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[General And I]
[Episode 21]
Your Majesty.
Prince of Zhenbei is still waiting outside.
Will you summon him?
Summon him.
Yes.
Summon Prince of Zhenbei Chu Bei Jie to make offerings!
Prince of Zhenbei, offer the incense.
What is happening?
Why can't it be lit?
Everyone else could light the incense right away
but not Prince of Zhenbei.
Could it be that the queen refuses to accept his incense?
The queen held no grudge against Prince of Zhenbei.
Why wouldn't she accept it?
Only the living can lie, but the dead know the truth.
Who knows if he's involved in the murder of both young princes?
- Exactly. - That's enough!
The ritual ends here.
- Wang De Quan. - Present.
Send the deceased into the ancestral hall.
Yes.
Just you and me will do.
Everyone else is dismissed.
Take the ashes of the deceased into the ancestral hall!
All right, get up now.
Congratulations to Prince Consort on your marriage.
I'll have gifts sent to Prince Consort's Manor now.
I haven't been well informed in the palace
so I'm late in preparing the gifts.
Please don't take it to heart.
I thank Noble Consort Zhang for your gifts.
I believe soon I'll have to prepare congratulatory gifts for you as well.
[Imperial Ancestral Hall]
[Memorial tablets of Great Jin's Queen and two princes]
Subject Chu Bei Jie kowtows to the queen and two young princes.
May you rest in peace and enter paradise soon.
Who do you think will inherit my throne?
It definitely will be inherited by Your Majesty's offspring.
My offspring?
Lift your head up and take a look.
Where is my offspring?
They have both turned to ashes!
Condolences, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty is still in your prime.
You'll surely have more children.
More children?
She's already dead.
I can no longer have another child with her.
Shouldn't you know that the queen and I were childhood sweethearts?
She knew me best.
She's the only one I would spend the rest of my life with.
Your Majesty...
That's enough.
You need not say a word. Just listen to me.
The queen refused to accept your incense in front of everyone today.
I suddenly felt that she was reminding me
of the pain you suffer for losing Bai Ping Ting
as I did for losing my queen.
Such pain can never go away.
What is even more frightening is that
even if we pretend as if nothing has happened
this pain will only be a scar that can be torn apart at the slightest prodding.
I can never trust you without any doubt like I used to.
You will never go all out for me like you did in the past.
Your Majesty!
I know that you're a loyal subject.
But as long as there's a fraction of hesitation in your loyalty
I feel a fraction less secure.
It's no longer suitable to entrust all three armed services
in your care now that you've changed.
Hence, I will retrieve the tally from you today.
If you wish to win my trust again, prove it with your actions in time.
May the sun and moon prove my true heart to you.
Hereby before the queen and the ancestors
I swear never to covet power or the throne.
For as long as I live, I swear to serve the Sima family.
Should I break my promise
gods and spirits shall be enraged and condemn me.
Don't forget your promise.
Don't let me down.
One!
Two!
Again!
One!
Raise your arm higher!
Two!
It's so high up!
Look! It's so high!
They are already dead.
They can't see you.
Why would you keep up the pretense?
Get out!
You're angry?
You should be the one to get out of here.
You caved in to lust and caused the deaths of
the queen as well as the heirs of Great Jin.
It's a grave sin to rid your nation of its future ruler!
Ask your ancestors.
What right do you have to kneel in here?
I have a conscience so clear I could face the gods and all people.
Unlike you, a treacherous villain.
To be spared, I heard that
you killed Bai Ping Ting to prove your innocence.
How ruthless you are.
But even so, does your master still trust you as he once did?
How do you feel now?
Do you regret it?
Are you upset?
You deserved it!
He Xia!
You're not to be rude!
Remove yourself from the ancestors of Great Jin!
I'll spare your life this time!
I came to see you only for one purpose.
Bei Jie.
Stab me.
Great Jin is in national mourning.
I'll refrain from taking any life so you can keep your damn life.
You're acting like a real man now?
If you truly are a man, you wouldn't have killed Bai Ping Ting
so that your own life could be spared.
I'll kick you for Ping Ting's sake.
You used such a treacherous scheme to kill my entire family.
Chu Bei Jie, this second kick is for my parents.
I can't bear for you to be killed yet.
This pathetic look on you now makes you seem like a woman.
How adorable!
I'd like to see it for some time longer.
Why didn't you keep the prince consort of Bai Lan State behind?
Your Majesty.
Prince Consort just received the news last night.
It's said that he had wanted to ask Your Majesty for help
but he didn't get to see you.
The army of Liang State was almost right outside Yun-An City.
Prince Consort was worried about Bai Lan State's safety
and rushed back to offer assistance.
I realized how urgent this matter is, so I allowed him to leave.
I thought that I'd report to Your Majesty the next day
to make a judgment.
If every matter was left until the next day for me to decide
why would I still need you as a chancellor?
Bai Lan State is weak.
It's long depended on Great Liang.
They even sent Princess Yao Tian as a hostage for 10 years.
Back then, the princess hated Great Liang for bullying them
but they were too weak to fight back.
