You ordered me to participate in the hunt.
I had no choice but to obey.
I've been ill for a long time.
Somehow, that made me somewhat of a physician.
While I was studying medicine,
I discovered that the sap of Lanwei flowers
could temporarily tame wild animals.
That's why I had Chuanyun and the others use this method
to lure the prey.
What about your wishes?
My wishes
are similar to Minister Feng's.
I am willing to hunt for you,
Father.
Minister Feng.
Looks like the Cloud Cutter Sword will remain with my family.
Xi'er.
Receive the sword.
Thank you, Father.
FENG QIWU'S RESIDENCE, YONGZHOU
Chief, you wanted to see me?
Elder.
Go and bring me
the box I hid at the Fountain Abode.
Help me buy a piece of information from them.
What information?
Information
regarding the Second Prince, Feng Lanxi.
Prince Lanxi did gain favor today,
but it was through cheap tricks.
Do we have to get
the Fountain Abode involved?
Elder.
What do you think of my assessment of people?
Precise but ruthless.
You have a much sharper eye than me.
What if a person
managed to dupe everyone for a dozen years
and even got me deceived?
What do you think of this person's shrewdness
and craftiness?
Go on.
Yes, Chief.
Ms. Huan.
What is it?
Ms. Huan.
You've been serving His Highness for a dozen years.
Within the residence,
you must be the one who knows His Highness best.
So I'd like to ask you something.
Is it about why His Highness pretended to be weak?
Yes.
Why don't you ask your father?
My father wouldn't tell me.
Ms. Huan, tell me, please.
I'll have to start from the beginning.
His Highness's birth mother
was Princess Yige of Dadong.
She is the sister of Emperor Chunxi.
Her status is unrivaled.
So naturally, she would become Yongzhou's first lady.
The late lady was virtuous and unblemished.
Despite knowing the lord took Baili
as a concubine before their wedding,
she still welcomed her into the palace.
She also took in Baili's son
as her own.
It was none other than the First Prince, Feng Chang.
Because of that,
despite Prince Chang's aloofness towards others,
he has always adored His Highness.
The late lady's health deteriorated after giving birth.
Baili attended to His Lordship with full devotion.
After giving birth to the Third Prince, Feng Ju,
she was conferred the title of consort.
Due to her identity, the lady did not contend for attention.
She feared the accusation of jealousy.
Several years later,
she died from heartache.
Before long,
Baili was conferred as the new lady.
She is the current lady
who went to pray at Mount Ning ten days ago.
Everyone thinks of Baili
as kind and virtuous.
She regards His Highness as her own son.
But little do they know
that Baili is only trying to spoil His Highness.
She purposely sent courtesans and beautiful women
to attend to His Highness,
all because she wants her own son, Prince Ju,
to be first in line for the title of the heir.
After the late lord passed away,
His Lordship did not appoint the heir right away.
And he never paid much attention to His Highness.
I feel bad that he has to cozy up to Baili on one hand,
while working hard on the other.
He had been persevering for three years
before the chance came to drive Baili out with the reason
of being poisoned.
His Highness had a birth mother who was unlucky.
Then he had a deceptive stepmother.
Not to forget the traitorous palace maids.
I see.
This is why His Highness has been pretending to be weak.
If His Highness hadn't been sick for so long,
Baili would never have stopped.
Fortunately, in these past years,
she believes His Lordship only favors her birth son, Prince Ju.
So she hasn't been finding fault with His Highness.
If she hadn't lowered her guard,
His Highness wouldn't have been able
to manage the Fountain Abode smoothly.
I counted.
I think our prince fell ill
in the 14th year of Chunxi's reign.
Ms. Huan, doesn't that mean
His Highness only used eight years
to concurrently master literature and art
while building up the Fountain Abode to be the world's best?
His Highness is a genius.
If not,
how did you think His Highness was able to be elegant yet secretive
while playing two of the Four Gentlemen roles
at the same time?
Then why did His Highness
make himself conspicuous during the autumn hunt?
I'm sure His Highness has a plan.
We just have to oblige.
I told you all this today
not only to curb your curiosity
and make you serve him wholeheartedly,
but also to let you know
that His Highness has started to move.
You must be prepared
to do your part for His Highness.
Your Highness.
I asked you to be the messenger.
Have you passed the message to Bai Fengxi?
I wasn't able to.
Ms. Feng has left Pei City.
But the intel from various sources
says that Tianshuang Sect is heading for Ma's Castle.
So she has the same idea as me.
There's a message about the Feng Family.
Chief Feng
seems to have taken an interest in me.
Your Highness.
How should we reply?
