Subtitles by DramaFever
[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 34]
General of Subjugation predicted
that the royal army of Great Yu will break in from here.
You are to patrol this place day and night without fail.
- Report back if anything is amiss. - Yes!
How about the kerosene and torches that the general asked for?
General, we've prepared the kerosene.
We'll step up on finishing the 300,000 torches.
Your Majesty, what are your orders?
There are none...
Your Highness.
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
Your Highness.
- Your Highness. - Your Highness.
Master Xun has been ill for days.
He has yet to recover?
Your Highness, when I went to visit him
I didn't get to see him.
Therefore, I don't know about his current condition.
However, Master Xun has always been very diligent.
If he felt better, I'm sure he would attend the Imperial Court.
Your Highness, you need not worry.
That is true.
Your Highness.
Uncle isn't in his room.
Are you sure?
Cousin! Cousin!
Greetings, Auntie.
Fei Zhan?
Auntie, since Uncle hasn't gotten any better
I'm really worried.
Today, I have to see Uncle, no matter what.
It's good that you care about him.
Your uncle is fine.
It's just that... the doctor said that he mustn't be in the draft.
His illness will be aggravated if we keep going in and out of his room.
You're not some outsider.
There's no need for formalities.
When he can get out of bed, I'll send someone to ask you over.
How does that sound?
I understand.
Fei Zhan!
Changlin Army's division in the south of Mount Mo
is best known for close combat!
Our royal cavalry happens to be their nemesis!
Everyone, lift your spirit!
The first battle of my conquest down south must be fought well!
Your Highness.
When the Prefect of Insignia and Credentials went to the palace that day
I did know about it but I thought that Your Highness would be informed
when the imperial seal was used.
I didn't expect this to...
Judging by the time, it is already too late.
I'm afraid we won't be able to bring him back in time.
I never thought that His Majesty
would make such a decree without you knowing.
Can we talk him around?
It's now too late to discuss this.
The power of the sovereign is not to be underestimated.
Since I failed to stop it right at the beginning
once the decree is sent out from the capital to all four frontiers
Ping Jing has only two options.
Your Highness, when it gets to that critical moment
which option do you think Ping Jing will choose?
Report!
General Chi of Southern Gan's military report.
The royal army of Great Yu's vanguard troop crossed Mount Mo
and traveled south on the seventh of September.
General Chi led his troops against them and feigned defeat.
He split the troops up to lure the enemies in and then he retreated.
He's allocated Southern Mo division to Mo Yin Valley as you've instructed.
As of the date of the report, 200,000 men of the royal army
had already crossed Mount Mo.
Summon the messenger of Southern Gan division.
Yes!
Write down my military command.
Command General Chi to cover his tracks.
However the outcome, he must remain in Mo Yin Valley
to intercept the royal army when they retreat back north.
Yes!
There are still 11 days until the solar eclipse.
As long as we can seal off the defensive line at Plum Ridge
and pull out from the east and south wings
the final battle will take place as planned in the west of Ning Province.
Cabinet Minister, you must be weary from your travels.
It's been so hard on you.
Quickly, this way in.
That's indeed an envoy from the capital.
Stay here and keep watch.
I'll report back to General of Subjugation.
Yes.
Deliver this to Southern Gan quickly.
You mustn't stop along the way.
Yes!
Does this mean everything is all set except for the last crucial factor?
The general jump-started this plan
when he made his visit to the royal army of Great Yu.
When the solar eclipse occurs
the moral of their army will collapse into chaos.
However renown the general might be, who could still stay in control
when his entire army falls into sheer panic?
The morale of the army aside
the rumors that are circulating mostly point toward Qin Ling Shuo.
The more he refuses to believe it
the more flustered he must be.
Never mind keeping the situation under control
the commander-in-chief himself might be the first to panic.
It's such an unnatural phenomenon.
How could it be foreseen by common folks like us?
Old General Wei, the military command has already been announced.
None of the division commanders have voiced any objection.
What are you still worried about?
Indeed.
When the first born prince was still alive
he'd go along with Second Young Master's ideas despite how bizarre they were.
Why would an old man like me worry so much about it?
