Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 5]
What are you looking at?
I thought that the emperor's home would be very pretty.
At a glance, it's not even better than my shabby temple.
Among all of my siblings, I'm the only one with such a residence.
They bully you?
[Young Muyun Sheng] They are scared of me.
Scared of you?
I've heard from others that my mother isn't human.
I was born inauspicious.
I'll bring forth a disaster.
No metallic items are allowed in my residence.
According to the prophecy, should I wield a sword...
it will...
Chaos shall descend upon us.
Another prophecy?
Do you believe in it?
His Majesty does.
But I still think that you've been bullied.
It's all right.
Even if someone is bullied...
it's still better than being regarded as nothing.
From now on, I'll protect you.
I'm Han Jiang.
Who are you?
Muyun Sheng.
Quickly!
Mentor!
Mentor, Yufei Star is shining!
Your Majesty, the observation made at the Astrology Chamber
points out that Yufei Star is shining.
It indicates...
calamity.
However, this phenomenon shouldn't appear so soon.
You mean...
the prophecy has been brought forth in advance?
Is it really because of Muru Shuo's son?
The next emperor of Great Duan...
He shall no longer be of Muyun descent?
I...
Although I wish to ease your mind...
the destiny of Novoland was already foretold in the prophecy.
For the past 1,000 years, its destiny has not changed.
Even if we know that such a calamity is coming right at us
there's nowhere to hide.
I...
I can only foretell it, not resolve it.
The prophecy...
I believe in it.
But I also don't believe in it.
Your Majesty.
Muru Shuo also once thought that by keeping this child a secret
the prophecy wouldn't be fulfilled.
But that Muru Han Jiang still entered the palace in the end.
He's destined to...
He's destined to go to war against Prince Sheng.
Tomorrow, I'll summon the princes over to test them on their studies.
It's about time...
to select a crown prince.
Your Majesty!
Regardless of who inherits the throne
the destiny of the empire was sealed the moment Prince Sheng was born!
Ling He Qing!
You overheard that?
Yes.
- Wu Ru Yi! - Present.
Quickly.
Tell He Ge to rush back here overnight.
Yes!
Slow down.
Where are the third and sixth prince?
Where's my father?
His Majesty is at Qian Ming Hall.
Lift up the sedan chair!
Go!
It's still the same old question.
How can you bring peace to a nation?
Should military authority remain unfaltering
all shall be in awe.
Military power can bring peace to the world.
Lu, what about you?
We should motivate our officials to care for our people.
If one's livelihood is secure, the nation shall prosper.
Benevolence shall pacify the nation.
Well said.
Third Prince Muyun He Ge seeks audience as summoned!
[Muyun He Ge]
I think that a nation should be governed, not pacified.
The governing of a nation relies on law.
He Ge!
I've heard that you're quite impressive these days.
You made your own decision to kill one of my officials?
County magistrate of Ning Yu Province, Zhou Ding, spread rumors at will.
He said that the March Moon Sect was out and the world shall descend into chaos!
I've investigated for days in order to confirm this rumor.
Since Great Duan Empire was founded
there have been no sightings of the March moon.
Zhou Ding has been...
He was petrified by a woman of the Charmers and spread nonsense.
He was befogging the minds of others, so I executed him!
He Ge, you hung his head up as a warning to the others.
Is that the law you speak of?
I know that Father isn't pleased about it.
However, I was appointed the position of a judicial officer.
I had to use such a means to stop officials from spreading rumors.
It is the most effective method of all.
You're honest about it.
It's just that the Charmers suddenly showed up and harmed our people.
I wonder what method could be used to wipe out the entire tribe of Charmers.
Judicial Officer Muyun He Ge.
In the halls of the royal court, forbidden words should not be spoken.
I'm deeply concerned about Father's safety.
I beseech Father to restrict Muyun Sheng's mobility within the palace.
Who knows when he might lose his mind?
Anyone else would be fine, but what if Your Majesty is harmed?
Why would I lose my mind?
Prince Ning Rui, Muyun Sheng, seek audience as summoned.
Palace Warriors, hold him back!
You're not in the place to speak!
Father!
I've inspected the villages that were massacred by the Charmers.
No one survived. Bodies sprawled across the land.
The sight was unbearable.
Sheng is not of our tribe and must be treated differently!
- Father, calm down! - Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, appease your anger!
Muyun He Ge!
Yelling in the palace hall!
Punish!
Guards! Throw him out of here!
Father.
What does my third brother mean by that?
Mother...
I really don't know what I should do to win Father over.
Whatever tasks Father assigns me, I always execute them to my very best.
I always think, if they were assigned to Han and Lu
how would they have approached them?
How should I handle them to please Father more than they would?
But Father...
He's never looked at me the way he looks at them.
Even when he looks at that monster, Sheng, his eyes sparkle with joy.
I only mentioned Sheng a few times and he punished me in public.
I really don't know what I should do anymore.
Your father said that affection can't be traded.
He Ge, just live your life the way it pleases you.
Mother, I have to live my life for your best interests.
You endure such hardship all alone in the palace.
Father doesn't care for you, and it hurts me to see that.