Tomorrow at noon.
Lanyun Pavilion.
I will wait for her there.
Yes, sir.
Looks like we managed
to get ahead of Soultaker Sect.
According to what we found out about the Ties,
the Soultaker Sect will surely be watching the Ma family.
They will be notified
in the slightest movement.
The way it is,
we can only prepare ourselves
and invite the guest in.
We do not know how many men the Soultaker Sect has sent.
With the few of us, we will be outnumbered.
Since it's a setup,
we'll need Mas' cooperation.
That's the only way
to stop the Soultaker Sect's scheme.
Master, I have an idea.
It may or may not work.
Speak up.
MA FAMILY, JIZHOU
I am Bai Fengxi of Tianshuang Sect.
I have an important matter to discuss with you.
Bai Fengxi?
CHIEF OF THE MA FAMILY, MA MENGQI
Why did you suddenly turn up at Ma's Castle?
And why did you come to see me
in this manner?
It's an emergency.
I hope you understand.
Have you heard that lately,
many sects and clans
have fallen prey to the Soultaker Sect?
Yes, I have.
The word out there
is that the Soultaker Sect is ruthless.
Wherever they pass through,
they leave behind carnage and despair.
I see.
Rest assured, Heroine Feng.
Ma's Castle is an advocate for justice.
We won't sit by idly.
If needed,
the Mas will take action.
You are upright and noble, Chief Ma.
You have my respect.
But I didn't come today
to ask for help.
Not to ask for help?
Then why are you here?
We think the Soultaker Sect's next target
is the Ma family.
What makes you think the Soultaker Sect
would want to harm us, Mas?
The Soultaker Sect is brutal.
Everything is done for profit.
In the eliminated sects,
many of them perished for good.
But the Soultaker Sect was only putting up a show.
Their real targets
are the Hans, Ties, Xuanyuan Sect,
and you, the Ma family.
Their motive is to gather
the four main assets of soldiers, medicine, arrays, and horses
and secretly set up an army
to take over the world.
I thought
it was a simple power scuffle.
I didn't expect it
to involve the whole world.
What is your thought,
Heroine Feng?
My master has set up the necessary defense outside.
I hope you'll agree
to work with us.
So you want us to be the bait?
Yes.
All right.
It's fine to be the bait.
As long as we can eradicate the Soultaker Sect,
we, the Mas, will do everything we can to help.
Besides,
if the Soultaker Sect falls on my turf,
I will have reason to brag.
Thank you, Chief Ma.
Master, after two days of observation,
we've determined the layout of Ma's Castle.
Any movement?
-Everything is normal. -We will act one hour after midnight.
-No one is to be spared. -Yes, Master.
Your Highness, Chief Feng has departed.
We should depart too.
Yes, sir.
Your Highness.
-Your Highness. -Why are you out of breath?
Prince Chang is here.
I smell trouble.
Ms. Huan is trying to stop him, but I don't think it's working.
So she asked me to give you a heads up.
I'm here to see my own brother.
I don't need you servants to pass the word.
Good day, Feng Chang.
Is there a reason
you came today?
A reason?
No need to pretend you're clueless.
Judging from your cold expression,
I suppose you're here to reprimand me.
You haven't explained to me what happened at the autumn hunt.
Last night, I already wanted to come and ask you.
But knowing your condition, you must be tired.
So I held it in until now.
I guess you're unhappy that I stole the spotlight.
I hereby apologize to you.
Lanxi.
In your eyes,
am I just a resentful, sore loser?
I'm just frustrated you didn't tell me sooner.
Why did you lie to me?
Feng Chang.
When did I lie to you?
I told you at the autumn hunt.
Chuanyun and Chuanyu
helped me prepare the prey.
But you didn't say how it would be prepared.
But Feng Chang.
You didn't ask.
You little brat.
You're talking back to me now.
All right. Tell me.
You weren't at the Hot Spring Palace the last time. Where were you?
What's wrong?
I feel light-headed.
All right, fine.
I'll stop asking.
I won't ask anymore.
Compared with when you were younger,
you've certainly become more annoying.
You're so annoying.
Even if I'm annoying,
you're still my older brother.
I haven't been able to thank you yet
for what you did for me that day,
I prepared this gift for you as my gratitude.
I was just about to go give it to you.
I guess you do have a conscience.
You have to be more careful from now on.
Feng Ju gets jealous easily.
Now that you've received favor at the autumn hunt,
who knows what he will do to you next time?
Aren't you going to see what I got you?
It's from you.
It can't be bad.
Even if it is, I'll still cherish it.
Greetings, Your Highness.
You clearly agreed
to help me keep the secret.
