The feud between the Li and Wei families is a mess.
In the future, you're trying to start another faction of your own?
Are you trying to mess up this chaotic situation even more?
As a man,
you can't climb over others' walls.
As a subject,
you can't keep switching sides.
That's all I have to say.
Yan Zheng.
Are you here?
Yan Zheng, Madam Zhao asked you to come back for lunch.
Changning, why not come sit inside?
Well, I won't enter that villain's house.
Thank you, Mister Scholar.
Why call me Mister Scholar?
My sister said your carriage is full of books.
I won't disturb your rest.
Just pretend I was never here.
Let's go.
(Fortune)
So this man really is Marquis Wu'an?
It's just a broken cup.
Marquis Wu'an is nothing special.
His skills are improving.
=Pursuit of Jade=
(Adapted from Tuanzi Laixi's novel, "Pursuit of Jade")
=Episode 11=
It's late. Time to go home.
Changyu.
Qian.
Which young lady worked dirty, tiring jobs all day,
and is still this beautiful?
Come on up. I'll take you home.
No need. I'll go back myself.
Usually, I let you have it your way,
but today there were too many banquets
that I let you stay. It's already dark.
I won't feel at ease letting you walk alone.
Come on up.
It's fine. I can handle it alone. Go ahead.
Thank you then.
Come out.
(Xie Qi, Xie Wu) Your Lordship.
(Blood Robe Cavalry Guard) Your Lordship. We came late.
Get up.
How many of you came?
Just me and Xie Qi.
We feared being watched,
so we brought no other guards.
Your Lordship, it's fortunate you're unharmed.
But Xie Yi and Xie San
both died because of me.
We brothers swore
to keep you safe.
Even death is worth it.
The Xie family
must never die in vain.
The brothers all hope you'll return soon.
Wei Xuan is completely reckless in the army.
He parades his might in the camp every day.
We wish we could tie him up
and feed him to wolves.
Let him be.
Before long,
a bloody battle with Lord Changxin is inevitable.
Stockpiling grain is the top priority.
The court won't release grain.
Wei Xuan followed Chancellor Wei's order
and plans to collect grain locally.
16 years ago,
Xie Army suffered defeat in Jinzhou
due to a lack of supplies and reinforcements.
I will never repeat that mistake.
Wei Xuan seeks glory.
Losing to Lord Changxin is only a matter of time.
We might as well go with it.
Just let Wei Xuan take his useless men
as bait
and draw Lord Changxin to march south.
By then, I'll have my own strategy.
So you don't plan to return to camp yet?
You all go back first.
Spread the news of my death.
The more who know, the better.
- Yes. - Yes.
Go.
- Yes. - Yes.
Today's braised pork is all sold out.
That pork head meat was very popular.
Really?
A few days ago, Madam Wang said her daughter is getting married.
She ordered half a slab of pork from me.
Then won't you be busy again?
I don't mind being busy like this.
Who? Who are you people?
I'll go check outside.
Qian, don't come out yet.
I'll deal with these people myself.
Kill her.
Who sent you?
Was it him?
Why won't he let me go after all these years?
What do you want?
Someone, help!
Changyu, be careful.
Don't run.
This voice sounds familiar.
Butcher Guo.
Young Lady Fan.
Heroine Fan.
Mother.
I was just confused for a moment.
You opposed me again and again.
That's not momentary confusion.
Someone paid us
to kill you.
- Who? - Who?
Who?
Changyu!
Whether it's one or two,
it's still selling.
Go to hell.
Jerk, come at me if you can.
I'll come to you.
Changyu!
I...
Changyu.
Are you alright?
(Xigu Lane)
Yan Zheng, did you run into Changyu?
What happened?
She's been drugged. Get some cold water.
Alright.
Zhao, help quickly.
Greetings, Mister.
What's the meaning of this?
What?
My buttocks hurt.
It hurts?
Where does it hurt?
My buttocks.
- Which part of your buttocks? - My buttocks hurt.
Why aren't you dying from pain yet?
Despicable!
Mercy!
I'm not a bandit from Qingfeng Fort.
Those two hags at Yixiang Restaurant...
No.
I was bullied by those two ladies,
so I just wanted to scare them a little.
Guo.
You're taking out your grudge against Fan Erniu
on this poor orphan girl.
Are you even human?
My buttocks.
Say less.
Do you think it's not serious enough?
Do you want to tear the roof off, too?
Ouch.
Scare?
Didn't you drug her already?
What exactly are you trying to do?
I wanted to knock them out first.
Then?
Speak!
Disrupt their meridians.
That's it?
Sell them to the mountains...
