[Nirvana In Fire II]
[Episode 46]
Mother, you seem frail.
Do you feel sick?
It's nothing serious.
I saw your uncle again in my dreams last night.
It wasn't even three in the morning when I woke up.
I couldn't fall asleep again.
Mother, do rest assured that I'll make Eastern Sea State pay for Uncle's death.
Every year during this period
my older brother was bound to be busy preparing for the emperor's Spring Hunt.
But now...
We're separated by death.
The journey to the netherworld stretches far.
My heart feels the void.
I don't wish to go anywhere.
Mother, you mean...
My son...
Order the Ministry of Rites to cancel Spring Hunt this year.
Yes.
Good.
I heard you.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Formerly, all work reports of the Royal Palace Guards
were submitted to the cabinet to be reviewed.
Now that Old Master Xun has passed away, it will be handed over to...
Head of the Legislative Bureau and the Ministry of War.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
The Royal Palace Guards belong to a different system.
They must be managed apart from the border-guardian army
militia troops, and frontier army.
This is an ancestral regulation.
It's inappropriate for the Ministry of War to take over.
I'll hand it over to...
The cabinet and Prince of Laiyang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Minister Shen.
Present.
My mother has been feeling unwell recently.
We'll cancel this year's Spring Hunt on Mount Jiu'an
according to her wishes.
Please forgive me for being slow-witted.
Empress Dowager means to...
Ever since my maternal uncle passed away
my mother hasn't been feeling well.
She isn't fit enough to travel.
After we cancel next month's Spring Hunt
none of you will have to prepare for any events.
Your Majesty, I think that--
Enough!
This is Empress Dowager's royal decree.
Moreover, I'm also not in the mood for it.
Therefore, there's no need for any further discussion.
- Yes. - Yes.
The position of the Cabinet Minister must be filled.
Indeed.
All the reports...
Minister.
Master, the Spring Hunt has been called off just like that?
His Majesty announced it himself.
Empress Dowager wanted to cancel it.
What else can we do about it?
Your Highness.
Greetings, Empress Dowager.
Get up.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Prince of Laiyang, what brings you to the palace today?
How is An Ru?
Thank you for keeping her on your mind.
An Ru's illness varies from time to time.
She's also very anxious about it.
She's worried that she might not recover before the Spring Hunt
to attend to Your Highness on the journey.
I've already told His Majesty
that Cabinet Minister was assassinated in January
and the funeral just ended.
How could we be in the mood to travel in such gloominess?
Tell An Ru to recuperate well.
There will be no Spring Hunt this year.
His Majesty already mentioned it to the Ministry of Rites.
I've come here today on behalf of all the officials
to ask Empress Dowager to reconsider this decision.
It's up to His Majesty to decide on the Imperial Clan's hunting trip.
Why should this be of any concern to the officials?
Your Highness should know
that the Spring Hunt is a ritual for Great Liang's Imperial Clan
not an excursion.
It's to pray for the growth of all living creatures
the valiance of our descendants, and peace at the frontier.
As Your Highness has said
there's been a sense of insecurity in the Inner Court and Imperial Court.
All the more reason we should offer sincere prayers to the gods.
If we were to cancel this ritual
it might be harmful to the sovereignty.
Therefore, the Ministry of Rites is too terrified to accept the decree.
It's not a trivial matter for His Majesty to take a trip.
Without a Cabinet Minister to manage the trip
I simply can't put my mind at ease.
Your Highness, you're overly concerned.
During His Majesty's Spring Hunt, he will have the Imperial Guards to defend him
and the officials staying behind on duty will follow the precedent procedure.
When Cabinet Minister was alive
I assisted him in making the arrangements.
I was complimented by Master Xun then.
Your Highness, please rest assured.
For the sake of Master Xun resting in peace
I'll be sure to do my best in making arrangements for His Majesty.
My brother did compliment you to me, saying that you're meticulous.
Whenever I see that An Ru has had little to eat or say
it's like a dagger to my heart.
I can imagine how much sorrow Your Highness must be in.
His Majesty must be even more upset than I am to see you like this.
If Your Highness could leave the capital and lift your spirits slightly
His Majesty would at least feel much more comforted.
He wouldn't worry about your health as much.
Although what you just said is very reasonable
I can't help but feel frantic for some unknown reason.
During such times, it's better to stay put than take action.
His Majesty should stay in the palace.
Your Highness.
Spring Hunt is an event set up by the ancestral code.
