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Guardians of the Ancient Oath
[This story is purely fictional.]
♔ Instagram @skysoultan ♔ Episode 9
Fine. Let me make it clear.
If it can’t be settled
in three days,
and Li City is at stake,
His Majesty and Her Highness
blames it,
I can’t ensure your safety.
By that time,
don’t complain
I don’t consider our relationship.
Uncle, rest assured.
I defeated the demons once.
This time,
I won’t let you down either.
Three days.
Give me three days,
and I’ll surely remove the poison in Li City.,
However, please get prepared.
Get prepared?
For what?
You’re General Zhenbei
in charge of all the affairs in Li City.
During these three days,
please borrow water from neighboring counties
to guarantee
the water supply.
If Li City gets into chaos due to lack of water
and has no emergency response at all,
then I won’t
take the blame
as a new Commander here.
What do you think, uncle?
Don't worry about this.
As your uncle, I’ll take my responsibility.
But, you only have three days.
Everything
happens after that
will be your responsibility.
Deal.
Mu Qi.
Commander.
Take me to see that demon.
Report, Commander.
Shoot.
Xia Da died.
When we arrived,
the lock had been picked.
The guards also...
Commander. Let me take two squads
to chase them.
No need.
Since they dared to kill in the barrack,
you couldn’t capture them.
Commander.
Our men guard the barracks.
How dare they sneak in?
Perhaps this man
didn’t sneak in,
but walked in blatantly.
Do not jump to conclusions
until we get the evidence.
How about I search all the barracks?
No need.
Their target is Xia Da.
Now Xia Da is dead.
They won’t stay here.
The top priority is the poison.
Take some men
to the city
to check the situation.
Yes.
You two, come with me.
It must be He Yao.
I’m sure.
My fault.
I should’ve kept an eye on Xia Da
when he came here.
Then he wouldn’t have died.
Hongyi.
Today, wait for me in the barrack.
Aren’t you taking me with you?
Trust me this time.
They came for me.
Staying with me isn't safe.
But He Yao...
Trust me. I’ll be careful.
You are just a private.
They won’t harm you
if you aren’t with me.
Last time, you said
brothers shall be together.
I won’t flinch.
People are in panic in the city.
If something goes wrong,
I can’t protect you.
I don’t need your protection.
I can help you.
Staying here
is the best way to help me.
Come on. Get in.
What are you doing?
Hey! What are you doing?
Let me out!
Why do you lock me up?
Let me out!
Come back!
Open the door! Let me out!
Come back! Come back!
Open the door!
Watch him closely.
Bring him all meals yourself.
Don’t make any mistakes.
Yes.
Commander.
Do not take one step away from him.
You brat.
Here. Slowly.
Put it here.
Water is coming.
Slowly.
Commander.
I’ve arranged
physicians and patients
to gather here.
If no enough space,
requisition that street, too.
Enough beds?
Beds
were borrowed from clinics.
Physician.
Coming.
It isn’t OK.
Bring the camp beds
and
all the tents and bedding.
Yes.
Ask the barrack kitchens
to get prepared.
If no enough food,
we’ll help anytime.
Yes.
Water. Hot water.
Send more men
to hold cauldrons here
to boil water for patients.
Yes.
Ensure the order and fairness
when they take water.
Yes. Go ahead now.
Yes.
We can’t count on He Yao.
Fetch water from neighboring counties now.
Be quick.
Our city is also short of water.
Now,
we must ensure
the patients’ water supply first.
Yes.
And
send men
to guard this area.
Personnel only.
Then assign some men
to stay here and help physicians.
Tell everybody
to be polite to physicians.
Got it. I’ll arrange it right now.
Come and take care of him.
OK.
I’m going to boil the medicine.
Sir.
No need.
I’m Baili Hongshuo, Left Cavalry Commander.
Physician.
If you need help,
feel free to tell me.
Commander, you order all physicians and patients
gather here for treatment.
