What did you say?
His...
His Majesty passed away.
His Majesty passed away?
Your Highness,
please go with me now.
The palace is in chaos.
If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!
Sachets and trinkets! Come and take a look!
A few days ago, His Majesty
gave me this token,
saying that now Biantang is not at peace,
and that if anything were to happen in the palace,
I was to take you away.
I didn't understand
what he meant at the time,
but I didn't dare to ask.
I never expected...
Listen to me!
You're not allowed to go anywhere!
Just stay in the mansion.
You, a deposed princess,
and I, a useless prince,
are a match made in heaven.
I will achieve every single thing
I promised you!
If you don't want to get married yet,
we can pretend today's wedding never happened.
I can keep waiting for you,
until you fall in love with me,
until the day you truly want to be my wife.
For all those who wronged you,
I will make them pay double for you.
Then can you temporarily treat me as that person,
until you truly forget him
and are no longer in pain?
As long as you are willing,
I can always accompany you.
Li Yan...
You liar.
What gives you the right to make decisions for me?
You said
you would make anything
you promised me happen.
But what about now?
Where are you now?
[REBIRTH]
[Episode 23]
How is it?
Any news of His Majesty and the main force?
Your Highness.
The post road back to Great Yan is just ahead at the foot of the mountain.
But I asked the nearby villagers,
and none of them saw any troops passing through.
However, on my way back,
I found this.
It was likely left behind by soldiers who, like us,
got separated from the main force.
Your Highness.
Our Great Yan has suffered a crushing defeat,
and the main force has been scattered.
If you ask me, searching further is pointless.
What did you say?
Something must have happened to His Majesty and General Cheng.
Otherwise, they would have come back for us.
Your Highness,
we brothers don't want to go back.
Over the years, Great Yan has been at war with Great Yong,
and all the men in my family were conscripted
and have long since died in battle.
Even if I go back to the Capital of Great Yan,
there is no home left for me there.
You might as well just let us go.
Your Highness,
I'm just like him.
I'm the only one left in my family.
Great Yan is already poor,
and now the taxes are heavy.
We want to leave Great Yan
and find a more prosperous place.
We heard Biantang is a good place.
Yes, let us go.
You are all soldiers of Great Yan!
According to Great Yan's military law,
leaving now would make you deserters!
You know better than I do
what deserters will face!
The Black Eagle Army is His Majesty's most trusted guard
and the pride of Great Yan.
Now that Great Yan is in distress,
you're going to abandon your honor?
The Black Eagle Army has shed blood on battlefields for years,
suffering countless casualties.
What was it all for?
If you return
to the Capital of Great Yan with me now,
you will be escorting the Princess Consort
of Great Yan back for His Majesty.
I promise you in the name of His Majesty
and the Helian Tribe,
you will not only get gold, silver, and horses,
but also the title of Centurion
or even Chiliarch.
I am willing to escort you back to the Capital of Great Yan,
even if it costs my life!
I am willing to escort you,
even if it costs my life!
What are you doing?
You promised us promotion and wealth,
and it's true.
But we were the ones who brought up leaving in the first place.
We're afraid you'll go back on your word
and settle accounts with us later.
So there are some things
we want to make clear to you now.
I am the Princess Consort of Great Yan.
How could I break my word to you?
Put down your weapons now,
and I will act as if nothing ever happened.
How about we put it this way?
In this desolate wilderness,
if anything were to happen to Consort Helian,
then no one would know we are deserters.
Instead,
people might even think
we died heroically at Longyin Pass.
Don't come over! Don't come over!
General Huan?
You...
Aren't you...
Aren't I already dead?
Take this to protect yourself.
Be careful not to get stabbed in the back by your own people.
Wait.
Why are you here?
Does His Majesty know?
I saved your life
only because you are a woman.
If you keep asking so many questions,
I'll throw you back up that mountain.
There are far more beasts up there than here.
You...
Stop pretending.
