01x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

♪Trapped in this tiny world♪

♪I'm crushed into dust♪

♪I meddle around without any mercy♪

♪I'm my own pawn♪

♪I sigh at my fate♪

♪Numerous people are under my control♪

♪All the sand is washed away♪

♪An old dream fades♪

♪A bumpy path lies ahead♪

♪Traps within traps,
I never make mistakes♪

♪I take a risk at every step♪

♪Even in disputes,
I break through with my life♪

♪Schemes within schemes,
I prison myself♪

♪Each link swaps bluff and truth♪

♪The world is my Weiqi game board♪

♪Everything's just fleeting♪

♪The play begins♪

♪No return is expected♪

♪The flame is gone,
whether we win or lose♪

♪The wind never ceases.
I hold the reins♪

[Ashes To Crown]

[Adapted from Xixing's novel,
Empress of the State of Chu]

[Episode 7]

[Xie Residence]
Xie Yanlai needs someone to wait on.

Does it really need so many

of us waiting here?

Yeah. Who does he think he is?

Alright, alright.

It's the head's order.

What's going on?

What are they doing?

Xie Yanlai,

what do you think you're doing?

Yeah. What's your problem?

Who gave you the nerve

to talk to me like that?

Say it again.

Don't think you can bully me

because you're in power.

Yeah.

That's right.

But bullying the weak

is what you do best.

Our clan doesn't accept

a worthless lad like you.

Since you're the son of a courtesan,

then smile like her. Smile!

He's said to be more powerful

even than Young Master Yanfang.

Now, he's the Imperial Guard Commander.

The Grand Princess appointed him.

With power,

he may revenge

for his childhood grievances.

Young Master,

by Young Master Yanfang's orders,

your house has been made ready.

I'll take you there.

Go ahead.

Yes.

Father!

Father!

Xie Yanfang is waiting
to take advantage.

Deng Yi is waiting
to profit from others' fight.

Yet I have no idea

about

Father's physical condition.

In my past life, as I recall,

Father wasn't ill at this time.

After my wedding,

the poisoned jujube cakes

worsened his health.

Did I neglect anything?

Your Highness, have some water.

Your Highness,

don't worry.

Let me divine for you.

It's all right.

The crack points the east.

It's...

An omen of misfortune
turning into fortune.

Misfortune turning into fortune?

So, misfortune comes first.

Le,

go send a letter to Chu Tang.

Then have someone come to see me.

Thank you for coming

with me tonight.

You take them

to buy some drinks.

Mr. Xie.

Her Highness summoned you.

I'm going back to Yunzhong.

Do you know the consequences

of leaving here without permission?

I do.

Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang
will get suspicious.

When Le traveled around,

she met many Taoist physicians

and got a prescription.

Take it and I'll faint
from a high fever.

My pulse will seem seriously weak.

Then, Yu will give an order

that nobody shall visit me.

I won't let anyone

disturb you.

Le,

take His Majesty to rest.

Yes, Your Highness.

If I feign illness and stay indoors,

it'll just work out
in the ministers' favor.

No one will verify

if I'm truly ill.

This is

what they wish to see.

How long can you

hide this from those two?

And Xiao Xun

is back in his prefecture.

If he gets to know about it,

he won't allow you

to return to the frontier.

Have you

thought about all this?

I have.

Just because Xiao Xun is away,

then I can leave.

Since you stay in the court,

I want to make it a quick trip.

Jiu,

help me.

In the dream I told you about,

my father was covered in blood.

I want to make sure

if my father is doing well.

I have a lot of things

to say to him.

I don't want to have regrets

in the future.

You know how it feels when regrets

can never be mended.

Right?

I'm still worried.

You know.

You can't stop me.

Since when have you been

so indecisive?

You've escorted me over 30 li.

Don't tell me

you hate to part with me.

Rest assured.

My martial arts are mediocre,

but I do practice every day.

Your martial skills

are no match

for real masters.

You wretched woman!

Where do you think you can run?

I gave you food and drink.

