Nirvana in Fire (2015–…): Season 2, Episode 38 - Episode #2.38 - full transcript
Ping Jing sets off to start a new chapter in his life.
[Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin]
[Episode 38]
Feizhan, be clear-headed.
Do not be infatuated any longer.
Even if you leave the capital
and follow after that woman,
what will happen in the end?
Do you think she will respond to you?
Uncle, what are you talking about?
You have grown up by my side.
Don't I know very well what you are thinking?
Uncle, this conjecture of yours,
I will bury it in my heart.
I will never confess them in this life.
No one has anything to do with my resignation.
Is this really so?
Uncle, you have raised me since I was young.
You sent me to learn under the Mengs,
and I rise up to the rank of Commander of the Imperial Jin Palace Guards. How could I not treasure all these?
Since this is so, why do you-
Uncle, do you know that
a person's heart will grow cold and tired?
Behind the glorious and splendour facet of the imperial palace,
there are many things which I don't wish
and don't want to see happen.
Outside of Jinling city,
there are splendid mountains and rivers, and heroic people.
It's time that I leave and
have a look.
Uncle, please take care.
Heir Consort.
Everywhere in the manor is almost packed and ready.
What about this...
I will pack this room myself. You don't have to bother.
Yes.
The name of Chang Lin has come to this end.
Pingzhang, if you are still here, will you feel sad?
[Tablet of Xiao Pingzhang, Heir of Chang Lin Prince]
[Chang Lin Prince Manor]
Marquis, Chang Lin manor is preparing to seal the manor.
If you want to go with the funeral procession, you have to leave now.
A generation of Chang Lin, so prestigious and well-known,
but if you are a subject,
if there's a ruler above you,
no matter how great your contribution was, or how close your ties are,
it will still be snatched from you in seconds.
All will come to naught.
Uncle, you have given up on an opportunity.
Don't you ever want more?
The funeral procession begins!
Your Majesty.
Though this place is high, you can't see beyond the palace walls.
I know.
Elder Prince's spirit is now in heaven. He would know of your sincere grief for him.
The winter wind is cold. It's not beneficial to be out here for long.
Her Highness Empress Dowager has sent me to ask you to return to Yang Hall soon.
Sister Anru, have you been out of Jinling?
I'm an unmarried woman,
it's appropriate for me to live a secluded life. So I have never gone on trips before.
But, me as the ruler of the country,
the furthest I have been to is Jiuan Mountain.
It's not considered going out of Jinling.
Maybe what had happened in the imperial court,
is all because I have not broadened my horizon.
Your Majesty, why do you say so? You are just over ten years old.
You will surely grow in the future.
Since I'm still young and lacking in knowledge,
Imperial father and uncle shouldn't have left me so soon.
There are rumours in the capital
that after Elder Prince has passed away,
the reason that the rain has not stopped for several days is that
the heavens and earth are weeping.
I don't know how is His Majesty feeling lately.
The instituted Chang Lin army has been eradicated,
Young Marquis, you will not go back to Ganzhou now.
Your assistance rendered this time,
I will not forget.
There are many vacant positions in the capital.
If you have set your eyes on any, feel free to let me know.
[Chang Lin Army]
Chang Lin
[Tomb of Prince of Chang Lin, Xiao Tingsheng]
Even it's sad,
but Prince of Chang Lin has been in battle the whole of his life,
in the end he returned and was buried in Meiling. It's considered a good ending.
Meiling.
Unknowingly,
those things and people
had happened so long back in the past.
Are there any other matters
that I should know?
There's a news that is yet to be confirmed.
Speak.
According to rumours, the ruler of Donghai has been put under house arrest.
Marquis of Mozi...
Yes.
Stormy and unstable situations in the world are all similar.
I know, go and archive it.
Marquis.
Wait.
Don't need to refill the water. Without my instruction, no one is allowed to come in.
Yes.
Haven't I asked Uncle to leave?
If you are determined not to cooperate with me,
why do you mind that I'm staying few more days
to experience and see how prosperous Jinling is?