I'm not falling for your tricks on men.
It's been so many days.
Why is she still so weak?
When the body is overworked, the spleen is affected.
Excessive thinking affects the heart.
Vital energy gets trapped and cannot circulate,
causing blood and qi to gradually deplete.
Stop rambling.
Put it simply.
Simply put,
she has internal heat,
and combined with fatigue
and mental strain, she is now feeling unwell.
She is fine now.
Just needs proper rest and recovery.
Including today's medicine,
there are 5 doses in total,
and 2 visit fees.
That's 10 coins.
Are you robbing us?
My prices are clearly marked and fair.
What are you doing?
Are you kidding me?
What are you doing?
What are you doing with this?
What do you want?
Here.
It's freshly made and full measure.
It usually sells for 10 coins in my shop.
You... Come on.
Why give a doctor
a hammer?
Besides,
you're just a helper here.
Your manager is away for a few days,
and you think you can just take it upon yourself
to use goods from the shop as collateral?
This scrap metal
is worth 2 coins at most.
What are you doing with that blade?
Don't mess with me.
It's not worth risking your life.
Here.
This blade can sell for at least 10 coins.
Keep the change.
I'm not a butcher.
Why give me a blade?
No.
You can't be a penny short.
Are you taking advantage of us?
Easy! Easy!
You may break it!
General Huan.
This hairpiece is pure gold.
It's worth a hundred times the consultation fee.
Hearing you speak just now,
you're an old physician in this town.
Huan Huan and I are old friends.
I've been recuperating here these days.
If there's anything wrong with this gold,
just come back to me.
Fine, I'll trust you this time.
Goodbye.
You tigress. She-devil.
Witch.
She-
Thank you, General Huan.
You're back?
This is the stone-pot chicken of Great Yan that I specially made.
You've been away from the Capital for so long.
You must not have had it in a long time.
And this.
These are horse milk cakes unique to the Helian Tribe.
I went to several pastry shops in town
before I finally found them.
Try some and see
if it tastes the same as the ones in the Capital of Great Yan.
General Huan,
stop pretending to be cold.
It's tiring.
I saw your place was rather simple,
so I brought you some things.
I walked a long way
to buy this quilt for the bed.
And this heater.
The weather here seems even colder
than in the Capital of Great Yan.
And these wildflowers.
A woman should look like a woman.
Let's eat.
Hand me your bowl.
You sold all your jewelry?
Those are just worldly possessions.
There are plenty in the palace of Great Yan.
I still have some money left.
Keep it for your future use.
Tell me.
What do you want?
I want to borrow your horse.
I heard in the town
that Yan Xun has returned safely to the Capital of Great Yan.
I should go back too.
I know His Majesty has failed you
and the Snowy Region Tribe.
But...
Great Yan is now at a critical moment of survival.
I must go back to help His Majesty.
The Snowy Region Tribe has been loyal to Great Yan for generations.
General Huan, you...
Say no more.
General Huan!
That horse was originally
a wild horse from the Huolei Plains of Great Yan.
It probably wants to go back too.
Take it with you.
[General Xiuli's Mansion]
His Majesty told me before he passed away
that he had an agreement with you.
Once you and General Chu
returned victorious from battle,
he would lend you 500 imperial guards.
Now,
these 500 guards are all under my command.
I am to
hand this token over to you
on His Majesty's behalf.
It can be considered the fulfillment of His Majesty's promise.
Thank you.
When I return from Ximeng,
I will return them to you.
Young master,
everything we need to bring is here.
I've packed winter quilts
and coats made of sheepskin and deerskin,
enough to keep us warm in Ximeng.
There's also a chest of gold and silver utensils,
which can be sold for money if needed later.
Along with a box of Xiao Ran's medicine
and Lady Chu's and Minglu's luggage,
these two carriages should be enough.
Okay.
We're going to Ximeng
to get the antidote for your young master,
not to settle down.
