01x39 - Episode 39

[bunniefuu]

"Phoenix Hairpin" - Huang Ling

♫ Softy rosy hands ♫

♫ Yellow silk wine ♫

♫ The city is full of colors of spring, willows line the palace walls ♫

♫ The east wind is devastating ♫

♫ Happiness doesn’t last ♫

♫ A feeling of melancholy ♫

♫ Many years of separation ♫

♫ Wrong, wrong, wrong! ♫

[Si Jin]

[Episode 39]

[Yangui]

You should leave.

Bao Ping, how long has it been?

Your Majesty. It's been more than three days.

Judging from the time,
Jin should've met up with Cui Xu by now.

Your Majesty, Mr. Cui is loyal and upright.

Once he hears about this,
he'll rush to your rescue.

Although Cui Xu is loyal and upright,

he'll never abandon the people
living at the border just to rescue me.

He's an upright minister who fears no authority,
and only cares about the safety of the people.

To him, protecting the borders and ensuring
the safety of the people are his priorities.

What? Rong Yang staged a rebellion?

Together with the Marquis of Changxing.

That's impossible.

Although he has wild ambitions,

he has been through thick and thin
with His Majesty for many years after all.

Why would he rebel?

Every word I utter is true.

Mr. Cui, please come with me
to rescue His Majesty.

I know that is our priority here.

However, Your Highness has seen for yourself
the dire situation at the border.

Longgu Pass is easy to defend and hard to capture.

But the Nanwu people harass us often.

My troops are already exhausted
from fending them off.

If, at this moment, I have to mobilize
some of my troops to join your Red Plume Cavalry

to rescue His Majesty in Ling'an,
the pass will surely fall in three days.

Our realm shall fall.

With all due respect,
I cannot follow your command.

Here are the objectors.
[Name List]

Prince Qi has indeed helped you
to reassure some of the old ministers.

Most have already submitted.

What do you think Prince Qi will do
if he finds out that I don't intend

to help him ascend the throne?

Marquis of Changxing,

why do you think there were no female rulers
throughout the history of Zhou?

In my opinion,
Zhou will have its first female ruler soon.

Initially, I didn't have such a wild ambition.

It's all thanks to your reminder and assistance.

But you have never mentioned
what rewards you seek.

I have no other wishes!

Your Highness,
I'm willing to serve you with my life.

Marquis, have a seat.

Don't worry.
I will reward you handsomely.

You shall only be second to me
in the entire realm.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Father is already in danger.
We mustn't delay any longer.

If the Princess Royal does intend to k*ll him,
that would signify the fall of the current reign.

Our realm shall fall as well.

Your Highness, please rise.

Under such circumstances, to me,
there's only one choice.

Mr. Cui, what if I told you
we could resolve the border crisis?

Your Highness, how would we do that?

By depending on my wife, Jiang Si.

Ridiculous. How could a woman like her
make them withdraw their army?

You might not know,
but Jiang Si is the Nanwu Saintess.

It's right over there.

[Wanted Notice]

Isn't she Su Ke's daughter?

How come she's the Nanwu Saintess?

I don't know the reason either.
But her body does carry the Saintess Emblem.

Nanwu stationed their troops at the border area
in order to rescue their Saintess.

Now that she has returned.

There's no need for them to wage w*r again.

Mr. Cui, please trust me this time.

Regarding my ascension, what do you think?

The sooner the better.

Delay leads to change.

However, one of the officials
has rallied his peers to impeach me.

Say, do I need to locate him?

Absolutely.

Your Highness, you're right.

Our priority now is to purge all opposition

so that the ascension ceremony in five days can proceed smoothly.

We'll follow your proposal.

Jiang Si.
[Mount Shenjian, Nanwu]

This emblem
looks the same as the one on your neck.

Grand Elder. Long time no see.

Who are you?
How dare you trespass upon our holy ground?

Everything still looks the same.

How's your leg ailment?

We've never met before.

How did you know about the old ailment on my leg?

Chief. Mr. Cui is avoiding us
by using military affairs as his excuse.

He's even letting us use his tent.

