Subtitles by DramaFever
[Lost Love In Times]
[Episode 39]
Ming Yan.
Elder Mo, how was it?
I've been to see Qing Chen about it.
His Majesty has made the decree.
She can't do anything about it.
It seems that I'll have to leave the palace.
Elder Mo, after I'm gone
you'll be alone in the palace so you have to take care of yourself.
Don't worry.
It's actually good that you're leaving the palace.
Your mentor has suffered several damages to her spiritual powers.
If you could look after her, I'd be a lot less worried.
Elder Mo, don't worry.
I'll look after my mentor.
Elder Mo, please hand this scented sachet to Prince Li.
Although this sachet isn't as valuable as that jade pendant
I crafted this by extracting my spiritual powers.
He often seems lost in his thoughts.
If he carries this scented sachet on him, it will help calm his nerves.
All right, don't worry.
I'll hand it to him.
Elder Mo, I now bid you farewell.
I'm sorry...
The longer you remain in the palace
the more dangerous it is for you.
I... I have tears?
What are you doing at my quarters again?
Look at how I am now.
Where else can I go apart from your place?
You're crying?
I've been the Guardian of Nine Transformations for years.
This is the first time I know what it means to cry...
What it means to be heartbroken...
Why?
Why am I so sad?
That's why I risked it all to make my way here.
Qing Chen, I'm sorry.
I really shouldn't have tried to obstruct you.
Could you come over here for a while?
What for?
Come over here!
Can I borrow your shoulder and lean on it for a while?
Don't be so upset.
If there's a chance, I'll surely help you.
But why do I find the chances so slim?
As long as there's still a possibility
we will have to fight for it.
So... you've promised me?
Exactly.
Can I borrow your hand?
[Report: Ten officials were found out in Ling Prefecture.]
[Minister, please advise.]
Half of our disciples in Ling Prefecture were removed by Prince Zhan.
They were all removed from office and investigated.
The entire Ling Prefecture is now taken over by Yin family.
If this goes on, it won't just be Ling Prefecture.
All other local officials in the prefectures
will also be investigated.
Minister, should we put in a word with His Majesty
as soon as possible about this matter?
We must at least hold on to our own men!
Get a word with His Majesty?
How am I to get a word in?
His Majesty sent Prince Zhan to Ling Prefecture.
Without His Majesty's permission
would Prince Zhan dare to lay a hand on imperial officials?
Do you not know what is concealed behind this action?
Whatever I say to His Majesty is fruitless.
- Reply to them first. - Yes.
What is the fuss over a few officials?
The prime minister of Great Wei is so short-sighted?
One wrong step and now even a man of power is subject to indignity.
But that's just as well.
It's not often that I get to be idle.
You sacrificed two daughters.
Minister Feng, you're content to remain an idle man?
Do you still remember how you assisted Yuan An in seizing the throne
and killed the former emperor discreetly?
You're fortunate that he has allowed you to be an idle man.
You should understand that the more you know
the more you won't end well.
Judging by Yuan An's temperament
he will deal with me sooner or later.
Is Feng family still destined to end in the hands of the imperial family?
Master Feng, do keep this in mind.
The only way to save your family is to support a new ruler.
Now that the crown prince is abolished
only Ling and Zhan are capable of becoming heir apparent.
It all declines once it hits the peak.
Now, Prince Zhan wields great authority and is in the spotlight.
Yuan An will be wary of him.
Master Feng, you should think about...
How to assist Ling to the throne.
And that sorceress...
You have to be wary and make use of her at the same time.
Once we've made good use of her
it won't be too late to deal with her then.
[Feng Xian Wu's Memorial Tablet]
Xian Wu...
Don't blame me for not joining you in death.
Since I've now found out who had killed you
I won't allow them to live so freely in this world!
I will have them buried with you one at a time.
You won't be lonely.
You will be with me forever.
Those men I've sent over in secret have taken actions.
If Zhan goes along with the plan
he could use the flood in Ling Prefecture to pacify the people
and punish the corrupted officials.
Ling!
How is it in Ling Prefecture?
Ling, I've just been informed
that once Zhan got to Ling Prefecture, he opened up the granaries
set up congee stalls and handed out medication to help the victims.
