Lan Ling Wang
[Prince of Lan Ling]
[Episode 30]
I never would have thought that a sword-wielding warrior like you
could also plant flowers.
What kind of flowers are you planting?
I can't tell you yet.
But I am sure that you will like the flowers that grow out from here.
Are you that good?
If the flowers that you planted
are really the ones that I love
you should switch to being a flower farmer.
A flower farmer?
- Flower farmer. - That's totally different from a warrior.
I don't think so.
What are you hiding behind your back?
Look!
Isn't this adorable?
These were my old clothes when I was a child.
Do you know that my mother saved every penny
to make new clothes for me
while she patched up her old clothes?
Yes, there are so many inside.
I've been thinking, if we have a son
I'll let him wear my old clothes.
He can have all of my childhood outfits.
Who said anything about having sons?
I want a daughter!
Daughters are great.
Our daughters can be as pretty as you.
Men with marriage proposals will swarm through our doors!
What a gift of gab!
What's the matter?
Nothing.
While we are having a great time here
leading a carefree life of happiness
the situation in the palace can't be great for Imperial Tutor and the others.
Fourth Prince...
Fourth Prince.
Imperial Tutor Duan is very experienced in the world of politics.
He will handle the state affairs very well.
You don't have to be too worried.
I am actually aware of the fact that my fifth brother kept me in the dark
of the substitute of my position.
It isn't Master Duan who is in charge but the Crown Prince.
Fourth Prince, you...
You knew about it?
You...
So you ganged up with them to lie to me?
I didn't, Fourth Prince.
We are just...
I understand...
You have my best interests at heart.
You want me to retire earlier.
At times, I do think that it is good for Crown Prince to be in charge.
He can then have the chance to demonstrate his ability and gain experience.
But Fifth Prince said that
Crown Prince doesn't have the ability to govern a state.
Who was born with an ability to govern a state?
I was called the God of Battle
but did I ride horses and was skilled in archery when I was little?
I think that Crown Prince has aggressiveness and potential.
He should be able to become a wise ruler in times of chaos.
Do you really think so highly of him?
But Master Duan said that Crown Prince is narrow-minded
and always eager to take credit for achievements.
That makes him vulnerable to making mistakes.
Crown Prince is an ordinary man as well.
To err is human.
He should make more mistakes.
It's good for him to make mistakes.
Then he will learn more lessons along the way.
You are willing to retire
so that Crown Prince can have more chances to gain experience?
It will be difficult for him to demonstrate his ability if I don't leave.
Let's hope that he can understand the efforts you made for him.
I hope that he will love the state and our people.
It will be a true blessing to the people of Qi State.
Congratulations to Your Highness!
His Majesty will soon arrive in Ye City.
After making offerings and praying to the ancestors
he will crown himself as the Supreme King
and give up his throne.
Is this true?
Yes.
Great!
Did the new regional officials receive Father with great hospitality
on his journey back to Ye City?
They are doing exactly that!
Crown Prince's newly appointed regional officials
have all donated taels and gold.
His Majesty was extremely happy.
He acknowledged your ability in evaluating the right talent.
Your Highness, you are but one step away from the throne.
That is wonderful!
Set up a feast!
Let's celebrate!
Your Highness, you mustn't do so!
- This... - Your Highness.
You should lay low as you get closer to succeeding the throne.
The King is now watching your every move.
Why don't we celebrate after you inherit the throne?
It's not too late to celebrate then.
She has a point, Your Highness.
We have the upper hand now. So we should be even more cautious.
The saying has it
'Fail to build a mound for the want of one final basket of earth.'
The both of you have ganged up to keep a tab on me.
I will heed your advice.
Our celebration can wait till the day Father gives up his throne to me.
By then, I, the Crown Prince... no
I, the King shall command Prince of Lan Ling to do a sword dance for me
and Yang Xue Wu to pour me wine.
Isn't that a delight?
Your Highness, Crown Prince has raised great funds for the treasury.
But these funds are of questionable origins.
Imperial Tutor Duan is still looking into their origins.
Noted. You may leave now.
Yes.
You're home.
You've bought quite a lot.
I did.
All right! I will demonstrate my culinary skills tonight!
Come on!
