Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 17]
Judging by your capability, you're no match for me.
You...
How is this possible?
Who is the mastermind behind all this?
Who have you imprisoned in there?
I should have known that you wouldn't be easy to tackle.
I'll surely get to the bottom of this today.
Defeat my voodoo puppets first!
They are actually scared of fire.
Black Armor Army has the Celestial Dance House surrounded.
We will surely take down the Celestial Dance House today.
If you put up any resistance, you'll be killed.
Didn't I tell you not to attempt anything dangerous alone?
Why didn't you listen?
There are still secrets in this hidden chamber that we have yet to discover.
There must be more to find out.
Master.
Black Armor Army has the Celestial Dance House surrounded.
Madam Wu entered the secret chamber but she is nowhere to be found.
Useless scums!
There's a powerful enchanted seal on this wall.
Who is imprisoned behind it?
Could Elder Xi Xie be imprisoned in here?
My mentor?
What could you do even if it were your mentor trapped inside?
The two of you wouldn't be able to break this seal.
Should Prince Ling agree to a condition of mine
I can try to come up with a way to break the seal.
What is your condition?
If I break this seal for you
you will have to set me free.
As long as Elder Xi Xie is well
I can ensure that your life will be spared.
With just the two of you, you dream of breaking the seal?
Forget it!
We're too late.
Ling.
Keep a close watch on them and interrogate them carefully one by one.
Yes.
How old are you?
I'm 18 years old.
What about you?
I'm 17 years old this year.
How long have you been here?
A year.
- Next. - Your Highness.
- How old are you? - 17 years old.
What have you found?
We've searched Celestial Dance House.
Next.
I'm already 16 years old.
How long have you been here?
Two months.
Come with me.
Where are you going?
Get them!
Hurry up!
Ling.
A dark sorceress in the disguise of a courtesan has rescued Wu Ping Ting.
It was my momentary oversight.
They managed to escape from here.
Do you still remember the construction plan of this place?
The bottom of this well is connected to the moat around the city.
Bring our men there right away.
We might still be able to intercept them.
- Yes. - One more thing.
You must interrogate everyone in the dance house carefully.
No more accidents should occur again.
Come with me.
This smell...
It doesn't seem to be Wu Ping Ting's scent.
This scented sachet is different from the one Wu Ping Ting gave me.
The herbs in this sachet can ease one's nerves and mind.
There's no psychedelic drug in it.
I seem to have seen this scented sachet somewhere.
Your Highness has seen it before?
I've seen this on Yuan Ji.
I've never met the third prince.
I wonder what he is like.
Although Ji doesn't interact very often with the rest of us
he's very humble and polite to every one of us.
It's just that Father has never favored him.
Hence, he chose to stay away from political affairs.
He rarely asks about state affairs.
Judging by what you said
it's impossible for the third prince to be involved in this matter.
However, on the other hand
it's likely that he could have concealed his actions in such a way
to make arrangements in secret.
I believe that however scheming a person might be
his eyes would betray his intentions.
You might not know, but my third brother has the softest eyes among us all.
However, this scented sachet is our own clue now.
We can't give it up.
All right.
I'll pay him a visit at his manor.
Be cautious.
Perhaps the one person you take no precaution with
might be someone of ruthless means.
What is it?
You're worried about me?
Don't worry.
I've fought on the battlefields for years.
Not just anyone could plot against me so easily.
I'll inform you right away once I have any information.
Protect His Majesty!
Zhang Shu! Be careful!
These aren't just ordinary assassins!
Go after him!
Your Majesty!
Zhan!
I will have you burn all these assassins!
The only ones who could conjure such evil sorcery
to assassinate me would be The Mages!
It seems that I should have been more ruthless to The Mages.
Convey my decree.
Search carefully and thoroughly.
Once any of The Mages are found, kill them on the spot!
Dark sorceresses tried to assassinate His Majesty?
Judging by the news I've received from our sisters, it seems to be so.
His Majesty can be hostile to The Mages.
But The Mages would never harm the imperial family.
Once the emperor is dead, the world will be in chaos.
