[Ever Night]
[Episode 08]
Haven't you been probing into Yulong Gang's backer?
You even dared to use the army
and collaborated with Cultivators from other States
to kill Yulong Chief, Chao Xiaoshu.
I'm telling you, Yulong Gang's real leader is me.
So that's why Chu Xiaoshu is Second Brother.
You aren't ignorant.
Kid, why'd you help Chao Xiaoshu that night at his Pavilion?
He gave me 500 taels.
His Majesty likes a loyal person. I, Old Xu, do too.
Would you give your life for honour in Tang Empire?
Honour can be bestowed.
Not a life.
Stubborn selfishness. At least make some effort.
Listen well. From today,
you're a Secret Guard.
Secret Guard?
Your Majesty, your servant waits in shame.
I regularly read poems.
Not I or anyone
even thought "Yulong" (Fish-Dragon) had another meaning.
We should be ashamed to face Your Majesty.
Scholar Zeng, you're so astute.
Thanks, Your Majesty.
Other than me in Tang, who'd dare to use this word ('dragon').
I'm so disappointed in you all-
you ignored the law and oppressed the people.
And you were foolish.
Such a simple thing and you took 10 years to find out.
You make me truly pained.
We are at fault.
Your Majesty, stay calm.
Rise.
Thanks, Your Majesty.
I asked Chao Xiaoshu to establish a gang for me
to gather information from the masses.
But because of your haggling over small gains,
he's been forced to the foreground.
He's lost his effectiveness.
Commander Xu, what must I do?
Your task is simple; just get information secretively.
Then, Commander Xu, what's "secretively" mean?
Can I go home prosperous?
Can I set off fireworks and wave flags at Lin 47 Street?
Do I let the world know I'm doing this job?
Sure.
You can do that and more.
You mean?
You tout Empress and Princess's names to stir up the Capital,
but you don't know
Empress is very clear about
Yulong Gang's link to Imperial Family.
My Yu'er, when young,
went to Spring Wind Pavilion with me.
We know our fault.
Little brother knows his fault.
Does the outfit suit you?
Not bad, looks nice.
As a Secret Guard, hide your identity.
Today you're dressed like that
because it's a joining ritual.
But only wear it twice,
on the day you join,
and at your funeral.
Why laugh?
This outfit is nice for my own funeral.
Don't be mouthy. Don't say I didn't warn you.
As a Secret Guard, don't reveal your identity to Officials.
We'll meet outside the Palace in future.
If needed, someone will contact you.
When do I meet the Emperor?
Think you'd really meet him?
Qi Siwei is a Secret Guard, but never met him.
You think you qualify to meet the Emperor?
I tell you, I'm busy. I met you today
for Old Chao's sake.
Someone will take you back。 Change straightaway.
But it looks nice.
Can I secretively wear it at home?
Get out now.
Get out.
[Grand Prince's Residence]
(a letter)
Strong outside support is reassuring.
Brother Emperor, the battle between us is just starting.
It's an honour to witness your breaking into Knowing Destiny level.
Greetings, Princess.
Congrats, Uncle Chao.
Viewing fish led a Tang Great Sword Master into Knowing Destiny.
You flatter me.
It's no more than some insight. You may call me by my name.
I don't merit the 'Uncle' title.
When little, I went with Father to your residence.
Uncle Chao, you held me then.
I'm unworthy
for you to address me as a senior. That makes me concerned.
You may all go.
I want to talk privately to Uncle Chao.
Was Blue Lake Woodcutter useful?
Princess, I just asked him for a favour.
It was joining forces, not using.
Well said, 'joining forces'.
If so, you two became Brothers.
I just want to remind you-
one egg in a basket is easy to break.
After all, you have one chance. Just one egg.
That little Brother might get into Tang Academy, or join the army.
But no matter what, he'd take good care of himself,
letting no-one hurt him.
I have one egg, but I can choose not to put it in a basket.
He didn't take the chance I gave him. I thought
he was someone who doesn't care for money and fame.
I didn't realize he thought it wasn't an impressive debut.
He wanted another way to show up in the capital.
No matter what, it was me who brought him here.
So he's mine.
