Subtitles by DramaFever
[Episode 25]
Young Master Gusong.
What is that?
Sugar.
A young master is so different from us.
He has such fancy ways to drink wine.
This is the secret brew, Qingyang Liquor of Yue Prefecture.
It burns your throat like flames.
It's extremely bitter.
Princess Jing brought us to Han Prefecture.
It's too cold here.
Have some to warm yourselves up.
What is this?
You can't have too much of it.
One sip is enough to keep you warm for a whole day tomorrow.
What can't you have too much of?
I refuse to believe it.
Princess Jing.
Let me try some.
It's too weak.
Is there more?
There's none left.
Gusong Tuo.
You really mustn't have too much of this wine.
If you have too much--
Censor Gusong's son was indeed bred and raised by scholars.
Even serving the army, you're still just as squeamish.
If Princess Jing wishes to become a general
the first thing you should learn is to allow others to finish talking.
This wine is made from wormwood of Qingyang Mountain in Yue Prefecture.
A small amount of it is beneficial to health.
Once you have too much of it...
you'll see your sweetheart in your dreams at night.
Scram back to your tents soon.
We must get to Mangu Mountain tomorrow and find the king of snow wolves.
I'm going to dig out its heart for Prince Han to bring back to Tian Qi.
It's a snack to go with wine for His Majesty.
How can a mythical beast like the king of snow wolves be hunted down so easily?
Whatever others say can't be hunted down
I want all the more to catch it.
Princess Jing.
Do you know how mighty the king of snow wolves is?
The legend has it that it only feeds on a living person.
It particularly likes the heart.
Those who see it go limp with fear.
They are not able to fight back.
I've always looked to Han Prefecture as a child for its vastness and freedom.
I swore to myself when I turned 14.
May I stay in Han Prefecture for a long time.
Do you think I didn't know that
the king of snow wolves has survived on Mangu Mountain for 400 years?
Snow wolves aren't born to live long.
Only the king dies every 12 years and is resurrected again.
I wonder what it is in this world that it actually misses.
It insists on staying on Mangu Mountain and never leaves.
It'd rather suffer the pain of losing its bone and flesh every 12 years.
Relying on the spiritual powers it gains from devouring human hearts
it gathers up its scattered bones and flesh once again.
Every time it is resurrected, it gets bigger than the previous time.
That's right.
The man from Han Prefecture who reported to us
said that his brother saw the eyes of the king from afar.
They are blue and bright.
Just like two lanterns.
He was so scared that he fell ill.
The king of snow wolves is the fear of every man in Han Prefecture.
If the Muyun Silver Army can take down the king of snow wolves
we can then make a name for ourselves in Han Prefecture and even Novoland.
No longer will we be just the princes' bodyguards
and remain inferior to the Muru Cavalry.
Lift your spirits up!
Don't insult the armor on you.
Muyun Silver Army!
As of striving cedar in the cold, pine in the snow!
Charge forward in peril, die fighting than retreat!
Go.
Princess Jing, you should get some rest soon as well.
Han, are you going home without a gift
for the joyous occasion?
Give me a few days.
I'll get you a rare gift to bring home.
You're still the thoughtful one.
Of course.
I should consider on your behalf.
You're indeed a good brother.
Brother?
What is it?
Nothing.
Muyun Yan Shuang.
Just you wait.
In the future...
I'll make you my queen!
Do you like me?
How... could it be you?
It's you.
Shuofeng He Ye.
You do still remember me.
Have you forgotten?
You are my slave.
What is a runaway slave doing here in Northern Han?
I'm looking for a horse.
A war horse.
It's the death penalty for any clans in Han Prefecture who keep war horses.
I know that.
It's because we don't have good war horses
that I came searching for one.
A werewolf.
A werewolf?
The monster that's a man by day, but wolf by night?
They always travel in packs.
No creatures remain alive in places they have passed through.
In hundreds of years, no one has seen them.
You?
You dream of taming the werewolves?
Yes.
Don't tell me that you're the Iron Wielder
so you won't die.
