Original subtitles

The Red Fruits are sweet

The wheat is fragrant…

Uncle, over there.

-Tianjing Grass fills the storehouse -Over here.

The Red Fruits are sweet

The wheat is fragrant

Tianjing Grass fills the storehouse

Can't you chop the filling? You have greater strength.

Actually, it's my first time making Meat Dragons.

Don't worry. I've already made it known

that my wife and I will make sure it's cooked, despite the taste.

Don't add too much of this old dough or it will turn sour.

I didn't add much.

You are using too much strength.

You have greater strength than the cook in my army.

You'll make the dough too hard.

You are covering it now?

Did you add alkali water?

Murong Jinghe.

If you don't add alkali water, it'll turn sour.

Murong Jinghe,

-What? -go burn the wood.

Burn the wood.

You have greater strength than me.

I just have great strength.

My mother said that I have been strong since I was a child.

She was always worried

that I would drive away my husband who we'd get with great effort.

What kind of son-in-law would your mother like?

He should be nice and have a good temper.

He should be able to help my father with his work.

He should know how to read and write,

so that he can teach our kids.

He'd better be able to help with the accounts for the shop.

My father was a rough man.

My mother always complained that he couldn't keep the books right.

Your mother wasn't looking for a son-in-law.

It's more like she was hiring a laborer.

What about you? What kind of husband would you like?

Me?

I haven't thought about it.

As long as my mother could be satisfied.

It's much more delicious than the dragon meat I cooked.

You are better than me.

Erniu's mother said you can do needlework and look after children.

She says you are very capable.

My wife, you know martial arts and can make Meat Dragons.

You're also very capable.

There is flour on your face.

On your hair, too.

I'll clean it.

Let me help you.

What about you?

What?

What

kind of wife would you like?

My wife…

I haven't thought much about it.

At that time, I had my heart set on going to war

and even made a bold vow

that I would not get married until I defeated Xiyan.

The Empress must be very worried about your marriage.

Indeed.

Later, I couldn't refuse my mother any longer,

so I agreed to get married.

At that time, I thought

I must find someone I didn't like

to be my wife.

Someone you don't like?

Without feelings or love, there will be no attachments.

Only in this way can I be fearless and selfless on the battlefield.

Your wife is so pitiful.

However,

later, someone changed my mind.

I now feel that love

is both a weakness and armor.

Having someone you want to protect

gives you the strength to survive on the battlefield.

Regardless of whether I can go to war in the future,

when choosing a wife,

I want to choose someone I truly love.

Don't you want to ask me what type of woman I like?

What type of woman

do you like?

I like

a good woman.

She's a good person who would rather harm herself

than let an innocent suffer.

Her personality is resilient and stubborn.

Once she makes up her mind,

she will never give up.

Her words and actions

are straightforward and sincere.

Her frown and her smile

can easily get to me.

She is the most special woman in this world.

She knows martial arts,

how to embroider,

and how to make Meat Dragons.

She

won't give in to me on everything.

She can be quite fierce when we argue.

You know I hate to lose the most.

But I'm willing to lose to her for the rest of my life.

Sir, are the Meat Dragons ready?

Yes.

Brat,

you really picked a good time.

The harvest banquet is about to begin. Hurry up.

Come on.

-Cheers. -Cheers!

Bottoms up.

Come on. Bottoms up!

Here.

Here. Try this.

I'll pour you some wine.

Thank you.

Don't talk for now.

I've said all I wanted to say.

Previously, I felt they were strange.

They don't look like siblings.

It turns out the couple had a quarrel.

They reconciled a long time ago.

Couples don't hold grudges for long, right?

Right.

Wei, Madam.

Take a seat.

Are these Meat Dragons?

Wei,

did you brew the Red Fruit Wine yourself?

Yes. This wine is very sweet. Try it.

-Here. -Give it to me.

You have a weak spleen and stomach.

When you recover, I'll drink with you.

See?

Big boy, I'll drink to you.

Actually, you have very good taste.

However, she is mine.

You are not allowed to think about her anymore.

I've come around.

I won't compete with you for Mei Lin anymore.

You are no match for me.

Sir, Miss, I'll drink to you.

I will repay the life-saving grace of you two.

-I'll drink up. -It's the right thing to do.