They don't have any other support.
They hope to collaborate with us, so they are willing
to open up all the passes into Bai Lan State.
Bai Lan State now has a valiant warrior as their prince consort.
If he could lead their army to fend off powerful enemies
why would they still rely on us?
He must have been sent to seek reinforcements.
How could you let him leave alone?
Foolish!
Your Majesty is right to lecture me.
I've been foolish.
However, I don't hold any military power
so I really couldn't help much even if I wanted.
Does Your Majesty know that Prince Consort went
to meet Prince of Zhenbei yesterday?
If Prince of Zhenbei didn't send out troops, how could I?
I could only allow him to leave.
Prince of Zhenbei?
Where is Chu Bei Jie?
Your Majesty.
Would you like to announce the decree you made yesterday?
Announce it.
Summon Chu Bei Jie into the hall!
Subject Chu Bei Jie greets His Majesty.
In response to the will of Heaven and the times
by the decree of King of Jin
Prince of Zhenbei Chu Bei Jie is deeply saddened by
the passing of the princes and queen.
In self-reproach of his negligence
he has asked to be stripped of his title as Prince of Zhenbei
and hands in his tally to resign from his post as Commander-in-chief
so as to offer consolation to the deceased.
However, in appreciation of Official Chu's many contributions
I can't bear to reproach him too harshly.
Hence, a less severe punishment is given to serve as a warning.
I now confer Chu Bei Jie as General of Zhenbei.
An official of the fourth rank.
This is to be announced to all.
By the emperor himself.
I thank Your Majesty for your graciousness.
What do you think about the battle in Bai Lan State?
Reporting to Your Majesty.
Liang State's cause for war is unjustified.
Yet after entering Bai Lan State, they were met with no resistance.
A smooth invasion like that is highly suspicious.
I think that we should act cautiously in response.
Bring me the azoth quickly.
Your Majesty.
All medicine is a poison of some sort.
Please take care of your health.
It doesn't matter. It's just a supplement.
Your Majesty.
The alliance of Bai Lan and Jin is beneficial to both states.
People in the Western Regions look to Great Jin's silk as a great treasure.
Its value is that of gold.
Bai Lan State plays a crucial part in extending Silk Road out west.
I agree with Your Majesty.
If we refuse to send in reinforcements
we'll be at a disadvantage whether it is Liang State who takes over Bai Lan State
or He Xia who wins the war.
The chance to stretch our influence into Bai Lan State flies by quickly.
All right!
Your Majesty.
I hereby appoint you as the military governor
to deploy our troops to Bai Lan State as reinforcements.
You are to handle all military affairs in the army.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, how could such a serious military issue be decided so easily?
I'm afraid it's inappropriate as the chancellor knows nothing about the army!
Your Majesty!
I'll surely do my best so as not to let you down!
You're not in a position to preach to me about what is appropriate!
Dismiss the court!
My head hurts.
Don't come and bother me!
Dismiss the court!
Long live the king!
What is the matter with His Majesty today?
How could he give out the tally with such little consideration?
It's said that he's been acting out of the ordinary recently.
A tally in the hands of a civil official? What does that mean?
- Exactly! - Exactly!
The deployment of soldiers should be done by military officials...
Shut up!
We're all imperial officials.
How could you question His Majesty behind his back?
General of Zhenbei, accept this command.
I order you to set out to Bai Lan State with 10,000 elite soldiers
to assist their army and dispel the army of Liang from their lands.
You are to gather your men and set out right away!
I've heard Liang State has sent over 100,000 soldiers.
I'm afraid 10,000 elite soldiers aren't enough to tackle them.
General of Zhenbei, that's far from it.
Great Jin is only sending reinforcements.
Bai Lan State's army should definitely be the majority.
What is it?
Could General of Zhenbei be scared of Liang State's army?
The military command is not to be questioned. I will obey it.
However, Master Military Governor
arrange reinforcements of 20,000 men in case of an emergency.
Certainly.
Rest assured, General.
As the military governor
I'll surely arrange everything well for you.
General of Zhenbei, this is a good chance to redeem yourself.
- Your Majesty, I'm here. - Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
- Don't leave! - Come here.
Eunuch Wang, please inform His Majesty that I've come to visit him
upon hearing that he was unwell in imperial court today.
Your Highness.
I'm afraid that you've come at the wrong time today.
His Majesty just took his medication.
- Over here! - Sure! Come here!
I'm here!
That drug really is effective.
Here!
Since His Majesty is occupied, I won't disturb him.
Set out back to my hall.
Yes.
I'll see Your Highness off.
Don't run!
Who is it?
Show yourself!
Hu Kun greets Your Highness.
Hu Kun, don't stand on such ceremony.
How is it at Mount East country house?
I've been ordered by General Mo Ran to check on Your Highness's safety.
Rest assured, Your Highness.
All is well in Mount East country house.
Good.
What have you discovered on your way here?
What do you intend to report back? Tell me.
Yes.
I'll report back the military information as heard.
Your Highness will soon lead the army to Bai Lan State.