From now on, he's my slave fighter.
He will fight my matches.
You promise to take me with you?
As long as you survive!
I'm the Iron Wielder!
I'm the king of the land and sea!
This is not the place I will fall!
Why are you laughing?
I laugh because...
you remember every word I said.
You've kept me on your mind.
Insolent--
Too arrogant.
Those who are too full of themselves always meet unfortunate fates.
What about you?
Speak.
What do you want the werewolves for?
To unite the eight clans of Han Prefecture.
To take down Tian Qi City.
To take the throne of Novoland.
To become the king of the world.
Should we kill him?
No.
Keep him.
I have use for him.
Even if Your Highness relents, it should be for someone worthy.
Have you hunted?
What do we need to capture a wild beast?
Are you all right?
Iron Wielder.
You can't bear to kill me.
One day, I'll make you my queen.
Muyun Yan Shuang.
Why have you come here?
You'll know once we get to Mangu Mountain.
Northern bird.
These are the northern birds.
They are going home now.
A northern bird who lost its way...
He can neither get home nor find his flock.
He will die very soon.
Not always.
He'll have his own flock very soon.
He won't.
He won't get the chance.
Shuofeng He Ye.
I want the king of snow wolves' heart.
The legend has it that whoever eats its heart can forget all troubles
and every painful memory.
It makes you happy forever and always youthful.
I'd let Prince Han offer its heart to His Majesty.
His Majesty would surely be thrilled.
You're referring to Muyun Han?
Muyun Han is the true hero in my mind.
Just because he's a prince?
One day, I'll be more powerful than him.
What's the use of social standing?
In my mind, no one else but him is a man.
Why won't you kill me?
The king of snow wolves is hard to track down.
If I don't use a more special bait, it definitely won't appear.
Don't you fancy me?
I'll borrow your life for the bait.
You wish to catch it with just a few men?
I just need to take one look at it. Just one.
Then it definitely can't get away.
Those who are too full of themselves always meet unfortunate fates.
Did you see that northern bird?
Your Majesty, I was scared out of my wits.
You've just fully recovered.
Yet you walk around at night in the palace with your bodyguards.
I'm really frightened.
What if--
There's a matter that I find hard to decide.
I need to ask Ling He Qing for some advice.
The fewer the people who know about this, the better.
I understand.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
You are all dismissed.
Yes!
Your Majesty, have you come here because of Prince Sheng's prophecy?
Ling He Qing.
Has the prophecy changed?
It has not.
Should Prince Sheng take over the sovereignty
he shall still become the man who destroys the empire.
Should he draw the sword on the throne
he shall hurl Novoland into utter destruction.
This is what the celestial signs have indicated since Prince Sheng's birth.
Whatever good he might do throughout his life
or however kind he might be...
This prophecy...
It cannot be changed.
Sheng was born pure and kind.
Why do you have to make such a prophecy?
It isn't that I insist on predicting such a future.
This is indicated by celestial signs.
Celestial signs?
But it's interpreted by men.
Your Majesty, do you now doubt me?
Get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Ling He Qing.
You can stay in the palace
because you're the Holy Mentor of the Royal Divination Sect.
There are various ways in Novoland to interpret celestial signs.
The Royal Divination Sect was actually just one of the many.
However, for some reason unknown
our founding emperor only believed in the Royal Divination Sect.
He made their celestial sign interpretation the official one.
That's how you came to enjoy such glory.
Yet when I came to think about it, it's never been mentioned
why the founding emperor had such absolute trust in your sect.
Do you know the reason?
I do not know.
Throughout the generations, it's never been mentioned?
It was never mentioned.
Really?
Are you lying to the emperor?
Your Majesty, the Royal Divination Sect won the trust of all people
and continued to keep it for the past 1,200 years throughout Novoland
because our calculation is exact and accurate.
Whoever calculates and interprets well with our method
are all naturally gifted in remaining attentive and focused.
Should such people be placed among the common folks
they will be seen as hard to communicate with.
