01x32 - Episode 32

[bunniefuu]

♪ Flower petals have fallen,

piling as high as mortal mercilessness ♪

♪ Gone with the wind,

as if it has never existed ♪

♪ I ask for more time ♪

♪ To rewrite our stories ♪

♪ We travel together in joys and woes ♪

♪ Blood bathes this entangled destiny ♪

♪ For the next reunion

in the troubled times ♪

♪ We tread a treacherous path ♪

♪ To find each other ♪

♪ Wars and bleakness,

the bright moon shines upon the city ♪

♪ I will offer my bravery ♪

♪ Fighting relentlessly ♪

♪ All for no regrets ♪

♪ In this life-and-death battle,

I will not back down ♪

♪ Withstand enduring time ♪

♪ Someone at the end of the world

never leaves ♪

♪ I brave the grim haze

to be with you once again ♪

=Love of Nirvana=

(Based on Xiao Lou's novel of the same name)

=Episode 32=

Commander Wei, you came here personally.

(Imperial Medical Bureau, Palace)

Are you not feeling well?

The anniversary of Consort Wei's death

is approaching,

and I feel restless,

so I came to ask

for some mind-soothing tonic,

Imperial Physician Sun.

Commander Wei,

the bond between you and Her Highness

is truly moving.

Her mind is now at peace.

Please don't dwell on it too much.

I remember

when my sister's life was in danger,

it was you

who treated her, right?

Yes.

You are highly skilled

and have cured

many complicated illnesses.

But why couldn't you

save her?

Consort Wei suffered a hemorrhage

due to premature labor.

I tried everything I knew,

but I still couldn't save her.

I'm sorry.

I'm truly sorry.

You were responsible

for her health.

Every diagnosis said

she was healthy

and the baby was stable.

When I escorted her out of the palace,

she was in good condition.

How did things get so severe

under your care?

I'm wronged!

That day,

when I heard of her premature labor,

I rushed to treat Her Highness

without delay.

But by the time I arrived,

Her Highness was bleeding a lot

and had already given up.

Not even an immortal

could've saved her at that point.

What do you mean

by "given up"?

When women face danger

during childbirth,

they fight to stay alive

and choose to protect themselves

for a survival chance.

However,

Her Highness

was exhausted from crying

and didn't listen to anything we said.

I honestly had no way to save her.

My sister wanted the child

more than anyone.

There's no way she would give up

in such a critical moment.

There must be something

behind her difficult labor.

But Her Highness is a consort.

Who would dare to harm her?

According to Yan Shuangqiao,

His Majesty is the mastermind

behind Prince Qi's case.

Could it be

Yifei,

we need to look into the truth

of my sister's difficult labor.

Keep an eye on Imperial Medical Bureau.

There is news from the palace.

Commander Wei

has been secretly investigating

the death of Consort Wei.

Why did he suddenly

start suspecting her death?

Did he

find out about the spies?

He won't.

They are hidden too well

to be uncovered.

I also confirmed

that the person who took away

Jiang Ci's poisoned liquor

during the flower banquet

was Commander Wei.

Commander Wei is highly esteemed,

but it turns out he's a jealous man.

How childish.

However,

this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

(Wei's Residence)

My Lord,

just as you predicted,

after you questioned

Imperial Physician Sun,

he became restless

and secretly went

to the medical archives

to check the diagnosis reports

from that year.

What did you find?

I followed him there.

He seemed confused

about the prescription,

but he kept quiet about it.

Imperial Physician Sun told me

that my sister had a hemorrhage,

but he didn't reveal anything else.

I suspect he's afraid to disclose more.

My Lord,

Madam Rongguo wants to see you.

Greetings, Madam Rongguo.

Please skip the formalities,

Commander Wei.

Please come with me.

I wonder why you asked for me,

Madam Rongguo.

I heard that you are

investigating Consort Wei's case.

I'm curious

if you have any suspects in mind.

