♫ The far and long roads, the man I miss is at a distant place ♫
♫ Seeking the truth in heaven and on earth, opening up the words deep in my heart, not looking back ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful woman, if one's heart could be fragrant ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful woman, desolate like the moon ♫
♫ I worry, when can I appreciate the grasses and flowers with a beautiful woman ♫
♫ The ancient people didn't have time to leave some Yimoxiang (a type of plant) ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful lady, heart becoming fragrant on its own ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful lady, fragrant dreams ♫
♫ The whole world is drunk, one's whole life just follows the blue water ♫
♫ I'll drive and go away for an adventure, flying as I want to in the nine skies ♫
Song of Phoenix
- Episode 13 -
In this turbid world no one understands me, and the people's hearts cannot be addressed. - Huai Sha (Embracing Sand), Jiu Zhang (the Nine Chapters), by Qu Yuan
Beat him!
Lord Zhao, spare me! Lord Zhao, spare me!
Lord Zhao, spare me! Lord Zhao, save me!
Enough.
Get lost.
L-Lord Zhao, spare me! I'll leave.
Thank you, Lord Zhao, for sparing me.
Madam.
You should know what you should or shouldn't say.
I understand.
Go. Bring your mistress back.
Yes.
I've seen it all in Quan County in these few days.
This place isn't suitable to stay in for long. You should come back with me.
Why?
I'm worried someone will plot against you.
Plot against me? I'm the magistrate, who dares to do that?
Don't think that the epidemic was as simple as you think.
Or else?
I feel like something else is going on behind it.
Think about it.
Think about it. Why would so many rabbit corpses suddenly appear?
They were all in front of civilian homes too.
Unless these rabbits can commit suicide.
I was confused about that too.
Now that you mention it, it does seem like someone did it on purpose.
It's possible.
You have made a lot of enemies here.
I'm afraid someone wants to use this chance to force you to leave.
If that is the truth, then I definitely can't leave!
You're being dumb again.
If I leave as soon as those bullies want me to, won't that be just what they want?
It will bring sadness my people and joy to the enemy. How can I do such a thing?
There's probably another reason for that, isn't there?
Is it because of your "mountain spirit"?
I knew when I saw your face!
I can see it.
This "mountain spirit" is generous and benevolent.
You are quite lucky!
Hey, what step have you two gotten to?
Big Brother!
I'm just caring about you!
It looks like this village is a good place to be.
You have wine to drink and a beautiful woman with you.
When I get a chance, I'll ask the King to give me a magistrate position too!
It's living joyfully and carefree.
I came here to be a magistrate. Do you think I'm like you, only thinking about those things?
So what if you're like me? What am I thinking about?
Beautiful women and good wine, who doesn't like that?
Come!
You drink alone.
My lady.
Cai Wei?
Master Cang Yun won't come.
Impossible!
It's true! I just saw Master Cang Yun leaving, and asked him where he was going.
He says his mother is very ill, and has to go back to visit.
Did my father tell you to come?
No! I can swear.
He agreed that he'd come. Why didn't he tell me?
Perhaps...perhaps...his mother is too sick?
Did he say when he'd come back?
He didn't. I'm afraid it won't be too soon.
Aiya! My lady, don't overthink it!
Master Cang Yun isn't here, so you definitely won't be able to leave tonight!
Beforre Master and Madam find out, we should hurry and go back!
My lady! Let's go! If we still don't go, we'll be discovered!
Look, it's already so late! Let's go!
Big Brother.
Why did you come here?
Let's drink first.
If you have something to tell me, then just say it, don't beat around the bush.
I won't keep it from you.
Mother and Father told me to come.
Why?
They want you to go back...
...and get married.
Get married?
When did I get engaged?
Why would I need to lie to you? It's Lord Zhao's daughter,
Zhao Bi Xia. You have to marry her.
Father's actions intend to tell the world that he wants to form an alliance with Zhao family.
I'm not sure what Father's real intentions are.
I don't think you have a choice in this matter.
Why can't I choose my own wife?
