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[General And I]
[Episode 22]
At first, when we set out, the willows were fresh and green.
Now, when we shall be returning
the snow will be falling in clouds.
Long and tedious will be our marching.
We shall hunger; we shall thirst.
Our hearts are wounded with grief.
And no one knows our sadness.
Ping Ting, are you all right?
Let me take a look.
Here, Zui Ju.
Why would the string break for no reason?
Miss Bai.
This zither must not have been played in a long time.
A broken string isn't that serious.
Exactly.
It must be too cold these days.
Your skin dries up and cracks easily.
I'll make you top-quality hand cream some other day
to keep your hands moisturized.
Retreat!
- Retreat! - Retreat!
- Quickly! - Retreat!
- Attack! - Attack!
Your Highness, get some rest.
Here.
Your Highness!
There's no trace of Bai Lan State's army within a 50-mile radius.
Could they have found out about Liang State's ambush?
This won't do.
If they were informed in advance
or if it's simply a trap
Bai Lan State's army can no longer be trusted.
Send a messenger dove to ask for reinforcements.
Judging by Liang State's current armed forces and power
we will need at least 100,000 men within three days.
Yes!
Both of you are so pretty.
Here.
- Your Majesty. - Here.
- All right.
Here, drink with me.
Your Majesty, lie down now.
- Drink with me. - Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty - Here.
Drink!
Here, let's drink!
Here.
- Good. - Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, urgent military news!
- Your Majesty. - Drink.
- Fill it up. - Your Majesty.
- Drink. - Bastard!
Can't you see that His Majesty is busy?
Whatever it is, you can report tomorrow.
Yes.
Here, drink some as well.
Your Majesty!
Come here!
Come over here.
- Here I come. - Come here.
Good!
Your Majesty!
- Your Majesty. - Here..
- Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.
Is anyone there?
- His Majesty has fainted! - Anyone?
His Majesty has fainted!
Anyone there?
Is anyone out there?
- Your Highness! - Your Highness!
Your Highness, please spare us!
That's enough! Stop making such a din!
If His Majesty is unharmed
the lot of you will just be banished to Cold Palace.
Should any mishap befall His Majesty
you can get ready to be buried along with him!
Your Highness, please spare us!
It's so annoying! Drag them out!
- Yes! - Yes!
Your Highness!
- Get up now. Move along. - Your Highness, spare us!
Your Majesty! Your Highness please spare us!
Your Highness, the chancellor is here.
After the queen died, that fatuous king took so many concubines.
Not only has he not died from the azoth
but he spends his days fooling around with women.
He still hasn't conferred me as the queen yet
and he created such a huge scandal here in Fangqin Hall.
- Wait a bit longer. - Wait?
How long will you have me wait?
The azoth might take effect slowly
but the best thing about it is that it can't be detected.
As long as he keeps taking it
that fatuous king surely won't have long to live.
I might have the military power at hand
with half of all the imperial officials on our side...
but Chu Bei Jie is held in great respect in the army.
We'll have to keep His Majesty alive and use him to take out Chu Bei Jie.
News from Bai Lan State.
The show that He Xia and King of Liang put on
has forced Chu Bei Jie into a corner.
Once he's dead
both you and I can take over Great Jin with ease.
He Xia is very cunning. We can't trust him.
Father, you must be cautious.
He Xia is as good as a homeless dog.
If he and his young princess wish to rule Bai Lan State with ease
how can he do that without the assistance of Great Jin?
Should He Xia try anything naughty...
I can have him crushed with a flick of my finger.
Princess, Prime Minister Gui seeks an audience.
Lu Yi.
Fetch me those pearl earrings that Prince Consort gave me.
Yes.
Princess.
Prince Consort has such great taste.
This pair of pearl earrings is a warm glow of red, but not too much.
It lights up your face so well.
Prince Consort is so thoughtful.
But...
Your Highness, Prime Minister Gui is still waiting at the door.
Your subject, Gui Chang Qing, greets Your Highness.
What urgent matter brings you here?
Urgent military news.
The army of Liang State is already right at our city gates.
How should our army respond to it?
Your Highness, please make a decision.
Hasn't Prince Consort asked for reinforcements from Great Jin?
Since we have reinforcements from Great Jin
why should we waste our own armed forces?
Moreover, how could we defeat Liang State anyway?
The reinforcement troops from Great Jin consist of only 10,000 men.
If we don't send out our army to assist them
they will have to fight alone and remain passive in this battle.
They won't last much longer.
Moreover, the army of Jin State is not to be trusted.
In my opinion, we might as well seek a different solution.
