Nirvana in Fire (2015–…): Season 2, Episode 34 - Episode #2.34 - full transcript
Ping Jing can tell that someone has tampered with the letter, so he exercises extreme caution when discussing his next military action.
[Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin]
[Episode 34]
General Huaihua has made an initial judgement that Great Yu's royal army
will surely use this location as a breakthrough point.
All of you have to patrol this area day and night and be on your guard, report back immediately if you see any signs.
Yes.
The kerosene and torches which General Huaihua instructed, how did the preparation go?
Reporting to General, we have prepared the kerosene. We are still rushing to prepare the three hundred thousand torches.
His Majesty, what instructions do you have?
Nothing.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Minister Xun has been sick for many days. He has not recovered yet?
When I went to visit him, I didn't get to see him.
So I don't know how is his illness.
But Minister Xun has always been diligent,
once he has recovered, he would appear in court.
Old Prince, you don't have to worry.
That's true.
Old Prince.
Uncle is not in his room.
Are you sure?
Cousin.
I, Feizhan, send you my greetings.
Feizhan.
Aunty, Uncle's illness doesn't seem to be better,
I'm really worried. I must see him today no matter what.
I know you are concerned for him. Your uncle's illness is of no worry.
The physician said that he can't be out and about,
with people going in and out, the illness might worsen.
You are not an outsider. We are not concerned about empty forms of courtesy.
Once he can get up, I will surely send someone
to inform you. How about that?
I know.
Feizhan!
Feizhan.
Monan camp of Chang Lin is proficient in close combat.
We, the royal army are their nemesis.
Everyone, be on the alert. My first battle southbound
must be victorious!
Yes!
Old Prince, when the official in charge of the imperial seal was summoned into the palace, I know about it.
I thought for the imperial court to use the imperial seal
they would inform you beforehand. I didn't know that they would do this behind your back-
Counting the days, it's already too late.
I'm afraid we can't get it back.
I never think that His Majesty would keep you in the dark and announce this decree.
Is it possible to persuade him?
It's too late to say such things now.
The supremacy of the king is not to be taken lightly.
If I didn't stop it in the beginning,
once the decree is out of the capital and sent forth to the borders,
there's only two paths that Pingjing can take.
Old Prince, at the most crucial point,
which path will Pingjing take?
Report!
The military report from General Chi of Gannan camp states that
Great Yu's royal army has passed Moshan and moved to the south on the 7th day of the 9th month.
General Chi led the troops to war and fake a losing battle, lure the enemy away and retreated safely.
The Monan main camp has retreated north to Moyin Valley, as per your instructions.
From the day the military report was sent, two hundred thousand of the main royal army troops have all passed Moshan.
Call for the dispatch order soldier of Gannan camp.
Yes.
Draft the military order. Order General Chi to hide their tracks.
No matter how the battle will turn out, he has to stay in Moyin Valley,
to prepare to cut off the retreating route of Great Yu's royal army.
Yes.
It's eleven days to the solar eclipse.
As long as the battle line along Mei Ling is guarded well,
the east and south army troops will slowly be separated.
then according to our original plan, the decisive battle will be at the west of Ning Pass.
It must be tiring for you to be on the road, Senior Grand Secretary.
Quick, please come inside.
An envoy from the capital is here. You stay guard here, I'll report to General Huaihua.
Yes.
Send it to Gannan fast. Do not stop halfway at all.
Yes.
Can it be said that everything is ready awaiting the eastern wind? (T/N: idiom meaning everything is in order except for what is crucial)
When General was scouting in Great Yu,
he had already planted a catalyst among the royal army troops.
When the phenomenon of swallowing the sun is out, the army morale will run amok.
No matter how great the general is, when his entire army is afraid to go into battle, no one can control it.
Not to mention about army morale, these rumours are targeted at Qin Lingshuo.
The more he doesn't believe beforehand,
the more he would be flustered at that moment.
Not to mention about stabilising the situation,
as the main General, he might be the first person to waver.
Such an ominous sign from heaven,
how can we, ordinary men, know it in advance?
Old General Wei, the military order has been sent, the main commanders in all camps have no doubt about it.
What are you still worried about?