But you sent a secret letter to the Fountain Abode
wanting to investigate me.
I am the chief of the family.
The fate of the Feng family lies in me.
I'm just trying
to know you better.
Only by knowing who you are,
can I make an informed decision.
So have you come to a decision?
At this present time,
are you "elegant"
or are you "secretive"?
Being secretive
is a cover.
If the cover is blown,
it will be dangerous.
What you just said
came from the Shuowen Jiezi.
It's an explanation for "secretive."
In Erya,
being secretive is being concealed.
What is hidden can also be profound and subtle.
Sima Qian once appraised Sima Xiangru's compositions.
Spring and Autumn can deduce the subtleties of things,
while Book of Changes is meant to be subtle but explained superficially.
Did I get that right?
Sima Xiangru was overlooked for officialdom due to sickness.
I am similar in that way.
So I will remain hidden in the dark.
Rather than being in the dark,
why not take a lantern to light the way?
If you wish to be Sima Xiangru,
then I shall be Zhuo Wenjun.
I will hold the lantern for you.
I'm afraid the lantern
will only reveal what I'm trying to hide.
I dare not.
From today on,
the Feng family will follow you,
whether in elegance or in secret.
Your Highness will lead the way.
To be honest with each other
is what I have wanted too.
I vow
not to let Your Highness down.
It's a trap! Run!
I may have failed today.
But the Ma family will perish!
Thank goodness for Heroine Feng's plan
that saved us from annihilation.
It's not over yet.
The Soultaker Sect will not stop
before they get what they want.
I'm afraid they will attack again.
I have sent word to the governor of Zhao City.
The Jizhou Defenders will lend a hand as well.
Having the Defenders here is good,
but the Soultakers are skilled.
After this defeat,
they will surely send stronger men next time.
They'd be even more ruthless.
I am willing to stay with the Ma family and take on the enemy together.
That should help minimize casualties.
To have Tianshuang Sect's help,
I am most grateful.
Chief Ma, since you have notified the governor,
inform him to relocate the female, young, and old
back to the city.
War is upon us.
We'd better not implicate the innocent.
I will.
Your Highness.
Last night, Tianshuang Sect, together with the Ma family,
managed to drive away the assassins from Soultaker Sect.
All right.
Also, the Abode has found out more
about the Soultaker Sect's Ten Temples Devils.
Six of them
are heading for Ma's Castle.
They will reach within three days.
What is the skill level of those six?
The Ten Temples Devils are shrouded in mystery.
We don't know a lot about them.
But we learned that one of them called Chu Jiang
once took down five elites from Mingyue Court by herself
and left in one piece.
She's in the operation.
Looks like
we will have to make a trip to Ma's Castle too.
But we're back in the capital.
It won't be that easy to leave.
Moreover, tomorrow morning
is the first court meeting after the autumn hunt.
His Lordship has given an order
for all three princes to attend.
Then we'll use the court as a reason
to find an opportunity.
Yes, sir.
In today's court session,
I have something to ask everyone.
Presently, the Imperial Family is vulnerable.
Word has it that the Empyrean Token
has fallen into the hands of Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou.
I'd like to know
what Yongzhou should do about it.
I think
we should take the opportunity to dispatch the army
against Jizhou.
We have all the reasons to send our troops.
Among the Six States,
Yongzhou and Jizhou are the strongest.
By taking military action,
we can weaken Jizhou's power.
I concur with Minister Wang's suggestion.
Father, I have some input.
I agree with taking military action.
As long as Yongzhou makes the first move,
the other four states will have to oblige.
Jizhou will be surrounded by enemies then.
This way, we'd be able to subsequently take over Jizhou.
Prince Ju is right.
As such, we could get rid of Jizhou
while strengthening Yongzhou.
Does Lanxi have any thoughts?
I do have something to say.
Just as Minister Wang said,
Yongzhou and Jizhou are the world's two biggest powers.
However, the Six States have existed for centuries.
The power levels are different, but the disparity isn't huge.
If we go to war with Jizhou,
win or lose,
it won't be either of us
that will benefit from the fight.
So in my opinion,
we shouldn't take action against Jizhou.
Rather, we should take a neutral stance.
Take a neutral stance?
People would make fun of us.
Lanxi, why should we let others get the praise
while we take the back seat?
Taking a neutral stance doesn't mean we don't do anything.
Presently, other states are ready to cause trouble.
We should take this time to fully prepare ourselves.
Gather our strength quietly.
According to you,
how should we prepare then?
Compared with the other states,
Yongzhou has the advantage of land and population.
I suggest
we implement state-wide army conscription.