Who knows how many innocent lives will be lost?
Investigate this quickly.
Find out how the dark sorceresses learned that
His Majesty was coming to pray at Emperor Mountain.
Yes, I'll see to that immediately.
I had intended to resolve the conflict between The Mages and the imperial family
at this praying ritual but now the misunderstanding has even deepened.
Who exactly are you?
Someone who could overturn the imperial court and destroy The Mages.
What grudge do you hold against The Mages?
The Mages...
How is the Meandering Skies any different from suffering a genocide?
I didn't have all of you wiped out because I wanted to make use of you.
I wanted the rest of you to become the best weapon in tackling the Yuans.
It's actually you?
You plotted and framed The Mages
to make the imperial family attack the Meandering Skies.
It's too late to have only figured that out now.
Fret not, Elder of the Meandering Skies.
In no time, I'll invite all of the Elders to come here together
to bear witness to the destruction of The Mages and the imperial family.
In your dreams!
She actually has a sacred pebble with her.
She knows the forbidden powers of dark sorcery so well...
yet she could also manipulate the sacred pebble...
She must have had deep ties with The Mages.
This person stoops to sinister means.
Tao Yao and the others might not be able to tackle her.
You had sent a message earlier on to say that you know where Xi Xie is.
Yes.
I discovered that he was trapped in a secret chamber
within the Celestial Dance House.
I was so close to rescuing him
but someone suddenly appeared and took him away.
Who could it be?
Even Xi Xie couldn't defeat him?
My mentor seems to have had his powers sealed by dark sorcery.
Judging from the physical form, it should be a woman.
If so, it must be the Chief Elder of dark sorcery.
However, several years ago, we did come to blows with them.
We killed two of their Chief Elders.
Since then, dark sorcery has dwindled.
It was when the imperial family attacked the Meandering Skies
that we knew there was still another Chief Elder of dark sorcery.
Judging from what you just said
it must be someone else who is controlling the dark sorceresses.
Perhaps, it's that person who took my mentor away.
Now that the Celestial Dance House is closed down
we've lost all traces of clues.
The calamity that befell upon the Meandering Skies
might be associated with dark sorcery.
Although they managed to destroy most of the evidence in Celestial Dance House
I still have some clues at hand that could still be investigated.
Really?
However, this must not be made known to anyone.
We'd be at a loss if our enemy found out.
What is your plan?
If we were to go against the imperial family now
it's just a hopeless battle.
I hope that you can keep our tribesmen from taking any action.
Please also look into Jade Blood Chamber for me discreetly.
Perhaps, we might find something useful.
Sure, I can promise you to do so.
However, if you fail to find evidence of dark sorcery
I will put an end to this matter with my own method.
Rest assured, Elder.
I will surely do my very best.
I've failed at my task.
I nearly bungled up an important mission.
Master, please punish me.
Have you taken care of those who stayed behind in the dance house?
Master, rest assured.
They have all taken the drugs.
They wouldn't reveal any confidential information.
I reminded you a long time ago!
I told you to be wary of that sorceress, Qing Chen.
You have fallen at the hands of some unknown sorceress repeatedly.
How could you possibly take over the Meandering Skies?
It was my oversight.
I didn't expect Prince Ling to be involved with that sorceress.
That was why Black Armor Army took us by surprise.
Get up.
It isn't just Prince Ling.
Even Prince Zhan was commanded to investigate
Celestial Dance House discreetly.
They have planned this for some time.
They kept everyone in the dark.
Not even I knew anything about it in advance.
Considering that you were defeated by both of them
it isn't that bad of a mistake.
Fortunately, Elder Xi Xie wasn't rescued by them.
It's just that I don't know what took him away.
Could there be anyone but the Chief Elder of dark sorcery
who could seal off Elder Xi Xie's powers?
The Chief Elder of dark sorcery?
The Chief Elder of dark sorcery acts so mysteriously
and neither of us have met her.
Aren't you worried that there's something fishy about this matter?
That is none of your concern.
You should keeping searching for Feng family's second young mistress.
Should you find any information, report to me at once.
