01x15 - Episode 15

[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 15]

The... the Lord of Xiaonan

rebelled.

Return at once

to tell Her Highness.

Your Highness,

Xiao Xun k*lled the dispatch riders.

We've lost contact with the Capital.

All post houses along the way

are under his control.

Rumors reached the Capital.

Northern Desert Army breached Bailang Pass.

Yunzhong will fall in three days.

They'll march

for the imperial city.

How's the Capital?

Fifty thousand troops in the capital camp

and one hundred thousand nearby.

Why should we fear Xiao Xun?

What we fear is that the commoners

believe Xiao Xun's lie

to defend the Capital.

In that case,

he can rightfully lead his troops

into the city.

If Xiao Xun enters the Capital,

Yu's life will be in danger.

Xie Yanfang is by Yu's side.

He's ruthless.

But his clan relies on Yu.

Xie Yanfang will protect him.

You're right.

Xie Yanfang still has

a crucial trick.

This time,

he'll definitely make this move.

Get Xiaoman to me.

Yes.

[Chu Zhao]

Whatever you want me to do,

let me know.

All post houses along the way

have been cut off.

I want you to take your men

to bypass the post houses

and head for the Capital.

Then, escort my cousin Chu Tang

and her family

out of the Capital.

Why all the trouble?

Why don't we let her

bring the news of the frontier

to the Capital?

Who would believe

a bandit?

The public opinion in the Capital

completely favors Xiao Xun

who "guards" His Majesty.

Then what is the problem

of Chu Tang's family?

Chu Lan is a mere civil official.

What danger

justifies all the effort

to save him?

In Anping Rebellion,

Xiao Xun used my uncle

to k*ll His Majesty.

Now, he's the key witness.

All parties will fight over him.

I count on you.

Don't worry. Leave it to me.

What about you?

To the Capital?

No.

I'm going somewhere else.

Father.

Mother.

You were separated half your lives.

Now you're finally reunited

in the underworld.

Sadly,

I have to leave.

I'll keep defending the city

Father left undefended.

I'll continue the w*r

Father left unfinished.

Mother dreamed of peace

all over the world.

I'll make it come true.

[The Capital]

I've heard Xiao Xun

has reached Baili Pavilion.

A noble heir like him

is always reliable.

I believe soon,

he'll rescue the Capital from danger.

He's been practicing martial arts since childhood

and he leads elite troops.

Hope he'll arrive soon.

Since General Chu died,

Yunzhong troops

have been in utter chaos.

They won't bother with the Capital.

Luckily, His Highness

is on his way here.

Fair enough.

The Grand Princess is brave,

but she's too young.

We have to count on real royal members

to guard the Capital

and protect our state.

Jiang,

the weather is lovely.

Take Tang out for some fresh air.

The tea has gone cold.

The conversation is ironic.

If she stays longer,

she'll feel sick.

Goodbye, then.

Jiang.

Why is she angry again?

Mr. Xiao Xun is noble.

Had General Chu not built

the city walls at great cost...

Had Her Highness not guarded Wangcheng...

You couldn't be sitting here,

enjoying cold tea,

or satirizing them.

I advise you

hold your tongues.

Jiang,

I have a favor to ask.

We're friends. Don't say that.

What is it?

I need help from your family.

Mr. Xie, to what do I owe

the honor of this visit?

I'm here to ask you, Mr. Deng.

Do you really choose

to throw your life away with Xiao Xun?

What do you mean?

I don't understand.

Xiao Xun has reached Baili Pavilion.

He keeps releasing messages

that he's coming to protect His Majesty.

He expects a wide-open city gate

where people line up to welcome him.

But do you know

how we will

end up

if the city gate is open to him?

Since it's the will of people,

you should try to stop

the people in the Capital.

What's the point of coming here

to stop me?

Looks like you're determined

to side with Mr. Xiao.

They're within the defense line.

The Capital is just ahead.

If His Majesty still refuses

to open the gate,

their advance will be

an unauthorized move

and willful treason.

After they enter the city,

you might as well

find an excuse

to k*ll them.

You know people's will is irreversible.

