Subtitles by DramaFever
[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 31]
General of Subjugation, Xiao Ping Jing, greets Prince Kang.
[Qin Ling Shuo, Commander] I've looked up to Prince of Changlin
for a long time.
The first born prince of Changlin was known throughout Great Yu.
However, I might have been too ignorant.
I have yet to hear the name, Xiao Ping Jing.
Issues of the frontier are of great importance.
Can't your country send someone who is actually in charge?
I've been entrusted by my father. I have inherited the tally of Changlin Army.
All matters related to the frontier are now decided by me.
It seems that Prince of Changlin's great reputation won't be succeeded!
I'm not interested in your nation's politics!
We'll get straight to the point!
While Great Liang was in mourning
you invaded our border to kill and rob my people!
I advise you to give up on acting in such bad faith.
How ridiculous!
Throughout history, winners take all!
What good faith is required?
Not to mentioned that... you are but a young lad.
What do you know?
Where is my subordinate?
Xun.
Uncle, I was defeated by our enemies.
It is an insult to the reputation of Great Yu's cavalry!
Men of our royal army can only die in battle!
None should survive in disgrace!
Great Liang will be annihilated!
The gods are on our side!
Ping Jing...
I knew that once Qin Ling Shuo took charge of the royal army
the frontier wouldn't be peaceful anymore.
Yet I didn't expect him to be so bloodthirsty.
It's a shame that his nephew kept his lips sealed.
But that shot he fired did tell us his true intention.
But he didn't actually say anything.
Could it be that he has made a battle plan?
He already made his determination very clear to us.
His determination?
Just by killing his own nephew?
We can already tell what kind of man he is.
I'm almost certain that we'll be at war with him.
Dong Qing, Lu Zhao.
Present!
Come with me to Great Yu tomorrow.
- Second Young Master! - General!
You mustn't go there!
- Ping Jing, you mustn't go there! - We won't agree to it!
Please reconsider, General!
Don't panic, gentlemen.
Allow me to explain.
No matter how you explain it, you mustn't trespass into Great Yu!
General Wei might sound anxious, but he's right.
Changlin Army has lost our first born prince.
Should anything happen to you
none of us could bear to face the old prince!
180,000 men in Changlin Army...
We've been harassed by Great Yu for all this time.
Every other year, we need new recruits due to the casualties.
The northern frontier we're defending
covers Tong An, Mount Fei, Ning Province, Plum Ridge, Mount Mo
all the way to Gan Province.
9 frontier cities, and more than 10 minor counties
have all been harassed and attacked by Great Yu.
Such warfare never ceased.
You should know better than I do just how it feels
to live through endless battles at the frontier.
Shouldn't you?
Prince Kang of Great Yu is now the commander-in-chief of their royal army.
Our two countries are bound to be at war soon.
We have yet to know how well prepared he is now
or where he intends to target.
Under such circumstances, if we only secure our own camps
it's not the best strategy to defend our territory.
Qin Ling Shuo won't miss the opportunity
to strike during our national mourning.
All the generals know that.
However, we should just send out our scouts to spy.
General, you don't have to be there!
Exactly, you don't need to do it personally.
We will have to use our scouts.
However, without specific instructions
they might not report back the exact information we need.
It'll be hard to make arrangements if I don't take a trip into Great Yu.
Moreover, I've been trained for years.
All other matters aside, I can at least be sure that I can get away safely.
You don't have to be so worried.
My brother had always been responsible for the northern frontier.
It's my turn now.
All right.
We'll set a deadline
and if Second Young Master doesn't return by then
we'll have to report this to His Highness in the capital.
I wonder if my father is doing well.
This is for you.
Gold spun soft armor?
It's too precious.
This gift is too valuable.
Ting Sheng can't accept it.
Why bother telling me that?
Fei Liu gave it to Ting Sheng.
You should talk to Fei Liu about it.
Your Highness.
It's time for your medication.
It's time to take my medication.
Just leave it there.
I'll come back for it later.
I really must be getting old.
The longer ago it happened, the more it springs to my mind.
It must be... that I'll be seeing them soon.
Your Highness.
Look at how frightened you are.
I'm just being a bit emotional.
I'll take my medication.
Ping Zhang is gone.
So is the former emperor.
Even if it's just for the sake of Ping Jing...
I'll have to hang on for a while longer.
Come in.
Second Young Master.
Doctor Du?
What is the matter?
Is Second Young Master going to Great Yu personally?
It seems that the soldiers regard you as one of us now.
General Lu brought back many clothes of Great Yu today.
He also asked me to prepare these generic drugs.
That's how I figured it out.
This one is for common cold and flu.
This is to help acclimate to the new environment.
I've also prepared some for relieving humidity and external injuries.
Let's hope you won't need them.