That's the most effective way
to prevent the epidemic.
In my opinion,
we might as well boil
Ligusticum wallichii, mitkvetch root, and angelica
in cauldrons
to diffuse medicinal vapor through the air.
That will be more efficient.
You have a point.
I’ll do it right away.
Sir. This plague is violent.
Please do your best.
In this world,
besides the patients’ families,
physicians care about their patients
the most.
Rest assured, General.
We’ll do our utmost.
Many thanks.
Brat, you dare to lock me up!
Kick you to death! Go to hell.
You’re dead!
Bai Yi.
Come and eat.
What are you doing?
Commander ordered that you can’t leave.
Let me go!
No.
Let me go!
Alright.
I won’t leave, alright?
I won’t leave. Let go of me.
Commander
didn’t allow you to go outside.
Don’t blame him.
He also asked me
to bring you meals.
Actually, I think
Commander cares about you a lot.
He doesn’t.
I’m going to skin him.
Bai Yi.
What have you done?
Why did Commander
punish you?
I...
I did nothing.
I just showed my care to him.
Care?
That isn’t a crime, is it?
You know
I’m a private.
Though I suddenly
became his personal guard,
I’m still a private.
Commander and I...
You and Commander...
Boss him around!
I bossed him around.
You know,
he went to Qianling Lake first,
and then handled the water shortage.
Now he goes to
deal with the plague.
He is so busy.
So, I advised him
to take a break.
Perhaps
I spoke too loudly.
That’s it?
You spoke too loudly?
You meant well.
You agree?
Yes.
Come.
What?
Come over.
What?
Sit.
What?
Sit.
No, I can’t.
What are you thinking about?
You take the lower seat.
Fine.
Hou.
We are good friends.
You know
I’m loyal to him.
I won’t do
anything unforgivable to him.
Right?
If so,
he is too strict indeed.
Right?
So you may...
Forget it.
Go to eat.
The food will get cold.
The food seems bad.
I don’t like it.
Come on. We only have these.
How about we go to Tayun House?
Tayun House?
No way.
Commander didn’t allow you to go outside.
That’s my first task
from him.
I can’t make any mistake.
Are you nuts?
He asked you to watch me.
He didn’t say I couldn't go out.
What’s more,
you can go with me
and don’t let me run away.
My sources
reported that
Yi Jiumo
was
imprisoned at some Xuanming Temple
in Li City by the Yoes.
Have you found out
where the Temple is?
Not yet.
Li City is an important military fort of Yo,
and heavily guarded.
Our operation was obstructed.
I haven’t found a way to...
Have you thought about
using others’ hand to make it?
General, you mean Baili Hongshuo?
Use him
to access Xuanming Temple?
Baili Hongshuo stations in Li City now.
If we can cooperate with him,
it’s much easier
to find Yi Jiumo.
That is risky.
Why do you
have to find Yi Jiumo?
Ming Lai fails to expose
the treachery of Baize’s leader.
Now that the evidence is solid,
he can be arrested directly.
Collusion with the enemy
is intolerable.
Resorting to force is our last option.
It isn’t wise
to take Baize
by using my elite cavalry.
Though the territory can be taken back by war,
we’ll lose people’s support.
I don’t want to slaughter my compatriots, either.
Besides,
I don’t want
to be accused of militarism.
I don’t get it.
Pontifex is the God of Lang.
Once we get Pontifex’s support,
we’ll have the public on your side
and win hands down.
Got it.
Sir.
Your roast duck and wine.
Enjoy.
Hou. You took care of me
on the way from Ye City.
I appreciate it.
I treat you to this meal to thank you.
It costs half of your annual pay, doesn’t it?
We are good friends.
Don't care about money.
Eat. My treat.
Eat.
Do you have money for the bill?
Relieved now?
Yes.
Eat.
You know, we are privates.
Centurions and
other seniors
always boss us around.
Our life isn’t easy.
