Original subtitles

[Brocade Odyssey]

[Episode 31]

Alright.

Sheng Dalang is gone.

He's gone.

I knew this journey wouldn't be smooth.

I thought someone might get sick,

and someone might get hurt.

I believed that as long as we were careful enough

and well-prepared,

we could protect them.

But,

I never expected

to lose him so suddenly.

Not even a trace remains.

That was Sheng Dalang!

Alright.

Yang Jinglan,

I'm scared.

Should we turn back?

I don't want to see anyone else

get hurt.

Yingying,

everyone made their own choice

to come this far.

No one knows the ending at the beginning

of the story.

We are the leaders.

We've brought everyone this far.

If we

back down now,

how can we expect anyone to trust us

to lead them

through this trade route?

Alright.

Can we do it?

We definitely can.

My brother and Yu...

Alright.

I know. I know everything.

Don't worry.

I promise I will bring them back

safe and sound.

Okay?

Big brother.

It's her!

That woman

killed our third brother!

Today, I must cut her down!

Second brother, wait!

Who's that man?

He doesn't know martial arts.

He just followed us

when we caught the woman.

I also feel sad

about third brother's death.

But don't forget

what our purpose of this trip is.

To make money!

How about this:

kill the woman

to avenge our brother.

Keep the man as a hostage.

If you kill her, you won't get a penny!

Why not?

Is she valuable?

Have you heard of the Yang Brocade from Yizhou?

This shipment belongs to the Yang family.

Big brother,

at the foot of the mountain,

we saw the carriage

indeed carried the Yang family flag.

The carriage is loaded with brocade.

Cut off one of his fingers,

take it down the mountain to exchange for the goods.

Then we'll see if it's real.

If you must cut, then cut my finger.

He's a brocade weaver.

If you cut his finger,

you might as well take his life!

No, cut mine!

They only recognize my hand.

Cut mine!

Report!

Boss, second boss,

a group is chasing us up the mountain.

They must be here to rescue these two.

How many?

Seven or eight.

The leader is the one with the highest martial skills.

The others are protecting the convoy.

It looks like they plan to camp in the valley.

Since they've come up the mountain,

we'll change our tactics.

Second brother,

take these two deep into the mountains.

Leave marks along the way.

Once they're far enough,

I'll take the guys

and surround the goods at the foot of the mountain.

Go!

Go.

Go!

These marks are too obvious.

They left them on purpose.

But why would the bandits do that?

General Niu.

Greetings, Your Excellency.

Your Excellency, you're so busy,

yet you still made time to meet with me.

I am deeply grateful.

Enough.

I've planned a family dinner for today.

Let's skip the formalities.

Come,

Thank you.

Take a seat.

Start with the food.

Your Excellency, a few days ago in Yizhou...

I remember back when you were with me,

you loved this steamed shad dish.

It's hard to find in Yizhou.

I had it specially brought

from Qiantang.

Give it a try and see how it tastes.

Exquisite.

Your Excellency, you remembered me so well,

but I...

If you find it exquisite,

have more while it's still warm.

Once it cools,

it will become fishy.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

Shad is delicious,

but it has many bones.

If you're too greedy

and swallow it whole,

you might choke on a bone.

When eating shad,

you must chew it slowly and carefully.

Some fish,

if left untouched,

won't cause you any trouble.

But

if you're too eager,

you may end up hurting yourself.

Don't you agree?

Your Excellency's advice

is something I will never forget.

Good.

Now, stand up.

Thank you.

Try this one too.

Come on.

Eat.

How does it taste?

Delicious.

General Niu, farewell.

General,

what do you think the Military Commissioner meant?

Inviting me to eat the fish I loved in my youth,

then warning me

not to choke on bones,

what do you think he meant?

Out of respect for old ties,

he's letting it go this time.

But if it happens again,

there will be no mercy.

So the Military Commissioner is still on your side.

That's because he doesn't yet know

that I'm dealing with the Prince Bai of Nanzhao.

Yang Jinglan will never let it slide.

If he uncovers anything,

the court will press charges.

Mu Hui will be the first

to throw me under the bus.

When that happens,

we'll be at their mercy.

So what should we do?

To be honest, everything I have today is thanks

to Military Commissioner Mu.

But if that day does come...

This needs to be even sharper.

I see our Imperial Uncle here

has been working all day long.

Sure enough, he's much steadier now.

So,

Only by facing life and death head-on

and taking life and death lightly

can one go far.

Are you trying to comfort me?

Ms. Ji, you're a talent worth cultivating.

I simply don't want to see your ambitions

wither along the way.

Ms. Ji,

this trap is so simple.

With so many bandits, will it work?

Did you really only bring Chi Hu?

What do you mean by that?

Some of our people followed my husband up the mountain.

The ones left now

are not enough to deal with the bandits.