I wasn't with her

when she died,

and I have always felt deep regret.

So I seek some of her belongings

as a remembrance.

Madam, you are well informed.

You know everything

that happens in the palace.

I planted some informants

in the palace.

Consort Wei

was one of them.

To be frank,

over the years,

I've been selecting

beautiful ladies

and sending them to the palace.

However,

only your sister, Wei Yu,

received great favor from His Majesty,

and only she

died so tragically.

You brought this on her.

If it weren't for me

to send her into the palace,

she would've been humiliated,

and you

would've been trapped in the bloodshed

of the sl*ve arena for good.

I sent her into the palace,

and she managed to become a consort.

If she had given birth smoothly,

she would've gained more favor

from His Majesty

and helped me better.

Why would I harm her instead?

Weren't you afraid

she would reveal your secret?

That's why you k*lled her.

Back then,

when Consort Wei accompanied His Majesty

to ancestral rites,

I sent my men to protect her in secret

just to make sure

she had a smooth labor.

Your sister had always been

in good condition and stable.

The difficult labor was too sudden,

and it seemed suspicious to me,

so I had someone look into it.

As expected,

her premature birth was passed off

as an unstable pregnancy.

But in fact,

someone used saffron crocus on her

before she went into labor.

You have been in the palace for years.

I assume you know

that the person capable of this

can only be one.

Are you accusing

His Majesty?

Do you have any evidence?

Evidence?

My whole life is the evidence itself.

His Majesty has never loved

or trusted anyone.

His favor is mere charity.

He grants or withdraws it

at his whim.

For the highest throne,

his beloved

and trusted aides

are nothing.

As compared to his secrets,

your sister,

you,

me,

my husband,

all of us

are merely minions he can discard

or k*ll at his wish.

You are close to His Majesty.

Why are you telling me all this?

I heard that Princess Yong'an

has had a few accidents

in the palace recently.

Princess Yong'an

is the daughter of Prince Qi.

She is a concern

that keeps bothering His Majesty.

The imperial power struggle

is deep and unpredictable.

Prince Qi's case

has more to it than meets the eye.

As long as His Majesty

is still in power,

none of us will get what we want.

Bear this in mind:

The Emperor is our common enemy.

You and I

are in the same boat.

The palace

is full of threats and dangers.

Jiang Ci may avoid an open foe,

but how many hidden traps can she avoid?

Aren't you one of those

who try to harm Princess Yong'an?

Do you really think

you can shift the suspicion

to His Majesty?

Do you think

a mere maidservant

could mislead the Light Bureau?

You planned this at the Eastern Palace,

first,

to get rid of Jiang Ci

so that Pei Yan would give up.

Second,

you aimed to shift the blame

to His Majesty.

You tried to k*ll two birds

with one stone.

Instead,

you have shot yourself

in the foot.

The tea is quite nice,

but it's not to my liking.

I will take my leave.

Madam, I truly appreciate

your honesty.

Madam,

Wei Zhao has already

figured something out.

Will that pose a risk for you?

Previously,

he didn't report

the flower banquet incident.

He may not be entirely loyal.

He probably has another plan,

which is why he didn't bring that up.

On top of that,

my target is Xie Che.

I need to start with his henchman,

the Light Guards.

But with Wei Zhao's attitude,

will he allow that?

It's not up to him.

(Yu,)

(you are due soon.)

Please stay in the palace and rest.

Don't go to the ancestral rites.

I have to go.

Why?

Once the baby is born,

I may not

have another chance to go out.

I will go with you.

Don't be absurd.

You have finally secured

your position.

Don't give others a chance

to undermine you.

Well,

you can come up

with a pet name for my child.

Perhaps you will get to see it

when I return.

I have had a name ready.

Whether it's a boy or a girl,

they will be called Linglang.

I don't want the child to lose

what we lost.

My Lord,

what did Madam Rongguo say?