So
we should take care of each other, right?
Of course.
Could you
not follow me anymore?
I have to.
Commander ordered me
to follow you all the time.
I took you out to eat
for the sake of our friendship.
In fact, it violated the rule.
So, I have to stay with you.
Aright, eat.
You don't want to eat?
Obviously, you do.
What?
Nothing.
Eat. Eat.
Bai Yi. Eat some.
It’s good.
Eat it yourself. Eat. Eat.
After the meal,
let’s take a walk in the street.
Bai Yi.
We’ve had the meal.
How about we go back?
We are full,
so we take a walk
to help digestion.
What’s more,
you know,
Commander’s clothes are broken.
If I buy
beautiful clothes for him,
he may be happy
and release me.
Bai Yi.
You are so smart.
[Satin Shop]
Excuse me, sir.
Our shop sells
customized clothes for the rich.
You are...
Mr. Liu.
Are my lady’s clothes
done?
One belt is to be stitched.
The embroiderers are working on it.
Please wait a moment.
I’ll be back in a while.
OK.
Sir.
My stomach hurts.
May I use your toilet?
It’s in the backyard.
Sir.
Is this the only door here?
Yes, only one door.
Go to work.
OK.
Sir.
Are you sure there’s only one door here?
Yes, only this door.
Here. Slowly.
Take this inside
in a while.
OK.
Medicine. Hurry up.
Coming.
Bear with it.
Come. This way.
Coming.
Miss. You can’t go inside.
Why?
Here are many patients.
I have never seen this disease
in Li City.
Look. That new Commander
offended demons.
Do not go there.
Commander.
Hurry up
and pin him down.
Gag him.
Don’t let him bite his tongue.
Fabric.
Mu Qi. Give me a hand.
Bring me fabrics.
Hurry up.
Hurry.
Two more men here.
Hurry up.
Excuse me.
Take care, sir.
Leader, you came in person again.
That’s kind of you.
Let’s get to the point.
Don’t beat about the bush.
We underestimated the enemy
and disappointed you last time.
But this time,
we used
the secret poison of Baize.
Only we have the antidote.
That brat will surely fail.
Now that you’ve drugged them,
don’t give up until the end.
Do not make any mistake this time.
I will never
go back on my word.
I think you'd better be careful.
You should draw a lesson
from Xia Da last time.
General. You killed
Xia Da for me, didn’t you?
I was helping you.
General, take it easy.
We’ve been partners for years.
If we wanted you dead,
do you think
you could still
talk with me here?
After it is done,
I hope you will keep your promise
and submit Bai Nuo’s surrender letter
to Empress Dowager.
I’ll take my leave.
General Wanqi.
Chief Bai Nuo.
Why are you here?
What?
You can come. Why can’t I?
Girls in Yo are sweet and gentle,
much better
than girls in Lang.
What?
Chief Bai Nuo,
do you have the same hobby as me?
I’m just patrolling around.
I won’t disturb you to have fun.
I saved you.
Shouldn’t you thank me
before you leave?
Thank you for saving me.
You were held by me,
yet you have no feelings for me at all.
I feel so upset.
Please behave yourself.
Why did you tail Bai Nuo?
What are talking about?
I don’t understand.
You don’t?
OK. Another question.
Your face is kind of
familiar to me.
Perhaps
all the girls in Yo
have similar looks.
Thank you for saving me.
I’m leaving.
Mr. Baili.
You look amazing
in female clothes.
Now that you know my real identity,
why do you stop me?
You are a girl.
Why do you always
dress up as a man?
It’s really a surprise to me
to meet you here.
I’m very happy.
Cut it out. Stay away from me.
I heard your emperor
sent your younger brother to guard the border,
but I didn’t know
you were here, too.
Did you come here in secret?
Tell me
why you tailed Bai Nuo
and I’ll let you go.
You know it already.
He Yao colluded with Lang.
You are behind it, aren’t you?