That is true. When the Heir was alive,
he was willing to go with Second Young Master's ideas no matter how weird they are.
Why should I, an old man, think so much about it?
- What's going on?
- A group of envoy to announce imperial edict from the capital has settled in at the post house.
Wait here.
General.
My generals.
The entire camp of Ganzhou will leave in 3 days. Everyone please make the preparations.
Yes.
General, there's really an envoy from the capital coming to announce imperial edict.
They are escorted by official troops. It's obvious they are coming to Ganzhou.
The envoy has come a long distance, the roads outside the border cities are difficult to travel.
I believe the axle shaft of the wheels would frequently break.
I understand.
I will leave Ganzhou in 3 days. You just delay them for a bit,
he's an envoy from the emperor. Know your limits.
Yes.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
One, two, up!
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
To be honest, I wish to go with you to the frontline and kill the enemies.
But I know in my heart, with me staying back in Ganzhou,
it's more beneficial for you.
I was worried that Lu Zhao can't handle those from the capital.
It's the best you volunteered to stay behind.
Don't worry. I will think of ways
to make this offical from the capital stay for a few more days in Ganzhou.
The wheel axle is broken, the horses are ill.
And there's no substitute horses at the post station.
I don't believe this is all a coincidence.
Master, though we don't know how General Huaihua knows about this,
he's already on his guard against the capital.
The Commander said that I was being over suspicious,
am I being over suspicious?
Even if he doesn't know the person is me,
he dares to cause such trouble to an imperial envoy.
It can be seen that he holds no regard
for His Majesty and the Imperial court.
Minister, we cannot find enough horses no matter how.
Gather all usable horses at once.
Choose some men and leave with me first. The rest of you follow afterwards.
Old Master, with only these few men,
your safety...
Xiao Pingjing was just playing some tricks in the dark,
I don't believe he dare to kill me.
- Go.
- Yes.
Reporting to General, military report from Feishan camp.
- Dong Qing.
- Present.
Send forth my orders to the vanguards. Move fast tonight to Ning Pass Fortress and encamp on the highlands.
Yes.
The imperial envoy is here to announce imperial edict.
Please go in. Let them im.
So quiet?
Oh my, I don't know that Senior Grand Secretary is here personally.
Forgive me for being rude.
Where is General Huaihua?
General is out of the city to do inspection. I too don't know where he is.
You don't know? How can you not know?
Minister, in Ganzhou,
General Huaihua is the main commander.
He's my superior. He doesn't need to tell anyone
his whereabouts when he's out inspecting.
When will he be back?
When General was out inspecting in the past,
sometimes it's half a month. Sometimes,
It could even be a month long.
Lu Zhao, make the preparation.
Prepare the best post station in the city
so that Senior Grand Secretary can stay.
Yes.
Senior Grand Secretary, please come in for some tea.
6 more days to go.
You were with Xiao Pingjing,
why didn't you hold him back?
Minister, you said such easy words.
How am I supposed to hold him back? If I didn't specially stay back for you,
I'm afraid you won't be able to find out his whereabouts even if you stay for a month.
I have the imperial sword of His Majesty, how am I not able to find out?
Is Ganzhou city still under the jurisdiction of His Majesty?
Minsiter, please be appeased. Over here, it's far away from the emperor.
The people in the military won't follow what you say.
As an imperial envoy, why do you only have so few men with you?
I have finally seen and experienced
the tricks of the northern border.
Quick, tell me, where is Xiao Pingjing?
West of Ning Pass Fortress.
Ning Pass?
Ning Pass.
If I rush to Ning Pass tomorrow, can I still make it?
Xiao Pingjing should be carrying out his plans within these few days.
If you leave the city early morning tomorrow, you should be able to make it.
Thankfully it's Ning Pass.
My envoy contingent and personal guards can reach and be gathered in time.
This Second Young Master doesn't listen to reason,
I must be able to win him in terms of power.
I have to thank you this time.
In order not to arouse Xiao Pingjing's suspicions,
I will have to leave and send the message to him after you leave.
I hope no accidents would happen on your way.
Someone from the post station came and reported that the imperial envoy
has left the city early this morning. They must have known Pingjing's whereabouts and are going after him.
- How would they know?
- What's the point in thinking about this now?