Yeah.

Good.

Mei Lin,

your husband can make Meat Dragons.

He is really skilled in cooking.

Actually, I didn't make the Meat Dragons.

My wife did.

I only needed to burn the wood.

Look.

Mei Lin, your husband is really nice.

You have the best taste in choosing a husband.

Madam, she didn't pick me.

My mother-in-law did.

I'm their live-in husband.

Her mother has the final say

about the choice of her live-in son-in-law.

He is good at putting on an act.

It's hard to tell whether his words and actions are true or false.

Don't let him fool you.

Look at them.

Do you still think

I'm putting on an act now?

When they first came to our village,

this girl simply wouldn't let go of his hand.

I asked her if he was her husband.

However, she said no.

It's like birds of the same kind live together.

You are both good at putting on an act.

Am I right?

Yes.

You are right.

I can put on an act, too.

You brat are being naughty again. I'll beat you.

Stop there!

-Wei, get us some more wine. -Okay.

Can I talk to her?

-Mei Lin. -Madam.

Tell me the truth.

Are you satisfied with your husband?

He has many shortcomings,

but he is a good guy.

He…

He treats me very well.

He's willing to give in after an argument.

He…

Anyway, my mother should be satisfied with him.

I'm asking you. Why do you talk about your mother?

My mother is satisfied.

So am I.

You girl!

-Is that true? -What?

Is what you just said true?

Are you willing to take me, Murong Jinghe,

as your live-in husband?

I'm not good at making up stories

or putting on an act.

Every word I say is true.

Don't bite me.

What are you doing?

We…

We are catching fireflies.

Sir, please take me with you.

Where to?

To the outside world. I hate to be beaten.

I don't want to stay in the Laowozi Village anymore.

Erniu,

there are many ferocious beasts outside. They eat people.

Your mother beats you because she wants to protect you.

Home is the safest place.

Why don't you go home?

-Because we… -Because her parents

were eaten by a ferocious man-eating beast.

So, we need to go outside to catch that ferocious beast.

Only then can I give her a new home.

Sir, you must catch that ferocious beast.

Don't worry.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

I am really

not worth you wasting any more effort on me.

Your Highness, His Majesty's Imperial Guards

have been following us secretly.

Fortunately, Your Highness made preparations in advance.

With the excuse of seeking the culprit Mei Lin,

we can cover it up.

It's just that with the Imperial Guards around,

we face many constraints in our actions.

It'll be harder to find Prince Jing.

Even if Prince Jing comes back,

the throne may not necessarily be his.

But Luomei

must be mine.

I want Father to grant me the marriage of Luomei.

But how can His Majesty agree to let Your Highness marry

a Crown Princess who holds military power?

Besides, General Yin is…

It depends on what we make of it.

They have no other choice.

Send this to the Fengyi Palace.

I heard my aunt's headache is getting more and more serious.

Her Highness' headache stems from emotional distress.

Her Highness is worried about your marriage,

but you are solely focused on military affairs

and show no interest in getting married.

This dress was custom-made for you by the best embroiderer

in the tailor's workshop at Her Highness's request.

If you are willing to wear women's clothing for Her Highness,

it will alleviate her headache considerably.

-Okay. -Thank you, General.

Luomei, are you alright?

Luomei.

Luomei.

Wait.

I crossed the line just now.

My aunt did this.

She wants to force His Majesty to grant the marriage.

General,

just forget about what happened today.

Don't feel pressured.

Your Majesty, Fengyi Palace has just collected lotus dew today.

It's best for making tea.

Stay here. I'll deal with this.

Luomei, don't worry. I got this.

FENGYI PALACE

Father. Your Highness.

Your Highness, where is Luomei?

Did you see her?

No. Maybe I missed her.

Why are you here?

I heard Her Highness is sick.

So, I've come to see her.

Your Majesty, I caught a cold at night recently.

-I feel quite feeble. -I'm getting better now.

Your Majesty, please come in.

I accidentally broke Your Highness's screen.

Please go to another place to have tea.

Is Luomei inside?

Is there anything we can't see?

Xuanlie,

go to Yanming Palace.

Why did he change the plan?

Luomei,

-I… -Actually, you didn't have to do this.

Father, I want to marry Yin Luomei.