She said

that Yu was an informant

she placed in the palace.

The m*rder*r

is most likely His Majesty.

I can't believe this is the secret

behind Her Highness's death.

But she was pregnant

with His Majesty's child.

Why would His Majesty

k*ll her?

If it truly was His Majesty,

there can only be one reason.

He didn't want Prince Qi's case

to be brought up again.

I also gathered

that the Internal Affairs Bureau

has been secretly searching

for Yan Shuangqiao these years.

She didn't lie.

In that case,

why would His Majesty

keep her in the Light Bureau

without any action

when he already knows she's in Qingkang?

Could it be

that he suspects you

and intends to test you?

I don't think so.

If His Majesty suspects me,

he won't keep Yan Shuangqiao

at my place.

It's not likely

if he were an ordinary man,

but he's the Emperor.

What do you plan to do?

By the way, you asked

for the Lingjiu Flower last time.

Hong Jie has someone deliver it here.

What's the condition in Yueluo now?

I heard that the government of Liangzhou

was just putting on a show

like sending a thousand cattle and sheep

and gold and silver to Yueluo,

but the rest remains.

They are good at taking beatings, huh?

Come over.

These Yueluo sl*ves are too weak.

Why?

Do I have to give you a sedan chair?

Gah!

Who are you?

They are the sl*ves I bought.

Now we bought them.

What's a big deal about having money?

Buy all the sl*ve tribute next year

if you can.

Exactly.

They are mine now.

Go.

Go now.

The tribute of Yueluo sl*ves

is soon due.

(Lord of Jianding's Residence)

I just heard

that Wei Zhao came here.

Did he speak harshly to you, Mother?

I'm glad

that you still care about me

at this point.

My marriage has already been decided.

I hope you won't interfere

or take any

meaningless action.

I noticed Wei Zhao

also has feelings

for that girl.

So what?

You are really my son.

Love

is like holding a torch

against the wind.

Your hand is always exposed to the fire.

But Yan,

I won't let your hand burn.

Forget it.

Here we are now.

Just do what you want.

Thank you for your understanding,

Mother.

(The distance from Yuchun Pavilion)

(to the first palace gate)

(takes almost thirty minutes,)

(and to the second palace gate)

(takes another fifteen minutes.)

(How should I get out of here?)

What are you doing here?

Your master's birthday has passed,

but you can still prepare

a bowl of Bitterless Congee

to make up for her present.

(I assure you

that you will get to taste)

(the most authentic Bitterless Congee

this year.)

What a surprise.

You know how to cook Bitterless Congee.

I learned it from Yu Lian's mother.

I was thinking of

Yes?

I don't remember.

Do you know

why I like to add sugar

to my congee?

My sister and I always starved

when we were on the run.

(She was worried about me,)

(so she gave me)

(the only sweet she had.)

(Afterward, we got separated.)

(But she never gave up

on looking for me.)

Zhao!

(If it weren't for her,)

(I would've died in the sl*ve arena.)

My sister and I lost our family,

but she never blamed or hated anyone.

She was friendly

with everyone around her,

hoping for a peaceful life.

But I only found out today

that she was bearing

immeasurable pressure alone.

Jiang Ci,

I suspect someone

sent my sister into the palace.

She didn't betray Prince Qi.

Two bowls of Bitterless Congee.

One for you,

and one for my master.

I will go with you.

Oh, my.

There are holes in all her clothes.

Tonight's moon

seems familiar.

It's not as beautiful as in Yueluo.

My Lord.

Miss Jiang.

What has happened?

Yan Shuangqiao

is gone.

What do you mean by gone?

A few palace maids came

earlier this evening.

They said they came to congratulate you

on your marriage

and brought some pastries and gifts.

I suppose someone snuck in at that time

and abducted Yan Shuangqiao

when the guards were changing shifts.

Who abducted her?

I must find her.

Calm down.

My master is missing.

