Timing and Subtitles Brought To You By ♞ Candle Knights ♘ @ Viki
[Novoland: Eagle Flag] [Based on a fiction by Jiang Nan]
[Episode 44]
These past few days, seeing you with Lady Bai,
I was actually a bit envious of you.
We've been away from home and family for far too long.
will you go with them to Chuwei State?
Chuwei is my homeland, and your wounds are pretty much healed.
It's time to go back to stay with my mother.
What about you?
Are you going to Qingzhou to look for Ji Ye and Yu Ran?
Yes, I have to go find them.
But, I'd like to see you safely return to Chuwei first.
With General Bai and so many soldiers of Chuwei around, I'll be safe, of course.
What's there to worry about?
Your identity is very special in this chaotic time.
I'm worried for your safety.
We're the same.
It's just that there are mountains and seas that separate our homelands. Once we say farewell,
would we see each other again?
Of course, we will.
No matter where you are, even if you are 10,000 miles away,
I will cross mountains and seas to find you.
It seems like this is the first time you're saying something like this to me.
I'm content with just these words.
I won't be afraid no matter how far apart we'll be.
Your Highness, Her Lordship has asked you to meet at the meeting hall to discuss matters.
I'll go and come back.
Mother.
Mother, is there something urgent?
Baili Ningqing suddenly wants an audience with me.
He said he has news from Lower Tang's Lord Baili.
It's regarding Crown Prince.
Lady Bai, Baili Ningqing is here.
Send him in.
Greetings to the Lady of Chuwei.
While I was in the Capital, I met your father once.
You were born from an aristocratic family, so it's incredible that you are subjugating yourself like an eunuch.
I really feel sorry for Sir Baili.
Thank you for remembering my father.
As a wanderer in a tumultuous time, I feel lucky to be alive.
If we talk about bloodlines, I am from the same lineage as Lord Baili.
It's not out of bounds for me to be Lord Baili's envoy
to ensure the accord between Lower Tang and Qingyang.
I respectfully ask the Crown Prince to return to the capital with me.
In the battle at Shangyang Pass,
Lord Baili had his army stationed against the Alliance Army.
The other four Lords and I are about to jointly impeach Lord Baili.
Therefore, Lord Baili's decree cannot be accepted for now.
There is a saying that bridges and roads are separate paths.
The grievance held by the five states over Shangyang Pass has nothing to do with the accord between Lower Tang and Qingyang.
If Your Lordship is dissatisfied with Lower Tang, you can certainly request royal condemnation.
However, please do not interfere with the matter regarding Qingyang's Crown Prince.
Master Ningqing, there's no way that's going to happen.
Qingyang made the accord with Lower Tang,
not with the royal family.
So the crown prince cannot go back to the capital.
Besides, Crown Prince now needs to go to Qingzhou.
If the accord must be enforced, it's certainly not too late to wait for him to return from Qingzhou and then go to South Huai.
Lord Baili is also concerned for Crown Prince's safe journey.
If I do not return with Crown Prince, he will order
20,000 troops from the capital to target Shangyang Pass.
The 20,000 troops from the capital were threatening Alliance Army during the siege at Shangyang Pass,
now they want to battle with Chuwei?
Greetings, Lady.
Excuse me for being late.
Even though I delivered the message, I do not wish to see this happen.
Lord Baili has viewed Chuwei as a weakling, how can I accede?
I wonder if the other four Lords will also want to meet Lord Baili in the battle?
Is it really necessary to kill 10,000 people for the sake of one person?
Sir, you know that Crown Prince is a trustworthy person.
He will not disobey the accord.
But Crown Prince is free of ties or worries,
without his wife or child as hostage, and without an army as pledge.
An accord between nations requires collateral as proof.
Of course I believe in Crown Prince's trustworthy character,
but how does a government or nation trust him?
I knew that you would come looking for me.
I came to ask you, did you really act as Lord Baili's envoy regarding the crown prince?
Absolutely.
But you and I clearly know that Lord Baili isn't the only one in Eastland.
If Crown Prince went back to Xia Tang, there will definitely be a misunderstanding.
My lord wouldn't make it difficult for Crown Prince.
But what about the one that lives in Grand Qing Palace?
I understand Your Highness's concern.
But I'd like to counsel you with an advice.
Be flexible.
What if I won't agree to it?
Princess, you are not only a good friend to Crown Prince,
you are also the heir to Chuwei's throne.
