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[Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin]
[Episode 14]
Your subject, Xiao Yuanqi, greets Your Majesty.
Yuanqi, what your mother did,
has anyone explained it fully with you?
Yes, I understand now.
Among the five sons of the late Emperor, only me and your father came from the same mother.
But the crime he did then
brought danger to the borders and countless deaths.
It could not be pardoned.
I've already asked them to allow you to review the imperial edict decree made by the late Emperor.
What are your thoughts?
My mother was a classical example of a house wife, her husband was everything to her.
She acted based on personal grudges and didn't care about right or wrong.
Since young, I was educated in the Imperial colleague.
After ascertaining what she had done, it is really hard for me to argue on her behalf.
But, Your Majesty,
no matter what crimes she committed, she is still my birth mother.
Please be merciful. Let me retrieve and bury her remains,
to let her rest in peace.
Yuanqi, your mother was full of hatred.
She murdered Consort Shu and endangered the imperial line.
You are not implicated by her crime
only because of your royal bloodline.
Do you understand this point?
Yes, I understand.
As a grandson of the late Emperor, according to etiquette,
you should not bury a criminal.
If you insist on letting His Majesty be merciful and make an exception,
then you must first severe your ties with the imperial family.
You can only choose 1 between these 2 choices.
You must think about it carefully.
Eldest Uncle...
Your Majesty!
Mother gave me life and raised me.
I owe father my bloodline.
How am I to choose between the two?
I really don't know how I am to choose.
Enough. If you can't choose, then I'll choose for you.
Your mother's crime cannot be pardoned so she can only be simply buried far from the capital.
You cannot establish a memorial tablet nor make any offerings.
The Marquis of Laiyang will be disennoble to third rank.
Yuanqi, I am allowing you 3 months to mourn in your manor.
After 3 months, you must not disobey the rules again.
His Majesty has given his mercy.
Yuanqi, thank His Majesty for his mercy.
Does Young Prince not wish
to mourn for your mother anymore?
Yes, I am useless.
Not only can people come and go in this manor,
I couldn't even protect
the life of my own mother.
If you came to kill me, just do it.
Kill you? Why should I kill you?
That High Priest Puyang, that future of Great Liang,
is connected with you.
If I kill you, then it cannot be carried out.
Your life is very precious.
No matter what your plans are,
I will never believe them.
You have no reason to help me.
You are still half a Donghai person.
If our kingdom can benefit from it,
will this reason be enough?
Donghai plans to gain advantage from me?
It's just, the current you,
is not qualified to ask such a question.
That day, you said that
there is a lot of room for improvement in my cultivation.
How then can I improve?
Useless garbage. Stand up!
Give up on this idea.
You will never have this opportunity.
If you want to look for death, then tell me early on,
saves me the trouble of staying in the Capital for you.
You parents are both criminals.
You are destined to have no position
in Great Liang's court.
Your only hope
is to learn martial arts with me.
Get up!
Pingjing, even though Pingzhang placed you under my command,
to be honest, there's really no need for you to help with the daily patrols around the Palace.
If you find it boring just find some place to rest.
If there's anything I'll have someone come call you.
Brother Xun.
When your father died, how old were you?
Five... why are you asking after this all of a sudden?
I'm used to having my father and brother support me.
I've never thought about what it's like to be all alone.
I know. Everyone's dotted and indulged you since you were little.
Why, aren't you satisfied?
No, it's not that...
I went to visit Yuanqi today.
His family has suffered a great disaster, it's bound to be difficult.
No matter how much other people can understand his position, the most important part is himself.
whether he can really find his own way out.
I hope so.
But I think I said too much today. I hope he doesn't think too much of it.
Don't worry. Time will heal all wounds.
I'm sure he will recover. Don't worry.
Everyone wishes to avoid this manor as much as possible.
There would be no danger if you wish to stay a few more days.
The Emperor of Great Liang has assigned envoys to accompany and to pay a return visit to Dong Hai.
When the time comes they'll want to meet me face to face to confirm that I've returned to Dong Hai.
More over Jinling city is not a place for me to linger,
it is time for me to return.