In their eyes,

Xiao Xun

is a meritorious protector

they're expecting.

If His Majesty still refuses,

people will complain.

So, Mr. Xie,

what do you intend to do?

We must make Xiao Xun

a rebel again.

Are you saying

you'll prove his father's treason?

Only in this way

can we stop Xiao Xun from entering town.

If he attacks by force,

all the people will know

that the court has no choice

but to fight back.

If the w*r breaks out,

the court will be rightful.

We'll have no more worries

and all the people will submit.

Then no one will question

Yu's throne.

Then how will you prove

the treason of the Lord of Xiaonan?

Do you know

Chu Lan was bribed by Xiao Xun

to poison Yu

in Chu Mansion?

You'll use Chu Lan as a scapegoat?

Have you considered?

If Chu Lan gets in trouble,

the Chu Family will be implicated.

Then the Grand Princess

can hardly stay out of trouble.

Great achievements

require great sacrifices.

Only when we expose

Xiao Xun's scheme

can the two of us

keep the city gate

firmly shut.

Isn't that so?

I'm still curious about one thing.

Xiao Xun wrote a letter

to you.

What was in...?

After all that talking,

I finally get it.

You think

Chu Lan isn't enough.

You'll also get me involved

to prove their treason.

But have you thought about this?

Is it a righteous w*r?

Is it justified?

You care.

His Majesty cares.

But I don't care.

Don't try to keep your clan innocent

by ruining my reputation.

You're wrong again.

I just came here

to give you a favor.

Instead of keeping some secrets buried,

why not turn them into your achievements?

My Lord.

Xie Yanfang wants to k*ll two birds with one stone.

[To open the gate or not]

Get ready.

I'll see Chu Lan tonight.

[Chu Mansion]

My Lord, we looked everywhere.

No one is in.

We asked the neighbors.

Nothing unusual was noticed.

During the day, Chu Tang

even had tea with some ladies.

As she came home,

she vanished into thin air.

We may have early plans,

but someone's always earlier.

As soon as we had the idea,

they had run away.

How could they leave so perfectly?

Theoretically,

when Chu Zhao is away,

Chu Lan should be isolated

from the court.

And Chu Lan doesn't look

like he can read the situation.

Is it possible

that Her Highness

sent them a message?

Xiao Xun intercepted all the messages.

How did Chu Zhao manage

to send one?

Xie Yanfang used up all his schemes.

But his own ally

stabbed him in the back.

Send a message to Mr. Xie.

Tell him the witness he longs for

has fled.

[Xie Residence]

How come he fled?

The Grand Princess has

more political support than I imagined.

Of the clans who have ties with Chu Family,

five left the city yesterday.

Some said

they went to rural houses.

Some said they had an outing.

And...

Today, three ladies

met with Chu Tang in the day.

Shall we pursue them?

It is time for us

to go out and visit someone.

[Side residence of Zhou family]

Be careful, Mr. Chu.

Come on, sweetheart.

Hurry.

Come, Tang.

Jiang,

thank you.

My pleasure.

Don't thank me.

Without my grandfather's approval,

I couldn't have helped you

even if I wanted to.

Jiang,

I need you

to help my family leave.

Why me?

Shouldn't you

beg some clan heads?

I was told to ask them.

But big clans have deep connections

with shared interests.

I...

I thought about it.

You're the only one

I can entrust my life to.

At the Hai hour tonight,

my carriage will

pick you up at the back door of Chu Mansion.

I shall remember

your great favor.

Go get some rest.

Come on, Tang.

Your uncle and his daughter

are so useless.

We shouldn't have

expected them to bring glory.

You...

Luckily, our daughter is farsighted

and gets along with other noble ladies.

Madam, you sound so proud.

Do you really think

her mere friendship can

get you through the city defense?

The Grand Princess

arranged deceptive schemes

and sent bandits

to clear enemy sentries.

Otherwise, you wouldn't

have come here alive.

You... You are...

Yes.

We're the bandits,

whom people like you

despise most.

Her Highness sent me

to get you.

Don't yell.

Nod and I'll let you go.

