♫ 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 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 ♫
♫ I'll drive and go away for an adventure, flying as I want to in the nine skies ♫
Song of Phoenix
- Episode 13 -
Careful and meticulous, never rash, not making a mistake ever since. - Ju Song, Ode to an Orange, the Nine Chapters by Qu Yuan
Have you ever thought that the servants are the same as us?
They also are people that live in this world.
They also live, die, grow old, and get sick. They also have parents and brothers.
Our lives are lives. Are their lives not lives?
If their lives aren't lives, then tell me!
What are their lives?
This...this...
Your Majesty, I believe that a noble's life is a life.
A slave's life is also a life!
What nonsense.
The Chu laws clearly state that servants are the property of the nobles.
A noble can sell them if they want. Even if they want to take a servant's life,
that is their freedom!
-If that is truly what the law of Chu says, then the guilty one is the law!-You-!
Big Brother, get up. Our knees can kneel to the king,
but we cannot kneel to the guilty law of Chu! Get up! Get up!
What complete nonsense! Do you know who set the law of Chu?
That was the old ancestors. You dare to say nonsense about the ancestor's laws.
You are disrespecting the ancestors.
Your Majesty, are you going to split your own people into two?
Some can do as they want, and some can't air their grievances?
If the law of Chu ignores equality, is it guilty?
If the Chu Law allows for the oppression of peasants by nobles, is it guilty?
If the Chu Law doesn't let the peasants receive any fair judgements, is it guilty?
Unfilial son! You've said enough nonsense!
Every word that I say are from the bottom of my heart.
I think for the peasants, and do not regret it.
Your Majesty! I did not teach him well, please punish me!
Grand Adviser, according to your view,
what do you think of what Qu Yuan said?
Your Majesty, I believe that what Qu Yuan says,
is daring, but it does make some sense.
Chen Qing, what do you say?
Your Majesty, according to the law, Qu Yuan is guilty.
As a Judge of the Royal Court, naturally you must abide by the laws of Chu in all matters.
But, if there is a problem with the law of Chu,
then we should make some changes.
Beloved Subject Qu is right.
Slaves are also people of Chu. They are also my civilians.
Lord Chen, write this down. From today on, killing a servant
-is as guilty as killing a commoner! -Your Majesty is intelligent!
Your Majesty is intelligent! The entire Quan County's people
and the people of the State of Chu thanks Your Majesty!
-Your Majesty is intelligent!-Your Majesty is intelligent!
Your Majesty is intelligent!
It's been some time since you went to Quan County.
Being a magistrate isn't as easy as writing poems.
I think that writing poems is much more difficult than being a court official.
That's new.
Being a magistrate requires talking to people.
Writing poems only requires talking to the heart and the gods.
Your Majesty, is it easier to talk to humans
or to the gods?
I'm afraid you're the only one who talks to the gods while writing poems.
Naturally.
I believe that there are three phases to writing poems.
What three phases?
First, writing about the world.
There are many contemporary poets who could reach this phase.
A lot. What is the second phase?
The second part, is writing about what's within the chest, the heart.
Only two or three out of ten could reach this phase.
Then what about the third?
The third, regards matters that might not be.
To have thoughts when observing the world, be inspired by all that exists.
It comes from nowhere, and is going nowhere.
Then doesn't that mean that nothing has been written?
When has the Heaven or Earth spoke?
Ling Jun, the realm that you've described connects the world and the Heavens.
I believe, Ling Jun, your poems must have reached such a realm.
I'm ashamed to say no. My talents are crude and not nearly enough.
Ling Jun, you are too humble. If you cannot write it, then who this world can?
Only the Heavens can grant such beautiful poems.
I wish for both beautiful poem and 'beautiful governance'.
I too await your Highness's beautiful governance.
Do you still remember what I told you? After you go to Quan County,
you are my eyes and ears.
What I can't see and hear, you must see and hear for me.
Now it's different to before.
You must also be my heart.
I understand.
However big your heart is, that is how much you can help ease my worries.
Also, don't stir up trouble in the village anymore.
I can save you this time, but not necessarily next time.
Your Majesty, I didn't do anything wrong!
And you still say you didn't do anything wrong? Even if that bully killed someone first,
even if it's like you say that it's a crime to kill servants too, then why didn't you
capture that bully and use the law to deal with him? Why did you have to openly kill him?
