♫ 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 29
We grasp the long sword’s haft of jade, and our girdle pendants clash and chime. - Dong Huang Tai Yi (The Great Unity, God of the Eastern Sky) from Nine Songs by Qu Yuan
Congratulations, Your Majesty. The first battle is a win.
It is worthy of celebration.
Chu Li Ji and Bai Qi indeed have not disappointed my high hopes.
I heard that Ji'er also showed great bravery.
Excellent! Beloved Consort, you taught your son well.
Your Majesty is the one who taught him well. Your Majesty, I will toast you again.
Okay, come.
Everyone, you are all the best soldiers of the Qu family.
When you are facing the Qin enemy, facing a battle,
you've never shrunk back in fear.
Today, our great Chu is in danger.
It is time for every one of us to step forward bravely.
The invading Qin dogs have taken our cities,
killed people in our families!
We must avenge this!
We must get back the land that belongs to us! Kill!
Defeat the Qin dogs! Defeat the Qin dogs!
Magistrate Qu, I heard the General Qu You privately recruited a death squad,
to bear the brunt of the attack and attempt to enter the city first. Is that true?
Who did you hear this from?
We all heard it when General Qu You was talking to the soldiers in the death squad.
This is not a trivial matter, don't ask anymore. Just pretend nothing has happened.
This must be kept strictly confidential. Understood?
No problem! But you must allow us to join the death squad.
You!
That's right! I want to go too!
Are you going? Give me an answer, quickly.
Ye.. Yes! Of course I'll go.
In Quan County, you are the County Magistrate,
but in the military, you aren't any better than any of us.
General Qu, just let us join the death squad.
Join the death squad. Join the death squad!
And us too, and us too!
Okay!
Since everyone is eager to defeat the enemy, then go back and prepare. Tonight we'll make a move!
Yes!
What can I say about you, why did you join this mess.
If even you can go, why can't I go?
I'm going because I didn't want to lose to that Qu Yuan.
Don't bring it up.
B..but after all, I..I am still a man.
I am a citizen of Chu right?
My going to the front lines, it's absolutely right!
When the time comes, protect yourself,
don't lose face for the Chu people.
Why don't you reconsider it a bit more.
The battlefield is really too dangerous. You...
Gan! Fill it up! Fill it! (T/N: ganbei- "bottoms up" or "drain the glass")
Drink! Drink! Toast!
Bai Qi, you've come just in time. Come drink a few cups with me.
General, you can't drink anymore. If the Chu people attack now, what would we do?
Don't worry, the Chu army won't be able to attack anytime soon.
I've seen through it all. That Qu Boyong has only so much capability.
No need to keep it on your mind.
You are putting the lives of all of the soldiers in the army in danger!
You're over-stating things. We're just having a few cups.
What's wrong with that?
Furthermore, even if the Chu army attacks,
having a few drinks to liven the mood will make the battle even more satisfying.
Don't you all agree?
Come, come, come, fill it up.
Drink, drink! Come, come.
Come, drink. Drink!
- All soldiers listen to orders!- Yes!
I will lead the soldiers and lay together in ambush before the main gate.
Once the death squad opens the main gate,
we'll take over the city from the front!
Yes!
- You'er, how is it.- Everything has been prepared.
Excellent, this is not a trivial matter.
You must make all effort to take over the city. Success or failure will all depend on this.
- Yes!- Leave now.
- Father, what about me?- You?
- I'll go as well.- What are you going for?
Father, just let him go. He wants to gain some merits as well.
I'm the Commander General here!
It's okay, just stay safely here.
We'll be back soon.
Trust me.
Young Master, will the east wind really come?
Yes.
It definitely will.
The wind is here!
Younger Brother Yuan, you're really something!
Chu state
The wind is here! The wind is here!
Are you all ready?
Ready!
Catch!
Charge! Go!
Charge!
Quick!
It's finally started.
General! General! It's bad, the Chu army is attacking!
What!?
Just now, the Chu army suddenly attacked.
General Bai Qi is outside leading the fight against the enemy!
Nan Zheng
Did you open the city gates just to escape?
Brothers, let's then kill them with pleasure.
Attack!
Charge!
Mo Chou!
Be careful!
Kill!
Lord, will Minister of War and the others win?
I will use your head as an offering to my Great Qin's dead soldiers!
Prime Minister, have mercy! Prime Minister, have mercy!
Prime Minister, have mercy!
Prime Minister, although General Wei did commit a mistake, executing General Wei
while we are currently at war with Chu, won't that exactly give Chu what they want?
