♫ 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 21 -
I’m going to build a house in the center of the river, and cover the roof with lily leaves. - Xiang Fu Ren (Lady of the Xiang) from Nine Songs by Qu Yuan
Where are they?
Boss, I want to buy two steamed buns.
Okay, please wait a moment.
Hey! Over there!
Caiwei!
Caiwei, where is your lady?
My lady is by the river. She wanted me to buy some food.
She's alone?
Mm!
Not good! Let's go!
Brother Yun, no!
-Just let me!-No!
-Brother Yun! No!-Sister Xia!
Just let me!
-Let go of me!-Sister Xia!
Bixia? You're that brat from the Zhao family?
Look at her face! So soft and delicate.
No wonder he was so mesmerized by you. But no matter how precious you are,
you're just a home-wrecking weasel! I spit on you!
Sister Xia! I didn't mean to trick you!
I just did this because I like you too much!
During these days, there hasn't been one day when I haven't missed you and thought of you.
Now that you've come, don't leave again.
From now on, let's live peacefully, okay?
Don't!
My lady! My lady!
-Don't!-My lady!
Zhao Bixia!
Let go of me! Let me go die!
My lady!
Let me go die!!
Is he worth all this?
Why did he lie to me?
We made a promise that we won't betray and disappoint each other in this life time.
Why did he lie to me?
He's not worthy to have your love! He's not worth you doing this for him!
Zhao Bixia! Have you ever thought about it?
If you die, how sad will those people who care for you be?
In this world, are there still people who care about me?
Of course there is! Your father. Your mother!
You still have us! We all care a lot about you!
That's right!
My lady! If you die,
what am I supposed to do?
Did you find Lady Bi Xia?
No.
-Madam!-Did you find Bixia?
I've sent out all the people I can. But even after searching through the entire city of Yingdu,
we still haven't found Lady Bixia!
What do we do?
What do we do now?
You're all useless!
You looked all day but you still couldn't find her!
Could she have died?
How could you say that?
Master! Master! Lady Bixia...Lady Bixia is back!
She's back!
Master Qu, you can escort me up to here.
Alright, then I will take my leave.
Master Qu.
Master Qu, today, thank you.
Miss Bixia, there are some words that are useless if other people say it.
It will only work if you think it through yourself.
Xia'er!
You're finally back!
You still know to come back?
My lady!
Lingjun, so Xia'er was with you?
Yes, Lord Zhao. Since Miss Bixia has safely returned,
-I should return to Quan County.-Please wait, Lingjun.
It's far from here to Quan County. Why not wait until tomorrow morning?
It's alright. Thank you, Lord Zhao.
With official duties at hand, I do not dare to wait.
Ah. Since it is for work,
then I will not force you to stay. Be careful on your journey.
Please do not see me out.
This brat! She's becoming more and more ridiculous!
Master! Stop blaming My Lady, please.
Just what happened to your lady?
Speak!
So My Lady she...she...!
My pitiful daughter. She met such an awful person!
Wife, I was just blind.
I let that sort of monster
stay in my house!
Master, Madam! Please stop blaming My Lady!
My Lady already feels awful!
Caiwei, go back and take good care of your Lady.
Don't let anything happen to her again.
Yes, Madam.
Go on.
Cang Yun! I definitely won't spare you!
Men!
Master.
Go.
Make Cang Yun disappear from this world!
I understand.
My lady, you are...?
These are the poems he once wrote for me.
What use is keeping them? Why not just let it all end...
...cleanly cut?
My Lady, this is all thanks to Master Qu this time. If not for him,
I'm afraid I'd never see you again!
My Lady, My Lady! Nothing can happen to you again!
The Zhao Bixia of the past
is already dead.
Lian'er, come, let us
drink a cup.
You are the son of my older brother's maid,
but you are still my older brother's biological son.
This time, just take the initiative to take your life to help the Jing family.
The ancestors of the Jing family will remember you.
Don't worry.
