Subtitles by DramaFever
[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 38]
Fei Zhan...
You should come to your senses.
Stop being so faithful.
Even if you leave the capital in pursuit of that woman
what will happen in the end?
Do you think that they will accept you?
Uncle...
What are you talking about?
You were raised by my side.
How would I not know what you have on your mind?
What you've guessed will always be buried deep in my heart.
I'll never tell anyone about it.
No one has anything to do with my resignation.
Is that really true?
Uncle, you were the one who raised me.
You then sent me to the Meng family to be mentored.
Then I made it all the way to becoming the Commander General.
How could I not cherish any of it?
If so, why would you--
Uncle, do you know that when a man is bitterly disheartened
he can also become exhausted?
Behind the luxury and extravagance of the palace
there are many things that I wish not to see and am unwilling to see.
Outside Jinling City
there is great scenery and there are valiant heroes.
It's about time that I head out there to travel and look around.
Please take care, Uncle.
Princess Consort.
We've tidied up most of the items in parts of the manor.
As for these quarters...
I'll tidy this place up myself.
You don't have to help me.
Yes.
The title of Changlin ended like this...
Ping Zhang...
If you were still here...
would you be upset?
[Heir of Changlin, Xiao Ping Zhang's memorial tablet]
[Royal Changlin Manor]
Your Grace.
The Royal Changlin Manor is preparing to seal off the manor.
If you wish to join the funeral procession, you'll have to leave now.
A generation of Changlin Army...
Valiant in its reputation.
But as an emperor's subject...
as long as the ruler is above you
however great your contribution was, or however deep your affection ran
it can be stripped of its glory in an instant.
All shall turn to dust.
Uncle Ting Sheng...
You gave up the chance that you once had.
Have you never regretted it?
Lift the coffin!
Your Majesty.
It might be high up here
but you still can't see beyond the palace walls from here.
I know.
The old prince now rests in peace.
He knows how much you miss him.
It's too cold and windy in winter to stay out here for long.
Empress Dowager has given orders.
She asked that Your Majesty return to Yangju Hall as soon as possible.
Cousin An Ru... Have you ever been outside Jinling City?
I'm still single.
It's only appropriate that I stay home at all times.
I've never traveled far.
I'm the ruler of a nation.
Yet the furthest I have been was Mount Jiu'an.
That doesn't really count as being outside Jinling.
Perhaps, it is due to my lack of experience
that so much has happened in the Imperial Court.
Your Majesty, why would you say that?
You're only in your teens.
I'm sure you will improve greatly.
Since I'm still young and there's little that I've learned...
my father and uncle shouldn't have left me so soon.
There are already rumors in the capital.
It's said that since the old prince passed away
it's been pouring for days without rest.
It can be said that both heaven and earth are crying.
I wonder how His Majesty is feeling these days?
Changlin Army has been disbanded.
Your Grace, you won't have to return to Gan Province.
I have to thank Your Grace for your assistance in this matter.
I won't forget it.
There are many easy but highly ranked positions in the capital.
If there is one Your Grace fancies
please feel free to let me know.
[Changlin Army]
[Tomb of Arch Prince of Changlin, Xiao Ting Sheng]
Although it's sad, it seems right
that Prince of Changlin is buried on Plum Ridge
after having spent his lifetime on the battlefield.
Plum Ridge...
Unknowingly, time has crept on and the past is now so far behind us.
Is there some other matter that I should be informed of?
We've received a piece of news that is yet to be confirmed.
Tell me.
It's said that the king of Eastern Sea State
is now kept in confinement.
Marquis Mo Zi?
Yes.
Unexpected misfortunes are similar in every era.
I heard you.
Go and file the information.
Your Grace.
Hold on.
There's no need to add more water.
Without my orders, no one is to come in.
Yes.
Uncle, didn't I already ask you to leave?
If you've really decided not to collaborate with me
why would you care if I stay a few more days
to enjoy the scenery of Jinling?
There's not much that Eastern Sea State can do.
Even with my assistance, it's just a dream of yours
to covet these 10 provinces of Great Liang!
Why would you underestimate yourself?