Lord of Xiaonan isn't a defender,

but a usurper.

To reveal Xiao Xun's true colors,

the court will dig up the evidence

your father nearly k*lled

the young emperor.

Danger.

Her Highness said

the heads of these clans

are reliable.

Go ask them for help.

[Chu Zhao]

Darling.

Xiaoman, let's leave.

This is a bestowal to Jiang's ancestors.

It must be on record with the Ministry of w*r.

Within half a day,

we will all get caught.

Tang,

how could you still

doubt the Zhou Family?

Just now, Miss Zhou seemed

she truly wanted to help us.

Father,

Jiang truly wants to help us.

That's why

we can't get her involved.

But they...

Stop lingering.

Go with me.

Let's go.

Hurry.

But they...

Oh, Darling.

[Zhou Bing, Minister of Rites]

My Lord,

Chu Lan's trail is gone.

Mr. Zhou, you really made

very cunning moves.

No offense,

but I gave up a piece to get ahead.

Mr. Xie,

you're still so enigmatic when playing Liubo.

I wonder what you're fighting for

in this round.

When the Lord of Xuan played with me,

he wrongfully k*lled a loyal man over one piece.

In today's game,

I'm fighting for His Majesty's life.

Lord of Xiaonan and his heir

nearly took

His Majesty's life.

Chu Lan is the witness.

So, I hope you will

help His Majesty

to reveal the truth to people.

Over generations,

my clan has been a bystander.

Mr. Xie,

you don't need to probe me like this.

I don't know

where Chu Lan is.

Mr. Zhou,

you must know no one can be

a bystander in chaotic times.

My Lord,

we've searched.

Nothing.

Yes.

Sorry for the offense.

I'll take my leave.

Oh.

It's too windy tonight.

Remember to close your windows.

Mr. Xie,

please see yourself out.

My Lady, be careful.

Father.

The carriage

that took them out of town

is back.

Shall we make early preparations?

If Mr. Xie

really finds out something,

then...

Jiang did something reckless.

But since we promised to help,

we won't complain.

Between the Grand Princess

and Mr. Xie,

there will be

a long game of strategy.

[Xie Residence]

Welcome, Mr. Deng.

We are honored by your presence.

This orchid is very delicate.

No strangers shall touch it.

You tend this flower so well.

Sadly,

its roots have rotted.

It barely appears to bloom.

You've searched the whole day.

Have you found what you're after?

The Grand Princess is so far away,

but big clans give her generous support.

She does have great influence.

You didn't come here

just to satirize me,

did you?

Do you know where Chu Zhao is?

She's riding at full speed

toward Xiaonan.

Does she think Xiao Xun

will retreat when his father is trapped?

How childish.

Her Highness will suppress the rebels on His Majesty's behalf.

What's wrong with it?

Her Highness has great influence.

Since she dares,

she must be confident enough.

Yeah.

You and Her Highness

used to have the same goal.

You were both against Xiao Xun.

But you insist

on using Chu Lan as a scapegoat

and getting her clan involved.

Obviously,

Chu Zhao wouldn't agree.

That's a bit much, Mr. Deng.

As long as you approve the edict

that Xiao Xun instigated Chu Lan

to poison the imperial grandson,

Her Highness will be suppressing the rebels

with a valid reason.

I'm helping her,

aren't I?

Have you heard about this?

An orchid dies, but its fragrance will linger.

Someone

only gets in the way when he's alive.

Mr. Xie, you have

a very clever plan.

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Deng.

We're just serving the state

by cutting out the deadwood.

What's this?

Why is Zhao guilty?

Don't, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

this edict says

her uncle Chu Lan is guilty.

Did you forget?

He tried to poison you back then.

So, Her Highness

took you away from her family.

So, Chu Lan is really guilty.

Then why did no one

tell me about it?

Chu Lan

is Zhao's uncle.

If he's guilty,

she will be implicated.

Now, the situation is complicated.

Lord of Xiaonan and his heir

intend rebellion.

Xiao Xun is coming as a defender.

Our people support him.

Ministers want the city gate

to be opened too.

