01x19 - Episode 19

[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 19]

Yanlai, you had a formidable presence

at today's court.

I personally decided to k*ll

the Northern Desert King.

But clearly, you won't regret it.

Since childhood,

have I ever said

"regret"?

You've made up your mind.

I won't stop you.

You can't stop me.

Before you go,

let's do something first.

Your mother's tablet

can be placed in our ancestral hall.

What did you say?

Yanlai,

don't you always want her tablet

to be placed there?

Now is the perfect time.

You'll enter the pedigree too.

You and your mother

will become

rightful members of the Xie family.

No need.

Rightful identity...

Recognition of the clan...

Don't you want any?

I used to think

it was all I sought.

But now...

Now what?

My mother doesn't need

offerings of the Xie Family.

And I don't need the recognition

from the Xie's pedigree.

Nor do I need a rightful identity.

I know who I am

and I know what I want.

That's enough.

After going through all this,

you've really changed.

Since you've made up your mind,

so be it.

Xie Yanfang.

Five years ago,

you gave me

the Bloodburn Pill.

Did you know

anyone who took it

would die?

This secret elixir only belongs

to our direct line.

It can even revive the dying.

Keep it with you

in case of emergency.

Yanlai.

How do you know I'm here?

You're my brother.

Of course I keep track of where you go.

I came here

to take you back home.

No need.

Here in Yunzhong,

people go through wind and sand.

Living by one's ability

isn't too bad.

Young Master cares for you.

How could you be ungrateful?

You really think

Chu Ling trusts you?

If he knows you're a Xie,

can you still stay?

He wouldn't care.

All he cares about

is whether I can slay enemies

and guard this place.

He doesn't care

who I really am.

Chu Ling has 200,000 frontier troops.

If he wants to k*ll you,

you won't be able to resist.

Will you gamble?

I have nothing to lose.

I don't care.

So, this is your choice.

If I say I didn't know,

will you believe me?

Xie Yanlai didn't tell his brother in advance.

Xie Yanfang must be angry.

Wrong.

Xie Yanfang doesn't care

whether he was informed in advance.

He has raised too many lackeys.

It's normal that one of them

may betray him.

What matters to him?

Xie Yanlai has won successive exploits

and enjoys supreme prestige.

If it goes on like this,

his reputation will

overshadow Xie Yanfang's.

That's exactly

what Xie Yanfang won't allow to happen.

It seems

big changes are coming to his family.

Don't underestimate Xie Yanfang.

With his mastery of strategies,

how would he not

have a backup plan?

There must still be room for a reversal.

Let's not worry about them.

Is everything ready for tonight's banquet?

Rest assured.

Everything is ready.

We agreed on a hundred liang of gold.

Why is it fifty now?

If the boy weren't a Xie,

I wouldn't have risked my life for him.

You got fifty liang of gold

for one single night.

In my opinion,

it's a good deal for you.

That boy

is the Xie's bloodline,

but after all,

he's an illegitimate child.

Don't think

he's very valuable.

Send him back home

as soon as you can.

Don't delay my business tonight.

Mother.

Son,

you've grown up.

You should be sensible.

The Xie Family is where you belong.

From now on,

you'll enjoy a great life

and that's enough.

Come on, you...

Listen. Mother isn't leaving.

Let go, will you?

I'll go buy some fabrics

to make you new clothes.

I really won't leave.

Look. It's getting late.

The cloth shop will be closed.

Good boy.

Come on.

Is he the ninth young master?

That's right.

Look. You're the young master now.

How can you wear ragged clothes?

I'll go make you some new clothes.

Wait here.

What is his name?

Whatever.

Call him anything you want.

Mother, it's been long.

When I was little,

I thought you left for new clothes.

So, I waited for you on the stairs

of Xie Residence.

I waited until night.

Until my candied hawthorn melted.

But I still failed

to see you back.

Later,

they said you were a dirty woman

and I was a courtesan's son.

I studied really hard

and learned martial arts.

No matter how hard it was,

it never felt bitter.

I just wished

that one day

I could be a rightful member

of the Xie Family.

I wanted them

to think highly of me.

I also hoped

that your tablet could be placed

in their ancestral hall.

To make this happen,

I endured insults

and risked my life.

Even if I felt like a ghost there,

I felt happier than being

a wandering man as Fu Jiu.

I used to think

if I became successful,

they wouldn't scorn us anymore.

It turns out

you abandoned me long ago.

Right?

I've never hated you.

