Lan Ling Wang
[Prince of Lan Ling]
[Episode 28]
It's best not to drink when wounded.
We were both in danger
but she chose to care for you first.
That is enough to tell who she has chosen.
Gao Chang Gong, there are two matters that I wish to clarify with you.
Please go ahead.
Firstly, although these bandits deserve to be killed
they were forced into such a life due to the raging wars.
Because of an incompetent ruler these people who suffered from
hunger and poverty took the risk to become outlaws.
I hope that you can take these bandits back to the King of Qi State
so that Gao Zhan realizes the hardship his people is going through.
If this situation continues your state would be ruined
before Zhou State even launches an attack on you.
That is my intention.
Once the Crown Prince's reinforcement arrives
we will transport the bandits back to Ye City
to await the King's verdict.
I won't sentence them to death here.
Secondly
you just saved my life.
Whatever we might encounter in the future
I am bound by duty to help you.
As for Xue Wu...
Since you have her affections
you should cherish her.
Thank you for rescuing Xue Wu.
It will be hard for me to get through the day if I don't drink today.
What's there that you can't get through?
You have everything.
It's hard to get through affections and duties.
The both of us one is the King of Zhou State
and the other a military officer of Qi State.
If we aren't on opposing sides of a war
you and I could become great buddies.
It's you who has been keeping me company.
No wonder I slept so well.
I haven't slept well for a long time.
Where's Yuwen Yung? I'd like to take a look at him.
What's the matter?
He's already left.
He saved my life.
And yet he won't give me a chance to bid him farewell.
Xue Wu.
He will understand your sentiments.
Fourth Prince and Princess Consort!
Crown Prince is here with his army and he wants to kill the bandits!
Spare us, Crown Prince!
- Light the fire. - Hold on!
Spare us, Crown Prince!
Your Highness, you mustn't do so!
Fourth Prince.
Your Highness, I have already reported back to you
that we are taking them back to His Majesty for his verdict.
What is all this for?
Why would you say so?
Father wants you to exterminate them but now you're pleading for them.
Why have you become so soft?
Your Highness, these bandits took risks to become outlaws
because they lost their families to the wars.
None of the regional officials took care of them
so that they resorted to robbery in order to stay alive.
A lot of them didn't commit any deadly crimes!
Please show them some mercy Your Highness.
We should investigate and then await for the verdict.
They have killed and robbed.
With a knife in hand they would kill anyone.
How could we uphold justice if we show them any mercy?
Men!
Crown Prince! You can't kill innocents!
Gao Chang Gong, watch your words.
I am getting rid of villains for our people.
Your Highness these bandits are still alive.
It's too cruel to burn them!
Gao Chang Gong, you'd better teach your wife some manners.
Should she offend the superior again
I won't let you off easily.
Especially you, Yang Xue Wu!
I will definitely get rid of you!
Your Highness the King is a benevolent ruler.
He wouldn't have killed so wrongfully!
He is my father.
I know what he would have done so you don't need to remind me.
And remember
I am the Crown Prince.
Set them on fire.
This...
Are you deaf?
Set it on fire!
Crown Prince! Don't!
Please spare us!
Don't set it on fire!
Please spare us!
It hurts! Save us!
Help!
Did you enjoy it?
So this is the surprise that you have in store for me?
It's a pity that it is still bright outside.
If it were at night
it will be even prettier to see the flames roaring.
It's just that the stench of burnt flesh is too repulsive.
From now on, whoever upsets you
will suffer under my command!
Your Highness, you are so kind to me.
Even Yang Shi Shen and Yang Xue Wu dared to
speak to me in such a manner in public.
Some people are so self-conceited.
They should know better who will be the future King of Qi State.
Zheng Er, don't worry.
I will make Gao Chang Gong pay a handsome price for what he has done to you.
Yes.
[Divine Sorceress: Yang Lin, R.I.P]
Grandma, I have not been filial.
I am only here now to see you.
Please watch over Xue Wu and me
and bless us with the love of a lifetime.
Xue Wu.
What's the matter?
Are you still worried about the conflict with Crown Prince?
I was indeed thinking about Gao Wei's cruel behavior.