But if he leads his 100,000 troops into town

without firing a single shot,

we won't be able to resist.

The casualties will be terrible.

What we should do now

is let the entire world know

the sins of Xiao Xun and his father.

Then we'll all rise against them.

You're bullying Zhao.

You're bullying her

just because her father is gone.

Yu,

no one is bullying

your sister.

If she were here now,

she would do the same.

The post houses have been cut off.

But the men I sent out

learnt something.

Xiao Xun intercepted a victory report.

Not long ago,

Chu Zhao led a raid

against Northern Desert Royal Army,

driving them back a hundred li.

And later,

the enemy relaunched an attack.

Once again, she led troops

to crush them.

She did?

What's more,

on hearing Xiao Xun was leading troops

to surround the Capital,

she led forces to attack Xiaonan.

Do you know why?

"Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao."

I've read about that.

That's right.

So you don't need to worry.

Your sister

fears nothing.

No one can bully her easily.

She's defending our state

and our people.

Even when her uncle is guilty,

she won't be implicated.

Do you trust me?

I trust you.

[Xiaonan Prefecture]

I never thought

I could have a battle

against the Grand Princess.

How dare she besiege us

with only a few thousand troops?

A warrior's daughter?

I think

the great reputation

of Chu Ling

will just be ruined

by his daughter

who has a swollen head.

Your Lordship,

don't bother with her.

I'll go teach her a lesson.

Your Lordship,

the Grand Princess wants to talk.

The Grand Princess?

What's she doing here?

Since she wants to talk,

tell her

I have trouble walking

and can't go out.

However,

my gate is always open to her.

She can come anytime.

[Xiaonan]

We both know

it's an ambush.

If you enter his mansion,

you'll be walking straight into the lion's den.

If Xiaonan holds you

as a hostage,

the Capital will face a tough choice.

You worry too much.

Mr. Deng and Xie Yanfang

can't wait for me to die for the state.

Believe it or not,

they've even prepared

my posthumous title.

This is no child's play.

Are you really sure?

I know what worries you.

Lord of Xiaonan is so cunning

that he even rebels

in the name of guarding His Majesty.

[Xiaonan]

If the Grand Princess

dies in his mansion,

guess how history will judge him.

He will be a traitor,

whether he likes it or not.

So...

Will you

take this gamble with me?

Of course.

Not to mention his mansion,

I'll even follow you

to the underworld.

This time,

we'll all live well.

We must live.

[Nan]

What an impressive mansion.

Look at the scale.

He's so obviously showing

his ambition to be the Emperor.

Then

I'll k*ll that hope of his.

How could we reject the tea he offered?

You've got some spine, Miss Chu.

Don't you fear I may put something

in the tea?

I am

the Grand Princess of State.

I can fight battles with you

and slaughter your men.

If I were to die from poisoned tea,

people in the world

would laugh at you.

Even if I were bloodthirsty,

I would know

I should keep worthy generals alive.

Besides, I've admired General Chu.

He's gone.

I still count on you

to inherit his legacy.

How would I try to k*ll you?

You flatter me.

In that case,

please withdraw your troops

that are besieging the Capital.

Don't let common folks die

in your fight for the throne.

As a general's daughter,

you must be familiar with military classics.

Have you read about this?

Glory for one, death for thousands.

New dynasty rises, the old one falls.

Someone must sweep away

the incense ash

before burning new incense.

If His Majesty

grants you the Golden Seal

and feudal sovereignty,

will you stop the w*r?

Your Highness,

when His Lordship

can get the Imperial Seal,

why would he need the Golden Seal?

You offered a great deal

to make me retreat.

But how dare a woman like you

grant me feudal sovereignty?

When I grant something,

you will get it.

Now, I understand.

You aren't persuading me

for the young emperor

or the ministers in the court.

You're trying to stop me

for the sake of the people.

What a saint you are.

I'm not a saint.

I am

the Grand Princess of State.

I won't see this state fall apart.

Like I said,

I've admired General Chu

and I think highly of you.

What about

you and I working together?

How?

