Lan Ling Wang
[Prince of Lan Ling]
[Episode 29]
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 do work hard on it during this period of time.
Nonsense!
Your Highness, Fifth Prince might have been a bit reckless
I do think that this plan will work.
Allow the soldiers of Qi State to get used to carrying out duties as usual
during your absence.
Eventually, they will see it as a norm.
By then, it will be easy for you to retire from your duties.
Your Highness, go along with this plan in the meantime.
Take a few months off.
If not, Fifth Prince will be seen as being flippant.
Then his words will be taken lightly in the future!
Exactly!
Isn't this holding the wolf by the ears?
I thank you all for your help on behalf of Fourth Prince.
You...
Your Highness.
Please don't see us out any further.
Safe journey, Imperial Tutor General Hulu and Fifth Prince.
- Be careful on your way home. - Goodbye.
Your Highness, you've done a great job today.
Exactly.
You don't know the whole story to it.
Your Highness, I have a slight idea of what went on.
The King must have replaced Fourth Prince's position as
Commanding Executive with someone else.
Could it be Crown Prince?
Imperial Tutor is indeed very sharp.
His Majesty had indeed arranged Crown Prince to take that position temporarily.
It should have been great to offer him a chance in training.
However, he is too eager to take credits for achievements.
If he really takes over the position of Commanding Executive
his greed for achievements will be the source of trouble.
Exactly. Before the War of Mount Mang
he took over Fourth Prince's military power
and send his army out without much consideration.
He walked straight into Yuwen Yung's trap
and the entire army was almost wiped out.
I'm worried that my brother won't leave once he hears of this substitution.
That's why I didn't bring it up.
Therefore, in consideration of Fourth Prince's safety
we should give it our best to assist the Crown Prince.
By doing so, His Highness can retire with ease.
Moreover, if he should stay in the court it will bring him great disadvantages.
What is that?
I've never seen that before.
Guards!
What is the commotion?
Your Majesty, the guards hear the sounds of knocking
but there is no one in sight!
A bunch of fools!
What is the use of having so many guards?
Ghosts! There are ghosts!
Ghosts! Hurry up and order the monks to start praying and chanting!
Yes!
My brother...
Are you here to take my life?
Master Eunuch Xi.
- Is it true? - It is.
It's said that there was constant knocking on doors in the King's slumber chamber.
But the guards didn't see a soul in sight.
How could that be?
It's true!
Stop talking about this matter.
His Majesty gave a strict order to wipe out bloodlines of anyone who spoke of it.
- Let's not talk about it anymore! - Let's not.
Sir.
Your Highness, bad news!
Last night in the palace...
It's haunted!
It doesn't have anything to do with the sacred water that you gave me, right?
You have malicious intentions.
You attracted evil spirits into the palace.
How should you be punished?
I didn't...
I was just joking.
Take me to my father.
I will handle this matter. I'll make sure that you will be all right.
Go on.
Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is here.
Greetings to Father.
Father, I've heard of the incident that happened last night.
How are you feeling?
I've already given strict orders not to have this made known to others.
But it now seems that the news have already spread throughout the palace.
Please don't worry, Father.
I will definitely stop the rumors from spreading.
I wish to guard your slumber chamber for you in the night.
I hope that it will rid you of such abnormal activities.
I am also greatly worried.
Will this... abnormal situation cease tonight?
Should I hold a grand ritual to rid us of all evils?
I will do my best to rid you of such evils.
Wei Er, that is very thoughtful of you.
I will do my best.
Although I am the King
it is still my family that comes to my aid in such times of peril.
Father...
You and Chang Gong are both my nearest and dearest.
I really would like you to learn from Chang Gong.
Your Highness, did you ask for me?
Here you are.
How did you sprinkle the sacred water?
Make sure that you do the same this time as well.
The only difference is...
Apply more.
I...
You don't have to do it.
But I will report to Father right away
that you are the culprit for luring in evil spirits.