Little Brother Yuan! This is a pretty good marriage!
Think about it. The Zhao family and Jing family have been fighting for the spot.
If you are outstanding and successful, you will be the future prime minister.
So what?
You are the son of the Minister of War, and the son-in-law of the future prime minister.
With an identity like that, what else do you want?
Besides, that Zhao Bi Xia is very highly-ranked in society.
She's one of the most talented women in Yingdu. Where can't she compare to you?
You need to learn to be satisfied.
Leave aside the prime minister's daughter.
Even if that was the King's daughter or a celestial immortal, I don't want any of them.
You wouldn't even want a celestial maiden?
I don't understand you. Why must you insist on that troublesome girl?
Big Brother, I know you love me most. You taught me how to pursue Miss Mo Chou before!
Help me again and ask Mother and Father to dissolve this engagement, okay?
Little Brother Yuan, you know the way Father is.
What he's decided on, there are very few people who can change it. How am I to help you?
Big Brother! Father listens to you the most! If you say it, it'll definitely work!
If it was anything else, then maybe. But I can't do anything about this.
Then go beg Mother! Mother has a soft heart.
When she comes next time, I'll talk to her about it. It will definitely work!
Why can't you abide Father's wishes?
Marry Zhao Bi Xia and then make Miss Mo Chou your concubine. Wouldn't that work?
How can I do that? I will only marry Mo Chou!
Why be like this?
Isn't it enough that you can have her in the end?
If that's what it is, then I would have forsaken Miss Mo Chou!
I really don't understand. A wild girl who earns money performing on the streets,
how could she be better than the young lady of the Zhao family?
Think again if this is worth it.
Miss Mo Chou isn't a noblewoman.
She doesn't have the wealth of Miss Zhao.
But in my heart, no one can compare to her.
You've seen it yourself. When I caught the epidemic and fell unconscious,
when everyone wanted to give up on me, only Miss Mo Chou didn't give up on me!
How could I forsake her?
There are plenty of good women in the world. Why must it be her?
Because in my heart, she isn't just Mo Chou.
Nor is she a mountain spirit. In this world, only she understands me the most.
Very well. You have truly made up your mind?
I'm certain.
Sit down to talk.
I never imagined
that my Little Brother Yuan had become so passionate about a woman.
Very well. Then I'll help you try.
Thank you, Big Brother!
Cheers!
Chu State
Big Brothers, you can only escort me to this point.
If there is news in the future,
I will find a way to send it out.
Okay.
Little Sister, you can just go into the palace. We'll take care of things outside the palace.
I heard the Qu and Zhao families are going to be united in marriage.
I heard the officials talking about it.
Qu Yuan's poetic talent is outstanding and he has a noble and unsullied character.
Zhao Bi Xia stands out among other women, knows proper etiquette, and is intelligent.
If they are married, then they are a match made in heaven.
I think this is a good marriage.
It's not good.
Why not?
Royal Son, look at these calamondin oranges. (T/N a citrofortunella, hybrid cross of kumquat and mandarin orange)
This calamondin orange tree
has one branch growing on top while the others grow horizontally.
If you don't trim it,
the other branches won't receive enough sunlight
and won't yield good fruit.
Yes, one branch getting it all isn't good.
The officials in our court
are like the top branch.
For generations, they worked hard for our Xiong family.
They have merit and have suffered.
Mm.
I treat them as
pillars and stones.
If we have pillars,
then our palace will be stable.
With stones, your kingdom will be long-lasting.
Queen Mother, you want to say...
The Zhao family made very important contributions during times of war.
Now, they are uniting with the Qu family.
And they hope you will grant marriage too.
Have you not thought about what he wants to do?
He and Jing Po has been competing against each other for the district magistrate position. Of course, I know about that.
So that's why I say, this is a difficult matter.
My son, look here, after removing that branch,
isn't it prettier than before?
Queen Mother, you mean I should strengthen the Jing family?
It's the same whoever gets the district magistrate position.
I don't think there's any difference. It's just,
-You can go.-if for this matter,
-Yes.-the peace between the officials was harmed,
then that wouldn't be very good.
