Why are you tailing me?
I'm here for your head.
Charge!
Who are you?
Retreat.
Why do people always seek
to take your life every time I run into you?
You always turn up in time.
Who are those people just now?
I have no idea.
But they don't look like they were from Soultaker Sect.
I'll look into this matter.
I wasn't at home today.
I rushed over here when I heard of your news.
Let's head to House of Jade first.
Rubbish!
Tell me, how did she get away?
Your Highness,
that woman has excellent martial arts.
But most importantly,
someone showed up to save her.
Who?
It was too dark at the time.
But it seems to be
Prince Yongping.
-Who? -Prince Yongping.
Him?
Why would he…
Have you found out where she lives?
At the Pagoda Tree Alley.
Send more men.
This woman mustn't live.
-Your Highness… -Do as I say.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Wait.
I'll go with you.
Your Highness,
you'll get married tomorrow.
YOUNG LORD OF YONGZHOU
What about our child?
Miss, His Highness has written a letter.
Is he taking me to his residence now?
Chang'er will surely be recognized as the eldest son.
Greetings, Your Ladyship.
LADY OF YONGZHOU, YIGE
I didn't know, so you must have suffered in the past.
Once you're here,
remember to serve His Lordship well.
I shall obey your order.
How clumsy and frail.
How about letting a palace maid be his nominal mother?
Is that my father?
I'll work hard. I want to be the heir of Lord of Yongzhou
to carry on Father's great cause.
I'm sure she won't deny me
when I've become the feudal lord.
It has already been 20 years.
Miss,
you are
so heartless.
About your Master,
I'll send those from Fountain Abode to investigate the matter.
So don't worry.
Thank you.
You were out this late today.
Did anything happen today?
It was only a trivial matter.
Why do you have to be so proud when anything happens?
Why?
Don't you like it?
Does it matter
if I like it or not?
Enough.
I've ordered the shop to prepare some dishes.
I'll help you with the investigation.
You'll eat with me.
What are you doing?
I'm catching an insect.
What are you doing?
I'm catching an insect.
Why are you sweating so much?
It's because of the wine…
Your pulse is racing.
Would you be ill? Are you all right?
Wine is good for blood circulation.
You only had a few cups of wine.
Are you all right?
I'm a little drunk now.
I'll get going first.
That's a little strange.
I'll drink alone then.
I must have drunk too much.
Otherwise, why would I find
his grin
to be attractive?
Again?
This is the capital of Yongzhou.
You sure have the nerve
to make your move in this city.
In that case, I won't hold back anymore.
However,
I don't want to play with you, so I'm leaving.
I'm sorry about that.
Have no fear. I'll protect you.
Retreat.
Sorry about that. Did that scare you?
I don't know who I have offended
that I almost got you in trouble.
Don't you remember me?
We've met before.
You do look familiar.
You're…
I still can't recall.
I'm sorry. I need to take my leave now.
Your Highness, I was incompetent.
No need to kill her for now.
I have other arrangements.
Yes, Your Highness.
Let's see if you were just putting up an act.
If you dare lie to me…
That man who showed up just now
must have sent those people to kill me
to hide his illness.
I have nothing to fear if I am alone.
But now Master has asked me to watch them.
It's better that I don't cause any trouble.
I'm sure you must know
that Huang Chao of Jizhou is returning
the Empyrean Token.
I called you here today
to discuss something.
His Majesty wishes to hold a Six States Banquet.
Who do you think
is more suitable for me
to send?
Your Lordship, I think we should send Prince Chang this time.
Prince Chang is the eldest among the three princes.
It's only natural
for him to represent Yongzhou.
I think we should send Prince Ju.
Prince Chang may be the eldest.
But he's not a legitimate son.
Prince Lanxi is a legitimate son,
but he's frail.
I'm afraid the long and arduous journey might affect Prince Lanxi's health.
After comparing,
Prince Ju is the most suitable person for this.
Feng Ju,
are you willing to set out
to the Imperial City on my behalf?
I shall obey your order.
Your Highness, Prince Ju is here.
Let him in.
I wish Mother fortune and health.
