Subtitles by DramaFever
[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 42]
Your Highness!
Your Highness, Pei saw Madam Qi.
How dare you?
How dare you say something so crazy?
Miss An Ru doesn't believe me after all.
Even if there was a mishap in your family and you're woolly-headed
you shouldn't have speculated in such a malicious way!
Do you know what it was like to have cities massacred
in 10 provinces at the eastern frontier?
Do you know what a crime it is to leak military information
and to collude with foreign states?
How dare you...
How dare you make up such a lie?
The black crystal sword of Eastern Sea State...
The words that He Chang and that woman said...
I had hoped that it was all false and this was just a nightmare!
By the time I wake up...
it will just be Miss An Ru's wedding day.
That day...
I truly was happy for Miss An Ru.
I was happy that you could marry a hero worth devoting your life to!
You must have lost your senses...
You don't even know what you're saying.
You don't know just how absurd your words sound.
His Highness went to war at the eastern frontier.
He went through so many battles.
He shed blood and fought with his life.
I won't allow it...
I won't allow anyone to slander him like this.
Someone must have prompted you to falsely accuse His Highness, right?
Who was it?
Who made you do it?
Miss An Ru...
I was sold to the manor with an irrevocable title deed.
I've served you since I was 12 years old.
Why would I be provoked by anyone to falsely accuse your husband?
You also know that you should ask for reasons.
His Highness is a member of the Imperial Clan
and a descendant of the Royal Xiao family!
Be it for the nation or family, kinship or logical reasoning
he has no reason to have done that!
You say that you don't have any reason to falsely accuse him
but why would he collude with Eastern Sea State? Why?
I don't know!
All I know is what I heard and saw!
I really can't figure out why he did it!
Greetings, Your Highness.
Why aren't you with the princess consort?
You're all alone out here.
Your Highness, the princess consort is talking to Pei upstairs.
For some reason, she said that I mustn't listen.
I was told to wait out here.
She's talking to Pei.
Not even you could listen in?
Yes.
In a way, it's not entirely bad for you.
Whether Miss An Ru regards me as having gone insane
or having some ulterior motive
none of that matters.
But there are many matters in this world that can't be overlooked
just by shutting our eyes to them and pretending they never happened.
I'm begging you, Miss An Ru.
When you find a chance, get someone to look in the pond.
If that black crystal sword from Eastern Sea State isn't there
you should then at least find some peace in your mind!
Why are you here, my dear?
It seems that... I've arrived a bit too late.
I don't know why my maid has been acting
as if she's lost her mind.
What she said was absurd and ridiculous.
There's no need to take her seriously.
If Your Highness is angry about it
you can just... send her far away to some farm.
She'd never see anyone that she knew.
Are you fine with that?
It doesn't matter how we deal with a maid.
What matters the most to me now...
Is you.
An Ru, you were bred and raised in a prestigious aristocratic family.
All other matters aside
tell me first what women should do after they are married.
They should behave with respect and obedience.
Regard their husbands as if they are everything to them.
I don't wish to explain to you what I have or have not done.
Nor do I wish to persuade you what to, or what not to, believe.
Because you and I...
We are already as one.
Your life is now tied to mine.
Your glory or shame, if you sink or swim
it is now all tied to me.
I believe that you're well aware of that.
I definitely am.
You can't understand and you don't have to understand
the complications of matters out there.
Just manage the household.
Attend to your husband well.
This is what women should do.
Isn't it?
Yes...
Tell me right now.
This maid slandered her master.
How should she be punished?
Miss An Ru...
How can His Highness's honor be questioned?
This maid...
How dare you behave so impetuously?
For the sake of our royal manor's honor
we mustn't allow her a chance to say such things again.
Miss An Ru...
Did you hear Princess Consort's orders?
Yes.
Hold on!
Your Highness...
After all, Pei has served me for so many years.
I really don't wish to see her blood spilled.
Lake Agila is at least a pure body of water.
Just let her leave clean and pure.
Might as well.
That will save us the trouble of disposing of her corpse.
Go.
I bid Miss An Ru farewell.
She was just a maid.
I'll pick out a few good ones for you.
You'll get used to them in a few days.
An Ru...
Do you remember what I said to you the night you married me?