According to what my mother said in her will,
I can call you as my uncle on the mother's side from Donghai.
Yes.
Uncle, rest assured I will practice diligently.
There is one thing that Puyang Ying is correct about.
What I need the most now, is strength and patience.
Although we are just using each other,
but that Puyang Ying, ultimately
is far different from you and me.
He doesn't care about anything or anyone.
He is purely out for revenge.
You need to understand that point.
Understood.
Elder Prince!
The cabinet sent you a report.
Uncle Yuan, did you not say it wrongly?
It's not a military report?
No, it is a cabinet report.
Why will a cabinet report be sent to our Chang Lin Manor?
- Pingzhang, say it. - It is the name list of the members of the Northern Yan envoy troupe.
Their 5th Prince will personally come to Jinling this time.
Norther Yan's 5th prince is their emperor's legitimate son.
Looks like the status of their civil war is far
worse than what we know.
But how can a cabinet report be sent to the Chang Lin Manor?
The escort for a prince serving as an envoy is expected to be more than the usual.
The person escorting this His Imperial Highness Prince Hui
is the 3rd son of Elder Prince Hanhai of Northern Yan,
Tuoba Yu.
Tuoba Yu? The heir of Hanhai sword?
He is only 26 years old.
but already ranks 5th on Langya Hall's list of martial masters.
It's as if a new rule has been set in the cabinet,
as soon a person on the Langya list appears,
they automatically send it to our manor.
Say, what's happening to Jinling recently?
Duan Tongzhou, Marquis Mozi, Tuoba Yu,
Langya-ranked top fighters are coming into the capital one after another.
It's as if someone is masterminding all of this
making it look like the works of the gods. Deliberately pushing them forward.
Purposefully arranged... is there such a possibility?
Uncle Yuan, is Pingjing in the manor?
He seemed he to have gone out.
As soon as Dong Hai's issue is resolved this boy has gone wandering again.
What are you looking for him for?
I want to give him something to do.
Prince Hui of Northan Yan and Tuobo Hao's convey have passed Meiling (Mei Ridge).
Yes, shifu. That's what Mr Duan's note said.
The envoy troup's name list was just received a few days ago,
yet they're already half way here.
Looks like Northern Yan is a little eager.
Shifu, should I let Mr Duan keep a closer eye on them?
Au contraire.
Prince Hui will not experience any trouble on the way.
Tuoba Yu is no ordinary warrior either.
Tell them to come back first and wait for my orders near the Capital.
Yes.
Put more force into your right hand, more.
Good, continue.
Keep your shoulders straight, steady.
Steady.
Good.
- Good... - Aiyah... :'(
Seems easier said than done isn't it.
No rush, as long as you practice there'll be improvements.
Again.
Understood, you may leave.
Hold it tight.
Your Majesty, the Chancellor as arrived as summoned and is waiting in the main hall.
and is waiting in the main hall.
Oh, correct, I summoned him to report back on Northern Yan.
I actually forgot.
Try by yourself for a bit.
It's quite warm this year.
The flowers have bloomed well, this courtyard so filled with Spring cheer.
I'm somewhat disinclined to move.
It is just your elder brother, why not bring him here to talk.
Yes, your Majesty.
Is it much better.
Didn't you say your elder brother gave you some things to do?
Why are you still so idle?
It's nothing. My brother said that I have many acquaintances,
and wanted me to gather some intelligence on Northern Yan.
You have many acquaintances?
Yes, I know quite a number of the people looking after Langya Hall pigeon coups all over the place.
Even Marquis Mozi has come before, whats so special about Tuoba Yu.
But brother has a cautious and thoughtful personality.
The House of Tuoba is most prestigious family in Northern Yan, with many part of the court and nobles.
I thought that according to Langya Hall's rules, Hanhai sword would not be allowed on the list.
Tuoba Yu is only the third son of Prince Hanhai,
he does not have a position in court.
So what you're saying is that Langya Hall only answers questions out side of the Courts.
It wishes to separate itself from the courts,
but as things stands it's very difficult.
As the saying goes, be accomplished in the arts, sell to the Kings and Lords.
