Original subtitles

♪The evening breeze kisses my brows♪

♪Allows a cloud to stay for me♪

♪After a long time, I still keep looking back♪

♪The sleepless universe accompanies me as I sleepwalk♪

♪How can we stay together in a mirage♪

♪A vast desert, with no oasis in sight♪

♪Time takes away the eternity I promised♪

♪Who can have your gentleness♪

♪Who still stays there♪

♪Finally, I silently endure but cannot be saved♪

♪The sorrow of the world turns into stars♪

♪Flowing over a few hills with the moonlight♪

♪I wish to follow behind you until we grow old♪

♪I will silently wait♪

=Everlasting Longing=

=Episode 18=

I know

your heart longs for Jun Qiluo.

But don't forget

that she is from Yannan.

No matter what,

she can't be your main wife.

After marrying Sun Zhaomin,

you can still take Jun Qiluo as a concubine.

I cannot comply, Xu.

Please reconsider it carefully.

What?

Are you going to defy me for a Yannan woman?

No, Xu.

But the marriage

needs Zhaomin's approval.

She's currently handling her father's funeral,

and I'm afraid

this might come across as too autocratic.

Stop using unfounded accusations

to justify yourself.

I'm discussing this with you first because Zhaomin

is still mourning.

Otherwise, I could just issue the decree.

Yes, Xu.

I will never defy you,

but this matter still requires Princess Zhaomin's approval.

You...

Never mind.

I will

speak with Zhaomin before making a decision.

Tomorrow, we will go back to the Royal City.

The Wolf Lord will be invested in five days.

Before then,

focus on the Sacrifice Ritual

and do not cause any more trouble.

As for the Yannan spy,

keep searching

until you find him.

Lie.

I failed to catch the Yannan spy.

It's my fault.

Looks like Xi Changkun was just trying to distract me

by talking to me today.

What did he say?

Nothing, just trying to cause a rift between us.

Ridiculous. How could he

ever cause a rift between us?

By the way, the king

has ordered the ritual

to take place five days after we return to the Royal City.

By then, Xi Lin may have the evidence.

In five days?

We don't have much time.

Lie,

when we're back in the Royal City...

Our statuses might change,

and we may not be able

to walk side by side like this again.

That's nonsense.

We'll be best friends forever.

Whenever you want,

I'll be there.

Princess!

Princess, you can't go in!

Aunt Xiao,

please save my father.

Get up.

Why are you crying?

Aunt Xiao,

only you can save my father.

It isn't concluded yet.

Take it easy.

The king didn't consult me

before sending your father to the Royal City.

He must be avoiding suspicion because of my ties

to the Xi Clan.

Don't worry.

If your father is truly innocent,

he will be released.

Aunt Xiao,

my father was wrongly accused by General Lie.

Stop overthinking.

Go get some rest.

Take the princess back to her tent.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

What are you doing with this?

Someone once flew a kite outside Consort Li's tent.

She was so pleased.

So I had this one made to match that kite.

Since you haven't seen her for a while, maybe...

You're bold to guess my thoughts.

I wouldn't dare.

Do you know who flew the kite?

I heard

it was Mr. Luo.

(What should we do if our ally fails?)

Did the king ask you here?

Yes.

So, he knows about Jun Feifan

helping Xuan Lie compete for the Wolf Lord?

Yes.

The king heard about it

and was worried about you and Jun Feifan,

so he sent me to help you and escort him back.

What else did you find out?

I'm just following orders.

We trained together since we were little.

You've always been tight-lipped.

I won't push you this time.

Thank you, Commander.

I'll send a letter to the king.

Your mission's complete.

Place it over there.

And then mop the floor.

There you go.

Father!

Yujue! Come here.

Everyone, keep it tidy.

Set up the tables and chairs properly.

Look at you, a stand-up businessman.

This family should've been in your hands ages ago!

You bet!

Yujue,

you bring the business conference forward.

Have you informed the family elders

and the shopkeepers?

Oh, Father.

There's no need to worry.

I've informed them all.

What are you doing?

What are we doing?

Can't you see?

It's for the business conference.

Feifan hasn't returned yet.

How dare you move the meeting up?

Jun Jiangjuan!

A girl uses her tongue, not her fist.

And who says we moved it without permission?

I've consulted the family elders!

Yujue, Uncle,

Father is still unconscious,

and you're so eager to take charge.

He's done so much for you.

How can you turn your back on him?

We're just helping

to lighten your father's burden.

Exactly!

Xiukun,

you don't understand.

Taking charge of family business is not easy work.

See? Preparing for the conference

has left me skin and bones!

Don't give me that face here.