You used my person, so you owe me a favour.
You think too well of me.
After Spring Wind Pavilion battle, you can't stay a simple commoner.
Since I returned to the capital,
I must help decide the future.
I believe you're a smart person.
You'll make the right decision.
Your Highness is very similar to your mother.
Uncle Chao knew my mother?
Empress Cui was beautiful and very intelligent.
She was His Majesty's beloved woman.
Was beloved.
Sadly, Mother died.
It's just me and my brother.
I took on a mother's role.
That's something I had to do.
I heard Uncle Chao
was a prodigy when taking Tang Academy test.
Because of Father,
you were hidden in the depths of East Town.
He likely feels guilty about you.
But you must still live in the 'sea' called Tang.
You must eventually pick a direction to swim.
I'm a small fish
but I don't like to live in a pond...
even if the pond is as big as a sea.
It's still a pond.
So if I must pick where to swim...
maybe I'll choose the shore.
A fish will die.
Even so, I'd rather breathe air.
Jianghu may look dangerous, but there's freedom.
It's freedom to not choose.
Pardon, Princess.
His Majesty awaits me in the Library.
I take my leave.
Commoner Chao Xiaoshu greets Your Majesty.
What commoner? Second Brother!
As Big Bro, I must catch up with you.
The trump card has been revealed.
I won't overstep my boundaries.
It's fine.
We won Spring Wind Pavilion battle.
Consider your next steps.
Come.
Tell First Brother your plans.
Your Majesty, I have a request.
Tell me. As your Big Bro, I can agree to anything.
Come on, walk.
Little Master.
What's Official Chang Siwei want?
Boss Ning...
no, I should call you Secret....
Don't.
I'm here to congratulate you.
No need, no need.
That's my horse.
Master Ning, you're bullying an honest man.
This is an army horse just gotten from the wild.
This is my horse.
Then try to call it.
Blackie, Blackie.
He knows me.
I've army tasks. I'll go.
Let's go, walk, walk...
Who is it?
Sang Sang.
Keep this safe.
What is it?
It's an Imperial Guard's pass.
Young Master, you became a Guard?
A Secret Guard.
What's a Secret Guard?
Someone in the shadows.
Then...how much in a month?
Probably...20 to 30 silver taels.
That's not a lot.
Sang Sang.
We're already important enough to have 500 silver taels.
We mustn't be so stingy with words and actions.
Young Master, squat down.
What for?
What's this?
Today, someone delivered this.
So much silver.
Master Qi Si brought it.
In total, it's 2000 taels of silver!
I thanked him, and poured him tea.
Well done. But why'd you put the money under the table?
I can't carry it.
I'll carry it upstairs.
Eunuch Lin, I think it isn't going well inside.
I think not.
His Majesty hasn't been so angry in ages.
That night, on news of bad events at Spring Wind Pavilion,
His Majesty simply slammed the table a couple of times,
and cursed and said "idiots" about 30 times.
But today...
Chao Xiaoshu, if you still don't appreciate my favours,
don't blame me for chastising you.
I've already decided.
You're a really stubborn person.
You don't even understand basic societal politeness.
Today, now, Second Bro Chao,
I ask you again.
Will you stay or not?
I won't stay.
Go!
Your Majesty, please take care.
I'll take my leave.
What's going on today?
This...there's no sound again.
What's wrong?
Leaving my cage, I return to be free.
('A fish jumps across the sea')
Maybe, you are right.
Second Brother.
Second Bro. Second Bro, are you alright?
After today, Yulong Gang
will no longer have Second Bro, Old Chao of Spring Wind Pavilion.
But after all these happenings,
I finally broke through the net into Knowing Destiny Realm.
Congratulations, Second Bro!
Second Brother.
His Majesty should've let you go earlier
to enter Tang Academy.
Agreed! With Fu Zi's ability and your quick wit,
you'd already be enlightened.
- Yes. - Delayed 10 years.
Second Brother.
Some things may be better delayed.
Let's go.
~No need to talk~
~night's curtain has lifted~
~whether success or failure~
~don't fear to look ahead~
~act unhindered~
Brother.
I got revenge for you.
I know.