And you brought only one person.

So,

I have traps elsewhere.

As expected, you have a backup plan.

What use are those traps?

You will see in time.

May all things have spirits

and take my lifespan

to ensure Yingying's safety.

Second boss,

they've been sitting there the whole time.

We tried to startle them,

but they didn't move.

Brothers, grip your knives tightly.

If they charge at us,

take one down first

to set an example!

Kill him!

Yang Jinglan!

Yu!

Yaoting!

Let's go!

Go!

Where are they?

Boss, over there.

They've hidden in a cave.

They're hiding in the cave

and left the carriage here.

Is this an offer to trade the goods for their lives?

Then let's hurry and take the goods.

Wait.

Send two people down first to check.

You two, go scout it out.

Look.

Shh.

Gou!

Mao!

There really is an ambush.

What now?

Climb down the cliffside using ropes.

Yes, sir.

Go!

Yes!

Shisi,

I'll need your help later.

Tell me.

Get ready.

Drop the ropes!

Ms. Ji!

Boss!

They're coming out!

They found a trap near the carriage

and will think there are traps all around it.

Even though the goods are on the carriage,

they'll believe they've fallen into a trick.

Using the fake to defend the real.

A brilliant plan.

But you saw it too.

You planned to scare them with shadows,

and they didn't fall for it.

So what will you do next?

Fire the arrows!

Master!

Keep firing!

Fire the arrows!

My arm...

I thought

your chain traps

were meant for the bandits.

I didn't expect

they were prepared for me instead.

Since you're not being honest,

I have no choice but to take a gamble.

Yingying,

you guessed it right.

Chi Hu led a group

and killed all the bandits!

We are safe now.

Thank you, Mr. Bai, for your rescue.

You're welcome.

With this liquor,

we honor our fallen companions.

May they rest in peace

and watch over us.

Thank you all for believing in me and Jinglan,

drawing your swords to help us,

and fighting with all your might.

When we reach Tubo

and sell this brocade,

I'll treat everyone to drinks!

Thank you, Mr. Yang and Ms. Ji!

Everyone, rest well tonight.

Tomorrow,

let's move forward!

Understood!

Let me handle it.

These days,

you've worked so hard.

You should take a good rest too.

Easy, be very gentle.

Don't worry.

This medicine specializes in treating bumps and strains.

You'll be fine in a couple of days.

I've been thinking,

is it really useful for us to be here?

It's not that I can't endure hardship,

but look at my build, my frame,

and my timid nature,

can I really be of any help?

In this caravan,

everyone has different roles

to play.

The guards' skill

is to protect the goods.

We are merchants.

Our skill is to do good business

when we reach Tubo

and sell the goods.

So, it's not that we are incapable.

It's just that our moment hasn't come yet.

Impressive, Sheng Dalang.

Since when did you learn to talk like this?

What was that saying again?

"Part for three days..."

Something like that.

"Part for three days,

and you'll see them in a new light."

Yes!

"Part for three days,

and you'll see them in a new light!"

Easy.

Honestly, I have to thank you for this.

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have come this far,

seen all these things,

or said these words.

Why thank me?

I didn't do much.

Don't you remember? You taught me

to be brave and raise my hand,

to be brave and step forward.

So this time, I came out.

Exactly, be brave and raise your hand,

be brave and step forward.

Don't worry.

I'll take good care of everyone.

You definitely can.

Are you planning to keep carrying it?

Sheng Dalang died for me.

Yang Jinglan,

I'm just a worthless person.

I even promised Sheng Dalang to take care of everyone.

But now, not only did I fail to take care of everyone,

I also caused his death.

I shouldn't have come.

Joining this caravan

was your own choice.

If you want to leave now,

no one can stop you.

So,

you think I'm worthless too, don't you?

Sang Shisi,

the path we're on now

is one no one has walked before.

We must face all the hardships and dangers

along the way.

Whether good or bad,

we must fully accept them.

Besides,

you are the honorary president of Bloom Society.

Don't you think this caravan need you?

So, what should we do now?

By choosing this path,

you've already proven you're brave.

As for the road ahead,

only you can decide.

If you ever treat me badly,

I'll kill you.

I...

I'll definitely treat you well!

I'll only treat you well!

I'll just treat you well.

I've faced death,

why should I fear loving again?

Master,

something's happened in Yizhou.

Should we

return earlier than planned?

By the time we return to Yizhou,

the craftsmen there will likely turn against us.

Chi Hu.

Here.

Prepare

a gift for me.

Understood.

Mr. Bai, you're not resting yet?

What a lovely night it is.

Oh,

Ms. Ji,

would you like to hear a story?

Once there was a child.

His mother

was taken by his father to be his wife.

She was always unhappy,

never smiling.