I'm going to let Pingjing know about this now so that he can be on guard.
I'll leave Ganzhou in your charge.
Yes.
I'm leaving.
What kind of road are we taking?
The Marquis sent me to you so that I can lead the way.
We can cut the journey by half a day if we take this road.
And we will not miss your envoy contingent and personal guards.
With the black armoured troops encamped at the highlands of Ning Pass, this gap is finally secured.
Tell General Yan to drag on for another day no matter what,
he doesn't have to continue with battle. Just delay until dawn the day after tomorrow, retreat as they battle.
Lure Great Yu's army to Jiudaogou. I will send someone to take over.
Yes.
Order Changshan Camp to move forward thirty li and encamp there.
On the last day of this month, abandon all pots and tents by night. On the first day of next month, retreat back to main camp before noon, and meet with me.
Yes.
General Huaihua has orders to abandon all pots and tents.
Retreat to main camp before noon on the first day of the month.
Abandon all pots and tents! Retreat!
Quick!
General, military report from combined camps of Mei Ling and Ningzhou.
Looks like it must be good news.
Ever since the main troops of Great Yu's royal army has passed Moshan,
this is the first battle that they lost.
I don't know how Prince Kang of Great Yu
- is feeling right now.
- Second Young Master,
Qin Lingshuo has been moving south. Though you didn't make his battles any easier,
you have gone to great lengths to let him win many battles.
The saying goes, "Pride comes before a fall." You should let him continue to be complacent and smug.
Why did you order Mei Ling and Ningzhou camps to launch a combined attack
and cause him to lose?
There are two objectives to this battle. Firstly,
we can't allow Qin Lingshuo to use Mei Ling as a battle line to attack south.
We have to force his main forces into Ning Pass, into our ambush boundary.
Secondly, the solar eclipse is happening soon. Though this loss doesn't bring much damage to his army,
it's still considered a big impact on the royal army's winning streak.
When the army morale is at its low, the effect of the warning from heaven will be at its greatest.
From the look of it, is it...
Yes. The combined camp report is here.
We will soon see the silver dragon banners of Great Yu.
Prince, report from the vanguards. The whole of Ningzhou
is well fortified and the fields are without grains. Chang Lin of Ningzhou is clearly going to be on the defence.
I know. Continue with the scouting.
Yes.
We can't get Mei Ling,
so long as we can invade Ningzhou, it will be smooth sailing for our battle down south.
- Send forth my orders.
- Yes.
Everyone move forward with haste. Before sundown,
my main tent must be encamped in the borders of Ningzhou.
Yes.
Forward!
Minister Xun.
Minister Xun, we have passed the border of Ningzhou.
Good.
Let everyone be on the alert.
Show off the entire contingent
- which His Majesty has bestowed.
- Yes.
Go.
Go.
Stop.
Go.
I have already scouted the information. The imperial edict is sent out of the capital and announced to all four borders.
It is to restrain and prevent you from going all out in battle.
The Senior Grand Secretary comes personally to announce the edict.
Looks like he places much importance
on Chang Lin Manor.
The root of the problem is
the imperial court's greatest taboo is for the general's achievements to be so great that the king feels insecure.
Right now, it's not the late emperor who is in reign.
We are restricted by the circumstances.
Since Minister Xun is here personally,
he would not relent until he gets what he wants. Even if you can hide this time,
how long can you hide?
Great Yu's royal army is already in my ambush.
Tomorrow is the day of battle.
I won't go anywhere.
Tomorrow?
Let's hope I'm lucky enough to
leave before he comes.
Put it down first.
Listen to my instructions.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
What kind of road are you leading us on? Are we on the correct route?
Minister Xun, we could save half a day journey if we walk here.
I don't know things would turn out like this.
Come, One, two, go.
One, two, go.
Minister Xun,
after the mountains in front, you can reach the main camp in 4 hours.
Everyone, use more energy.
- Use more force.
- Abandon the horses.
The contingent and imperial escorts follow me!
Yes!
Quick.
Move away.
General, just as you have predicted,
after Qin Lingshuo discovered that we are on highlands, and locked in a face off with them, he didn't retreat.
This is the greatest difference between Prince Kang and Ruan Ying.