But you eloped with a man,

didn't you?

I'll break your legs!

Spare my life, sir.

I mistook you for someone else.

Your carriage

looks so much

like the one I'm looking for.

I didn't recognize you

and then offended you.

Mistook us?

Who are you really after?

I run a pleasure house

in Wuyang Town.

My top courtesan

ran off with a scholar

who went to the Capital.

I came here to catch her.

Unexpectedly, I stopped
the wrong carriage.

I beg you to let me go.

I don't want to die.

Stop pretending.

Who sent you?

No one sent me.

No one, really.

I just got the wrong person.

I don't want to die. Don't k*ll me.

She doesn't seem to be lying.

You may leave.

Oh, thank you.

Let's go.

You're just like your father

in this aspect.

You're both too trusting.

When I was 14,

I rode alone from Yunzhong

to the Capital.

I can tell

good people from bad.

I get it.

But sometimes you can't.

For example...

Xiao Xun.

Well, you're right.

So what if I misjudged him?

I fixed things, anyway.

And I believe

you won't let me

get it wrong twice.

Take this.

Remember what I taught you.

Didn't you say

my martial arts were useless?

It's all right. I'm good at strategies.

And this...

You take it.

Do you know
what the Grand Princess Token

means?

It means

I trust you.

I'll keep it for now.

And guard Yu for me.

You...

You take care.

♪My pride is torn down
and my body is sacrificed♪

♪The spark smolders in the crack♪

♪And roars in the blaze♪

♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪

♪Fate imprisons me♪

♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪

It's dark and far.

Have a safe trip.

♪Even if hope is faint,
I remain proud♪

♪With sword in hand,
I'll pierce the dawn♪

♪Let these scars all over me become♪

♪My new pride♪

♪Peril is everywhere in the palace♪

♪Yet I smile to nobody but you♪

♪Amidst the chaos♪

♪I'll always be with you♪

♪The spark smolders in the crack♪

♪And roars in the blaze♪

♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪

Do you know what

the Grand Princess Token

means?

It means

I trust you.

♪Even if hope is faint,
I remain proud♪

♪A mayfly will cross the ocean,
however long it takes♪

♪However it ends up,
I'll go my own way♪

♪My new pride♪
[Xiaonan Prefecture]

Your Highness,

we got the news.

Yesterday, the Grand Princess fell ill,

had a fever and skipped court.

What a coincidence.

Urgent news from Yunzhong

said Chu Ling was gravely ill.

I never expected the two of them

to be so closely connected.

If she left last night,

I guess she's no longer in the Capital.

Since she's out of town,

I'll never let her go back.

She'll pass through Wuyang Town

to Yunzhong.

You...

Have your men ambush outside town.

Make sure that nothing goes wrong.

I'm on it.

Zhao.

Stop the carriage.

Where are we now?

In half a day,

we'll hit Wuyang Town.

Wait a minute.

I'll hitch the horse

and tighten the reins.

As far as I know about Xiao Xun,

he will make a move

upon receiving word

of my illness.

His men must be searching the town.

This carriage is far too conspicuous.

That's not safe.

Drop me off ten li outside the town

and you go northwest
along the official road.

Remember.

You must not stop.

All right.

[Wuyang Town]

Just as I expected.

Madam,

those men don't look like good folks.

What are they?

Bandits?

Don't say that.

Our town

has never been plagued by bandits.

They are

the guards of a squire.

I've heard

a maid stole valuables and ran off.

Searching for a maid?

Exactly.

Their leader is really fierce.

He even lifts up the veil

of the ladies' hats.

Madam, get me some tea.

Coming.

Mr. Deng,

Her Highness is resting.

She won't see anyone.

Her illness involves the court.

It's my duty to check on her.

Don't you dare disobey me.

How daring!

You have no authority
over the inner palace.

Take one more step forward

and my sword

won't show mercy.

Good.

Very good.

Mr. Xie,

let's wait and see.

For her,

you even offended Deng Yi.

It is merely my duty.

