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[Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin]
[Episode 33]
Elder Prince.
Did you write anything wrong?
Don't look at Pingjing as being usually so loud.
He actually is a very sensitive person.
My wrist strength got a bit suspended in that word earlier.
If that child sees it, he will overthink again.
No rush. No rush. I will write slower.
It is also not a problem if I have to write for 2 more days.
[My child]
I just got back to the capital not long ago. I only have
casually bought teas here in my manor. Hope you will not mind.
Young Prince, since I personally visited,
let us not talk in circles anymore. Let us be more direct.
I am giving much importance to the information you told me.
But going back to it, why must I believe
that you only have the sincerity of being loyal to His Majesty and not
investigating the background of government officials for the House of Chang Lin?
What you said is also reasonable. But I want to ask you a question.
Although my Great Liang has numerous loyal subjects,
His Majesty is still young and the power of the Elder Prince's is great. The loyalty of people is surely unstable.
Once the House of Chang Lin shows any intention of rebelling, I fear that the people who will really risk everything for the sake of His Majesty
will only be Her Lady Majesty Empress Dowager and you, am I right?
What really do you want to say?
Minister, please sit first.
[Admission letter of Puyang Ying]
[Imperial Decree from the Empress]
When were you able to get this?
Of course, it was during the day that Puyang Ying died.
The epidemic in Jingling then can be described as piles of corpses as high as a mountain.
If I really have evil intentions towards Her Lady Majesty and you,
I just need to submit these two things to the former emperor.
Minister, think about it. What could have been the result?
Once you and Her Lady Majesty Empress Dowager is toppled,
even if His Majesty was able to successfully ascend to the throne,
he would be under the control of Elder Prince now.
He surely would not have any space to struggle in.
May I ask Minister, if I indeed am doing these for the House of Chang Lin,
with such a good opportunity in my hands like that, would I not give it to them
and just miss out on this chance?
Since you claim that
you have good intentions towards Her Lady Majesty Empress Dowager, why then
did you meticulously kept these things until now?
Because sincerity can be casually said.
Without any real proof, how can it be trusted?
Minister, do you believe it?
Elder Prince actually actively sent someone to call for me today.
That is really rare.
To tell you the truth, Brother Li,
Pingjing will be needing me to arrange a lot of things for him here in the capital. I was afraid
that if I was unable to handle these matters, I will cause him delays.
I understand. I will not force it.
Okay. Rest first.
Customers, please come inside.
- Isn't this Young Prince? - Young Prince.
Hello.
We have not seen each other for a long time. Let us go have some drink in the second floor.
It is not convenient for me today. Next time, I will treat you two.
- Don't. Let us make it today. Let us go. - I really...
This is not an imperial carriage. How come there are Jin Guards escorting it?
Young Prince has left for quite a long time. There are a lot of things that you do not know.
That is a lady from the House of Xun. She is Her Lady Majesty Empress Dowager's favorite.
She will frequently be invited to enter the palace, so of course, the Jin Guards would escort her to and from.
Too bad, her age is not compatible with His Majesty.
Or else, she would have been an imperial consort.
A lady from the Xun family?
Eldest Uncle.
Remember, you must hand this letter personally to Pingjing.
It must not get passed to any other hand.
Eldest Uncle, do not worry. I surely will travel day and night and will not cause any delays.
You do not really to rush and travel day and night.
It is still better not to tire yourself too much when travelling far.
I am currently very healthy and strong. A journey like this will not tire me.
When I was your age,
I was also traveling far for days, not feeling tired at all.
How can I compare to how Eldest Uncle was before?
Tell Pingjing that I will wait for his report of success.
Yes.
I will take my leave.
[To Xiao Pingjing]
[Jing'er, my health is good and well. Your sister-in-law and Ce'er are safe in Langya Court.]
[I have Uncle Yuan taking care of me in the Manor. ]
[You don't have to worry and just do your best in guarding the border and country.]
[In your letter, you mentioned about the impending battle with Great Yu's royal army.]
