lady.

Huaizhi! Capture it.

Why? Why was there a cat in there?

A gift to Grand Empress Dowager to ease her fatigue.

Don't move.

Stay still.

[BADGE]

Report to Eunuch Qiu that Cheng Ruoyu is back.

Yes, sir.

The fun is about to begin.

You're afraid of cats?

A person's appearance might change,

so might her personality and voice.

But a person's deepest quirks never do.

The moment you see a cat, you itch all over.

If you touch it, you'll break out in a rash, correct?

Wang Ruoqing.

Come. I'll help you up.

Your Majesty.

Ruoling, why have you returned? You can't be here.

Xiu. Xiu didn't find you?

Aunt is dead. She died by Yan Xiu's sword.

I didn't ask Xiu to kill her.

Ruoyu, there must be some misunderstanding.

Then explain it. Where is the misunderstanding?

Whatever it is, I can explain.

This is not a good place to talk. Let's go elsewhere.

Camp Guardian predicts everything accurately.

She indeed fell into your trap.

You little animal. It was tough catching you.

I'm exhausted. After we're back…

This is bad.

I should have guessed. You kept calling him Uncle Han Yue,

yet you sold him out to Qiu Ziliang.

You said you wanted to help me and His Majesty,

but all you wanted was to be the empress.

Today, I'll kill you on behalf of Aunt!

Ruoyu.

Your Majesty, I can't believe you're protecting her.

Guards!

This is bad. This is a rebellion.

Where are the Jinwu Guards? Where are the Jinwu Guards?

This is a rebellion. This is a rebellion! Where are the Jinwu Guards?

Where are the Jinwu Guards?

Stop!

This woman barged into the palace and attempted to assassinate Concubine Shu.

It's treason!

Let go of Concubine Shu.

We haven't caught the assassin.

I don't dare to disregard Her Highness and Your Majesty's safety.

Capture her!

Who dares?

Who dares to do so?

Save His Majesty! Save His Majesty! Save His Majesty! Save His Majesty!

Save His Majesty!

Send Camp Guardian for treatment. Let's go.

Your Majesty.

- All of you, leave. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Quick.

Yu'er, stop pointing your sword at Yanzhi.

Because…

Because she…

Who is she?

Who is she?

She's Wang Ruoqing.

Your elder sister.

Your Majesty.

You still don't trust me, do you?

Yu'er,

in this world,

you're the one I trust the most.

Think about it calmly.

About Yanzhi,

once I investigate it thoroughly,

I will definitely tell you everything honestly.

But it's not safe for you here. You must leave the palace immediately.

Huaizhi.

Huaizhi! Here, Your Majesty.

- Bring Yu'er away from here. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Trust me.

I see.

He wants to turn the sisters against each other.

This move, may have been made by Qiu Ziliang,

but you must be the mastermind behind it, right?

Uncle.

Uncle.

Does it have to be this way?

What exactly are you trying to do?

When will it all come to an end?

Qiu Ziliang is already back at court. If you don't leave now, you'll never be able to.

Qiu Ziliang is out of isolation?

So you must be even more cautious. Hurry and go.

Brilliant plan, Eunuch Qiu. Wang Ruoqing is utterly dispirited.

This is only the beginning.

I've already sent people to keep an eye on the carriage.

Every move that Wang Ruoling makes happens under our surveillance.

What should we do next?

Press the heart-wrenching battle to the point of death.

What if Camp Guardian cannot withstand it and tells her that they are sisters?

Don't forget. Back when we were about to kill Han Yue,

Yanzhi impersonated Wang Ruoqing.

Indeed, one shouldn't lie too much.

Otherwise, when you say the truth, no one will believe you.

Exactly.

Come. Look.

Take a look at my pigeons. All of them have grown so fat.

Oh, yes. How are things with Li Deyun?

Very soon, he will know the consequences of being your enemy.

It's been tough on you.

Even if I die serving you, I'll have no regrets.

Father, Qiu Ziliang is putting the blame on you for reducing the military salary and provisions,

saying that you were the one who instigated His Majesty to do it.

Right now, hundreds of soldiers are gathered in front of Danfeng Gate, protesting and causing trouble.

When ignorant people grow violent, bad things happen.