Far from offending.

Tie Ying left Xiaonan

and laid ambushes
all the way to Yunzhong.

Do you really think

she can reach the frontier alive?

She's stronger

than you think.

Right.

She's exceptionally smart.

But even if she can

survive Xiao Xun's ambushes,

she has forgotten something.

Bandits run rampant
along the way to the frontier.

I'm afraid other dangers

are lying ahead for her.

She's a woman, after all.

If she happens to run

into those outlaws,

how many miles

do you think she can survive?

Yanlai,

guard the imperial city well.

Otherwise, when the news

of her death comes,

no one will hold a funeral for her.

You wretched woman!

You ran away one by one.

Why?

Didn't I feed you

or buy you nice clothes?

I bought you

with 20 liang of silver!

If you just...

Watch where you're going!

We meet again.

Move aside.

My Lord,

carriage tracks northwest.

It has special horseshoe markings,

like those of the Capital.

Report!

Behind the north dune,

we found this

with "Zhao" on it.

I think it's from a noble lady.

Report!

Northeast,

a woman hired a guard escort

to send her to the frontier.

She splurged a lot.

Three traces.

She left false clues, huh?

Pass my order.

Go three ways.

Northwest, north, and northeast.

Pursue all of them.

My Lord,

if we pursue rashly,

I'm afraid...

Better k*ll the innocent
than let them go.

Every suspicious woman

must be arrested.

Yes.

[Beicao Post House]

The beef tastes good.

Postmaster,

the post house is small.

But you offer very good service.

You deliver messages

to Yunzhong.

The journey must be rough.

This post house

is just like a home.

Right?

You deserve nice food.

Who is this girl?

She isn't a local, huh?

She's a poor girl.

Her father worked at the frontier.

She and her mother

came all the way for him.

Sadly, on their way,

her mother fell gravely ill.

Obviously, she's going

to...

Officers, please take me to Yunzhong.

I want to see my father.

But...

It's urgent news.

We must not delay.

Officers,

this girl is sensible.

During the trip,

she won't bring trouble.

There in Yunzhong,

General Chu commands strictly.

When he knows

you've helped someone,

maybe

you'll be given credit for this.

What do you think?

We're dispatch riders
from Wangcheng Camp.

We've met General Chu

a few times.

Head up.

There're many troops at the frontier.

Tell me your name

and background.

She is...

Let her speak.

My name is Fu.

My father is Yang Dachun.

He serves

at Saishang Outpost
in Daqing Mountain Camp,

under General Chu Ling's command.

This is my father's letter.

His handwriting is good.

Take us to see your mother.

If you're telling the truth,

we'll take you along.

Get up.

Come on.

I'll take you to see her.

Mother.

Mother.

Some officers

will head for Father's camp.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother.

Have some water.

Officers,

are you heading
for Daqing Mountain Camp?

No.

But we'll pass by.

What's your husband's name?

How old is he?

Who does he work for?

You asked just now.

Let her answer.

My husband

is Yang Dachun.

The seventh day of the third month.

He serves under General Chu.

Mother.

Mother.

I...

I made him

a pair of new shoes.

Fu,

promise me you will

give the shoes to your father.

Let me be blunt.

Our mission is urgent.

The journey will be tough and swift.

Young girl,

keep up if you can.

If you can't,

we'll leave you behind.

Alright.

Officers,

take her as far as you can.

The closer

she gets to her father,

the sooner

her father will find her.

Fu,

kowtow and thank them.

Thank you, officers.

Mother.

Enough.

Mother.

Tomorrow morning,

we'll set off.

Officers!

If you manage

to see my husband,

please tell him.

I am blessed

to be his wife all these years.

My life is worth it.

Mother.

Life is so hard.

So hard.

My poor girl.

Get packed.

Our schedule is fixed.

We can't stay too long.

This way.

Life is so cruel to us!

Oh, so cruel.

So cruel.

Is there a girl

who has

my figure?

Oh, I see.

So you want

a substitute.