There are countless ties between those who have peerless skills and the Courts of many kingdoms.
How can it be so easy to separate.
I wonder what made the Old Master change this rule.
Northan Yan has sent the lineal Prince* to negotiate the peace treaty. T/N: lineal Prince - Prince birthed by the Empress/Queen
The conditions they've set also shows much sincerity.
Now that this fifth Prince has been ennobled Imperial Prince of Hui,
according to our Great Liang's etiquette,
the person to receive the guests must then be one grade higher.
Perhaps, consider giving the Crown Prince some experience.
Good! Yuanshi, that was a good shot.
Thank you father.
Look how young the Crown Prince is, there is no need for experience now.
Just allow Young Prince Changlin to take care of
the daily accompaniment of the guests.
Yes.
While the peace negotiations are not military matters and is headed by the cabinet,
but since Pingzhang is handling the reception,
he cannot be in the dark.
From today, send a copy of the negotiation progress
reports to Changlin manor.
Yes, your Majesty.
Look at that.
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Reports the Cabinet sent today.
Brother, the weather is good today,
aren't you going to take da-shao out for walk?
Do you think I'm you? So idle.
That's right!? Why are you so idle.
What happened to the things I told you to do?
I've sorted them all out, everything's here.
Since you've sorted it, you must have read them right?
What thoughts do you have on the current situation of Northern Yan?
Things seem inevitable.
It's like a flood breaking through the dam, without a great power there is no way to stop it.
There is not many opportunities for the Northern Yan court to reverse the tide.
As it is they can only see if this newly made Prince Hui can establish the situation.
But then no matter how Northern Yan changes it does not affect our Great Liang.
Watch the fire from across the water is the best option.
And Pingjing...
Pingjing! I still have things for you to do!
- Second Young Master. - Deputy Sun
I thought you weren't going to come.
I said I would practice with the Capital patrols how could I go back on my words?
This way.
Who are they?
They're people from the 7 horse farms outside the passes.
They come once a year to deliver new years gifts
because the distance is far, they usually stay until April before returning.
New years gifts?
- Gifts to who? - They supply war horses the court,
they more or less have some connections in the Capital.
Sending some gifts around in the new years in natural.
Go to Fulai Hotel, where they're staying
and give them a warning.
This is the Imperial Capital, not wild plains beyond the Passes. We don't need a stampede.
If they get into any trouble, it's just more work for the Capital patrols.
Yes.
This way, please.
These are the final conditions settled upon by the cabinet?
In they're eyes
being able to settle on these conditions in the alliance between Yan and Liang is already very good.
The cabinet is situated far away in the Capital. There are many things they're not as clear of as us.
It's not their fault.
But I know what father has always wanted.
This is such a good opportunity,
we cannot pass it up.
- Shifu - Director
How is it?
The return date for the 7 horse farms has been confirmed for April 16th.
Should I follow them back out to the fields as usual this year, or
stay in the Capital and await orders.
The Northern Yan envoys have yet to arrive, how things will progress in the Capital is not clear.
We will wait.
Yes.
It's late. Go and rest.
These are to be submitted in the Imperial Court tomorrow.
I will take some time.
I'm not tired. I keep you company.
Your Majesty, the borders between us and Yan are separated by the southern ridges of Mt Chengwu.
Northern Yan initiated the move to retreat out of the northern mountains,
personally escort their Princess to enter into a marriage of alliance and to sign a peace treaty
to never launch a military attack on us. The Cabinet feels that on the north,
there's already Da Yu, a strong enemy of ours,
a peace treat between us and Yan can relieve some of the pressures on the northern borders.
It's of great benefit to us. I hope that Your Majesty will agree.
Based on your words,
this matter concerns the military.
Royal Brother, what's your view on this matter?
Your Majesty, I have no objections with regards to the peace treaty.
But as to the conditions made by Northern Yan-
Old Prince, the conditions regarding the marriage alliance and retreat of the army,
both are very good.
Minister Xun, you may not know this. The southern ridges of Mt Chengwu
is actually of gentle slope, it's not mountainous regions at all.
Their military camp are originally encamped at the northern ridges of Mt Chengwu,
so it's not considered retreating out of Mt Chengwu.