But

whenever she wore

the brocade garment

she brought from her hometown,

she would

light up with joy.

The child

wished for his mother to be happy every day.

So he begged his master

to bring more brocade garments

from her hometown.

He hoped that his own hometown

could be as full of brocade

as hers.

Only then

did he believe

she wouldn't miss her hometown

and would consider this place

her home.

I can understand that child.

But if that determination could be channeled for a good cause,

it wouldn't be a bad thing.

Alright,

no more stories.

Ms. Ji,

here

is a gift for you.

May you

find great success in your business.

Look...

These fireworks are different

from any I've seen before.

Yes,

I've never seen

fireworks like these either.

I was wondering where Mr. Bai had gone.

Turns out he was here

trying to charm my wife.

Every burst of fireworks says

I wishes to maintain

a lasting friendship with Ms. Ji.

If you could be sincere,

I, too, hope

you and my wife can maintain a lasting friendship.

Every word I say is from the heart,

honest and open.

There was a time I wanted to be friends with you.

But you refused me yourself.

Have you forgotten?

No matter when you're in trouble,

as long as it doesn't violate morality

or break the law,

I'm willing to help you through it.

That's my promise to a friend.

[Unyielding Resolve]

Alright. It's late.

I should head back.

Farewell.

I won't see you off.

Dear,

what do you think

those fireworks meant?

Whatever the intention,

if he dares to draw his dagger at the end,

we'll take decisive action.

General,

there's news from Yizhou City.

Yang Jinglan's men went to the Prince Bai's residence to arrest someone.

Afterward, they also detained a foreign merchant caravan.

Yang Jinglan's men?

Does his little Brocade Bureau have that many people?

And they dare to arrest foreign merchants?

It seems this is an order from Chang'an.

Does this mean...

Chang'an is really going to investigate thoroughly?

What was Governor Zhang's response

after Yang Jinglan made the arrests?

He shut his doors

and acted as if he knew nothing.

If Governor Zhang doesn't act,

it means the Military Commissioner doesn't want to intervene.

But if something happens,

would the Military Commissioner truly abandon us?

Good morning, Mr. Bai.

Why are you so proactive today?

This trip to Yizhou,

the greatest gain

for me has been

meeting you, Ms. Ji and Mr. Yang.

It's because of you two

that I have seen

the extraordinary people and beauty of Shu.

But all good things

must come to an end.

I must take my leave.

We're so close to Tubo now.

Wouldn't leaving at this moment

be a pity?

From here on,

you must continue the journey alone.

This place is close to my hometown.

I miss home

and want to go back for a visit.

Ms. Ji, once you return from Tubo,

I'll host a celebration for you here.

Mr. Bai, I'm afraid you won't be able to return home.

A letter arrived from Yizhou yesterday,

claiming that a foreign merchant dared to collude

with Yizhou officials to smuggle tribute brocade for years.

This year, it escalated.

They even dared to steal confidential pattern designs from various families

and smuggle them to Nanzhao.

It was said

that all of this was planned by you.

Mr. Bai,

I have no choice but to detain you temporarily.

Let's not discuss

whether there's a misunderstanding.

You're an official of Yizhou.

You have no authority over the people of Nanzhao.

Anyone doing business in Tang

must follow Tang laws.

Guards!

Detain Mr. Bai temporarily.

Yang Jinglan,

stop being rude!

We warmly welcome Prince Bai back to Nanzhao!

Prince?

Do you need me

to show you my credentials and token?

No need.

I never intended to hide my identity.

It's just that this identity

makes it inconvenient to act in Yizhou.

Ms. Ji,

shall we reintroduce ourselves?

I am Sheng Fengze, the Prince Bai of Nanzhao.

Since you're the Prince Bai of Nanzhao,

then this is all the more convenient.

Along with yesterday's letter from Yizhou,

there was also an edict from Chang'an.

We respectfully invite Prince Bai to meet the Emperor in Chang'an.

What if I don't want to go?

I believe the Emperor of Tang

wouldn't force you to compel me.

Not going is fine.

But those foreign merchants' testimonies

will all be handed over to the King of Nanzhao.

I'm confident the King of Nanzhao

will provide Tang with a reasonable explanation.

The people of Nanzhao all know

that I am unwell,

resting in my residence,

yet you claim to have seen me in Yizhou.

Tell me,

could someone be impersonating me?

All the more reason to go to Chang'an

and verify your identity.

Instead,

Mr. Bai,

no,

Prince Bai,

why not make a deal with us?

Dear,

you're trying to get blood from a stone.

Fine.

I was thinking the same thing.

I do enjoy doing business with you, Ms. Ji.

Mr. Bai, may I have a word with you?

Now that you refuse to go to Chang'an

and my husband refuses to let you return to Nanzhao,

rather than this stalemate,

which could lead to fight

and mutual destruction,

why not take a step back?