Your Majesty, the beautiful woman from Qi has arrived and is waiting outside. Should she be brought in?
She arrived so soon?
Son, I heard
that the beautiful woman the State of Qi found is the most beautiful in the world.
And she has a thin waist.
In currying favors, Tian Jian of Qi is best at it.
But I might not appreciate his gesture.
Son, there hasn't been any new additions to the inner palace for a while.
Also, you've been worrying about Concubine Yin all this time.
At this time, the woman sent from Qi
may not be a bad thing.
How about you see her first before making up your mind?
I've been concerned with important matters, and don't have the time.
We'll talk about seeing the Qi woman another day.
Your Majesty, the woman from Qi is still waiting outside.
She has had a long journey. Let her rest first.
Put her in Furong Palace.
Yes.
From now on, if you're not by my side,
when I see this, it'll be like seeing you!
You must understand. Some people may be talented,
but they may not become a court official.
So what if he can't become an official?
Don't interact with him so much in the future.
Your father told me your marriage to Qu Yuan has been set.
Even your birthdays have been matched! If I stay by your side anymore,
I'll be kicked out of Zhao mansion!
The bottom of it all, isn't it just to ally with the Qu family to scheme for that district magistrate position.
How ridiculous! You're not allowed to say that about your father!
Am I wrong?
Do you want to follow me and spend your days eating plain, coarse food?
I'm not afraid!
I'm afraid.
My lady, seeing you so nervous like this the last few days,
are you still thinking about Master Cang Yun?
Logically, he should be back. Why hasn't he sent any letters?
Perhaps there are many things to do at home,
so he can't find a spare moment?
He couldn't have forgotten our agreement?
This sort of person leaves without even saying goodbye.
He's not worth your missing.
No, that's not the way he is.
They say that the ladies have lots of feelings while the men are heartless.
Those only apply to the privileged sons of wealthy families.
Cang Yun...it's impossible.
My lady!
My lady, where are you going?
My lady!
My lady, you're going to Master Cang Yun's room? You shouldn't go.
If the Master and Madam find out, they'll be angry.
You keep talking about "Master and Madam".
Are you on their side or mine?
Of course I'm standing on your side!
Look at your face. One day, you'll betray me!
I think Master Cang Yun will return very soon. Clean up his room.
My lady, you don't even know when he'll return!
Once he's done visiting his family, naturally he'll return.
What? If you're not willing, I'll clean it myself.
Okay, okay, I'll do it.
- Cai Wei.- Huh?
When Master Cang Yun left, why didn't he take this baofu? (T/N the luggage of the time, items wrapped in a cloth)
Perhaps...perhaps he was in too much of a rush, and didn't notice?
Really?
My lady, I'm just guessing.
Perhaps it's not like that.
Tell me the truth. Just where has he gone?
My lady...I...I don't know!
Just what is going on?
My lady!
Was it my father?
Tell me!
My lady, Master Cang Yun...
the Master kicked Master Cang Yun out!
They found out everything.
How dare you!
My lady! It's my fault, hit me!
Where is he now?
I don't know either.
- My lady, where are you going?- I'm going to look for him!
- My lady!- You dare?
Men! Lock her up!
You-!
Furong Palace
Wow, this is so fancy.
This is more beautiful than the Qi palace!
This seat...
... is very comfortable.
Is that the place for you to sit?
There's no one else here. Besides, don't forget.
I was sent by Minister Hou to protect you. (T/N Hou Sheng of Qi)
Oh? Is that so?
Now that we're here, will I still need your protection?
This is the State of Chu's palace. I am a concubine here. We have a difference in status.
Do you not understand even that?
I know I was wrong.
We are also a family.
We should be helping each other.
Your Highness is right.
You and I are new to the Chu palace. You must have more eyes.
You must be careful in everything. As for your tongue,
you can make it shorter, to avoid being pulled into others' rumors.
I understand.
Alright, the journey to here was hard, you go take a rest first..
Yes.
That's right. Your Highness is new to the Chu palace today,
but the King hasn't even come. Isn't it a bit against the rules?
