Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM ZHU YAN BY CANG YUE

TO SHI YING

He hopes

you can embrace the joy of mortal life

and forget about what has happened in the mountain.

GREAT COUPLE

TO SHI YING

Yan'er.

Qing Gang is exceptionally talented.

Although you don't have romantic feelings for each other now,

your relationship will naturally improve

if you spend more time together.

Yan'er.

Even Jiuyi Mountain has sent a congratulatory gift.

It proves that your master recognizes Qing Gang.

That's right.

Your lordship, your ladyship.

Allow me to take my leave.

Divine envoy.

- This way, please. - This way.

My lord, something bad happened.

Princess took a horse

and left the residence!

What?

EXTREME WIND CITY

Chi Yuan, don't follow me.

I want to be alone.

Do you know Kongsang's swordsmanship?

And you're very skilled at it.

Who taught you?

If you come back with me,

I'll answer all of your questions.

Princess, your Keeper Yuan is here.

You can tell me anything.

Didn't you want to leave too?

Are you leaving me too?

No.

I'll always stay by your side.

But

why did Master do that?

The Preceptor is a man of the Dao,

while you're destined to experience worldly affairs,

including birth, aging, illness, and death,

as well as marriage.

The marriage alliance

is dictated by parents and matchmakers.

Since the Preceptor can't stop it,

he can only offer his best wishes.

But he can at least refrain from writing any wedding blessings.

I didn't think he would do that.

I thought

he knew me.

Chi Yuan, no matter what,

I definitely won't marry Qing Gang.

I know if I return now,

Father and Mother will force me to comply.

Do you have any idea

how I can escape from this trouble temporarily?

If you really don't want to go back,

I do have a place where you can stay for several days.

When you and your father have calmed down,

we can discuss things thoroughly.

How lovely.

Ma'am, have some water.

Thank you, miss.

Ma'am.

Have you been living here for a long time?

It has been over 200 years.

As you can see,

all of us here

are useless people who can't make a living.

We're displaced from home.

We could only starve to death.

If it weren't for the kind person who took us in,

we would have starved to death.

It has been over 200 years.

Chi Yuan has always been cautious

and lived a stable life.

I didn't expect he would go against Father

for the first time for me.

I wonder if he'll face any punishment.

He has been gone for so long and hasn't returned.

I wonder if something has happened.

Keeper Yuan.

You've been at the Crimson Residence for over 200 years, right?

That's several times longer than my lifespan.

No one knows the rules

in the royal residence better than you!

You even revised most of them personally.

When others broke the rules,

you were the one to discipline them.

I truly never imagined

that in the end,

it would be you who breaks the rules!

Have you forgotten

what a grave offense it is

to secretly harbor a princess?

I admit my wrongdoing.

But Princess is unwilling to proceed with this marriage.

She hopes you won't force her.

You…

With her picking and choosing for so long,

her mother and I couldn't find

a more suitable candidate than Qing Gang.

Do you really want to watch Yan'er

spend her remaining years in loneliness?

Don't rely on your status,

thinking you can go against your master.

Even if you've watched me grow up,

I can still punish you severely

if you don't disclose her whereabouts.

Please rest assured.

Princess is safe with me.

But until she willingly returns home,

I won't reveal her whereabouts.

I'm willing to accept

any punishment you give.

All right.

All right!

Someone!

Yes.

Whip him 40 times!

- Yes! - Yes!

Chi Yuan, you're finally back.

Princess.

Chi Yuan!

How did you get injured like this?

Did Father send someone to punish you?

It's just some minor injuries.

Don't worry about it.

You must not blame His Lordship.

He's only anxious because you didn't return.

It's my fault for implicating you.

You didn't cause me any trouble before.

But if you let tears fall on my wounds now,

that would truly cause me pain.

Have you heard of rubbing salt on a wound?

Chi Yuan.

I'm not good at this.

If it hurts you, please tell me.

