[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 43]
I boldly deduce that Eastern Sea State really only wanted
the three provinces east of Huai River.
General Yue, you mean to say
that Eastern Sea State intended to withdraw anyway?
Therefore, the attack I launched at them was meaningless?
That isn't what I meant.
However, it does sound as if you're inferring just that.
Prince of Laiyang, you're being too sensitive.
It doesn't seem to me he meant to imply that.
Do continue.
Yes.
Those three provinces border Eastern Sea State.
Territorial waters and many islands are within their jurisdiction.
Once Eastern Sea State takes the land east of Huai River
they will occupy the critical location of Huai River, making it hard to attack.
Then it will be difficult for Great Liang to get to open water.
As for why Eastern Sea State dared to take such a risk
to snatch the land east of Huai River at the cost of offending Great Liang
there must some important purpose.
General Yue, do tell us what important purpose
could Eastern Sea State possibly have?
I have yet to figure out the purpose behind taking those three provinces.
What do you mean that you have yet to figure it out?
In regards to this matter, I've written a report.
I'm submitting it to Your Majesty and the other officials as a reference.
Cabinet Minister Xun.
Yes.
I think that General Yue's opinion is worth looking into.
Your Majesty.
Cabinet Minister is absolutely right.
The Imperial Court has an insufficient understanding of Eastern Sea State.
It could be... just as General Yue has said.
We've underestimated their determination to hold on to that land.
However, in my opinion
the judgment of a nation should be based on all aspects.
We mustn't act in haste so as to avoid a careless conclusion.
It will then be of no help at all.
We are approaching the end of the year.
The sacrificial ritual will influence the fate of our nation.
It shouldn't be treated lightly either.
Hence, I suggest that we wait until Lunar New Year ends
to have the cabinet gather all the ministries for a joint discussion.
We should rearrange our plans for the eastern frontier.
Prince of Laiyang does have a point.
There's no urgency in this matter.
General Yue's opinions and insights are unique.
It's commendable.
Since we'll be discussing the issue of the eastern frontier
after Lunar New Year
you need not rush back after the New Year's banquet.
Stay behind in the capital until further notice.
Yes! That's decided!
General Yue will stay behind in the capital.
We'll discuss the military affairs.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Young lady?
Young lady? Young lady?
You're awake?
No, I... I...
Young lady, don't be scared.
You've finally regained consciousness.
What is your name?
Can you... understand what I'm saying?
Can she be a mute?
You... passed out outside the city.
Do you remember that?
We saved... saved you.
In the city?
You can speak?
Why am I in the city?
Why did you bring me back into the city?
No... No!
Don't be scared.
I don't mean you any harm.
I just want to know why you have to leave.
After you leave the city, where... would you go?
I don't know where I should go either.
I might return to Qian Province.
Qian Province?
You're from Qian Province?
I hold a post in Qian Province.
But judging from your accent, you... don't seem to be from there.
I left home a very long time ago.
Your Highness, the tea is old.
Your Highness.
It's getting chilly and you're now with child.
It's best for you not to stay in the garden for too long.
This is our first Lunar New Year together.
You might not know a lot about everything yet.
I've made a list of people I contact and will need to visit in the new year.
Just prepare the gifts as listed.
Yes.
Among the visitors from the eastern frontier
His Majesty picked out 10 to stay behind for the Lunar New Year's banquet.
This is a list of their accommodations.
You should prepare a customary gift for each of them.
As for these few, double the number of gifts.
For Yue Yin Chuan...
make it double.
Yes.
Don't you know you should get Her Highness hot tea?
We admit our mistake.
[Ministry of War]
General Yue.
The transcripts of the military reports that you requested are all here.
Thank you for the hard work.
The minister had already given us instructions.
How is this hard work?
When General Yue first came here
you mentioned that you were here to seek an audience with His Majesty.
If you only named your rank
there are too many influential officials in the capital.
Therefore, your request was pushed to the back
and you had to make a few trips here for nothing.
We never mean to pick on you.