The strength of Donghai is limited. Even if I'm helping you,
coveting these ten states of Great Liang is just wishful thinking on your part.
Why do you have to belittle yourself?
You do have some status in the imperial court.
If I can have your secret assistance in this, and take all these prefectures in one go,
it's not entirely impossible.
Even if you have all of them, so what?
Such a huge area,
even if you can seize them by surprise, are you able to take them all?
You are right.
I really can't swallow such a huge victory.
Out of these 10 prefectures,
there are only 3 that I really want.
The rest of the 7 prefectures are a big present from me to you.
Chaos will ensue in the imperial court once all 10 prefectures are seized.
Once there are casualties in the easter border army, the first and utmost thing to do is to
send in reinforcements immediately.
At that point, you should volunteer yourself to lead the army.
There are other generals in the imperial court.
What if I can't lead the army as you wished?
If it's not you, then you and I
will collude together and attack one more time.
Right now in the imperial court of Great Liang, there's really no one whom I'm afraid of.
I don't know why are you hesitating now.
Think with me. When war breaks out in the eastern border and situation is urgent.
And you soar across the horizon, turn the tide,
and seize back seven prefectures at go one. Imagine the kind of honour you would get.
Even with the outstanding military contribution from Chang Lin army as the predecessor, but with this contribution of yours
and the kind of prestige you would receive,
it would at least provide a stable foundation for you.
You will then able to stand firm
in the centre of the imperial court of Great Liang.
Did you already have this plan in mind
when you came to Jinling that year?
I was actually lured over by Puying Ying that year.
I didn't plan so far ahead.
Moreover, I had thought that there would be great internal strife in Great Liang.
Who would've known that Chang Lin manor has no great ambition,
and leave the imperial court
in such a short time.
Though I have the bloodline of Donghai in me, don't forget that
I'm still
a direct descendant of the royal family.
That's right. You are legally a direct descendant of the royal family.
You have gone to great lengths in these two years,
and only attain what you have now.
Do you want to stop now
and bow down in front of Xiao Yuanshi and be a carefree young Marquis?
You are a smart person.
The opportunity that I sending to you right now, you won't have at all in the future.
Even things happen according to you,
I can lead the army, snatch back the 7 prefectures from you and no one will see through it.
But 3 prefectures are still besieged, what if the imperial court commands me to snatch it back?
Great Liang will not be happy to have lost 3 prefectures.
But Xun Baishui would not be happy
to see you take gain of all the achievements.
Believe me. Stop when you are met with resistance.
It will be better than when you attack all at one go.
This plan of yours is feasible.
But it's not easy to put it in action.
It cannot be accomplished just by mere words of ours.
You have thought it through and well.
We can't be hasty in planning and executing such grand plan.
We would need a year or two to make arrangements.
I come here with the purpose of forming an alliance with you.
You have to consent to it
before we can continue with future communications
and planning, right?
I know you will not come up the mountain with me, right?
I'm sorry.
Please don't feel apologetic about it.
Everyone in this world should go about doing what they wish,
so as not to live the life in vain which the heavens has gifted us with.
But I really wish to know where you would be going.
There are many parts in the west of Great Liang, which I haven't gone to.
I heard there are many exotic flowers and fruits. It makes one look forward to seeing them.
[Two years later]
Urgent reports from the military! Everyone, out of the way!
Since there's no more for now, let's hurry and go to the transcription pavilion.
Yes.
Minister, urgent report from the military!
Another urgent report from the military.
This has been the sixth time in half a month.
Minster Jin, how is the situation?
- Qianzhou is besieged.
- Beseiged?
Great. The enemy has snatched 10 prefectures in one go.
The entire eastern border has lost utterly. The general died on battlefield.
I must ask all of you this. The imperial court has been in discussion for many days,
how can you not decide on who is to lead the reinforcement army?
Your Majesty, the military strength of Donghai
has surpassed all of our prior knowledge.
This war situation has never happened before.
So the imperial court has no prior preparations.
It's naturally slow for the imperial court to make any preparations.
As to who will lead the reinforcement army,
the most suitable person should be General Mu Yong of the southern border.