It's all right. Thank you.

Chi Yuan.

You promised you'll tell me

how you know swordsmanship.

Can you tell me now?

She taught me

swordsmanship.

She?

Was she the one you mentioned to me before,

your lover?

So she was also your master.

Chi Yuan, you've found a good master.

Actually, your master is doing it for your sake.

You can't spend your whole life cultivating on Jiuyi Mountain.

But he promised me before.

You know deep down

your parents wouldn't allow that.

If you are willing,

Qing Gang is not a bad choice.

I think

your master thinks the same too.

Actually, I know in my heart.

If we talk about marriage,

Qing Gang is my best choice.

But if you were my master,

what would you do?

Would you do what he did

and send seemingly polite,

but actually distant wedding wishes?

No, you wouldn't.

You would come to Extreme Wind City

to find me, persuade me, and help me to understand.

If I really don't want it,

you would also find a way

to help me escape from this marriage.

Maybe everyone has different personalities

and their ways of behaving also vary.

No.

It's because I hold a different position in your hearts.

I used to think

that the relationship between my master and me

was as close as ours,

where we could talk about anything.

But in Master's heart,

I'll always be an outsider.

Once I leave the sect,

I'll have no connection with him anymore,

like strangers.

Actually, I have already figured it out.

I won't have any more illusions.

I wish my master

a breakthrough in Jiuyi Mountain as soon as possible.

It's good if you can think this way.

At least, it will bring some relief.

Chi Yuan.

Apart from my father and mother,

you're the closest person to me

in this world.

I can only accompany you

and be your listener.

But your parents are genuinely concerned about you.

Why don't you have a talk with your father

and calmly express your thoughts?

Crimson King has arrived!

- Your Lordship. - Your Lordship.

Special Envoy, it must be a rough journey.

The military funds are here.

Please check it, Your Lordship.

Open them.

Your Lordship, this…

- What is… - This…

Special Envoy, is…

Is there some kind of mistake?

Why are these chests empty?

The marriage alliance between Azure and Crimson Clans

has not been completed yet.

Of course,

there are no military funds in the chests.

You sat there all day feigning ignorance.

Are you making a fool of us?

My fellow soldiers don't have a grain of rice to cook!

You're forcing us to revolt. Am I right?

- Yes! - How dare you?

Are you threatening Jialan?

- You… - Enough!

Chi Song.

Yes.

Return home.

Ask my wife to send the stored grain from the residence

to provide urgent relief.

- Hurry. - My lord.

Her Ladyship has already instructed us

to send the grain from home to the military camp.

There are no more food reserves.

Special Envoy.

The stability of the military is a major issue.

I ask that you

and Consort Qing release the military funds as soon as possible.

Special Envoy, take it as a favor I ask of you.

I've already said it.

If the marriage is not completed,

there will be no funds.

A military that can't even win a battle.

This flag

is a total disgrace.

You…

What are you trying to do?

Are you rebelling?

What are you doing? Stop it this instant!

My lord!

They're pushing us to our death!

This is a crime that will get the whole clan executed!

The whole clan will be executed?

Even if that happens, we'll drag someone with us!

Stop!

- Yan'er? - Father.

Why didn't you tell me

that you bear such a heavy burden?

It's merely a marriage alliance.

Tell your master

that I accept it.

Yan'er!

Your Highness, this is…

Open it and see.

This hairpin

is specially made

according to the silver hairpin given to me

when His Majesty made me a consort.

Do you like it?

Your Highness.

This hairpin is indeed delicate and exquisite.

You're a clever person.

You should know what's on my mind.

Actually,

it doesn't matter if it's the primary

or secondary consort.

What do you think?

My only wish

is to serve you.

I don't have other thoughts.

I also don't care about primary or secondary.

Your Highness.

General Qing Gang has arrived.

Since Your Highness has other engagements,

I shall take my leave.

You can stay.