How can I calm down?

You distinctly know Qingkang

is a dangerous place for her.

She shouldn't have come here.

Miss Jiang,

Commander Wei keeps reminding us

to keep a close eye on Master Yan.

This is unexpected.

Besides

Besides, the enemy your master is facing

is a powerful person

that Commander Wei is wary of.

Yifei!

The person who can come with the excuse

of delivering gifts from the palace

and pose a threat to Master

is His Majesty?

It's just a possibility.

We need to verify it.

If it really is him,

why would he secretly abduct Master

when he'd decreed

to keep her in the Light Bureau?

If he is connected to Prince Qi's case,

he must feel threatened

by your master's identity.

Once he finds a chance

to abduct your master

without alerting anyone,

he can manipulate her

without constraint.

I must return to the palace.

If it really is His Majesty,

he will have the leverage to deal

with my master

when he finds out I'm gone.

Only if I go back

and avoid making him anxious

can my master be saved.

He has already conferred

the title of princess to me,

so he wouldn't do anything to me,

am I right?

You know I won't budge

once I have made up my mind.

All right.

But after you return,

don't let anyone find out

that you already know

your master disappeared.

My Lord,

who do you think

has abducted Yan Shuangqiao?

Could it be

His Majesty?

Tomorrow,

I will seek His Majesty's forgiveness

and see his response.

Won't that

be too risky?

He will suspect me

if I cover it up.

Yan Shuangqiao is an important witness.

We must find her.

Your Majesty,

when I was patrolling

the Light Bureau,

I found that Princess Yong'an's master

was gone.

It's my fault.

Please punish me, Your Majesty.

What have you found?

I can't locate the culprit yet.

Perhaps

Yan Shuangqiao escaped on her own.

My men are investigating.

She's not a sinner,

so she didn't escape.

I found

that someone broke into her room.

Perhaps

Yan Shuangqiao was secretly abducted.

Your Majesty, you treat her well

because you care for Princess Yong'an.

I will definitely find her

as soon as possible

and give you and Princess Yong'an

an explanation.

I propose we post notices

and search around the city.

Keep it low profile.

Don't alert anyone.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Go ahead.

Your Majesty,

Commander Wei

reported to the truth.

I believe he knows nothing

about Yan Shuangqiao's disappearance.

It's just

that Yan Shuangqiao has disappeared,

Princess Yong'an's marriage

Has the Ministry of Rites

drafted the decree yet?

Yes,

Your Majesty.

The date is on the 18th day

of the 11th month.

I will only be at ease

if Yong'an stays in Qingkang.

Don't mention Yan Shuangqiao

to anyone yet.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I want Sanlang to investigate

who the person

lurking behind the scenes is.

Yes, Your Majesty.

These are your favorite dishes.

You might want to eat them.

Once you return,

you can eat as much as you wish.

You wanted to eat

a few more crabs

that day at Lanyue Parlor,

but I stopped you.

Today, I specially

brought some fine brew

to make it up

for you.

Here.

Lord Pei, you are kind

and considerate.

I will do anything I can

to repay you.

You know I didn't ask for that.

You also know I didn't ask for these.

I'm willing to give you

anything you want.

Ci,

we used to be close

and share our thoughts

with each other.

Why did you forget that?

My care for you never changes.

Likewise, your intention to trap me

never changes, either.

His Majesty has granted us

a marriage decree.

I will prepare everything

and wait for you to come home.

You are not satisfied

with Lord of Jianding,

or do you have someone else you like?

Lord Pei is a fine man,

while I'm only an ordinary woman.

We don't belong to the same world,

and we certainly shouldn't get married.

But I can't go back on my word.

I have promised Pei Yan

to marry you off to him.

How could I renege?

Your Majesty,

forced feelings won't bring happiness.

Besides,

I need to negotiate my marriage

with my master.

Your Majesty, will you allow me

to meet with my master?