But the distance is too far away. By the time, the decree reaches him,
and for him to rush to the frontline after arranging the southern border military matters,
I'm afraid the situation would have worsened then.
- The Ministry of War recommends other generals-
- Your Majesty.
The ones whom Ministry of War recommends
all have to been summon to the capital from the borders.
Aren't there anyone who would volunteer from in the imperial court?
The war in the eastern border is urgent, the generals in the imperial court
are somewhat not confident.
Not confident? It's clear that they are afraid!
The imperial court nurtures the army for years, yet you-
Reporting Your Majesty, Marquis of Laiyang, Xiao Yuanqi requests an audience with you.
He's awaiting for your summon outside the hall.
Granted.
Summon the Marquis of Laiyang.
I have heard that the imperial court is discussing about the war at eastern border.
Your subject, Xiao Yuanqi, is wiling to solve this problem for you, My Majesty,
and lead the army to battle.
Marquis of Laiyang, you volunteer to lead the army to battle. Your courage is commendable.
But the war at the eastern border is different from the normal ones.
I'm afraid it's difficult to end the battle with just courage.
Your Majesty, I'm of the royal bloodline and have lived in luxury by the royal family.
Now that the country is in peril, how can I cower in fear?
So Senior Grand Secretary said that I'm acting on impulse and only have courage,
I will not deny that. But please be rest assured
though I'm not a famous general with outstanding achievement, back in the northern border
I too have trained for two solid years. Ever since the eastern border was in peril,
I had conscientiously analysed the battle situation. I have some views on it.
I have written all that on this memorial. Your Majesty, after you have reviewed it,
and feel that it is of use,
I sincerely hope that Your Majesty
will approve of me to contribute to the country.
10 prefectures have been attacked and seized in just over a month.
When have the military strength of Donghai become so strong?
After Marquis Mozi has control of the country, it's inevitable that there's changes.
But it's really surprising to have changes to this extent.
How is Great Liang responding to this?
We haven't received news from Jinling.
Keep a lookout for it the next few days.
Yes.
Aren't we going to tell Pingjing?
Pingjing is still in mourning.
When he first arrived two years ago, he had said, regarding the news from all over the world,
he will not listen, read or ask.
It has always been so these two years.
Why is it different now?
That's right. Events in the mundane world always happen one after another.
There isn't any moment of rest at all.
Since he has left, he should not be in contact with them anymore.
Young Marquis, the memorial you have submitted,
the Ministry of War has praises for it, His Majesty
has great expectations of you.
But though I'm a literary official,
I too feel that the battle will not happen according to what is written on paper,
please don't disappoint the imperial court.
It's useless to make any grand promises now.
Minister, please await my news.
Pingjing.
Sister-in-law.
A pigeon has flown into Langya Court.
There has always been more pigeons than people in Langya Court.
If there's only one pigeon, then something is amiss.
Why are you imitating the way Lin Jiu speak?
I'm not imitating him. I'm clearly imitating Old Master.
The way of the world is that we should go with the flow.
Miss Lin is coming up the mountain. Are you continuing to behave in this manner?
What did you say? Lin Xi is coming?
Pingjing, it's appropriate for one to not say certain things
when one is in mourning. Those who know will understand.
you won't be blamed. But after the three years of mourning, and when you change out of the mourning clothes,
those words you have to say, you have to say them clearly.
You cannot be ambiguous and vague towards a lady. A gentleman doesn't behave like that.
Yes. Sister-in-law, that silver locket,
I have taken it off a long while back.
It's not easy for one to meet a suitable person in his lifetime.
Miss Lin has her own ambition.
Even if she has true feelings, she won't show it easily.
You must accept this. You can't be like any other man, to want to change her.
Why would I want to change her?
Then tell me, what are you thinking?
Sister-in-law, don't worry. After Lin Xi is here,
I won't let her go easily.
Ce'er, you can never beat your second uncle in games like this.
Or else he'll be so upset that he won't be able to fall asleep at night.
Then Ce'er shall commit to concede to Second Uncle.