[You can analyze the situation, and discuss with the old generals about it.]
[Now the whole country is in mourning...(From the Grand Prince of Chang Lin)]
Minister!
Minister, please be more careful.
I risked danger in opening this letter. I still have to deliver this to Ganzhou.
The two of them actually discussed it in such a detailed manner.
Don't we have any way to respond to that?
To say that Xiao Pinjing is doing some grand move...
But he still has not started yet,
how then can you make a countermeasure?
You cannot really send someone to tell Prince Kang of Great Yu
that the Chang Lin Army is currently digging a pit to wait for him to jump into, right?
Informing the enemy and betraying the country? Of course not!
Going back to it,
if we are really able to kill the commander of the Royal Army,
for our Great Liang, that is also a good thing.
Minister, why won't you just let it be?
When Young Prince talked about politics last time, you were so on point.
Do you really not understand why I am being this anxious right now?
I thank Minister for praising me that way.
I will make a guess then.
Elder Prince of Chang Lin is in the capital assisting governance while Xiao Pingjing is outside holding great military power.
The military and government joining forces, you have someone from the inside and outside, this is a dead end to begin with.
But how come it still looks peaceful in the imperial court?
I think it is because when Xiao Pingzhang died,
the power of the House of Chang Lin in the government has at least decreased by half.
Although Xiao Pingjing have also joined battles and gotten some military merits,
his mighty reputation is still inferior to his father and older brother.
It is like clouds versus mud.
What Young Prince said is very right.
The reason why the young ruler is having a peaceful and stable government now
is mainly because even though the two of them look like to be colluding from the inside and outside,
in reality, they are unable to do it.
We both know that they temporarily are unable to do it for now.
An Ru.
Why are you standing here this late?
Cousin.
I heard from auntie that you are sick and cannot even get up from bed.
But at this late at night, why are you out of your room?
I have already recovered from my illness.
I was just pretending.
Ha? Pretending?
Why must you pretend that you are sick?
I do not want to stay in the palace anymore.
In our clan, Her Lady Majesty Empress Dowager likes you the most.
Fetching you to enter the palace was also because she loves you. Why then do you not want to go?
Nothing. I am just not used to the restraints.
Still being childish? Feels that staying at home is more relaxing?
Okay already. Hurry and greet uncle and auntie. Go back early to your room to rest.
Uncle is in the study entertaining a guest.
Entertaining a guest?
Yes.
At this time?
Although it was not stated clearly in the reply letter,
Xiao Pingjing must have already made arrangement in the different military camp.
If he is really able to defeat the leader of the enemy's army,
and be able to withdraw safely,
Minister, think about it. What will happen to the political state of Great Liang then?
A victory in this battle is enough to increase the fame of Xiao Pingjing
to be of equal to that of his father and older brother.
If there won't be any more war in the northern borders,
a huge army can just be pulled back anytime.
By then, I fear that the whole political court
will really need to look at the House of Chang Lin for every decision.
Not only the whole government,
whether if His Majesty must consider them first in the future,
is still unknown.
But I feel that the reason the Chang Lin father and son
are communicating privately
is still because of considerations regarding our national mourning state.
But since they have decided to attack,
I am sure that they have already come up with an excuse.
They will just say that it was Great Yu who provoked it first.
It is hard to decide whether to attack or guard.
Then let us ask His Majesty
to make an imperial decree ordering
the kingdom's four armies as being allowed only to guard
and not allowed to leave the city, look for fights,
contact other military camps, and more importantly, expand the war.
Once this imperial decree
is placed in front of Xiao Pingjing,
either he follows the decree
or bear the crime of disobeying the imperial decree
and the rules of national mourning.
Other than those, he does not have a third path to choose.
High Commander, why are you here?
I came to greet Uncle.
Master has given orders to not let anyone enter the study.
Did a guest visit?
I do not know.
- High Commander! High Commander, you cannot enter! - Move aside!
Feizhan, what is it?
Uncle.
What kind of guest is it that I cannot see?
There is none. I am the only one here.