Rules?
Those are things for the kings to trick the people.
As for them, they just need to follow their hearts.
But if the King of Chu doesn't come to see Your Highness,
then what about the task Minister Hou has for you?
Him?
He would?
You're saying, the King didn't summon the girl from the State of Qi?
Precisely.
In the past when new girls came, the King would summon them immediately.
I never imagined that he'd make an exception today.
The King's efforts are all going to Concubine Yin.
He's worried something bad would happen.
This is good too. Concubine Yin is still the Princess of Qin.
It is normal for His Majesty to show affection towards her.
That's right. Find a chance to look into that girl from the State of Qi.
Concubine Zheng makes me worry enough.
I don't want another woman to mess up the inner palace.
Yes.
Jaingli Palace ("River Algae Palace" )
Look at me.
Beloved, if you want another child, I can give you another.
What are you smiling for?
Give me another child.
But in my heart, no one can replace my Zi Qin.
Enough.
Don't think I will keep on letting you do whatever you want.
You have white hair.
Whatever. I can't do anything about you.
If you want to torture yourself like this, then do whatever you want.
Your Highness.
How is it?
The King really did go to Jaing Li Palace today.
It looks like I underestimated that wench.
She has many tricks.
From what I see, His Majesty is just visiting.
You don't know, Your Highness. Concubine Yin has white hairs now.
How could the King favor her?
Really?
Absolutely.
Concubine Yin, oh Concubine Yin. You stole all my glory.
Now it's time for you to enjoy some good times.
But, a new concubine has come.
You're talking about that Tian Ji?
She arrived at the Chu palace today, but the King didn't even go to see her. There's no need to worry.
Your Highness, you must not be careless. I hear she is the most beautiful woman in the State of Qi.
In the past, I was the most beautiful woman in the State of Zheng.
Am I more beautiful, or is she?
Of course, it's you, Your Highness.
You haven't even seen her, and you say I'm more beautiful?
But I want to see this Tian Ji
to see what tricks she has.
Magistrate Qu! Please
get justice for me!
What happened?
Two lives killed at once?
Who did this?
Zhao Yue! Zhao Yue!
Lord Zhao! How can I dare to do that, Lord Zhao?!
It's just that my wife is pregnant so we really are so short in food.
Lord Zhao, please give me some more time!
Give you more time?
Who will give me more time?
Stop hitting him!
Please!
Stop hitting him! I'm begging you, spare him!
My wife, my wife!
My wife is so pitiful,
and my seven-month-old child!
How dare he!
Tell me, where is he.
Brother, what are you planning to do?
What else, I will bring him back to you.
Don't push. One by one.
Oh? General Qu, why have you come?
General Qu.
Because you offended my friend.
General Qu, you've seen life and death on the battlefield.
Just for a peasant. No need.
How dare you. You killed someone and dare to talk like that?
Aiya, General Qu. Killing a slave isn't illegal even under Chu law!
What can you do about it?
If my Little Brother Yuan didn't tell me to bring you back before I left,
I would just kill you.
Kill me, go ahead. I won't believe you will.
Even the laws of Chu won't say I'm guilty! What, are your brother's words bigger than the law?
In this place, my Little Brother Yuan's words have the most authority!
Oh, I'm so worried, so scared.
Everyone come take a look! I never thought that Minister of War Qu's son
would mock the royal law!
Rascal.
Don't force me.
- Big Brother. - If you dare, go ahead. Do it, right here.
Look everyone. I though he's very daring.
But he's a scared cat.
He's a turtle hiding in his shell.
Look at him.
Scaredy cat.
Hahaha!
Scaredy cat.
That's right!
Brother!
Big Brother! Big Brother!
Brother!
Good kill!
Well killed!
Thank you General Qu!
Big Brother!
Magistrate, I'll be frank. I'm afraid this matter won't be that simple.
You think I can't even control a small family slave?
The dog dares to bite
not because the dog is hungry, but the owner is more hungry.
You're talking about Liu Wai Zui?