I said that I would take good care of you.
I've always kept that on my mind.
I'll never break my promise.
What I planned and did in the past was all for the sake of our future.
You just have to believe me.
There's nothing you should be afraid of.
Your Highness, is everything taken care of?
A woman raised in the private quarters of her home...
She can't possibly escape from my hands.
Where is Pei?
Don's ask about her.
You must never ask about her.
Don't bring her up again.
We'll just pretend Pei never existed.
What have you discovered?
Those three provinces east of Huai River...
Deep water docks can be constructed there.
Eastern Sea State wants to construct deep water docks?
Is this actually what Marquis Mo Zi is after?
Take a look.
Those three provinces east of Huai River form a bay to the west.
Judging by the terrain, they are perfect for deep water docks.
But they are at the frontier because they are on the east coast.
Therefore, Great Liang doesn't care much for the advantage to the west.
However, now that Eastern Sea State has taken those three provinces
and if they construct deep water docks there
it will be difficult for Great Liang to recover those three provinces.
Xiao Yuan Qi gave up on those three provinces
in exchange for his merits in recovering the seven provinces.
Marquis Mo Zi used him.
But Xiao Yuan Qi said that he can recover those three provinces.
I don't think that he's lying.
You're right.
He did mean what he said then.
I hope that he still cares about Great Liang.
He probably only stooped so low out of his desire for military merits.
Yuan Qi is still the posthumous child of the former emperor's younger brother.
He was not held in high regard because of his parents' crimes.
I never considered his feelings or his ambition.
I can understand how much a person who has such great ambition
would want to prove his ability.
That is where I failed.
My dear!
Fei Zhan sent a letter.
The courier station has delivered Fei Zhan's letter.
He said that he's coming home for Lunar New Year!
Show it to me quickly.
This child has been out traveling for two years
and he's finally coming home.
Whatever might have happened in the past
we are still the ones who raised him.
That is to say, I do miss him after not seeing him for two years.
Of course.
I don't understand anything about politics.
But you and Fei Zhan shouldn't get into an argument again when he returns.
Have his room tidied up quickly.
He doesn't hold an official post in the Imperial Court anymore.
He can't stay in the Imperial Guards' Office.
Yes, I'll do it right away.
The doctor said that you had a fright.
You'll have to take a few doses of medicine
and recuperate slowly.
Xun Manor has sent someone here to fetch Princess Consort?
Yes.
You should know that Princess Consort is not well.
Go and turn them down.
That was what I said to them.
But when the governess of Xun Manor heard that Princess Consort was unwell
she became very worried.
She insisted on visiting her.
Thank my aunt for me.
When I feel better, I'll go and greet my aunt.
Yes.
General!
What is it with you again?
There's someone here!
It's... it's a young lady.
She's alive.
General, she doesn't seem to do manual labor.
Why is she lying here?
This is one life after all.
Save her first and ask later.
Come here.
Here, I'll hold her.
What?
Pei drowned?
They went out to the lake on a trip.
Pei was always more playful.
She fell into the lake accidentally.
But that gave Miss An Ru such a fright.
She still can't get out of bed yet.
How could it be Pei?
We bought her from the east.
She was always a great swimmer.
The weather is so cold in December.
She must have fallen in and frozen from the cold.
Enough now. Stop talking about it.
The point is that An Ru was affected emotionally.
Although they have everything at Laiyang Manor
we should still get someone to send some medicinal herbs
that can help calm her nerves.
Yes.
[To Cabinet Minister, Xun Bai Shui]
Why would you write to Master Xun?
He has assisted in governing the nation for decades.
He's also now Yuan Qi's relative by marriage.
He's only the person I can think of who is able to save
both Great Liang and Yuan Qi.
You don't intend to go back yourself?
I don't wish to return to the capital.
Not many in Jinling City would like to have me return either.
Even if I send this letter, I'll address it to Fei Zhan.
Then he'll give it to Cabinet Minister for me.
That will prevent Cabinet Minister from overthinking.
Uncle and Auntie really dote on you.
They have sent so many supplements over in a day.
You may all be dismissed now.
Yes.
An Ru... I'm sure that you don't wish to disappoint them.
Since a lady of the Xun family has already made it to the very top
do you understand that you won't just be a commandery princess consort
if you stay by my side?