Xue Wu!
Here you go!
Have a taste of the chicken broth that I stewed.
This looks delicious.
Please have a seat, my Lady!
There's more to you than meets the eye.
All these are traditional dishes of Qi State.
Is it all right that I'm always buy groceries from nearby farmers?
The money I gave you for the chicken
is enough to buy ten chickens from that poultry farmer.
You aren't aware of how things are because of the time you spent
in White Mountain Village.
Yes!
There are indeed things that I am not aware of.
Unlike someone, he can't seem to leave state affairs behind.
He is already retired
and still, there are messengers coming over to report news.
You saw us?
If you don't about the state at all
you are not Prince of Lan Ling.
You must have asked Fifth Prince and Master Duan to send you news
every now and then.
What has happened?
Why did you look so worried?
My fifth brother sent a messenger over.
He said that Crown Prince has raised a huge amount of funds in the past few months.
Shouldn't that be great news?
Haven't you always wanted Crown Prince to do well?
I do.
But these funds are all of questionable origins.
Even Master Duan is looking into this matter.
Crown Prince...
I wonder what trick he has up his sleeves.
He is very capable.
But I hope he doesn't go astray.
Let's dig in.
Have a taste of my traditional Qi cuisine!
How is it?
It's great!
- I want more of that! - This? Sure!
My journey up north to Jing Yang took me almost two months.
During this short period of time Crown Prince managed to
raise an alarmingly handsome sum of funds for the treasury.
Crown Prince you are extremely talented.
It is my duty to share the burden of the state and the King.
Your Majesty, the funds that Crown Prince raised
is ten fold that of what Prince of Lan Ling raised in the Harem.
Such a Crown Prince is hard to come by.
The funds are indeed much more than that of what Prince of Lan Ling raised.
On my journey back to the capital
I met the regional officials who were newly appointed by Crown Prince.
They are all really capable!
They donated so much money in just a few days' time.
Your Majesty, Crown Prince is very benevolent to the people.
He knows that although regional officials do not rank high
but they are the fundamentals of a state.
That was why he mentored them.
Benevolent to the people?
That is a massive lie!
On my way back, I witnessed the wrongdoings of those officials!
Let's get out of here.
It's the fault of these treacherous officials.
We can't stay in this awful place anymore.
The Imperial Court is being so harsh on us.
We can't live in Qi State anymore!
Such oppression will drive us to rebellion.
Guards!
Such oppression will drive us to rebellion!
At your service!
Bring the leader of this pack to meet me.
Yes!
Have mercy on us, Your Majesty!
Don't be afraid.
I just want to know what is going on.
Yes...
All of you seem to be leaving with all your possessions.
Where are you off to?
We really can't stay here anymore.
So we are going to give it a try in some other counties.
This has always been a region of prosperity.
Why do you need to move?
I dare not say.
I will pardon you. Go ahead.
A month ago
the richest merchant in the region suddenly became our magistrate.
He has never been a decent man.
After he became the magistrate
he's been bullying us for no reason.
He's always asking us for money.
He'd throw us into the dungeons if we don't pay him.
This is outrageous!
Listen to me.
Take all the villagers back home and settle down.
I promise you that I will take down the head of this treacherous official
in five days' time!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
All right, you may all leave now.
- Yes! - Yes!
Guards!
At your service!
Relay my oral decree!
Command Imperial Tutor Duan to investigate this matter.
I want to know what kind of people Crown Prince appointed
to be the regional officials.
On my first day back on the Imperial Court
I must have his report!
Master Duan, brief me on this matter!
What men did Crown Prince appoint as regional officials?
Your Majesty, those newly appointed officials that Crown Prince chose
are mostly rich merchants or royalty in the local regions.
Is that true, Crown Prince?
Father, I don't think that it is inappropriate to appoint those men.
It isn't inappropriate?
Imperial Tutor, go on!
What was the conduct of these regional officials?
Yes.
As Commanding Executive
Crown Prince listed a sum for donations.
As long as these merchants donate accordingly they can become officials.
A sum for donations?
Imperial Tutor, you are such a well-mannered scholar!
I would phrase this as selling official posts!
Crown Prince, this is how you managed to raise such a huge amount of funds
within such a short period of time!