Ce'er, you're cheating. And "commit to concede" is not used this way.
Why are you messing with this? I could've won.
What a relief. What a relief that Miss Lin Xi didn't come here first.
Or else if she had seen that image earlier --
What did you just say? Lin Xi has arrived?
Ce'er, come.
I haven't seen you in two years, and you haven't changed much.
I think the one with the biggest change must be Ce'er.
Maybe this big?
- Taller that that, I'm afraid.
- Really?
Mother. Mother. Mother.
Ce'er, hurry. Call her Auntie.
When you were first born, Auntie was the first to hold you, you know. Hurry.
Auntie.
He really is taller than average kids.
Later on I will be taller than Second Uncle too.
Second Uncle, come.
Pingjing.
Sister-in-law.
You're back.
Ce'er is getting sleepy. I'll take him to nap. We'll chat at night. Let's go.
- Ce'er doesn't want to sleep.
- Come on.
Ce'er is not sleepy at all.
Let's go!
Have a seat.
Your letters were scarce this last year.
I imagine you went very far.
Yes, I went to the small towns by the southwest border.
It was rather hot and humid there.
But the flowers and plants there are quite different from other regions.
It's really worth a repeat to go there.
Then later on, let's go together.
Pingjing. Are you really well?
Why do you ask like that?
When news of the eastern frontier came, even I was quite shocked.
I just was worried so I came to check on you.
Eastern front news?
You don't know?
Brother Nine.
This is the newest.
Leave it here.
Brother Nine, what are you busying yourself with?
I need to compile news from Great Liang's eastern front, for easier reading.
Why do you need to compile them?
Even when Northern Yan changed its title, I didn't see you compile anything.
Just regard me as idling busy work.
How is it possible to lose all ten prefectures in a row? At Donghai's war power,
even if they start war at the eastern front, our Great Liang wouldn't be reduced to this kind of loss.
Don't panic yet. The defeat at the eastern front is already news from half a year ago.
What's the use to fret now?
Half a year ago?
What about now then?
I already receive news belatedly and I've been rushing to come here,
when I had arrived at Langzhou, I heard the reinforcement army
had already recovered seven prefectures to re-build the eastern front.
That's good then, to have such military success. I imagine the royal court dispatched General Muyong.
To command the reinforcement army.
No. It was Marquis of Laiyang.
Who?
Xiao Yuanqi.
Your subject, Xiao Yuanqi, in Your Majesty's attendance.
May Marquis of Laiyang rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Marquis of Laiyang, you personally commanded twenty-thousand troops to launch ambush at night.
To reverse the crisis with Donghai at once.
Followed by your single bang to take back seven prefectures.
You are truly brave and wise.
Now that you've returned upon your victory, tell me what reward you seek.
Tell me at once.
Your Majesty, I am an imperial clansman, and to serve Your Majesty is only my natural duty.
I don't dare to seek any reward.
The only reason we could achieve such victory in the war against Donghai is all due to the bravery and devotion of our warriors at the frontline.
The ones who are most deserving of Your Majesty's mention and rewarding are them.
Troops being brave is also due to their commander's leadership.
If the troops should be rewarded, the general should also be.
Tell me, what reward would you like?
I don't dare to ask for reward.
What's there to dare or not for?
I am asking you to seek your reward because I truly want to reward you.
Am I supposed to guess now what you really want?
Your subject didn't intend for that.
If there's something to be said that I might really want, then actually there really is one.
I just fear that everyone will laugh at me for stating it in the grand court.
If you say it like that, I am really curious now. Hurry and state.
Then I shall be daring and speak frankly.
I wish for Your Majesty to grant me a marriage.
That's a great event. Tell me who you are fond of.
Your Majesty is familiar with her. She's not an outsider.
She's none other than the daughter of the Xun family.
Xun Anrou.
You have great taste indeed.
Sister Anru has always been Empress Mother's cherished favorite.
With you, Marquis of Laiyang, we can say it's an even match of two families.
I just don't know if Chancellor Xun has any objections.
It's a great event. A great matter.