Yes.
You're not to take any action during this period of time.
You have acted so recklessly.
It nearly bungled up my plans.
Should anyone to get hold of any evidence again
not even I can save you.
Yes.
We have been too careless this time.
When do I get to meet Elder?
I'd like to ask for your guidance in person.
Your Highness, the more you know, the more danger you are in.
The Mages will soon be wiped out.
The throne that you seek shall be yours soon.
As long as you follow my instructions
all that Your Highness wishes for shall come true.
Imperial Physician He, how is my father?
His Majesty was wounded by the powers of The Mages.
Fortunately, his injuries aren't serious.
I'll prescribe a medication to nurse His Majesty slowly back to health.
Luckily, Prince Zhan took the blow in his stead.
Otherwise, His Majesty's internal organs would have all been damaged.
The consequences would then be...
Your Majesty, I was too careless.
I'm deeply apologetic that this trip has nearly ended up in a great disaster.
Father, I've failed to protect you.
Please punish me!
I am well aware that The Mages won't give up on wiping out the imperial family.
It's a pity that we didn't get to round them all up this time.
Your Majesty...
Although your injuries aren't serious
you must still rest and recuperate.
I hereby command you to head over to
Zhan's manor to take a look at his injuries.
He deserves to take credit for rescuing me this time.
At whatever the cost, you must ensure that his life isn't at risk.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Father!
You may all get up.
Where are Ling and Che?
Father, Ling, and Che just led the army over
to seal off Celestial Dance House.
They have captured some dark sorceresses.
They are interrogating them in batches now.
Many missing women were found in Celestial Dance House.
It's just that...
some of them were already killed by sorcery.
Sorcery? It's sorcery again?
It's definitely some sort of harmful powers.
Father, don't worry.
Ling has already found a way to resolve such powers.
I believe that they won't be able to stir up more trouble.
As long as The Mages exist, our nation won't ever be peaceful.
Convey my decree.
All tribesmen of The Mages are to be killed.
Better than to miss out on a guilty one.
Yes.
Why is Ming nowhere to be seen?
In a few days, it's Mother's death anniversary.
Ming is in his manor setting up for Mother's memorial ritual.
He has already turned away all visitors for a few days.
You're all dismissed.
I'm tired.
We'll take our leave now.
How is His Highness?
It was very close.
If His Highness weren't in great physical condition
he wouldn't be alive now.
His Majesty is deeply concerned about Your Highness's condition.
Therefore, he commanded me to see to His Highness's injuries.
In the next couple of days, I'll be coming over to the manor
to nurse Your Highness back to health.
Your Highness will have to recuperate in bed.
You mustn't stir up your flow of energy again.
I understand.
Thank you, Imperial Physician He.
Li Lin, see Imperial Physician He out.
- Yes. - Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness--
Are you all right?
It's all fine in here now.
You should head back to your room.
Should any mishap befall upon you
even if I die a hundred times over, I won't be able to redeem myself.
Everything I've done was to make Yuan Xi's death worthwhile.
It has nothing to do with you.
Not then, not ever.
I'm tired. You should leave.
I'll take my leave now.
Li Lin.
- Your Highness. - How is it at Celestial Dance House?
The dance house is now sealed off.
The dark sorceresses hiding in it have all been captured.
However, Wu Ping Ting was rescued by a mysterious woman.
Prince of Luling.
Why is it the eldest prince?
A-Chai Tribe has always been clear about who to love and hate.
If that assassin was a gift from Liang State to A-Chai Tribe
we shall also return a huge gift upon Prince of Luling's visit.
You would accuse me so?
That's quite eye-opening.
I've come today upon hearing that your head of state is severely ill
and brought the finest medicinal herbs with me.
But I never thought that I wouldn't get to meet the head of state.
It seems that the rumors are true, then?
When Your Highness sent over your state letter to seek audience
we already knew that you wouldn't visit A-Chai Tribe just as a guest.
You're actually here to find out how my father really is.
Should any mishap befall upon the head of state
you'll have to collaborate with me in order to keep A-Chai Tribe under control.