You and Qu You are the Minister of War's sons. You are also my personally appointed magistrate.
If you commit such crimes, then how are you different from those bullies?
-Then--Forget it.
Take this as a lesson. Don't do it again.
Oh. In two days it will be the selection for scholars.
Let's follow the old rules and have you be the judge.
I've said this before. Success and failure is dictated by the heavens.
It will be very difficult to select an individual with true talent.
The three realms of poems, each have their own use.
There are ones who can reach the Heaven's, so too must there be ones who can enter the Earth.
Those of the Earthly realm, will have to contend with Earthly matters. Am I right?
You are right, Your Majesty.
Alright, go look at your disciples.
I underestimated that Qu Yuan.
He came back to life after reaching the point of death.
It looks like that king's favor towards Qu Yuan is extraordinary.
Would I pick the wrong person?
Yesterday you were forcing me to go reject the marriage.
That was then, this is now.
Besides, it was for our daughter's good.
Now that the danger is over,
hurry and help Xia'er prepare.
After she gets married, she won't be a girl anymore.
She cannot be as stubborn as she is now.
Naturally. Don't worry.
That's right. Where is Xia'er?
She went to the market with Caiwei. She said she wanted to buy some makeup.
Is there not enough makeup at home?
She must have gone to see that Cang Yun again!
If this keeps going, if the Qu family hears of it, what are we supposed to do?
Be stricter with her from now on.
Yes.
Sister Mei, I've troubled you.
The scholar selection will be in a few days. Just relax and prepare.
Sister Xia, what if I fail again?
If you pass, there is nothing my father can say.
If you don't, then he has no choice either.
With you by my side, the heavens have been good to me!
Of course! This is many generations' worth of fortune.
Our poor mistress. She ended up with you!
Who told you to talk so much? Go wash the clothes.
Sister Xia, let me!
Brother Yun, you-!
Sister Xia, just let me. Sister Xia!
-Sister Xia, just let me!-Brother Yun! No!
-No!-Sister Xia!
-Sister Xia! Just let me!-No! Brother Yun!
-Sister Xia!-No!
Xia Mei, I didn't meant to force myself on you.
I really want to be with you. That way, Lord Zhao won't be against us!
Cang Yun, I also want to be with you.
I also want to be accepted by everyone! But not this way!
Xia Mei. Don't worry. I will definitely become the scholar.
I never imagined it! You were too amazing today!
Your mouth is like it's been oiled.
From now on in front of the king, I'll have to depend on you!
This is called, being able to walk across the world because you have reason.
It's not knowing how pompous you were. His majesty forgave you due to your young age.
Or else, you two would have died long ago!
Besides, Lord Zhao He spoke on behalf of you!
You must remember this favor!
We didn't do anything wrong! Why do we owe him anything?
What else do you want to do?
Don't be angry. I'll take Yuan'er to the Zhao mansion
and thank them there.
There's no need for that. We'll be family soon.
After I pick a good day with the Zhao family, you'll be immediately married.
I don't agree!
What did you say?
I said I won't marry Zhao Bixia!
You have no choice in marriage!
Father!
You child!
I've thought about this issue. You have three paths to take.
What three paths?
First, you can marry Mo Chou.
What's the second?
The second is to marry Zhao Bixia.
There is still the last one. You can marry them both.
Do you think you can refuse this just because you want to? Father has his reasons too!
You can't continue being this ridiculous.
Listen to me. Go and apologize to Father later.
It's settled.
I won't go.
Why are you so stubborn?
Why should I go apologize? Can I not marry Zhao Bixia if I apologize?
Can I then live as I want instead of being a chess piece?
This isn't something an apology can solve!
Little Brother Yuan! Little Brother Yuan!
Big Sister, is dinner ready? I'm so hungry.
It'll be done soon!
Zoom zoom.
Why didn't you tell me you took my stuff?
You can't play with that!
They won't break if I play with them for a bit! So petty!
You're not allowed to play with them! Don't you have a clay doll too? Give them to me.
Why can't I play with them?
Go play with yours.
Oh! I got it! You hold these little clay dolls every day
and pretend to be Mo Chou sometimes and Qu Yuan at other times. I heard it all!
You little thing, what are you saying? I'm going to beat you! Stop right there!