That's hard.

Look at you.

You're slender and tall.

Ordinary girls

wouldn't be as great as you.

There are.

As many as you want.

Then do you have children?

Just now,

why did you add something extra?

I'm "dying".

When I missed your father

and recalled our old days,

that was natural,

uncontrollable,

and touching.

You're too young.

When it comes to love,

I'm more experienced, after all.

A frontier soldier's wife

wouldn't speak such sentimental words.

Fine. It's my fault. Come on.

Tomorrow,

will you really follow those riders?

Will they see through you?

Of course I will.

Because I've noticed

their secret.

What secret?

[Xie Residence]

Yanlai, why do you act like a thief

in your own home?

I have a favor to ask.

Keep it between us.

How strange.

I never thought

you would ask for a favor.

Help me leave the Capital.

As the Imperial Guard Commander,

you mustn't desert your post.

It's the rule.

You know it better than me.

You're right.

The trip to Yunzhong

is very dangerous.

She holds a unique status.

If anything happens...

Yanlai,

I've never seen you

care about someone like this.

The Grand Princess affords
to feign illness.

It's not easy for you

to leave.

Have you thought it through?

If you help me,

I'll owe you one.

Food and water bags are ready.

Take care.

Thank you.

And I'll trouble you

to take care of my mother.

Count on me.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Stop playing.

You haven't finished your lessons.

If the Grand Mentor finds out...

Leave me alone.

If you still nag,

I'll order you

to catch a hundred crickets.

Why aren't you studying?

Uncle, you're just in time.

Look.

The cricket in my cage

is far funnier than the Analects.

Your Majesty,

the Imperial Study

is no place for fun.

How dare you throw away my cricket!

Your Majesty.

Xie Yanlai, how daring!

You pushed me over!

Your Majesty.

Mr. Xie,

how could you do this?

Commander Xie Yanlai

misbehaved

and pushed His Majesty over.

This is blatant disrespect.

If such behavior is allowed,

all rules will be gone.

You're exaggerating, Mr. Deng.

My brother has been respectful.

He serves His Majesty devotedly.

His Majesty is young and playful.

Maybe

as they played around,

my brother just slipped up.

Are you suggesting

His Majesty is slandering a minister?

How dare I?

The Imperial Guard Commander

secures the imperial city.

If he's punished
for stopping His Majesty

from playing too much,

the soldiers will be disheartened.

You really defend your brother.

The Grand Princess has been absent.

The Imperial Guards are so arrogant.

Mr. Xie, do you think

there is no restraint

for the court?

Don't drag Her Highness into this.

She hasn't recovered yet.

His Majesty cares for her

and grants her a quiet recovery.

As for the restraint...

You govern for His Majesty.

Isn't it the greatest restraint?

Enough!

Xie Yanlai disrespected me!

He'll be suspended for reflection!

Grand Mentor!

Draft the edict for me.

How wise, Your Majesty.

The Imperial Guards need a leader.

I recommend

the deputy commander to fill in.

Don't bother.

I'll select candidates

to handle Imperial Guard affairs.

His Majesty will decide.

Just do it as you wish.

I'm tired.

Court is dismissed!

- We bid farewell to Your Majesty.
- We bid farewell to Your Majesty.

Fu Jiu, the Imperial Guard Commander,

offended His Majesty.

He got suspended from post.

[One day ago]
Yanlai.

His Majesty

wants this letter to Her Highness.

I'm quite curious.

How has the Grand Princess

fascinated you?

Over the past five years,

I never owed anyone.

Do you trust me

with Yu just like that?

In the imperial city,

many fierce forces are lurking.

He can only be entrusted to you.

He's of Xie Family's bloodline

and your own nephew.

Then give me

the Grand Princess Token.

If she trusts you,

she must have given it.

The enemy is before us.

You should know what matters most.

Now, the court is ruled by three forces.

Deng Yi drafts edicts.

I review the edicts.

Without the Grand Princess's approval,

no ministries shall seal them.

I give you my word.