I understand.
It's definitely for the best that you understand.
Have a good rest.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Congratulations on a new year of great fortune.
Don't ever just visit anytime you want, Madam.
That will count as my good fortune.
What skill is that?
Hand it over.
You're shooting again?
The madam from next door has already scolded you so many times!
If you keep shooting, you can go back to Qian Province!
- Go back to Qian Province! - I'll stop!
Brother Tan, this... this residence is too small.
The Ministry of Rites is so petty.
Do you know what place this is?
It's the Royal Jinling City!
Every inch of land is like gold!
It's already a great courtesy to General Yue
that they put us in an individual residence next to the palace walls.
Brother Tan, is it very lively during the new year in the capital?
How would I know?
I've never... spent the new year here.
Is that young lady awake?
She's still very drowsy.
She can't speak clearly yet.
She doesn't remember anyone either.
How many days has she been running a fever?
Could she have lost her mind?
Can she get sillier than you?
Shut up.
Why don't I shoot a few more times while that madam isn't around?
Stop it or you'll get told off again.
Your Highness has returned to the capital in victory.
It seems all glorious and glamorous.
However, when it comes to the authority in the Imperial Court
just how much influence do you really have?
Xun Bai Shui has had the capital under his control for years.
But you tried to plant your own subordinates
befriend allies, and keep your own gang.
You won't be able to fool him once any unusual actions are taken in the capital.
Nor will you have a head start.
That might be the case at the moment.
This doesn't mean it will still be that way in the future.
But Your Highness, can you afford to wait?
Xun Bai Shui will grow old and weak.
But Xiao Yuan Shi won't always remain as he is without improving.
Madam, you need not hint at anything.
Just make any suggestions you see fit.
Your Highness and our king once cooperated very pleasantly.
Why don't you make another pact with him?
General Yue has returned.
General.
Who made you... upset?
No one.
I just find it quite frustrating.
After we attended the banquet at the palace a few days ago
I thought that all I had to do was wait quietly for the Ministry of Rites
to arrange a date for me to seek an audience with His Majesty.
Who knew that there are now more and more social events?
I've been invited here and there so many days in a row.
If I turn them down, I'll offend them.
When I do show up, I find it boring.
The capital is different from our frontier city.
You're someone who gets to meet His Majesty.
You definitely will have... a bit more socializing to do.
How about this?
Next time, I'll... I'll go instead.
You?
You'll find it even more boring.
Here, let's practice a bit.
Sure.
No...
The madam next door already said that we are not to practice shooting!
Who cares? Put the target up!
Make another pact?
What does your king want from me this time?
I have a list here.
We'd like you to have someone look up old transcripts from years ago
in the archives of the Ministry of Public Works.
This isn't that hard.
However, what does the king have to offer in return?
Your Highness is now renown and reputable.
Throughout Jinling City, the only person who is likely
to cause you your downfall would be Xun Bai Shui.
Yet this Cabinet Minister of yours is deeply trusted by the emperor.
If we wish to take him down in the Imperial Court
it's basically impossible.
Therefore, our king deduced that in the end
there's only one path Your Highness can take.
Is your king going to clear the path for me?
When has our king ever let you down?
Anyone who goes against me in the Imperial Court
doesn't have any impact on me as long as it isn't Xun Bai Shui.
Moreover, there are some people I have yet to truly get ahold of.
After much consideration, it's best not to proceed recklessly.
We must forge ahead or be swept downstream.
We must either rejoice or be worried.
We must achieve or perish.
This is common sense.
Whichever path Donghu Palace Guards choose in the end
Xun Bai Shui is still the obstacle that you can't overcome.
Our king has high hopes for Your Highness.
Why is Your Highness the one to get cold feet?
I stand by my own point of view.
Madam, say no more.
Your Highness.
Come in.
Your Highness, the inner household reported
that Princess Consort suddenly passed out.
- Has a doctor been called? - Yes.
This is a serious matter.
We should discuss it some other day.
Are you certain about such good news?
Your Highness, Princess Consort's pulse is quite obvious now.
I've also asked the maids about Her Highness's daily routine.
Your Highness, rest assured.
I can't have diagnosed wrong.