He burnt those bandits alive.
That was so shocking to witness.
But he showed no signs of compassion.
Your Highness, it isn't as if I am worrying for nothing
because we did stand up against him today.
He's bound to keep that on his mind.
It has always been said 'To serve the king is to serve a tiger.'
We will be fine as long as we have a clear conscience.
But I can't help feeling uneasy.
Stop thinking about such matters.
Grandma, I promise you that
I will always take care of Xue Wu no matter what.
I will protect her from harm.
I will never let go of her.
- My Lady. - My Lady.
My Lady, it seems that your trip out with Fourth Prince is quite perilous.
It is.
But the greatest reward of this trip
is that both Fourth Prince and I have learned how to interact as a couple.
What's more, on this trip
His Highness finally saw Zheng Er for who she truly is.
We finally rid ourselves of that vixen.
After we got rid of that crazy woman
the Manor has regained such peace.
I hope that Zheng Er is safe.
Then she can begin a new chapter in her life.
My Lady...
Aren't you angry at her anymore?
If I were you
I'll bring her back here and give her a sound beating.
Honestly, I couldn't care less about Zheng Er at the moment.
What worries me is that conflict between Crown Prince and Fourth Prince.
They will meet in the imperial court today.
I'm afraid that the conflict might get worse and worse.
That's why I plan to remind him at breakfast later
that he should remain calm and with reason.
My Lady, you are so thoughtful.
His Highness has been practicing martial arts since this morning.
He must be figuring out his thoughts before he goes to the imperial court.
My Lady, His Highness said that he will be going to court earlier
to discuss some matters with Imperial Tutor Duan.
He's already left.
He's left already?
I...
My Lady, don't panic.
Rest assured that His Highness knows how to handle the issue.
He will be fine.
I know that.
But I somehow feel quite uneasy about this.
In regards to exterminating the bandits
I have read both reports from Crown Prince and Prince of Lan Ling.
At the final crucial moment
Prince of Lan Ling excelled in capturing these bandits alive.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I was just fulfilling my duties.
Crown Prince, the bandits are already captured by Prince of Lan Ling
so why did you submit charred and burnt heads?
Father, I have killed most of the vicious criminals on the spot.
As for the rest of the pack I kill one at every region
on my way back to the palace.
This is to warn civilians not to commit any crimes.
Crown Prince is too cruel and violent by doing so.
Father, this is a bunch of criminals.
It is only right that they are slaughtered.
It's our blessing to rid the state of these criminals.
Why haven't you admit your mistake?
First of all, you killed criminals at will
and against the law. That's acting beyond authority!
Secondly, since Prince of Lan Ling has already captured them alive
you should have persuade them to surrender instead.
You don't have broadmindedness that a Crown Prince should have!
Father, these are vicious criminals.
How could we allow them to plead surrender? That is too lenient.
Shut up!
It's easier to kill than to win people over.
If all you do is to command your men to kill
why would I still need you as a Crown Prince?
Your Majesty, please appease your anger.
This is not solely the fault of the Crown Prince.
I am also at fault.
My beloved wife, Xue Wu was captured by the bandits.
Therefore, in a fit of panic I handled the matter irrationally.
Chang Gong, you have always been loyal to this useless Crown Prince.
I...
This must have been hard on you.
Your Majesty has overstated.
It is my duty to assist Crown Prince.
Prince of Lan Ling has long shared the burdens of the state.
He has done well in the mission.
I hereby bestow a pair of imperial jade to Prince of Lan Ling.
Your Majesty
according to imperial customs imperial jade may only be
bestowed upon Crown Prince.
Could you reward Prince of Lan Ling with other gifts?
Such customs are regulated by men.
Can't I amend it?
Prince of Lan Ling carried out a deed of merit whereas Crown Prince has erred.
What's wrong with bestowing a pair of imperial jade to Prince of Lan Ling?
Prince of Lan Ling, will you disobey me?
I wouldn't dare to.
My Lady, it's better for you to wait for Fourth Prince in the Manor.
It's getting late. I'm worried that you might catch a cold.
It's fine. I will wait up for Fourth Prince alone.
You should go to bed now.
I will wait here with you.