No objections. I have no objections.
Great! Then I shall make this match for you today.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
♫ 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 38]
Feizhan, be clear-headed.
Do not be infatuated any longer.
Even if you leave the capital
and follow after that woman,
what will happen in the end?
Do you think she will respond to you?
Uncle, what are you talking about?
You have grown up by my side.
Don't I know very well what you are thinking?
Uncle, this conjecture of yours,
I will bury it in my heart.
I will never confess them in this life.
No one has anything to do with my resignation.
Is this really so?
Uncle, you have raised me since I was young.
You sent me to learn under the Mengs,
and I rise up to the rank of Commander of the Imperial Jin Palace Guards. How could I not treasure all these?
Since this is so, why do you-
Uncle, do you know that
a person's heart will grow cold and tired?
Behind the glorious and splendour facet of the imperial palace,
there are many things which I don't wish
and don't want to see happen.
Outside of Jinling city,
there are splendid mountains and rivers, and heroic people.
It's time that I leave and
have a look.
Uncle, please take care.
Heir Consort.
Everywhere in the manor is almost packed and ready.
What about this...
I will pack this room myself. You don't have to bother.
Yes.
The name of Chang Lin has come to this end.
Pingzhang, if you are still here, will you feel sad?
[Tablet of Xiao Pingzhang, Heir of Chang Lin Prince]
[Chang Lin Prince Manor]
Marquis, Chang Lin manor is preparing to seal the manor.
If you want to go with the funeral procession, you have to leave now.
A generation of Chang Lin, so prestigious and well-known,
but if you are a subject,
if there's a ruler above you,
no matter how great your contribution was, or how close your ties are,
it will still be snatched from you in seconds.
All will come to naught.
Uncle, you have given up on an opportunity.
Don't you ever want more?
The funeral procession begins!
Your Majesty.
Though this place is high, you can't see beyond the palace walls.
I know.
Elder Prince's spirit is now in heaven. He would know of your sincere grief for him.
The winter wind is cold. It's not beneficial to be out here for long.
Her Highness Empress Dowager has sent me to ask you to return to Yang Hall soon.
Sister Anru, have you been out of Jinling?
I'm an unmarried woman,
it's appropriate for me to live a secluded life. So I have never gone on trips before.
But, me as the ruler of the country,
the furthest I have been to is Jiuan Mountain.
It's not considered going out of Jinling.
Maybe what had happened in the imperial court,
is all because I have not broadened my horizon.
Your Majesty, why do you say so? You are just over ten years old.
You will surely grow in the future.
Since I'm still young and lacking in knowledge,
Imperial father and uncle shouldn't have left me so soon.
There are rumours in the capital
that after Elder Prince has passed away,
the reason that the rain has not stopped for several days is that
the heavens and earth are weeping.
I don't know how is His Majesty feeling lately.
The instituted Chang Lin army has been eradicated,
Young Marquis, you will not go back to Ganzhou now.
Your assistance rendered this time,
I will not forget.
There are many vacant positions in the capital.
If you have set your eyes on any, feel free to let me know.
[Chang Lin Army]
Chang Lin
[Tomb of Prince of Chang Lin, Xiao Tingsheng]
Even it's sad,
but Prince of Chang Lin has been in battle the whole of his life,
in the end he returned and was buried in Meiling. It's considered a good ending.
Meiling.
Unknowingly,
those things and people
had happened so long back in the past.
Are there any other matters
that I should know?
There's a news that is yet to be confirmed.
Speak.
According to rumours, the ruler of Donghai has been put under house arrest.
Marquis of Mozi...
Yes.
Stormy and unstable situations in the world are all similar.
I know, go and archive it.
Marquis.
Wait.
Don't need to refill the water. Without my instruction, no one is allowed to come in.
Yes.
Haven't I asked Uncle to leave?
If you are determined not to cooperate with me,
why do you mind that I'm staying few more days
to experience and see how prosperous Jinling is?
The strength of Donghai is limited. Even if I'm helping you,
coveting these ten states of Great Liang is just wishful thinking on your part.