I'm worried for your safety, Father. Rest at home today.

All the official documents are piling up. If I don't go, things will get delayed.

What's more, His Majesty knows what to do.

Father.

Ning, if something does happen to me,

return to Lingnan and don't ever come back.

Father.

You'll definitely win. Justice always prevails.

Don't worry.

Father!

We lost her.

I'll continue searching. You head back and report to the Camp Guardian first.

All right.

Speak. What motive does your Camp Guardian have? Tell me!

Camp Guardian didn't tell us.

However, I vaguely overheard Deputy Officer saying something about an imperial edict.

Other than that, I really don't know anything.

Scram!

You may go.

Qiu Ziliang also knows your true identity.

Now I know about it, too.

In other words,

now, only Ruoling, your younger sister,

doesn't know.

Qiu Ziliang

is now obviously trying to turn you against each other.

The later you reveal the truth, the more painful it will be

when she does finally learn.

He wants to make Ruoling break down.

I definitely won't let him.

Besides,

if I were to tell her now,

she wouldn't believe me anyway.

Your younger sister is far calmer than you imagine her to be, more intelligent.

How do you know that she wouldn't believe you?

I don't want her to know

how blood-stained her sister's hands are.

It was all my fault

for letting the both of you down.

In that case,

promise me this.

Promise you what?

Should I really die by Ruoling's hand

don't tell her the truth even then.

This is my last wish.

I hope that she will always be proud of her family.

The Wang family of Heng'an is steadfast and unyielding,

and completely loyal.

It definitely doesn't include a sinner

like me.

I promise you.

You want to ask me about Yanzhi?

Regarding Yanzhi, I'll get to the bottom of it organically.

You created trouble in front of Danfeng Gate today. Was that His Majesty's idea?

I have nothing to tell you.

People gathered to create trouble in front of Danfeng Gate.

As the chancellor, Minister Li Deyun will surely come forward and quell the chaos.

This incident has something to do with Minister Li Deyun.

Qiu Ziliang wants to strike at Minister Li Deyun.

So, His Majesty's objective this time is to bring down Qiu Ziliang?

Cheng Ruoyu, you're becoming more and more like His Majesty now.

- Just that… - Just that, what?

Just that when Minister Li comes forward, Qiu Ziliang will definitely make a move.

If something goes wrong in the midst of the chaos, Minister Li's life will be in danger.

I have a plan to ensure his safety.

Han Ding, give a message to His Majesty for me,

that I, Cheng Ruoyu, will always be his Sword-Bearer.

You may go.

Yes, My Lady.

Seems like the miracle healer's ointment was indeed of some use, after all.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Ruoling is still soft-hearted.

Your Majesty, Cheng Ruoyu already knows about the plan for the trouble at Danfeng Gate.

She says that she has a foolproof plan that can ensure that nothing goes wrong.

How confident of her.

She even asked me to convey to Your Majesty

that she, Cheng Ruoyu, will always be your Sword-Bearer.

Cooperate with her.

Follow the original plan and lead the soldiers to Danfeng Gate.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, there is one more thing.

The Chess Pieces of Golden Character in Jiangqi Camp.

Aside from Left Rook, other people, including Prince Guang, are locked up in the dungeon.

The pawns are safe?

The pawns have always obeyed the token and not the person.

In other words, Qiu Ziliang has all the power and authority right now?

Yes, Your Majesty.

What do you think?

It is a great crisis, yet also a great opportunity.

Seems like the two of you have also figured it out.

The Divine Army and Jiangqi Camp lack mid-level generals.

Although Qiu Ziliang has the power and authority, he definitely won't be able to handle them

and will surely send in a new commander.

[JIANGQI CAMP]

Qiu Ziliang didn't take this away? Mine was taken away.

Then this one is…

I stole Left Rook's.

Great.

With this token, The Chess Pieces of Golden Character can be substituted with people on our side.

[ZIYI BUREAU]

This mission is not something I can accomplish myself.

I need help.