Please don't take it to heart.
It isn't like that.
You're too polite.
You're... going back to Qian State?
What about your travel permit?
What?
You're traveling such a long distance.
When you pass city checkpoints, you'll need an identity or travel permit.
I... I...
Do you know... who you look like now?
Who?
You're like a slave who ran away from some manor.
You... you're really a slave who escaped?
General, you've returned?
Summon Tan Huan.
General, that young lady woke up.
General Tan is questioning her.
- Put these in my room. - Yes.
Master, please let me go!
- No... - I didn't do anything wrong!
I really didn't!
I... I didn't do anything to you either!
- I just wanted to-- - Don't cry!
- I just want to go home! - What's wrong?
- What have you done? - I...
I didn't... didn't do anything!
I mean it!
I only asked if she was a runaway slave and she got this petrified!
If you really want to leave, no one will stop you!
But have you considered that since you have yet to recover
and you have no money for the journey
how will you get home alive from the capital without a decent identity?
We really went through a lot of trouble to save your life!
We really don't wish to see you seek your own... death again!
Am I right, General?
You handle this alone.
I don't care.
General!
You went to the Ministry of War. Did you get what you wanted?
Minister Jin gave orders, so I definitely got them.
Oh...
You just called him... General?
He's General Yue of our division in Qian Province.
Didn't I tell you?
We're not bad people.
We also won't arrest runaway slaves.
You've said that...
you hold a post in Qian Province.
Your general...
Was he in the battle against Eastern Sea State?
He was.
We were both in that battle.
I heard that many died back in my hometown...
You think that we didn't fulfill our duty to protect the people?
No...
I know better than anyone else that it wasn't your fault.
What is this about?
Since we'll all eventually die...
I can't die for nothing.
What... what do you mean?
Master, you're home?
[Xun Manor]
You really are a maid from Xun Manor?
I'm not exactly considered a maid of Xun Manor anymore.
It should be the Royal Manor of Laiyang.
Why would you escape from the Royal Laiyang Manor?
What is it that you wish to tell me?
I'm going to expose Prince of Laiyang.
This child...
You still know that you should come home.
Auntie...
I've been unfilial.
I've made you worried these past few years.
It's good that you've come home.
It's fine as long as you're home.
Uncle.
It's been some years. How is your health?
I'm all right.
It's just that there's too much to handle in the palace.
It can't be helped.
When His Majesty gets a few years older
it might get easier.
Fei Zhan just got home, so he must be tired.
You'll get to talk later.
Let the child get some rest first.
Sure.
I've already tidied up your old quarters.
I'll walk you there.
Thank you, Auntie.
This... this can't be possible?
You must be able to prove what you just said.
Without any evidence, how will anyone believe a young maid?
Am I right?
General!
You can't possibly believe that it was--
I'll have to think over what you just told me.
Escort her back to get some rest.
Don't worry.
I won't hand you over to anyone.
Thank you, General.
General, have you suspected Prince of Laiyang all this time?
Everyone uses different military tactics.
Be it some strange and reckless attack, or illogical coincidences
anything is possible on the battlefield.
Therefore, I can't tell anyone what I suspect. Not even you.
Until...
Until today....
when a young maid here in the capital spelled out the suspicion
you had in your mind.
Whoever it is!
We can't let him off if he colludes with enemies!
Lower your voice.
Sit.
All other matters aside
we must do something about this out of respect for our comrades who died!
What do you intend to do?
We'll report this to the Ministry of War or... the Censorate!
Who... should we report Prince of Laiyang to?
A maid's statement won't be able to get him convicted.
If we're going to find solid evidence, we must keep investigating.
The only person in Jinling City who can suppress Prince of Laiyang now
is Cabinet Minister Xun.
Then take that maid to see Cabinet Minister Xun!
Right after the battle against Eastern Sea State
the two families joined in marriage.
Those outside the capital, like us, how could we know
what happened during that time?
Then....
Can you be sure that Cabinet Minister Xun is trustworthy?