You are now quite an influential character in the Imperial Court.
If I can have your assistance in private
it isn't entirely impossible for me to take down 10 cities all at once.
What can you do even if you do take them down?
That is such a huge area.
Even if you manage to catch them by surprise
how can you make it yours?
You're right.
I really can't handle such a huge victory.
Of those 10 provinces
there are only 3 that I really want.
The other 7 are my great gifts to you.
If 10 provinces get invaded in a row
the Imperial Court in Jinling will surely be in great panic.
The army at the eastern frontier will suffer great casualties.
Their first priority will be to deploy armed forces to reinforce them.
When that happens, you must volunteer to head out to the battlefield.
There are other generals in the Imperial Court.
What if I can't lead the reinforcements as you've planned?
If you're not the one leading the reinforcements
you and I will work together again to kill another round.
Right now, there's no one in the Imperial Court who I fear.
I don't understand why you're still so hesitant.
Give this some thought.
The eastern frontier is under attack and thrust into a great crisis.
You jumped right out and saved the day.
What glory it will be for you to recover seven provinces all at once?
Although Changlin Army's triumph serves as a precedent
the merit of defending the nation and the reputation you gain from it
will at least provide you with a firm foundation.
You can then secure your position at the very center
of Great Liang's Imperial Court.
Could it be that when you came to Jinling that year
you already had this plan in mind?
That year...
I really was lured here by Puyang Ying.
I hadn't planned that far ahead.
Moreover, I thought that there would be some power struggle in Great Liang.
Who would have known
that the Royal Changlin Manor had no intention of vying for more power?
They actually withdraw from the politics of Jinling so quickly.
I might carry the bloodline of Eastern Sea State
but you mustn't forget that I am, after all, a member
of Great Liang's Imperial Clan.
You're right.
You do belong to the Imperial Clan.
You're a direct descendant of the emperors.
You've worked so hard for the past two years to get to where you are now.
You can't possibly be content to stop right here
and just be an idle young marquis under Xiao Yuan Shi's reign?
You're a clever man.
This opportunity that I've brought to you will never come up again.
Even if it is as you've said and I get to lead the reinforcements
to recover the seven provinces from you without anyone noticing the loopholes
three provinces will still be lost.
What if I still get sent out to recover those provinces?
Great Liang won't put up with losing three provinces.
However, Xun Bai Shui won't allow you to take all the credit for it.
Trust me.
It will seem much better to have you meet with some resistance
than for you to have smooth sailing.
This plan of yours is indeed feasible.
But it won't be that easy to carry out.
It isn't something we can pull off with just a few discussions right here.
You are indeed very thorough.
How could we act hastily for such a great conspiracy?
It will take at least one to two years to make the arrangements.
I only came here this time to confirm our alliance.
I have to get your consent before we get started on the contacts
and various other details, don't I?
I know that you won't come with us up the mountain, right?
I'm sorry.
Please don't apologize.
Everyone should get to do what they truly wish.
Then it won't be a waste of the time that the gods have given us.
But I'd still like to know where you will be going.
There are still many places in the southwest of Great Liang
that I have yet to visit.
I've heard that there are many unusual flowers and fruit.
That's what I look forward to seeing.
[Two years later]
Urgent military report!
Step out of the way!
We'd better bring this to the transcription chamber
- before another dove arrives. - Yes.
Master! Urgent military report!
Another urgent military report?
It's already the sixth one in six months.
Master Jin, what is the situation?
Qian Province has been taken.
Taken?
Great... Our enemy has taken 10 of our provinces in a row.
The entire eastern frontier has fallen.
Generals have been killed.
I have to ask you!
The Imperial Court has been discussing this for days
and you can't even decide who should lead the reinforcements?
Your Majesty, the military strength of Eastern Sea State is way above
what we used to know.
Such a situation of war has never ever happened in the past.
It's normal that the Imperial Court isn't prepared for this.
Therefore, we're a bit slow in sending the reinforcements.
As for a suitable commander to lead the reinforcements...
It should be General Mu Yong of the southern frontier.
However, he is too far from the battle grounds.