Soldiers stationed in Mount East are to stand by.
You should report back saying that Prince of Zhenbei is well.
He is in the palace now to discuss matters with His Majesty.
He will return in a few days.
Order Chu Mo Ran to fulfill his duty and not take action without permission.
Is that understood?
Yes!
Other than what I've said, you're not to say anything else.
Otherwise, you'll be punished by military law.
I accept the command.
In addition, you must hand over this pouch to Miss Zui Ju in person.
Tell her that I must know the secret of what it contains.
Yes!
Everyone.
Some asked me what Bai Lan's battle has to do with us.
Why do we have to leave our homes
to fight thousands of miles away for them?
Here is my answer.
Bai Lan State has submitted itself to Great Liang for years.
They have been at peace
but Liang State has suddenly launched an attack on them without any warning.
Its purpose might not lie simply in taking Bai Lan.
It's highly possible that they are using Bai Lan to gain access to Great Jin!
If they fall, we could all be in danger.
We have to take precautions.
In order to prevent Great Jin from being invaded
so that our people can live in peace
we can't sit out this battle.
Do you understand?
Yes!
Let us charge in to drive the army of Liang back to their state!
Drive them back to their state!
Set out!
Yes!
Miss, you saved my life.
I don't know how I could repay you.
I saw that your belt is a bit worn
so I made you one with embroidered daisies to go with your name.
There are 16 daisies in all.
I hope that you like it, Miss.
Don't mind my poor handicraft skills.
It's so pretty.
Stop calling me Miss.
Just call me Zui Ju.
Miss Bai...
No.
Sister Bai, you embroider so well.
I really like it!
If you like it, I can embroider more for you.
Sister Bai, you're so skilled!
Could you also teach me how to sew?
Since I was young, I've been collecting and blending herbs
with my mentor in the mountains.
No one has ever taught me ladies' handicrafts.
Who knows if anyone will marry me?
You're a miraculous doctor who can save lives.
Should anyone be fortunate enough to marry you
I reckon he could live a few hundred years more
and you'll become an immortal couple.
A few hundred years?
Wouldn't I end up looking shriveled like some turtle in a well?
That's too ugly. No, thank you.
Nonsense.
It's so pretty.
Sister Bai, I might be envious of the mutual affection
between you and Brother Bei Jie
but I think that you had such a hard time.
Would you still choose to be with
Brother Bei Jie if you started all over again?
We only think about the what ifs when we're unhappy.
I've never thought about that.
Plum blossoms are refreshingly fragrant.
It also clears excess heat and cures coughing.
It's the most elegant drink to make in winter.
Here.
It really does smell good.
I wonder what it tastes like.
Try some. Be careful. It's hot.
How is it?
It's really fragrant.
It is also pretty.
But it tastes so bland.
The aftertaste is even a bit bitter.
Winter is not a season for plants to grow.
However, plum trees choose to resist and fight against the snow.
How could the blossoms not taste bitter?
People praise it for its vigor.
I savor its bitterness and mock its silliness.
When can it have an easier life?
Perhaps it's meant to lead a hard life?
Sister Bai... Why does it sound as if you're talking about yourself?
Here.
How does that taste?
It's so sweet and nice.
After tasting the bitterness and astringency of plum blossoms
you can then taste the sweetness of pine nut candy even better.
So is life.
It's bitter and sweet.
We just hope that it stays sweet a while longer.
I'll get the door.
Miss Bai.
His Highness told me to bring this zither to you.
[The Phoenix]
This is...
Miss Bai, His Highness broke your zither.
He feels bad about it.
He sent someone to retrieve this zither.
His Highness said that only your hands are fit to play such a good zither.
But this zither seems to be quite old.
Is it an antique?
Is it very valuable?
Zui Ju, why don't you have any good taste at all?
The Phoenix is an ancient zither from the Han Dynasty.
It's made with the best paulownia wood.
"The Phoenix" from a phoenix resting on a paulownia tree.
For centuries, it's been passed down from numerous grand masters.
The zither might seem old now, but the sound it produces is still sharp.
It makes a sound when wind blows.
It's a rare zither of high quality.
It really is an antique.
Quickly. I've never listened to music played with such a famous zither.
Ping Ting, do play me a tune to please my ears.
Zui Ju. Could you understand the beauty in such wondrous melody?
Miss Bai is still frail.
She shouldn't bother playing to a cow.
What? Chu Mo Ran!
What do you mean?
How is she playing to a cow?
Who is the cow?
No...
- Who is the cow? - All right now.
I can't keep my hands off a good zither anyway.
As the scholar Xunzi said
when the renown Bo Ya plays, even horses would lift their heads up to listen.
When Bo Ya plays, even the horses understand.
Why wouldn't a human?
What now?
But I would say you can't blame the audience.
It's the musician who didn't play well.
It's just an excuse of a bad musician to blame it on a cow.
Instead of calling the audience a cow, the musician might as well be one.
See?
Ping Ting still dotes on me.
Unlike you. You're a block of wood!
- Wood? - Zui Ju.
- Burn some good incense. - Sure!
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