Be good.
You're finally home.
You're so late today.
I'm so worried about you.
What are you looking at?
It's the Scarlet Star.
What is the Scarlet Star?
Grandma used to say that the appearance of Scarlet Star means
that punishment from the gods are about to be leashed out.
It is a violently inauspicious sign for rulers and the privileged.
Its appearance represent that disasters are about to happen.
Your Highness, I am already worried about your conflict with Crown Prince
and now the Scarlet Star has appeared...
I'm so scared...
Could it be...
Even if there are abnormal signs
I am not afraid of anything as long as you are with me.
But Your Highness, this...
Don't be afraid. Let's go home now.
Scarlet Star appears punishment descends.
This is inauspicious for rulers.
We're really sorry, Sire.
His Majesty has strict orders that you're only allowed
the same food as the pigs.
We really can't accept your money.
Scarlet Star appears...
It's time that I leave this place.
Wars were lost one after another.
I've nearly lost all of my lands in northern Qi State.
Prince of Chang Guang!
I command you to lead the army.
If you can defeat the army of Zhou
you are to take the throne when I pass away!
Prince of Chang Guang has defeated the army of Zhou and came back victorious!
Yes, he came back victorious.
He's back and victorious.
- Greetings to Your Majesty! - Get up quickly!
Please get up.
Great! We're fortunate to have Prince of Chang Guang in Qi State.
You've defeated the army of Zhou. What a great deed of merit!
I'm glad not to have failed you my brother!
Prince of Chang Guang you're back at the right time.
Days ago, I appointed my first born Gao Bai Nian as Crown Prince.
Prince of Chang Guang I'm badly injured falling from the horse.
The fractured bone has pierced through my heart and lungs.
There is nothing that the Imperial Physicians can do.
I'm about to die.
I know that you are bound to overthrow Crown Prince.
He is young and has no virtue.
I won't blame you for doing so.
But I have a favor to ask of you.
What is it?
By all means, take the throne!
But I beg you... not to kill my son Bai Nian!
Please at least preserve my bloodline.
Bai Nian!
Father.
Come here.
Greet your uncle as His Majesty!
Your Majesty.
What are you doing?
- Father! - Gao Zhan!
Even if you should take the throne I hereby curse you!
You will end up like me being murdered by family!
You are sure to suffer retribution!
Your Highness, the deed is done.
Let's go.
Gao Zhan, even as ghosts we won't let you off easily!
Si Xi!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, have you had a nightmare again?
From tomorrow onwards invite more monks over
to pray for me.
Your Majesty, we have already invited all the monks in Qi State.
- Where else can we find more monks? - What monks are they?
None of them out there are good enough!
If they could truly communicate with the gods
why would I have one sleepless night after another?
Yes, I will go in search of more capable monks.
An insignificant prince like him isn't fit to own imperial jade!
Once Prince of Lan Ling owns one it is no longer good enough for me!
Please wait a minute, Your Highness!
Zheng Er, you're here to talk me about of it as well.
I'm here to keep you company.
Here.
Isn't it liberating?
- Yes! - Isn't it? Come with me!
Come on!
Smash this into pieces with me!
Sure!
Here.
Do you now feel comfortable?
Yes, I do!
Now that you feel better could you listen to me?
Go on.
I think that you are in need of support in Imperial Court.
Among Prince of Lan Ling's supporters besides Prince of An De
there are also the old ones Duan Shao and Hulu Guang.
Other imperial officials used to be your supporters.
But His Majesty is too dependent on Prince of Lan Ling.
Therefore they aren't sure whether to support you or switch to
take sides with Prince of Lan Ling.
That is why they are of a neutral standing at the moment.
Your Highness should bring back your most loyal supporters.
It's best if they are eager to succeed.
Who could that be?
Zu Ting, the Imperial Astrologist.
Are you saying that His Majesty gave Fourth Prince the imperial jade
that only Crown Princes are allowed to have?
Yes, I believe that he hasn't told you about it yet.
He will be in perilous situation when Crown Prince takes the throne.
Prince of Lan Ling is a clawless phoenix.
He will fall very quickly.
Ironically, he is destined to die in the hands of his brothers.