Thank you, Doctor Du.
I was informed some time ago by our hall master...
Miss Lin has been traveling north past Ning Province.
If she hasn't steered off the original course
she must be in Great Yu by now.
Lin Xi is in Great Yu?
Are you sure?
Miss Lin doesn't write very often.
It's just my own speculation.
It seems as if fate is drawing you two together.
You cross each other's paths by chance without knowing.
Perhaps, the two of you will meet up this time.
I'll leave the camp of Gan Province to you.
Second Young Master.
Take care.
I found these. Do you think that is enough?
Thank you.
Sir, are you looking for accommodations?
What room would you like?
Away from the streets, courtyard, and no windows.
Yes.
[Room Shang]
Your subordinate, Xi Kai, from Ji City, Capital of Great Yu, greets the general.
Take a seat quickly.
Thank you, General.
Yi Shui has reported to us the current situation in Great Yu.
We're just waiting to hear from you about the latest news from Ji City.
Why would Prince Kang come to Pan City?
He must be eager to attain merits in battle
to hush up those in the royal court who doubt him.
Those who doubt him?
Does it have something to do with Prince Yang, Ruan Ying?
You can say that.
Moreover, the soldiers in Ji City are all keeping track
of news and dynamics in Pan City.
Qin Ling Shuo and Ruan Ying have had a real falling out with each other?
Apart from superficial politeness
the competition between them is so fierce
that they always have their daggers drawn.
Pan City is the biggest city in the south of Great Yu.
It has always been the royal army of Great Yu's main military base.
Recently, their armed forces have gathered right here.
It seems that we'll have to spend a few more days in Pan City.
However, half of Pan City is military households.
I'm afraid it won't be easy to conceal our identity.
We'll find a way.
I just left the capital and these nonsensical reports flew to the king!
Please calm down, Your Highness.
It can't be helped.
Ruan Ying's faction is enraged that you were made the commander-in-chief.
Ruan Ying...
If I can take the position of commander-in-chief from you
I can't possibly let you make a comeback!
Ruan Ying is very cunning and he's best at socializing with the officials.
Your Highness, you only left the capital two months ago
and he's already put you in such a tight spot.
I think that we mustn't act carelessly.
In a tight spot?
All Ruan Ying did was to gather some people to nag the king.
They complained that I'm bloodthirsty for war and defy God's will for peace!
I'd like to see if His Majesty will think of me as violent
and blood thirsty for war when I return victorious with our royal army
after trampling all the other states across the lands.
Miss Lin.
- Miss Lin. - Madam.
Miss, you must be worried about when the rain will stop.
Indeed, it rains heavily and then lightly at times.
It's already been raining for days.
Even if this kind of rain does eventually stop
it won't be easy to go over the mountains with loose soil.
I think that you should just relax and stay here for a few more days.
I'll ask the hunters for you.
It will be best to find one who can lead you up the mountain
so that I won't have to be worried.
It'll be too much trouble for you.
How is it any trouble?
If it weren't for you, I'd be weeding my husband's tomb now.
[Horse Stables]
- How is it? - Not bad!
This must be good wine.
Help me promote it?
- Sure! - Owner!
Yes?
Master Hu!
Is all the wine prepared?
It's ready. It's all there.
Come and load this onto the cart.
Right, why don't you let them try my wine as well?
Sure.
Master Hu, try this.
Not bad. Which store is it from?
That man from Desert Lou brought it.
- My friend. - Desert Lou?
Yes.
Why haven't I seen you here before?
Our wine is always sold out when we get to Northern Yan.
If they weren't in the midst of a civil war
we wouldn't have any to deliver here.
Come here, both of you!
Come and taste this!
Leave this to me.
Here.
You can sell it in Great Liang.
Those men in Great Liang are sissies.
How can they handle such strong wine?
Do you have more left?
Yes, I do.
Why don't you come with me?
We'll get going.
Sure, go ahead.
This way, please.
Sir, do you have this still in its stalk?
Cumin?
Only the seeds have medicinal effects.
Why would you need the entire stalk?
Cumin is produced abundantly here.
I thought that I'd be able to see it in its original form.
The farmers sells us the cumin seeds.
If you wish to see the plant
you'll have to go deep into Mount She at the west of the city to look for it.
Sure, thank you.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
Take care.
Young lady, what would you like?
Do you have the cumin plant?
I don't have it.
- Second Young Master. - What is that place?
It seems to be a newly constructed temple of the White God.
People in Great Yu believe in the White Cult now?
Exactly. I thought that people in Great Yu were fierce and bloodthirsty
so they don't have a belief.
As if.
The common folks of Great Yu are no different from us.
They just have a different custom in prayers and rituals.
Second Young Master is right.
We're all just ordinary folks in this mundane world.