Only she can be my Crown Princess.

Rascal!

Your third brother has just passed away. How can you…

The third Brother is dead.

Father, how much longer will you keep thinking about him?

You! You did it!

Yes.

I hate him

and I'm jealous of him.

All the things I strive for so hard,

including your favor and Luomei's affection,

have been obtained by him effortlessly.

Yet he doesn't care at all.

I wish I could kill him with my own hands.

But if he had really died in my hands,

it would ruin my reputation, and I would have no chance

to get what I want.

You suspect me. I don't want to explain.

After we find Mei Lin and interrogate her,

the truth will be revealed.

Everything was due to his own fault.

Xuanlie,

you've been sensible since you were little.

Your third brother was mischievous.

When he got into trouble, he'd seek your protection,

and you'd protect him.

I am aware that you suffered many punishments because of this.

I had thought that the two of you

caring for each other was a good thing,

but in the end, it still caused you suffering.

Father,

if I can marry Luomei,

all the suffering

would not matter.

You are the Crown Prince.

You will take the throne

and be the Emperor.

In the future, you will take this dragon throne

and manage the affairs of the realm!

Indulging in personal emotions

will eventually lead to your downfall.

I know what you are afraid of, Father.

Holding military power by relatives of the Empress

has always been a great concern.

I did not forget

the lessons from the fall of previous dynasties.

You may not believe in the loyalty of the Yin family,

but you should at least trust me.

I will not allow anyone

to overthrow our Murong family's reign.

But I have granted Luomei

the freedom to choose a husband.

Luomei will agree sooner or later.

If I cannot even win her heart,

how can I assure you

that the Great Yan's reign will remain secure?

YANMING PALACE

Your Highness,

I bear the responsibility of the Yin family and the Pingnan Army.

It's okay now. Don't worry.

No matter what my father says,

just follow your heart.

Actually, if my aunt hadn't done it,

I would write your name in the imperial edict

for the arranged marriage.

I am a martial artist.

I don't quite understand love.

But I will strive to reciprocate

the genuine feelings you have shown me.

Your Highness, why did you change the plan?

Your Highness,

just now,

Luomei agreed.

That was a smart scheme of yours.

You know how strong-willed Luomei is.

Using an aphrodisiac to force intercourse with her

might provoke her rebellious nature.

What I want has always been

her willingness.

Mr. Li, it's been a while.

It's been a while.

I can help you bring down the Crown Prince.

However, I need to meet your master first.

Sir, His Majesty has withdrawn all the Imperial Guards.

Those who are watching us now are all the Crown Prince's men.

His Majesty wants to marry General Yin into the Eastern Palace.

It seems the Crown Prince has dispelled His Majesty's doubts.

Send a secret message to Prince Jing and wait for his order.

Yes.

I guess I'll have to find my own way back to the capital.

Little drunkard, you can't drink anymore.

I know my own condition.

I'm happy these days. I want to drink.

Well, after we leave Laowozi Village,

will we have such happy days?

As long as it's a day you enjoy,

I am willing to spend it with you.

Well? You don't believe it?

Qingyan says in the letter that Li Qing has been cured.

We need to hurry back then. There's no rush.

Qingyan has been targeted.

We may need to go back to the capital by ourselves.

It's going to be a rough trip.

No trip can be more difficult than the one in Zhongshan.

Li Qing is now the key witness.

Since he has been disposed of after serving his purpose,

he must hate the Crown Prince even more than we do.

In all, when we go back to the capital,

we can bring down the Crown Prince.

After we bring down the Crown Prince,

when the situation is stable,

we will go back to Qingzhou together.

You'll open a fruit cake shop,

and I'll be General Weibei.

In times of leisure, we'll paint and do what we like.

In times of turmoil, we'll wield our swords to defend the country.

Would you like such a life?

Yes.

Come back if you encounter any difficulties outside.

Okay.

Come back to see us when you can.

Don't worry.

These days…

Erniu said you've been to the battlefield.

I lied to him.

I don't dare to kill a chicken. How can I kill men?

I dare

to kill a chicken.

Awesome.

Jinghe,

you wrote so many prescriptions for me.

Here is your reward.

Tianjing Grass can be eaten and also used to treat illnesses.

-It truly is a wonderful thing. -Thank you, Doctor.