For instance...
We could send our own people in.
That sounds good.
I think that General Gui Yan should lead our army.
He can take on the army of Liang State.
I heard that Prince Consort is a renown warrior of Yan State.
Moreover, our people have yet to witness the valiance of Prince Consort.
Therefore, I sincerely recommend Prince Consort
as the commander-in-chief to fight against Liang State
and contribute to Bai Lan State by defeating our enemies.
He will make Your Highness known to the world.
I don't know much about battles.
But I believe that Prime Minister's suggestion is good.
So, please hand military power over to Prince Consort
so that he may gather our forces soon and ride out to war.
Your Highness is referring to the tally?
This is just a temporary assignment.
Moreover, according to Bai Lan State's ancestral regulations...
the relative by marriage is not to have any military power.
How can he lead the army to war without the tally?
Prime Minister, you must be joking?
Prime Minister, Gui Chang Qing! Obey my command!
Yes, Your Highness.
Our country is in distress. Ancestral regulations can be overlooked.
I command Prime Minister to hand over the tally to Prince Consort right now.
The entire army is to assist Prince Consort in the battle.
Your Highness!
In addition, from this day forth, all state affairs
be they severe or trivial are to be discussed in court.
Except for Prince Consort
no other man is allowed into the Princess's Manor.
Your Highness...
You are deliberately picking on me.
I've known you since you were born, Your Highness!
I shall always be grateful to Prime Minister.
However, I am no longer that little girl you once knew.
I've come of age and I'm already married.
It's inappropriate for men and women to meet in private.
Prime Minister should act as a role model by showing some respect.
Fine!
Your Highness is so wise!
I, your veteran subject... obey the imperial decree.
Prince Consort, you witnessed that?
I wonder if I said it well?
You said it extremely well!
You took the military power back from Prime Minister with just a few words.
He's always using his seniority as an advantage.
It's good to teach him a lesson.
That is not it.
Prime Minister might be very domineering but he is by no means a bad person.
If it weren't to get Prince Consort a firm footing in the imperial court
I wouldn't wish to go against him either.
But when I heard that he had another solution in mind
he seemed to be implying something else.
How is there any other solution than sending out our army?
Prince Consort, there's no need to worry.
All right.
I won't worry about it.
As for you, my princess, you have a heart that is crystal clear.
No one seems bad in your eyes.
By the way, Prince Consort
are you really that confident of winning this war like you said?
Your Highness, worry not.
This battle is but the beginning.
You just have to wait patiently.
Your prince consort will place the world at your feet.
Reporting to Master.
The frequent visitors of Mount East country house
are just Chu Mo Ran and a young lady called Zui Ju.
The residence is usually shut off to others.
But it's been said that huge quantities of forage
are sent up the mountain every day before nightfall.
I'm sure that the country house must be heavily guarded by soldiers.
There seems to be some treasure hidden in the country house.
Or some important person must be hidden in it.
Are you telling me to guess what is in the country house?
I wouldn't dare.
I've learned from the previous blunder not to take any action recklessly.
Useless scum!
Chu Bei Jie is in Bai Lan State!
What are you scared of?
First, arrest the man who transports the forage.
Then seal off the village at the bottom of the mountain.
Cut off their supplies.
Not even a grain of rice is to be sent up the mountain.
Yes!
Once we cut off their rations they will have to venture out.
Master, I've thought of using that method as well
but Mount East is rich in resources.
They can live off the local resources.
Even if we cut off their supply, they can still hunt for game and fish.
I'm afraid that they won't starve anytime soon.
Live off the local resources?
We'll set their mountain on fire then.
Master, how wise!
Whatever he's hiding, I will have it forced out of hiding!
Yes!
Sister Bai.
Brother Bei Jie has sent a message to say that all is well.
You can finally stop worrying now.
What did he say?
He said that he's staying to discuss important matters with His Majesty.
He will return in a few days.
By the way, he sent his men to bring this back to me
to examine what secret lies in this azoth.
Wild ginseng, deer antler, magnolia vine...
The basic prescription of a ginseng antler bolus
usually consists of very expensive and nourishing medicinal herbs.
However, there are a few herbs in here that are quite uncommon.
I can't recognize them right away.
It might take me a few days to figure them out.
I wonder where His Highness got this azoth from?
What is he going to discuss with His Majesty?
By the way, did the general who brought back the message
meet His Highness or did he only investigate in secret?
He might have.
Then it doesn't mean anything to say that all is well.
Miss Bai, bad news!
Someone has set the mountain on fire!
What?
The fire started near the country house.
It must be arson.