Your Majesty.
In order to build up the treasury
Crown Prince might have revived Han Dynasty's old regulation of
exchanging posts with donations.
But he has taken precaution to avoid the error in Han Dynasty
in which posts of great authority can also be bought.
Such malpractice may endanger the state.
Therefore, he has only allowed lowly posts to be attained by the public.
No posts of high authority is sold but only that of regions.
How does that not cause any impact to the people?
Crown Prince, is this all true?
Like what the Imperial Astrologist said
I have only allowed regional posts to be bought with donations.
Moreover, I have raised a huge sum that is enough to turn loss to profit.
Turn loss to profit?
A huge sum?
Once the malpractice of selling official posts is initiated
the disgruntlement of our people is enough to bring us down without any wars!
You... you are bring downfall upon us!
Father, I am only selling the lowest ranked regional officials.
It's not even important court posts.
How would this bring upon our downfall?
Crown Prince, all you can pull off are some tricks.
You have no idea how to govern a state!
You think that as long as you sell a lowly post nothing could go wrong?
When these merchants bought posts as regional officials
they still make their profits from our people to make up for their loss!
Your Majesty.
Although Crown Prince has erred
his patriotism is still commendable.
Imperial Tutor Duan!
I don't need anyone to put in good words for me!
What wrong have I done?
I definitely will keep an eye on them to make sure that
they won't exploit the people.
Crown Prince!
How foolish you are!
You still don't understand what I just said to you.
I've already met those who were moving away to avoid exploitation.
Announce my decree!
Return the donations to the donors.
Announce to the public that I will never sell official posts!
If you do so, the people will no longer take my words seriously.
What's more important? Your dignity or the prosperity of our state?
I can always appoint a new Crown Prince but there is only one Qi State!
Tell me! Which should I choose?
Announce my decree!
All six bureaus should prepare for my inauguration as Supreme King.
Upon the return of Prince of Lan Ling
I will be ready to hand over the throne!
Dismiss!
Long live the King!
Your Highness.
Let's discuss this in depth back at your manor.
Let's go! You...
Father!
Father...
Are you really going to make Prince of Lan Ling the King?
Who dares to question me about who I choose for the throne?
I am your Crown Prince.
As the heir to the throne for so many years
am I not entitled to know that?
Father...
I am your flesh and blood.
Crown Prince.
You really should learn from Gao Chang Gong.
Although you are my son
you are nowhere better than Gao Chang Gong!
It gives me great pain to know that!
I don't understand...
Why am I always compared to a subject?
I am the heir to the throne.
You always only notice the ways in which I'm inferior to Gao Chang Gong.
Have you noticed how hard I've tried?
How could you treat affairs of the state as a joke?
Your misconduct in selling official posts
has disappointed me greatly!
Father!
I am just too eager to attain results!
How is hastiness a way to govern the state?
Father, has it ever crossed your mind why I took such a risk?
Why did I took on the army of Zhou all on my own?
That's because you have never gave me a chance!
How could I ever be a match for him?
In your eyes...
you have always only favored Prince of Lan Ling.
Father...
Is Gao Chang Gong actually your real son?
And I am not your flesh and blood...
I take my leave...
Greetings to Your Majesty!
My dearest subjects, please do not stand on ceremony.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I have known the both of you for decades.
I won't beat about the bush.
There is only one thing on my mind.
Who should I pass on my throne to?
Crown Prince or Prince of Lan Ling?
Prince of Lan Ling.
I understand.
It's decided.
I'll immediately start writing up the imperial edict for appointing the new King.
It will be announced in a few days.
- We'll obey your orders. - We'll obey your orders.
It seems that Father is definitely giving his throne to Prince of Lan Ling.
How could he possibly put up with me when he gets the throne?
If so...
Zheng Er.
Are you willing to leave the palace with me?
We'll just be an ordinary couple from then on.
Your Highness, you mustn't!
Once Prince of Lan Ling is crowned as the King
there is nowhere you can go.
Moreover, in order to prevent future complications
Prince of Lan Ling is sure to get rid of you sooner or later!
If Your Highness do not wish to be at the mercy of him
there is only one way out of this.