By the time he receives the decree and makes arrangements for the south
so that he can leave and rush to the east...
I'm afraid the situation will be a lot worse by then.
- So-- - The Ministry of War suggests
- some other generals-- - Your Majesty!
The ones suggested by the Ministry of War have to be deployed
from their stationed camps to the capital first.
Could no one in the Imperial Court step up to volunteer for this task?
The war at the eastern frontier is now in a crisis
so the highly ranked generals here all seem to lack confidence.
They lack confidence?
They are obviously scared to go to war!
The Imperial Court has been training soldiers for years.
- You-- - Your Majesty.
Marquis of Laiyang, Xiao Yuan Qi seeks an audience in the palace!
He's awaiting your decree outside the hall.
Allow him to come in!
Summon Marquis of Laiyang!
I heard that the war at the eastern frontier will be discussed
in the Imperial Court today.
Your subject, Xiao Yuan Qi, is willing to share Your Majesty's burden.
I volunteer to lead the reinforcements.
It's courageous of Your Grace to volunteer for that.
However, the war at the eastern frontier is unlike any other.
It will be hard to pacify it simply with pure courage.
Your Majesty!
I carry the bloodline of the emperors.
I've been blessed with comfort as a member of the Imperial Clan.
How can I not step up when my country is in danger?
Cabinet Minister said that all I have is courage.
I don't deny it.
However, Your Majesty, please rest assured.
Although I'm not some famous general with great contributions
I did train very hard at the northern frontier for two years.
Since the eastern frontier sent news of its emergency
I've studied the battles.
I can say that I have some plans in mind.
I have written them in this report.
Should Your Majesty find this somewhat useful after reading it...
please allow me to serve my country!
It's only been a month or so.
10 cities have already been conquered.
When did Eastern Sea State become so powerful?
Marquis Mo Zi has taken control of Eastern Sea State.
It's normal that changes have taken place.
But to have changed to such an extent...
It is indeed unexpected.
How did the Imperial Court of Great Liang respond to it?
There's no news from Jinling yet.
Keep an eye on it.
Yes.
Shouldn't we tell Ping Jing about it?
Ping Jing is still in mourning.
Two years ago, when he came here, he said
that he won't read, or listen, or ask about any news at all.
He's done that for the past two years.
What's the difference today?
Indeed.
In the mundane world, one thing always comes after another.
When has it ever stopped?
Since he has already left, he should make a clean break.
The Ministry of War is quite impressed by Your Grace's report.
His Majesty also has high expectations of you.
Although I was tutored as a civil official
I know that warfare isn't just written tactics and plots.
Your Grace, you mustn't let the Imperial Court down.
Right now, it's useless to boast and make empty promises.
Master Xun, just wait to hear from me.
Ping Jing!
Sister-in-law.
A dove just arrived at Langya Hall.
There are always more doves than humans at Langya Hall.
If there's only one, that is weird.
Why would you imitate Lin Jiu?
How is this imitating Lin Jiu?
I'm obviously imitating Old Hall Master.
The importance in the natural law lies in going with the flow.
Miss Lin is coming up the mountain.
Are you going to keep behaving like this?
What did you just say?
Lin Xi is coming here?
Ping Jing, when you're still mourning Father
it's proper etiquette to refrain from saying certain things.
Anyone who knows will understand.
It isn't your fault.
But once three years of mourning are over and you can dress in colors
you should make yourself clear about some matters.
You mustn't be vague about it to a young lady.
It isn't what a gentleman should do.
Yes.
Qian Xue, that silver locket...
I took it off a long time ago.
It isn't easy to meet someone who is suitable for you.
Miss Lin has her own mind.
Even if she does have affection for you, she won't reveal it easily.
You'll have to accept that.
You mustn't be like some mundane man and try to make her change.
Why would I make her change?
Tell me then. What exactly is it that you think about her?
Don't worry, Qian Xue.
This time...
I won't let her leave so easily.
Ce, you mustn't defeat your uncle in this sort of game.
Otherwise, he'll be so upset that he can't sleep at night.
In that case, I'll let Uncle win.