An De, I would like you to do me a favor.
Would you help me?
By all means.
My grandma once said that Fourth Prince
is destined to worry constantly about the people and state.
Yet, he will not die in peace.
I have been thinking long and hard
but there seems to be only one solution.
It might help resolve this crisis.
What is it?
Have him retire right away and move to the countryside.
He needs to get away from the Imperial Court to avoid conflicts.
Let's put my brother's opinion aside first.
His position in court is that of Commanding Executive.
That is the commanding position beneath the King.
He can't just leave at will.
I have been giving that some thought as well.
There might be a solution.
Not bad.
Here, have some!
Have some!
Greetings to Crown Prince!
Leave now.
Your Highness.
Zu Ting, it's been hard on you.
You're here, Your Highness.
I've been waiting so long for you.
Is His Majesty heavily dependent on the services of Prince of Lan Ling?
I am willing to assist Your Highness.
I have a plan to get me back to my former position
as well as get you warmed up for taking over the throne.
What do you have in mind?
Prepare a bowl of fish blood.
That will save me from all the humiliation that I suffered.
A bowl of fish blood?
The King is a very suspicious man.
It will be the New Moon in two days
and the skies will be dull and gloomy.
This is the best time to pull off this trick.
This is a great plan.
You're still at the height of your powers.
What is the occasion?
Your Highness cooked and prepared such a feast for me.
I haven't had the chance to listen to your lectures for a long time.
Today, you must talk to me about the news of the world
so that I can broaden the scope of my knowledge.
My lectures?
Your Highness mean to say that I tend to preach too much?
Sire, please call me Xue Wu.
We seem to be on unfamiliar terms when you address me as Princess Consort.
Sure, I will call you Miss Xue Wu again like I used to.
I have a specialty dish that I would like you to sample.
It's bean soup.
Bean soup?
Fifth Prince, is the bean soup ready?
It's ready!
Coming through! Here comes the bean soup!
Hot and bubbling!
Fifth Prince, why are you here as well?
My sister-in-law's bean soup is a genuine specialty.
It's not to be missed.
Eunuch Xi.
Greetings, Your Highness.
How is Father's health these days?
Is he all right?
His Majesty has been getting more restless in his sleep recently.
He's requested that I invite monks over to chant and pray
so that he might be able to sleep better.
They have been chanting and praying for several months already.
Why doesn't it seem to work?
It's been so hard on me.
Don't panic, Eunuch Xi.
I've prayed and attained sacred water from the temple of Goddess Nu Wa.
It should have a soporific effect.
Sacred water?
Every day around sunset sprinkle sacred water around
on windows in Father's slumber chamber.
I believe that will help Father sleep better.
This is a brilliant solution Your Highness.
I will report this to His Majesty right away.
Hold on.
I'm not positive that this sacred water is really effective.
Keep this information to yourself.
Father might blame you if it doesn't help with anything.
I understand.
- I take my leave. - Thank you, Eunuch Xi.
Does Imperial Tutor know the special elements in this bean soup?
This... this bean soup seems to be overcooked and tastes bitter.
Perhaps it is because I used beanstalks
to keep the stove fire burning.
That might be the reason why the stewed beans are so bitter.
Stewing the beans...
'Beanstalks are burnt to stew beans
in the pot, the beans weep
we were once grown from the same root
why would you treat me so cruelly?'
Indeed, there's another reason for today's feast.
The meaning behind this bean soup is now quite clear to me.
By all means, please let me know what you would like me to do for you.
Sire, I'm sure that you know during the Three Kingdoms period
the sons of Cao Cao fought and killed one another to vie for the throne.
Cao Pi who took the throne
forced Cao Zhi to create a poem within seven paces.
That was how this bean poem came about.
But Fourth Prince and Crown Prince do not share the same father.
Nor do they have the same mother.
If brothers of the same parents can be so cruel to each other
why wouldn't cousins be just as bad?
True... This issue between Crown Prince and Fourth Prince is hard to tackle.
I'm not bright and therefore could only come up with one solution.
I hope to lead a secluded life in the country side with Fourth Prince.
By doing so, we might be able to keep His Highness safe from harm.