It's obvious that he doesn't want to
mobilize his troops.

Chief, what should we do?

You're asking me? We can only wait.

His Majesty has issued a decree.

I am to lead my army and join the Red Plume
Cavalry to have a showdown with Nanwu.

We are not to return until Nanwu is eradicated.

What? That's...

This is the imperial decree.

What if this decree was issued
by the princess and the marquis?

Don't you think it makes much more sense now?

Miss Jiang!

This is great.

I'm glad that you've returned.

Grand Elder, she's the Saintess.

The Saintess?

- She's the Saintess?
- Really?

How can you prove that?

Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

The Saintess has arrived!
Gather around!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Nanwu is blessed by the heavens!
Welcome, Saintess!

Grand Elder, please rise.

I came back because there's a crucial matter
I have to discuss with you.

Once the decree is carried out,
blood will be shed at the Southern Frontier.

Even so, are you still not willing
to rescue His Majesty?

Disobeying the imperial decree
is a capital offense.

In a crisis, a field commander
may disregard the ruler's orders!

Yu Jin.

Has Rong Yang truly started a rebellion?

I know Nanwu has stationed their troops
at the border area because I was imprisoned.

Well, since I've returned,
there's no reason to launch an attack.

Grand Elder, please issue an order,
and withdraw your troops.

You're speaking up for Zhou upon your return.

If I withdraw my troops now and Zhou invades us,
Nanwu will be done for.

Grand Elder,
I'm not trying to speak up for either side.

I swear upon my reputation as the Saintess.

If Nanwu withdraws their troops,

the army of Zhou will withdraw their troops
within half a day as well.

Report!

Reporting in! Mr. Cui, for some reason,
Nanwu has withdrawn their troops.

- For real?
- Yes, Mr. Cui.

Long Dan.

Send a letter to Mr. Zhen.

- Tell him that we'll depart immediately!
- Yes, sir!

Relay my order! We shall depart immediately
to rescue His Majesty in Ling'an!

Yes, sir!

Yes, Your Highness!

We received a report from the front lines.
Zhou has withdrawn their troops.

Excellent.

The Saintess can predict the future.

She'll surely lead Nanwu to the right path.

You'll lead us to annihilate Zhou.

Now, Zhou's borders are unguarded.
It's a good opportunity to launch an attack.

Saintess, I'm sure you'll remain in Nanwu forever,
and lead us to annihilate Zhou.

Grand Elder, but w*r will not restore Nanwu
to its former glory.

I once saw the ending brought about by the w*r.

In that ending, Nanwu used w*r and violence
to resolve their issues.

And, our people successfully assassinated
the Emperor of Zhou during the Mid-Autumn Hunt.

Are you talking about the events that happened
after the Mid-Autumn Hunt?

That's right.

You always thought that our issues would be
resolved after the death of Emperor Jingming.

But Zhou appointed a new emperor.

He was incompetent.
The Princess Royal held absolute power.

She ordered Nanwu's annihilation.

You had to send the Nightingale Sect
to assassinate her in Ling'an.

Our gain is Zhou's loss and vice versa.

Nanwu has limited resources after all.

We compete with each other to develop ourselves,
and keep our enemy under control.

Grand Elder, I have a way
to stop this meaningless cycle.

Please gather all our people tomorrow.

I shall announce the true way
to restore Nanwu to its former glory.

Mr. Zhen, is that you?

It's me.

Lately, the palace has been preparing
grand ceremonies to worship Heaven and Earth,

and to offer prayers at the ancestral temple.

But I don't think it's as simple as it seems.

Worship Heaven and Earth?

Offer prayers at the ancestral temple?

This is bad! Those are compulsory ceremonies
for the ascension ceremony.

Seems like the Princess Royal
does intend to usurp the throne.

If that's the case,
those who go against her...

shall be eliminated.

What should we do, then?
Have Jin and the rest returned?

I'm afraid they can't make it in time.

Your Highness, I've already taken care of
the stubborn officials who weren't willing

to join your side.

But there's one official left.

Who?