Miss Baili.
You don’t seem to
know Lang.
Baize
is a tribe of Lang.
They are under the ruling of Shuchi’s king,
yet they don’t report everything to the King.
Moreover,
I’m just a general
serving the King.
You reminded me.
You just said Lang colluded with He Yao.
Do you mean
Bai Nuo colluded with He Yao?
If you want to know,
why not ask him yourself?
I’m really curious.
Yet it’s boring to watch the show
alone.
I want to watch it with you.
In your dreams!
I invite you to go somewhere.
Please, Miss Baili.
Wherever it is,
I won’t go with you.
It isn’t up to you.
I meant to visit Baili Hongshuo
in Li City.
Now that I meet you here,
I won’t fail the favor
from Heaven.
Rest assured.
I won’t hurt you
unless I have to.
Pardon me.
Bai Yi.
Ma’am. Did you see
a soldier
wearing the same uniform as me?
No, I didn’t.
You didn’t?
Alright. thank you.
Bai Yi!
Where exactly
did Bai Yi go?
Bai Yi!
Physicians said
the cause of plague is the water source.
That’s already known.
Do you know which plague it is?
Not yet.
I can only prescribe some herbs
to nourish the organs
and relieve their pain.
That can only temperately
stabilize patients’ condition,
not an ultimate solution.
Commander. Rumor has it
that it’s the demon’s revenge.
Demon again. Nonsense.
People in Li City believe that rumor.
If we can’t still find a solution,
the whole city
will be in panic.
Rumors are the most terrifying plague.
And now the rumor
has spread in the army.
Some soldiers
are afraid to be infected,
and even intend to desert.
Ridiculous.
How could soldiers
be panicked by a rumor?
Pass my order:
Flog rumor-spreaders 40 times.
Kill the deserters. No mercy.
Yes.
Hou Zhengze.
Hongyi.
Chenfu.
Your master is missing.
Should I tell Commander?
Commander is busy.
A missing soldier,
and the safety of Li City,
which matters more?
It’s too difficult for you.
I’d better not
bother Commander.
But if Commander finds out
Bai Yi is gone,
he will surely punish me.
This was
my first task from him,
yet I failed it.
He would be disappointed.
Hou Zhengze.
What a fool you are.
Do you think I’m a fool?
Hou Zhengze.
Don’t you watch over Bai Yi?
Why are you feeding the horse here?
Commander. Bai Yi...
What happened to him?
He...
He’s missing.
Missing?
He’s lost.
Tell me everything.
What happened?
Marquis Zhenbei.
You let me down this time.
I hoped
Left Cavalry Commander
could supervise
Li City’s fortification
to make the city unbreakable.
I didn’t expect he acted rashly
and got Li City in the plague
and people suffering.
I failed to discipline my brother.
Please punish me, Your Highness.
Mother. The trouble is caused by Hongshuo.
Hongxuan isn’t there.
He can’t help with it.
You indulged Baili Hongshuo
and spoiled him
so that he becomes
ostentatious
and irresponsible.
Hongshuo
was a playboy in Ye City before,
so I ordered him
to guard Li City to toughen him up.
Mistakes are inevitable in the process.
He is the descendant
of the Bailies,
so he should get trained at the border.
Unexpectedly, he lost
all the Bailies’ face.
The border won’t be stabilized
until the plague ends.
Marquis Zhenbei.
It was caused by
your brother.
If you can’t urge Left Cavalry Commander
to settle it soon,
even the nobles
shall be punished by the law.
Your Highness. Please allow me
to lead the army to the north
to redeem my brother’s fault.
May you succeed, Marquis Zhenbei.
Thank you, Your Highness.
That’s it.
When I looked for him,
he had left the shop.
So, the last time he showed up
was in the clothes shop?
Yes.
If he gets hurt,
you’ll be chopped into pieces to feed the dog.
Commander.
Commander Baili.
It’s at curfew now.
No one shall go out.