What about His Majesty?
It's not that easy to get a chance to talk to His Majesty.
General!
Prince of Laiyang is now held in high regard.
A fifth-rank commander like me wants to take him down?
I'm afraid even taking the first step is going to be very hard.
But you did get one thing right.
What is that?
We must not tolerate anyone who colludes with our enemies.
We must take this matter into our own hands.
We wish Empress Dowager a peaceful and pleasant new year.
May you live long and stay healthy.
You may all get up.
Thank you, Empress Dowager.
It's the first day of Lunar New Year.
It's the most auspicious day of the new year.
The palace should be filled with great cheer and joy.
I won't restrict you in any manner.
Since you've already greeted me for Lunar New Year
you can head out and have fun after accepting your gifts.
Thank you, Empress Dowager.
Happy New Year, Master.
It's a letter for you.
It just arrived.
Tell Old Master that I'll greet him for Lunar New Year soon.
Yes.
[To Cabinet Minister Xun Bai Shui] [From Xiao Ping Jing]
This is wonderful!
Does Ping Jing know about this?
You can really keep your composure.
Why didn't you tell him sooner?
When I first met Ping Jing
and saw what kind of man he was, I was glad he didn't know who I was.
But then, as time went by
I wanted to tell him about it, but I didn't know where to start.
Now that so much has happened
I can't find the right time to tell him about this.
It's been hard on you.
Why don't I tell him on your behalf?
No, Sister Meng.
Allow me a bit more time.
I wish to tell him myself.
Might as well.
But you mustn't keep him waiting for too long.
Otherwise, I won't be able to keep a straight face for long!
Langya Hall is actually quieter than usual.
It doesn't feel like the Lunar New Year at all.
Only Ce is running around in a red cotton robe.
Time doesn't exist in the mountains, so it's only natural.
Langya Hall remains neutral in its observation of so many matters.
Every festival, every season...
What is surprising about that?
Although it is so
every day of the year, 24 hours a day
those are the hardest for me to endure.
Ping Jing...
Without Ping Zhang, without my father...
I couldn't get to see you either.
I have heard that voice loud and clear in my heart for the past three years.
Therefore, I can't lie to myself anymore.
Lin Xi...
I wish to travel with you.
I wish to accompany you as you write medical books.
There's quite a lot that I wish to do.
But I simply can't imagine what my life would be like without you.
Therefore, I'd like you to allow me to accompany you in this lifetime
and never shall we part.
Will you?
Ping Jing, there's something I have to tell you.
Hold on, Lin Xi.
I've already taken that silver locket off.
You surely know that it was my father's wish.
But I've waited for so long and that young lady never appeared.
I believe she must have found a great spouse.
What if that young lady shows up?
Isn't this my silver locket?
You already took yours off.
I never put mine on.
Why would you have this?
I'm... I'm sorry, Ping Jing.
I should have told you sooner.
This can't be possible.
No...
It's you?
No...
How is this possible?
Lin Xi and I plan to leave Mount Langya for Plum Ridge in spring.
We'll report our marriage to my father at his tomb.
Then we'll head to Northern Yan together.
She has to work on her "New Canon of Classical Herbology"
and I'll travel our neighboring country on behalf of Ping Zhang.
What about Jinling?
You've finally let it all go?
Although I was once bitterly disappointed
my country can never be completely dismissed from my mind.
I'm just trying not to take responsibility for everything.
I won't make myself face any situation that I'm unwilling to.
That was what my brother and father expected of me.
I was thinking to much.
Indeed.
The dead only wished that you would be safe and happy.
Whatever burden you chose to carry came from your own mind.
General, are you still planning to see Master Xun?
After much consideration, since it's risky either way
Cabinet Minister is still the more trustworthy choice.
This Master Xun might be related to Prince of Laiyang by marriage
but he has been serving in the Imperial Court for years.
He's also Empress Dowager's legitimate blood brother.
He couldn't possibly collude with Eastern Sea State... in any way.