Stop!
Yan, doing this
will only dirty your hands.
The authorities will decide
his sentence.
Authorities? If I weren't here today,
Changyu would have been in big trouble.
You've already accepted your fate. Who else can save you?
I'll get
my own revenge.
- Stop. - Don't.
Yan Zheng.
Don't kill him.
He's not worth it.
Are you alright?
Lie down.
Sleep.
I won't kill anyone.
Alright, no more crying.
I'm strong.
Look.
My hands are fine.
My feet are fine, too.
No more crying.
Changyu.
Could you help me get a basin of hot water?
Alright.
How are you? Does your head still hurt?
Any other part of your body feeling uncomfortable?
If you kill someone for me
and end up in prison,
I'll be the one in pain.
Madam Yu, all the doors and windows are locked.
The buckets to put out the fire are filled with water.
And I've arranged the staff
to take shifts every two hours.
Anything else you need?
Madam Yu, are we going to war?
Add two more locks tomorrow.
There are already two doors with triple locks.
You want to add more?
Yes.
One more lock.
Reinforce the doors with iron frames as well.
Understood.
Mother.
Were you good today?
Yes.
I didn't go outside at all.
And I finished all the homework you assigned me.
How obedient.
You must be just as good tomorrow, alright?
(Luyuan)
Good move.
Good...
Turns out An Xu also plays chess.
Just the basics.
Play a game with me then.
Alright.
Good game.
Let's play another game tomorrow.
Sure.
Master.
When I was young, I saw a fragment of a chess manual.
It's called Hidden Secrets of Qi.
I heard your Imperial Library has over ten thousand books.
I wanted to look for it,
but never found it.
This book
isn't in the Imperial Library.
However,
there's a complete copy
in the Gongsun family's collection.
Unfortunately, it's my grandfather's prized possession
and cannot be borrowed by others.
A gentleman doesn't deprive others of what they cherish.
Your grandfather values his treasures.
It's only natural.
However...
Even if it can't be borrowed by others,
I can make a copy of the fragment
and give it to you.
Thank you.
(A ruler)
(must shoulder the duty of protecting the people.)
(To Consort Dowager An,)
(new scholar An Xu)
(is in fact the Princess Royal in disguise.)
(I noticed)
(and dared not keep it a secret.)
(I respectfully report to Your Highness.)
(Yixiang Restaurant)
Qian.
Where is she?
Changyu.
You startled me.
You asked me to see you,
yet I couldn't find you.
I was about to head out.
Come sit over here.
Are you feeling better?
Yes.
You had someone send me medicine and food.
I've even gained weight.
What about you?
Were you scared that night?
If you were afraid,
you could tell me.
Don't bottle it up and get sick.
It's nothing.
I've seen it all.
Bad people scared me with a stick,
and I'm supposed to be scared to death?
Your husband
was really frightening that night.
He's not usually like that.
He just can't stand seeing anyone harm me.
I know.
You two are loving.
It makes everyone else envious.
By the way,
look at this.
Times are chaotic now.
We have to learn how to protect ourselves.
What is this?
Cornus water.
This time I switched to a large bottle.
Last time, it ran out at a critical moment.
This time there's plenty.
It'll cause swelling, pain, and blindness for three days.
Cornus can be used like that?
That's what you used on Butcher Guo last time?
If that's the case,
garlic, ginger, and pepper could work, too.
That Guo got off easy.
Master.
I just remembered
someone playing chess with me from afar in Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion.
We went back and forth, breaking the deadlock many times.
Who was playing chess here?
It seems the game isn't finished yet.
I'll place it here.
Is that so?
Then that truly is a meeting of minds.
The white stone moved.
Look.
Your Highness.
Someone may be inviting you into the game.
It was I who intruded into someone else's game.
I also have a friend
with superb chess skills,
but
we've never met.
What a coincidence.
(Chess reveals a gentleman's virtue.)
(Though I haven't seen my opponent,)
(I can glimpse their thoughts from the game.)
(Playing from afar is just like having a conversation.)
(What matters)
(is that moment when minds connect.)
Compared with your friend,
how do I fare?
Although we've never met,
your chess is better than hers.
Once I obtain your Hidden Secrets of Qi,
my skills will surely reach the next level.
Perhaps
I'll be able to meet him very soon.
If that's the case,
when you meet,
you must play a game together.
Young Master.
Young Master, someone from home is here.
From home?
Your Highness.
I was ordered to escort Your Highness back to the palace.
(Seeking Truth in Bamboo Scrolls)
Her Highness somehow learned
that you exchanged identities with Young Master An
and came to study at Luyuan Academy.