You are Princess Yong'an now.

You can't simply leave the palace.

Focus on preparing for your wedding.

You will meet

your master later.

I tested His Majesty.

I think he didn't abduct Master.

How did you test him?

Did he doubt you?

I don't think so.

The imperial decree has arrived.

Greetings, Princess Yong'an.

Greetings, Commander Wei.

Congratulations, Your Highness.

Please accept the decree, Your Highness.

"The daughter of Prince Qi, Yong'an,

has reached the age of twenty.

She is gentle, kind, honest,

and possesses fine behavior.

Lord of Jianding

has an outstanding appearance

and noble character.

I hereby appoint this compatible match

to a union.

The wedding will be held

on the 18th day of the 11th month.

Such an honor

must be appreciated."

Your Highness, you are of noble status,

while Lord Pei is an outstanding talent.

You are truly a match in heaven.

His Majesty personally appointed

a fine match to you.

Accept the decree, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

(Imperial decree)

My Lord,

Miss Jiang sends the gardener

to ask about Yan Shuangqiao.

Is it really not His Majesty?

Aside from him,

someone seems to be plotting

these days.

Madam Rongguo?

Don't tell Jiang Ci about it.

She will be worried.

True.

The wedding

is worrying her now.

Yifei,

send a request over.

We are going to meet Madam Rongguo.

My Lord

She will surely

use Yan Shuangjiao as leverage

to negotiate with me.

Whatever the case may be,

we will eventually meet her.

Yes, My Lord.

Who are you?

I can't believe Prince Qi

and the maidservant beside him

have such a story.

Rong Yudie?

I suppose we have met

a few times before.

Unexpectedly,

we will soon become in-laws

when we meet again.

We are not in-laws.

Good to hear that.

If we can't become in-laws,

let's be partners.

Let's break this marriage.

Since both of us

don't wish for them to marry,

why not stop the wedding?

By then,

you can take your disciple

and leave this place,

and I can reconcile with my son.

I have my ways to get Ci out of here.

I don't need your help.

Are you sure?

I'm holding you in control now.

What do you think you can do?

Even if you manage to sneak into

the palace on the wedding day

and save Jiang Ci,

how will you get out

of Qingkang with her?

Whether you sneak in or leave,

it's a tall order

for you.

But for me,

it's a walk in the park.

I don't trust you.

Do you know Ci was attacked

in the palace?

What did you say?

Keeping the news of Jiang Ci's

accident under wraps,

except for His Majesty,

who else could've done that?

Xie Che.

Exactly.

Xie Che did that.

He k*lled Prince Qi before,

and now his daughter.

He landed me into trouble before,

and now my son.

I hate him to the core.

All you need to do is

tell everything you know

on the wedding day,

and both you and Jiang Ci will be safe.

What do you want?

I love my son,

and you care for your disciple.

We are doing this

for the sake of our children.

Once it's done,

we will achieve our goals,

and let's not meet ever again.

Commander Wei,

we met again.

Hand her over,

and I can pretend nothing has happened.

She won't go with you.

We have joined hands.

I'm afraid the collaboration

may not be consensual.

Come with me.

She's right.

I agreed to collaborate with her.

Only by uncovering the truth

from back then

can Ci and I be freed,

and many others

can also be freed.

(I will take good care of you)

on behalf of your father.

Do you know who tried to harm me?

Ms. Du intended to frame His Majesty

with Miss Jiang's poisoning case!

You can go to Jiang Village with me.

His Majesty personally appointed

a fine match to you.

Congratulations, Your Highness.

The Emperor is our common enemy.

Our goal is to stop the wedding.

The wedding day

is the best opportunity for our action.

I believe Commander Wei

won't miss out on it.

Whether we are enemies or allies

depends on your decision.

If it weren't for Xiao Haitian,

the Yueluo people wouldn't have

ended up in this tragic state.

Why bother to demand justice

for a betrayer?