Your Majesty, if we disregard this non-existent condition,
Northern Yan just wanted to marry a princess into our country.
I don't know what's your view on this matter.
I understand.
Northern Yan put forth this just because they want to marry a princess into our country.
They can but we have to add our condition.
The Northern Yan currently is having internal strife. Who knows if we get in trouble because of this.
You said it right.
Your Majesty, it has not been easy to breed good army horses.
Ours cannot be compared with the army horses of Da Yu and Northern Yan.
The private horse stables have been buying Wanxi horses from Xi Jing and Ye Qin.
After breeding and taming them, they are then supplied to the Military.
The cost is very high and difficult to breed them continuously.
I feel that we should make use of this opportuniy
to request 500 stallions from Northern Yan, and breed them in the waterlands of Lanzhou.
Also to open horse stable in the name of the Imperial Court, and these will be managed by the military camp of Chang Lin in Lanzhou.
The situation will change drastically in a few years.
I have drafted a copy of the details.
Please read it, Your Majesty.
Good suggestion.
How do the Cabinet feel about this?
Your Majesty, the army horses
has always been managed by the Military.
For Chang Lin Camp in Lanzhou to manage them, I;m afraid it's not appropriate.
It's just a mere suggestion. If you feel that there's a better person
than Lanzhou camp, please feel free to
recommend that to His Majesty.
I don't feel that it's inappropriate for Lanzhou Camp to manage it.
Moreover, we can discuss the details at a later date.
Minister Xun, the Cabinet shall be in charge of discussing the details with Northern Yan.
The suggestion given by Heir to Chang Lin, you have to add that in.
I obey.
Father, I asked Xiao'xue to supervise him before I left.
Now that Xiao'xue can't sit still and have left,
we can't blame Pingjing for not seeing this through.
You have been helping me since you were fifteen years old.
He is now 21 years old, yet he's still not sensible.
Who is it?
Me.
Father, elder Brother, why are you here?
If we come back tomorrow,
do you plan to sleep till then?
I was only catching a nap.
Moreover, what older brother has asked me to read, I have finished reading them all.
You have read them?
Good. Tell me.
There's nothing really interesting
but this one. Regarding the condition given by Northern Yan,
what retreating out of the northern ridges? It's all bull.
- Pingzhang. - Yes.
The condition we presented in court today,
Though Minister Xun didn't say anything, he actually objects to it.
But improving on our war horses is of great benefit to the imperial court.
Why does the Cabinet object to it?
What the Cabinet objects is your suggestion
for Lanzhou Military camp to manage the war horses.
Let's not talk about it.
Maybe I'm just over thinking it.
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The Imperial Court wants to have their own stables?
Yes.
After Old Prince added this condition,
the Cabinet, Military and Revenue Bureau are in urgent discussion.
That's good.
Let the ministers have their discussion,
I can have the time to think how to make good use of this chance.
You go and check where the people from border stables are staying.
Yes.
This is where Father puts the official documents.
Be careful and not make a mess.
Brother, what do you want me to find?
The list of purchase of military horses by the Imperial Court over the years.
Looks like Father wasn't overthinking on the strange attitude of the Cabinet.
You only have two days. Don't be lazy this time.
Minister Xun, be careful.
I'm alright.
Lanzhou camp.
The changes suggested by astrology were indeed accurate.
What does High Priest mean?
The celestial body message is very clear this time.
Not only my Baishen Sect,
but I believe that the imperial astronomer can also see it very clearly.
It's just that no one dares to say the truth.
Because I am discussing it with you privately, it is just fine.
But to say it openly, I will never admit that I have said these words.
The general's star is too bright. It's brightness is already overshadowing that of the purple star (the Emperor).
Its fortune is dark and gloomy.
That suggests bad fortune.
That depends on whose fortune you are asking. For the bearer of the general star,
this fortune is a good one.
I have always cultivated to pay respect to the gods.
I usually do not interfere in government affairs.
But being patronized by Her Majesty, how can I just stand back and do nothing?
I am going to give you some advice.
If they are able to control the stables now, they would be able to control the grains in the future.