Your Highness, before Prince of Lan Ling gets back your own way out of this is to
- usurp the throne! - How dare you!
You want me to usurp the throne?
Your Highness this throne should be yours.
How is this considered usurping the throne?
Your Highness!
Will you sit by doing nothing when Prince of Lan Ling takes the throne?
Please do not worry, Your Highness.
I have a plan
that won't arouse any suspicion.
The people will see you as a filial son instead.
Come and have a look!
Zheng Er, why are we dressed as such?
Where are you taking me?
Young master, didn't I already tell you
that you have to mask your identity?
Watch where you go...
- How dare you... - Young master!
Young master.
Why are people here all so rude?
This is what I've been trying to tell you.
It's always the hardest to lay down low in the crowd.
Who would have thought that
Crown Prince of Qi State would be here?
What has that got to do with us?
Since it's the hardest to lay down low in the crowd
the best place to assassinate the King
is in Imperial Court with all the officials present.
No one would have guessed that you would be so bold.
It's just like how no one would have guessed that
we're discussing a scheme so treacherous that we can lose our heads for it.
It will be the Celestial ritual of Rou Ran Tribe in two days.
Let's do it on that day.
The King has arrived!
Long live the King!
My loyal subjects.
You may all rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, the ambassador of Rou Ran Tribe seeks audience.
Summon him in.
Summon the ambassador of Rou Ran Tribe!
I served in the Harem for years so I know that
every year around this time our allies of Rou Ran Tribe
will send their ambassador over.
They will offer the sacrificed lamb to His Majesty.
According to the customs
His Majesty will take a bite of that grilled lamb.
That is to demonstrate the friendship between both tribe and state.
Our only chance is to poison that one bite of the grilled lamb.
The ambassadors of Rou Ran Tribe greets His Majesty!
You may all rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Ambassador, sire.
Please present this to His Majesty.
Please wait a moment.
Your Majesty, the ambassador would like to offer you their ritual sacrifice.
This is to bless Qi State with great prosperity and peace.
I accept!
As the Imperial Tutor
Duan Shao is sure to examine the meat.
He always been very sharp.
He is bound to be cautious.
We now invite Crown Prince to present the ritual sacrifice to His Majesty.
I accept!
However, we can apply poison
on the dagger that's used to slice the meat
and the King will consume it unknowingly.
Your Highness can put all the blame on Rou Ran Tribe
when the King dies from the poison.
Or even blame Duan Shao for it.
They can be your scapegoat.
His Majesty is most likely to announce
the new King to the throne at the Celestial ritual today.
So as long as we can paralyze His Majesty with poison today
before he announces Prince of Lan Ling as the new King
then nothing could possibly go wrong.
After I have tasted the ritual sacrifice
I am sure to be blessed with longevity.
An idea now suddenly sprang to my mind.
I have decided to announce the successor to the throne today
after my retirement as Supreme King.
Your Majesty, the evil star of Ying Huo is at its brightest now.
Your sudden announcement of your successor
might go against God's will.
How could the new King of Qi State be weary of supernatural elements?
I have made up my mind!
It is best to get the formalities done as soon as possible.
Go on. Announce my edict.
- By... - Father!
Why don't you wait till Prince of Lan Ling returns?
That's not necessary.
Once this edict is announced all will know of it.
He will then seek audience with me.
Announce the edict!
- By... - Please hold on!
Father...
Crown Prince!
Why are you so ill-mannered in the Imperial Court?
- Your Majesty! - Father!
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! - Don't come any closer!
At that time, the life of the King is in the hands of Crown Prince.
Your Majesty! Here!
What's going on?
Your Majesty!
Everyone must wait outside!
Get the imperial physicians to wait out here!
Yes!
Father!
Father... here...
Father...
After the King is unconscious only Crown Prince could carry him in.
Officials are not allowed in the King's private chambers.
Once His Majesty is dead
the throne that you've always dreamed of will be yours.
Father.
It's just the two of us now.
We can finally have a heart-to-heart talk.
I've always wanted to talk to you like it is right now.
But I've never got the chance to do so.
I really don't understand
how we got ourselves to this predicament today.
Since I was little
you've always doubted my ability.
But you've never given me a chance to prove my worth.
I am your heir and Gao Chang Gong is but a subject.