Yingying!

Yang Jinglan,

I don't want to see

anyone else get hurt.

By holding this stalemate,

you're just waiting for the people from Chang'an

to join you

in a life-or-death fight against them.

But have you thought about the caravan members?

What about them?

With Prince Bai's indifference,

how could he care about their lives?

It seems Ms. Ji truly understands me.

But Prince Bai,

you also understand my husband well.

When he charged back into Yizhou alone, cutting down foes,

it was ruthless.

If you push him too hard,

no matter how many people you have,

he could justify killing you

as an accident during duty.

Ms. Ji,

you have laid it all out plainly.

If I'm not mistaken,

the next topic should be

about mutually beneficial cooperation.

We crossed paths with you

because we were investigating Niu Jin.

I believe your collaboration with Niu Jin

is purely for profit,

not out of genuine friendship.

You suddenly bring up

General Niu,

but there is no bond

between me and General Niu.

If I offer you greater benefits,

would you be willing to make some sacrifices?

I'd like to hear

what these benefits are.

Ji Yingying,

do you intend to let him go

and only capture Niu Jin?

We both know

what kind of person he is.

Today,

if we collude with him,

we'll be stained forever!

But what good does capturing him do?

Would the Tang authority

punish a Nanzhao prince

over a trivial tribute brocade smuggling case?

Unafraid of power,

determined to uncover the truth,

and never compromising.

Have you forgotten all of this?

I haven't forgotten!

I'm just scared.

I'm afraid of more people getting hurt,

more incidents happening.

I can't wait any longer.

For revenge,

I endured for nine years.

A whole nine years.

But now Niu Jin is watching us,

ready to strike at any moment.

I can't endure it any longer.

This is the best choice after weighing all the pros and cons.

Yang Jinglan,

this time, listen to me, alright?

Yang Jinglan!

Please, I beg you.

Sheng Fengze,

if you admit

that Niu Jin smuggled tribute brocade to Nanzhao,

I can tell the court

that you were deceived by Niu Jin.

As for the testimonies from those merchants,

I'll leave it to you to handle.

Mr. Yang,

I know you're resourceful.

If you go back on your word,

where could I possibly seek justice?

We Tang people keep our word.

Alright.

Since this is a deal,

there should be some guarantee, right?

What do you want?

Mr. Yang goes to Chang'an to negotiate,

and I accompany Ji Yingying to Tubo.

Then I'll bring Ji Yingying

to visit Nanzhao as a guest.

You're dreaming.

You can come for her

after you've killed Niu Jin and fulfill your vengeance!

I know

you're highly skilled in martial arts.

Mr. Yang, tell me,

can the caravan members

avoid those crossbows?

Ms. Ji said something

I liked very much.

She said that in business,

we must learn to trust each other

and make mutual concessions.

What do you think?

Alright.

Mutual concessions.

If you admit it,

then I agree to your terms.

I never thought

you could be so straightforward.

Fine.

Then today,

I will also be straightforward.

I admit to smuggling

tribute brocade with Niu Jin.

Alright.

Since we've all heard it,

come out now!

Yang Jinglan,

I've brought the people you wanted.

When we get to Chang'an, I'll buy you a drink!

Come on,

show Prince Bai your identities!

Ministry of Personnel Guard, Zhang Tingyan.

Ministry of War Guard, Zhao Xun.

Ministry of Justice Guard, He Dapeng.

Ministry of Revenue Guard, Wang Zhaofang.

Ministry of Works Guard, Wu Xinfei.

Imperial Qianniu Guard, Zhao Meng.

We respectfully invite Prince Bai to Chang'an!

Too bad they came at a bad time.

Everything you just said

was heard by they all.

That means the court of Tang

is now fully aware.

Sheng Fengze,

not all evidence

needs to be written down.

Prince Bai,

please.

We respectfully invite Prince Bai to Chang'an!

It seems

I'll have to make the trip to Chang'an after all.

Indeed.

♪Fallen petals, scattered on the ground♪

♪Love awakes, but it fades before it grows♪

♪Like dust in the creek, it slips away♪

♪Time just spins, tearing at the seams♪

♪I walk through the pain, but I still chase the dream♪

♪The road is ahead, but it feels so unknown♪

♪How can we, so small, fight against this tide?♪

♪Holding on tight, as the ropes pull me inside♪

♪To show that the soaring crimson is mine to own♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪

♪Red like a vow, that's burning slow♪

♪Silent red, where all my memories go♪

♪Throw the thread, and let the heartache show♪

♪Drowning in this, can't let it go♪

♪Red like flames, that burn through my soul♪

♪I walk these miles alone, through sleepless nights♪

♪Love in the wind, alive, it's everywhere we've been♪

♪Red blooms bright, but it dies all alone♪