All of the two hundred thousand of the royal army are down south,
wherever the soldiers go, what they want is our Great Liang's empire.
The citizens at the borders are constantly living a harsh life because of war.
Many of our Chang Lin soldiers
have died on the battlefield.
This decisive battle at Ning Pass, Ganzhou camp is the main attacking force.
I hope everyone, together with me,
would cease the war in the northern border and give the citizens a peace life.
We will follow General to death.
Who are those people?
Everyone, please remember when the solar eclipse happens, it's as though all camps receive the signal at the same time.
Though it is day battle, it is as though a night attack. Do rein in the soldiers,
don't let them look into the sun because of curiosity, otherwise their eyes will be affected.
General!
General! There's someone outside our camp.
This is the imperial sword of His Majesty.
Once you see this sword out of the capital, it's as though His Majesty is here personally.
Who dare to stop me?
Make way.
Senior Grand Secretary.
Please.
Minister, please go in.
Will General Huaihua please come out of the tent and receive the imperial edict?
Minister Xun.
- Xiao Pingjing, receive the edict.
- Minister Xun.
Could you please enter the tent for a discussion?
This is an imperial edict with the seal of the emperor.
General, you as a subject, you should receive it with respect. What is there to discuss?
Since Senior Grand Secretary comes here personally,
you should know that two hundred thousand of Great Yu's royal army is stationed outside.
The military situation is urgent.
I hope Minister, you can understand. Please postpone the announcement of edict by one more day.
Why must I postpone by a day?
Is it for you to covet military achievements, go out in battle,
bring about bloodshed in the northern borders and offend the spirit of the late emperor?
Minister.
Our border soldiers guard the country. They are not afraid of shedding blood on battlefield, of dying on the battlefield.
Do you think
that it's all about military achievements?
The imperial decree has been sent to all four borders.
If you are not coveting military achievements, why is it only at the northern borders not receiving the edict?
Minister Xun, Chang Lin Manor has been much endeared with sovereign love.
In Late Emperor's National Mourning, why wouldn't my father and I wish to honor it?
But Great Yu has already swung their army southbound. An opportunity from Heaven is not one easily met in a century.
Couldn't you allow a concession?
Solar eclipse?
Xiao Pingjing, when you said an opportunity. Did you mean this?
Minister Xun.
Heaven snatching the sun. A solar eclipse is a huge ominous omen.
You have disgraced as a subject, offending and angering the heaven.
Furthermore you continue to be delusional.
- Xiao Pingjing, accept the royal command.
- Minister Xun!
Xiao Pingjing, though your Chang Lin army is a prominent military force,
you are nevertheless His Majesty's subjects.
If you defy the imperial command, you are committing rebellion.
The royal court. The imperial clan. The world!
They will never allow your rebellious act!
Minister Xun, you are seated high up above in the imperial court.
Do you really know what the people in the world care about?
Lu Zhao!
Present!
Today, the entire Chang Lin army heeds by my military command.
After this battle, no matter what offense is cast upon me,
I, Xiao Pingjing, shall take them upon all my myself.
All you fierce warriors!
Present!
The opportunity from above is here. Follow me to battle!
Attack! Attack!
What's happening?
Where's the sun? Where is it?
This is an ominous omen from Baishen.
The revelation was actually real?
Can't be.
This is impossible!
Report!
Your Highness, it's bad.
What happened?
Your Highness.
In the 15th year of Zhenghe of Emperor Ai,
in the 3rd month at the hour of the Renwu, solar eclipse occurred.
Zhuo County reported that the sun is at 8 degrees of the Kui Constellation.
Emperor Ai died in the fourth month. In the 7th year reign of Emperor Cheng, in the 6th month,
on the last day, at the hour of Jiaxu, solar eclipse occurred. It was not a total eclipse.
In the first year of Yangshuo, in the 9th month, the day before the last day, at the Guiwei hour,
solar eclipse occurred. Eight degrees to the Yi Constellation.
A three year drought followed. Cannabalism occurred.
My royal son, don't mind this. The sun will be out soon.
This is a warning sign from the heaven.
Queen Mother, have I don't anything wrong?
Out of the way, quick!
Retreat!