Prince of Luling is here?
The matters of A-Chai Tribe are those of our nation's concern.
How can any outsider meddle in them?
Head of State?
Prince of Luling seems very surprised.
You didn't expect me to be alive and kicking?
A-Chai Tribe might be a small country at the border
but we're not that easy to tackle.
Head of State, excuse me.
If you're alive and well, that is a blessing for A-Chai Tribe.
It is also what Great Liang State would wish for.
It's best to get your facts right.
I believe that someone must have framed Liang State.
Since Prince of Luling is here in A-Chai Tribe
why don't you assist us in investigating this case?
That should also clear the doubts we have in our minds.
Should Prince of Luling be glad to do so
we'll trouble you with it then.
My conscience is clear.
Would I be afraid of you?
Father!
I heard that Liang State's Xiao Xu has visited A-Chai Tribe.
I have yet to receive any letter from my brother.
Xiao Xu must have his doubts about my father's illness.
I have been accompanying Your Highness closely these days.
I'm afraid that Liang State must have been informed of it.
The spies that Liang State planted in various states are quite capable.
Liang State is very ambitious.
They have long wanted to unite the north and the south.
Only by joining the forces of Wei State and A-Chai Tribe
can we put an end to Liang State's vicious ambitions.
Miss Qing Chen, this way, please.
How is His Highness's injury?
His Highness is indeed badly injured.
Fortunately, the imperial physician has been here to see him
prescribed him medication, and told him to recuperate in bed.
I never thought that the dark sorceresses would use that chance
to try and assassinate His Majesty.
I was trapped in Celestial Dance House
not knowing that such a serious matter had happened.
His Highness will surely be very happy to see you here.
His injury will also heal much faster.
His Highness has told us not to disturb him.
Miss Qing Chen, please go in alone.
Thank you.
Your Highness.
Your Highness is injured.
It's best for you not to sit up.
I heard that you fought against the dark sorceresses in the dance house.
Are you hurt?
I'm all right.
I just didn't expect things to turn out as such.
If Your Highness hadn't rushed to Emperor Mountain
to fend off the dark sorceresses
The Mages would forever have been accused of killing the emperor.
We'd never be able to clear our name.
Please allow me to bow to Your Highness in gratitude.
There's no need to stand on such ceremony between us.
He is my father.
I only did what I should've.
It's just that after this incident
I'm afraid that my father will only be more wary of The Mages than ever.
Therefore, you must act more cautiously from now on
to avoid exposing your identity as a sorceress.
What is on your mind?
Nothing much.
I just didn't expect Your Highness to be so protective of The Mages.
The Mages assisted Great Wei in founding our nation.
They protected our people.
Although my father is now blinded by deceit
justice and truth will always prevail in the end.
What's so strange about me taking sides with The Mages?
Your Highness is really different from what I thought you would be like.
What am I like in your mind?
I don't know anymore.
If so, why don't you move back to my manor?
You can then truly get to know what sort of a person I am.
Now that Celestial Dance House is sealed off
you might as well move back here instead of looking for another accommodation
and it'll be easier for you to learn of the investigation.
I'll stay in the manor for the time being.
I'll assist with your recuperation by using my powers.
We'll discuss the rest after you've recovered.
Sure.
Ji?
I've long heard that Ji has a quiet household.
Yet I never thought that he didn't even have a servant.
Ling? What brings you to my manor?
Please do have a seat.
Ji, why don't you have any servants?
Why didn't you ask to have some people over to serve you?
I'm an idle man anyway.
In fact, there's no need for that many people
to help with the chores in my manor.
It's just a waste of manpower if they serve by my side.
That's why I have dismissed them gradually over the past two years.
Only a few veterans are here to assist with some matters.
They must be out on errands now.
Ji, as a prince, this is too hard on you.
I've always preferred peace and quiet.
Ling, you should know that.
Now that I'm already used to it, it doesn't matter anymore.
What exactly brings you here to my manor today, Ling?
That's right. I'm here to ask you about something.
Ji, have you ever seen this before?
This scented sachet...