Why do you have to belittle yourself?
You do have some status in the imperial court.
If I can have your secret assistance in this, and take all these prefectures in one go,
it's not entirely impossible.
Even if you have all of them, so what?
Such a huge area,
even if you can seize them by surprise, are you able to take them all?
You are right.
I really can't swallow such a huge victory.
Out of these 10 prefectures,
there are only 3 that I really want.
The rest of the 7 prefectures are a big present from me to you.
Chaos will ensue in the imperial court once all 10 prefectures are seized.
Once there are casualties in the easter border army, the first and utmost thing to do is to
send in reinforcements immediately.
At that point, you should volunteer yourself to lead the army.
There are other generals in the imperial court.
What if I can't lead the army as you wished?
If it's not you, then you and I
will collude together and attack one more time.
Right now in the imperial court of Great Liang, there's really no one whom I'm afraid of.
I don't know why are you hesitating now.
Think with me. When war breaks out in the eastern border and situation is urgent.
And you soar across the horizon, turn the tide,
and seize back seven prefectures at go one. Imagine the kind of honour you would get.
Even with the outstanding military contribution from Chang Lin army as the predecessor, but with this contribution of yours
and the kind of prestige you would receive,
it would at least provide a stable foundation for you.
You will then able to stand firm
in the centre of the imperial court of Great Liang.
Did you already have this plan in mind
when you came to Jinling that year?
I was actually lured over by Puying Ying that year.
I didn't plan so far ahead.
Moreover, I had thought that there would be great internal strife in Great Liang.
Who would've known that Chang Lin manor has no great ambition,
and leave the imperial court
in such a short time.
Though I have the bloodline of Donghai in me, don't forget that
I'm still
a direct descendant of the royal family.
That's right. You are legally a direct descendant of the royal family.
You have gone to great lengths in these two years,
and only attain what you have now.
Do you want to stop now
and bow down in front of Xiao Yuanshi and be a carefree young Marquis?
You are a smart person.
The opportunity that I sending to you right now, you won't have at all in the future.
Even things happen according to you,
I can lead the army, snatch back the 7 prefectures from you and no one will see through it.
But 3 prefectures are still besieged, what if the imperial court commands me to snatch it back?
Great Liang will not be happy to have lost 3 prefectures.
But Xun Baishui would not be happy
to see you take gain of all the achievements.
Believe me. Stop when you are met with resistance.
It will be better than when you attack all at one go.
This plan of yours is feasible.
But it's not easy to put it in action.
It cannot be accomplished just by mere words of ours.
You have thought it through and well.
We can't be hasty in planning and executing such grand plan.
We would need a year or two to make arrangements.
I come here with the purpose of forming an alliance with you.
You have to consent to it
before we can continue with future communications
and planning, right?
I know you will not come up the mountain with me, right?
I'm sorry.
Please don't feel apologetic about it.
Everyone in this world should go about doing what they wish,
so as not to live the life in vain which the heavens has gifted us with.
But I really wish to know where you would be going.
There are many parts in the west of Great Liang, which I haven't gone to.
I heard there are many exotic flowers and fruits. It makes one look forward to seeing them.
[Two years later]
Urgent reports from the military! Everyone, out of the way!
Since there's no more for now, let's hurry and go to the transcription pavilion.
Yes.
Minister, urgent report from the military!
Another urgent report from the military.
This has been the sixth time in half a month.
Minster Jin, how is the situation?
- Qianzhou is besieged.
- Beseiged?
Great. The enemy has snatched 10 prefectures in one go.
The entire eastern border has lost utterly. The general died on battlefield.
I must ask all of you this. The imperial court has been in discussion for many days,
how can you not decide on who is to lead the reinforcement army?
Your Majesty, the military strength of Donghai
has surpassed all of our prior knowledge.
This war situation has never happened before.
So the imperial court has no prior preparations.
It's naturally slow for the imperial court to make any preparations.
As to who will lead the reinforcement army,
the most suitable person should be General Mu Yong of the southern border.