[ZIYI BUREAU]

♫ When a fish swims over the surface ♫

♫ Who will want to go deeper? ♫

♫ When storms blow over the stairs ♫

♫ Who is still standing there? ♫

♫ Someone lingers ♫

♫ Someone leaves ♫

♫ You can't see clearly during the day ♫

♫ As long as you don't explain, there is no lie ♫

♫ But the battlefield never teaches me ♫

Yu'er!

♫ I also made wishes ♫

♫ Being missed equally ♫

♫ The old sadness is still here ♫

♫ Nightmares crush my dreams ♫

♫ Let's see, between love and hate, who will win? ♫

♫ The place I've wandered has changed so much ♫

♫ Life is nothing without you ♫

♫ Even with all the hypocrisy ♫

♫ And the long distance ♫

♫ We won't miss each other♫

Right now, you're the one in charge of Ziyi Bureau?

Yu Niang, I want to eliminate the eunuch's followers. Are you willing to help me?

My name is Wang Ruoling, a descendant of Wang Yang.

During the Zhaolu Incident, the entire Wang family was annihilated.

Before I learned this, I knew nothing about avenging my nation and family,

and muddled through life for many years.

But things are different now. I want to vindicate my grandfather.

I need you. I need the entire Ziyi Bureau.

This sword…

I am Wang Ruoling,

the Sword-Bearer of Ziyi Bureau.

You're willing to help me?

You're saying that

you want to save His Highness Guang first?

Yu Niang, I'm willing to help you.

Together let's eliminate all these evil, wicked people that surround our emperor.

Qiu Ziliang wants to re-select the Jiangqi Camp's Chess Pieces of Golden Character.

I know that this is an opportunity.

But on the day of selection, Qiu Ziliang will surely have prepared to stop any rescue attempts.

We need a carefully thought-out plan to rescue Prince Guang.

We mustn't be hasty or reckless.

[HEYUAN HALL]

Seems like the miracle healer's prescription is effective after all.

Your Majesty is recovering very well.

What a pity. This medicine will be finished very soon.

I wonder when the next time…

Your Majesty, why don't I plead with the Duke of Chu

to let the miracle healer come and pay you a visit again?

No need.

I can withstand it.

- Huaizhi. - At your service.

- You may go. - Yes, Your Majesty.

You may go.

Do you have something to say?

I did.

But now that I look at you, it seems like you already know.

Something is wrong with the medicine.

I know that.

Strong medicines sometimes seem to work wonders,

but often they're actually speeding one's deterioration.

But I...

have no other choice.

Other people want to be the emperor for the sake of power and authority.

Qi Yan, why do you want to be the emperor?

To carry on the Qi family's legacy.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

The Duke of Chu sent over an invitation. A change of clothes will be necessary.

[INVITATION]

[His Majesty and Her Highness are invited to Jiangqi Camp to select new pieces…]

The Duke of Chu said that as he is selecting new chess pieces,

it would be improper if the former Camp Guardian isn't present.

And His Majesty can take the opportunity to get some fresh air. Please hurry.

Yu Niang.

This is bad. Something has happened. Yu Niang!

[ENJOY HIGH PRESTIGE, COMMAND UNIVERSAL RESPECT]

Your Majesty, you've come.

I don't feel quite well so I won't be bowing to Your Majesty.

Serve the tea.

This tea isn't well-steeped at all.

Since Concubine Shu is here,

may I suggest that Your Highness steep some tea for Eunuch Qiu?

​Subtitles and timing brought to you by the 💫💖Daydreaming in Chang'an💖💫 Team @viki.com

♫ Life is like a dream, how long can you indulge in it ♫

♫ With the storm roaring outside, where can you rest your soul ♫

♫ I raise my sword, but I can't cut our ties ♫

♫ The universe is filled with nothing but the void ♫

♫ Destiny is bleak, fate shows no mercy ♫

♫ The sun rises, and the moon wanes, life is hard to forsake ♫

♫ No iron heels can crush the fire in my heart ♫

♫ Think about the past and let time slip away ♫

♫ The past re-emerges in front of you ♫

♫ Forget as you remember ♫

♫ I cross my heart devoutly ♫

♫ Only for you to be saved ♫

♫ The past re-emerges in front of you ♫

♫ Forget as you remember ♫

♫ I cross my heart devoutly ♫

♫ Only for you to be saved ♫

♫ Only for you to be saved ♫