I...
Please have mercy on me.
I wouldn't dare defy you.
Carry this task out according to my instructions.
Not only will I spare your life
but also reward you heavily.
Yes...
Go on. I'll be watching you from here.
Get going!
It'd better be all right.
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!
Pour the sacred water.
Be gone, evil spirits!
Stop harassing my father!
I hereby command you
to leave this place right away!
Look! They are gone!
There aren't any more ghosts knocking on the doors.
His Highness is fantastic!
Crown Prince is great!
We don't have to be scared anymore.
Great blessings and fortune to His Majesty and Crown Prince!
Don't stand on ceremony, Crown Prince. Take a seat.
Thank you, Father.
You have done very well.
God blesses good men. I didn't do much.
I have a question.
How did you manage to resolve this problem?
I'm about to report it to you.
I wonder if Father would like to meet the man who helped me in this task?
Good idea.
He is standing right outside the chamber.
Sinner greets Your Majesty!
Zu Ting?
I committed a deadly sin.
But Your Majesty was benevolent enough to spare my life.
Father, when Zu Ting heard of the invasion of evil spirits
he approached me in hope to atone for his sins.
Zu Ting, your powers are still remarkable.
Father, Zu Ting is still a man of great abilities.
It is a pity to let his talent go to waste.
It is my duty to share the burdens of the King.
I never thought that I'd ever see Your Majesty again in my life!
Your Majesty...
Zu Ting, you have done a great deed.
Crown Prince is also pleading in your favor.
Tell me how you would like to be rewarded.
As a sinner, I wouldn't dare to!
I can't ask for a reward.
I award and punish fairly.
I've already punished you for your crimes.
I believe that you must have learned your lesson.
You may return to Imperial Astrology Palace tomorrow
and resume your position in observing the celestial signs for me.
But if you are to meddle in the matters between Crown Prince and Chang Gong
I will be sure to rid you of your head.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Thank you, Crown Prince!
Thank you, Your Majesty for your kindness!
Remove the cuffs from the Imperial Astrologist.
Yes!
Your Highness.
Imperial Astrologist Zu?
Fourth Prince.
Fourth Prince, please enter the court. His Majesty is already waiting for you.
You are meeting Father again in private.
I wonder what you are up to this time.
Greetings to Your Majesty!
Get up. There is no need for such formality between family.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Prince of An De told me that you'd like to take some days off.
I... I don't really need to...
I haven't been feeling well.
That is why I haven't been asking much about the state affairs.
But deep in my heart, I know that
ever since you took on the position of Commanding Executive
you've devoted yourself to the state and worked vigorously every day.
What's more, you led our armies to great victories over the years.
I've always wanted you to take some time off to yourself.
Even if we own swift horses
we can't make them run thousands of miles every day.
I cherish great talents and appreciate them.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I will stay loyal and devote myself to the state in gratitude of Your Majesty.
Chang Gong...
Not only are you my most reliable subject
but also my nephew.
I have great expectations of you.
This is the governance journal of our founding King
King Shen Wu.
I now pass it on to you.
I hope that it will come in handy when you govern the state.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I will make a copy of it. I will then return the original to Your Majesty.
Don't bother. This is a gift for you.
I will return the original to Crown Prince after I've copied down the contents.
I am not a fatuous king.
I know that passing this journal to you
will be far more useful than giving it to Crown Prince.
I have decided to hand over my throne not to my son
but to one who is wise and capable.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I will do my best to assist Crown Prince.
If Crown Prince won't take the throne
he will truly be blessed.
Your Majesty!
It is everyone's hope that Crown Prince succeeds the throne.
- He is sure to... - All right.
We will discuss this no further.
Start your holiday from tomorrow.
I hope to see you soon.
There is still much on my mind that I wish to say to you.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I really hope that things will go well according to Prince An De's words.
Xue Wu will be expecting a child upon your return.
Crown Prince already has two sons.