♫ 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 ♫
♫ Hoping for the whole world to remain at peace, quench the fires of war ♫
[Episode 34]
General Huaihua has made an initial judgement that Great Yu's royal army
will surely use this location as a breakthrough point.
All of you have to patrol this area day and night and be on your guard, report back immediately if you see any signs.
Yes.
The kerosene and torches which General Huaihua instructed, how did the preparation go?
Reporting to General, we have prepared the kerosene. We are still rushing to prepare the three hundred thousand torches.
His Majesty, what instructions do you have?
Nothing.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Old Prince.
Minister Xun has been sick for many days. He has not recovered yet?
When I went to visit him, I didn't get to see him.
So I don't know how is his illness.
But Minister Xun has always been diligent,
once he has recovered, he would appear in court.
Old Prince, you don't have to worry.
That's true.
Old Prince.
Uncle is not in his room.
Are you sure?
Cousin.
I, Feizhan, send you my greetings.
Feizhan.
Aunty, Uncle's illness doesn't seem to be better,
I'm really worried. I must see him today no matter what.
I know you are concerned for him. Your uncle's illness is of no worry.
The physician said that he can't be out and about,
with people going in and out, the illness might worsen.
You are not an outsider. We are not concerned about empty forms of courtesy.
Once he can get up, I will surely send someone
to inform you. How about that?
I know.
Feizhan!
Feizhan.
Monan camp of Chang Lin is proficient in close combat.
We, the royal army are their nemesis.
Everyone, be on the alert. My first battle southbound
must be victorious!
Yes!
Old Prince, when the official in charge of the imperial seal was summoned into the palace, I know about it.
I thought for the imperial court to use the imperial seal
they would inform you beforehand. I didn't know that they would do this behind your back-
Counting the days, it's already too late.
I'm afraid we can't get it back.
I never think that His Majesty would keep you in the dark and announce this decree.
Is it possible to persuade him?
It's too late to say such things now.
The supremacy of the king is not to be taken lightly.
If I didn't stop it in the beginning,
once the decree is out of the capital and sent forth to the borders,
there's only two paths that Pingjing can take.
Old Prince, at the most crucial point,
which path will Pingjing take?
Report!
The military report from General Chi of Gannan camp states that
Great Yu's royal army has passed Moshan and moved to the south on the 7th day of the 9th month.
General Chi led the troops to war and fake a losing battle, lure the enemy away and retreated safely.
The Monan main camp has retreated north to Moyin Valley, as per your instructions.
From the day the military report was sent, two hundred thousand of the main royal army troops have all passed Moshan.
Call for the dispatch order soldier of Gannan camp.
Yes.
Draft the military order. Order General Chi to hide their tracks.
No matter how the battle will turn out, he has to stay in Moyin Valley,
to prepare to cut off the retreating route of Great Yu's royal army.
Yes.
It's eleven days to the solar eclipse.
As long as the battle line along Mei Ling is guarded well,
the east and south army troops will slowly be separated.
then according to our original plan, the decisive battle will be at the west of Ning Pass.
It must be tiring for you to be on the road, Senior Grand Secretary.
Quick, please come inside.
An envoy from the capital is here. You stay guard here, I'll report to General Huaihua.
Yes.
Send it to Gannan fast. Do not stop halfway at all.
Yes.
Can it be said that everything is ready awaiting the eastern wind? (T/N: idiom meaning everything is in order except for what is crucial)
When General was scouting in Great Yu,
he had already planted a catalyst among the royal army troops.
When the phenomenon of swallowing the sun is out, the army morale will run amok.
No matter how great the general is, when his entire army is afraid to go into battle, no one can control it.
Not to mention about army morale, these rumours are targeted at Qin Lingshuo.
The more he doesn't believe beforehand,
the more he would be flustered at that moment.
Not to mention about stabilising the situation,
as the main General, he might be the first person to waver.
Such an ominous sign from heaven,
how can we, ordinary men, know it in advance?
Old General Wei, the military order has been sent, the main commanders in all camps have no doubt about it.
What are you still worried about?
That is true. When the Heir was alive,
he was willing to go with Second Young Master's ideas no matter how weird they are.
Why should I, an old man, think so much about it?
- What's going on?