Why have I always been compared to him since I was a child?
I really didn't want to kill you.
Give the edict to me!
- I... - Give it to me!
Father...
Wei Er...
- Father... - You...
No...
- Father. - You...
What were you trying to feed me?
No, Father... This...
Poisonous wine!
Zu Ting taught me to do so.
I... I am just scared that you will pass the throne to Prince of Lan Ling.
I dare not do so anymore!
Please forgive me!
You were going to poison me...
I dare not do so anymore...
Father...
Wei Er.
Why have you treated me so?
- Father, please forgive me. - Why have you treated me so?
Father! Hush!
Father, I dare not do so anymore!
I know that I've done wrong!
I really don't dare to do so anymore!
Guards!
His Majesty is calling for us.
Should we go in?
I am going to abolish Crown Prince!
Summon Prince of Lan Ling!
I am going to abolish Crown Prince!
Summon Prince of Lan Ling!
I...
Imperial Astrologist, you...
Get lost!
Crown Prince!
The edict says that the throne is given to you...
This...
Father!
Father...
Blood!
Why can't I wipe it off?
I can't wipe it off...
Father, I've done wrong.
Father!
Father...
This is the King's edict.
His Majesty was going to give the throne to...
Crown Prince.
Who should I pass the throne to?
Is it Crown Prince or Prince of Lan Ling?
Prince of Lan Ling...
is not an appropriate choice.
Crown Prince is the best choice.
How is this reasonable?
First of all, Prince of Lan Ling is compassionate and virtuous.
He has a very soft nature.
If we are in a peaceful era
he is bound to be a wise king.
But we are now is an era of warfare
in which Prince of Lan Ling is unsuitable as a King.
Crown Prince is the exact opposite.
He might be a bit vicious in some ways
but with some guidance
he could become a warlord of such chaotic times.
Crown Prince sold official posts!
Your Majesty, although Crown Prince did sell official posts
according to Master Duan's investigation
every penny from it was donated into the treasury.
He didn't keep any of it for himself.
Master Duan, you may continue.
Secondly and most importantly
if I may be so bold to say that
Your Majesty has long wanted Crown Prince to take the throne.
You might seem a bit hesitant now
but you still expect him to mature and improve
in hope of becoming the future King of Qi State.
As for Prince of Lan Ling
you hope that he can assist Crown Prince
as a warrior and a loyal subject.
Imperial Tutor Duan.
You are indeed my confidante.
You saw right through me.
I wouldn't dare to.
But... General Hulu and I are very concerned about an issue.
Speak your mind.
Your Majesty, my concern is that Crown Prince will make life hard
for Prince of Lan Ling after he takes the throne.
Prince of Lan Ling has no intention to overtake the throne.
Use him well
or allow him to retire.
Please do not allow bloodshed within the same family!
I understand.
I hope that after Crown Prince takes the throne
you can both assist him with great earnest.
All right! It's decided.
I'll immediately start writing up the imperial edict for appointing the new King.
It will be announced in a few days.
- We'll obey your orders. - We'll obey your orders.
His Majesty never intended to pass the throne to Prince of Lan Ling.
He's just using him to motivate Crown Prince.
My brother excels and Crown Prince falls behind.
This is so obvious!
How could His Majesty...
Fifth Prince...
His Majesty is also a mortal man.
Your Highness...
This isn't the time to grieve.
We should head out now.
We have to appear before all the imperial officials
to succeed the throne as soon as possible.
Your Highness.
This is the final step to take
as well as your crucial moment to survive in the palace.
Please heed my advice.
We have to head out.
If we don't...
Suspicions might be aroused.
Your Highness!
We have to get this over and done with!
He's out.
- Si Xi. - Yes!
Get Crown Prince something neat to change into.
Then ring the bell for the King's demise in an hour's time.
His Majesty... He...
- He... - I will announce it to the officials.
The King is deceased.
Crown Prince will inherit the throne.
Si Xi...
If you can't carry out the two tasks that I just gave you
I'll offer you as a sacrifice to the deceased king!
Yes!
What is there to cry about?
Your father killed his brother to usurp the throne.
And now his son kills him for the throne.
That has always been so in the Gao family.
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