I really hope to have the chance to meet your son.
All right, head back home now.
I have already sent you a gift.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Look at this.
Your Highness.
- Your Highness. - What are you doing?
- Your Highness! - Fourth Brother.
You're home!
What is this?
What?
Look!
His Majesty sent us a cart full of soil from the temple of Goddess Nu Wa.
He meant for us to make dirt dolls to pray and ask for a child.
The legend says that Goddess Nu Wa made men out of dirt.
That was how humans came into being.
It works best when you make dolls
out of dirt from the temple of Goddess Nu Wa.
Take a look at them.
We have all each made a doll for you.
Your Highness, I wish that you will have a son of great vitality!
He will then inherit your title of the Warrior of Qi!
Don't you think he looks like you?
Good.
Your Highness.
I'm different from General Hulu.
I've made you a scholar baby.
I think that wars and fighting
should be put to an end in our generation.
He should be tutored in books of wisdom and governance.
We can then truly have a peaceful era!
Imperial Tutor, can't you talk of something else other than politics?
I've made you an adorable little girl.
- I wish that... - Is this... is this a girl?
It is!
I just hope that she can grow up to be like you.
She will be beautiful and intelligent.
Does this look like you?
You're so mean.
My brother and sister-in-law are married as ordered by the decree.
You are now ordered by the decree to have a child this time.
It must be very stressful.
I have some good news for you.
His Majesty has approved of my days off.
We can now lead a private life for several months.
This is great!
- We will leave tomorrow. - Good.
You're leaving tomorrow?
Doesn't that mean we won't leave until we're drunk tonight?
- Exactly! - Wang!
- Fifth Prince. - Get the wine!
Your Highness, we haven't even finished making our dirt dolls.
And you already can't wait to have wine?
We can have wine while we make more dolls.
That is a great amusement in life.
All right, I am going to make one myself!
- Sure! - Come here.
- Xiao Dong and I will get the wine. - Go on.
Fourth Prince.
I'm sure that mine will look nicer than his.
It takes some skills to make dirt dolls.
Let's carry on making dolls.
You...
What a great strategy!
Simply with this trick of 'ghosts knocking on doors'
you've not only restored your position
but also won me Father's trust.
Great strategy!
No matter how good my plan is I couldn't have done it
if it hadn't been for Crown Prince.
A bowl of fish blood?
Please elaborate a bit more.
The blood of finless eels has the strongest stench.
After making it into a concoction
if we could get it sprinkled around the King's slumber chamber
bats will swarm in from ten miles away when they smell the blood stench.
They will bang unto doors in search of the blood.
To those ignorant of the fact
they would think that ghosts are knocking on doors.
Do you know who was the one that suggested me
to help you make a comeback?
Who is it?
Greetings, Your Highness and Master Zu.
You may all leave now.
Yes!
I know that you bear grudges against each other.
But from now on, you are both my most important subjects.
You are also my closest and dearest.
For my sake, why don't you let bygones, be bygones?
I will obey your orders.
Miss Zheng, I apologize to you for all the wrong that I did to you in the past.
You worry too much, Master Zu.
I've heard of your remarkable scheme.
The trick of 'ghosts knocking on doors' is but the very first step in my plan.
I have another strategy coming up.
It will Crown Prince win over the throne.
Please tell us the details.
You will know about it at midnight.
Here!
Your Highness!
Look at that Scarlet Star!
What's wrong with it?
It was already dimming.
But tonight, it has boosted its brilliance.
The Scarlet Star is inauspicious.
What's more, I had a dream
about the fall of the phoenix when the Scarlet Star appears.
This...
Don't worry.
I'm not a phoenix anymore.
I am but a crane in the wild.
Are you really willing to transform from an armored phoenix
into a crane in the wild?
I know that you meant well by asking me to retire.
But it's also true that I'm still worried about the state.
Let's just take one step at a time.
Your Highness, do you see it?
It is that star!