I don't believe the family elders agree to this.

You must've manipulated them!

Watch your mouth!

Don't go around accusing people without proof.

Jiangjuan, you're out of control!

You still owe me

for injuring my back last time.

Baby girl, you're not grown up yet.

Go drink your milk!

Father,

don't get angry over my two cousins.

It's not worth it.

Let me tell you two something. A human...

Failures have their reasons.

Right back at you!

You know there are reasons, huh?

You have time

to mess with us, but why not go home

and take care of your father?

Go take care of him.

Yeah. Let's go.

Lay down the best carpet on the stage!

Are we really going to let them

take over the family business?

I won't let them.

Father, Mother,

we haven't dined together for a while.

Today, I had the kitchen

(Late Father, Xuan Shu, R.I.P.) prepare your favorite dishes.

(Late Mother, De Anke, R.I.P.)

Xi Changkun has been captured.

The king's agreed to reopen the case.

You may now rest in peace.

I'm sorry

it took me 12 years.

This toast is for you.

(Late Father, Xuan Shu, R.I.P.)

(Late Father, Xuan Shu, R.I.P.)

(Late Mother, De Anke, R.I.P.)

Young Master, a message from He Jiyao.

Xi Lin helped intercept

a big shipment of Yannan weapons.

They're on their way back.

Also,

we've got all the black iron crystal.

No loopholes, right?

We disguised ourselves as bandits

and robbed the entire He caravan.

Let's go.

Robbed by bandits?

He caravan was attacked by bandits

at the Uncontrollable.

All of the goods were nabbed,

including the black iron crystal.

Luckily, I had it prepared.

Thanks to you for getting Xixiang caravan to help.

The goods should reach Yannan soon.

My Lady, I'll take my leave.

You can find me at the west inn.

The weapons have arrived.

Thanks to you,

I could set the trap.

After Xi Changkun's convicted,

I'll go ask you for my reward.

You both have been through a lot lately.

Now you're finally back home.

Have some tea to warm yourselves up.

Dongyin,

the wind is strong.

Please close the door.

Yes, Miss.

Dongyin,

it is cold today.

Here's a cup of warm tea for you.

Thank you, My Lady.

My tea is too hot.

Let's swap the tea.

Why did you put poison?

Luo Qi!

Take her away.

Yes.

I spare you from torture

out of respect for your being Qiluo's maid.

If you care for her,

tell me the truth now.

Who gives you the orders?

Is it Xi Changkun?

Dongyin,

just tell us who is it.

Or you won't survive

the dungeon's punishments.

I heard your punishments are the harshest.

I'd like to have a try.

I thought you were obedient and kind,

but never imagined you'd be this unyielding.

Xi Changkun doesn't have anyone

as unyielding as you.

General, no need to guess.

No one gave me the order.

Young Master,

Xi Lin is back. The king summons you.

Think it over carefully.

No one can save you if you stay silent.

Untie her.

Your Majesty,

with Xi Lin's help,

He Jiyao found

the hidden arsenal

and these weapons in it.

Now,

what do you have to say?

Your Majesty,

I have no idea how these weapons

were found in Xi's arsenal.

I suspect Xi Lin is framing me.

Your Majesty.

This brochure details the weapons

Xi Clan secretly manufactured

based on the designs

stolen from the Baigong's heir.

This went on for 12 years.

How can you prove these weapons are mine?

Because

you've ordered me to manage the arsenal for 12 years.

Scoundrel!

And yet you still deny it?

This fragment

matches the material of Xi Changkun's illegal weapons.

I've looked into this secretly.

This fragment is only for crossbows,

nothing else.

Where did you get it?

It was found

in my father's body.

Is that so?

Twelve years ago,

the weapons of Baigong's heir surfaced in Beixuan.

My father investigated it under orders,

but you framed him

and had him killed in the Uncontrollable.

So what if I did?

Both of you deserved to die.

If your father hadn't pressured the late king to centralize power,

I wouldn't have had to stockpile arms.

He even had the nerve to investigate the arms case.

He brought all this

on himself.

And you, Xuan Lie,

I had planned to move some weapons to Xixiang,

but you ruined it.

As long as you and your father are alive,

the Xi Clan can never grow stronger.

Xi Changkun!

You conspired with foreign forces,

manufactured illegal weapons,

and killed loyal officials. Your crimes are unforgivable!

Guards,

put him in prison.

Execute him in ten days!

- Yes. - Yes.

I wasn't sure what you'd like,

so I made something simple.

My Lady,

how do you know I poisoned the tea?

My family is in the silk business.

I've been around dyes since childhood,

so I'm sensitive to colors.