Even now,

I still don't hate you.

You suffered pains when bearing me.

You pulled through when raising me.

Maybe

on the day you left me,

you cried hard too.

Right?

I've figured out one thing.

We can't get everything

even if we fight for it.

Mother,

I met someone.

The most important person in my life.

Her name is Zhao.

She makes me understand

a rightful identity doesn't matter.

I am who I am.

And I am your son.

Jiu.

Don't be sad.

It's strange.

Before, as Xie Yanlai,

you would disdain

and reject such useless comfort.

But now, as Fu Jiu,

you must want to hear this:

"Don't be sad."

I didn't expect this

because I dared not.

Nor could I get any.

The rightful identity

and the family love

were out of my reach.

So, I had to pretend I didn't want any.

Only in this way could I relieve

the pain and shame

in my heart.

But now,

no need for that.

Yeah.

No need for that.

Now I know who I am.

Whether Xie Yanlai

or Fu Jiu,

I'm just myself.

You're my man.

In life,

having the freedom to choose

is already the greatest happiness.

You're good as you are.

But now,

you're always hindered.

If I k*ll the King,

the problem will be solved.

That's my problem.

Why didn't you tell me

before you made that decision?

No need.

You wouldn't let me go.

My father and the King

fought for over a decade.

Do you know how hard...?

Zhao,

I know.

You worry about me.

But this time,

let me do something for you.

According to Father,

the armor

is a soldier's second life.

You never wore it before

because you thought your life

wasn't worth it.

Now,

I want you to put it on.

I want you to know

I'm waiting for you to return alive.

Just like how my father

took you out of the desert alive.

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

All right.

You make a vow.

Make it to my father.

♪Through biting winds and frost I go♪

♪I light a lamp, my lone abode♪

♪Half my life adrift♪

♪This lonely shadow finds no haven to moor♪

♪The spark smolders in the crack♪

♪And roars in the blaze♪

♪Burning the cold night until daybreak♪

I give you my word.

I will come back alive.

♪Even if hope is faint, I remain proud♪

You must not lie to me.

I swear to General Chu's armor.

♪With no fear of the distance♪

I will stay alive

and return the armor to him.

♪Let these scars all over me become♪

♪My new pride♪

Xie Yanlai has become

even more uncontrollable.

At today's court,

he made a military vow

to k*ll the Northern Desert King.

Ministers were stunned.

He's never a caged bird.

Now that he's strong enough,

he will surely leave.

That man...

He's back, huh?

Yes, in the city.

I heard he had great prestige

among frontier troops.

Glad to hear that.

I think it's time

to have the next general

take the stage.

Mr. Liang is back.

He's back.

Come on.

Mr. Liang,

you're finally back.

Not Mr. Liang.

Now, he's General Liang.

The Roving General titled by His Majesty.

And you are?

General Liang,

I'm Huang.

General,

why didn't you

tell us before?

We could

have welcomed you from afar.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

That's right.

You're the hero

of our clan.

Don't stand here.

Let's get in.

Yeah. Come in, please.

Get in.

Come on.

This way.

Hurry.

Father.

Mother.

I've only been a general for half a day.

But visitors

have already flooded in.

Many relatives and friends

were popping up.

They greeted me warmly

and shed tears

for seeing me again.

Actually,

I barely remember them.

It doesn't matter.

Soon,

everyone in the Capital will know

I can bring glory

to the Liang Family.

The honey filling

is overflowing.

Way too sweet.

Is it for Commander Xie?

Oh no.

It's for General Fu Jiu, right?

His journey is really concerning.

Shall I divine for him?

No need.

He never believes in fate.

Letter from the Stronghold.

They found the old file

of Xiaonan caravan.

As expected,

three months before the fire,

they passed the village six times.

Why did you suddenly investigate

such an old case?

Jiu figured out

the fire resulted from fire oil.

It might be transported

for the Northern Desert.

Judging from the file,

this caravan passed six times.

But every time they carried

very few goods.

That wasn't something

a normal caravan

would do.

It had to be something else.

What could it be?

Wei Village only had dozens of villagers

and uninhabited wilderness.

What could they be up to?

So, Jiu was right.

Northern Desert foes conspired with Xiaonan

to burn the Wei Village

with an aim at Cangmu Stronghold,

to be exact,

my mother.

To reveal

my mother was an enemy general

would be the best weapon

against my father.

In that case,

frontier troops would

have a new master.

That would benefit

Xiaonan

and the Northern Desert.