- Let him come in. - Yes, Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I already know about Zhu Yan

refusing the marriage.

But worry not, General Qing Gang.

Crimson King

will comply sooner or later.

Your Highness.

I came

to ask that you retract the edict.

I'm not willing to marry the Princess of Crimson Clan.

I thought

you got along with Zhu Yan.

Why aren't you willing to marry her?

I do have a good relationship with her.

But it's not a romantic one.

She's not the one I love.

I'm willing to fight for the Azure Clan.

But when it comes to marriage,

I only want to be with the one I love

and grow old together with her.

Xuelu.

Did you hear that?

General Qing Gang

has someone he loves.

Then I would like to know

who's the woman you love.

My feelings

were not reciprocated.

The person I love

has no feelings for me.

She remains firm

in her aspirations.

I can't change

her mind.

I only hope she can fulfill her wishes.

But I'm unwilling to give up feelings.

I'm willing

to remain unmarried for life,

lonely until old age.

How dare you!

What are you saying?

Aren't you afraid

I'll strip you of your position as the Shadow Warrior General?

I'm willing to accept the punishment.

- You… - Your Highness, don't be upset.

Don't let this matter

affect your health.

General Qing.

You're truly foolish.

I've heard that many young talents

in the Six Ministries

are envious of your position as the Shadow Warrior General.

It's because of your bravery, martial arts skills,

the loyalty of the Shadow Warriors,

and the protection of Consort Qing

and the Azure Clan

that they haven't found a chance to seize the opportunity.

But now,

because of your momentary hesitation, you're giving up everything.

Won't it give those ambitious individuals

in the Six Ministries a chance?

By then,

you'll deeply regret it.

However,

please don't blame Qing Gang.

In my humble opinion,

General Qing can tell between right and wrong

and is a reasonable person.

But that Princess Zhu Yan of Extreme Wind City

has always been arrogant

and contemptuous of others.

She's someone hard to deal with.

She refused this marriage.

So she got General Qing Gang

to cover for her.

It has nothing to do with Princess Zhu Yan.

- I was the one-- - The Special Envoy requests an audience.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I have an urgent matter to report.

What is it?

What?

Zhu Yan has accepted the marriage proposal?

DESIRABLE MARRIAGE, GREAT COUPLE

I did what you want.

Now,

I'm marrying Qing Gang.

All right.

Everything is finally over.

Wishing Tree.

What happened to you?

What's going on?

Why can't I go in anymore?

Yes.

Without the support of the Grand Preceptor's power,

Yan'er can no longer enter the barrier

nor see me.

Why won't you let me in?

Yan'er.

- Let me in! - You're still as foolish as ever.

Wishing Tree!

Stop wasting your efforts.

Just great.

Master sent me his wedding wishes.

Now this place won't even let me in anymore.

Master.

Master!

I'm getting married.

Can you hear me?

Your only disciple is marrying someone.

You can never see me anymore.

I know that.

Once you leave,

you'll never come back anymore.

Master,

why won't you let me in?

All right then.

Since you sent me your wedding wishes,

why don't you come and attend the wedding?

I'll send you the wedding invitation!

I'll invite you! I'll just invite you!

Master.

Master.

Master, do you really want me to marry someone else?

Do you really not want to see me again?

Do you really

not care about me one bit?

Master.

In your heart,

I'll always be an outsider.

How could I possibly…

You're the person I care about the most

in this mortal world.

But…

But I can't keep you by my side.

It will only bring trouble to you

and your people.

But Master.

I truly worry about you.

When you were the Crown Prince,

you were all alone.

When you're the Preceptor now,

you're still alone.

No matter what happens,

you can only face it alone.

Master.

From now on,

I can no longer stay by your side.

When you're alone,

remember to smile often

and be happy.

I ask the same of you.

Please don't worry

about your master who always hurt you.

Master…

Wishing Tree.