What is it?
A team of envoys arrived at the inn south of the frontier.
Their accommodation has been arranged.
Wait right here.
General.
Generals.
The Gan Province division will set out in three days.
Please head back to get ready.
- Yes! - Yes!
General, there really is a team of envoys from the capital.
They are escorted by officers.
It's obvious that they are heading straight to Gan Province.
The envoys are traveling far to reach us.
The routes of the frontier city aren't that smooth anyway.
I suppose an axle of the horse carriage might break easily.
I understand.
I'll set out from Gan Province in three days.
Just stall them for a bit.
They are envoys of the emperor after all.
Don't go overboard.
- Yes! - Yes!
Push!
One, two, push!
Honestly, I really want to fight off our enemies at the front with you.
But I also understand that
I'll be more useful in securing a way for retreat here in Gan Province.
I was worried that Lu Zhao couldn't handle those people from the capital.
It can't be better that you volunteered to stay behind.
Don't worry.
I'll be sure to keep this guest from the capital
here in Gan Province for a few more days.
The axle is broken.
The horses are sick.
It happens that there aren't any horses at the inn to replace them.
I don't believe that it's just a coincidence!
Master, although we don't know how General of Subjugation found out
it's obvious that he's taken precautions against the capital.
The Commander General of ours still calls me sensitive?
Am I just being too sensitive?
Even if he doesn't know that I'm here as the envoy
he actually dared to play such tricks on an imperial official.
It's obvious that the integrity of His Majesty and the Imperial Court
means nothing to him.
Master, we've been searching, but there aren't enough horses.
Gather all the horses that can still travel.
Pick a few men to come with me.
The rest of you are to catch up later.
Master, you're just taking a few men?
Your... your safety...
Xiao Ping Jing is just playing some tricks on us in secret.
I don't believe that he'd dare to kill me.
- Let's go. - Yes.
General, battlefield report from Mount Fei division!
- Dong Qing. - Present!
Convey my command to the vanguard troop.
Ride hard through the night to make camp in the highlands of Ning Province.
Yes!
[Gan Province]
The emperor's envoy is here to announce the imperial decree.
Please come in.
Let them through!
Why is it so quiet?
We didn't know that Cabinet Minister was here.
We apologize.
Where is General of Subjugation?
General has left the city to inspect the divisions.
I don't know where he has gone.
You don't know?
How could you not know?
Master Xun, in the city of Gan Province
General of Subjugation is the commander.
He is our superior.
He doesn't have to report to anyone or say where he is inspecting.
When will he return?
Sometimes, it takes the general a few days to inspect the frontier.
Sometimes, it takes half a month.
Sometimes he is away much longer. As long as a month.
Lu Zhao! Go and make some arrangements.
Tidy up the best inn in our city for Cabinet Minister.
Yes.
Cabinet Minister, please have some tea in the inner hall.
There are still six more days to go.
You were right at Xiao Ping Jing's side.
Why didn't you hold him back?
Master Xun, you make it sound so easy.
How would I hold him back?
If I hadn't stayed behind for your sake
you probably won't even know where Xiao Ping Jing went
after staying here for a month.
I have the emperor's sword.
Wouldn't that get me his whereabouts?
Is Gan Province still under the governance of the Imperial Court?
Master Xun, please calm down.
We are out in the middle of nowhere.
The army doesn't care about the tactics you play.
As the emperor's envoy, why did you only bring a few men?
I've finally had a taste of how the army works at the northern frontier.
Tell me quickly.
Where is Xiao Ping Jing now?
West Fortress of Ning Province.
Ning Province?
If I rush over to Ning Province tomorrow
will I be in time to stop him?
Xiao Ping Jing will be making his move soon.
If you leave tomorrow morning, you should be able to make it.
Fortunately, he's just in Ning Province.
My bodyguards can catch up and close in on them.
Second Young Master of Changlin never plays by the book.
Therefore, I must approach him in an imposing manner.
This time, I'll have to thank Your Grace.
So as to avoid arousing suspicion in Xiao Ping Jing
I'll have to report to him the minute you leave.
Let's hope that you won't encounter any other accidents along the way.