Xiao Xun and his father

even struck a deal with evil enemies.

Then we'll let them know

how it feels to be devoured by their own ambition.

Why are we meeting here?

Because your girl

has a lot to say to you.

But a princess can't say that.

More maltose was used.

It's sweeter.

You made it?

It feels sweet enough just looking at it.

Jiu,

you've picked up sweet talk.

I can do more

than you think I can.

You must eat it.

I made it overnight.

I've never seen you in armor before.

What a young general.

You look so gallant.

No wonder the ladies in Yunzhong

compliment your looks.

Their compliments aren't

as sweet as yours.

And they aren't

as pretty as you.

Don't forget

what you promised me.

I won't.

When I'm back,

I'll return it.

Return?

Both.

The armor and me.

If you doubt it...

Words are no proof.

Let this be my pledge.

♪Light shatters into silhouettes♪

♪A lingering mark on my palm♪

♪Hooves thunder through the ashes of w*r♪

♪Riding the wild wind straight into the dawn♪

♪A vivid life♪

♪Bathed in tears♪

♪Surging toward the dawn♪

♪Let it burn until there's nothing left♪

♪We crown our pain like glory♪

♪Give that long-held wish a chance♪

♪Let's run straight into the ruins♪

♪I'd spend the rest of my life with you♪

♪Even if longing turns to ash♪

♪I'd still feel no fear♪

♪Drifting through♪

Zhao,

you were meant

to soar up there.

And my role

is to uphold you.

♪Let scars soothe the soul♪

♪So the last spark won't fade away♪

♪Let's run toward the story's end♪

♪And write a dream we're lost within♪

♪As love engraves the passing years♪

♪Into a timeless monument♪

Tang,

why did you come to me?

Are you going

to see your parents?

Zhao,

I used to think

manipulating the court like you

would be truly great.

And after going through various schemes,

I realized

to be a hero

was the real thrill.

However,

it might not be right for me.

Since I was little, I've dreamed of having a good husband

and living a life

inside my house

as a good wife and mother.

But now,

I've changed my mind.

It's because of you.

You've taught me.

Even if

we're women,

we can still do a lot.

Even though

I can't become an official,

the world is big enough

and I can go out to experience it.

Here.

Recent literary gatherings

make me understand.

Giving chances

to ladies like me

for them to shine

makes me even happier

than my own glory.

So,

I intend to introduce

literary gatherings elsewhere

to enlighten more ladies.

They don't need

to live within others' expectations.

They

deserve the world

of their own.

Then this world

will shine because of you.

Did you just

let Xie Yanlai go?

Don't be silly.

A lot of people in the court

want Xie Yanlai dead.

I don't have to do anything.

For example?

Don't you remember?

The famous gentleman

of the Xie Family.

Do you mean

Xie Yanfang?

It can't be that easy to k*ll

the Northern Desert King.

Chu Ling couldn't do that

within 20 years on the frontier.

How can Xie Yanlai do it?

What if Xie Yanlai

really succeeds?

Then he can't live.

A lackey

who only takes orders

betrayed his master

twice in a row.

Xie Yanfang won't let him live.

In the Xie Family,

Xie Yanlai has been abandoned.

Why again?

I wanted to divine for General.

But Her Highness told me

he didn't believe in this.

Then don't do that.

But...

What lies ahead is dangerous.

And Her Highness made a vow.

When she's the Grand Princess,

she won't marry or have children.

Then, her power

won't fall to anyone

or benefit anyone.

If she breaks her vow...

What if Her Highness falls for him

and her vow comes true?

Then don't divine.

Who says a princess can't love?

It makes sense.

As the saying goes,

love is bound by destiny.

In love,

no one can be forced.

Nor can anyone

run away from it.

But the state matters.

So do the people.

They weigh more than romance.

But if you have to

cage your heart,

what...

What's the difference from being a puppet?

Difference?

The difference is...

A puppet has no choice.

But I

have the power to choose.

He went to w*r for me.

Then I'll guard the court.

I will

protect the state.

And I'll make it impregnable.

Then the one I love can be safe.

This is

my choice.

After the siege, Wangcheng

was in ruins, awaiting revival.

The court took it seriously

and opened up Wangcheng trade route.

In that case, we need

a supervisor of the Maritime Trade Office

for commercial affairs.

This supervisor

must excel in frontier trade.

Mr. Xie, since we have candidates,

why don't we recommend them

for His Majesty to choose from?