Your name will enter the Jing family generational book.
Then what about my family?
Since you are already in the Jing family's generational book, then they are naturally members of the Jing family.
Come, I, your uncle,
drink to you.
Thank you, Uncle!
Qu Yuan.
One day,
I want you to die in my hands!
Your Majesty, Lord Jing has knelt outside the door for a long time.
This guilty criminal greets Your Majesty!
Please punish me, Your Majesty!
High Minister Jing, aren't you carrying the twigs of the chaste tree on your back?
Then pull out the twigs and flog!
Stop!
Does it hurt?
N-n-n-no.
It really doesn't hurt?
I-i-it really doesn't hurt.
Does it hurt or not?
-Your Majesty, please spare me!-Does it hurt?!
-Your Majesty, spare me!-Does it hurt?
Your Majesty please spare me!
What did you do wrong? Tell me!
I-I-I didn't teach my subordinates well! M-magistrate Qu
almost got killed.
So, you brought his head here
You helped me punish a thug. You really did such great achievement!
I-I-I don't dare to do that!
I should have sent Minister of Laws Chen to do this.
I wanted to give you a chance to change yourself!
But you led me in circles like this!
Do you really think I didn't know a thing?
I-I-I know I was wrong!
I initially planned to give the Prime Minister position to your Jing family.
But you act like this! Because of your greed for small riches,
you forced those people into becoming vengeful spirits!
Not only that. I allowed Qu Yuan to reduce the land taxes
yet you sent people to go assassinate Qu Yuan?
Even if I flay your skin, it'll be hard to appease my anger!
I-I-I deserve to die! I deserve to die!
You do deserve to die! Drag him out!
No! No no no! Please spare me, Your Majesty!
Please spare me, Your Majesty! I don't want to die! I don't want to die!
I don't want to die! Your Majesty!
I don't want to die!
You are afraid of death too?
I still want to stay alive
to serve Your Majesty and the State of Chu!
Your Highness! Your Highness!
Please help me ask the King for mercy!
I don't want to die! I don't want to die!
Since your family worked for us for generations,
I will spare your life.
However, you have to give half of your wealth to those people!
Those farmers are all my people!
Th-th-thank you Your Majesty!
-Thank you Your Majesty!-Get lost!
Thank you Your Majesty!
The old High Minister Jing was such a hero.
Yet he has such an awful descendant!
Your Majesty, are you really going to spare Jing Po like that?
Or else? Am I supposed to kill Jing Po?
Then Jing Po's guilt would be set in stone.
Would the Jing family let the Qu family go?
If he doesn't follow my orders, I will kill the whole Jing clan.
But if you deal with him like this, it's still going too easy on Jing Po.
That's better than the Qu and Jing families fighting on for this reason.
Or else, my State of Chu would never be at peace.
Also, no one is allowed to speak of Jing Po's guilt.
Yes.
The heavens are on my side!
Since the Tian Ji we sent out has already gained Xiong Huai's favor,
Are you afraid that you still won't be able to know for certain the movements inside Chu?
Yes. The beautiful maiden the Prime Minister sent out does have some tricks.
She not only entered the State of Qi,
and tricked Tian Bijiang (of Qi) so thoroughly, she also
gained Xiong Huai's heart so soon.
Xiong Huai has always favored small-waisted girls.
Catering to his interests isn't really a hard thing.
This Ying Ying is too disappointing.
Your Majesty.
Why did you bear to send Princess Ying to the State of Chu?
To exert effort for the grand ambition of the Qin country
is her honor to begin with. But now...
Don't talk about her.
But when the State of Qin defeats the State of Chu and rules the world,
would Princess Ying be able to return to her own home?
Bazi, you are still a person of Chu.
Do you really not mind the State of Qin going to war with the State of Chu?
Since I entered the Palace of Qin,
ever since I stepped through the palace doors,
I became a person of the State of Qin.
Don't worry. Mi Bazi,
the State of Chu is still your home state.