Now, all the victims in the city behaved very orderly.
We were concerned about epidemic diseases but there have been none.
What's even more delightful is that Zhan had made those corrupted officials
return the relief funds that they had pocketed.
There are actually more than a dozen corrupted officials.
They have all been removed from the offices and punished.
I have anticipated that to happen.
If we could get this done in one sweeping action
we'll then be able to uncover those corrupted officials
in the central government.
This is a good chance to reform the imperial court.
But... Ling, Ling Prefecture is now totally controlled by Yin family.
Our people's welfare should come first.
Yin family controls Ling Prefecture and Zhan controls Yin family.
He surely wouldn't render our people homeless?
It's just that Hao is no longer the crown prince.
Zhan is showing his ability to the full extent.
It's a good chance for him to win support with the mission in Ling Prefecture.
Noble Consort Yin has also left the Cold Palace.
Yin family could even sacrifice Yuan Xi.
Ling, you mustn't give up the chance to become heir apparent.
You should bear in mind that even though
Hao is no longer the crown prince
he will always have his position in East Palace.
However, the East Palace is as good as the Cold Palace now.
As the former heir apparent
not many would have held him in high regard.
Perhaps, they might even make use of him.
Right now, the only way to keep Hao safe is for you to become heir apparent.
I know what to do.
Xiao Xu will be coming to the capital soon.
You must be very cautious.
[A excerpt from ancient records of The Mages]
What caused you to panic?
Prince Zhan has removed 13 officials from their posts in Ling Prefecture.
He has retrieved corrupted relief funds of nearly a million taels.
He is indeed my son.
He takes after me.
In just a couple of days
Prince Zhan carried out his task in a sweeping manner.
He's won the compliments of all imperial officials.
Summon him back if it's almost done.
He's too young and aggressive to know where to draw the line.
I'm afraid that to go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
He's actually making Prince Zhan stop now?
Is it to pacify the nobility?
Judging by my brother's letter
there aren't more than five people who knew of Prince Zhan's visit
to A-Chai Tribe for a marital bond.
Needless to say, Father and my brother knew of it.
The other person is my father's lifetime confidant.
He'd never disclose this information.
Then it's just me and Mukesha.
Could it be as Kualu had reminded me?
Mukesha has leaked information to Liang State?
Kneel!
Do you know why I made you kneel?
I'm slow-witted.
Your Highness, please do tell.
Fine.
You'll get up only when you have figured it out.
Prince of Luling!
It's said that Great Wei is a place of wealth and talent adorned in luxury.
Now that I see it for myself, it is not that extravagant.
Prince Che, is this how Great Wei hosts the guests?
In Great Liang, things like these are used by beggars.
Let's see how I teach you a lesson some day.
Our courier inn is usually maintained by petty officers.
Your Highness is knowledgeable and experienced, unlike them.
They only keep the inn clean and plain so that the guests can stay comfortably.
Now that natural disasters are raging, the ways of the world have changed.
Great Wei shows empathy toward our people's suffering
so from His Majesty to all officials, everyone practices frugality
so as to offer relief to the victims.
Only a few unruly civilians are dead.
Why does Prince Che describe it as years of natural disaster?
Don't you worry too much?
Your Highness, that isn't so.
However many, everyone in our state are His Majesty's people and subject.
How could His Majesty not help his people when they are in distress?
Why do I think that the people of Great Wei like to fuss over nothing?
All right, I'm tired.
Prince Che, prepare good wine and food.
In terms of that, you surely wouldn't reduce your budget as well?
Of course not.
Your Highness could rinse off the dirt and dust on you first.
We'll have the food and wine sent to your room very soon.
That is great!
Your Majesty.
How long has it be since we spent time together like this?
It has been quite some time.
A few days ago, Zhan played a game of Go with me.
He complimented you on your skills in Go.
If Your Majesty is in the mood
I could come over to play Go with Your Majesty often.
I don't wish to play Go with everyone.
It's so mentally draining.
Of all the concubines, you have been with me the longest.
You should know me best.
Just simply stay by my side and chat with me.
This is quite nice.
All right.
I'll just keep Your Majesty company and chat with you.
I just went by the imperial garden.
I saw that the plum blossoms are already blooming.