But the distance is too far away. By the time, the decree reaches him,
and for him to rush to the frontline after arranging the southern border military matters,
I'm afraid the situation would have worsened then.
- The Ministry of War recommends other generals-
- Your Majesty.
The ones whom Ministry of War recommends
all have to been summon to the capital from the borders.
Aren't there anyone who would volunteer from in the imperial court?
The war in the eastern border is urgent, the generals in the imperial court
are somewhat not confident.
Not confident? It's clear that they are afraid!
The imperial court nurtures the army for years, yet you-
Reporting Your Majesty, Marquis of Laiyang, Xiao Yuanqi requests an audience with you.
He's awaiting for your summon outside the hall.
Granted.
Summon the Marquis of Laiyang.
I have heard that the imperial court is discussing about the war at eastern border.
Your subject, Xiao Yuanqi, is wiling to solve this problem for you, My Majesty,
and lead the army to battle.
Marquis of Laiyang, you volunteer to lead the army to battle. Your courage is commendable.
But the war at the eastern border is different from the normal ones.
I'm afraid it's difficult to end the battle with just courage.
Your Majesty, I'm of the royal bloodline and have lived in luxury by the royal family.
Now that the country is in peril, how can I cower in fear?
So Senior Grand Secretary said that I'm acting on impulse and only have courage,
I will not deny that. But please be rest assured
though I'm not a famous general with outstanding achievement, back in the northern border
I too have trained for two solid years. Ever since the eastern border was in peril,
I had conscientiously analysed the battle situation. I have some views on it.
I have written all that on this memorial. Your Majesty, after you have reviewed it,
and feel that it is of use,
I sincerely hope that Your Majesty
will approve of me to contribute to the country.
10 prefectures have been attacked and seized in just over a month.
When have the military strength of Donghai become so strong?
After Marquis Mozi has control of the country, it's inevitable that there's changes.
But it's really surprising to have changes to this extent.
How is Great Liang responding to this?
We haven't received news from Jinling.
Keep a lookout for it the next few days.
Yes.
Aren't we going to tell Pingjing?
Pingjing is still in mourning.
When he first arrived two years ago, he had said, regarding the news from all over the world,
he will not listen, read or ask.
It has always been so these two years.
Why is it different now?
That's right. Events in the mundane world always happen one after another.
There isn't any moment of rest at all.
Since he has left, he should not be in contact with them anymore.
Young Marquis, the memorial you have submitted,
the Ministry of War has praises for it, His Majesty
has great expectations of you.
But though I'm a literary official,
I too feel that the battle will not happen according to what is written on paper,
please don't disappoint the imperial court.
It's useless to make any grand promises now.
Minister, please await my news.
Pingjing.
Sister-in-law.
A pigeon has flown into Langya Court.
There has always been more pigeons than people in Langya Court.
If there's only one pigeon, then something is amiss.
Why are you imitating the way Lin Jiu speak?
I'm not imitating him. I'm clearly imitating Old Master.
The way of the world is that we should go with the flow.
Miss Lin is coming up the mountain. Are you continuing to behave in this manner?
What did you say? Lin Xi is coming?
Pingjing, it's appropriate for one to not say certain things
when one is in mourning. Those who know will understand.
you won't be blamed. But after the three years of mourning, and when you change out of the mourning clothes,
those words you have to say, you have to say them clearly.
You cannot be ambiguous and vague towards a lady. A gentleman doesn't behave like that.
Yes. Sister-in-law, that silver locket,
I have taken it off a long while back.
It's not easy for one to meet a suitable person in his lifetime.
Miss Lin has her own ambition.
Even if she has true feelings, she won't show it easily.
You must accept this. You can't be like any other man, to want to change her.
Why would I want to change her?
Then tell me, what are you thinking?
Sister-in-law, don't worry. After Lin Xi is here,
I won't let her go easily.
Ce'er, you can never beat your second uncle in games like this.
Or else he'll be so upset that he won't be able to fall asleep at night.
Then Ce'er shall commit to concede to Second Uncle.
Ce'er, you're cheating. And "commit to concede" is not used this way.