If I can't be in Father's favor...
should he one day relocate me to guard a faraway place...
I might never get to see you again.
Deep down...
I find it unbearable.
I won't let you be sent away from me.
That's why I'm so eager to become the heir apparent.
I don't believe that Father would always favor the others over me.
If he can't see Sheng for who he really is
he'd never understand that I'm the only son
who truly cared about him!
Mother, I have to ask you for a favor today.
I've been thinking about this for a very long time.
I beseech Mother to answer me today.
What is it that you'll ask of me?
I know that Muyun Sheng's mother isn't really dead.
I beg Mother to tell me where Consort Yin Rong is.
[Yong Yin Hall, Royal Tian Qi City]
"Its protruding yet soft branches are just as complementary."
"A sight of freshness and magnificence."
"A fleeting glimpse, yet lingering fragrance."
"Whose residence is the one adorned by plum blossoms?"
"The snow enhanced the scent and its beautiful form."
"Without the snow, it loses a touch as of a blemished jade."
"Amidst the cold, I’m the first to bud."
"Which other flowers dare to bloom?"
"An Ode to Plum Blossoms," indeed.
Compared to the usual feminine perspective
this is more forceful.
It's not hard to notice an unyielding personality.
Su Yu Ning?
Who is it?
Which one of you is Su Yu Ning?
Step out and greet the prince!
[Second prince, Muyun Lu]
How arrogant.
"Amidst the cold, I’m the first to bud."
"Which other flowers dare to bloom?"
She wants so much to become the empress?
Lady-in-waiting, Su Yu Ning, greets Your Highness.
Rise.
Su Yu Ning, the royal tutor is ill.
Father has assigned me to take over the class temporarily.
Why don't you assist me in transcribing and marking papers?
I have little talent and limited knowledge--
Say no more.
If I say you're capable of it, then you are.
What are you going to do?
Lady-in-waiting, Nanku Yue Li, greets Your Highness.
Ladies-in-waiting are inferior in knowledge.
Such a task would be too complicated and hence, I'd like to assist Yu Ning.
I beseech Your Highness to consent to it.
Nanku?
Your Highness.
Nanku Yue Li's academic performance is way above mine.
With her guidance, I wouldn't panic.
One person is enough for this chore.
I beseech Your Highness to assign it to Nanku Yue Li.
This isn't some difficult chore.
It's just a casual chore.
Su Yu Ning, are you unwilling to do it?
I wouldn't dare.
If so... I'll still leave it to you then?
Zhen Liu Zhu, if there's an accident in the palace
and a few people are killed
would it be too much of a problem?
Certainly not.
- Make way. - Make way!
- Make way. - Make way.
Go!
- Make way again. - Make way again!
- Make way. - Make way!
Go!
- Make way again. - Make way again!
- Make way. - Make way!
- Make way again. - Make way again!
Land.
Land!
He Ge, if you can't stand my sedan chair...
although it was bestowed to me by Father...
you can have it if you wish.
Hold on.
You are dismissed.
Lift it up!
Go!
Haerqin.
Hit him.
I just want to see what witchcraft he can conjure.
Master! I've served you faithfully for many years.
Please spare my life.
If you disobey me, I can have you killed now.
Stop it!
Who are you?
Han Jiang.
Haerqin!
You dare to carry weapons on you in the palace?
Is your surname Muru?
I'm not.
I'm just Han Jiang.
You'd even dare to help him?
I'm afraid... you don't even know what he really is.
He Ge, your words are always baffling.
How pitiful.
No one would tell you the truth.
You would?
Father doesn't allow us to tell you.
I can't help you even if I want to.
However...
you've never met your mother.
My mother...
She died from a severe illness after she gave birth to me.
Have you ever learned much about your mother?
My mother, Consort Yin Rong, was once the most beautiful woman in Great Duan.
She was virtuous and elegant.
The most beautiful woman?
As long as you can find where this flower is in full bloom
you'll know what your mother is.
At the same time, you'll also know what you really are.
Third Prince!
- You mustn't say it. - Shut up!
Muru Shuo.
Present.
I'm assigning Muyun Han to assist the Muru Cavalry in guarding Han Prefecture.
Before the journey, according to the custom
we'll go hunting as an offering to the gods.
There are many matters to look out for on a hunting trip.
I'll leave that to you.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Eldest Prince Muyun Han excels in martial arts.
Since Your Majesty has assigned an important task to him
could you anoint him as the crown prince before his journey?
That will boost the army's morale all the more.
Outstanding military skills might be fit to guard the territories
but aren't necessarily capable of governing an entire empire.
Second Prince Muyun Lu is astute in politics.
He has remarkable talent to rule a nation.
In terms anointing the crown prince
the second prince is an even more suitable candidate.
I think that there's another who is even more fitting.
Oh?
It's the third prince, Muyun He Ge.
Although he spoke outright in the palace hall
he does indeed care for Your Majesty's safety--
Xue Huo!
Don't you even dream of kissing up to Empress Nanku
just because He Ge is her son and my legal first born.
Since you're a veteran...
I'll spare you just this once.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
What the prophecy foretold is the truth that none of us could see.