- A group of envoy to announce imperial edict from the capital has settled in at the post house.
Wait here.
General.
My generals.
The entire camp of Ganzhou will leave in 3 days. Everyone please make the preparations.
Yes.
General, there's really an envoy from the capital coming to announce imperial edict.
They are escorted by official troops. It's obvious they are coming to Ganzhou.
The envoy has come a long distance, the roads outside the border cities are difficult to travel.
I believe the axle shaft of the wheels would frequently break.
I understand.
I will leave Ganzhou in 3 days. You just delay them for a bit,
he's an envoy from the emperor. Know your limits.
Yes.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
One, two, up!
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
To be honest, I wish to go with you to the frontline and kill the enemies.
But I know in my heart, with me staying back in Ganzhou,
it's more beneficial for you.
I was worried that Lu Zhao can't handle those from the capital.
It's the best you volunteered to stay behind.
Don't worry. I will think of ways
to make this offical from the capital stay for a few more days in Ganzhou.
The wheel axle is broken, the horses are ill.
And there's no substitute horses at the post station.
I don't believe this is all a coincidence.
Master, though we don't know how General Huaihua knows about this,
he's already on his guard against the capital.
The Commander said that I was being over suspicious,
am I being over suspicious?
Even if he doesn't know the person is me,
he dares to cause such trouble to an imperial envoy.
It can be seen that he holds no regard
for His Majesty and the Imperial court.
Minister, we cannot find enough horses no matter how.
Gather all usable horses at once.
Choose some men and leave with me first. The rest of you follow afterwards.
Old Master, with only these few men,
your safety...
Xiao Pingjing was just playing some tricks in the dark,
I don't believe he dare to kill me.
- Go.
- Yes.
Reporting to General, military report from Feishan camp.
- Dong Qing.
- Present.
Send forth my orders to the vanguards. Move fast tonight to Ning Pass Fortress and encamp on the highlands.
Yes.
The imperial envoy is here to announce imperial edict.
Please go in. Let them im.
So quiet?
Oh my, I don't know that Senior Grand Secretary is here personally.
Forgive me for being rude.
Where is General Huaihua?
General is out of the city to do inspection. I too don't know where he is.
You don't know? How can you not know?
Minister, in Ganzhou,
General Huaihua is the main commander.
He's my superior. He doesn't need to tell anyone
his whereabouts when he's out inspecting.
When will he be back?
When General was out inspecting in the past,
sometimes it's half a month. Sometimes,
It could even be a month long.
Lu Zhao, make the preparation.
Prepare the best post station in the city
so that Senior Grand Secretary can stay.
Yes.
Senior Grand Secretary, please come in for some tea.
6 more days to go.
You were with Xiao Pingjing,
why didn't you hold him back?
Minister, you said such easy words.
How am I supposed to hold him back? If I didn't specially stay back for you,
I'm afraid you won't be able to find out his whereabouts even if you stay for a month.
I have the imperial sword of His Majesty, how am I not able to find out?
Is Ganzhou city still under the jurisdiction of His Majesty?
Minsiter, please be appeased. Over here, it's far away from the emperor.
The people in the military won't follow what you say.
As an imperial envoy, why do you only have so few men with you?
I have finally seen and experienced
the tricks of the northern border.
Quick, tell me, where is Xiao Pingjing?
West of Ning Pass Fortress.
Ning Pass?
Ning Pass.
If I rush to Ning Pass tomorrow, can I still make it?
Xiao Pingjing should be carrying out his plans within these few days.
If you leave the city early morning tomorrow, you should be able to make it.
Thankfully it's Ning Pass.
My envoy contingent and personal guards can reach and be gathered in time.
This Second Young Master doesn't listen to reason,
I must be able to win him in terms of power.
I have to thank you this time.
In order not to arouse Xiao Pingjing's suspicions,
I will have to leave and send the message to him after you leave.
I hope no accidents would happen on your way.
Someone from the post station came and reported that the imperial envoy
has left the city early this morning. They must have known Pingjing's whereabouts and are going after him.
- How would they know?
- What's the point in thinking about this now?
I'm going to let Pingjing know about this now so that he can be on guard.
I'll leave Ganzhou in your charge.