Our men from the inn just reported to me
that the envoy left hurriedly this morning.
They must have found out where Ping Jing is and headed for him.
- How did they find out? - Who cares?
I have to notify Ping Jing right away, so that he can take precautions.
I'll leave Gan Province to you!
Yes!
I'm off!
What route is this?
Are we on the right route?
His Grace sent me over to lead the way.
If we take this route, it will save you half a day's journey.
The bodyguards can meet us on the way.
After our main cavalry gets to the highlands of West Ning
we'll have that pocket tightly sealed.
Tell General Yan to stall another day for me, no matter what happens.
There's no need to linger on during the battle.
Fight while retreating until the day after tomorrow
and lure our enemies to Jiudao Valley.
I've sent men to meet them.
Yes.
Command Mount Chang division to make camp 30 miles ahead.
Abandon the camp before it gets dark.
Retreat to the main base camp before noon to meet up with me.
Yes!
Orders from General of Subjugation!
Abandon the camp! Retreat to the base camp before noon!
Abandon the camp!
Retreat!
Quickly!
Keep up!
Hurry up! Retreat!
General.
Joint military report from Ning Province and Plum Ridge.
It seems to be news of victory.
Since the main troops of Great Yu's royal army crossed Mount Mo
this is their first defeat.
I wonder how Prince Kang of Great Yu feels right now.
Second Young Master.
Qin Ling Shuo has come all the way down south.
Although you didn't make it easy for him
and you made a great effort to let him enjoy a few victories
isn't it better to keep him on a winning streak
since pride goes before a fall?
Why would you have Ning Prefecture and Plum Ridge join forces to defeat him?
There were two purposes in that battle.
The first was to prevent Qin Ling Shuo from going through Plum Ridge
to head down south.
We must force him to lead his main army to the pass in Ning Province
where we will besiege them.
The second was that the solar eclipse will happen soon.
Although that battle won't do much harm to their main forces
it will still be a setback for the royal army after a winning streak.
When the army is disheartened
the influence of the solar eclipse as a warning will have a bigger impact.
According to the calculations, we are--
Indeed.
The military report of the joint forces is already here
so we'll see Qin Ling Shuo of Great Yu's Silver Dragon King banner soon.
Your Highness! The vanguard troop has reported back!
Defenses have been strengthened and the fields are clear in Ning Province!
Changlin Army's Ning Province division is obviously taking defensive tactics!
I heard you. Keep scouting!
Yes!
Although we can't break past Plum Ridge
it will be smooth sailing as we go south once we tear Ning Province down.
Convey my command!
Present!
Speed up.
Before sunset, my main camp must be set up within Ning Province!
Yes!
Forward!
Master Xun.
Master Xun, we've entered Ning Province.
We'll be able to reach the fortress by tomorrow at the latest.
All right.
Get everyone to keep their spirits up.
Have them present the ceremonial scepter that His Majesty bestowed to me.
Yes.
I've confirmed the news.
It's an official imperial decree announced to the four frontiers.
Anyway, it's meant to prevent you from initiating a battle.
Cabinet Minister made this trip to the northern frontier personally.
It seems that the Royal Changlin Manor truly is held in high regard.
All in all
the Imperial Court is the most wary
of any official with achievements that surpass the ruler.
After all, the former emperor is no longer on the throne now.
The situation isn't ours to control.
Since Minister Xun has come here personally...
he won't stop until he does what he set out to do.
Even if you avoid seeing him again
how long can you keep doing that?
The royal army of Great Yu is now within my grasp.
Tomorrow is the day of the battle.
I won't go anywhere.
Tomorrow?
Hopefully, luck will be on my side.
Let me set out before Cabinet Minister gets here.
Here, set it down first.
Follow my instructions!
One, two, push!
What route is it that you're taking us through?
Is this really the right way?
Master Xun, we could have saved half a day's journey on this route.
I didn't know that it would turn out like this.
One, two, push!
Master Xun.
Once we go through that mountain ahead
we'll reach their main camp in no more than four hours.
Push harder over here.
Push harder!
Leave the horses behind!
Bodyguards, come with me!
Yes!
Step aside!