It's getting late. Let's set off.

Go ahead.

Madam, we're leaving.

Take care.

There is someone behind us.

Wei.

I… I will go with you.

I can protect you.

Why do you think I can't protect her?

You don't dare to kill a chicken, but I dare.

Wei, please go back.

We can protect ourselves.

I told you.

Since you saved my life, I will repay you.

I have great strength. I can help you.

How is it?

Wei, you can't survive outside

relying solely on brute force.

You are smart,

so I'll follow you.

I want to see the outside world, too.

Wei,

can you pull up that tree?

That tree?

I can.

Let's go.

Do you think he has gone back?

Whether he goes back or not, it's his choice.

We don't need to worry about him.

What are you picking?

Red Fruit seeds. Don't you love them?

I'll grow them for you when we're back.

I've never seen these Red Fruits in other places.

Could it be they can only grow in the soil here?

It makes sense.

Let's bring some soil back.

The fruits will definitely taste the same.

Let's make a bet.

If I can grow Red Fruits,

you will marry me.

I won't make a bet with you.

I won't be married off. I'll just take a live-in husband.

My family won't agree, I'm afraid.

Unless you write a promise,

stating that you will always admit defeat first

whenever we argue.

Didn't you say you are willing to lose to me forever?

I'm willing to lose to my princess forever.

Liar.

Alright now.

Let's get married when we return to Qingzhou.

Anyway, Qingzhou is so far away. My father can't interfere.

You need to first grow the Red Fruits.

Didn't you say you wouldn't make a bet with me?

It's too late now.

Liar. Liar.

Qingzhou.

MEMORIAL TO EMPRESS DEJIA OF GREAT YAN

Empress Dejia,

I am indebted to you.

As a father, I believed I never owed Jinghe anything,

but it turns out I ended up harming him.

Maybe I shouldn't have summoned Jinghe back to the capital.

Everyone in the court believes that I intended to change the heir.

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.

I had given him a chance,

but Qingzhou…

As an Emperor,

I treated him fairly.

Now, Jinghe has been buried.

As for who killed him,

I don't want to know,

and I don't have to know it.

MEMORIAL TO EMPRESS DEJIA OF GREAT YAN

Empress Dejia,

when I first ascended the throne,

your Yuchi family served with merit.

Jinghe suffered such a calamity

because I've broken my promise.

I am indebted to you

and the Yuchi family.

Concubine Yan heard Your Majesty

had withdrawn the Imperial Guards searching for Mei Lin.

Her Highness is worried.

Tell Concubine Yan

to consider Mei Lin already dead,

and say that it is my order.

Yes, Your Majesty.

His Majesty has his own difficulties.

I'll look for Mei Lin myself.

The Prince Heir of Xiyan will arrive in the capital soon.

Tell Xuanlie to receive him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

My Lord, here is a message from General Qingyan.

On the day the Prince Heir of Xiyan enters the capital, the Crown Prince

will replace all the city gate guards with the Eastern Palace's Xuantie Guards

under the pretext of welcoming the Prince Heir into the city.

Set off immediately.

Let's go back to the capital before the Prince Heir of Xiyan.

Your Highness.

ZIGU

Brother, Mei Lin is missing.

Go ahead.

Stop.

Go.

Stop the carriage.

Officer, these are the herbs collected by Yongtai Pharmacy.

Yongtai Pharmacy belongs to Jining Marquis.

Look.

Whoever you are, you have to be inspected.

-Conduct the inspection! -Yes.

It seems we need to reconsider how to enter the city.

ZHAOJING

When will the Prince Heir of Xiyan arrive in the capital?

Tomorrow at the earliest.

It took him only a few months

to ascend to the position of the Prince Heir

from being a Hostage Prince,

whereas it has taken me over 20 years.

This is truly shameful.

Don't feel that way, Your Highness.

Everybody knows he has become the Prince Heir

with the support of the Emperor of Great Yan.

From now on, send the items to Concubine Yan

according to the regulations of Fengyi Palace.

Your Highness, you are perhaps placing

too much importance on the Prince Heir of Xiyan.

This pair of siblings is crucial to the future of both countries.

If we can draw them over to our side,

it will not be a bad thing for us.

Understood.

My Lord.