Yes.
I'm leaving.
What kind of road are we taking?
The Marquis sent me to you so that I can lead the way.
We can cut the journey by half a day if we take this road.
And we will not miss your envoy contingent and personal guards.
With the black armoured troops encamped at the highlands of Ning Pass, this gap is finally secured.
Tell General Yan to drag on for another day no matter what,
he doesn't have to continue with battle. Just delay until dawn the day after tomorrow, retreat as they battle.
Lure Great Yu's army to Jiudaogou. I will send someone to take over.
Yes.
Order Changshan Camp to move forward thirty li and encamp there.
On the last day of this month, abandon all pots and tents by night. On the first day of next month, retreat back to main camp before noon, and meet with me.
Yes.
General Huaihua has orders to abandon all pots and tents.
Retreat to main camp before noon on the first day of the month.
Abandon all pots and tents! Retreat!
Quick!
General, military report from combined camps of Mei Ling and Ningzhou.
Looks like it must be good news.
Ever since the main troops of Great Yu's royal army has passed Moshan,
this is the first battle that they lost.
I don't know how Prince Kang of Great Yu
- is feeling right now.
- Second Young Master,
Qin Lingshuo has been moving south. Though you didn't make his battles any easier,
you have gone to great lengths to let him win many battles.
The saying goes, "Pride comes before a fall." You should let him continue to be complacent and smug.
Why did you order Mei Ling and Ningzhou camps to launch a combined attack
and cause him to lose?
There are two objectives to this battle. Firstly,
we can't allow Qin Lingshuo to use Mei Ling as a battle line to attack south.
We have to force his main forces into Ning Pass, into our ambush boundary.
Secondly, the solar eclipse is happening soon. Though this loss doesn't bring much damage to his army,
it's still considered a big impact on the royal army's winning streak.
When the army morale is at its low, the effect of the warning from heaven will be at its greatest.
From the look of it, is it...
Yes. The combined camp report is here.
We will soon see the silver dragon banners of Great Yu.
Prince, report from the vanguards. The whole of Ningzhou
is well fortified and the fields are without grains. Chang Lin of Ningzhou is clearly going to be on the defence.
I know. Continue with the scouting.
Yes.
We can't get Mei Ling,
so long as we can invade Ningzhou, it will be smooth sailing for our battle down south.
- Send forth my orders.
- Yes.
Everyone move forward with haste. Before sundown,
my main tent must be encamped in the borders of Ningzhou.
Yes.
Forward!
Minister Xun.
Minister Xun, we have passed the border of Ningzhou.
Good.
Let everyone be on the alert.
Show off the entire contingent
- which His Majesty has bestowed.
- Yes.
Go.
Go.
Stop.
Go.
I have already scouted the information. The imperial edict is sent out of the capital and announced to all four borders.
It is to restrain and prevent you from going all out in battle.
The Senior Grand Secretary comes personally to announce the edict.
Looks like he places much importance
on Chang Lin Manor.
The root of the problem is
the imperial court's greatest taboo is for the general's achievements to be so great that the king feels insecure.
Right now, it's not the late emperor who is in reign.
We are restricted by the circumstances.
Since Minister Xun is here personally,
he would not relent until he gets what he wants. Even if you can hide this time,
how long can you hide?
Great Yu's royal army is already in my ambush.
Tomorrow is the day of battle.
I won't go anywhere.
Tomorrow?
Let's hope I'm lucky enough to
leave before he comes.
Put it down first.
Listen to my instructions.
One, two, go.
One, two, go.
What kind of road are you leading us on? Are we on the correct route?
Minister Xun, we could save half a day journey if we walk here.
I don't know things would turn out like this.
Come, One, two, go.
One, two, go.
Minister Xun,
after the mountains in front, you can reach the main camp in 4 hours.
Everyone, use more energy.
- Use more force.
- Abandon the horses.
The contingent and imperial escorts follow me!
Yes!
Quick.
Move away.
General, just as you have predicted,
after Qin Lingshuo discovered that we are on highlands, and locked in a face off with them, he didn't retreat.
This is the greatest difference between Prince Kang and Ruan Ying.
All of the two hundred thousand of the royal army are down south,
wherever the soldiers go, what they want is our Great Liang's empire.