For you to rest in peace, we need greater revenge.
Trust me.
I told you- good people shouldn't die in vain.
Your dad,
your mom,
your little sister,
all your village's people, as well as Lin household...
won't die in vain.
Even if only I'm left,
I'll avenge you.
[Zhuo'er]
~I've seen a sea of clouds, changeful as dreams~
Mom tied this string on me for all my life.
From now on, let it bind us all our lives.
~I've been to oases~
~no borders or shores~
~I've kissed rivers~
Ning Que, when I grow up,
after learning all the skills, I'll come to find you!
~I called a myriad stars here~
~dim and dazzling~
~I've seen a sea of clouds~
~changeful as dreams~
~I called myriad stars here~
~dim and dazzling~
~I've been to oases~
~no borders or shores~
~I've kissed rivers~
~Spring passes and comes again~
Little Boss, good to see you.
Greetings, 2nd Brother Chao.
I'm leaving the capital.
Boss Ning, if you're in trouble in future,
you can look for them. But I believe, if you put in good effort,
Boss Ning's business will prosper.
At that time, don't forget to take care of my Brothers.
You flatter me.
This little shop will need to rely on Brothers in future.
You've met Qi Siwei.
He's now Yulong Gang Chief. And Chang Third
is now Transport head.
If they face issues,
they may seek your help.
Ning Que, I know you're doing something dangerous.
A man of integrity should be selective in his actions.
Some things are best not carried out at this time.
I like hearing those words, 'man of integrity'.
I was overthinking. You dared accompany me to Spring Wind Pavilion.
Why would you fear anything.
I'm leaving.
He left like that. The noodles are just done.
And I fried an egg for him.
- Smells good. - Though you exempted 3 months' rent,
I still won't feed you noodles.
I like your calligraphy. It has murderous intent.
I've rarely seen such killing spirit.
I know that.
Good calligraphy. The art is in the ink. It's masterly.
Which do you like? I'll give you one.
I'm not here to buy calligraphy, Little Boss.
Please call me Boss, not Little Boss.
I must have someone by my side.
What kind?
Fast enough, brutal enough, brave enough,
unblinking in perilous moments.
letting nothing befall me.
Deal.
From now, you're my Brother.
'Brother' is a cliche.
Two Brothers united in life... for one fried egg.
He just left like that.
Chao Xiaoshu bore this so long. Finally he showed his card
but he chose to leave.
What a pity. Pity.
The capital is missing one Chao of Spring Wind Pavilion Chao,
but Cultivation has one more Knowing Destiny entrant.
Isn't this good?
Where will he go?
Entering Knowing Destiny,
of course he'd find a high level Cultivator
to expound it.
South Jin Sword Sage, Liu Bai?
Liu Bai?
Isn't that seeking death?
That idiot.
'Chao Xiaoshu entered Knowing Destiny; he'll battle Sword Sage, Liu Bai'
'Let Liu Bai kill him'
What are you doing?
I just applied rose water.
Sang Sang. Your skin brightened after coming to the capital.
Young Master, let go.
Your pinching swelled my face.
Oh right, we sold calligraphy
for 5 times more than when we opened.
There'll be more customers.
If this keeps up, we'll earn a living,
support you at Tang Academy, and gain shop fame.
Yeah, Sang Sang. That's business.
Young Master, I remind you
Tang Academy test is in days.
If you didn't study, you won't get in.
Where are the books you bought days ago?
- You said the table is uneven. They're under its legs. - Oh.
You sleep. I'll study.
Prince Long Qing. Back at last.
Bad news. Huangren (Wild Tribe) took the map from Zi Mo on the way.
Luo Kedi blames you.
I got it.
You dare to return after leaving the troops who then lost the map.
You can't stay in Xiling, and must take my punishment.
What if the map isn't lost?
The map of Demon Sect Gate.
How'd you get it?
I remember everything I see, since I was a child.
Demon Sect Gate is at Great Light Lake in the wild.
Your Highness deserves Son of Light title.
I admire that a lot.
Now the map is found,
I won't punish Zi Mo further.
Your Highness passed our Justice Hall test.
Congratulations.
Go.
Imperial Father.