You might not see the difference,

but I can clearly tell.

I see.

You knew I wouldn't harm you,

so you switched cups with the general.

My Lady,

I'm so sorry.

Take care of yourself.

I'll go now.

My Lady,

aren't you going to ask me who's behind this?

You'd rather be tortured

than tell me, wouldn't you?

He saved my life.

For him,

I'd do anything.

But he put you in danger.

Is it worth it?

He's worth it.

(Heavenly Prison)

You finally avenged your father.

From the day you killed him,

you should've known this day would come.

Your father deserved to die.

Don't you know illegal weapon manufacturing condemns a whole clan?

Even if it's your own choice,

what about Xi Jixiu?

What do you want?

Tell me everything

about my parents' case,

and I'll spare her life.

I can tell you,

but only if you promise Xiu's safe return to Xi territory,

with food and shelter guaranteed.

Okay.

Back then, Beixuan had just stabilized.

Your father urged the late king to centralize power.

He said that unifying the Five Clans

was the only way to strengthen Beixuan.

I feared the late king would take control of my army,

so I bought designs from Baigong's heir,

- Move along. - made weapons in the Uncontrollable,

and transported them to Xi.

Your father discovered it and started investigating.

He blocked every pass.

We're ordered to inspect every caravan.

Sir...

Go ahead.

What are your goods?

Just fabric and silk.

Pass.

Thank you, Sir.

- Next one. - Then he noticed the totem on the soldier.

It's the mark

- of Xi's Cangshui Army 12 years ago. - Move.

(Leather City)

Fearing exposure,

I set an ambush

in the Uncontrollable.

Something's off.

- If it's just fabric and silk, - Quickly!

the tracks wouldn't be so deep.

- Something's off! - You, and you guys,

- follow me! - Let's go.

My father died of weapons of Baigong's heir.

What is your relationship Baigong's heir?

We were business partners.

He was a merchant

and wanted steady profits.

He sold me the designs and went all out

to get rid of anyone

who stood in the way of our deal.

Have you ever met him?

They're meticulous and never show themselves.

But he did give me the crossbow

that killed your father.

That's for real.

If I find out you lied to me,

I'll make you wish you were dead.

You lured me into the forest to kill me,

injured Luo Qi with an arrow,

and caused Mr. Sun's death.

All these crimes combined,

you could never afford to repay them.

I never did

any of those things.

Xuan Lie,

it seems I'm not the only one

who wants you dead.

(Whispers of Fragrance and Shadows)

Since you're here,

why leave so soon?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I didn't want to disturb you.

How did the interrogation go?

Are you alright?

Did you go see Dongyin?

She still won't give up the mastermind.

I can still remember

the taste of the red bean soup

she made for me that snowy night.

It's only been a few days,

but it feels like a lifetime has passed.

One's mind is hard to fathom.

Those who were once close

might become

enemies one day.

If one day,

you and I become enemies,

what will you do then?

We...

We will never be enemies.

I was just kidding.

Why so serious?

Xi Changkun has confessed

that 12 years ago,

he conspired with a Yannan man to kill my parents.

Did he tell you who it is?

He said

it was Baigong's heir.

Baigong's heir?

Baigong's heir sold

the weapon designs to him for money.

But he has never seen his true face.

Since he has never seen the heir's face,

anyone could impersonate Baigong's heir.

But my father

did die from a Baigong heir's weapon.

Besides, 12 years ago,

the heir wasn't yet working for the King of Yannan.

Someone else could have obtained

the weapon designs,

made the weapons, and used them to kill.

We can't rule out that possibility.

If I go back to Yannan,

I'll find out who did it,

no matter who it is.

Qiluo,

it's not just Xi Changkun who wants me dead.

There's someone else.

Haven't you found out who is it?

Not yet.

Luring me into the forest,

the attack at the festival,

and Mr. Sun's death,

Xi Changkun did none of it,

nor did Dongyin.

What did you say?

Xi Changkun claimed Baigong's heir is his accomplice?

He must have done it deliberately.

I'll find a chance to ask him.

Since he did it deliberately,

there's no point in questioning him.

I thought with Xi Changkun captured,

the case of Xuan Lie's parents would finally be resolved.

Didn't expect him turns the tables on me.

My Lady,

if Xuan Lie finds out you're Baigong's heir...

If he knows I'm Baigong's heir,

he would still trust me.

You still trust him so much?

Whether I trust him or not,

if that day ever comes,

there'll be no future for us.

By the way, Qimin.

I came here today to ask you for one more favor.

Please, take a seat.

Besides Xi Changkun,

someone else wants Xuan Lie dead.