Ce, you're being cheeky.
Besides, that's not how you admit defeat.
Why are you here to disrupt us?
I could have won.
It's quite lucky then.
Fortunately, Miss Lin Xi didn't come here first.
If she had witnessed that scene...
What did you just say?
Lin Xi has arrived?
Ce, come here.
It's been two years but you haven't changed much.
It should be Ce who has changed the most, right?
He must be about this tall now.
I'm afraid he's taller than that.
Is he?
Mama!
Ce, address your auntie.
When you were born, she was the first to hold you.
- Quickly. - Auntie.
He really is taller than the average child.
I want to become even taller than Uncle Ping Jing.
Uncle Ping Jing, come over here!
Ping Jing.
Sister-in-law.
You've returned?
Ce is already sleepy.
I'll take him for a nap and we'll chat later tonight.
- Let's go. - I don't want to sleep yet.
- I'm not sleepy at all. - Let's go!
Have a seat.
You've written fewer letters in the past year.
You must have traveled much further away.
Yes. I've been to a few towns at the southwestern frontier.
Although it's warmer and more humid
the flowers and plants there are different from the others.
It was worth visiting again and again.
From now on...
We'll go there together.
Ping Jing.
Are you really all right?
Why would you ask me that?
Even I was shocked at the news from the eastern frontier.
I was a bit worried, so I came to check on you.
News from the eastern frontier?
Don't you know about it?
Brother Jiu.
This is the latest.
Leave it there.
Brother Jiu, what are you so busy doing?
I have to compile the news from the eastern frontier
so that it's easier to look up.
Why does it need compiling?
Northern Yan has a new reign.
But I didn't see you compile news of that.
Just pretend that I'm bored.
How could we possibly lose 10 provinces in a row?
Judging by the military power of Eastern Sea State
Great Liang shouldn't have lost that badly at the eastern frontier!
Don't get so anxious.
The news of the defeat at the eastern frontier came six months ago.
What's the use in panicking over it now?
Six months ago?
What's going on now?
I was already late receiving the news.
I hurried all the way here and when I got to Lang Province
I heard that our reinforcements seized continuous victories
recovered seven provinces, and reestablished the defenses.
That's good.
With such victories, they must have sent General Mu Yong to lead the army.
No, it was Marquis of Laiyang.
Who?
Xiao Yuan Qi.
Your subject, Xiao Yuan Qi, greets Your Majesty!
Marquis of Laiyang, do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Marquis of Laiyang, you led 20,000 men in a night raid.
You turned defeat into victory in one single feat.
Then you recovered seven provinces in a row.
You surely are wise and valiant!
Now that you've returned in victory, what reward would you like?
Tell me quickly.
Your Majesty, as a member of the Imperial Clan
it's only right that I offer my services to Your Majesty.
I wouldn't dare ask for rewards.
We attained such victories against Eastern Sea State
because of our soldiers who fought against our enemies.
They should be the ones to be promoted and rewarded by Your Majesty.
The soldiers are valiant because the commander leads them well.
Since the soldiers are to be rewarded, so shall the commander.
Tell me. What reward would you like?
I wouldn't dare ask for any reward so recklessly.
What is there to be afraid of?
I asked you what you want because I truly want to reward you.
Are you going to make me guess what you want?
That isn't what I meant.
If there were something ...that I truly wanted
I actually really do want something.
I'm just worried that the officials will tease me if I say it right here.
Now that you said it, I'm really curious to find out.
Tell me quickly.
Forgive me for boldly saying it out loud.
I'd like Your Majesty to bestow marriage to me.
That's good!
Tell me quickly which lady it is that you've fallen for.
Your Majesty knows her well.
She's no stranger to you.
She's from Xun family.
Xun An Ru.
You do have great taste!
Cousin An Ru has always been my mother's favorite.
She dotes on her the most.
She is also very compatible with Marquis of Laiyang.
I just wonder if Cabinet Minister Xun will object to it?
This is a joyous event.
I have no objection. None at all.
Good!
I'll make this decision today.
I consent to this marriage!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Subtitles by DramaFever