What then is that door sound about?
Could it be the wind?
I was just overly suspicious.
Uncle, please rest early.
Young Prince, all preparations are complete.
We should get going.
He Cheng, you were originally from a family of government officials and just got exiled to the borders because of a crime.
You followed me so you can achieve success here in the capital.
But after arriving in Jinling, we are already leaving just after several short days.
Do you feel any dissatisfaction?
Although I am not as far-sighted as Young Prince,
I do know that our leaving today is to be able to come back in the future.
You said it so well.
I indeed was right about you.
Thanks.
When we were in Great Yu, I made you a promise
that we should sit down and have a chat
once we return to Ganzhou.
But many days have passed
and I kept being...
I kept being unable to come see you.
You are busy with military matters. I know that.
Lin Xi.
Actually, even if I do not say it, you surely understand it.
You even understand it more than I do. Right?
I understand.
In your heart, that wound related to me is just too painful.
You are still unable to face it until now.
Only wrapping it up and placing it aside can you continue sustaining yourself.
It was because I am such a coward.
But I really am unable to face it.
That's why...I can only choose something that is easier to do.
No, it's not like that.
Being inactive, depressed, escaping, and abandoning oneself to despair
are the easiest things to do.
You have decided to bear your duties first. How is that not a form of courage?
You are my most precious friend.
I do not want to just lose you like this. Can you be more patient with me?
We are facing a looming war. Please do not lose focus.
I will always be here once you are ready to face it.
I don't understand. When the late emperor was in reign, Royal Uncle was already taking charge of military matters.
He has his own way of doing things.
If he feels that I should know, he'd report it to me. Why should I ask him?
The late emperor didn't ask is because he knew it fully well.
If you don't ask, then you won't know anything.
Your Highness Empress Dowager.
Your Majesty, if it concerns other matters,
it's reasonable that Old Prince don't wish for you to know.
But with war breaking out in the northern border,
Old Prince did not even mention a single word in the Imperial Court.
If the Cabinet tolerates that and not speak a single word,
we would be letting the late emperor down.
We should be shirking our responsibility to Your Majesty.
Royal Uncle has always knew what he's doing. As to something big is brewing in the northern border,
could it be that you are being over suspicious?
If Your Majesty doesn't believe,
you can always take up on my suggestion
and ask him implicitly.
Whether Old Prince of Chang Lin tells you the truth,
you will then know.
Your Majesty riding and shooting skills have improved, this is really good news.
- Royal Uncle, have a seat. - Thank you, Your Majesty.
Royal Uncle.
I have read the summarised report by the Ministry of War.
There's one matter I don't understand. I would like to ask you.
Your Majesty, please speak.
During this mourning period, according to the Rites, we should close off the borders and guard the country.
There shouldn't be any bloodshed and battles. It's a form of respect.
But recently why were there
three times the amount of the military supplies given to the northern borders than normal?
Your Majesty, is this specially reported by Ministry of War?
I've asked the Minister of War. He seemed not to know.
It seems like Royal Uncle arranged it himself.
Should I not ask about it?
Your Majesty, you rule over the country. So long as it's state affairs,
there isn't any that you can't ask.
Our Great Liang is surround by strong enemies.
The political situation in those countries are different.
The late emperor passed away and Your Majesty is still young,
to the other states, this could be an opportunity for them to strike.
That's why we should be more alert of the dangers lurking in the borders.
Your Majesty, please think. We don't initiate attacks,
but if they attack us, how should we respond?
What Royal Uncle meant is that
all the arrangements you made for the northern borders, it's all about taking precautions?
Yes.
- Gao Fu. - Your Majesty.
- I'll have another try. - Yes.
Old Prince.
Old Prince, you have been taking charge of military affairs. Regarding the distribution of military supplies, you have never overstep the boundaries.
Why did His Majesty have such questions?
If the borders are safe, then the capital will be safe.
Why can't Minister Xun not understand at all?
Queen Mother.
How was it? Your uncle and I were right?