Come catch me! Catch me!
-Stop right there!-Big Sister!
Come catch me!
Qing'er!
Big Sister Qing'er!
What's the rush?
Big Sister, I have news about Mr. Qu. Do you want to hear it?
What's the news? Hurry and tell me!
Big Sister, you're not really in love with him, are you?
How could I?
How is his situation?
What do you think? That was a public killing!
No, I must go look for him!
Have you gone crazy? A place like Qu mansion,
can people like us go in as we please?
I don't care!
What are you laughing at?
You still won't admit you like Mr. Qu?
Aiya,
don't worry! The king not only didn't convict him,
he also ruled that killing servants is as big a crime as killing commoners!
To put it another way, that Zhao Yue deserved to die!
-Really?-It's more real than real!
Young mistress.
Young mistress, there's no one.
You're back?
What did you go to do?
I...didn't I tell you
that I went to buy makeup?
Come with me.
Xia'er. During this time, you've been going out more than usual.
If you don't say it, I still know. You went to see Cang Yun.
Our biggest wish is that you can find a good husband.
What's bad about Qu Yuan? At a young age,
he's been made Quan County Magistrate by the king.
For him, the king even changed the law of Chu.
What does that have to do with me?
Xia'er. After you marry Qu Yuan,
You will be husband and wife, and need to share the honor and disgrace.
He can share the honor with whomever. I will not marry.
You child. why can't you see what's good for you?
Mother. I've said what I should.
After today, don't worry about my matters anymore.
Xia'er! Xia'er!
Your skills are not as good as before.
I heard from your father that there is a girl in Quan County who is deeply devoted to you.
That's right.
It's a shame. You are already engaged to the daughter of the Zhao family.
You set the engagement. I didn't agree yet.
Mother. Did you come to persuade me for Father?
What? You are already this old, what reasons don't you understand yet?
Since it's like this, why bother forcing me?
Yuan'er! I don't understand!
This Bi Xia lady is pretty and would not be scorned.
I'm not saying she's bad. I'm not worthy of her.
Why not? You are the son of the Minister of War!
Mother, stop talking. I just won't agree to this.
Yuan'er. The Zhao family did put in effort this time for you to be spared by the king.
We cannot forget the favor!
So you're sending me over like a present?
We don't even know if the daughter of the Zhao family even wants me!
What are you saying?
Mother, you know my personality best. I cannot marry a girl I haven't seen before!
Very well then. I'll leave my words here.
Whether you like it or not, the marriage will happen.
Think about it yourself.
My lady, I really don't understand.
That Cang Yun doesn't even have a living place. What do you like about him?
Being together with him,
doesn't that mean you have to suffer and be poor for life?
Even if I have to be poor, it's better than marrying Qu Yuan.
He's at least the magistrate of Quan County. Where does he lose to Cang Yun?
Caiwei, you'll understand slowly.
Sometimes, it's not about who is better.
Once you like someone, other people's good and bad traits
aren't important anymore.
If you put it like this, doesn't it meant that whoever gets there first will get the best deal.
Sometimes perhaps it really is like that.
Then I'd feel bad for miss. Just because you met Cang Yun then you're determined it's him.
then doesn't that mean you'll lose the chance to have fate with other men?
There's a flaw.
Since other men didn't meet me earlier, that means they don't have fate with me.
I can't beat you in logic, but think about it.
He just left the Zhao family, and then made his way into the gambling house.
How can you leave your future to a person like that?
That's because our Zhou family chased him out and became depressed.
The more he is like this, the more I can't leave him.
What if he continues to be like this?
Nonsense!
How could Mr. Cang Yun be that type of person?
You can't be sure about that. Besides,
Master and Madam don't want you two to have any more interactions either.
Take this to the Qu mansion and give this to Qu Yuan.
-Hurry and go.-Yes.
Qu Yuan, meet me at 5pm tonight by the river.
[Zhao Bixia]
You're Zhao Bixia?
I am Qu Yuan.
Mr. Qu, I-
Mr. Qu, what are you looking at?
People say that you are the most beautiful in all of Yingdu*T/N: Yingdu - the Capital city of Chu
As I see it, you're are but so so.
this segment does not exist...!
Young Master Qu, you certainly seem as carefree as they say you are.
You can't believe in rumors.
I believe I've disappointed you?