With cities as units,
temporary armaments will be distributed to the people.
They will train in secret.
If war does break out,
Yongzhou's military power will far outrank the other states'.
Secondly, to be battle-ready by improving the people's livelihood.
After the war ends, the fight will then be about state power.
I think
we should encourage common merchants and businesses
to get involved in state-owned businesses like infantry and salt.
The increasing profits will benefit everyone.
Prince Lanxi's ideas
will shake the foundation of Yong.
Minister Wang is right.
Commoners should not be allowed to have troops.
If cities are allowed to have their own troops,
who will care about royal authority?
It will only weaken our state instead of strengthening it.
Nonsense!
I thought you would be knowledgeable
since you read more while sick.
I'm appalled at what you've learned.
Forgive me, Father.
Your Lordship, Lanxi only wanted to help.
-It's just-- -Are you saying that I'm wrong?
Pass the order.
The Second Prince, Feng Lanxi, spoke out of line.
He is to reflect on his error in the residence
and shall not be allowed to leave for half a month.
-Your Lordship. -I accept.
I thought Feng Lanxi was smarter than that.
Who knew he'd make such a big blunder?
I couldn't be more pleased though.
Prince Lanxi cannot be compared to you.
I've looked into it.
Prince Lanxi suffers from tuberculosis.
I'm guessing he doesn't have long to live.
Feng Chang, what is your problem?
How dare you hit me!
You allowed your servants to ridicule your older brother
and called me by my name.
Shouldn't I hit you?
What? Do you want to report it?
Go ahead.
Tomorrow, I'll get the censor
to charge you with disrespecting your brothers.
When Mother returns from the temple,
I'll make you pay.
Your Highness.
Those things you said in court today
really angered His Lordship.
Have you thought about it?
How will you handle it?
If he's angry, I am here taking my medicine.
If he's not angry,
I'm still here taking medicine.
Do you think
there's any difference, sir?
What you mean is…
His Lordship is here.
Here he comes.
Greetings, Father.
Save the formalities.
Yes, Father.
Stand up.
Sit.
I wouldn't dare.
Just take a seat.
Yes, Father.
Did you know I was coming?
Father, you knew I got a scare
during the court meeting today
and came to check on me.
That's only to be expected.
However,
since I moved out of the palace at 15,
this is the first time
you've come to my residence.
I've been busy with official matters over the years
and have neglected you.
But I'm reassured.
Although you take after your mother's physique,
weak by nature,
in terms of intelligence,
you get more of that from me.
Thank you for the praise.
The things you brought forth in court today
did make sense.
But you know this.
The Dadong Empire set up Six States as enfeoffment.
It's similar to what you've said.
And you saw how that ended.
The Six States grew in strength while the Imperial Family weakened.
How do you explain that?
What I proposed
is not the same as what Dadong had done.
Dadong is in peril mainly due to the division of power.
The Six States are autonomous.
It's difficult for the Imperial Family to oversee each state.
That's why it ended up like this.
What I proposed is the exact opposite.
I'm trying to gather all the power into your hands.
On the surface, each city has its own troops.
But with this, you can take the opportunity
to send your own men.
Not only will it not divide the power,
but it will also put you in control of all the cities' troops.
The world would be under your command.
In addition,
although commerce is stunted,
it is the foundation of everything.
Allow merchants to be involved in the military,
while the government controls the military.
Work is delegated to others,
but the credit
goes to the lord.
The art of lordship
is passed down from father to son and kept esoteric.
I didn't mean to punish you.
It's just that to those elderly officials,
your words
were a little too sharp.
I reprimanded you
because I wanted to protect you.
I understand.
Take care of your health.
Once you're well,
I have big plans for you.
You have a task for me.
I should oblige.
But…
My health
has always been bad.
And I did get quite a shock today.
If so,
stay in the residence and recuperate.
We'll talk once you're better.
I will give the order
for you not to be disturbed.
Thank you, Father.
Take care of yourself.
You are my oldest legitimate heir.
I have a lot of expectations for you.
Take care, Father.
And with that,
you managed to change His Lordship's impression of you.
Your Highness, you are discerning.
You've earned my respect.
Why did you turn down His Lordship's appointment?
My father
is always full of suspicion.
Once he did give me a task,
if I did badly,
it would invite criticism.
If I did well,
it would make him wary of me.
If it were me,
while in my prime,
I watched
as my sons all scrambled for my throne,
I'd probably be on edge too.
Besides,
I have to make a trip to Ma's Castle in Jizhou.
This is the perfect chance for me to sneak out.
I will leave today.
Well then, Chuanyun and Chuanyu,
go and prepare.