Ling, how did you come by this?
I accidentally found this in Celestial Dance House
when I was investigating the case.
I seem to remember that you have an identical sachet
so I'm here to ask you if you remember it.
It might be of some help to the investigation.
I did have an identical scented sachet.
But I lost it and I never found it.
Could this be the one that you lost?
It's been such a long time.
Besides, it's nothing important anyway.
I don't remember much about it.
Ling...
I still have some matters to attend to in my manor.
I won't keep you here much longer.
Ji, if you recall any clues, be sure to inform me.
- Sure. - I'll take my leave now.
Jiu, is it really you?
But where could you be now?
Why have you disappeared for so many years?
Ling!
Judging by the look on your face, you must have found some clues?
Exactly! It might help us in seeking out the true mastermind
behind Celestial Dance House.
Miss Qing Chen.
You came at the right time.
I'm just talking to Che about the Celestial Dance House case.
Why don't you join us?
Have you made any new discoveries?
Previously, we found out that the missing women all came from noble families
which had connections with Feng family.
But they ceased all contact later on.
This is because Minister Feng was assigned to investigate
the corruption case of the civil service examination.
That case implicated a great many people.
The noble families that once were friendly
with Feng family were also involved.
They thought that they could get away with it
because of their friendship with Feng family.
They did not expect Minister Feng to handle the case impartially.
These noble families were all punished by my father.
However, Minister Feng had consolidated his position
in the imperial court because of this case.
He then moved up the ranks smoothly
taking the prime minister position he has now.
My father had just taken the throne then and his regime was unstable.
Due to that reason, he had replaced all the officials from the previous reign
and strongly promoted new officials.
Minister Feng was held in high regard by my father because of it.
This placed Feng family among the three major families.
Have all the women been returned to their original homes?
In order to facilitate our investigation as well as to protect them
we've arranged for them to stay in the outskirts of Heavenly Capital.
Is there any evidence to prove that Feng family captured them?
They all said that the dark sorceresses brought them to Celestial Dance House
but none of them are aware of the reason behind it.
This matter is then left without any clues.
It's all right.
This is as we had expected.
Feng family's influence and authority are growing.
Most of the imperial officials are scared to go against them.
Moreover, Minister Feng holds the right to elect officials
through the appointment system.
If they offend Feng family, gone are their chances of becoming officials.
Therefore, Minister Feng doesn't have to handle this matter personally.
Someone would have taken care of it for him.
Ling, you're absolutely right.
However, all these women had their bodies checked
after they were captured.
In order to search for a tattoo on them.
A tattoo?
All they know is that they were checked for a tattoo.
However, they do not know what tattoo it is.
20 years ago, if I remember it correctly
apart from the corruption case
that was the year the second
young mistress of Feng family went missing.
So the disappearance of Feng family's second young mistress
could be an act of revenge made by those noble families?
Therefore, Feng family had those ladies of noble families of the same age
captured to check for the tattoo. That all makes sense now.
It seems that all the clues are pointing in the right direction.
Let's not get too anxious.
Whether Feng family has found the right girl yet
and what the connection of that tattoo they are checking is
should be further verified.
It seems that we're getting closer to unraveling the truth now.
Your Highness.
Princes aren't allowed into the palace at night unless summoned.
How did Your Highness get in?
I have the written permission from the Crown Prince.
Besides, whatever I do, Yuan Hao will always cover up for me.
Your Highness, where exactly did you go that night?
If it weren't--
Wise up about matters that you shouldn't know.
Don't ask. Don't probe.
I'm just worried about Your Highness.
What about the tasks that I entrusted to you?
Crown Prince and Princess Duo Xia have been inseparable these days.
There's also the martial bond in place.
I...
I haven't found the appropriate chance yet.
Should the martial bond be tied
Yuan Hao would have then have A-Chai Tribe as his supporter.
Then, it would be even harder to drag him from his position.
You should be taking some action in hindering this marital bond.
Your Highness wants me to...
You're a smart girl.
There are some matters that you need not ask me.
As long as they're your orders, I'll surely obey them.