He was the official who rallied others to oppose your rule. Zhen Heng.

I didn't expect a stubborn fool like him
would still be around.

[Eternal Joy and Serenity]

Now, the palace is full of danger.

I've already found a way to send you
out of the palace.

I've already packed your belongings.

You'll leave by tonight.

Mother, I'm not leaving!

Fu Qing, this isn't the time for you
to be willful.

You always said you wanted
to leave the palace, right?

This is the chance. Why are you...

Mother, I'm not being willful here.

I've already grown up.

I'm no longer the little girl who
could only hide and cry in the cabinet.

I have to remain in the palace.

Only then will I be able to relay information
to Mr. Zhen and protect you.

Mother, no matter what,
I will never escape by myself.

- Stop right there!
- Stop.

There are so many of you.
What are you up to?

Sir, we are a trading caravan from the North.
Please let us pass.

From the North, huh?

Judging from your accent,
I think you're from the South.

Sir, I dare not joke about it.

Here.

Judging from these blisters,
I suppose you were in the military.

As for those behind you,
they don't look like cargo haulers at all.

Someone! Inspect them!

[Ling'an]

Stop!

- Your Highness.
- Your Highness.

What's going on?

Your Highness,
this trading caravan seems suspicious.

We've already arrested them.
We'll hand them to Her Highness.

Just leave it to me.

- Take them away!
- Move!

Wait!

Your Highness, I...

Wasn't I the one who arrested them?

- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Let them pass.

We humbly invite the Saintess

to consult the heavens and to guide all beings
in glimpsing the future.

Heaven shelters, Earth sustains,
and all creation is in place,

yet none is more precious than humanity.

With the w*r's end, Nanwu rises,
and harmony returns to the world.

Saintess, throughout the history of Nanwu,
there's only w*r, no reconciliation.

That's right.

We are born to fight.

Although our land is small,
and our population scarce compared to Zhou,

all of our warriors excel at battle.

We fight and steal the things we need.
It's that simple.

Mr. Bai, no one is born to fight.

All humans are born to live better.

Who would be willing to fight on the b*ttlefield
if everyone was content with their lives?

I know. Nanwu prioritized w*r
for the past century.

This habit cannot be changed in no time.

However, since Nanwu has chosen me
to be the Saintess

and granted me the ability to see the future,

I'm willing to turn the best future I've seen
into reality together with you all.

What should we do, then?

Grand Elder, let's set a time limit of one year.

During this period of time, I'll remain in Nanwu.

I'll make Nanwu prosper like never seen before
without needing to wage a w*r.

What if you fail?

If after one year has passed,
you still think that w*r is the best solution,

then I shall lead by example.

Saintess, we shall obey your will.

- Saintess, we shall obey your will.
- Saintess, we shall obey your will.

What a shame, Mr. Zhen.

Your righteousness won't be your saving grace.

It'll only harm you.

You and the other ministers
have done your best to impeach me.

But in the end, your efforts are all in vain.

I'm daring enough to take the Crown Prince's life,

let alone the lives of officials like you all.

To me, you're nothing but insignificant pests.

Death is but a swift blow.

I've seen plenty of people like you
in the Capital Administration Office.

You've let His Majesty's trust down.

You're not fit to be Zhou's Princess Royal.

Zhen Heng, you're too bold for your own good.

No wonder I couldn't find the Count of Dongping
and his family.

So, you were hiding them.

Excellent.

I've changed my mind.

I only wanted to get rid of the
Count of Dongping and his family.

Now, it seems like
I must get rid of your family as well.

Rong Yang, how dare you!

Evil deeds never go unpunished!

Zhen Heng's insolent words
have offended the ruler.

Take him down!

♫ Life is like a wilting flower,
blooming and withering with the seasons ♫

♫ The wind leaves its trace,
swaying, yet holding firm ♫

♫ Not asking for more care
from the heavens ♫

♫ May I enjoy the blessings
in the days to come ♫

♫ Only wishing for a life
free from entanglements ♫

♫ Fate plays its tricks.
We are but mere mortals ♫

♫ Looking back, I dare not gaze too long
at the road I've traveled ♫

♫ As the day fades,
the wise redeem themselves ♫

To me, the law is the light.