Mother, why did you ask Minister Wang
to suggest that I go to the Imperial City?
You've committed several foolish things.
Your father may not blame you.
But he's naturally
disappointed in you.
You should go out and explore.
About the matters in the capital, I'll be around to take care of them.
But Mother,
the royal examination is around the corner.
It's a great opportunity for me.
I'm afraid it's not a good time
for you to sit for the royal examination this year.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Please rise.
Are you here about the royal examination?
I can't seem to hide anything from you.
Today, I've paid a visit to Pei Youshuo,
Senior Secretary Pei.
The Feng family is indeed well-connected.
Even Pei Youshuo who doesn't get involved in court disputes
is on the Feng family's side.
Senior Secretary Pei and my father are friends.
I'm also Official Pei's student.
This time,
my mentor gave me a name list.
Your Highness, please go through.
Mentor has set his eye on these three candidates.
He said they were
the best candidates
in terms of talent,
character, and family background.
Now that you have been granted the title of Prince Yongping,
you'll need more people
on your side in court.
There's one person missing from this list.
Feng Shiying.
My brother is a member of the Feng family.
So he's naturally on your side.
If you need to pull these three to your side,
my mentor will speak to them.
With my mentor taking care of this, they will definitely be your men.
I'll be counting on you then.
It's my honor to serve Your Highness.
I'll take my leave now.
-Your Highness. -Your Highness.
We've investigated the incident Ms. Fengxi encountered.
She may have caused some trouble when she was at House of Jade
at that one time.
The next day,
Minister Feng went there once with our residence's bill.
How did Minister Feng get a hold of our bill?
I think it was Ms. Huan.
By the way, Prince Chang was there too.
He seemed to be ill.
-Who are you? -Retreat!
So those were Feng Chang's men.
Here's your bun.
Thank you.
Here you go. Don't drop it.
-Thank you. -Miss, how many do you want?
-One. -One?
-All right. -Here's the money.
Miss.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Miss, your buns.
Thank you.
All right, thank you.
It's you again?
Do you recognize me?
Of course I recognized you.
I left you there alone last night.
Did they do anything to you?
-No. -I know.
You must be here asking for compensation
because I left you there alone last night.
Am I right?
I suffered from shock last night.
I had to take three bowls of calming soup to recover.
The physician checked my pulse and said I have
six vessels with sunken fine pulses, which severed my vitality.
I fear I only have several days to live.
But if someone is willing
to give their blood to me
and let me eat a steamed bun dipped in it,
I may have a chance to live.
Miss,
can you do me this favor?
You were tricked.
You must have met a quack.
If I find this quack,
I'll definitely break all his teeth.
I've checked your pulse.
It's extremely energetic. You'll be able to live a long time.
So don't worry.
I don't have a bloody steamed bun that you want.
But…
I'll share one with you.
Here you go.
Take it.
I'm busy, so I have to go.
That was close.
He really wanted to kill me.
He may be hateful, but he's pitiful too.
I can only feign ignorance then.
ROYAL EXAMINATION, WAYS TO PROMOTE PEACE
Official Pei,
your handwriting still has such a vigorous style.
Thank you, Your Lordship.
Please seal the examination paper, Your Lordship.
All right.
THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF CHUNXI'S REIGN
ROYAL EXAMINATION, WAYS TO PROMOTE PEACE
I'll leave the royal examination to the three of you.
-Thank you, Your Lordship. -Thank you, Your Lordship.
His Lordship has passed down his edict.
The examination will be held on the ninth of this month.
Senior Secretary Pei Youshuo, Yan Shizhang the Duke of Liang,
and Minister Wang Liangde of Rites would invigilate the examination.
It seems like we can't hide the matters
in Yongzhou from His Lordship.
I'm sure that His Lordship already knows
that Senior Secretary Pei is on the Feng family's side.
It's also no secret in court
that the Feng family is on your side.
That's why
His Lordship let Duke of Liang
and Senior Secretary Pei be the examiners.
Duke of Liang's daughter may be
Lady Baili's palace maid.
But everyone knows
that Ms. Yan
will be married to Prince Ju sooner or later.