Why not just let General Wei make up for his mistake?
Let him lead an army and retake the city from the Chu. How about that?
Thank you, Prince Ji. Thank you, Prince Ji.
Prime Minister, as long as you'll give me one more chance,
I will definitely lead the Qin army and kill all those Chu soldiers to wash away this insult!
If you will lose to the Chu army again,
I will surely let you die away from your homeland!
Yes.
Spread my decree. All men must retreat thirty li back. (T/N 15 km/9.4 miles)
Don't rashly engage the enemies.
You'er!
- Father.- Who told you to kill the prisoners?
Zi Shang of Chu
Among the Qin soldiers guarding the city,
there were actually people from our Chu State.
And also, they were from the lower-class citizens.
I already examined them.
They were trafficked to Qin from Chu.
If I learn who did this, I will surely kill him!
This person isn't someone else.
It is our Chu's Grand Adviser, Senior Minister Zi Shang.
Father, I think that we should immediately send a secret message to His Majesty.
Immediately have this old man, Zi Shang executed.
While we still haven't clearly investigated this matter, we cannot act rashly.
I will immediately write a secret letter
and inform Chancellor Zhao about this as soon as possible.
- You must immediately send this letter to Grand Adviser Zi Shang. You must not fail.- I will do so.
Prime Minister.
Prime Minister, this is the defense plan of the Chu army camp.
Our pawn that we put inside Chu army finally has its use.
Spread my decree. Mobilize all army troops.
As you command!
In today's battle, the Qin army suffered great loss.
Our army's morale is greatly boosted.
I will then give you all rewards today.
Thank you, General!
Commander-in-chief, what are you going to reward us?
Next, when I read the name of the death squad soldier,
please come up and get your reward.
Zhuang Qiao!
Here!
Thank you, General!
- Zhao Qian!- Here!
Liu San!
Here! Here!
Thank you! Thank you!
Yong Ya Zi.
Here!
Lu Qiu Xin.
Who is that? How come no one is going in front?
- No one is answering.- Lu Qiu Xin!
Is he not around?
Who is called Lu Qiu Xin? Answer.
- Is Lu Qiu Xin not around?- Not here.
Just read the next one first.
- Ding Yuan Guo!- Present!
- Guan Jin Ke!- Present!
Why didn't you go get your reward?
I am here to fight and not for military achievements.
Don't think that I can't see.
See what?
You are afraid that Qu Yuan will recognize you.
Whether he is able to recognize me or not has nothing to do with me.
Pretend. Just continue pretending.
All those thoughts of yours are written all over your face.
What thoughts?
I really don't know what's good about that Qu Yuan.
T-This is leading an army to battle. What does he know about it?
When he was still an official, he only knew to blindly make commands.
Just randomly saying things.
Shut up!
You...look at you. You're even defending him.
Yuan'er, we won a decisive win in this battle.
You are indeed a child of our Qu family.
Father, you've over-praised me. In fact, I did not come up with this strategy.
Huh?
I received an anonymous note. I believe a great master is assisting us.
Oh... Who could it be?
Then the heavens are favoring Chu.
Father, you're right.
We've won this round, but the next...
What is it?
Zhang Yi has arrived.
He's a defeated foe, what's to fear from him?
Yuan'er, you only barely won over him in a verbal debate back then.
But in terms of war, it won't be that simple.
Don't worry, Father.
Big Sister, look at all these wenches.
All they do everyday is bewitching His Majesty.
His Majesty has been worrying about the war for many days, not eating and sleeping well.
Today, the Minister of War finally sent some good news. It's rare for His Majesty to be happy these days.
We should also be happy for His Majesty as well.
Excellent! You may leave.
My lovely Consorts, our Chu soldiers
have won several battles in row, forcing the Qin army back by thirty li.
Today I will perform sword play to congratulate our soldiers!
Mu Yi! Bring me my sword!
Yes.
Mu Yi...
Your Majesty.
You are in such high spirits today,
how about I contribute with a dance as well?
Mm! Good, great!
Your Majesty, I would also like to contribute with a dance.
Your Majesty,
Yes?
I congratulate Your Majesty, for being triumphant at one stroke.
Good!
Little Sister Ying,
Qin suffered a great loss today,
you must not be feeling very good now right?
An easy day or a hard day, it's all just a day.
There have always been winners and losers, and those who die or survive in wars.
There would be ones who become Kings, and those who become bandits.
Your Majesty, if there's nothing else, I'm not feeling well today, so I'll take my leave.
Consort Ying was born in Qin, and grew up in Qin.