We can only hope.
Uncle.
[To Cabinet Minister Xun Bai Shui] [From Xiao Ping Jing]
Peng Province?
Deep water docks?
He is indeed a descendant of a military family.
He lives in Mount Langya but can tell how things will develop
simply from very small clues.
He's in the fighting world but cares about the nation.
I understand.
Please thank him on my behalf.
Don't worry.
I'm not so old to have gone woolly-headed.
Master, these are all the visiting cards that you asked for.
[Cabinet Minister, I hope to have a word with you in private. Yue Yin Chuan.]
Reply to General Yue.
Ask him to visit tomorrow.
Yes, Master.
[Cabinet Minister, it's been years.]
[Ping Jing apologizes for disturbing you now.]
Master He, sorry to keep you waiting.
Where's Master Sui?
Hasn't he already closed and sealed off his manor?
What brings you here today?
Here's what.
I have a few important records to look up.
This is...
I'm afraid these go too far back.
What is it? You can't find them?
No, it isn't that.
I'll have to go through old records that have been shelved.
Master, please come in.
Master, please have a look.
There are more over here.
Master He, these should be the ones.
General, you're the first person to have asked to see me in private.
Do you know how many people greet me in my manor during Lunar New Year?
I'm very grateful that you didn't find my request offensive.
As for your report on the eastern frontier
everyone in the cabinet has read it thoroughly.
We do think quite highly of it.
We think that your insight is unique and very logical.
Therefore, I'm sure you know the etiquette of Lunar New Year greetings.
You must have a reason.
Indeed.
Do tell.
I come here today at the risk of my life and my family's
to expose Prince of Laiyang's deeds.
That was but a statement from a young maid.
Yet you dare to report this to me?
How would you know that it wasn't a false accusation
of a runaway slave?
I wasn't a bystander in the battle against Eastern Sea State.
From being ambushed by our enemies, to launching a counter-attack
I went through it all.
I already had my suspicions.
That young lady's statement only proved my suspicions true.
It was a tragic defeat at the eastern frontier.
The generals we had there were almost wiped out.
Only a few survived.
But there must be about 10 generals
who fought throughout the entire war like you did.
Why didn't anyone else find this warfare baffling?
I can only say Prince of Laiyang and Eastern Sea State
plotted everything, down to the smallest detail.
Do you know that Marquis Mo Zi killed Xiao Yuan Qi's mother?
As for that...
I didn't know about that.
At the moment, everyone in the Imperial Court
regards Prince of Laiyang as a first-class meritorious subject
in the battle against Eastern Sea State.
His Majesty rewarded him and announced it to the nation.
There's also this blood feud between him and Marquis Mo Zi.
However, here you are accusing him of such a serious crime
based solely on a maid's statement and your own intuition.
You don't have any evidence that we can verify.
Am I right?
I...
What if we search the Royal Laiyang Manor and discover the black crystal sword?
Without any evidence, you expect His Majesty to make a decree
to search the royal manor?
As you said, this sword is now in the pond.
How can you prove that it wasn't planted there to frame him?
Perhaps, I could use your seal at the Judicial Court of Review
to request all records from the treason case
and go through the details again.
I might be able to discover some practical clues.
However, all those who were involved in the treason case were all executed.
This case was indeed handled too recklessly and hastily.
Speaking of which, the battle against Eastern Sea State
truly has had too much of an impact on His Majesty and Great Liang's future.
As the Cabinet Minister, I have responsibilities to fulfill.
Even if there is a flicker of doubt, it shouldn't be overlooked easily.
For some unknown reason, I'm beginning to believe you.
Take a seat.
This is too serious a crime.
Without solid evidence to prove it
not even I could wield the authority of the cabinet
with just your report to arrest Prince of Laiyang.
Do you understand?
I understand.
However, if no one investigates further
the truth will not simply fall from the sky.
Master Xun, numerous lives in the 10 provinces at the eastern frontier
were lost in the flames of war.
Apart from Cabinet Minister
who else can uphold justice for them?