What did Mother say?
Her Highness placed Young Master An under confinement.
Her Highness was furious over this matter.
Your Highness, you were supposed to return to the capital next month.
Now you have to go back to the palace today.
Your Highness.
I've already ordered to seal off the back courtyard.
No one will notice Your Highness leaving.
The academy will announce that An Xu withdrew for personal reasons,
so everyone can save face.
You're quite thorough.
I'm incompetent.
Please proceed.
(Master.)
(In these past two weeks,)
(was it you who played chess with me?)
(I never expected)
(that the one playing chess here every day)
(would turn out to be a young lady.)
(Right.)
(The only ones who could be in Guangling Temple every day)
(would be the monks.)
I must have overthought it.
(Those who can play chess from afar in this pavilion)
(must be bound by fate.)
(Why must you sever this connection?)
(I'm merely a carefree wanderer)
(with nothing to my name.)
(How could I wrong a lady?)
I didn't realize it was a young lady.
Now that I know,
I shouldn't disturb her any longer.
(I just remembered)
someone playing chess with me from afar in Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion.
We went back and forth,
breaking the deadlock many times.
(I also have a friend)
(with superb chess skills,)
(but)
(we've never met.)
(What a coincidence.)
(Perhaps)
I'll be able to meet him very soon.
Please.
Do you know why I returned?
The road ahead is long.
I only wish that Your Highness could return safely to the capital.
You knew my identity all along.
I only learned it the day before yesterday.
When you first arrived at the academy,
I had already noticed you were a woman.
(Who is An Xu?)
An Xu.
He's calling you.
Student An.
You're good-looking,
imposing,
and elegant.
I just didn't expect
that you were the Princess Royal.
♪Some endings were already written♪
I came to this academy for one person.
♪And recorded by future generations♪
♪Rather than dying in sorrow♪
♪Why not give it a shot?♪
♪The world's misery♪
♪Comes from the abundance of love♪
♪Love is rare♪
The academy is honored
to be favored by Your Highness.
♪We gather little, yet part often♪
♪Tears fall along the long river♪
This is the chess manual I promised to copy earlier.
Hidden Secrets of Qi.
♪Don't mind me♪
I now present it as a farewell gift.
For Your Highness.
♪Let others mock♪
♪I want you to remember me♪
♪Forget about♪
♪Being remembered for generations♪
♪I only wish to leave a mark in your life♪
♪I will let go♪
♪After this final effort♪
♪Don't blame♪
♪The stele or the stars♪
♪I will cast all consequences aside♪
♪War flames to play the lords♪
♪Kill fate, leaving no moment behind♪
Master.
It's late. Why are you still awake?
An asked me to deliver a letter to you.
(So it was her.)
(This game of chess)
(really ended in complete defeat.)
(Calm and Composed)
(Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)
Your Highness.
Since returning from Hejian, the Princess Royal
has remained behind closed doors.
She barely touched her meals.
It seems this Gongsun Yin
has no intention toward Her Highness either.
If Her Highness knew,
she would be heartbroken.
The Gongsun family personally sent a letter
that was worded sincerely.
I must admit, I'm somewhat surprised.
But with Her Highness's temper,
she probably won't give up easily.
Shu is still young
(Consort Dowager An) and doesn't understand the complexities.
(Qi Shu's Mother)
Although the Gongsun family is prestigious,
they're ultimately not a suitable match.
Your Highness is right.
How should we advise Her Highness then?
Grand Tutor Li has long been respected in court.
Li Huai'an, the eldest grandson of the Li family,
is said to have accomplished much in the Northwest.
He is also handsome and talented.
A suitable match.
How about we find an opportunity
for him to meet Shu?
I will arrange it immediately.
(Shu.)
(Don't blame me for being cruel.)
(Even if you're unwilling,)
(you will understand in time.)
(Three Days Later) (Xigu Lane)
A matchmaking meeting with the Princess Royal?
I fear Grandfather
remains stubborn over the conflict with Wei Yan.
He wants to help me quickly establish a foothold
among the royal family.
In the end,
it's nothing but petty factional disputes.
They bring no benefit
to the stability of the realm
or the welfare of the people.
Sir.
Grand Tutor is also your grandfather.
Perhaps you should reason with him.
I may have limited experience,
but these years at the borders,
whether with General He or Marquis Wu'an,
(To My Grandson Huai'an)
who may be Wei supporters,
they're fearless
and true defenders of the borders.
Grandfather commanded.
I had no choice but to return.
Fortunately,
Marquis Wu'an is still alive.
As long as he is here,
the Northwest will remain stable.