If the Qin soldiers break into the Chu Palace one day,
I will give you face
and leave him (Xiong Huai) with a complete body.
Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has arrived.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, the heavens have given us a beautiful chance!
Prime Minister, what are you so happy about?
Tian Ji sent news that the people of Chu are being oppressed by the officials.
The Qu, Jing, and Zhao families are at odds, the State of Chu is in a mess!
This is the perfect chance to attack the State of Chu!
Is this true?
The Qu, Jing, and Zhao families are the most important Chu officials.
The three families having internal conflicts will surely destabilize the government.
Let's use this chance to attack.
The State of Chu will definitely be taken off guard.
Since the heavens intend to help us,
I definitely will not disappoint them!
Qi Palace
Your Majesty, Tian Ji has sent a letter!
-Bring it to me!-Yes.
Wonderful, wonderful!
Oh, my, Prime Minister, Tian Ji is really a beautiful woman.
She has already seduced Xiong Huai!
Prime Minister! You came up with an excellent plan!
It is good that Tian Ji has news from the State of Chu.
But...it's been some time since Tian Ji went.
She only sent us news now. Isn't it a bit too slow?
Prime Minister, you're over-worrying again!
As long as Tian Ji continues to stay by Xiong Huai's side,
then we can get more news!
Then the State of Chu's every movement, we will know all of them!
When that time comes, we can send soldiers
and destroy Xiong Huai and his State of Chu!
Your Majesty, we can't!
The State of Chu cannot be attacked!
What does that mean?
Your Majesty, we sent a spy to the State of Chu
to ally with Chu, not to attack it.
To ally, not attack?
Are you telling me to kiss up to that Xiong Huai?
No. We are not allying to kiss up to the State of Chu.
Then what is it for?
Your Majesty,
the State of Qin is ambitious and has always been planning to rule the world.
Their attacking the six other countries is just a matter that will happen sooner or later.
Only if we, the remaining six countries unite
can we go against the Qin country.
With the hundreds of years of history of the Chu country,
only if we are able to get them on our side can we have the other countries unite with us.
Yes, yes.
I understand all you're saying.
But Tian Ji is a rare beauty in our State of Qi!
If I just give her to the State of Chu like this,
I really feel bad about it.
-Your Majesty--Enough, Prime Minister.
I know what you want to say.
The world is more important, right?
I understand!
Bai Qi you once told me
that you were named after Wu Qi, right?
Correct.
Then do you know why Wu Qi
was so widely respected?
Wu Qi was able to serve the Lu, Wei, and Chu countries in his lifetime.
When he was serving the Lu country, he was able to repel the invasion of the Qi.
And then when he was at Chu, he helped Dao, King of Chu do reforms. (T/N 389 BCE)
The State of Chu became more powerful, and was able to align with the State of Zhao
and defeated the State of Wei.
Just now you talked about when Wu Qi
was an official in the states of Lu, Wei, and Chu.
But why didn't you talk about when he was an official in the State of Wei?
Prime Minister, what do you think?
When he was an official of Wei, he defeated the Qin army numerous times.
He was able to conquer Qin country's Hexi (literally west of the river) area and renamed it Hexi province.
Wu Qi even was their first senior provincial official.
These matters of Wu Qi,
you surely know of them very well.
You know. Because you don't dare to say it.
Because Wu Qi once defeated our State of Qin.
The people of Qin hate him.
When I was little, I hated him too. But now?
I want to thank him!
Because he woke us, the State of Qin, up!
He let us know that if we want to avoid being bullied,
our fists must be harder than anyone else's!
Now is the era to contend.
Contending doesn't depend on one's mouth.
We need to rely on swords.
I got it.
And also, you admire Wu Qi a lot.
I want you to use Wu Qi's technique
in training your army. Can you do it?
Your Majesty.
I shall obey your order!
Good! That's precisely what I wanted to hear!
Zhao Manor
Xia'er, you'll be bored in your room.
Come out for a walk with me.