It's now approaching the end of the year.
We mustn't handle this hastily.
Before His Majesty restarts the Imperial Court in the new year
you mustn't act recklessly or we'll only alert the enemies.
I also need time to think this through carefully.
You're from Qian Province?
Yes.
Have you heard of deep water docks?
Deep water docks?
This makes sense now.
The water east of Huai River makes the terrain unique.
The channels are wide and deep with many harbors.
I remember that in the previous reign, there was a General Wei
who trained the naval forces in Qian and Peng provinces.
He had considered constructing huge docks.
Right!
Eastern Sea State made use of the traitor's information
to attack the 10 provinces as a cover-up.
The true intention was to seize the three provinces east of Huai River.
I said that it was such a weird battle.
It was more of a show.
Master Xun, Xiao Yuan Qi must have collaborated with Eastern Sea State.
He leaked military information in exchange
for the victory in seven provinces.
Head over to the Ministry of Public Works immediately.
Look into the old records.
Check to see if you can still find the drafts of the deep water docks
that General Wei drew.
Yes. But what use do we have for them?
If we are to expose his crimes
that would be very important supporting evidence.
Yes, Sir!
My dear, have you sent the governess over to the Royal Laiyang Manor
to visit An Ru recently?
Don't worry, my dear.
She already did.
The supplements you requested for soothing her nerves
were sent along with the governess.
That's good.
Don't forget to have the servants tidy An Ru's room from time to time.
An Ru is our niece.
My dear, don't worry about this.
Ladies of the Xun family must be cared for properly.
They are not to feel aggrieved at all.
My dear...
What do you mean by that?
Didn't An Ru have quite a fright some time ago?
I've kept that in mind all this time.
Tomorrow, I'll need you to make an arrangement.
See? They really aren't here.
When were they taken away?
Yesterday, Commander He of the Patrol Force came by.
He said that he needed some construction plans for a renovation.
He took them all away.
They were just records that no one wanted for years.
Records in the Ministry of Public Works belong to the Imperial Clan.
How could you give them away so easily?
General, those records were transcribed three years ago
when Tianlu Library was reorganized.
They were just to serve as a record but they were around for 30 years.
They were expired old records.
I couldn't refuse to give them to Master He.
- How dare you-- - Tan Huan!
- Darn you! - What are you doing?
General, what should we do now?
He Cheng...
The princess consort has yet to recover from her illness.
The doctor instructed her to recuperate quietly.
Therefore, I've reported to Uncle
that we'll greet him on the 12th before the banquet.
He already agreed to it.
He said that we're a family, so such formalities can be overlooked.
Why would he suddenly think of inviting us over today?
Your Highness.
The princess consort was raised by Madam Xun.
She regards her as her own daughter.
Her Highness has been ill all this time.
It's inevitable that Madam Xun has some concerns.
Last night in her dreams
she dreamed of Her Highness when she was a child.
When she woke up this morning
she found it hard to not to be worried.
Therefore, Master Xun sent me here.
If you can't make it to Xun Manor today
our Master and Madam will visit personally instead.
How could I let the elderly visit us during Lunar New Year?
The princess consort and I surely should be the ones to visit them.
Governess, please have a cup of tea in the main hall first.
The princess consort will have to change into something suitable.
I have served Miss An Ru since she was born.
Why would I have to step out while she gets changed?
Although I might be much older now and I'm not as nimble
I can still serve my mistress by handing her the powder case.
Very well.
Princess Consort.
Miss An Ru, slowly.
My dear...
Just make sure you get her to answer clearly, as I instructed.
You need not think too much about it.
- Greetings, Uncle. - Greetings, Uncle.
- Auntie. - Auntie.
You're too polite.
There's no need for formalities.
We surely should abide by the family etiquette in Uncle's home.
An Ru...
Why do you look so pale?
Come. We'll chat in the room.
Your Highness, the ladies are going for a chat.
Why would you join them?
Come.
Come and have a few drinks with me in my room.