The citizens at the borders are constantly living a harsh life because of war.
Many of our Chang Lin soldiers
have died on the battlefield.
This decisive battle at Ning Pass, Ganzhou camp is the main attacking force.
I hope everyone, together with me,
would cease the war in the northern border and give the citizens a peace life.
We will follow General to death.
Who are those people?
Everyone, please remember when the solar eclipse happens, it's as though all camps receive the signal at the same time.
Though it is day battle, it is as though a night attack. Do rein in the soldiers,
don't let them look into the sun because of curiosity, otherwise their eyes will be affected.
General!
General! There's someone outside our camp.
This is the imperial sword of His Majesty.
Once you see this sword out of the capital, it's as though His Majesty is here personally.
Who dare to stop me?
Make way.
Senior Grand Secretary.
Please.
Minister, please go in.
Will General Huaihua please come out of the tent and receive the imperial edict?
Minister Xun.
- Xiao Pingjing, receive the edict.
- Minister Xun.
Could you please enter the tent for a discussion?
This is an imperial edict with the seal of the emperor.
General, you as a subject, you should receive it with respect. What is there to discuss?
Since Senior Grand Secretary comes here personally,
you should know that two hundred thousand of Great Yu's royal army is stationed outside.
The military situation is urgent.
I hope Minister, you can understand. Please postpone the announcement of edict by one more day.
Why must I postpone by a day?
Is it for you to covet military achievements, go out in battle,
bring about bloodshed in the northern borders and offend the spirit of the late emperor?
Minister.
Our border soldiers guard the country. They are not afraid of shedding blood on battlefield, of dying on the battlefield.
Do you think
that it's all about military achievements?
The imperial decree has been sent to all four borders.
If you are not coveting military achievements, why is it only at the northern borders not receiving the edict?
Minister Xun, Chang Lin Manor has been much endeared with sovereign love.
In Late Emperor's National Mourning, why wouldn't my father and I wish to honor it?
But Great Yu has already swung their army southbound. An opportunity from Heaven is not one easily met in a century.
Couldn't you allow a concession?
Solar eclipse?
Xiao Pingjing, when you said an opportunity. Did you mean this?
Minister Xun.
Heaven snatching the sun. A solar eclipse is a huge ominous omen.
You have disgraced as a subject, offending and angering the heaven.
Furthermore you continue to be delusional.
- Xiao Pingjing, accept the royal command.
- Minister Xun!
Xiao Pingjing, though your Chang Lin army is a prominent military force,
you are nevertheless His Majesty's subjects.
If you defy the imperial command, you are committing rebellion.
The royal court. The imperial clan. The world!
They will never allow your rebellious act!
Minister Xun, you are seated high up above in the imperial court.
Do you really know what the people in the world care about?
Lu Zhao!
Present!
Today, the entire Chang Lin army heeds by my military command.
After this battle, no matter what offense is cast upon me,
I, Xiao Pingjing, shall take them upon all my myself.
All you fierce warriors!
Present!
The opportunity from above is here. Follow me to battle!
Attack! Attack!
What's happening?
Where's the sun? Where is it?
This is an ominous omen from Baishen.
The revelation was actually real?
Can't be.
This is impossible!
Report!
Your Highness, it's bad.
What happened?
Your Highness.
In the 15th year of Zhenghe of Emperor Ai,
in the 3rd month at the hour of the Renwu, solar eclipse occurred.
Zhuo County reported that the sun is at 8 degrees of the Kui Constellation.
Emperor Ai died in the fourth month. In the 7th year reign of Emperor Cheng, in the 6th month,
on the last day, at the hour of Jiaxu, solar eclipse occurred. It was not a total eclipse.
In the first year of Yangshuo, in the 9th month, the day before the last day, at the Guiwei hour,
solar eclipse occurred. Eight degrees to the Yi Constellation.
A three year drought followed. Cannabalism occurred.
My royal son, don't mind this. The sun will be out soon.
This is a warning sign from the heaven.
Queen Mother, have I don't anything wrong?
Out of the way, quick!
Retreat!
♫ 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 ♫
♫ Hoping for the whole world to remain at peace, quench the fires of war ♫