I don't want to go.
Xia'er. It's been so long since that incident with Cang Yun.
Why continue being like this, being pitiful?
The happiest ones knowing that he is in the past,
should be you and Father.
Xia'er. Are you still angry that we
engaged you to Qu Yuan?
Enough. Qu Yuan is in trouble now.
I'm afraid your marriage will have to be pushed back.
What trouble?
From what your father says, he offended the Jing family.
This time, we might be in trouble if we aren't careful.
So for your marriage,
we can only take things as they come.
What's wrong?
Today, Jing Po because of Yuan'Er's situation
was heavily beaten by the King.
That's not good. Jing Po, this person is not a kind one.
-I'm afraid he'll do something bad to Yuan'er!-Yes.
Husband, hurry and think of something!
If it was before Jing Po was beaten,
we could still turn things around. But now?
That day I told Yuan'Er to not be hasty.
And you! You're still protecting him.
Then you're going to watch your son
become someone else's target?
How about you personally go and apologize to Jing Po?
A Minister of War has to apologize to a guilty official?
Then what do we do?
At the moment, we have to hurry and complete the marriage.
We need to combine Qu and Zhao families' power.
I think when that time comes, even if Jing Po is more capable,
he wouldn't dare to do much to Yuan'er!
Minister of War Qu, what is the meaning of this?
Brother Zhao,
I came here, to confirm
the marriage date between the two children.
Qu family and Zhao family heads are important court officials.
The marriage is a big deal.
We cannot be hasty.
Yes, my wife and I have already looked.
The third of next month is an auspicious day. Why don't we...
The third of next month?
Wouldn't that be too rushed?
Oh, please do not worry about that. The Qu family has everything prepared.
- Just leave it all to my wife.- This...
It's just that my daughter happened to catch a cold recently.
I think she'll need to rest longer, so she will be healthy.
Yes, yes. My daughter doesn't even dare to leave the house recently.
Oh, then that would be rushing things.
But do not panic, Brother Qu. Once my daughter gets better,
I'll visit you and then we can choose an auspicious date.
We can have the wedding then. How does that sound?
As such,
I'll take my leave then.
Please take care, Brother Qu.
Brother Zhao, let's meet another time.
I won't see you off then.
Miss! Miss! Good news!
What good news?
Minister of War Qu has come to talk about your marriage to Master Qu!
He wants you and Master Qu to get married on the third of next month! What do you think happened in the end?
What happened?
Master and Madam found an excuse to push it back!
I got it.
My lady, haven't you always not wanted to marry Master Qu?
What do you understand?
My lady, you're not...in love with Master Qu, are you?
Nonsense! I said before
that I definitely will not marry him!
My lady, circumstances have changed.
If not for Master Qu, I'm afraid you'd still be tricked by that Cang Yun!
You're not allowed to mention that person again!
Yes.
Miss Bixia is sick?
This is such bad timing!
Or else? This is just Zhao He's way to drag things out!
They were the ones to ask for this marriage first!
Things are different now.
The Zhao family wanted to unite with the Qu family
because he wanted to use this marriage with us to pull himself further up.
But now? Yuan'er offended Jing Po.
He's afraid of getting into trouble himself.
If we cannot unite with the Zhao family,
if we are alone,
I'm afraid it won't be so easy to defeat Jing Po.
Grand Advisor Zi Shang was the matchmaker for this marriage.
If they want to cancel it, they must first get the approval of Grand Adviser Shang.
How about we invite him out to talk again?
No matter what,
no matter what I have to do,
I cannot let Jing Po hurt our Yuan'er!
Big Brother Lingjun!
Big Brother Lingjun, you're here!
Yi'er, here.
-What is this?-Lingjun!
Mo Chou!
Big Brother Lingjun, you're different today!
Magistrate Qu, this is...?
Uncle Mao, actually, I came today to...
Oh, I know! You must have come to marry my big sister!
Uncle Mao, I...
Father!
Uncle Mao!