If you ask me,
we should bring all the hidden weapons
from Qingshan Manor.
Needles, poisons—
everything.
Yes, you're right.
Why didn't I think of that?
Shiyi.
There's no need.
Master,
have you seen Lady Chu?
I went to her room this morning,
and she wasn't there.
When I was feeding the horses this morning,
I saw Lady Chu leaving in a carriage.
She said she was going to the palace.
What's this?
This was left by His Majesty before he passed away.
At that time,
the news of Biantang defeating Great Yan's Black Eagle Army
had just arrived.
His Majesty said
he wanted to grant you a title
more impressive than mine and Li Qi's.
But he never decided on one.
Why is this here?
His Majesty had been on the throne for months
but never established a harem.
The Court of Rites has advised him many times,
but he never approved.
Actually, His Majesty wanted to wait for you to come back
and express his feelings to you in person.
He said that if you agreed,
this decree
would name you Empress of Biantang.
But...
he said you probably wouldn't agree.
So most likely,
he would just make you a great general,
and send you off in glory
to marry the man you love.
A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day.
Biantang has just emerged from war,
and the court is still unstable.
This is a turbulent time.
Since Emperor Ruili had no other heirs
besides the late emperor,
we should select a virtuous and capable prince
of the same generation from the imperial clan
to succeed the throne immediately
and restore peace to the realm.
That being said,
this concerns the throne after all.
Which prince within the royal clan would be suitable?
Well...
What about Prince of Jing?
He is Emperor Ruili's blood brother,
so his accession to the throne would be legitimate.
That would not be appropriate.
Although Prince of Jing is in his prime,
he was born with a weak constitution
and has always relied on medicine.
He cannot even do basic riding and archery.
How could he bear the responsibility of ruling a nation?
In my view,
it would be better to recommend Prince of An.
Prince of An comes from a military background
and has military achievements.
His accession would win public support.
That would not be appropriate!
Prince of An has close ties with the Zhou family of the southern region,
and his wife is from that family.
Lord He, have you forgotten the lesson
from the chaos of the previous dynasty caused by powerful in-laws?
Chancellor,
General Xiuli,
and Left General of Cavalry have arrived!
It's the late emperor's son, Prince Xiuyi.
Prince Xiuyi is the late emperor's son.
Since the late emperor has passed away,
it is only natural that his only child should ascend the throne.
Although Prince Xiuyi is the late emperor's son,
his mother, Zhan Ziming,
is the sister of the convicted official Zhan Ziyu.
The late emperor was kind
and spared her only because she was pregnant.
How can he now be considered a candidate for the throne?
Moreover, Prince Xiuyi is not even one year old.
He is still an infant,
unable to speak or walk.
How could he possibly sit firmly on the throne?
A weak ruler ruling a strong state
is a sign of impending chaos in the nation.
Indeed.
Grand Secretary Liu, General Sun.
This concerns the throne.
You two must...
Here's the late emperor's posthumous edict!
This edict...
General Xiuli, Chu Qiao,
is hereby granted the title of Consort Xiuli.
If she gives birth to a prince in the future,
she will be named Empress of Biantang.
Now that the late emperor has passed away
and the prince is still young,
for the sake of Biantang's future, the Consort
has decided to adopt Prince Xiuyi.
With his mother's noble status,
why can't Prince Xiuyi take the throne?
The edict is here.
If anyone has doubts,
you may come and take a look.
Is this really the late emperor's edict?
General Chu,
are you sure you want to do this?
I just need to complete the imperial edict, right?
There are no errors in the signature and date.
With you, Lord Sun and Lord Liu, as witnesses,
I believe the ministers will not dare to question it.
Since I have adopted Xiuyi as my son,
I am considered to have a son.
According to the late emperor's edict,
I can be conferred the title of Empress Dowager.
My son is still young,
so the Empress Dowager can act as regent.
You are all pillars of the state.
Can you devise plans for Biantang
and its people,
and help the late emperor's infant son
secure this empire?