The weather is dry.
(Tofu) Be careful with fire.
Lin'an is indeed quite nice.
If one day I can settle down,
I would like to live
a carefree, wandering life.
Mother, come and play.
Has Commandant Li returned to the capital?
I ran into him on my way home.
He said the matter with Guo is resolved,
he must report back to Lucheng
and then head to the capital.
Did he say anything else?
He also asked when my parents arrived in Lin'an
and whether I remembered what happened 16 years ago.
I was only two then.
How could I remember?
We'll have to ask my grandfather about that.
Changning, roasted chestnuts are ready.
Changyu, Yan Zheng, look who's back.
Yan Zheng didn't lie to me.
The falcon really did come back.
You're really good at training birds.
Could it be that you've fed it so well
that it didn't want to leave?
Is it really that greedy?
Since you know your way home,
I won't keep you in a cage anymore.
I'll let you be free.
It looks like me.
Did my mother also give birth to it?
Yes.
Raising you two consumes a lot of food.
Here.
(The dream at Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion has awakened.)
It makes no sense.
Your Lordship.
Li Huai'an has indeed left Lin'an.
Mister Gongsun is really good at diversion.
I'm also curious
about what methods he used.
By the way,
at the border of Yanzhou and Chongzhou,
bandits have been robbing military supplies.
Wei Xuan was furious,
ordering them to be wiped out within ten days.
Which bandits
dare repeatedly ambush official grain transit?
It must be Lord Changxin behind it.
That idiot Wei Xuan
is probably about to walk into a trap.
Recent intelligence on the grain
must continue to be monitored.
- Yes. - Yes.
Your Lordship, it's late. You should go back and rest.
So your wife...
Won't get suspicious.
My foul mouth runs faster than my brain,
letting out my true thoughts.
Let's go.
Take a look.
Candied hawthorn sticks.
Come see.
Over here.
Wait for me.
Madam Yu.
Mister Zhao of Lin'an Rice Shop
has booked a private room on the second floor
to host distinguished guests. Look.
He ordered the best liquor and dishes we have.
Alright, I got it.
Go prepare. I'll head upstairs to greet them.
Sure.
(Heaven-Rank Room)
Mister Zhao.
It's an honor to have you take time out of your busy schedule
to visit Yixiang Restaurant.
(Zhao Xun, Manager of Lin'an Rice Shop)
You're too kind.
How's business today?
Business is good, of course.
May I ask who this distinguished guest is?
This is a rice merchant from the capital,
Young Master Qi.
Here to discuss a deal with me.
(Qi Min)
So a guest from afar.
I hope the liquor and dishes suit your taste.
If you need anything,
just say the word.
The food and liquor are excellent.
Especially this Snow-Cleared Soup with Bread.
It's our signature dish.
To serve esteemed guests
is my honor.
I'll toast the two of you.
If you need anything else, just call me.
Madam Yu, please wait.
Young Master Qi, you may not know.
I haven't run a shop in Lin'an for long,
but Madam Yu has managed one for years
and has many connections.
If you have any business you want to do,
you could consult Madam Yu.
May I ask what business you wish to pursue?
I'm not familiar with rice trading either.
If you want to cooperate with someone,
I can introduce a few shop managers.
You're professional
in seeing guests in and out.
You clearly know many people.
I get guests from all places.
I believe in harmony for profit.
In business,
it's always good to know more people.
It's all for business.
Understood.
Please make yourselves comfortable.
I'll attend to other guests first.
Madam Yu, please.
♪Hooves in a war-torn land♪
♪Who remains in wind and snow?♪
♪How many lives♪
♪Hang by a single thread♪
♪Smoke rises from our homeland♪
♪Who can stand apart from the world?♪
♪The sun sets, I say nothing♪
♪Autumn colors fall♪
♪Who steps lightly on maple leaves and leaves♪
♪Rain on parasol trees♪
♪Swallows carry mud beneath the eaves♪
♪The warmth of life in this ancient town♪
♪Who was I meant to meet♪
♪We vowed to stand through life and death♪
♪May our oath be fulfilled♪
♪I hold our fate with care♪
♪I will not let go♪
♪Yet war drums and pounding hooves♪
♪Shatter the ending♪
♪In this mortal world we come and go♪
♪You turn away, brows drawn♪
♪You leave with your sword♪
♪Taking every secret with you♪
♪I hold our fate with care♪
♪I will not let go♪
♪Yet we always meet♪
♪On battlefields in flames♪
♪In tangled destiny, the memories you gave♪
♪Are gentle as jade♪
♪After countless battles♪
♪May we return to where we first met♪