Excuse me for saying it frankly, if Chuwei starts a war with Lower Tang now,
there were be tremendous losses among the nobles and lords everywhere.
It is not what I would like to happen.
If you remember our previous conversation, you should believe me.
I have a solution.
Your Highness can go to Lower Tang instead.
You have a special and noble identity.
It will give great meaning if you to go for Crown Prince's sake.
Even Lord Baili cannot begrudge it.
Crown Prince can also go to Qingzhou to do what he wants.
You are truly the top strategist as praised.
But this is just a temporary solution.
What will guarantee my safety in Lower Tang?
I will, as the current patriarch of the Baili family.
I prepared some snacks and desserts and put in your knapsack.
You must be careful along the way.
Remember to take good care of yourself.
I know.
Just wait for me without worries.
What is it?
It's nothing. Just hoping you'll get back, the sooner the better.
Wait for me in Chuwei.
I will look for you as soon as I return from Qingzhou, not a moment of delay.
Ok.
I'm leaving then.
Xiao Zhou!
My Lady, I have an urgent report.
Come in and talk.
My Lord, Her Highness left a letter, and she's disappeared.
What?
Mother, forgive me for being unfilial.
I am on the way to Lower Tang.
She's going to Xia Tang.
That child is more courageous than I am.
I hope that Qingyuang Crown Prince will not disappoint her.
This world will become better because of their generation.
Our patience will be worth it.
For this war, Shangyang Pass became a city of death with tens of thousands of corpses.
After a torrential rain, no one dared to deploy troops to station at the fort.
From then on, Shangyang Pass became known as City of Crying.
I have an announcement today.
Proclamation of Lord Baili Jinghong of Lower Tang's bestowment.
As willed by Heaven, to be accepted by this decree. Lord Baili Jinghong of Lower Tang,
whose loyalty is evident in how he supports the royal family, whose strategic mind has enabled him to manage his state.
He is truly exemplary among the vassal lords.
He is now conferred the title of Senior Lord, to benefit the world,
to start a new prosperous era, and to bring peace for ten thousand generations.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Greetings, Senior Lord.
Your Highness, as Senior Lord, I must fulfill my duty
to lead the vassal lords and pledge allegiance on behalf of the emperor.
I have something to report.
Lord Baili, what are your plans?
The chaos after the emperor's death has resulted in the lost of more than half of the court officials. The remaining ones
are simply rats that have unjustly taken their titles and places.
They are the thorns in the capital city.
I am quite concerned.
As Senior Lord, the first thing I will do
is to remove these stingy thorns for Your Highness.
Greetings, First Princess.
I have another matter to report. Now that these elites from Lower Tang are here to assist Your Highness,
there is no reason for me to stay in the capital.
I heard that Prince Little Zhou has arrived at South Huai.
I ask Your Highness to order me to go to Lower Tang and arrest that evil brat, in order to relieve your worries.
My Lord, I know that you received the message from Baili Ningqing.
But do you really trust Baili Ningqing?
Even though he is from your same lineage and clan,
he has always been helping First Princess.
I don't trust in anyone.
The land of Nine Provinces is huge, you can't traverse it in one day.
The many cities and forts in Nine Provinces cannot be conquered in one day.
The one who has the future will win the world. Little Zhou's identity is very special.
She and Lu Guichen are the future in this world.
Slowly.
Be careful
Go.
Let's go.
Here.
Come. Put it here.
Good.
Welcome back to Qingzhou, Your Highness.
How did you recognize me?
Your Highness, you've had an arduous journey. We are here to escort you to go to the palace.
Stop here for a moment.
Welcome back to your homeland, Your Highness.
I have waited for long and finally see you.
Don't you remember me?
When I lived in Qing City's palace, it was right here when I first saw you, Your Highness.
So many years have passed. Your Highness's beauty has not changed a bit.
Bo Minkei?
Yes, I am.
But I am no longer that lower-class Feather tribesman who was secretly trying to grow wings in order to become a Snow Crane.
Neither am I that youngster who hid in the trees to look at you but didn't dare to say anything.
I am now the Feather Emperor of Qingzhou.
How did you know I have returned to Qingzhou?
Of course I know.
Because, I was the one that sent you the letter about Qingzhou's news.
It was you?
The letter said Yu Ran was taken to Qingzhou and could be in danger.
Where is she now?
I want to see her.
The letter didn't say that I have her, did it?
You don't need to rush to ask me for her.