Common folks would mock them and think of them as dumb.
All the previous holy mentors had pride themselves
as interpreters of celestial signs
and regarded the imparting of such knowledge as their mission in life.
Throughout their lives, none married or had children.
They only took in disciples.
Only celestial reading is of significance to us.
None cared about our interests.
Never once have we misinterpreted celestial signs deliberately
to deceive others.
Nor is it possible.
Since you have so great an attentiveness
Ling He Qing...
can you wield any magical powers?
No.
If only you could.
Perhaps then, you can alter Sheng's destiny.
It could save me from...
Such a dilemma.
My son, Sheng...
He was born kind.
Yet everyone calls him evil.
If only he really were malicious.
What should I do about him?
Ling He Qing, tell me!
What am I to do with him?
Should I take pity on him?
Or should I destroy him?
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty is the emperor.
You should think for your people.
Prince Sheng...
He should be eliminated.
You really refuse to help me?
Even it's just...
Just claim that you've miscalculated.
I can forfeit my life to Your Majesty.
But the calculation and reputation of the Royal Divination Sect...
I can't.
His Majesty has attended the royal court.
All officials of the royal court have fallen ill at the same time?
How interesting.
His Majesty just recovered from a long-term illness.
Even the arrogant Nanku family who dominated for five generations
were wiped out overnight.
Such a drastic change occurred.
It's normal that everyone is frightened.
In fear, people tend to overthink.
If they overthink, it will then be hard for them to get out of bed.
It's fairly normal.
Master Gusong, what is it that you wish to imply?
Just say it outright.
His Majesty was an invalid for years.
Yet he recovered overnight.
Since that night, he's mistaken Empress Nanku
for the long deceased Charmer, Consort Yin Rong.
Master Muru, don't you find this matter too bizarre?
Or is it now that Master Muru has your greatest supporter back
you're too happy to be concerned?
Master Gusong.
I'm not good at guessing any reasons.
I'm only good at coming up with solutions.
That night, everyone saw a female Charmer next to Prince Sheng in the palace.
Rumors have it that
His Majesty's recovery is the manipulation of the Charmers.
Everyone is worried that the Charmers will be in power.
For thousands of years, the Humans have dominated the sovereignty over the lands.
The Soarers, the Wise, the Oceanides, and the Giants are already displeased.
They could use the Charmers as an example
and approach the royal clan to threaten them.
Then, it wouldn't just be the Duan Empire that's ruined
but all the Humans of Novoland--
Our future is now in peril.
Master Gusong.
Back then when all of you beseeched His Majesty to expel Consort Yin Rong
this was exactly the same excuse you used, wasn't it?
Were we wrong to do so then?
If His Majesty had taken our advice, Prince Sheng wouldn't even exist.
Why would we have such troubles now?
I don't know about anything else.
All I know is that without Prince Sheng
that night, Nanku Qi would have had His Majesty--
Without Prince Sheng
why would His Majesty even have been severely wounded four years ago?
Everyone feels uneasy.
Could you not tell?
His Majesty's sovereignty isn't as secure as it seems.
Since Master Muru is good at coming up with solutions
what good ones do you have right now?
Anoint the heir apparent.
His Majesty didn't even anoint one when he was critically ill.
Now that he's just recovered and rejoicing over it
isn't it a damper to bring up this topic right now?
Once an heir is anointed, the sovereignty is then secured.
The people can rest their minds.
Master Gusong.
For the sake of Great Duan Empire's long term development...
today, we must work together to urge His Majesty to anoint his heir.
Who to anoint?
The eldest prince, Muyun Han.
Master Muru's pupil?
My son now serves in Prince Han's troop.
Prince Han might be valiant but he is too compassionate.
In governing a nation, compassion is a huge shortcoming.
In my opinion, when it comes to political tactics
Prince Lu is more suitable.
Master Muru insists on assisting Prince Han.
Could it be out of personal interest?
Master Gusong.
This matter must be concluded soon.
Prince Lu has been missing for a long while.