Someone used saffron crocus on her

before she went into labor.

That's too big a risk to take, Madam.

What are you after?

He ruined my whole life

for his throne.

An eye for an eye.

I want him to lose the throne.

I want him to step down.

What's next, then?

Naturally, a new monarch will appear.

But it has nothing to do with me.

You went to so much trouble

just for a personal grudge?

Is that not enough of a reason?

Commander Wei,

don't underestimate

the hatred of a woman.

What is your plan, Madam?

Both of us will join hands

and force him to tell the truth.

I want Prince Qi's case

to resurface.

Madam,

what do you expect me to do?

The Light Guards are well-trained

and wield immense power.

Even the Changfeng Guards admired them.

I would want you to do me a favor

on that day.

If your plan fails,

I will have to pay

with my life.

But if the plan succeeds,

you can

avenge your sister

and take Jiang Ci away with you.

Do you dare?

Given the current situation,

stopping the wedding

is the common goal

of you and Madam Rongguo.

She intends to use Prince Qi's case

to force His Majesty to step down.

Young Master, aren't you worried

about how to deal with His Majesty?

If Rong Yudie comes forward,

we can lead her to uncover the truth.

Then, we will benefit

from their discord.

However, Rong Yudie seems

to be meticulous.

Please reconsider, My Lord.

Reconsider?

Yueluo can't wait any longer.

Deputy Commander Yi,

you aren't part of us.

You don't know how eager we are.

Mr. Ping, this is unfair.

Ever since I followed Commander Wei,

I have been doing my best

on every mission.

What now?

I'm an outsider?

I didn't mean

Enough said.

To uncover the truth,

we've been waiting in the darkness

in Qingkang for years,

and many of our kin have sacrificed.

Yan Shuangqiao is the only witness

in Prince Qi's case.

Now, Rong Yudie has her on her side.

Rong Yudie's plan

is inevitable.

She can help us

to stop the wedding

and maybe even get His Majesty

to confess the truth.

But does Yan Shuangqiao truly want to

work with Madam Rongguo?

I talked to her.

She's determined.

All we can do is to be prepared.

If the plan succeeds,

a new monarch

will take over.

I can use my position

in the imperial court

to encourage the Crown Prince

to grant a general amnesty

for Yueluo.

It seems

you have already made up your mind.

Your Highness,

I picked up some news

from the Internal Affairs Bureau.

They didn't arrest anyone

from outside the palace recently.

Sell the accessories to get some money.

These are rare books.

I'm not sure what kind of books

your sister likes,

but it's always good to read more.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Miss,

Young Master relays a message to you.

Your master has been found

and is currently safe.

Really?

Where is she now?

Young Master asks you not to worry.

You will meet with her very soon.

Young Master also says

that since you are engaged to him,

he will definitely protect you.

♪ The slanting sunray refuses to leave ♪

♪ The moon is fading off ♪

♪ Frost on the sword, string of the bow ♪

♪ Bond people together ♪

♪ The wind heading north and

the wild geese returning from the south ♪

♪ Who can meet again? ♪

♪ Looking at the mountains far away

and seeing everything red ♪

♪ Immersed in the passing years ♪

♪ Back then, the road seemed ordinary ♪

♪ Yet now I am left wandering

in this life ♪

♪ Faint memories of the past ♪

♪ All tell of parting sorrows ♪

♪ Back then, the road seemed ordinary ♪

♪ Amidst the wind, I suddenly look back ♪

♪ The face that feels so dear to me ♪

♪ Where are you now? ♪

♪ Back then, the road seemed ordinary ♪

♪ Looking back, it seems like a dream ♪

♪ Don't forget each other

even if we're far apart ♪

♪ Don't waste time ♪

♪ Back then, the road seemed ordinary ♪

♪ Taste all the vicissitudes of life

in a flash ♪

♪ Though nothing is permanent ♪

♪ I wish you well ♪