When I married into the Imperial Clan
your mother was still in Eastern Sea State.
Prince of Laiyang, where did you learn such manners
to bring up the ancestral code in my Xian'an Palace?
I wouldn't dare!
During the reign of Emperor Wu Jing and the former emperor
Spring Hunt was canceled for certain reasons.
Not once did I hear this many objections.
What is it?
His Majesty isn't allowed to cancel it?
The officials didn't mean to imply that.
That's good.
I have made up my mind.
This matter need not be discussed again.
Yes, Your Highness.
If I don't make it back, our king will come looking for me!
[Royal Laiyang Manor] Spring Hunt is canceled for certain.
I'm afraid we'll have to change our plans.
Your Highness...
Should we wait till next year...
No!
The secret to planning is secrecy, and severing ties serves a purpose.
In a year's time, who knows how much will have changed?
We can't wait.
If we are to raise the rebellion here in the capital
it's unclear if we can succeed.
General, if you've now changed your mind
I can totally understand.
Your Highness, since I decided to follow Your Highness in this rebellion
I knew that I was putting my life at risk.
Why would I give up in the face of difficulties?
Having General Di at my side
I'm fearless even if we have to put up a bloody fight in the palace.
I thank Your Highness for your trust.
I'm willing to sacrifice my life in gratitude for your graciousness.
Please give orders, Your Highness.
All right. General, I'll have to trouble you.
Before Chaoyang Hall announces the decree
deploy the army into the capital in the name of the Spring Hunt.
I'll welcome General's Palace Guards at the city walls of Jinling.
70,000 Palace Guards will enter the capital unnoticed.
When Xiao Yuan Shi wakes up the next day
Your Highness's army will be right next to his bed.
Once you enter the capital
Metropolitan Governor Office's guards will be subdued by the Patrol Force.
There's no need to worry about the civil officials either.
The key lies in how to trap the Imperial Guards in the city.
The Imperial Guards might be powerful
but it isn't entirely impossible to split them up
and keep them under our control.
Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards, Tang Feng Zhi
can collaborate with us from within his division.
General, you'll announce a false decree and then kill their leading commander.
Get Deputy Commander Tang to summon all senior officers
to the Imperial Guards' Office and have them wiped out.
Finally, the sealed palace will serve as a prison to them
and we can control all four divisions of the Imperial Guards.
Yes.
If Spring Hunt is really canceled
Prince of Laiyang won't be able to carry out his plan.
He's just not making his move at Mount Jiu'an.
He can still take action in the capital.
It's just a matter of time.
Men... Once they have such an intention in mind...
how can they change so easily?
If they are to take action in the capital
he'll need more time to make the arrangements.
Then, we...
We'll have some time to seek reinforcements.
Reinforcements?
The Palace Guards work for him.
The Patrol Force also works for him.
But not the Imperial Guards.
General, how can you be certain that the Imperial Guards don't work for him?
If the Imperial Guards do
why bother going to Mount Jiu'an instead of rebelling in the capital?
You're right.
The Palace Guards are at least still stationed outside the city.
The Imperial Guards were right under Master Xun's nose then.
He just died some time ago.
Prince of Laiyang can't possibly have a chance.
What is it?
What are you thinking about now?
His Majesty...
Changlin...
I finally understand what Master Xun's last words meant.
What is it?
He tried to tell me
that only Prince of Changlin can protect His Majesty.
Prince of Changlin?
Chang--
Tan Huan, haven't you always wanted to visit the famous Mount Langya?
Yes.
In the Imperial Court
these are the officials who pledged allegiance to me.
General, please keep their names in mind.
General, you memorize so well.
Your Highness, these are just a few names.
What should I do with those officials who have yet to side with you?
Foolishly loyal subjects during such times
will be just as useless even if I keep them.
Just get rid of them.
Although we're betting on our luck
it isn't the time for us to pursue stability blindly.
Whatever the outcome might be
you and I will have at least done our part for Great Liang.
I believe that Your Highness is the chosen one.
Whatever obstacles lie before you, you shall surely succeed.
May it turn out as you've kindly predicted.
Brother Jiu, why are you sighing?
Winds of trouble never cease in the mundane world.
I know what brings him here.
Honestly...
There are times when I'd rather know much less.
Brother Xun, please kindly refuse His Majesty's offer on my behalf.
Ping Jing...
His Majesty didn't issue a decree and instead wrote you a letter.
He truly wishes to invite you back to the Imperial Court.
I think that...
That year when Ping Zhang died, I asked to be stationed at the frontier.