Please go back.
I have an emergency to deal with.
If General asks,
I’ll take the responsibility alone.
Move.
Ming Yefeng.
Baili Hongshuo.
Are you looking for
your elder brother?
No, your elder sister?
It’s you who abducted Hongyi!
Hongyi? How intimate!
If you kill me,
you’ll never know
her whereabouts.
Where is she?
She’s safe.
Let me see her.
Hongyi.
Hongshuo.
Hongyi.
What did you do to her?
Miss Baili is a skilled master.
I was afraid she ran around
and got hurt,
so
I fed her something special.
Hongshuo. I feel weak.
Let’s go.
If you leave,
people in Li City
can’t be saved.
You rat!
What have you done?
He didn’t poison them. It’s He Yao.
He Yao?
To be precise,
the one who poisoned them wasn’t He Yao,
but Chief Bai Nuo, the leader of Baize.
I can help you remove the poison.
Now we share
a common enemy,
Bai Nuo.
Then enemy’s enemy
isn’t my friend either.
We don’t have to be friends.
We just need to
achieve our separate purposes.
What do you want?
I want you to find someone for me
in Li City.
And I will
help you purify the water.
As the prestigious General Wanqi,
you need me
to find a person?
His name is Yi Jiumo,
the high-ranking Pontifex of Baize
many years ago.
How come the Pontifex of Baize
is in Li City
of Yo?
My men reported that
Bai Nuo colluded with He Yao.
Yi Jiumo
was hidden in Li City by He Yao.
It’s more convenient for you
to look for him in Li City.
Looking for a person in Li City
is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Yi Jiumo’s power is incredible.
Only Xuanming Temple in Li City
can trap him.
Xuanming Temple?
Li City is in the far north of Yo,
governed by Xuanming,
the God of North.
Blessed by Heaven, Xuanming Temple
is a good place to imprison
the capable.
Where is Xuanming Temple?
I came a long way from Shuchi.
I’m not familiar with Li City.
How come you ask me for the way?
If I can search Li City
publicly and blatantly,
I won’t ask you for help.
When I find Yi Jiumo,
you’ll have to give me the antidote.
Hongyi. Let’s go.
You leave, but she stays here.
She must leave with me.
Mr. Baili.
If you still argue with me,
I’m afraid she won’t make it.
If you both leave
and send men to besiege me,
then I will be
like a sitting duck.
She’s my hostage.
I won’t let her go.
Rest assured. I won’t hurt her.
I keep her
to protect myself.
What? Do you still want to kill me?
Then don’t blame me
if my hand
loses control
and hurt Miss Baili.
If you dare to
hurt her,
I’ll chop you into pieces.
Even if I don’t hurt her,
as we serve different Kings,
don’t you want to
chop me into pieces?
Hongshuo. You can’t go.
They can’t be trusted at all.
Perhaps looking for Yi Jiumo
is nothing but a trap.
Hongyi.
For the sake of you
and people of Li City,
I have to.
Believe me.
I will surely be back to save you.
Hongshuo.
Ming Yefeng.
Do you think it’s useful
to keep me with you?
My brother can still take men here
and kill you.
Miss Baili.
You don’t know
your brother at all.
Hongxuan. You can’t be more careful
to go to Li City this time.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Yet the cause of the plague
in Li City is still unknown
and Her Highness wants answers fast.
You got me wrong.
Though I’m trapped in the palace all the time,
I still know a little
about He Yao’s issue.
Your Majesty. While I’m away,
please take care of my family for me.
Rest assured.
Are you worried about Jinyang?
After all, you are a couple.
Commander. Have you found Bai Yi?
Tell Mu Qi, Wang Jiachuan, Zuo Deng
to go to the chamber.
Yes.
Hongxuan.
My respects, Your Highness.
Mother. What brings you here?
I know you two
must be here.
I come here on purpose.
Rise, Hongxuan.
Thank you, Your Highness.