Even if Old Prince is patronising the Cabinet,
how could he just brush you off when you have asked him personally?
It's evident that in his eyes,
he is just disregarding you.
Disregarding other matters, in the past,
would he dare to do this towards the late emperor?
Queen Mother, you can't say that.
We need to be on alert with strong enemies surrounding us.
What Royal Uncle said was right.
With new ruler ascending the throne, being more alert than before
it's not wrong.
But I think that with regards to the northern borders
this is not that simple.
Let's not decide whether Old Prince's decision is right or wrong.
But this concerns the fate of the country.
Why can't he bring up this matter in the Imperial court,
let everyone discuss and for you to make the decision?
That's right. Do you understand that now?
Old Prince is taking advantage of the usual practice during the late emperor's reign,
and single-handedly taking charge of the military matters.
He refused to report this matter to you.
You won't have a chance to refute.
This is what happens when a powerful minister dominates everything.
Why aren't you not on the alert?
Subtitles and Timing provided by Gone With The Shirt Team at Viki.com
Well...
What would the Cabinet suggest?
Old Prince.
You are saying that Pingjing wants to...
Yes.
Once Pingjing's plan is successful,
a huge battle will eventually break out.
If this matter is not reported to the Cabinet,
I'm really worried that when Chang Lin Army defends the country,
they will in the end be implicated.
Not to mention that military matters are confidential,
if we only talk about the hardships of battle in the northern border,
who in the capital and imperial court
would be able to relate and understand?
It's not that my son and I are arrogant and overbearing,
if this matter is brought up in the imperial court,
it would result in a deadlock and no decision can be made.
If I insisted and not give in,
I'm afraid I won't be able to escape the bad name of being authoritarian.
If I can't hold out,
the rare opportunity that arise in the northern border
would be gone in an instant.
If we win this battle, the country is stable and citizens can live in peace,
even if misfortune befell upon us,
it is still worthwhile.
Old Prince.
The way the Cabinet do things is really...
Can't you report it to His Majesty in secret?
With the current situation, on one hand, it's about piety and rites,
on the other hand, it's a heaven sent opportunity.
It is a dilemma.
I'm in my seventies and have been in the military for the whole of my life.
It can be said that I have gone through much.
But after making this decision,
I still feel
troubled in my heart
and depressed.
His Majesty is not yet 14 years old, he just ascended the throne.
He has just lost the childish look,
How can I let him be in a dilemma
and be burdened by it?
Old Prince.
You really dote and love His Majesty.
You are the close courtier to His Majesty.
You are the most reliable person whom His Majesty can depend on.
The reason why I told you all these in advance is I hope
that you can draw your own conclusion.
So long as your heart is stable, it's not
something bad for His Majesty.
Old Prince, I will remember this in my heart.
I still feel that I should discuss this with Imperial Uncle.
Before royal father died, he especially instructed me to respect royal uncle.
Promulgating an imperial decree like this behind his back is a bit inappropriate.
It is indeed because you must respect Elder Prince of Chang Lin
that is why you did not discuss it with him.
Why?
Eldest Prince is a stubborn man.
Before, when he has differing opinions with the former emperor, he would not easily yield.
The more it is with you.
Elder Prince has been used to making military decisions by his own.
If he refuses to listen to your words,
can Your Majesty forcefully make this decree?
Will that hurt Elder Prince of Chang Lin's pride more?
That is right, my royal son.
Think about it. How old is Elder Prince of Chang Lin already?
His complexion is also not good lately.
He is the older brother of the former emperor and has always been receiving great kindness from him.
Although the relationship of emperor and subject comes first, you are still of a lower generation than him.
What if a conflict arises between you two because of differing opinions and Elder Prince gets sick out of anger,
then would that not be more inappropriate?
That is right. Former emperor has left us in just less than a year.
If something bad also happens to Royal Uncle,
I indeed will feel guilty about it.
The filial traditions during national mourning is a very important matter concerning the kingdom.
But we also must consider not hurting the pride of Elder Prince.