Sure enough,

these flowers won't bloom until the day Master and I grow old.

It's better to bid farewell in advance.

Farewell,

Wishing Tree.

Yan'er.

Farewell.

Xiaoyingzi,

I managed to find out some information.

The Ice Clan people are very sneaky.

They'd be difficult to identify if they disguised themselves as Kongsang people.

The birds have only seen their traces

near Xifeng County, Song Prefecture,

and nearby Riyue Lake in Western Huang.

Song Prefecture is the territory of the Azure Clan

and is the closest port to the northern border.

It should be where the Ice Clan will land.

I'll ask the Grand Preceptor

to send a letter to Jialan to strengthen its defenses,

to prevent more Ice Clan people from infiltrating Kongsang.

But the one we're looking for

shouldn't be there.

Let's go. We will set off

for Xifeng County right away.

In my opinion,

why don't we first investigate

the Western Huang

and pass through Extreme Wind City along the way to Riyue Lake?

While at it, we can check on Yan'er…

I mean, children often go missing

nearby Riyue Lake.

You should be able to distinguish

what matters more.

Then we'll go around Extreme Wind City.

Don't interfere in her life.

Well, it all comes down to where I fly.

Princess.

For you to agree to the marriage alliance

means you've grown up.

Actually, it's not that you need me.

It's me who's still worried about you.

Seeing that you've found a good husband

and knowing that you're truly happy,

is considered accountable

to both others and myself.

It isn't like that, Chi Yuan.

You've done so much for me.

I wish to do something for you too.

Princess.

What are you doing?

Chi Yuan.

It has been many years since you met the person you loved.

I learned the technique of Paper Crane Seeker.

As long as you tell me her name,

the paper crane can find her whereabouts.

She was with me during my most painful times.

Only she understood my worries

and accompanied me through the toughest moments.

I do think of her every day.

But she was a Kongsang woman

who passed away many years ago.

I'm sorry, Chi Yuan.

I've brought up your painful memories again.

It has been 200 years.

I've bid farewell to too many people.

I have grown indifferent to parting in life and death.

Thank you for your concern.

How about you teach me

how to transform the paper cranes?

After we Merfolk pass away,

our souls will return to the Biluo Sea.

I want to transform some paper cranes

and let them fly to the Biluo Sea

to find my old acquaintances.

It would be some kind of comfort.

All right.

I hope Chi Yuan's acquaintances can rest in peace.

Yaoyi.

Did you see the paper cranes in the sky?

We had agreed to meet in the next life.

But it has only been 200 years

and I'm constantly thinking about someone else.

Forgive me.

What should I do

to make Chi Yuan feel better?

Chi Yuan.

You always carry this thing with you.

Is it something

she gave you too?

Yes.

This is my most precious possession.

Perhaps

only by letting him meet the one he loves

can he find comfort.

"Yesterday's thoughts

are realized today.

The previous owner of this object

returns to the world."

Transform!

How come there's no change at all?

I forgot.

This illusion can only be seen by Chi Yuan,

no one else.

I hope Chi Yuan can feel some comfort

after seeing this girl.

Where did I drop it?

Chi Yuan.

You are…

I've returned.

You…

Chi Yuan.

I have truly returned.

It can't be…

It can't be you.

Am I dreaming?

I saw the paper crane you wrote for me.

So I came back to find you.

Don't tell me it was the pearl

that brought Yaoyi back.

Chi Yuan.

Why do you look worried?

Tell me.

Let me share the burden with you.

Yaoyi.

It seems the spell really worked.

Even in dreams,

are you not willing to let me see your face again?

Even so,

I would rather never wake up.

I hope it goes well.

Chi Yuan! What outrageous behavior!

- That's right. - What are you doing?

Father! I…

What was he doing?

Princess?

- Chi Yuan. - Embarrassing!

How dare you dishonor the Princess!

Father, it's not Chi Yuan's fault.

It was all my fault!