Miss Bai, our soldiers are already doing their best to put out the fire.
Did they see the arsonist?
I've sent men to go after him but they haven't caught him yet.
Wind is now blowing from the east and the flames will spread quickly
toward the villagers of Mount West.
Mo Ran, send some men to evacuate the villagers
while the fire can still be contained.
Watch out!
We're now exposed while they are hiding.
We have to think of ways to force them out of hiding soon.
Mo Ran! Zui Ju and I will go and distract them.
Gather our forces and use this chance to round them up.
Miss Bai! His Highness said not to let you leave this country house.
The situation has changed.
If His Highness is safe in the imperial court
how would these people dare to burn down the mountain?
His Highness must be in danger.
If we just sit around doing nothing who will go and rescue His Highness?
Zui Ju, let's go!
Miss Bai, stay safe!
Attack!
- Quickly! - Attack!
Speak!
Who sent you here?
Chancellor Zhang.
Nonsense!
How dare you slander an imperial official?
Speak up! Who was it?
I wouldn't dare lie to you!
It was indeed Chancellor Zhang who said
that there's a secret in Mount East country house.
He ordered a sneak attack
while Prince of Zhenbei is away at war in Bai Lan.
The chancellor and His Highness are colleagues in the imperial court.
Is he not worried that His Highness will get back at him when he returns?
Chancellor said that...
Speak! What else did he say?
He said that Prince of Zhenbei won't make it back.
- Attack! - Attack!
Attack!
Charge!
Hurry! Get on the boat quickly!
Hurry!
Push hard!
Quickly! Get on the boat!
Be quick! Keep up!
Yes!
Hurry!
- Quickly! - Push!
Listen to my command. Full speed ahead!
- Quickly! - Quickly!
Quickly!
Archers, light your arrows! Shoot!
Quickly!
- Row quickly! - Quickly!
Abandon the boat! Get into the water!
Get into the water quickly!
General!
My King, some soldiers of Jin State have gotten away.
Don't press the enemy.
It's Jin State after they go past Huai River.
As long as we don't retreat...
As loyal as Chu Bei Jie is, he'll surely safeguard the border until the end.
He won't escape.
Besides, our army isn't skilled in water battles.
However few of them are left
it puts us at a disadvantage to guard the ferry.
There's no need to sacrifice more of our men for just a few soldiers.
We will wait until Huai River freezes before we make our way across.
Convey my orders to make camp here!
Yes!
Here.
Slow down.
Miss Bai.
Mo Ran, what's going on?
Did you get any news of His Highness?
His Highness entered Bai Lan alone without any reinforcements.
He has been ambushed repeatedly by the army of Liang State
and retreated to the border of Bai Lan in the south of Huai River.
He Xia did collaborate with King of Liang on this.
What about Great Jin's reinforcements?
Why didn't they send in more reinforcements?
His Majesty is unwell.
Apart from Chancellor Zhang
no other imperial official could gain an audience with His Majesty.
And Chancellor Zhang...
I understand now.
The influence in the imperial court that we were worried about
is actually that of Chancellor Zhang and his daughter.
Chancellor... Noble Consort...
King of Liang... He Xia...
All of this was just a trap.
He Xia acts as the go-between.
Since he visited King of Liang
he already had these plots planned out.
He is out to get His Highness killed.
Mo Ran.
There's no one else left.
It's just us now.
We have to rescue His Highness.
- We will set out now. - Yes!
My fellow brothers!
Gather around!
His Highness has been set up by villains and is now in grave danger.
As the prince's trusted guards it's our duty to save His Highness.
However, those who are the only son in the family
those with parents over 70 years old, and those with young children can stay!
My fellow brothers!
Raise your weapons up high if you're willing to follow me
to rescue His Highness!
Those bastards are trying to wipe us all out!
Burning down the mountain is but their first move!
Only by rescuing Prince of Zhenbei can we have a chance to survive!
- Rescue Prince of Zhenbei! - Rescue Prince of Zhenbei!
What?
It will be seven days before reinforcements set out?
Yes.
Look at them.
These soldiers...
How are we to fight the battle?
Once the enemy crosses Huai River they will enter Great Jin.
The border is in grave danger.
Who gave the order?
Military Governor or His Majesty?
Convey my orders.
Regroup quickly.
Prepare large quantities of oil doused arrows.
Keep an eye out for any changes on Huai River!
If the enemy gets on the boats, we might still have a chance to take them out!
Yes!
Congratulations, Noble Consort.
I heard that His Majesty woke up?
If he woke up, he woke up.
What is there to congratulate me for?