They've made several moves during the contest,

seemingly targeting the position of Wolf Lord.

If Xuan Lie dies,

who is most likely to be the new Wolf Lord?

According to Beixuan's laws,

if the clan leader who ranks first in the Hunting Event dies,

the position passes to the next in line.

Xuan ranks first, and Luo is second.

If Luo Zhizhou wants...

It can't be Mr. Luo.

They've been best friends for years.

When it comes to power,

nothing is impossible.

My Lady, what can I do for you?

Since Xi Changkun insists I'm his accomplice,

I suspect

that Yannan spy earlier is involved.

Go look into his whereabouts.

Xi Changkun has confessed

that Baigong's heir is his accomplice.

You shouldn't get involved in Beixuan's politics anymore.

Once this is settled,

can you promise me

that you'll leave for Yannan?

After I uncover the person behind Xi Changkun,

I'll think about it.

What?

How could my father be poisoned?

It can't be...

It can't be.

How could my father...

You're lying to me, aren't you?

We've checked everything.

No one went to visit him.

Only you had the guard deliver pastries.

And someone poisoned them.

That's impossible.

I made those pastries myself.

Only Li Tao and I touched them.

How could they be poisoned?

Young Master,

Li Tao is dead.

- Step aside. - Who did this?

I don't know. This is horrifying.

She got strangled.

Could this be left by the murderer?

Tell them to leave!

Young Master,

if I remember correctly,

Miss Jun has been wearing

this type of red bean bracelet recently.

The maid must've struggled desperately

before she died,

breaking the murder's bracelet.

Young Master,

if this bean truly belongs to Miss Jun...

Wait until it's sorted out.

Go find out

who this maid met before she died,

and

don't tell anyone

about the red bean bracelet.

- Yes. - Yes.

Didn't we just meet last night?

Why are you here so early this morning?

Your maid said

you went out early this morning.

Where did you go?

When did you start caring about where I am?

I didn't see you around here,

so I was worried about you.

I went to the west of the city to get some sesame cakes.

Since Dongyin isn't around,

I have to get whatever I want myself.

Want one?

Next time, let a maid take care of it.

It's cold. Don't catch a cold.

I saw the king's bulletin on my way back.

The king has decreed

that Xi Changkun will be publicly executed in ten days.

Your parents

can finally rest in peace.

Xi Changkun is dead.

He was poisoned in the prison.

Is there any clue?

Li Tao, Xi Jixiu's maid, did it.

But she must've been bribed.

In her room, we found poison traces

and a stash of silver.

Did you get anything from her?

She's dead too.

Xi Changkun was already condemned.

Whoever went this far to kill him

must have been his accomplice,

worried he'd spill something,

and silenced him.

I agree.

Have some tea.

Where is your bracelet?

You've always worn it.

This morning at the West Street,

a crazy beggar

grabbed my hand

and broke my bracelet.

But luckily,

I picked up all the beads.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Give me the beads,

and I'll have someone restring them for you.

After all, it's something special to you.

So, it seems

the red beads the maid broke off before her death

must belong to Miss Jun.

Young Master,

there's something else.

You asked me to look into the Jun family.

I found something, but I didn't think it mattered,

so I didn't report it.

But now...

What is it?

Years ago, Miss Jun's uncle was a gambling addict.

He almost lost the Jun family business.

Fortunately,

the Juns suddenly came into a large sum of silver,

saving the business.

This happened 12 years ago.

- If they... - That's just your speculation.

Yes, it could be just a coincidence.

Maybe it isn't true.

There's one suspicious detail.

Today, Miss Jun said

a crazy beggar broke her bracelet.

But I searched West Street all day

and didn't find any beggar like that.

So Miss Jun must be lying.

Why are you looking for that beggar?

Are you hiding something from me?

General!

The king summons you.

I have to go to the palace.

Let's talk later.

♪When I decide to hold you in my arms♪

♪I bury all past matters deep inside♪

♪When you decided to turn around♪

♪Everything would be clear to us♪

♪Then the green, piece by piece♪

♪Becomes a shadow in my heart♪

♪Covering my scarred past♪

♪Filling my once-empty heart♪

♪I want the green, piece by piece♪

♪To fall in my heart and turn into a star♪

♪Piecing together the Big Dipper to guard you♪

♪Illuminating the way home♪

♪Then the green, piece by piece♪

♪Becomes a shadow in my heart♪

♪Covering my scarred past♪

♪Filling my once-empty heart♪

♪Then the green, piece by piece♪

♪Will blooming brightly at the borders♪

♪The melody from nearby♪

♪Allows you to camp in my heart♪

♪Allows you♪

♪To camp in my heart♪