Father! Why did you do that?
Uncle Mao, just what did I do wrong?
-I won't let Mo Chou marry you! Get lost!-Father!
Uncle Mao, Mo Chou and I love each other! We've been through life and death together!
We've been through so many obstacles. Why can't we be together?
Yes, Father! Qu Yuan and I truly want to be together!
What truly? A girl saying such ridiculous things!
Go back into the house with Yi'er! Go!
-I won't go in!-Go back!
-Father!-I won't go in!
Mo Chou!
-You can't do this!-Are you not going to listen to me?
-Go back!-Father!
Father, why must you be like this? I won't go!
Go!
Big Sister, let's go in.
Uncle Mao, I sincerely like Mo Chou and want to marry her.
Don't worry, I will definitely treat her well. I won't let her suffer!
You say that you like her. Your family doesn't want her!
If you agree to it, would your family agree?
Can you make your own decisions?
It was just an accident last time. I guarantee that there will be no next time!
I will protect her well my entire life even if I die!
I'm not asking either of you to die for the other!
As long as Mo Chou isn't with you, naturally she'll be okay!
Are you willing to give up your family and status
to be with Mo Chou?
A warrior dies for his bosom friend, a woman happily beautifies for the man she loves.
This was originally a two-person matter. It has nothing to do with others!
Moreover, I surely will get the people around me accept Mo Chou.
For Mo Chou, I can remain in Quan County!
Have your Qu family see Mo Chou before coming to see me again!
-Leave! Leave!-Uncle Mao!
-Take them away! Leave!-Uncle Mao!
Leave! Leave! Hurry and leave!
-Uncle Mao!-Big Sister!
-Leave! Don't come ever again!-Uncle Mao!
Leave!
Uncle Mao! Uncle Mao, listen to me!
-Lingjun! Father!-You're not allowed to go!
Mo Chou!
Father! Why must you do this? I really don't understand!
If you want to be with that Qu Yuan,
then I'm not your father!
Mo Chou! Mo Chou! Come back!
Mo Chou !
Mo Chou! Mo Chou!
Su Qin, it looks like this
can't be kept secret from her anymore.
Were those words you said just now true? For me,
you can give up the Qu family and its glory?
Mo Chou. I said before
that I am willing to give up anything for you. I don't care about anything.
Then I don't care about anything either.
Mo Chou, I definitely will not forsake you.
That's right, Mo Chou.
Is your father keeping something from you?
Why are you suddenly asking that?
Your father must have his reasons for suddenly disliking me so much.
I'm not sure either.
Don't worry. We will definitely be together.
Grand Adviser Shang's Manor
Oh, my, this is the jade pillow given by the previous Emperor. (Zhou Dynasty, still present over all the States).
Grand Advisor Shang really has such good eyes.
Such a wonderful thing,
I cannot accept it.
Grand Adviser Shang, since you like it,
Please accept my sincerity.
Minister Qu really wants to give this jade pillow to me?
Grand Adviser Shang, to tell you the truth,
I have a small request today.
Please go ahead, Minister of War Qu.
My son has been engaged to the daughter of the Zhao family for a while.
May Grand Adviser Shang step out and help bring about this marriage.
That is quite difficult.
How can an outsider like me interfere?
Grand Adviser Shang, it was you who first suggested this marriage.
May I ask you, as the matchmaker, to fulfill your duty to the very end.
War Minister Qu, you also know this matter will depend on the circumstances.
Although the Zhao and Jing families are competing for the ministerial positions,
to openly attack the Jing family,
the Zhao family definitely would not agree to that.
Besides, Qu Yuan has offended Jing Po now.
This marriage...
Please help me think of what to do.
When it comes to marriage, if one side is not willing,
it cannot be forced.
Grand Adviser Shang, the Zhao family will surely give you respect.
Also, the Zhao family didn't directly say they wanted to break the engagement.
Please step forward
and push things forward some more.
♫ 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 ♫
♫ 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 ♫