In any case, if you marry me, I won't treat you poorly.
I don't mind marrying one more woman.
Then, you have had a person you like since long ago?
Even though I can't say she's as beautiful as a celestial maiden
But compared to Miss Bi Xia, she's on a higher level.
That's good. I also have had someone else in my heart.
So, I ask that you tell your father to dissolve our engagement.
You should have said so earlier! Hurry and ask your father to dissolve the engagement!
I've said all I should. My father simply won't agree.
So, that's why I wanted to ask you to talk to your father
to not have our families united.
If I had a way, I wouldn't have come over here.
Then there is no other way?
No matter what, I won't marry you.
I won't marry you either.
I think that you're different from other girls.
How so?
In this entire Yingdu, what girl doesn't want to marry me?
You're the only one.
Mister. Qu, you do think quite highly of yourself.
Oh right, didn't you say you had a man in your heart?
Why didn't he propose marriage to your home?
My father, thinks lowly of him since he's only a visitor.
The visitor and the miss of the house develop feelings.
No wonder your Lord Zhao doesn't feel good about it.
You look down on him too?
I have no intention of doing that.
It's just, since Lord Zhao isn't satisfied with him,
why not let him go earn an official position?
He's actually going to participate in the scholar's selection the day after tomorrow.
It's just...I'm not sure if he can pass.
Oh? I'm the main judge.
In that case, there's a chance to meet him.
Really?
Of course. In these years, the king has made me the main judge.
But now that you mention it, there are fewer and fewer good poems.
I got it!
What is it?
As long as you select Cang Yun as the winner, my father won't have anything to say.
But, whether Cang Yun can get selected, it's not just up to me.
Based on his ability, there's no problem. You just need to favor him a little bit.
You must know that this isn't just for me.
It's for you too.
Okay. as long as Cang Yun has some talent, I'll definitely make sure he wins.
Highness, the king hasn't even summoned this person.
Why should we interact with her?
How shortsighted.
Highness, Concubine Zheng has come.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Why are you so courteous, Little Sister? Hurry and rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Sit down please too. If you stand, it will make it feel as though we are strangers.
Even though I come from somewhere else, the seniority etiquette
I still understand them.
What seniority?
You and I are both the king's women.
All that we do is to serve the king well.
When we serve the king well,
this Chu State can be well off.
You are right, Your Highness.
Come. Sit down.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Xiao Qiao.
This,
was given to me by the Queen Dowager when I first came to the State of Chu.
In a blink of an eye, so many years have passed.
Come.
Your Highness, the Empress Dowager gave this to you.
How could I accept it?
If you don't mind, can you call me Big Sister?
Big Sister.
A bigger sister giving a younger sister a welcome gift is not unheard of.
Since it's like that, then I will thank you, Big Sister.
Large trees on Mt. Nan, cannot rest below them.
Spirited girls by the River Han, cannot be courted.
The vastness of the River Han, cannot be swum.
So long is the River Han, cannot be crossed by boat.T/N: from "Vastness of River Han"
Brother Yun!
Sister Xia, you've come?
Seeing you prepare so hard, I'm at ease.
You are experts when it comes to poems.
We are still in the State of Chu.
Xia Mei that's where you're mistaken. Whether it's Chu or Han
But, I heard that the main judge tomorrow
is the Qu Yuan who loves Chu poems the most.
Qu Yuan?
What is it?
You don't know, Sister Xia. He has very high standards for poems.
Last year and the year before, it's been Qu Yuan.
-Is it really like that?-So what?
If others fail, that doesn't mean you will too.
I'll tell you the truth! Our young mistress has already gone to see Qu Yuan!
Qu Yuan will watch over you tomorrow.
What did you say?
I didn't say anything...
Is Caiwei speaking the truth?
Brother Yun, I originally wanted Qu Yuan to go ask my father to dissolve the engagement.
I found out he was the main judge, and told him about all this.
I wanted to use my poems to enter the court!
Yet you and Qu Yuan conspired together.
This way, even if I pass,
How would I have the dignity to face the people of this nation?
Brother Yun, I just wanted to create more certainty.
If you don't pass-
Don't you think that my poems are the best in the world?
Since it's like that, why wouldn't I pass?
Yes, I've failed a few times.