When Your Majesty has the time
I could accompany Your Majesty to admire those plum blossoms.
The plum blossoms bloom so early this year?
Your Majesty, Liang State's Prince of Luling has arrived in the capital.
Would you like to summon him in for an audience?
See?
Here comes one after another.
They are all putting pressure on me.
I don't wish to see any of them.
Your Majesty, Prince of Luling has always been arrogant.
Should Your Majesty refuse to see him--
He can go about arrogantly for a few days!
In the future when he faces my Black Armor Army
I will have him pay the price for it.
I understand.
I'll send a reply to Prince of Luling.
His Majesty intends to attack Liang State?
Now that Zhan isn't in the capital
his strategy of negotiating a peace treaty...
Your Majesty.
Don't worry about such troubling matters.
Who doesn't know that as long as Black Armor Army is deployed
it's possible to take down Liang State sooner or later?
Your Majesty needs only to make a decree to get Prince Ling handle it.
I also wish to negotiate a peace treaty.
It's their fault that they are all putting so much pressure on me.
Liang State's army presses on our border
and Princess Duo Xia pushes for an answer so this is indeed very tricky.
However...
Since we could tie a marital bond with A-Chai Tribe
we could also do the same with Liang State.
If marital alliances are formed
Liang State surely wouldn't attack Great Wei first even if war breaks out.
If so, Great Wei could then seize this chance to prepare for war.
I have considered everything that you just mentioned.
However, I don't have any daughters so how could I seek marital alliances?
Your Majesty, although I didn't bear you any daughters
there is still Cai Qian in Yin family who is single.
Should Your Majesty bestow a title upon her
she could also share your burdens.
Silly Che, do you know what it is that I like?
Isn't that easy?
You like the fabric from "Fabric World"
tailoring from "Elegant Tailoring"
jewelry and accessories from "Gilded Chamber"
and cosmetics from "Beauty House."
- You remember it all? - Of course.
When did you take a liking to me?
Do you remember that I broke a hairpin of yours
because I was so naughty as a child?
You cried, threw a tantrum and ignored me.
I spent a whole month apologizing to you every day
before you finally cheered up.
I had this specially made.
I had the craftsman made it according to my childhood memory.
Cai Qian, from this day forth...
Whatever it is that you want, however difficult it is
I will do it for you.
As for me, there's only one thing that I wish for.
What is it?
Stay by my side for life and grow old with me.
Are you unwilling to do so?
It's so chaotic now that I might have to go to war anytime.
I might not be as smart and brave as Ling
or resourceful like Zhan but I have a genuine heart!
A heart that is entirely yours!
I, Yuan Che, swear to the gods that I will only have you as my consort!
Don't get so anxious yet.
I still need to ask Ling about many matters.
You... What do you need to ask Ling?
You know me too well but I know so little about you.
A lifetime is very short.
I have to make the best of it.
I have to get to know you more.
Do you understand?
Hold on... Does this mean she's agreed to my proposal?
You will marry me, right?
He really is silly.
Get going! It's getting dark.
Cai Qian!
Silly chap!
Wait up!
Judging by what Elder Tao Yao said
our top priority is to gather all the Sacred Pebbles of Nine Transformations.
However, Phantom Pebble, The Obsidian, The Garnet, and The Kyanite
are all still missing.
Ling?
Ling.
Ling, Zhan is back in the capital.
But I heard that he reported back to Father first without heading home.
Ling, are you ill?
Are you unwell, Ling?
Why did you hit him?
I suddenly remember one matter that I forgot to discuss with you.
Isn't Qing Chen the imperial female officer now?
I don't want to marry Duo Xia.
So there's only one other candidate left.
No, Ling...
There's no time to lose.
We should talk to Father about this right away.
Let's go.
Ling!
Don't go there yet.
That princess consort selection doesn't count.
It doesn't count?
Then you should get ready to be his Princess Consort Che.
By then, I will arrange your wedding for you.
Father.
This is the reallocation of officials in Ling Prefecture.
One is a list of officials who are removed from post.
The other is a list of appointed officials.
Since I sent you there, I have faith in your ability.
I thank Father for your trust in me.
All the funds allocated to Ling Prefecture were used on disaster relief.