General.
As you expected
once Qin Ling Shuo discovered that our camp was in the highlands
he didn't retreat.
This is the biggest difference between Prince Kang and Ruan Ying.
200,000 men of Great Yu's royal army have traveled south.
They are after the territory of Great Liang.
Our people at the frontier have had to suffer in battles.
On the battlefields, we've lost many Changlin soldiers.
At the final battle of Ning Province
the Gan Province division will be the main force and the cutting blade.
May all of you join me in putting out
the flames of war at the northern frontier
to keep our people safe.
We shall follow General to death!
Who is it?
Gentlemen, please bear this in mind.
Once the eclipse starts, it serves as a command to all divisions.
Although it will be day, we'll fight as if it were an ambush at night.
Be sure to give strict orders to your men
not to stare directly at the sun out of curiosity.
It will cause damage to the eyes.
General!
General! There are visitors!
This is the emperor's imperial sword!
Once this sword leaves the capital
it serves as the presence of His Majesty!
Who dares to block my path?
Step aside.
Cabinet Minister.
After you.
Master Xun, please head inside.
General of Subjugation, please receive the decree outside the tent!
Master Xun.
Xiao Ping Jing, receive the decree!
Master Xun.
Can we negotiate in the tent?
This is the decree of the Imperial Court.
It was approved with the emperor's seal.
General, as a subject, you should receive it respectfully.
What is there to negotiate?
Since Cabinet Minister is here personally
you should know that 200,000 men from Great Yu's royal army
are stationed right in front of us.
This is a military emergency.
Please empathize with us.
Announce the decree a day later.
Why should I postpone it by a day?
Just so you can benefit from the military merit of initiating a war?
Am I to let this bloodshed stain the soul of the former emperor?
Cabinet Minister!
The soldiers at the frontier do not fear bloodshed or death
in order to protect our nation!
Yet in Master Xun's mind, it's no more than military merits?
The imperial decree has been announced to all four frontiers.
If you're not after the merits
why is it that only the northern frontier refuses to accept the decree?
Master Xun.
Royal Changlin Manor is endowed with imperial benevolence.
How could my father and I refuse to mourn the former emperor?
However, Great Yu has already invaded the south!
This phenomenon occurs so rarely...
Can't you just take a step back?
It's a solar eclipse?
Xiao Ping Jing...
The great opportunity that you speak of is this?
Master Xun!
The gods have taken the sun.
A solar eclipse is an inauspicious sign!
You've infuriated the gods by being a disrespectful subject!
Yet, you still refuse to admit your mistake!
- Xiao Ping Jing, accept the decree-- - Master Xun!
Xiao Ping Jing!
Although Changlin Army has attained a great many merits in war
you are still subjects of His Majesty!
If you refuse to accept the decree, it will be seen as treason!
The Imperial Court, the Imperial Clan, and the world
will not condone such a treacherous action!
Master Xun is ranked high among the officials.
Do you really know what the people truly wish for?
Lu Zhao!
Present!
The entire Changlin Army is only acting upon my command!
After this battle, whatever the conviction might be
I, Xiao Ping Jing, will bear the consequences alone!
My fellow comrades!
- Present! - Present!
The god-sent opportunity is here!
Follow me to war!
- Kill! - Kill!
What's going on?
Where is the sun?
It's an inauspicious sign.
This is the inauspicious sign foretold by the White God.
The prophecy is true.
This is impossible.
This can't be possible!
Report!
Your Highness, bad news!
What happened?
Your Highness!
The 15th year of Emperor Ai's Zhenghe Reign, March 19
there was a solar eclipse.
It was witnessed throughout the nation.
The sun was eight degrees north of the northeast.
In April, the emperor passed away.
In the 7th year of Emperor Cheng's reign
there was an eclipse in the 11th month.
A solar eclipse, but not in full.
September of Yangshuo Reign's 1st year
there was one eclipse on the 20th with the sun at eight degrees south.
Famine lasted three years.
My son, there's no need to worry about it.
The sun will reappear soon.
This is a warning from the gods.
Mother...
Have I done something wrong?
Look out! Move quickly!
Retreat quickly!
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