It will get you on the throne.
It is an auspicious sign!
You haven't been feeling well recently.
No, I haven't.
Your Highness, this Scarlet Star is name Ying Huo.
When this star appears the world descends into chaos.
If there isn't a new ruler
then it is extremely inauspicious for the current ruler.
There could be injuries.
So you mean to say that
Father will pass his throne to me because of this star?
Exactly!
Your Highness, listen to me.
It isn't that easy.
I will persuade His Majesty to become the Supreme King.
And you will take the throne.
I'm sure that this plan will work.
Supreme King?
This star?
Yes, this star.
You should go to bed earlier.
- Your Highness... - I know that you are thoughtful.
But just with the help of this star...
You... Your Highness.
You are bound to make great gains if you are willing to sacrifice.
Tell me more about that.
Look, why don't we just...
Preposterous! How dare you!
Have a bit more, my child.
I'm not hungry, Mother.
You should have it.
This is all my fault.
You've never been fed properly.
Please don't say so, Mother.
I will make a lot of money when I grow up.
So that Mother will always be full every day.
This is rare to come by.
Sire!
A loving mother and a filial son how rare!
I would do you a charitable favor.
Take this money.
No...
We need an attendant in Crown Prince Manor.
I would like to take him there with me.
He will have a roof over his head and food to eat.
But I have a condition.
After he enters the manor you can't claim him as your son.
If... His Highness knows that
I got him a beggar as his attendant
both our lives will be at risk.
Do you understand?
I... I just want a better life for my son.
Don't worry. Keep the money.
Keep the money and your child comes with me.
- He will have lots to eat. - Thank you, Sire.
Thank you, Sire!
Mother!
My child, go with this Sire.
You must listen to him.
Here, be good.
- Let's go. - Mother!
- My child...
- I don't want to go! - Let's go!
- Mother! - Let's go!
My child!
Eat slowly.
Have some water. Don't choke on food.
Now that you're at Crown Prince Manor you're still stealing food?
I... I'm not stealing. I'm just saving them for my mother.
How filial of you.
You're a filial son.
What a pity. Keep eating.
Have more and once you're done eating you can be on your way.
Sire, I've changed the beggar into the clothes of the second young prince.
Do it.
Yes.
What a pity.
Your mother won't be able to have any of those food you kept.
Greetings to Your Majesty!
- Get up. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
What could be so urgent that needs to be reported to me immediately?
Your Majesty.
I dare not disobey your orders.
I have been deep in thought for days.
Evil spirits knock on doors in the palace a few days ago
so I've been observing the celestial signs.
I have finally figured it out.
I would like to know about that as well so tell me about it.
Allow me to boldly say that in regards to evil spirits knocking on doors
is just the beginning of the mishaps that the Scarlet Star is causing.
I also noticed that Scarlet Star a few days ago.
I've also wondered if the Scarlet Star had something to do with the knocking.
But you just said that such an incident is but a beginning to more mishaps?
Your Majesty, this Scarlet Star only appears once every century
and is named Ying Huo.
At the end of Han Dynasty, the same star created a great havoc.
The appearance of this evil star
represents a great change in the world.
It is extremely inauspicious for current rulers.
Do you have a solution?
I have a plan.
But for fear of offending Your Majesty I dare not mention it.
I will pardon you. Speak up!
The star of Ying Huo targets current rulers.
It won't stop till the rulers are dead.
The only solution to this
to have Your Majesty retire as Supreme King
and appoint a new King.
Then you can escape the deadly curse of this evil star.
You dare to have me give up my throne with just the threat of Scarlet Star.
I am just being honest.
Moreover, if Your Majesty retires as the Supreme King
you will still wield great power.
The new King is but a puppet.
He is just used to help you avoid the death curse of the star.
Your Majesty is still the ruler of Qi State.
All that changes is the title.
Your Majesty!
A messenger reported from Crown Prince Manor
that His Highness' second son was burnt to death by unknown fire!