I had wanted to see to the flood prevention as well
but why is Father so eager to summon me back to the capital?
I summoned you back because there's one matter
that only you seem to be the most suitable person to handle it.
I have decided to tie a marital bond with Liang State.
I'll bestow the title of Princess Huayi to Cai Qian.
I'll marry her to Prince of Luling.
Father, you mustn't do so!
Why not?
Father, haven't you already decided to wage war upon Liang State?
Why would you suddenly decide on tying a marital bond?
- Besides-- - You!
How would you know that I wish to attack Liang State?
Ling and I had only speculated as such in private.
Father is easily suspicious of others.
The marital alliances are but a way to keep my brothers in check.
I would have to act cautiously.
It's just that I think Cai Qian is too spoiled and domineering.
She's not suitable for a marital alliance.
It might damage our diplomatic relations.
That's why I'm entrusting this to you.
Since she was a child, she's listened to you.
If she behaves willfully, you must talk her around.
Don't let her sabotage this important alliance between both states.
On a side note, your mother was the one who gave me this suggestion.
If there's any difficulty, she will offer you some assistance.
Yes, Father.
Your Highness, Yin family has sent their servant here to look for Miss Yin.
What has happened?
Speak!
His Majesty has decreed to appoint Miss Yin as Princess Huayi
to marry her off to Liang State for a marital alliance.
How did this happen?
Why am I being sent to Liang State?
Isn't Father going to wage war upon Liang State?
Why would he suggest tying a marital bond?
The both of you need not panic yet.
Let's discuss this after I check this out in the palace.
Ling!
Zhan just went to the palace and Father made such a decree.
Could he have...
In this competition for the position of heir apparent
Ling took hold of military authority again because of Liang State's invasion.
He already got ahead of the game.
Ling?
Have you already learned of Father's decree to marry Cai Qian
to Liang State for a marital alliance?
I have.
I believe you must be here because of this matter?
I already tried to talk Father out of it just now.
However, I think that Father has already made up his mind.
Therefore, Ling, I don't think you should bring this up to Father again.
I only have a question for you.
Does this marital bond have anything to do with Yin family?
Yes.
Cai Qian and Che...
It can be said that you've brought them together.
As an older brother, how could you allow this to happen?
Could the sheer interest of Yin family mean more than their happiness?
Ling, I don't understand what you mean.
Ling, you're their older brother.
So am I.
We're no different in our desire to help them.
How could I have done nothing to help them if I had a choice?
Do you really not have a choice in this?
Or that you don't wish for one?
Ling, do you think that I have suggested it?
If you really regard yourself as their older brother
you should know what to do.
Whether marital bonds can turn the current situation around...
There are now two theories.
Your Highness, you're here?
I was about to summon Your Highness over.
Your Highness, please come quickly with me to seek audience with His Majesty.
Greetings, Father.
You came at the right time.
I was about to ask you over.
Get up.
Father, you've asked me here because Prince of Luling has come to the capital?
We're not going to discuss state affairs today.
We have yet to conclude that game of Go the previous time.
Finish this game with me today.
Father seems delighted.
I wonder what it is that made Father so pleased?
I just made a decision.
It is a solution to the current deadlock of the three states.
Are the pawns of both sides balanced?
You overheard it all?
Yes.
Don't worry, I won't make any other suggestion to Father.
Just say what you wish.
Why didn't Your Highness explain to Prince Ling?
I serve by His Majesty's side so I know that it wasn't your idea.
It's good enough for me that you'd say so.
There's still someone in this world who actually knows me.
I don't know if I should say this to you.
There's no inhibition between us.
Just speak your mind.
Brothers born to the imperial family easily compete
with one another for authority.
Fortunately, Your Highness and Prince Ling are both broadminded.
If there's any misunderstanding, it best to clear it up soon.
Otherwise, as times goes by, it will surely weigh down on you.
Not to mention that it's such a huge matter.
How could I not wish to explain myself?
I just don't know where to start.
It's said that children shouldn't speak of their parent's wrongdoing.
This is my mother's suggestion.
What am I to say about it?
Besides, even if I did explain myself
does that mean Cai Qian won't have to be married off to Liang State?
I know very well what Father is like.