Only the sixth prince, Muyun Sheng
is the rightful master of the future world.
The prophecy also stated that when Muyun Sheng wields the Emperor Sword
he will surely bring calamity upon the world.
If he takes the throne, the world shall descend into chaos.
I...
How could I allow that to happen?
Your Highness.
Whatever is to come...
will come.
Love flowers...
yet all flowers eventually fall.
Look up to the moon...
The moon is about to disappear.
Reveal not the mind of the emperor.
His mind is like that of yours.
Those blinded by love are always hurt by it.
What you wish to hold on to never stays.
In the end, it is nothing but ridiculous.
Void and lonely...
Who are you?
And who are you?
What is this place?
Where would you like to go?
You're very interesting.
I'm just old.
Who lives in here?
The most beautiful woman in the Great Duan Empire.
Since she's a beauty...
why is she locked up?
You'll know once you see her.
The person living in here...
is she my mother?
You--
Who are you?
Muyun Sheng.
Leave now!
- Leave now! Go! - What is it?
What is the matter?
- Get out! - Tell me!
Get out!
- What is it? - No!
Don't come in!
Open the door!
What is the matter?
Say something!
Your Majesty, does this sword have a name?
Yin Rong?
This sword...
its name is Shi Mu.
It's the Emperor Sword.
It means...
[Yin Rong] to gaze at the crossroads in life.
Should you have to make a choice...
it will decide for you.
Your Majesty is troubled?
The officials have stirred up a commotion.
They knelt in the royal court to make their pleas.
They are asking Your Majesty again to expel me from here?
I can drive all of them away.
Never are they to take office again.
What about Your Majesty's empire?
Who will assist and mentor you?
Among them, there are indeed many who are very capable officials.
Once you're the emperor, even though you wish satisfy everyone
you have no choice but to choose one over another.
Everyone only sees the mighty side of you.
Yet I feel bad for the ordeal you have to go through.
Promise me.
Don't let Sheng endure what you had to go through.
Let him remain carefree.
Is being carefree always good?
I often see you troubled.
How I wish you were not an emperor.
No.
Only when I'm an emperor can I protect you.
Is that so?
I'm always diligent. Not once do I dare to slack off.
It isn't that I love this empire and great power.
Only by becoming strong can I protect all that I love.
You.
And Sheng.
You're everything to me.
Only if your love remains unwavering.
Always.
Yin Rong...
Your Majesty.
What is it, my empress?
I've served Your Majesty for years.
I now have a favor to ask of you.
I hope that Your Majesty will agree to it.
You want me to anoint your son as my heir apparent?
I wouldn't dare do so.
I just hope that Your Majesty can promise me
that you'll let Muyun He Ge stay in Tian Qi City.
Let him stay by my side.
That son of yours is way too calculative.
If he isn't named the heir apparent, he will surely do harm.
I...
I'm going to assign him far away.
You can't bully me so!
Once you marry into the palace, you should know that
there's no fairness or "what ought to be done."
As an emperor, I have no preferences.
There's nothing you favor?
What about Yin Rong's son?
All the other princes have to reside outside the palace.
Why does he get to stay in the palace?
Isn't it because you favor him over the others?
You should get going.
You did it out of guilt?
The Yin Rong you loved so dearly...
Didn't this Emperor Sword...
Even though you're the empress...
if you dare to bring this matter up again
I'll kill you.
- Qin Ming! - Present!
Assign Muyun He Ge to Lan Prefecture.
He is to set out today without further delay!
Yes!
That's a miasmatic and desolate land!
Do you not care for this son at all?
Get lost!
- Grand-uncle. - Your Highness.
This is...
This is Mister Mo.
He's the elder of the March Moon Sect's Ji Clan.
Grand-uncle.
Affairs of the world are absurd.
All I ever hoped for was to have my father praise me for my ability.
Now that I did, what difference does it make?
Being capable doesn't guarantee that I can be favored.
I am here to bid your farewell.
As for my mother, please look after her on my behalf.
Your Highness.
You'll only get yourself into trouble for picking on Muyun Sheng.
Master Nanku, aren't you going to assist His Highness
in becoming the crown prince?
Mister Mo, you talk too much.
Grand-uncle.
Mister Mo can be trusted.
Grand-uncle, feel free to offer me any advice.
Your Highness.
The future of the Nanku family is now indeed in your hands.
However, I'm not going after the highest ranking position
by assisting you in becoming the crown prince.
I just wish to finally tackle the Muru family.
Tackle?
[Elder of the Ji Clan, Mo Yu Chen] It's actually good.
As long as the Muru family is in control of the military power
I can't sleep well.
The oath made 300 years ago
once placed before the temptation of power
is nothing more than a sheet of soaked paper.
Should Muru Shuo rebel, the entire royal city will burn.
Everyone in this world shall know no peace.
So you're seizing power in order to bring peace to this world?
You truly meant it?
Grand-uncle, I met Mister Mo during my task in Ning Yu County.
Mister Mo isn't alone.
The force supporting him is enough to resolve all your troubles.
Mister Mo...
He's the elder of the March Moon Sect's Ji Clan.
March Moon is out and the world shall descend into chaos.
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