Upon hearing this solution it does seem logical.
But how could Fourth Prince abandon his responsibility as Commanding Executive?
How would he be willing to abandon the army and our people?
Princess Consort!
- I... - Princess Consort.
Miss Xue Wu, what is this for?
I don't know anything about politics so I'm asking you for help.
Please come up with a solution that will allow Fourth Prince
to retire without any worries and care.
Otherwise, judging from his personality he would rather sacrifice his own life
than to disappoint the expectations of our people.
Miss Xue Wu is so devoted to His Highness.
Personally, I've known His Highness since he was a child.
I would never stand by to see him set up by others.
As for the public's interests I wouldn't want to witness
the vicious battle between Crown Prince and Fourth Prince.
That will have a devastating impact on Qi State's prosperity.
Sire, thank you for your help!
This is overstated.
We have Fourth Prince to thank
for the cease-fire agreement between us and Northern Zhou state.
Indeed, this is the right time to get him out of the spotlight.
After Crown Prince takes the throne
should he be a tolerant ruler
it will still be a good timing for Fourth Prince to make a comeback.
Anyway, do not worry.
I will discuss this with General Hulu
and come up with a retirement plan that Fourth Prince will be happy to accept.
Thank you, Sire!
Miss Xue Wu, this bean soup of yours carries a extremely high price.
It's even more valuable than bird's nest and bear's paws.
Eunuch Xi, why are you doing such a trivial chore on your own?
It doesn't matter who does it.
It's nice of you to do this.
Imperial Tutor Duan, General Hulu and Fifth Brother.
- Fourth Prince. - Why are all of you here?
Your Highness, Fifth Prince General Hulu and I
were discussing state affairs at my residence a while ago.
We have made quite a conclusion.
That's why we are here to report to you.
Sure, tell me about it.
We think that the Land-Equalization system has to be reformed.
The powerful and privileged bullies have overtaken a lot of land.
Therefore the civilians are suffering.
I have decided to take on this task alone.
We are sure to see good results in two years' time.
As for raising funds in the militia system
I promise you that I will get it done in two years as well!
Both of you have volunteered to take on these tasks for the state.
That is indeed wonderful news.
But...
Why is this so sudden?
I will be straightforward with you.
We're all worried that Crown Prince will deal with you when he takes the throne.
Who can escape death?
I only look to staying loyal and devoted till the last.
Yes, you are right.
We know best about your loyalty virtue and patriotism.
But Your Highness...
You are already married.
Even if you won't think for yourself
you have to consider the well-being of your Princess Consort.
Exactly!
Your Highness please retire from politics.
I once promised Empress Dowager
that I will protect you even if I will lose my own life.
What's the matter with all of you?
Are you all here to persuade me to retire?
Your Highness! Please retire from court and live in seclusion with me.
Haven't you always wanted to be a commoner?
I don't need anything else.
I just want you to be safe.
That won't do.
I have great responsibility.
I now lead the six Bureaus.
How could I retire so abruptly?
You are... making me go against my virtues!
Your Highness, I sincerely think that you have to retire.
Think about it. Crown Prince has had many conflicts with you.
If that should continue
the conflicts will only escalate!
Why don't you take in Miss Xue Wu's suggestion and retire
until Crown Prince takes the throne?
If he is broadminded enough
you can then make your comeback.
That is then a blessing to Qi State!
Exactly.
I appreciate your kind sentiments.
But as a loyal subject
how could I pave my future?
Your Highness! Why can't you cherish your life for my sake?
I knew that judging from my brother's personality
he will be reluctant to walk away from state affairs.
So I came up with a great plan.
If you can't pull yourself away immediately
we'll do it gradually.
I just sought audience with the King.
I have applied for a holiday for you.
His Majesty approved of it right away.
How could you be so reckless?
What did you say to His Majesty?
What did he say when he approved of it?
I told His Majesty that you're working on continuing the bloodline of Gaos
so you need to spend more time with the Divine Sorceress.
Then Princess Consort can have a baby.
His Majesty was thrilled and approved of the holiday right away!
Please don't let me commit the crime of lying to the King.
Please do work hard on it during this period of time.
Nonsense!
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