Then why did you want me to return to Qingzhou?
This way please, Your Highness.
Your Highness, does this place look the same as when you were young?
It hasn't changed at all.
I don't hold malice toward you.
I didn't when I was young, nor do I now.
Your Highness, you've been crouching in Lower Tang all these years, waiting for the opportunity to restore the country.
The reason to let you return now is because that opportunity has arrived.
Look, Your Highness. How is it different between here and the previous place?
Those flora and vinery appear to be the rare scene in Qingzhou now.
You are right.
Those greenery is how you remembered it.
I am willing to keep your recollection.
But here is the reality.
Since ancient times, Qingzhou has been ruled by the winged Feather Tribesmen who are considered the upper class.
The ones who could not grow wings to fly are marked from birth. They couldn't become officials.
They couldn't become Snow Cranes. They couldn't even step inside the palace.
But we are all in the Feather Tribe. How can one be considered higher in stature than the other?
The reason that I built the palace over the ruin of the old palace
is to constantly remind myself that I came from the lower-class Feather Tribesmen.
I will never forget the humiliation.
I will never repeat the previous emperor's mistake.
Under my rule in Qingzhui, if any winged Feather Tribesmen would co-exist with the lower-class peasants,
I will cut off their wings. Otherwise,
they are executed.
You are no longer the youngster who wanted to become a Snow Crane.
You have become a maniac.
Don't you remember, Your Highness?
Even the Gong family is just a side branch of the Yu clan.
How happy were you as a child living in the palace?
I remember when I first met you,
you had played with the Yu princess's floral crown
and were severely punished.
How long ago was that?
I don't remember it.
I remember.
I still remember your gaze as you knelt by the corner of a wall.
There was a sense of feeling wronged.
There was envy, also desire.
What are you trying to prove by so much talking?
You are already ruling Qingzhou.
Why do you say that it's my opportunity to restore the country?
What are you doing here?
You are awake.
Where is the old man?
Somethings were already decided on the 14th day of the winter month 18 years ago. (The 11th month of the Lunar calendar)
The 14th day of the winter month?
That's my birthday.
Were you born 18 years ago on the 14th day of the winter month?
19 years ago.
Are you sure it was 19 years ago?
What's it to do with you?
You haven't answered my question. Where is the old man?
He is your father's killer.
The enmity means you cannot co-exist with him.
If I were you, I would have killed him already.
Why should I believe you?
He couldn't have killed my father.
You have been living happily in Eastland all these years and forgotten your homeland.
How do you know what the truth is?
You are just a traitor to the Snow Cranes.
You can even betray your own ideal.
How are you qualified to judge me?
In the present Qingzhou, only more of the wingless Feather Tribesmen can live.
The Snow Cranes could only guard the Feather Emperor.
I have chosen to become their new Feather Emperor.
How is that a betrayal of my ideal?
Princess, you grew up since childhood in a foreign land.
You've been far from the homeland's taste. I've especially prepared some Qingzhou's specialty food for you.
Try it.
What is it?
Take them away!
These are the floral essences that were the nobles' favorite back then in the palace.
Are you not use to it, Princess?
It appears that you've long betrayed your clan.
I never lived here.
Of course I'm not used to it.
Don't tell me these useless things.
Where is Yi Tianzhan?
Your Highness, as ordered by you,
I've scouted secretly in Qingzhou and have found where Princess Yu Ran is.
Those of you in the back, move faster!
Faster!
What are you doing?
Hurry up!
Old Man...
- Old Man, are you alright? - Princess,
- how did you come here? - Are you alright?
Don't worry about you. You should leave now.
- We leave together. - Don't worry about me.
Why can't I untie it?
It's too late.
What do you want again?
You are my most loyal subjects.
You all grew up on Qingzhou's soil.
You are the Feather Tribesmen with the deepest roots.
Here is Prince Gumo of Stark City.
He used to be a Snow Crane.
He was the one that killed the Feather Emperor and escaped to Eastland.
He is the ultimate culprit of Qingzhou's catastrophe.
So it was him?
It's not him. Don't believe him. He has no proof.
No, it's not him.
Even though I don't recognize the concept of nobles,
but I firmly believe in retribution for sins.
Since he committed regicide,
then he should receive the harshest punishment,
in order to console the late Feather Emperor's spirit in heaven.
I think he should be executed.
Today,
he will end up like the other nobles.
In the assassination of the late Feather Emperor,
we are all outsiders.