Empress Dowager, you are making plans for the sake of
the late emperor and the people.
We second the motion.
Let me tell you the truth.
You've been set up by us.
We were sure that after seeing the edict,
you would definitely stay for the little prince.
If you regret it now...
The edict has been issued.
How can this be treated as a game?
As for the enthronement ceremony,
we will need your help, Grand Secretary Liu.
Three days from now is an auspicious day.
I will urge the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works
to prepare everything as quickly as possible.
Thank you.
This was all your bad idea.
Miss Chu really is unfortunate.
Biantang is now hanging by a thread.
If chaos rises again, everyone will suffer when the country falls.
Do you think only the common people will suffer?
You, me,
and Miss Chu—
aren't we all part of it?
[The border between Great Yan and Great Yong]
Your Highness!
Why can't you keep your composure?
Your Highness.
Only you can still keep your composure now.
Our mission of supporting Biantang this time
has indeed been exhausting.
In a few days,
we will be able to return to camp to rest.
Your Highness,
we are not afraid of hardship.
It was us who submitted the military report
to His Majesty this time.
It hasn't yet reached Zhenhuangcheng,
and the Thirteenth Prince has already submitted a memorial against us.
The charge is extremely serious,
accusing us of unauthorized troop deployment and harboring treasonous ambitions.
We supported Biantang this time,
severely defeated Great Yan,
and resolved the crisis between Great Yong and Great Yan.
My father is wise.
He will surely understand.
Your Highness.
In my opinion,
just to be on the safe side,
you should personally write a memorial to explain the reasons.
I will send an urgent courier
to deliver it back to Zhenhuangcheng,
just in case.
No need.
Report truthfully.
If Father really wants to blame me,
what's the use of me petitioning personally?
His Majesty is so partial to the Thirteenth Prince.
It is truly unfair to you.
Is that something you should say?
I just feel wronged for you.
For years, you have been guarding the border,
risking your life for Great Yong.
In the end, you were suppressed
by a wet-behind-the-ears brat.
Enough!
Forgive me.
Guards, prepare my horse.
A bowl of noodles, please.
Would you like to try our signature
roast lamb leg?
No, thanks.
Sir, sir.
You must have come from afar, right?
Come, have a seat.
Please come inside, sir.
Please, sit.
Sir, what would you like to eat?
A bowl of noodles, a side dish,
and a pot of wine.
Would you like to try our signature
roast lamb leg?
Okay.
Coming right up.
Sir, your wine.
The noodles will be ready in a moment.
Sir, your noodles.
Delicious roast lamb leg.
Everything is first come, first served.
Why did you serve him first?
Enjoy your meal.
Why are you so unreasonable?
Forget it.
Give it to her.
Two more pots of wine.
Hurry.
Warm up two pots of wine for the gentleman.
Sir, you obviously look like
a generous and blessed man.
Not like some poor beggars.
They may have little money, but they're very demanding.
Enjoy your meal.
Don't mind him, miss.
These noodles are on me.
I am just passing through.
May I ask if you are from this town?
Miss,
have you seen my purse?
Two suspicious-looking beggars
just passed by you.
It was probably stolen.
Since you saw it,
why did you let them go?
In a little shop in the middle of nowhere like this,
dressing so flashily makes you
an easy target.
Who else would they steal from?
I'll pay for my own noodles.
You don't need to do it.
Miss!
My horse?
Why are you following me?
I have a favor to ask.
The thieves in the tavern
not only stole my purse,
but also my horse.
My companions are waiting for me 30 li away.
I can't afford to waste time.
So I'd like to ask you to lend me a horse.
Why does everyone want to borrow a horse from me?
Once I return home,
I will repay you 10 times the price.
Not enough?
You can take advantage of the situation.
Take advantage?
You're a step too late.
My horse has already been borrowed.
Now all I have left is this donkey used for milling.
I really can't help you.
You'd better find another way.
Miss...