I recommend Zhao Su, pupil of the Xie Family.

He knows trade routes very well.

I recommend Zhou Ming, pupil of Mr. Deng.

He was in charge of water transport.

This is a serious matter.

We request Your Majesty and Your Highness to make the decision.

Mr. Deng and Mr. Xie

are important ministers.

Their pupils have unique talents.

How about they take charge together?

Zhou Ming, Mr. Deng's pupil,

excels in finance.

Zhao Su, Mr. Xie's pupil,

knows frontier trade.

Balancing each other,

they're a perfect match.

I approve.

Hereby,

Zhou Ming and Zhao Su

take charge of frontier trade taxes

and customs clearance.

Let me add one more thing.

Wangcheng trade route concerns frontier defense.

I propose

that special goods

can't be transported

without my approval.

What are the special goods

Your Highness is talking about?

Fire oil.

Your Highness,

Chu Zhao got

our old ledgers

by some means.

At today's court, she proposed

transport of fire oil

should need her approval.

How on earth

did she learn of this?

Didn't I tell you?

Nothing shall

go wrong with the ledgers!

Your Highness,

Chu Zhao sent men

to watch us closely.

We really can't guard against her.

She made one move after another

just to make me panic.

We'll set this aside

for now.

You...

Send men to monitor Mr. Deng's mansion.

Anything suspicious

will be reported!

Deng Yi

is our last card.

Nothing shall go wrong with him!

I'm on it.

Her Highness titled Mu Xiaoman

Commander of the Imperial Guard Office?

At today's court,

you mentioned fire oil.

I guess Xiao Xun will soon

lose his composure.

My goal is to make him panic.

Look.

Only six hours later,

he sent his men to Mr. Deng's mansion.

He wants Deng Yi to help?

Deng Yi is in deep trouble himself,

crushed by Xie Yanfang.

So, Mr. Deng is looking for a solution.

The 25 guests for his banquet

are powerful officers

like commandants,

captains, and adjutant generals.

He's a civil officer,

but has a sharp eye.

He's scared.

Xie Yanfang holds military power.

I command frontier troops.

He needs to find

some biting fighters

to prevent himself

from being eliminated.

These are their attendants,

including personal servants,

guards, and carters.

Seventy-two in total.

Oh.

The new Roving General Liang Qiang

was also invited

to that banquet.

When he was at the frontier,

he had an unusual promotion.

At that time, I guessed

he had some backing.

So, it's Mr. Deng.

Wise choice.

Why did Deng Yi choose Liang Qiang?

Back then,

he was merely

a soldier at Wangcheng.

He had no power.

Just because he was a mere soldier,

he was more eager

to get promoted by any means.

Besides,

he wasn't a mere soldier.

His clan was involved with the Third Prince.

That was a big clan.

But they were exiled for taking the wrong side.

He turned

from a rich young man

into a frontier soldier,

how would he not resent it

or hate it?

Resentment and hatred

lead to ambitions.

Exactly.

Once a man like him

gets a glimmer of hope,

he'll seize the chance

and even

work with the devil.

So there's so much

in court politics.

I must learn carefully

from Your Highness.

Your Highness,

have some tea I made.

Any more intel?

The relationships

in Mr. Deng's family

and his guests' family.

Time was too short.

It's not detailed.

Four horses

and five carriages.

Even the number of trees

is recorded.

It's not detailed?

Xiaoman,

so besides fighting,

you're also great

at other things.

I should learn from you.

It's nothing.

When I was

at Cangmu Stronghold,

I scouted before taking action.

The size of the family,

the location of door and window...

Warehouses, and carriages...

All information was needed.

I thought you couldn't handle this.

I underestimated you.

Most of the conversations

at Mr. Deng's banquet

have been recorded.

But we failed to eavesdrop

on confidential conversations.

You just started doing this.

No hurry.

Take your time.

Now, you command

seven hundred guards

of the Imperial Guard Office.

You supervise on my orders.

You act discreetly

just to avoid disturbing people

and causing unnecessary trouble.

But even if you're caught,

you don't need to flee.

I got it.

Besides,

I set up the Imperial Guard Office,

so that you can openly command

some of the Longwei Army.

Actually, there is

a bigger purpose.

Monitor every move

of the frontier troops

and report it to me immediately.

You're doing this

for Xie Yanlai,

aren't you?

To clear the obstacles

from his k*lling mission.

Don't blab.

Leave.

Leave now.

Jiu,

I hope this will help you.

♪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♪