It'd be alright if it was just Liu Wai Zui. There is still Cheng Hu and Jing Lian.
These two are not above playing games.
Also, they have people in the court.
So what? Even the current King cannot take people's lives rashly.
This-! Lord Magistrate-
No need to say more.
Little Brother Yuan, I'm back.
Brother.
Where is the person?
I killed him.
What? I told you to bring him back, why'd you kill him?
I also didn't want to.
But he was looking for it. What can I do?
General Qu, you've made a huge mess!
I just killed a big bully.
But..
L-lord Jing, why are you still here playing chess?
You have to think of an i-idea for me!
That Qu Yuan not only stole my wife,
he cut off our money source too.
Alright, now it's just great.
Now he has his brother openly kill!
Liu San! Your subordinate, Zhao Yue,
has become more ridiculous in these two years.
Sometimes, he doesn't even respect me!
He deserved it!
Y-y-you, what are you saying?
Human language.
He did kill my family member, but it's the same as if he slapped your face.
Your face.
What's the big deal?
As I see it, he died well.
No! Lord Jing, w-w-what are you saying?
Don't you want to bring them down?
Isn't this a perfect chance?
Lord Jing, you are intelligent.
Hey!
Zhao family wants to unite with Qu family,
so he can compete with me for the district magistrate position.
He wouldn't have thought that Qu Yuan is this useless.
The heavens are watching over me.
Your Majesty, I have something to report.
What is it?
A matter that is punishable by death.
Jing Qing, just be frank. (T/N "qing" is used by rulers toward their subjects).
Minister Chen, you are the Minister of Laws of Chu.
If someone rashly kills civilians, what is his crime?
Then it depends on who he kills. Killing a slave is not a crime.
Killing a civilian is worthy of death.
Killing a noble means death of three generations, killing royalty means death of nine generations.
Lord Chen, you truly know the law well.
But, what if this person is an official of the State of Chu?
-If it is an official of the State of Chu,-An official of the State of Chu?
- The punishment severity is increased by one level. - Who are they talking about?
Lord Jing, you've run in a very big circle.
Just who are you talking about?
-I do not dare to say it.-If you don't say it,
why do you need to make it seem as though you have a secret?
Everyone knows that Chu has three great families.
Although I am a Mo Ao (high minister),
just with my family's strength, I still dare not to offend the other two families.
Minister Jing, what do you mean?
Chu has three great families: Jing, Zhao, and Qu. Everyone knows that.
Does it have to do with the Zhao and Qu families?
You can be frank, Minister Jing.
Is it the Qu family or the Zhao family?
Our Qu family, since the our country was established,
has always served the Chu kingdom.
The Zhao family was good in both literary and martial arts
and has made significant contributions.
Minister Qu, I didn't say it was the Zhao family.
Then you mean, it was the Qu family's doing?
Now that you say it, you, the Minister of War,
still don't know about this?
I have been training new soldiers recently so I have been lax in disciplining my slaves.
If it is one of my slaves' doing,
I won't let it go.
Minister of War Qu, I said it earlier.
The killer is one of the officials of the State of Chu!
An official of the State of Chu?
Lord Jing, you cannot talk rashly!
Jing Qing, do you have evidence?
Your Majesty, I have a witness.
Bring him in!
Bring the witness in!
Your Majesty, this is the witness.
Raise your head.
Don't be afraid. Tell everything you know to the King.
Your Majesty, my name is Zhao Jing. My brother's name is Zhao Yue.
I am a slave in the Liu household in Quan County.
We usually sell salted fishes to pay for our daily needs.
I don't know how we offended Magistrate Qu!
County Magistrate Qu's older brother, General Qu You, went to the market and incited trouble.
For no reason at all, he killed my older brother!
- What?- General Qu You?
Zhao Jing, you cannot speak rashly.
The one you are charging is the Quan County magistrate and his older brother!
They are sons of the current Minister of War, Lord Qu.
- Minister Zhao, who are you pressuring?- You-!
Continue talking!
Your Majesty, all I say is true!
I am powerless and unable to get justice for my brother!
Please get justice for me, Your Majesty!