Once His Majesty gets used to it, isn't the rule of a military official not interfering in political affairs
just be empty words?
Minister Xuan, I will take my leave.
High Priest, please wait!
I heard from Her Majesty
that you have great foresight and is someone that can be trusted.
For this current situation,
do you have any unique resolution?
It is not proper to discuss this in the corridor.
My Qian Tian Court just happen to have picked some good tea leaves earlier.
If Minster Xun has the time, do you want to taste a few cups?
Okay. Okay. Okay.
How about it?
Older Brother, all are here.
These are the projects that the government funds every year and the total amount.
And these are the military budget including the number of battle horses that each military camp
requests from the government each year.
And these are records from the Ministry of War noting the
military equipment and battle horses they bought every year.
9 out of 10 of them came from those 7 horse stables.
Brother, look here. The amount of one horse of the Yuebei Horse Stable
is actually more expensive than the good horse breeds our Chang Lin army directly bought from Dayuan.
Also, here. Four years ago, there no events that happened in their borders.
Yet, they bought horses during the spring and autumn seasons.
Could it be that the reason the cabinet is showing an ambiguous stand
is somewhat related to this?
That's right. The owner of the horse stable, the local officials,
the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, all their interests are connected and they have interactions in several levels.
How could it not reach the cabinet?
Let us dig deep in this direction. We surely will dig out several corrupt officials.
Who told you that I am going to dig deep?
Didn't you let me investigate all these for that reason?
I just want to confirm
the reason why the cabinet was against father and my suggestion.
You also have locked yourself here for 2 days. Clean this place up.
Go look for your friends and have fun.
Older brother, what do you mean by that?
Are we just disregarding the possible existence of collusion for profits
in this matter?
How do you plan to interfere?
Local governance and the six ministries are all considered political government affairs.
The rules of our Great Liang states that a military official must not get involved in political affairs.
Presently, there is still no major mishaps that has happened.
Secondly, the cabinet hasn't openly refused father's suggestion yet.
Thirdly, while we haven't received any orders from His Majesty,
what right does our House of Chang Lin have to secretly investigate government officials?
- I thought father can-- - Pingjing,
it is exactly because father has awe-inspiring fame and
military power, that's why our House of Chang Lin cannot just do as we please.
If we don't even know how to restrain ourselves and just do what we want,
how can we blame others for having the wrong opinion?
No matter how beautifully sounding the words of the House of Chang Lin is,
but all those are just suggestions.
But Northern Yan's Prince Hui will be entering the capital in a few days,
how can the cabinet find another more suitable choice than the Lanzhou Military Brigade?
I believe that Minister had meticulously thought about it too.
The conditions stated by the Northern Yan
is very beneficial to our kingdom.
The cabinet doesn't really have a reason to refuse it.
Honestly, I also feel that
these 500 high quality horses
are very enticing
and shouldn't' be refused.
Compared to the stability of the future government of the Crown Prince,
these are all just minor benefits in the present time.
But what minister said is very right. On the outside, it is indeed hard to refuse them.
What is important is what is their private intentions.
Private intentions?
Providing war horses to the government
is a huge source of profits.
Seeing that this source will be cut off soon, I'm sure that people who are unhappy about it
won't just be you.
I know that what older brother said was very reasonable.
Our House of Chang Lin is not the Imperial Censor Office that receives all kinds of news and reports.
We don't have the right to censor government officials.
We cannot investigate any officials just by intuitions.
If we disregard the limits of our position and just investigate anything that we want,
even if our intention is good,
it might become a special power in the long run and destroy order.
But going back to it,
we clearly have already found something yet he want me to act as if I didn't see anything.
It is not that hard to investigate it. People from the stable are all in the capital now.
We just had to follow this lead and track for more clues, we can then find the truth already.
So annoying. As long as it is a government matter,
it can't be helped to face some conflicts.
Some looks as if they are unsolvable.
That's why, for me, it is still in jianghu where worries are far away, more comfortable, and carefree.
Taking drastic measure to deal with the situation?
Stop Prince Hui from entering the capital.
How are we going to stop it?