Qin is naturally deeply rooted in her heart and cannot easily be cut.
Now that Qin has suffered a great loss, it is only natural that she is worried.
Big Sister, you are right.
Give me a hand.
An army's provisions are very important. We must be extra careful.
You'er, take some people, keep it under tight guard.
We cannot let anything happen.
I understand, Father.
Your Majesty, are you still unhappy because of Consort Ying's matter?
I know Consort Ying's character. The one I'm worried about is Sister Bazi.
I will feel badly for her, no matter who wins
in this battle between Qin and Chu.
It has been so many years, Your Majesty still cannot let go?
No matter what, Qin can be considered a large state,
how could they avenge their defeat on a defenseless woman.
Heaven knows. In the current situation, with Sister Bazi in Qin,
who would know if she is dead or alive.
No, Little Sister is a person of fortune.
I do believe that she would be okay.
I hope so as well.
This Zhang Yi, his mouth speaks well, and he knew no defeat.
But after achieving small victories, he then suffered such huge defeat.
The one who will be laughing in the end is the true victor.
The small victories or defeats in the middle are not worth mentioning.
Your Majesty is really quite confident.
First, I know very clearly
the Chu army looks better than it really is, and will collapse at the first blow.
How about the second reason?
Secondly,
I am willing to believe in Zhang Yi this once.
Why does Your Majesty treat him this kindly and generously?
A person that can risk everything for his success, even willing to let go of his pride and reputation.
If I don't believe him, who will I believe?
I-Is it because you were not able to see Qu Yuan today,
that's why you look unhappy?
Just try to continue saying nonsense.
Don't think I am stupid. You...
Right now, if you are able to, you'd be with him.
What are you doing not sleeping this late at night?
The two of us just came out to pee. We will be going back now.
- If you have nothing to do, hurry and go back.- Okay. Okay.
Take care.
Come., quickly!
- Everyone went to inspect the guards, come on!- What are you doing?
It's Li Yi. Why would this brother walk around in the middle of the night?
Hm?
Wine? Where did you get it?
I exerted quite an effort to be able to get this from Father.
If Father knows about us drinking wine within the camp, we surely will get in trouble.
What are you being afraid of? Father won't know about it.
Moreover, we are not going to do excessive drinking. Right?
A small drink and some joy, that's what you're saying, right?
But...
But what?
We've had an overwhelming victory this time, and we brought Chu a great honor. Why fear a bit of drinking?
It's fine. Even if the sky falls, I'll support it for you.
Come.
Let's go there and take a look.
Drink.
Hey...
Good wine.
Enough already, Big Brother.
Brother, we agreed that I'm going to accompany you to drink a few cups. But you've already drunk the whole jar.
It's alright. Let's drink.
What if a military situation suddenly happens?
Oh,
Oh, right. Didn't Father tell you to guard the rations? Hurry and go.
It's fine. Come. Drink.
Enough already, Big Brother. Stop drinking.
Older Brother...
Forget it. I'll just go there on your behalf.
It's alright. I still can drink.
Prime Minister indeed is good in archery.
Compared to the General, I am so far behind.
Prime Minister, you overpraised me.
No matter how good one's archery skills are, you still need a good bow.
Does the General agree?
Prime Minister.
What is that?
May the General read it.
That fast?
Qu Bo Yong really hid it very well. Hiding the rations in such concealed location.
What a pity. No matter how calculating he is, he won't win against me.
Ration Storage Area
Although Prime Minister's archery skills are good, you still have times that you miss.
Oh? Where then does the General think
I should have aimed that arrow?
I think that this arrow
should be aimed at Qu Bo Yong's base.
If you are able to understand everything, why then must I still be the commander-in-chief?
This...
General, the ration storage area.
Attack!
We're under attack! We're under attack!
Light it on fire!
Reporting to Lord, the rations are on fire!
What happened to the ration storage area?
There are Qin army!
Immediately inform Minister of War about this. The rest of you, come with me and charge!
Hurry! Hurry!
What's going on?
- Minister of War, it seems that the ration storage area is on fire.- Where is Qu You?
Don't know. I heard that it was Second Young Master that is at the ration storage area right now.
- Go! Go and look for him!- Yes.
The ration storage area is on fire!
- What's going on?- What is happening? What is on fire?
The ration storage area is on fire. It was done by the Qins.
Second Young Master is currently having a fierce fight with them.
Qu Yuan...Everyone, let's hurry!
- Are you alright?- I'm fine. Mo Chou?
♫ 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 ♫