[I will repay your kindness for lending me the donkey.] Repay?
I think it'd be great for General Chu
to stay in Biantang.
She will definitely meet a gentleman from Biantang in the future
who is more handsome, more skilled
and loves her more than you do.
He will fall for her, move her,
and then marry her.
From then on, she can live
a happy and fulfilling life in Biantang.
Then you can go back to Great Yong
and keep being Young Master Zhuge.
Wait.
There is another possibility.
You can stay in Biantang until the poison flares up.
Once you're dead,
you'll become someone irreplaceable in her heart,
and she'll remember you for the rest of her life.
You are a doctor.
Doctors rely on observation, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation,
not on nagging.
Let me tell you.
You refuse to tell General Chu about your condition
and have delayed here for so long.
When the poison enters your heart,
even if I get the antidote from Ximeng,
I won't be able to save you.
Then you can just wait for me
to use your body for research.
Help!
What happened?
Young Master Zhuge,
who is this person?
He said he was looking for you
and then collapsed here.
He is badly injured.
It's probably from torture.
I have given him medicine,
but I don't know when he will wake up.
This piece of leather was found in his clothes.
This belongs to the Queen of Lingyue.
She is in danger in Ximeng.
You mean...
The Ximeng delegation had an accident in Biantang,
and only the Queen of Lingyue and Baze returned.
King Ximeng might not easily let them go.
Young Master,
Miss Chu is back.
Got it.
Young Master,
Miss Chu...
Young Master,
you must not let Miss Chu stay here.
Even if not for yourself,
think of her.
How many times have you faced death together
to get to this point?
Young Master, say something.
Ask Miss Chu to go with you.
I will stay in Tangjing for a few more days.
I killed the Prince of Luo
for my own selfish reasons.
I wanted to avenge Li Ce.
But I can't let the current Biantang
fall into a new crisis.
The royal clan is now circling like vultures.
The moment I leave,
those princes
will form cliques.
Li Ce helped me.
I couldn't save him.
But I want to protect Biantang for him.
Only by becoming the Empress
can I take charge of the overall situation.
I understand.
I understand everything you said.
But you haven't recovered yet,
and you've been exhausted for days.
Let me send you back first.
No need.
You should go to bed early too.
Xing,
no matter what you want to do,
I will always wait for you.
No matter whether it's the Biantang royal clan surrounding us
or the treacherous tides of change,
nothing can tear us apart anymore.
One day,
we will surely fight side by side
and walk hand in hand.
Oh, no.
It's all over now.
[Three days later]
The wedding of the Empress Dowager and the late emperor...
It's the first time I've heard of something like this.
Yes.
We've never seen the style of this wedding carriage.
The star and moon lanterns on it
don't seem to be commonly used in Biantang.
Xing,
something happened to the Ximeng delegation.
I must depart for Ximeng immediately.
You are staying in Biantang to manage the crisis,
and this will inevitably draw the hostility of various forces.
I'm leaving the 500 guards
Li Ce promised me to you.
They can help me protect you.
This blood pigeon is raised by the Queen of Lingyue.
It recognizes its owner.
If you need anything in the future,
you can bring it to Ximeng and find me.
The antidote Xiao Ran prepared for me
can delay the onset of the Blood on Snow in my body.
You don't need to worry about me.
Lady Chu,
these are the Moon-star Lanterns Young Master Zhuge
specially prepared for you.
Moon-star Lantern?
Exactly.
So beautiful.
Yeah.
Young Master,
after crossing this mountain,
we will be out of Biantang's territory.
It's the direction of Tangjing.
It's fireworks for a celebration in the palace.
From this day on,
Biantang abolishes slave status
and prohibits the slave trade.
Who sent you here?
Have you fallen in love with him?
What exactly are you trying to say?
I want to know King Ximeng's weakness.
No!
Whether your people can live
depends entirely
on you.
Zhuge Yue is dying.
Zhuge Yue!