Minister of War Qu,
what else do you have to say?
Your Majesty! If those two are unfilial sons who really did such a thing,
I will definitely not tolerate them! But...
..if someone is slandering my son, I definitely would not spare them!
Very well! It'll be easy to act with those words, Minister of War.
Your Majesty, the witness said what he wanted to say. That is what happened.
Please decide how to deal with this.
Your Majesty! I will capture and bring back that bastard (unfilial son) right away for you to put on trial!
I don't know if you intend to capture them,
or let them go?
I'll do exactly as I said!
This type of behavior is not condoned by my Qu family.
If you don't believe, then capture my sons and interrogate them.
Enough!
- Minister of War.- Here.
-Go and come back quickly.-Yes!
Yuan'er doesn't want to be engaged to the Zhao family?
What's so bad about the young lady of the Zhao family?
My Little Brother Yuan likes a girl named Mo Chou in Quan County.
What nonsense! Marriages cannot be done rashly!
But I think Little Brother Yuan has really made up his mind this time.
Don't you love him the most? Think of a way to help him!
How about we bring Miss Mo Chou back for you to take a look?
The more you say, the more inappropriate they get.
The marriage with the Zhao family has already been set!
The entire city of Yingdu is watching! Is the young lady of the Zhao family someone you can marry easily
and cast off just as easily?
But we can't make things hard on my Little Brother Yuan!
Father.
Speak! What have you two done in Quan County?
I don't understand what you mean, Father.
What is it? You look awful. What happened?
Jing Po says they killed someone in Quan County!
Is that true?
Killed someone?
Speak!
It's true.
You unfilial sons!
Father. That person is a big bully!
He burns, kills, rapes, and steals. He oppresses the citizens. Doing all kinds of evil things.
Father, you didn't see it then. There was no one in Quan County who didn't clap their hands happily.
They all said we got rid of an evil thing for the people!
I can't believe you can still say that!
This is a crime worthy of death, didn't you know?
What should we do?
Father, Father, wait! This has nothing to do with Little Brother Yuan.
I was the one that killed that bully!
Do you think you can bear full responsibility for this, huh?
Kneel down.
Kneel down!
Stay right there! You're not allowed to go anywhere!
Father!
♫ Day and night, summer and winter, nonstop changes ♫
♫ Herbs and trees, prosperity and decline, would still depend on a beautiful woman ♫
♫ Rumors brought by wind from all over; inciting ministers with different dreams ♫
♫ Asking Heaven if it can bear witness to one's loyalty ♫
♫ Muddy and clear, beautiful and ugly, overturning all living creatures ♫
♫ Angelica and magnolia, orchids and quan, have a hard time emitting their fragrance ♫
♫ Why must you proceed against the current? Why must a lonely flower admire herself? ♫
♫ No one knew that one's birthplace has become someone else's territory ♫
♫ Outstanding in a chaotic world, who can understand one's desire? ♫
♫ Going far to travel, yet one's heart is tied with one's home ♫
♫ Drinking one 'Li Sao', the pain of separation ♫
♫ Getting drunk for a lifetime of dedicating oneself for one's country ♫
♫ Coping with the long, long road; hard to beg the heaven and the earth ♫
♫ How much excellence can grieving citizens produce? ♫
♫ Singing one 'Li Sao', pain of separation ♫
♫ Sighing how hard it is to keep a bosom friend ♫
♫ For the ideal that I hold dear to my heart, I’d not regret a thousand times to die. In the end, turning into ashes.
♫ If this dream is difficult, let's just leave it to the next generations to ponder ♫
♫ Outstanding in a chaotic world ♫
♫ Who can understand one's desire? ♫
♫ Going far to travel Yet one's heart is tied with one's home ♫
♫ Drinking one 'Li Sao', the pain of separation ♫
♫ Sighing how hard it is to keep a bosom friend ♫
♫ For the ideal that I hold dear to my heart, I’d not regret a thousand times to die. In the end, turning into ashes.
♫ If this dream is difficult, let's just leave it to the next generations to ponder ♫