It punishes evil and upholds goodness,
dispelling the shadows in the process.

♫ Sighing in despair Is it too late? ♫

♫ Is it too late? ♫

♫ My feelings are numb Is it too much to bear? ♫

♫ Is it too much to bear? ♫

♫ How many regrets are left unfulfilled? ♫

♫ A chance to mend, to make it whole ♫

♫ An inch of longing, a lifetime untold ♫

Fu Qing.

It's really Fu Qing.

Mr. Zhen, are you afraid of death?

I am.

It's because I have
plenty of things that I haven't achieved,

and plenty of words that I haven't said.

And...

there's someone I still wish to see.

Your Highness.

If it's still possible, I'll take you to
the open grounds at the southern city.

We'll fly kites there.

Sure.

♫ Is the resting shore ♫

If we can see each other again
in our next lives...

Fu Qing.

I won't let you down.

Definitely.

♫ Gone is the fateful encounter,
and my life is dulled for good ♫

What are we doing at my mansion?

You'll have to ask Prince Qi about that.

Everyone, don't worry.

This is the safest place for now.

After Mr. Zhen Heng was captured
by the Princess Royal,

the Count of Dongping and his family
were discovered.

Now, they're imprisoned.

Mr. Zhen once came to me after receiving
the letter related to your return.

How dare you speculate on my intentions?

Your Highness,
I know that you're not a heartless individual.

You're doing all of this
to win His Majesty's trust

and exhibit your talent for the fortune of Zhou.

I understand why you did so.

In my opinion, this moment is a good opportunity

to realize your aspirations.

Don't repeat the same mistake with the princess.

Instead, you need to reassure her on our behalf.

I know that she would never let me off.

Therefore, Your Highness,
please ensure your safety.

In the future, should I be powerless,

Your Highness, please lend the Seventh Prince
a hand.

Why are you so sure that I won't tell her
about our encounter?

That day, both you and I were in the hall
together.

Since I was daring enough to come here,
I believe that you have already made up your mind.

Thank you, Zhang.

Our time is limited.
Tomorrow's the ascension ceremony.

We have to stop the Princess Royal,
and rescue Father before that.

I've already looked into it.
The palace is filled with the Gale Guards.

The Marquis of Changxing's troops
are outside the palace.

Therefore, right now, our priority is to
find a way to win against overwhelming odds.

What if we turn our men into the Gale Guards?

Are you saying that we should assemble
a group of Red Plume Cavalry members

matching the Gale Guards in number
and replace them?

- That's right.
- Great idea.

The number of palace guards is fixed.

If both teams focus on our attack, we'll make it.

Once we obtain the higher ground,
the ground route will be open.

That's far from enough.

We need someone to keep the Marquis in check,
and prevent retaliation.

I'm willing to serve.

You all shall enter from the secret tunnel.
We shall divide our forces into three groups.

The tunnel is very complex.

So do act cautiously.

Commandant Xie, Leng Ying,

you two will be in charge of the outer palace gate and its watchtower.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

Jiang and Long Dan, you two will be in charge
of the inner gate and its watchtower.

- Yes.
- Yes, sir.

For the last step, you all must cooperate,
and replace all of the Gale Guards.

- Drag their bodies away!
- Get rid of the bodies!

Go!

Move!

Brother, here you are.

I merely requested a decree from you.

Why is it so difficult for you to comply?

You see, even if you don't issue it,
I can still sit on your throne.

Someone. Grant him a seat.

What's wrong? You don't want to sit down?

Bring them here.

- Father!
- Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

- Father!
- Your Majesty!

Rong Yang, what are you up to?

Look. Everyone is here.

I have no choice but to bring your family here
to convince you.

I'm sure you're not willing to let them die
in front of you

just because you refuse to issue this decree.

Rong Yang. I never expected you
to be this despicable.

It's not too late for you to know that.

Someone! Burn the incense.

One incense for one person.

When the incense ends, so does a life.