He might have already suffered a mishap.
It might not be so.
Do you have any news?
I'm too much of a scholar so I have some weird habits.
For instance, I do not like to look disheveled
when I seek audience with the emperor.
Gentleman, His Majesty has arrived.
Welcome His Majesty!
Kneel!
Bow!
Muru Shuo.
Gusong Zhi.
Both you are to stay.
The others may leave now.
Yes!
Get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Somehow today, I find this grand hall...
This throne...
It seems a bit too empty in here.
That is because Empress Nanku used to accompany Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Recently, you had us hear the treason case of Nanku family.
The entire clan is now eliminated.
122 men were killed.
47 people were exiled to Ning Prefecture.
39 people were forfeited as state prostitutes.
Muyun He Ge is under house arrest for life.
As for Empress Nanku's conviction, I ask that Your Majesty...
The empress?
I haven't seen her for some time.
Please forgive me for being blunt.
Your Majesty has been spending time with the empress every day in the palace.
In my eyes...
I saw only Consort Yin Rong.
Let's not discuss this today.
Your Majesty.
It will take Prince Han some time to return to Tian Qi City
from Han Prefecture.
We beseech Your Majesty to anoint Prince Han as the heir apparent soon.
I've summoned the princes back to report their duties to me in person.
I'd like to see if they have improved over the years.
There's no other hidden agenda.
Muru Shuo.
Don't overthink it.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
I've told you. You don't have to bow to me.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Muyun He Ge attempted to seize the position of Crown Prince.
He even forged the Sovereign Seal.
The fake Sovereign Seal has the makings of the Wise in Wan Prefecture.
Therefore, it means that Arch Prince Ye is also involved.
Apart from whether he is actually aware of this matter
those rumors spread by the people are just as chilling.
Your Majesty.
I think that it's all because no heir apparent has been anointed.
The people are therefore uneasy.
Should this continue
more and more arch princes or nobility will get involved.
Your Majesty, all of them are your siblings.
It will hurt Your Majesty greatly should they go against you in rivalry.
As for the empire, it's a source of chaos.
Arch Prince Ye?
He's my brother.
I'll take care of him.
Have you found Muyun Lu?
Your Majesty.
I'm incompetent. There is still no news of him.
I've been questioning the captain, Han Huan, who served under Nanku Qi.
I've been informed of some confidential information.
Prince Lu was heading toward Qing Yu Ridge.
He wanted to find the king of the Wise's underground treasures.
He was going to look for a secret book in Qing Yu Ridge's Long Yuan Chamber.
I wonder what secret he wishes to unravel.
The Wise of Sumo State?
Exactly.
Who could have known?
Even Lu would vie for it.
Muru Shuo.
Present.
From this day forth, you'll take over the military power again.
Yes, Your Majesty.
There's more.
Set out right away.
You must bring Muyun Lu back to me.
Keep that in mind.
Whatever he might have found
no one else is to know about it.
- Yes. - Yes.
Gusong Zhi.
Present.
Summon Arch Prince Ye back to Tian Qi City to nurse his illness.
Yes, Your Majesty.
As for what you just mentioned...
My heir apparent.
I...
I find it very sensible.
I should anoint my heir apparent.
How wise, Your Majesty.
Convey my decree.
I hereby anoint...
Prince Ning Rui, Muyun Sheng, as the crown prince.
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty, this is-- - Your Majesty!
Prince Sheng is still ill!
Where were you when I was almost killed?
Your Majesty, I--
I--
Where were you?
Only Sheng... He was right by my side.
Sheng might seem to be quiet.
However, at critical times
if he can protect me, he can also protect our people!
Your Majesty!
There's a rumor in the palace lately.
A female Charmer was seen with Prince Sheng.
Prince Sheng..
He was already foretold to bring disasters upon the nation!
Now, he even has a Charmer by his side!
This is--
He's not the right heir apparent!
Your Majesty.
I have made up my mind.
You may both go now.
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! - Step out!
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!
I told you to go! Go now!
Subtitles by DramaFever