However, Her Highness has always been raised in comfort.
She is much weaker than most people.
Her pregnancy isn't very stable.
Nourishment comes second.
It's more important for her to keep her spirits high.
Did you hear what the imperial physician just said?
Now that we're having a child
our child should come first.
Stop brooding over unnecessary matters.
We'll have to trouble the imperial physician.
I'll take my leave.
I never met my father.
After my mother passed away, I was left all alone.
On the day you married me
this manor finally became a home again.
I truly wish to treat you well.
I truly wish to spend my life with you and to grow old with you.
Do you believe me?
An Ru...
You don't have to be so frightened.
I'm here for you.
This is our child.
I'll give our child the best of everything.
I will make sure to give our child the best!
But do you know what the best is?
You actually know very well what truly frightens me.
The despicable past that can never be exposed...
It isn't that I insist on holding onto it and refuse to forget it.
It's you...
When have you thought of putting an end to what you're doing, for my sake?
From now on...
nothing else will matter more to me than you two.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Has Madam Qi left?
She already left.
That list...
Your Highness, what do you intend to do about it?
Head over to the Ministry of Public Works.
While there are fewer guards on duty in the local offices
during the holiday, sneak out the records she wants.
I had thought that Your Highness didn't want to...
That is what Marquis Mo Zi wants.
I can choose not to give it to him.
But I need to know what it is.
Yes.
How is she?
Take another dose of medicine and see if the fever goes down.
Yes.
Take care.
Just see me off here.
General.
Can I ask that young lady some questions?
I'm afraid not yet.
You're seeking an audience with His Majesty now?
It's better to arrive early for my first audience with His Majesty.
There are too many regulations in the capital.
It's difficult to reach an agreement with so many people present.
Although we hired a madam to look after her
it must still be inconvenient for a young lady.
In my opinion
it's best to report it to the Metropolitan Government Office.
They can look for her family.
General.
The capital is full of snobs.
Although the Metropolitan Government Office has the duty to offer aid
who will pay attention to a sickly young lady during the new year?
No... I just mean we should help her until the very end.
We should keep her with us for a few more days.
All right.
Your subject, Yue Yin Chuan, seeks an audience with Your Majesty as decreed.
General Yue, do rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
With 10 provinces taken at one point, there were but useless commanders then.
Only General Yue scored a victory.
It's obvious that you're a rare talent.
Therefore, I told the Ministry of War that I must meet you alone.
Thank you for your compliment, Your Majesty.
However, I think that the battle at the eastern frontier lost
because of leaked military information.
Eastern Sea State had defense maps of all 10 provinces.
They knew our terrain and landscape
where our troops were stationed
how many soldiers there were, and who the commanders were.
They knew all the locations of treasuries, granaries, and arsenals.
Therefore, in my opinion
although we were in disgrace for losing all battles at the eastern frontier
it isn't entirely because of the incompetence of our men.
How impertinent!
His Majesty complimented you. You should just accept it.
How dare you talk back to him?
I wouldn't dare do that!
General Yue does have a point.
Thinking about what I said, I was indeed too biased.
This is General Yue's first audience with His Majesty.
It's inevitable that he lacks etiquette.
He'll understand after Cabinet Minister teaches him.
Shouldn't you thank His Majesty for being forgiving?
I thank Your Majesty for not punishing me.
All right, I summoned you to an audience
specifically to reward you, not to punish you.
General Yue, you need not panic.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
There's one more matter that I wish to bring up with Your Majesty.
General Yue, you should know when to draw the line.
What are you going to say this time?
Cabinet Minister Xun!
I find General Yue very insightful.
Since he has words to say, why don't we listen to him?
Yes.
Since Your Majesty said so, we might as well hear what he has to say.
General Yue, do tell.
I think that the battles at the three province east of Huai River
were different from those of the other seven provinces.
How are those three different from the other seven provinces?
Eastern Sea State made use of the information from the spy
to massacre the cities in the 10 provinces without any mercy.
They invaded quickly and left... without putting up much fight.
Hence, they didn't suffer many casualties.
They retreated to the east of Huai River
and sealed the river off with their naval forces.
Hence, I boldly deduced
that Eastern Sea State had targeted the three provinces east of Huai River
in the first place.
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