If I become the Emperor,

Xun will be the Crown Prince

and you'll be the Crown Princess.

Then you'll be the Empress.

I can also grant you

the command over frontier troops,

unrestrained by the court's Tally.

Do you agree?

So, being Xiao Xun's empress

can get me such great power.

I'm not kidding.

I know.

You really mean it.

Too bad, though.

Am I offering not enough?

Feel free to make any other requests.

I have only one request.

I request you

to stop the w*r.

You need to understand one thing.

I can persuade you.

You're in no position to persuade me.

I'm not here to persuade you,

but threaten you.

With what can you threaten me?

Xiao Xun.

Speaking of him,

he has still kept

your birthdate card.

He knelt for three days and nights,

swearing to marry no one but you.

But you requested to annul your engagement.

Xun still hasn't figured out

what he did wrong.

Today,

I know the answer.

You must be Commander Xie.

I've heard a lot about you.

You're as remarkable as people say.

During the coup,

you led a few guards to defeat ten thousand troops.

You are a real hero.

Your Lordship,

don't be ridiculous.

I broke off my engagement

for the people of our state,

not for romance.

Narrow-minded as you are,

how can you fight for the throne?

What a sharp tongue.

If I remember correctly, Mr. Xie,

your brother

also has great ambitions.

If one day you meet in armed conflict,

whose side will you take?

I pledge loyalty to His Majesty,

the Grand Princess,

and the State of Chu.

Anyone who hurts the imperial heir

or the Grand Princess

will be my enemy.

You're truly a hero who is worth a hundred men.

Remarkable, indeed.

Do you know

he isn't the only one

who is worth a hundred?

There's also the Longwei Army.

The Longwei Army?

You must've heard

about the Longwei Army.

They put down the rebellion

while outnumbered.

My father

devotedly trained them.

They move like ghosts

and scatter around in disguise.

How can you be sure

there aren't any in your mansion?

If you agree to retreat,

I'll pretend nothing happened.

So, this is how you threaten me.

You want to use the Longwei Army

to k*ll my son

as well as me.

You can take this

as a gamble.

Five thousand soldiers outside the town.

Five thousand of the Longwei Army in town.

If they

join hands,

how will you handle it?

Someone.

Get the rooms ready.

Give Her Highness a warm reception.

The secret guards in this room

can be withdrawn.

With poor inner power

and uneven breath,

they're useless.

Your Lordship,

Xie Yanlai

is no ordinary man.

When he's around Chu Zhao,

we can hardly hurt her.

Ning Kun,

you have no idea.

Chu Ling and the late emperor

trained the Longwei Army.

The scariest thing

about them is...

We don't know who they are

and we don't know

when or where they'll appear.

They're unpreventable.

Tell Xun to be on guard.

Yes.

In such a big courtyard,

I can't even hear a bird.

It's eerily quiet.

Careful.

Lord of Xiaonan has great taste.

He even uses the best tea

for mere visitors.

Too bad, though.

The tea got cold.

We know it's an ambush

and we should be more cautious.

What if he poisoned the tea?

He wouldn't dare.

Not now, at least.

What he wants

is to be legitimate.

If I die in his place,

have a guess.

Will people spit

and drown this place?

You know the Longwei Army

isn't in Xiaonan.

But you bluffed just like that.

Didn't you fear that he could

see through you?

Let me tell you this.

What makes the Longwei Army terrifying

is that people believe

they're everywhere.

Don't worry.

Someone's having a harder time.

His Lordship is cautious by nature.

Without a perfect plan,

he wouldn't act rashly.

He sent Xiao Xun to the Capital

because he thought the time was right.

The calmer we are,

the more he will

doubt his own judgment.

When he thinks it's not the right time,

he'll ask Xiao Xun to retreat.

So, just now,

you were trying

to break his will,

making him think

his plan wasn't perfect.

Then he'll lose his cool

and withdraw.

That's right.

So, Jiu,

don't be impatient.

We'll just wait.

We'll wait patiently

until he makes his decision.

I've heard

this is the best scenic spot

all over this mansion.

Let's not waste

his hospitality.

♪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♪