Is Imperial Physician Li here?
He's in there.
Your Majesty.
Your pulse is stable. You're fine.
Greetings to Your Majesty.
Don't stand on ceremony.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Chancellor, where have you been this early in the morning?
Why is there so much mud on your feet?
Your Majesty is finally awake.
I've been praying for Your Majesty's recovery every day
at Sanqing Hall. It was all worthwhile.
Chancellor, it's been hard on you.
This is... what I should do.
It's just that Noble Consort has told me
she lost her appetite and became so tired recently.
As her father, I can't stay by Her Highness's side
as I'm not often in the palace.
Therefore, it makes me all the more worried.
Today, Imperial Physician Li happens to be here.
I'd like to ask for Your Majesty's permission
to allow Imperial Physician Li to treat Her Highness as well.
Imperial Physician, take a look at Noble Consort.
Yes.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
Congratulations, Your Majesty!
It's no wonder that Her Highness has lost her appetite.
She is with child.
She is with child?
Are you certain?
I can confirm it.
It's three months into the pregnancy.
Both mother and child are well.
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
Congratulations, Noble Consort.
You may all rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Who knew that Noble Consort would bring me such a huge surprise?
What reward would you like?
I will consent to anything.
You don't have to bow.
I wouldn't dare ask for anything.
It's already my blessings to be favored by Your Majesty
and conceive the imperial heir.
I wouldn't dare ask for any reward.
Why wouldn't you?
I have been looking forward to this day.
If you can give me a son
the empire of Jin State will be inherited.
This is a great blessing of Jin State.
You must be handsomely rewarded.
So...
Your Majesty.
Jewelry and gold should be gifted.
Just follow the usual rewards given to pregnant concubines.
What matters is that Ministry of Rites must be informed
to hold an offering to the ancestors.
I'll be taking Noble Consort with me to inform my ancestors of the good news.
The cannon is to be fired 80 times in the palace.
Imperial officials and my people should share this joy.
Your Majesty.
The cannon is only fired 80 times when the crown prince is born.
Your Majesty, don't you think that it's too early...
Not at all.
I'll welcome the birth of the prince
with the ritual of a crown prince's birth to show my sincerity.
I understand.
Your Majesty, I woke up too early and now so much has happened
I'm really tired.
I'd like to get some rest.
Pregnant women often get tired easily.
Get some sleep if you're tired.
I'll come and visit you tomorrow.
Here, Your Majesty.
Rest well.
See?
What use is it to be carrying the imperial heir?
He didn't even mention conferring me as the queen.
What is the use in making all these arrangements?
It's better to kill him sooner and save me from such humiliation.
My good daughter. Noble Consort.
Bear with it for a while longer.
Although he didn't mention making you the queen
didn't you hear him?
Before the prince is even born
he will be treated as though he were the crown prince.
The mother is always honored by the status of her son.
Look around the harem.
Who else is as distinguished as you are?
Once the prince is born
who else but you will be qualified to be the queen?
Your Highness.
Just wait to attain your success without any effort.
I have to wait until the prince is born?
Father, are you stupid?
Now that it has come to this
what should be done must be done quickly.
The sooner, the better.
Yes.
Your Highness, don't worry.
[General of Liang State's Manor]
- Leave now. - Yes.
Madam.
My dear.
How are you?
Do you have any clues?
Miss Bai...
What happened to Ping Ting?
Don't panic, my dear.
I just received some information.
He Xia went to the palace to meet His Majesty in private.
That was right after Miss Bai suggested
using poison to resolve the battle of Kanbu.
We were supposed to receive news that Sima Hong has taken ill.
Instead, we were told that the young princes were poisoned to death.
This wasn't due to any error in Miss Bai's strategy
but His Majesty knew of a secret in the formula of the drug.
That poison can't kill an adult.
However, when used on children it's strong enough to take their lives.
It must be He Xia.
He Xia must have told the king!
He grew up with Ping Ting.
He must also know about that drug.
Ping Ting knew that he did it.
So she would sacrifice herself to protect him?
Why would she be so silly?
Is he really worth it?
That isn't all there is to it.
His Majesty just led the army to attack Bai Lan State.
By right, Prince Consort of Bai Lan State
assisted His Majesty to fend off his enemies.
Why would he turn against him?
Since our army entered Bai Lan State
we rods straight in without meeting any resistance.
Bai Lan State might be weak but it can't possibly be so defenseless.
There is something fishy about this.
My husband.
What do you think will happen?
Hand this letter to Chu Bei Jie in person.
Take my swift horse.
Leave right now.
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