Why are you messing with this? I could've won.
What a relief. What a relief that Miss Lin Xi didn't come here first.
Or else if she had seen that image earlier --
What did you just say? Lin Xi has arrived?
Ce'er, come.
I haven't seen you in two years, and you haven't changed much.
I think the one with the biggest change must be Ce'er.
Maybe this big?
- Taller that that, I'm afraid.
- Really?
Mother. Mother. Mother.
Ce'er, hurry. Call her Auntie.
When you were first born, Auntie was the first to hold you, you know. Hurry.
Auntie.
He really is taller than average kids.
Later on I will be taller than Second Uncle too.
Second Uncle, come.
Pingjing.
Sister-in-law.
You're back.
Ce'er is getting sleepy. I'll take him to nap. We'll chat at night. Let's go.
- Ce'er doesn't want to sleep.
- Come on.
Ce'er is not sleepy at all.
Let's go!
Have a seat.
Your letters were scarce this last year.
I imagine you went very far.
Yes, I went to the small towns by the southwest border.
It was rather hot and humid there.
But the flowers and plants there are quite different from other regions.
It's really worth a repeat to go there.
Then later on, let's go together.
Pingjing. Are you really well?
Why do you ask like that?
When news of the eastern frontier came, even I was quite shocked.
I just was worried so I came to check on you.
Eastern front news?
You don't know?
Brother Nine.
This is the newest.
Leave it here.
Brother Nine, what are you busying yourself with?
I need to compile news from Great Liang's eastern front, for easier reading.
Why do you need to compile them?
Even when Northern Yan changed its title, I didn't see you compile anything.
Just regard me as idling busy work.
How is it possible to lose all ten prefectures in a row? At Donghai's war power,
even if they start war at the eastern front, our Great Liang wouldn't be reduced to this kind of loss.
Don't panic yet. The defeat at the eastern front is already news from half a year ago.
What's the use to fret now?
Half a year ago?
What about now then?
I already receive news belatedly and I've been rushing to come here,
when I had arrived at Langzhou, I heard the reinforcement army
had already recovered seven prefectures to re-build the eastern front.
That's good then, to have such military success. I imagine the royal court dispatched General Muyong.
To command the reinforcement army.
No. It was Marquis of Laiyang.
Who?
Xiao Yuanqi.
Your subject, Xiao Yuanqi, in Your Majesty's attendance.
May Marquis of Laiyang rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Marquis of Laiyang, you personally commanded twenty-thousand troops to launch ambush at night.
To reverse the crisis with Donghai at once.
Followed by your single bang to take back seven prefectures.
You are truly brave and wise.
Now that you've returned upon your victory, tell me what reward you seek.
Tell me at once.
Your Majesty, I am an imperial clansman, and to serve Your Majesty is only my natural duty.
I don't dare to seek any reward.
The only reason we could achieve such victory in the war against Donghai is all due to the bravery and devotion of our warriors at the frontline.
The ones who are most deserving of Your Majesty's mention and rewarding are them.
Troops being brave is also due to their commander's leadership.
If the troops should be rewarded, the general should also be.
Tell me, what reward would you like?
I don't dare to ask for reward.
What's there to dare or not for?
I am asking you to seek your reward because I truly want to reward you.
Am I supposed to guess now what you really want?
Your subject didn't intend for that.
If there's something to be said that I might really want, then actually there really is one.
I just fear that everyone will laugh at me for stating it in the grand court.
If you say it like that, I am really curious now. Hurry and state.
Then I shall be daring and speak frankly.
I wish for Your Majesty to grant me a marriage.
That's a great event. Tell me who you are fond of.
Your Majesty is familiar with her. She's not an outsider.
She's none other than the daughter of the Xun family.
Xun Anrou.
You have great taste indeed.
Sister Anru has always been Empress Mother's cherished favorite.
With you, Marquis of Laiyang, we can say it's an even match of two families.
I just don't know if Chancellor Xun has any objections.
It's a great event. A great matter.
No objections. I have no objections.
Great! Then I shall make this match for you today.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
♫ 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 ♫