If you haven't decided then,
I'll help you with it.

Time to change shifts.

Zhang. Take me to the inner hall
to meet Aunt.

Do we have a reason that can ensure
that the princess will summon me?

This is the imperial jade seal.

His Majesty ordered me to hand it to you
when he was in danger.

Your Highness, please keep it safe.

Brother, time's up.

Have you not made up your mind?

If so,

I shall do it for you.

Father!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Brother.

The next incense is lit.

Let them pass!

Brother, aren't you going to make up your mind?

In this lifetime, I'm the only one
who dared risk my life to save you.

Are you expecting Yu Jin to come to your rescue?

Yu Jin is caught in a dilemma himself.

Even if he comes, he'll be dead for sure.

Moreover, he hates you more than me.

- What's wrong?
- My Lord, someone has replaced our men in the watchtower.

- The enemies have invaded the palace.
- What?

You good-for-nothings!

The four of you, remain here.
The rest of you, obey my command.

We shall rescue Her Highness! - Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!

You all shall escort me out of the palace.

- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!

So it's you, huh?

Marquis of Changxing, I'm sure the Princess Royal
will be disappointed

if she finds out that you're abandoning her
just because the situation is dire.

You little crook.

You dare to touch me?

Do you wish to die?

You're the one with a death wish here.

Deceiving the ruler is a capital offense.

Guards. Take him down!

Hand over the tiger tally, or meet your demise!

Relay my message to Her Highness.

Tell her that I seek an audience.

Brother, you're used to being the Emperor indeed.

You remain unfazed
even though the situation is dire.

Regarding that, I should learn from you.

Shi Jiu.

Come at me!

You come from the same root!

Why are you so eager to slay your kin?

Give me a chance to demonstrate my loyalty!

Your Majesty!
I shall serve you again in my next life!

Who do you think you are? You lackey.

You think you're worthy?

Prince Qi has arrived!

Shi Jiu. I'm exhausted.

Tell him that we can talk tomorrow.

Aunt, I've found the imperial jade seal.

Invite him in.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Everyone is here tonight.

Present the seal to me.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Majesty!

Yu Jin, do you think you can turn the tides now?

What a joke!

Everyone inside and outside the palace
is under my command.

None of you shall leave this place alive.

Guards!

Look. All of them are my men!

Yu Jin, you're done for!

Is that so?

Aunt, open your eyes and see.

I was late to your rescue. I deserve punishment!

- Minister Cui, please rise.
- Thank you, Your Majesty.

Let her go.

- Father, you mustn't.
- Let her go.

Rong Yang. On account of our bond,

I shall give you one last chance.

If you confess your crime and repent,
it's not too late.

I can spare you from death.

Brother, you're right.

It's not too late.

It's not the end yet.

The Marquis of Changxing will come to my rescue!

Your Majesty, the Marquis of Changxing
and his men have been arrested.

The tiger tally is here!

I've put every scheme and trick to use.

In the end, I still lost to you.

I do not beg for mercy.

Alas, in this world...

no one has ever truly understood me.

Not even loved me.

But I have not lost.

None of you will ever forget me!

Father!

[The End of Episode 39]

♫ Through endless twists In the mundane world ♫

♫ The breezy wind blows ♫

♫ The heart grows tender and bitter ♫

♫ I ask the Sun If the light has taken root ♫

♫ As it prospers Our love story writes itself ♫

♫ We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ After countless challenges,
we are still us ♫

♫ Our inseparable souls Can weather all storms ♫

♫ We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth ♫

♫ Our blissful time together Will lead us ♫

♫ To the sea of stars ♫

♫ Our destined paths ♫

♫ The years will hold ♫

♫ A light shines at the tunnel's end ♫

♫ Where happy endings will transcend ♫

♫ We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth ♫

♫ Our blissful time together Will lead us to what we desire ♫

♫ We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space ♫

♫ Moon-silvered dreams On love's embrace ♫

♫ Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft grace ♫

♫ Love's tide guides,
beyond our mortal space ♫

♫ A moment kept with your embrace Where blooms have found their place ♫