Crown Prince was in so much grief that he passed out.
The young prince's body is... right outside this chamber.
Is Your Majesty going to take a look at it?
Why did this happen so suddenly?
- I have to look at it... - Your Majesty!
Bring it in!
How did this happen?
Take it out.
My darling grandson...
Your Majesty.
This must be the evil star of Ying Huo stirring up trouble.
According to your suggestion
when should I pass on the throne to avoid more disasters?
The Scarlet Star shines while the purple star of kings fade out.
I'm afraid that we only have two months to finalize this decision.
Two month...
But Prince of Lan Ling will only be back after three months.
Crown Prince might have some talent
but he doesn't have the ability to govern a state.
You should all dismiss. Leave me alone.
I need to think this through.
I take my leave.
My grandson was burnt to death...
Are the gods really punishing me?
Your Highness!
How was it, Imperial Astrologist?
We're halfway there.
After the King saw the burnt corpse of the young prince
he was greatly shocked and saddened.
It seems that he is willing to retire and hand over the throne.
Thank you for your hard work.
That's too much of a compliment Your Highness.
I am still worried so
you have to make sure that the King doesn't see the young prince.
Otherwise, our efforts will all go down the drain.
Of course.
His Majesty is still debating whether to choose you or Prince of Lan Ling
as the new King.
What is there to hesitate?
I've never been better than him in my father's eyes.
You don't have to be disheartened.
I know that this is not the time to be disheartened.
I'm just thinking about how I can do better than him
in front of all the court officials.
What plans have you come up with?
Father ordered Prince of Lan Ling to raise funds
and he sought help from the Harem.
Although he did manage to raise a small amount of funds
it isn't the sort of solution that can govern a state.
I think that we should explore the resources in our state
to make up for the deficit in our treasury.
What do you think?
This is a great plan!
His Majesty has always been worried about the deficit of the state.
If you can relieve him of that issue
you are bound to be chosen as the new King.
But Your Highness, how do you plan to explore more resources?
Do you plan to tax more heavily?
That will be the last resort.
I have my way to get the rich and privileged to help me out.
Crown Prince.
How is the funeral arrangement for my grandson going?
I've taken Father's advice and invited many monks over to pray and chant.
Well done.
You shouldn't be too upset either.
Thank you for your concern, Father.
As for Zu Ting's theory
about the Scarlet Star jinxing the current ruler
I've decided to pray to the gods in Jing Yang.
Father...
Have you decided to retire as Supreme King?
I've decided to pray to the gods and our ancestors first.
My return trip to Jing Yang will take at least a month.
You have to watch over the state while I am away.
We will discuss the other issues when I get back.
I will not fail you, Father.
Regional officials have voluntarily donated thousands of gold to the imperial court.
You have all performed well.
You contributed so much gold to the imperial court.
Your Majesty, it is our duty to work hard for the imperial court.
Very well, you may all dismiss.
Although you're just regional officials you have contributed to the state.
I will keep this matter on my mind.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Crown Prince may not be as good as Prince of Lan Ling on battlefields
but he has studied governance to great lengths.
During the two months while I was away in Jing Yang
Crown Prince has really improved a lot.
This is a blessing for Qi State.
Your Majesty prayed to gods and ancestors in Jing Yang
and has attained the approval of the deceased King
to retire as the Supreme King when you are back in the capital.
The throne is to be passed on to the descendents of Gao family.
At the moment, Crown Prince has matured into a reliable leader in the state.
This must be destined.
I have been observant of that.
Zu Ting, you should head back to the capital first.
Take care of all the preparations for my return.
As for my retirement as the Supreme King
you can pick a date to announce it to the people of Qi State.
I understand.
I will head back to the capital to make the arrangements.
I will now take my leave.
Hurry up. Let's go.
Let's leave now.
- We can't stay here anymore. - Have you got everything?
Make sure you take that with you.
There's no way we can survive.
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