There's no need.
I will be going alone.
Although Father has given an order
for others to leave me alone,
the news that he came to visit me
would reach Feng Ju soon enough.
If you two come with me,
it will only create more trouble.
Understood.
Do either of you know
why His Highness is going to Ma's Castle?
Fountain Abode sent word a few days ago.
The Soultaker Sect had wanted to destroy Ma's Castle.
But Bai Fengxi and Tianshuang Sect managed to wreck their plan.
After that, the Soultaker Sect gathered its best men
and headed for Ma's Castle.
I'm guessing His Highness is going there for this matter.
For this matter?
Or for Bai Fengxi?
I think His Highness already planned it.
He purposely crossed His Lordship
in court today
because of Bai Fengxi, didn't he?
Are you saying that His Highness and Bai Fengxi are…
I think Master is overreacting.
He actually asked the six of us
to take on the little Bai Fengxi?
Ma has moved his family to Zhao City.
I'm afraid
the secret manual has been moved too.
Don't worry.
I already have a plan.
Song Di, Tai Shan, Du Shi.
-Listen up. -Yes.
You three will deal with Bai Fengxi.
Bian Cheng, Chu Jiang.
CHU JIANG
You will come with me to abduct the others.
I've been wanting to slay that Bai Fengxi.
Our mission
is not only to kill her.
Make sure we don't disrupt Master's plan.
Heroine Feng.
I'm Sun Si from the Fountain Abode.
Young Master asked me to let you know
that the Soultaker Sect has sent skilled fighters.
Six of the Ten Temples Devils are on their way.
Please be on the lookout.
That Black Fox.
Thank you for the heads-up.
Young Master also said,
if you need any assistance,
the Fountain Abode will do what we can.
There is something
that I need your help with.
MA'S CASTLE
What a huge commotion.
I appreciate the effort.
A bunch of cheap tricks.
You wench.
Even in the face of death,
you refuse to behave.
Die!
ZHAO CITY, JIZHOU
Thank you, Commander Wang.
The enemies have been wiped out.
The Ma family is safe and sound.
The Soultaker Sect would even harm powerless family members.
I'm grateful for Fountain Abode's help too.
You're welcome, Commander Wang.
Greetings, Young Master.
I'm Fengxi of Fountain Abode. Good to meet you, Commander Wang.
So it's you, Mr. Fengxi. It's my honor.
Why are you lot here?
It was Ms. Feng's idea.
She guessed the Soultaker Sect would come after the family members,
so she asked us to set up an ambush.
Once we rendezvous with you,
we'll head to Ma's Castle together.
This time,
even I was not informed.
All right.
Send word to say we're safe.
I will do so.
The men you sent to Zhao City will not be returning.
You thought you played me.
But in fact, you walked into my trap.
Are you surprised?
How dare you wreck my master's plan?
Today,
you will die here!
Langhua.
Are you all right?
Jiurong!
Jiurong, you…
I'm fine.
A man of the Xiu clan will not let a woman be harmed
as long as we're alive.
Langhua!
-Father! -Master!
I'm fine.
Master, here's a Buddha Pill. Take it.
Are you all right?
I don't like to kill.
But today, you're forcing my hand.
ROYAL HORSEMANSHIP
Father.
-Father. -Master.
-Master! -Master!
Langhua, take Master away from here.
-But you're injured too, Fengxi. -It's just a little scratch.
Hurry up and go.
Go!
Go.
The secret manual.
You killed my brothers today.
I will make you pay for it.
Sure.
Bai Fengxi, you have nowhere to run.
I'm not running.
First, I'm going to send the four of you to hell.
You're staring death in the eye.
Just give up on the brave front.
Black Fox.
I've been waiting for you.
Are you Hei Fengxi?
Mind your own business.
What did you give me?
Poison to send you along the way.
Arson to you. Honey to me.
The poison tastes pretty good.
Is the scratch on her left arm
made by you?
Let me leave the same scratch on you.
You'll know then.
I've been looking for you.
I will let you pay
for the silk string cut on her.
Mr. Feng.
I will deliver the Ma's secret manual
back to Chief Ma tomorrow.
What brings you here, Mr. Yu?
Mr. Yu?
Are you Mr. Yu?
That's me.
I was originally going to see Huang Chao in Jizhou.
But on the way,
I heard Heroine Feng was at Ma's Castle.
So I hurried here to see
who this world's oddest woman as described by Huang Chao is.
"The world's oddest woman"?
Huang Chao sure likes to come up with monikers.
Still, what a coincidence.
I've been wanting to meet you, Mr. Yu.
I didn't expect we would meet like this.