That's why, after thinking about it, this is the best idea.
Royal Uncle was decreed to assist me in governing.
If the Prefect of Insignia and Credentials will be using the imperial stamp, should I not inform him first?
Your Majesty can call for the Prefect of Insignia and Credentials to enter the palace and open the seal.
You do not need to pass through the imperial court. You can directly make a decree and order the Minor Treasurer to not speak of it.
Afterwards, the inner cabinet will archive it and it will be promulgated to all corners of the kingdom.
That will be your uncle's job then.
Ganzhou
I am returning for the completion of my mission.
Yuanqi, you are finally back.
Thank you.
Yuan Qi, it is tiring to travel that far. Go rest first.
I carefully thought about it earlier.
After receiving uncle's letter, I dare not let it leave my side.
Even if sleeping at night, I have placed it by my side. I really cannot think of
when it got opened by anyone.
Could it be the spies of Great Yu did some trick?
Even I only knew when you will leave the capital on the day that you left.
Your journey was quite secured and you didn't make any delay at all. No matter how good the spies of Great Yu are,
they still are from a foreign land that just mixed in here.
They surely will not be able to do it to this degree.
It is my fault for being careless and slow-witted, hence, foiling everything.
But honestly, I still am unable to see
what is wrong with this envelope.
The way it was done was indeed good so it is not surprising that you did not notice.
Sit.
I instead feel that this letter got opened even prior to you leaving the capital.
Then is it important? How can we still make up for it?
Good thing, Royal Father did not write too many details in the letter. It cannot really affect the earlier stage of the battle.
Anyway, it will not be the worse kind of situation.
I do not understand it.
No matter who did this matter,
he only secretly opened the letter and looked at it,
so what can he do afterwards?
Someone said before that if you do not know from where the sword of your enemy will come from
or in what manner, what you should think first is
where your fatal weakness is.
Based on this matter, what we should think about is what they will do next,
and what we fear they will do the most.
The envoy going to the four borders can leave the capital today.
Elder Prince of Chang Lin has also not yet sensed anything.
We finally can relax a little.
Older brother.
Older brother!
How can we relax?
What do you mean?
I am thinking that by tomorrow,
the decree will be sent to the northern border.
Can we really sleep at ease?
Men! Dong Qing! Lu Zhao!
Here!
- Second Young Master. - I have decided. Pick some quick-witted people.
Any route to here from the capital, they must guard it.
As long as they notice any person that looks like a person from the capital traveling towards the northern border, immediately inform me.
Yes.
I do not understand anymore. What is older brother still worrying about?
No matter how Xiao Pingjing is reckless,
when the decree is promulgated, it is like a spilled water than cannot be taken back.
You think he would dare to disobey the decree publicly?
Even if he disregards laws and morality,
those northern border troops are still my government's subjects.
The former emperor has just left long ago. Are there no one now who is willing to follow
the orders of my imperial family?
Even if he disobey the decree openly,
the envoy should first see the face of Xiao Pingjing, right?
Moreover, the northern border is the territory of the Chang Lin Army.
If they casually just dig a pit or devise a trick to trip us,
just trapping the imperial decree
at some place for several days. And then, casually denying it afterwards.
By then, no one can clearly explain what happened anymore.
Then...what should we do?
This imperial decree is too important.
I am not at ease to send anyone else.
Older brother is thinking of personally going to the northern border?
Now is a crucial time.
We must not allow any mistakes.
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 ♫
♫ Luminous cherry trees, deep-rooted with long and slender frames, still sport magnificent flowers ♫
♫ Unexpected torrential rain and heavy wind, what does it matter? ♫
♫ Between the trees, the moon brightly guards peak after jagged peak ♫
♫ Banners tremble, drums roar, a ribbon of a thousand horsemen ride back up the ridge to settle the score ♫
♫ 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 rein ♫
♫ Discussions about their heroism led them to be questioned, and suffer dismal complaints around them, unable to clear their names ♫
i>♫ Hoping for the whole world to remain at peace, quench the fires of war ♫