Who wouldn't fear and respect the gods?
Second Young Master?
What's the matter?
My mind must have wandered off.
Gentlemen.
Second Young Master, you're here at last.
You saw Hu Song?
What information does he have?
He's just one of Prince Kang's guards.
He doesn't know much military information.
He only knows that since Qin Ling Shuo came here from the capital
he only stayed in the commander's manor for a few days
and headed straight to the camp.
He supervised the training in person and kept a very tight schedule.
This is the map he drew.
According to Hu Song's information
Prince Kang's camp is located near this area.
If only I could take a look in there.
Although we have planted Hu Song as our spy
there are watchtowers at every nook, so it's impossible to sneak in.
Exactly.
What if we don't go through the monitored areas?
Don't go through the monitored areas?
Look at this.
Mount She.
Second Young Master.
We've already gathered much information on this trip.
You don't have to take such a risk.
I know where to draw the line.
You don't have to be too worried.
Dong Qing.
Run an errand for me.
I need you to find out about something.
What is it?
Miss Lin?
Please come in, Madam.
I made some rice congee.
Thank you, Madam.
You're still going to Mount She tomorrow?
Madam, you need not worry.
I often gather medicinal herbs in the wilderness.
Compared to the other places I've been, Mount She is all right.
You must keep my words in mind.
Don't go too deep into the mountain.
Once you climb over the main peak, there's a military camp.
There is no path.
Thank you for the reminder, Madam.
Sir, excuse me.
Can we get further up the mountain from here?
Up the mountain?
Sure.
Sir, I mean, is there a path to go up the mountain?
No.
There's no path?
How do we get up if there's no path?
Climb.
Sir, what do you mean?
This morning, a young lady went up from here.
She said she was going to gather medicinal herbs.
Are you no better than a young lady?
This is...
Thank you, Sir.
How did you know that I was here?
I didn't.
This is just a coincidence?
In the past year or so, I somehow always hear about you.
When I went to Mount Langya...
my sister-in-law told me that you wish to travel to see all the plants.
But I had military duties to fulfill, so I couldn't think much about it.
When I decided to come to Pan City
Doctor Du told me that you might be in Great Yu.
I thought I saw you on the street the other day.
However, Great Yu is a huge state.
It could have been my own imagination.
But then I had Dong Qing inquire at every store.
Who knew that a store owner would actually remember you?
I met a hunter at the foot of the mountain.
You don't actually wish to see me, do you?
I always remember how carefree we were a year ago.
But it's different now.
Regardless... I have to take you with me.
Follow me.
You won't always be able to see such a sight.
Judging by the current situation
there's bound to be a battle between us and Great Yu.
War between the two nations can't be avoided.
I'm afraid it will be dangerous if you continue to stay here.
Have you come here to scout out the situation before the battle?
Once I can confirm Prince Kang is determined to go to war
this trip will have served its purpose.
Are you not going to stop him?
It's best for me if he doesn't start a war.
But judging from this situation...
I'm afraid that it will take a war to stop another war.
In the past year...
you've changed so much.
You're not the first one to say that.
I understand.
You don't wish to disappoint your father and older brother.
Hence, you've conducted yourself in the manner of the first born prince.
In the past year...
I finally understand why my father and brother were always so stern.
It's really hard to be cheerful
when you carry the heavy burden of a nation's safety.
Ping Jing...
When I saw you today
it really felt like we had gone back in time to a year ago.
Someone's coming.
General, this is...
This is Miss Lin Xi.
Miss Lin Xi?
You're actually Miss Lin Xi of Jifeng Hall?
How do you know about me?
Certainly! Our general--
Doctor Du in our general's camp is also from Jifeng Hall.
How did the scouting go?
We're more or less done.
Lu Zhao and I calculated this camp and the East Camp in total.
The camps can hold 200,000 soldiers and rations.
200,000?
Judging from their continuous increase in troops and rations
they are sure to invade the south.
This battle can't be avoided.
Qin Ling Shuo is definitely going to initiate war
but I don't think that their rations can last a month.
Fortunately, General visited in time.
- We can take precautions. - Step aside!
Step aside quickly!
Step back.
Who is it? Prince Kang?
Can't you read that?
[Ruan]
Ruan?
Ruan Ying?
The former commander-in-chief of Great Yu's royal army, Ruan Ying?
The first born prince was--
[Ruan Ying, former commander-in-chief of Great Yu's royal army]
Ping Jing.
Don't worry.
I know where we are.
I won't act recklessly.
Ruan Ying is no longer in command.
Why has he come to the commander's manor in Pan City?
If Ruan Ying also joins in this battle...
What we're going up against won't be as simple.
Let's go.
Ruan Ying showed up at such a time?
General, I'm afraid that there will be an unexpected turn of events.