From what I know,
the owners of the seven large horse stables are currently in the capital.
What High Priest means is
to use the horse stables?
Indeed.
But based the details of the negotiations with Northern Yan
is a cabinet secret. It cannot be leaked to the public.
If anyone knows about this--
Thank you to Her Majesty's great favor, the amount of disciples here in my Qian Tian Court
is quite flourishing.
The sharing of information is also quite more convenient than other places. Minster, don't worry.
I surely will not involve you into it.
His Majesty has already agreed
for Yan and Liang to reconcile.
This is the emperor's intention and also a matter that's been decided upon.
If you were unable to handle it properly
and incite a war between the two kingdoms,
- I fear that-- - It is impossible for the current Yan
to wage any war with our Great Liang.
Minister Xun, the usual Northern Yan will definitely not agree with the conditions
that the House of Chang Lin added.
But do you know why Elder Prince is very sure that it will work this time?
Lin Xi, you are considered an outsider.
Listen if my idea is correct.
If the government has its rules, our jianghu also have our ways.
Older brother is unwilling to investigate the government officials. No problem.
I am considered to be partly from jianghu anyway.
If I secretly investigate the fishy dealings regarding these matters, I wouldn't be breaking any rule, right?
If you say it that way, it sounded reasonable.
But my older brother wouldn't permit me to squander my time on this.
It is impossible for me to dispatch people from our Chang Lin Manor.
I only have a pair of eyes.
I cannot really not move for 12 hours a day, right?
Didn't you say that you know a lot of people?
I can't' really send out people from the pigeon house, right?
I know who to look for already!
Thanks.
Stop dilly-dallying. Hurry.
Customers, please come inside.
Just as lord guessed,
after the major horse stables got the news, they all started to be anxious.
When we had our secret meeting in Fulai Inn yesterday,
I just slightly coerced them
and they already are unable to sit at ease.
Tomorrow night, there will be 2 more groups of people that will be coming. I believe that by then,
we will reach a unified stand.
But the Patrol Guards have been monitoring us.
What about the House of Chang Lin?
No activities at all.
They don't seem to care.
The heir of Chang Lin is really a very careful person.
But...yesterday in Fulai Inn,
I saw Chang Lin's Second Young Master.
- Xiao Pingjing? - Indeed.
Does high priest want me to create troubles for him?
No need.
Just let him be. What I fear more is him not doing anything.
Yes.
Subtitles and Timing provided by Gone With The Shirt Team at Viki.com
♫ The long, slow song rises like wind flowing through the corridors reaching the imposing, opulent and bright Imperial Hall ♫
♫ Memories of that certain year, when far-away borders blazed with fires of war, in vast fields of ice and snow ♫
♫ From this world, the many slanders pass through the vermilion gates, over the palace walls ♫
♫ Beneath iron armor, together with silken skirts and silver spears, hair grows hoary as though with early frost ♫
♫ Hoping for the day when we can sincerely join hands in a faraway place without a second thought ♫
♫ Fiery liquor consumed at the end of the world, at the limits of exhaustion, is a feast! ♫
♫ There is little intention to return the real men to the war in the north, though willing, they are not given free rein ♫
♫ Discussions about their heroism led them to be questioned, and suffer dismal complaints around them, unable to clear their names ♫
♫ Good bows hoarded; likewise, so as not to injure, sigh against the way of heaven when stored indefinitely ♫
♫ Clouds of fear calm shameful waves, the night air stops their bickering by starlight ♫
♫ There is little intention to return the real men to the war in the north, though willing, they are not given free r
♫ Discussions about their heroism led them to be questioned, and suffer dismal complaints around them, unable to clear their names ♫
♫ Good bows hoarded; likewise, so as not to injure, sigh against the way of heaven when stored indefinitely ♫
♫ Clouds of fear calm shameful waves, the night air stops their bickering by starlight ♫
♫ There is little intention to return the real men to the war in the north, though willing, they are not given free rein ♫
♫ Discussions about their heroism led them to be questioned, and suffer dismal complaints around them, unable to clea
♫ Hoping for the whole world to remain at peace, quench the fires of war ♫