But even as outsiders, we would unite together.
But surprisingly...
What are you doing?
Don't hurt the princess.
Don't pull me.
Let her go. Don't hurt the princess!
This one, is the late Feather Emperor's daughter.
Our Feather Tribe's Princess!
She actually has connived with her father's killer.
- Yes. - He didn't kill him!
That's right.
This is why I let you come here.
I want you to see a noble's despicable face.
Kill him! Kill him!
Kill him!
- No, no! - Kill him! Kill him!
Kill him!
Don't believe him!
Princess, don't care about me.
Hit him!
Princess, move away!
Move away!
Don't care about me.
Kill him!
Take him away.
Feather Emperor! Feather Emperor!
Begin!
No!
I beg you! I beg you!
Stop!
Auntie.
Auntie!
You've know about Yu Ran already.
Why haven't you told me?
If I had told you, we might not have this good show today.
You are late. You should have come earlier.
Old Man.
It's alright. Don't miss the show to execute the king's killer.
Auntie. He didn't kill my father.
He didn't kill. Please save him.
He didn't kill.
Bo Minkei, you know that I returned to Qingzhou for Yu Ran.
You've treated me politely. If you still think of me as a friend, then please release them.
Old Man.
She is Qingzhou's Princess, and also your niece.
For you, I can let her live.
But that king's killer must be punished.
He has nothing to do with me.
You do as you wish.
Pull him up!
What are you doing?
No! No!
Look at your lowly state, are you still that high and mighty Prince Gumo?
Where are the wings that you are so proud of?
Not killing him is actually the best punishment for him!
Bo Minkei, I'll kill you!
Let me go!
I have done as you requested, Your Highness.
You can take the princess away.
But, I hope you will think over what I said.
You are always my most treasured guest.
Old Man.
Open your eyes and look at me.
Please.
Open your eyes and look at me.
Princess.
I am no longer a Feather Tribesman.
It's alright.
You can just be an old man.
The wings are a gift from Moon Goddess to us.
Once they are cut off, they cannot regrow.
Why didn't you save him?
It was already lucky to save you.
He brought you to Qingzhou without my permission, why should I save him?
I've found a safe place for you two.
You should settle down first.
Carry him up.
This hut is safe. You can live here first.
Auntie, aren't you living with us?
Bo Minkei has arranged lodging for me.
I don't have many guards with me.
I will live as he wishes for now to avoid his suspicion.
Just now, I saw you two talk at the divine temple.
Did you two already know each other?
He was my acquaintance from the old days. Let's go.
Old Man.
Sir Yi, can you tell me why you brought Yu Ran back to Qingzhou?
Auntie, he's so wounded. Don't ask him anymore.
We can talk about it later, please?
The chaos at the capital...
After the chaos at the capital, I accidentally discovered that the princess's secret identity as Valkyrie...
Valkyrie?
Absurd!
I watched her grow up.
How could she be Valkyrie?
I thought, if she really is Valkyrie,
I could use Valkyri's power to wake up the Snow Cranes
to find the real killer of the emperor and vindicate myself.
Princess.
I'm sorry.
I should not have brought you to Qingzhou.
We are here now. What's the use of talking about it still?
Besides, this is my homeland anyway.
Auntie.
At the divine temple, I heard Bo Minkei say he invited you back.
He is a tyrant. You must be careful.
Don't worry. I know what to do.
You, however, need to rest well.
Remember, don't walk around too much.
Understand?
Old Man.
The medicine is ready. Come.
Come.
Drink the medicine.
Come, Old Man, finish the medicine.
You'll recover after taking the medicine.
Without my wings,
I am no longer a Feather Tribesman.
They are just wings. So what that they're gone. Come, open your mouth.
I'd rather die.
Why die?
You've left here for so long. Is it that important to have that identity?
I didn't know I was a Feather Tribesperson, and I've lived fine.
In my mind, this old man is someone with a firm belief.
You yourself told me that you've survived on sheer will power.
Does it matter whether someone like you is a Feather Tribesman?
Besides,
if you die,
how can I stay alive here by myself?
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♫ The scars in the world number one person's life burn the armor in the sunset ♫
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♫ What should I sacrifice my precious life to? ♫
♫ I want to defend for your strength of character and revere our luxuriant homeland ♫
♫ I want to defend for your smooth future ♫
♫ We are brothers in life or death ♫
♫ I want to defend for your tears and dance with you in this mundane world ♫