Greetings to Crown Prince.
Crown Prince.
- Ming. - Hao.
Lately, I've been busy with the political affairs.
I didn't have the time to leave the palace
so I asked you over at this hour.
There are some matters that I need to instruct you on personally
so as to ease my mind.
It will be Mother's death anniversary in a few days.
I already told Father the other day
that you're preparing for the memorial ritual in your manor.
Whatever you are up to, be sure to rein it in a bit.
Don't let anyone catch hold of your mistakes.
Hao, you're right to preach me.
That day, I was too careless.
That's why I'm here especially to thank you.
We're siblings. What is that for?
It's just that there's too much going on in the imperial court
and Father is in a bad mood.
We should all act more cautiously.
Thank you, Hao.
It's getting quite late.
You should head home to get some rest.
Hao, get some rest soon.
Your Highness, these are the tasks that His Majesty has assigned to you.
Please see to these first.
Recently, Father has asked me about my marriage.
I think that it's about time to ask Master Mo for a suitable wedding date.
What do you think?
This is an important state event.
Won't Your Highness reconsider it?
I've already given it much thought.
Now, all I am waiting for is a result.
Greetings to Crown Prince.
Mister Mo.
I've asked you here for a favor.
Your Highness, feel free to give any orders.
I'd like Mister Mo to select a wedding date for me.
Crown Prince's marital bond with A-Chai Tribe
has been His Majesty's greatest concern these days.
It's just that no imperial decree has yet to be announced.
It isn't for that cause.
Mister Mo, please select a date for me first.
Your Highness, this is...
Mister Mo, please keep this a secret for the time being.
I shall explain this to you some other day.
All right.
Rest assured, Your Highness.
I will select an auspicious date according to your wishes.
You do have a lot of patience.
You waited until today to greet me?
Father, please forgive me.
Zhan is still recuperating from his injury
and I've taken over the investigation.
If I can't seek out the real mastermind
I'm too embarrassed to seek audience with Father.
What have you discovered after these few days?
What I am certain right now
is that Celestial Dance House is seemingly a courtesan house
but it's actually a facade for harboring dark sorceresses in Heavenly Capital.
Moreover, they caused trouble and interfered with politics
by making use of Jade Blood Chamber.
Evil witches and rebels...
Their motives are abominable.
How can I pacify the world if I don't wipe them all out?
Just a moment, Father.
I've received some information lately.
The Mages are divided into two branches.
One is the legitimate line of The Mages in the Meandering Skies.
The other is the dark force known as dark sorcery.
They might originally stem from the same ancestors
but they have always been at odds with each other.
Jade Blood Chamber isn't related to the Meandering Skies in any way.
It's an organization manipulated by dark sorcery.
If Father orders to have all sorcerers and sorceresses killed
not only would the innocent be wronged and our people stirred into panic
but it would also give our enemies a chance to wreak havoc.
In your opinion, what should I do?
I hope that Father will grant me permission for a matter.
When I was investigating those victims killed by dark sorcery
the symptoms they had reminded me of an incident in the palace.
You always speak your mind at all times.
What past incident in the palace made you fearful of mentioning it?
Their symptoms were identical to that of the empress then.
Do you know what you're saying?
Empress died from an illness back then.
If there was more to it than met the eye
wouldn't Father wish to get to the bottom of it?
You mean to say that The Mages didn't kill my empress?
I wouldn't dare to make a conclusion so hastily.
However, the case of The Mages and the death of the empress
were two very influential events.
I hope that Father will allow me to investigate them
so as to ensure the safety of Great Wei.
Only you would dare to say such words right in my face.
Do you not know that both cases would implicate a great many people?
If what you said were true, this would be a perilous task.
You're gambling with your own life.
My body, hair and skin all have been received from my parents.
If I could share Father's burdens, I'd have nothing to fear.
Nothing to fear indeed.
I didn't hear a word you said today.
In the days to come, I only ask for a definite result.
Do you understand?
I'll surely give Father an answer.
I'll take my leave now.
Subtitles Partly Synchronized by @Sininho - avistaz.to