But that was the past few years! The failure of the past few years
was because of Qu Yuan! Now without Qu Yuan,
How would I fail? Who could compete with me?
Brother Yun, I...
You don't believe in me at all!
Hey! My young mistress helped you out of her good heart.
If you aren't grateful then fine. But by saying these hurtful words you don't know her good intentions.
You don't even know what is most important to a scholar.
Then you say it! What is the most important?
Moral integrity! If there is no moral integrity,
Moral integrity, mortal integrity! I want to ask you,
when you were kicked out by Master, where was your moral integrity?
You get drunk and gamble every day, where is your moral integrity?
You were a scholar for twenty years,
and now you're still nothing! Where is your moral integrity?
Caiwei, stop talking!
I insist on talking! You sacrificed so much for him,
Yet he isn't grateful and for something abstract, he's throwing a fit here.
Stop talking!
Brother Yun, I asked Qu Yuan for help
just to make the chance of success higher.
Since you don't want him to help, that's okay.
Even if you don't pass, I want to be together with you.
Sister Xia, I understand your intentions.
I was too rash just now.
Don't worry. I will definitely do my best at tomorrow's test.
At that time, I'm afraid you wont' have time for me.
You are joking, Big Sister. I am just a regular household's daughter.
To be able to stay in the palace here, it's a major fortune.
I never dared to hope for the king's deep love.
Whether or not the king deeply loves you is not up to you.
When I first came to the State of Chu, I thought the same way as you.
I never thought that the king would often come to my Hua Ying Palace.
Alright, it's time for me to go back. In the future, if you lack anything,
just tell your maid to come get it from me.
Goodbye, Big Sister.
This Concubine Zheng seems to be a good person.
We have just arrived to the palace, and she already came to visit.
She even sent over the Dowager Queen's personal gift.
I'll give it to you.
Really?
Why should I lie to you?
Thank you, Your Highness!
Your Highness, we must create good relationships with Concubine Zheng!
She might be able to help us in the future!
She came today looking like she wanted to create ties with me, but actually she wants to test me.
If I didn't guess wrong,
in the future, this person will be our biggest enemy in the palace.
That Tian Ji is indeed a little intelligent.
But, I underestimated her.
She wasn't even moved by the Queen Dowager's jade bracelet.
This person has a big appetite.
Highness, the way I see it, she doesn't seem like one who wants to compete for power.
If even you can see it,
how could she keep living in the Chu palace?
But I must continue to keep an eye on this person.
It's fine if she doesn't compete with me.
If she ruins my plans in the future...
Your Majesty, it's getting late. Why don't you go rest first?
Okay, but I really am exhausted.
Sigh.
Who is playing the flute?
The palace strictly forbids disturbances.
I'm afraid it's a foolish young girl.
Your Majesty, go rest. I will go take a look.
That's good too.
Your Highness, do you think this will work?
Who are you?
Are you mute? The Queen is asking you a question. Hurry and respond!
Please punish me, Queen.
Why are you playing your flute in the middle of the night?
I am Tian Ji and today i happened to be in a good mood
and didn't realize I disturbed your highness. Please punish me.
So you are the girl from Qi?
Precisely.
Raise your head and let me take a look.
Indeed you're pretty.
It's just...why don't you understand the palace rules?
Please teach me, Queen.
Even if you don't say it, I know what you're thinking.
It's just, even if you have more plans,
you shouldn't bother people at this hour.
I deserve to die. I bothered the King and Queen.
Please punish me, Queen.
You seem to be knowledgeable.
Get up. Go back first.
What? You don't want to go back?
This time, I broke the inner palace rules.
I am willing to punish myself and kneel for an hour.
Since you want to kneel, then kneel well.
I wanted to cultivate that Tian Ji.
But I didn't think that only after a few days she couldn't help herself.
If this is the case, then your highness can just ignore her.
Keep an eye on her and see how many hours she can kneel for.
Yes.
Your Highness, the Queen has left. Let's go back too.
I said I'm going to kneel for an hour, so I definitely will.
It cannot be for a single moment less.
Who are you kneeling for? You're just harming yourself!
Today is the first day I saw the Queen, but I left this sort of impression on her.
If I'm not careful today
will be even harder to walk.
♫ 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 ♫♫ I lamented the numerous sorrows in the life of the citizens ♫
♫ 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 ♫
♫ 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 ♫