I had prepared to take on the duties of Changlin Manor.
I was going to defend Great Liang all my life
and attend faithfully to the state affairs
just like my father and brother did.
I'd forget all about my carefree life in the fighting world.
But you know what happened.
I didn't give it much thought then.
Politics...
Step by step, and when you get to the end
it does chill you to the bone.
But recently, I've thought it through.
I was once the emperor's subject.
However aggrieved I might have been
in the end, I must still serve the emperor faithfully.
His Majesty had his reasons back then, didn't he?
Brother Xun, you didn't understand what I meant.
I'm unwilling to return to the Imperial Court.
It has nothing to do with right or wrong.
Nor my grievances.
It's just that I've already attempted it once.
But I'm really not meant for it.
Ping Jing...
Jinling is different from how it once was.
Nothing ever remains the same. When was that not true?
His Majesty is willing to trust me because of our past friendship.
My father is buried at the northern frontier.
The title of Changlin no longer exists.
Since this has already happened...
Why can't we just accept it?
But Ping Jing...
Now, His Majesty...
He really needs us.
Let me ask you a question first.
Were you present at the Cabinet Minister's assassination?
What was the situation?
[Chaoyang Hall]
Your Majesty.
Deputy Commander Wu is here.
I've come as summoned. Greetings, Your Majesty.
If your General Commander returns to the capital in the next few days
or if his letter is received
you must report to me regardless of the time.
Your Majesty, we have yet to hear from him.
Whatever news he brings back...
I want to know immediately.
Yes!
The entire city was searched?
There were so many witnesses and yet the female assassin wasn't captured?
I find it baffling but that's what happened.
There are too many prestigious families in the capital.
Is it because the Patrol Force wasn't allowed to search in many places
that they missed her?
The Patrol Force is indeed of a lower ranking, so His Majesty assigned
Prince of Laiyang to supervise the search.
Yuan Qi?
What's wrong?
Brother Xun, you said that the Cabinet Minister had his guard up.
Did you hand my letter to him?
Definitely.
After my uncle read it
he even praised you for worrying about the nation
while you were in the fighting world.
It was on the first day of Lunar New Year
which was two days before he died.
In those two days before the Cabinet Minister was killed
was anything amiss in the manor?
There wasn't anything amiss...
It all went well.
My uncle even asked Yuan Qi and An Ru over for a chat...
Ping Jing...
Fei Zhan...
I'm afraid that it wasn't as simple as it seemed.
His Majesty might be in danger.
This is too absurd...
How could he collude with someone who killed his mother
to betray his nation and murder my uncle?
All of these are felonies that will get him executed.
Ping Jing.
Is this really what you've concluded?
Even if the military information of the eastern frontier
wasn't only accessible to one man in the Ministry of War
and even if all the incidents were just coincidences
Cabinet Minister Xun could never have been
Eastern Sea State's main target of assassination.
Brother Xun, did you know that the letter I asked you to give
to the Cabinet Minister mentioned Yuan Qi's actions?
Ping Jing...
Have you suspected Xiao Yuan Qi for a long time?
But earlier on... I had no solid evidence to prove it.
Then--
Get back here!
According to what you previously analyzed
there will be disturbances in the capital, am I right?
The capital...
I'm afraid something grave is about to happen.
[Jinling's Donghu Palace Guards took unusual actions.]
I only hope you won't make a decision
that you'll regret for the rest of your life.
Qian Xue...
Why are you hesitating?
I've refused to leave Mount Langya...
because Father told me before he died
that you and Ce are my greatest responsibilities.
Whatever I do, I must put the feelings of my family first.
As your family
our greatest comfort is to share that responsibility.
Back then...
All I could do for your brother was to stay by his side.
Now, there's a lot more that I can do for Ce.
You don't have to worry about us.
Miss Lin also said that... she will visit us often.
I'm sorry.
I made you a promise.
You are, after all, the son of Changlin.
Yes.
I am, after all, a son of Changlin.
Since I know that His Majesty will be in danger
I can't sit back and do nothing.
I understand your standpoint and approach.
I've never thought of making you change.
But, Ping Jing...
I hope you can understand that...
I also can't change myself completely for you.
One day, if the capital is where you decide to settle down...
then you and I...
Lin Xi!
I know that I have no right to make you wait here for me.
But I'm just going away to do what I must get done.
I'll definitely return.
I only wish to spend the rest of my life with you.
When I return, we'll travel across the world and taste all the herbs.