No one can go against his decree.
It's especially so if you defy him in his face.
Therefore, I could only choose to take a step back now
so as to gain an advantage.
Although it might be so
I still can't help but find this matter too fishy.
From what I observed on the side lately
His Majesty's arrangements all indicated that
he wishes to wage war upon Liang State.
I wonder why he would suddenly change his mind
and go back on his promise to A-Chai Tribe.
One careless move could enrage both states
and Great Wei will end up being attacked from both sides.
Such an unwise move doesn't seem like what His Majesty would take.
Hence...
Father might be creating a diversion?
His Majesty knows Prince Ling well.
He knows that Ling is very protective of his own people.
Not only does this concern Cai Qian but also Che who is close to him.
His Majesty knows for sure that he wouldn't do nothing about it.
Therefore, Father is just trying to make Ling agree to the marital bond.
Indeed.
He wants Prince Ling to take on the army of Liang State
with Black Armor Army.
Father knows of every prince's weakness.
He's actually playing his game of Go with every one of us.
However, neither you nor Prince Ling are ones to give in so easily.
Father is referring to appointing Cai Qian as a princess
and marrying her off to Liang State for a marital alliance?
I have actually figured things out.
I think that I should care for my own son.
Don't worry, I won't make you do anything against your wishes.
Once Cai Qian marries Xiao Xu
Great Wei and Liang State will join forces to annihilate A-Chai Tribe.
This will then be settled.
Tomorrow, I'll summon Xiao Xu here to negotiate this marriage.
This must not be done.
Why not?
This is one risky move.
Please reconsider it, Father.
It's already known to all that
Liang State wishes to unify the north and south.
Once A-Chai Tribe is taken out, Great Wei will be the next.
We should befriend a distant enemy and attack a neighboring one.
Seeking victory amidst peril would be a heroic feat.
Think about it.
If we were to tie a marital bond with A-Chai Tribe
It will surely make Liang State deploy their forces to invade us.
However, if we were to tie the marital bond with Liang State
we might still be able to maintain the status quo for a few years.
During these couple of years
you can train your Black Armor Army well.
One day when the situation changes
would you, the commander-in-chief of Black Armor Army fear Liang State?
What about Princess Duo Xia?
She is still here in the capital.
How are we to answer to her?
Since a lost pawn is useless, why bother keeping it?
Besides, I know that you don't like Princess Duo Xia.
I won't make it hard for you.
Is he going to harm Princess Duo Xia?
Princess Duo Xia might not be the lady of my affection...
Even if we're not to become husband and wife, as friends
how could I treat her so?
This matter is already decided.
I know that you understand Duo Xia well enough.
I'll leave it to you to handle her.
Bear this in mind.
I don't wish for her to head back to inform Fulianchou and Kualu.
If Princess Duo Xia is harmed on our lands
A-Chai Tribe will deploy their army immediately.
By then, Liang State will surely seize the opportunity to invade us.
We will only end up being attacked from both sides.
I have already received confirmation that Fulianchou doesn't have long to live.
Once he's dead, the clans will lose their leader and end up in great chaos.
By then, Kualu will be too busy pacifying the domestic unrest
and we'll join forces with Liang State to annihilate them.
Duo Xia is a great warrior.
It can save us trouble if we take her out now.
We sent Zhan to A-Chai Tribe to negotiate the marital alliance.
We mustn't go back on our word and act in bad faith.
Father once said that cooperating with Liang State is as good as
asking a tiger for its skin.
Once this matter is made known to all
what would the people think of us?
Our states can't form an alliance because you refuse to marry Duo Xia.
You always say that I care only for the nation but not my family.
However, between the happiness of the masses and my own son
tell me, which one am I to choose?
I know that you value friendships.
Even if you don't fancy her, you can't bring yourself to kill her.
But you shouldn't forget that you're still Prince Ling of Great Wei.
Other than that person on your mind, you must also care for the people!
If you were to sacrifice one of them
Duo Xia is the one you must sacrifice.
It seems to be the time to end the deadlock.
This is an important matter.
One small mistake can cause a chain reaction.
Please allow me to think it over
so as to ensure that nothing could go wrong in this situation.
Sure.
I believe in you.
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