I will protect Yu

at any cost.

I know what worries you.

But don't forget.

The Token can only

stop Deng Yi
from issuing unauthorized edicts.

It has no other use.

Even if I have a plan

with it,

I won't succeed

without Deng Yi's Imperial Seal.

The token will just

make it easier

to counterbalance

Deng Yi and me.

So, Yanlai,

don't doubt my intentions.

Besides,

with nothing to trade,

how could I willingly

agree to your terms?

Xie Yanlai, the pawn,

is out of the game,

leaving the state

to you and Xie Yanfang.

Aren't you going

to set up a scheme of loyalty

when the emperor's still young?

When Xiao Yu was little,

he was badly frightened.

Once the crowd grows,

he always hides behind Chu Zhao.

Wait.

Chu Zhao has left.

Xie Yanlai is suspended.

What's in it for Xie Yanfang?

In today's court,

he seemed happy about that.

You're really something, Xie Yanfang.

Only now have I realized

that you used me

to complete your game.

Is he plotting something

against the emperor?

It doesn't matter.

Xie Yanfang is an uncle

in name only.

His Majesty is distant from him.

They won't get close.

What if he makes the first move

to catch us off guard?

Don't worry.

He dare not act rashly.

After all, in the court game,

we like to seize the initiative

and fear making a misstep.

However,

if Chu Ling dies,

Northern Desert soldiers
will march straight here.

By then,

neither you nor the Xie Family

can get away without losses.

You're right.

So, in this game,

we're not sure what we'll do next.

But we both know

that Chu Ling must not die now.

Xie Yanlai left town
at the first quarter of the Shen hour.

He rode

your favorite Dark Steed.

Calculated by speed,

he must have reached Beicao Town.

He was quite obedient.

He didn't even suspect

the horse I gave him.

How would he?

You gave him

your best horse.

He should be grateful.

Well, he was sensible this time.

He did give you

the Token.

This token isn't of much use.

But it works very well

to trouble Deng Yi.

But

Xie Yanlai obviously has got feelings

for the Grand Princess.

Do you think

he'll get more out of our control?

The best part of taming a baby wolf

is to make it think

it has broken free from the collar.

Actually, the collar
was replaced with gold cord.

The harder he struggles,

the tighter it binds him.

He's risking his life

to save Chu Zhao.

He thinks he's resisting.

Actually,

he has revealed his fatal weakness.

He once told me

Chu Zhao was very clever.

I thought

he lost his judgment,

driven by emotions.

That woman behaves so clumsily

and anxiously.

What makes her smart?

Now I finally understand.

Making Yanlai care so much about her

proves her great wisdom.

How foolish of me.

I fail to realize

your subtle schemes.

♪Broken walls and withered branches,
trapped in the mire♪

♪Yet still striving
to reach for the sky♪

♪My pride is torn down
and my body is sacrificed♪

♪The spark smolders in the crack♪

♪And roars in the blaze♪

♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪

♪Fate imprisons me♪

♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪

♪Even if hope is faint,
I remain proud♪

♪A mayfly will cross the ocean,
however long it takes♪

♪However it ends up,
I'll go my own way♪

♪With no fear of the distance♪

♪Born from decay, fireflies still burn♪

♪With sword in hand,
I'll pierce the dawn♪

♪Let these scars all over me become♪

♪My new pride♪

♪Peril is everywhere in the palace♪

♪Yet I smile to nobody but you♪

♪Amidst the chaos♪

♪I'll always be with you♪

♪The spark smolders in the crack♪

♪And roars in the blaze♪

♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪

♪Fate imprisons me♪

♪But I won't beg the abyss for mercy♪

♪Even if hope is faint,
I remain proud♪

♪A mayfly will cross the ocean,
however long it takes♪

♪However it ends up,
I'll go my own way♪

♪With no fear of the distance♪

♪Born from decay, fireflies still burn♪

♪With sword in hand,
I'll pierce the dawn♪

♪Let these scars all over me become♪

♪My new pride♪