But it could also be a better chance for us.
Second Young Master, you mean...
Hu Song is still in the city.
Contact him.
I'm going to the royal army's camp tomorrow.
What?
Ruan Ying is here?
Yes, Master Ruan said that he'll take a rest in Pan City today
and meet Your Highness here in the camp tomorrow.
Sure.
Since he's already here, I'll meet him.
Second Young Master, we'll see ourselves out.
After we leave
Dong Qing will escort you out of the city.
Take the official state road south and wait for me at the first inn.
Three days later, if I--
No if.
However many days I have to wait, I'll wait until you leave with me.
Sure.
The slopes and woods look alike.
There isn't even a path.
Wherever we go, I feel as if I'm here for the first time.
Indeed, the locals know how it is in the mountain.
No one would go through it.
Therefore, these are all untrodden slopes.
It's fine to hike through it.
The trick is not to get lost in it.
Hu Song!
General of Subjugation, I've keep you waiting.
Get up quickly.
Is Ruan Ying here?
Not yet.
We still have time.
I'd like to hear what they're saying to each other. Is that possible?
I'll come up with a way.
Good. Lu Zhao, Xi Kai.
- Present. - Present.
Wait here for me.
General, this is--
I won't do anything else.
It's a burden to take you with me.
You don't like it? Just bear with it.
Let's go.
General...
Where is Ruan Ying now?
Based on when the attendants reported back
he should get to the camp soon.
I am a man of manners.
Since he's visiting, I should go and welcome him.
Greetings, Prince Kang.
Master Ruan.
I'm occupied with military duties.
I don't have time for visitors.
Mater Ruan, what brings you here?
Just get to the point.
Your Highness, why would you behave like this
in front of your men?
Why don't we talk inside your tent?
This way, please.
Come.
What? You want me not to launch an attack?
You want me to give up the plan that I've been preparing for two months?
This is the king's advice to Your Highness.
Master Ruan, is this actually the king's suggestion
or is it your evil advice to the king?
Your Highness, do you really think
that now is the best time to attack Great Liang?
You've praised yourself as a renown general.
How could you even ask me such a question?
The emperor of Great Liang passed away.
The young crown prince succeeded the throne.
Xiao Ting Sheng didn't dare to leave the palace
in order to secure the sovereignty.
Instead, he has sent a young son who is still wet behind his ears
out here to defend the frontier.
Such a great opportunity only comes once in a century!
Master Ruan, just so that you could get in my way
you'd even pretend not to recognize such a good opportunity?
I have been in a confrontation with Changlin Army for 10 years.
I know them very well.
The military strategy of Changlin is flexible and quick-witted.
The mutual rapport their commanders have
isn't simply because of Xiao Ting Sheng.
Master Ruan, all these years you've confronted Changlin Army.
Yet you never once defeated them.
Today, just in order to save yourself some dignity
you're actually boasting about our enemy's capability?
I admit that Xiao Ting Sheng is indeed quite capable.
However, Great Liang is in a shaky political situation.
Prince of Changlin can't be in the mood to worry about the frontier.
He wasted all that time mentoring his first born son.
Now, he's sent his young son here in a panic to score some merits.
If I were to give up on this great opportunity
just because of Master Ruan's jealousy
that would make me a laughing stock!
It's stated in the "Art of War"
that if you know your enemy and yourself, you'll never lose a battle.
Your Highness, you've just taken charge of the royal army.
Do you truly know yourself well?
As for your opponent
do you really know Changlin's every division
who their every division commander is, what strategies they are skilled in
and other information?
How would Master Ruan know if I am aware of that information?
I'm a forgiving man.
I've never once expelled veteran generals from my troops.
If I wish to know more of the military information
all I have to do is ask them.
It's not the same to hear it from someone else
as it is to get the information personally.
Master Ruan means to say that only you are aware of the situation?
You want me to hand over the royal army to you again, don't you?
Your Highness.
Whether you believe it or not
I'm not here with any intention to rob you of anything.
However, Your Highness
if you were to stake our entire royal army on invading Great Liang
this concerns the reign of our nation.
I can't just sit by and watch without trying to hold you back!
Master Ruan...
Tell me how you intend to hold me back.
I can deduce where Your Highness plans to attack.
Indeed.
Changlin Army's camp in the south of Mount Mo is the weakest.
It's possible that you can win one battle or several.
But what then?
Could you really break Great Liang's northern frontier
and head straight into its hinterland?
If you fail to do that
the war will then go into a deadlock.
What good will those few victories be to Great Yu in the end?
When you commanded the royal army
not once did you manage to defeat Changlin Army.
You don't even know what victory feels like.
Nor do you know what good it brings.
General.
We can't linger.
You should leave quickly.
Let's go.
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