Ping Jing...
My heart will always wait for you.
But I can't stop right here just to wait for you.
Lin Xi...
Ping Jing...
Wherever you may go, you will always find me.
Even if we can't see each other in the end...
promise me that you'll take care of yourself.
Just stay safe.
I'm leaving.
Ce, be a good boy.
You must obey your mother.
Study hard.
Then when you grow up, you can look after your mother.
Uncle, I understand.
Uncle, take care.
Brother Jiu, does Old Hall Master Lin have any pouches for me this time?
He really does?
When can I open this?
Right now.
What is this?
Old Hall Master Lin said
that the master of this cuff never lost a battle in his lifetime.
He offered this to you as a gift today to represent his sentiment for you.
Langya Hall never interferes with politics.
However...
You can check at the messenger dove stations in Lang Province
for the latest news of Jinling City.
Thank you, Brother Jiu.
Look after yourself.
Take care.
I'm safe here.
However, as for you, take care.
Don't worry.
Everyone.
Take care.
Brother Xun, let's go.
Let's.
General!
Bad... bad news!
Xiao Yuan Qi?
Yue Yin Chuan of Qian Province asks to see Master Jin!
General Yue, just a moment.
Nonsense!
Royal Palace Guards only act upon an imperial decree!
How can they be manipulated so easily by anyone?
His Majesty's safety is in the hands of the Imperial Guards.
The Palace Guards should be out at Donghu Division
but Prince of Laiyang used Spring Hunt
as an excuse to deploy them to the capital.
My subordinate witnessed the Palace Guards rushing to Jinling.
This is a critical situation!
Could it be that they weren't notified that Spring Hunt was canceled?
It's Prince of Laiyang's first try at arranging Spring Hunt.
It might have been an oversight.
However, General Di visited the Royal Laiyang Manor
many times when he was in the capital.
The commander of the Palace Guards came to the capital to report his work.
His Majesty assigned Prince of Laiyang and the cabinet in charge.
Of course he had to visit Royal Laiyang Manor!
I don't find this questionable at all.
Master Jin!
I didn't speculate on some trivial clues.
I already told you that the maid we rescued...
How can you believe the malicious words of a maid so easily?
In my opinion, after all that you've said during this time
each and every accusation is too forced.
Nothing can be proven.
Fortunately, you talked to me in private about this matter.
If it were someone else
they would have you arrested for slander!
General Yue, you're still young.
You've also contributed to defending the nation.
I cherish great talent.
I'll spare you this time.
- But, Master Jin-- - Enough said!
Commander He, this is...
Prince of Laiyang will need the Imperial Guards
to help capture the spies of Eastern Sea State.
I'm here to convey a confidential command.
Please dismiss your subordinates first.
- Yes! - Yes!
You may all be dismissed.
[Imperial Guards' Office]
Your Highness.
Deputy Commander Tang has pledged his allegiance.
Of the 30 lieutenants and captains of the Imperial Guards
21 report to him.
That is enough to give us the advantage.
The Imperial Guards were taken.
So was the Metropolitan Governor's Office.
The entire capital is now under the control of Xiao Yuan Qi.
Right now...
I'm afraid no one in this world knows what is happening in Jinling City.
Don't blame yourself, my brother.
Even if you had informed Mount Langya
Prince of Changlin is but a commoner now.
He has no armed forces or authority.
What could he do?
We're probably more useful than he is since we're still in our uniforms.
Perhaps...
It's about time that all of you take this uniform off.
I believe that if you make your way out of Jinling
or stay behind as common folk, you should all be safe.
If so...
You may all be dismissed.
General!
Perhaps...
One day, we might all meet again.
General...
What do you mean by this?
What are you going to do?
Where are you going?
What do you mean by this?
I have to get into the palace.
You're going to rescue His Majesty?
I'm just going to inform him.
- I'll go! - I'll go!
The rebellion might spread to the palace soon.
There are 70,000 Palace Guards in the city
and 50,000 Imperial Guards in the palace right now.
We're the only ones standing between them and His Majesty.
We are as trivial as dust.
Yet I can't just stand by doing nothing.
Do you think I'm crazy?
Not at all.
It sounds quite impressive!
Am I right?
We have fought our way through blood and death.
We're not ignorant like those young masters in the capital.
Exactly! General, don't underestimate us.
General...
We have all died once already.
Just give us your orders.
You've thought this through?
Good!
Since you've made up your minds
I have a few tasks to assign to you.
We will obey General's orders!