- Take a break. - Yu'er is so thoughtful.
- What happened? - I'm just thinking.
Hunyuan is over 15.
It's better to find a teacher to educate him.
You're right. He causes trouble that I've little time to address.
He knows his faults.
He self-reflects lately.
Previously I found him teachers,
but Hunyuan always drove them away.
Where do you think we can find him a teacher?
Tang Academy entry test is soon. What if Hunyuan joins in.
Let Fu Zi and other scholars teach him.
The Academy. Tomorrow is the exam.
You and Hunyuan go with me.
Yes.
Cui Delu died.
All plans for Nation Revival should pause.
You're commanding me.
Doubting me? Or you think I've failed
so I have to hole up.
Just for mere Yulong Gang,
do we waste decades of effort by Xiling and Yan States.
Revival Cabal isn't just Yan's.
It has our Xiling personnel.
Xiling?
Xiling assigned you to Tang Empire for over a decade.
I see you didn't achieve much.
All day you're around your State Preceptor mentor-
I really have some doubts.
He Mingchi, do you remember your mission?
I'm different from you.
Tang Empire represents my country's humiliation.
Your Highness is not me. That, I do know.
So how do you know I have no grudges with Tang?
I want Tang to collapse
so, I know I should bear this.
There will be a better opportunity.
Opportunity, Your Highness. Understand?
If I say I can kill Tang Emperor...
is it an opportunity?
I advise you not to be impulsive.
I just got a message–
Tang Emperor will leave the Palace to see Tang Academy entry test.
He's lived in the Palace so long, under protection.
Tomorrow is a great opportunity.
I must take action.
Tomorrow, the Emperor visits Tang Academy, Fu Zi's domain.
Killing him there is impossible.
Say no more, wherever it is.
I, Chong Ming, will change the impossible
into the possible.
You'll regret it.
[Old Brush Shoppe]
Sang Sang, hurry, it's test day. I can't be late.
Your hair should be perfect.
What's my hair to do with the test?
Make sure examiners like you when they see you.
I'm not a Red Sleeves lady.
Looking great. Smile.
- They'll like you. - Go.
- Young Master, Umbrella! - You get it.
You need to behave well.
Try to get Father to let you enter Tang Academy.
I don't want to study there.
You don't want to?
Know what it means for you to enter the Academy?
I mean,
if I go, I won't see you everyday.
I don't want to leave you.
If you get in,
I can visit you often.
If you enter Tang Academy, the Court will view you differently.
Don't you want to beat Little Six?
Of course.
Then behave.
Try to have Father agree to your entry.
If Hunyuan can enter Tang Academy, it's good for him.
This kid mucks up everyday.
Tang Academy mightn't take him.
Don't be so hard on Third Prince.
He lost his mother early
and your severity makes him fear closeness to you.
He's a boy.
Your Majesty shouldn't be too strict.
Your Majesty and Empress,
Sixth Prince's nanny reports
Sixth Prince suddenly fell ill.
Physician, what happened?
Your Majesty, Sixth Prince is weak.
He caught a cold yesterday. I'm writing a prescription.
Send my message: the examiner will be Princess Li Yu.
I obey.
Kill Tang Emperor, destroy Tang.
Yan State will be rebuilt.
Kill Tang Emperor, destroy Tang.
Yan State will be rebuilt.
[Ever Night]
~Hey, I can only say sorry~
~You, who've forgotten time, look a bit lost~
~You seem faraway, in front of me~
~Time blinks by~
~Take it easy, life is still the same~
~Hey, let me change the ending~
~Yet I can cover it up only a short while~
~Don't obsess or say sorry~
~Loser just treats winner~
~Better not meet rather than cry on parting~
~Night is long and dark~
~Don't leave regrets~
~I've seen right, wrong, gratitude, grudges, words, acts~
~I risk danger, desperate for you~
~Umbrella in old Chang'an~
~Night nears; talismans burn~
~Fight till all is gone into chaos and darkness~
~See us blaze through darkness, changing Heaven and Earth~
~Spur the horses forward~
~Geese fly south before snow~
~Get drunk at a warm coast~
~Under slashes of the sword, we love each other still~