I never intended
to keep the Feng family or Pei Youshuo
a secret from Father.
When I was young,
I once heard Father talk about the way of a feudal lord.
As a feudal lord,
one shouldn't be open about their talents.
Why would Baili let Feng Ju leave the capital
at this time?
Tell Feng Qiwu
to be prudent during the royal examination.
There shall be no mistake.
Yes, Your Highness.
I shall take my leave.
Sirs, please examine the examination topic
to see if it's properly sealed.
Official Pei,
we rode in the same carriage all the way here.
There was no chance of it being swapped at all.
I don't think we need to examine it.
We must follow the rules anyway.
Here.
THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF CHUNXI'S REIGN, ROYAL EXAMINATION
There's no problem.
All right.
It's completely sealed.
Please place it in the cabinet.
THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF CHUNXI'S REIGN, ROYAL EXAMINATION
PRINCE CHANG'S RESIDENCE
Mr. De.
CELEBRATE PROSPERITY AND RESPECT
Do you think that woman tried to fool me?
Does she really not know me
or is she feigning ignorance?
I'll be frank
if you won't be upset.
When you had an attack,
you often had a distorted appearance.
So it's not surprising
that the lady can't recognize
what you normally look like.
Since that lady
didn't recognize you,
she wouldn't tell anyone
about your illness.
Your Highness,
how about we spare her life
for now?
It's better to be cautious.
Tell the men to rent a residence nearby her residence
so we can monitor her.
Yes, Your Highness.
How far along are we?
We're 20 li away from Imperial City.
IMPERIAL PALACE OF DADONG
Your Majesty, Prince Huang Chao was attacked 20 li away from here.
What?
Dong Shufang.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I order you to bring Prince Huang back safely.
I shall obey your order, Your Majesty.
Father, what about the Six States Banquet?
It shall go along as planned.
We shall wait at the palace.
Yes, Father.
THE HEIR OF LORD OF QINGZHOU, FENG XIEYUE
THE HEIR OF LORD OF YOUZHOU, HUA CHUNYUAN
THE HEIR OF LORD OF SHANGZHOU, YANG MUCHI
THE HEIR OF LORD OF BEIZHOU, YUCHI LIE
Report!
Your Majesty,
Prince Huang Chao is waiting outside the palace.
Summon him in.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Summon Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou for an audience!
I, Huang Chao, greet Your Majesty.
Long live the Emperor.
Prince Huang, please rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I was delayed
because I was attacked outside the city.
I hope Your Majesty can forgive me.
You're loyal to your country.
So you've committed no crime.
I…
I've lost the Empyrean Token.
The Empyrean Token is missing?
I was attacked 20 li away from the city.
Someone has taken
the Empyrean Token.
Prince Huang,
do you know who's behind it?
The assailants wore black clothing with their faces covered.
I was unable to identify them.
But the last troop was cavalry.
I don't think they are from the martial arts world.
What do you mean by this?
If they're not from the martial arts world,
don't tell me the other states did it?
I was only stating the facts.
Why are you so anxious?
Is it because you're hiding something?
Don't slander me.
If it was as Prince Huang had said,
the person who snatched the token
must be fearless.
Are you suspecting us?
If Yongzhou did it,
why did we have to attack 20 li from the Imperial City?
But if we see it this way,
I'm afraid the only one who had to do it outside the city
would be from Beizhou, which is located in the north.
-You… -It's not the time to point fingers now.
What matters most is
to find the Empyrean Token.
Mr. Xieyue has a point.
The Empyrean Token is the world order.
The ones who dared to snatch the Empyrean Token outside the city
must be recklessly bold to attempt to rebel.
I hope all the Six States work together
to find out the person behind this.
Gentlemen,
is there anyone willing to investigate this matter for me?
Your Majesty,
I was the one who lost the token.
I'm willing to make up for my incompetence
and help Your Majesty investigate this matter.
But this matter concerns the Six States.
I request that Your Majesty draft a decree
so it's convenient for me to do the investigation.
In that case,
I shall decree
that the Six States assist Prince Huang in this matter.
Other than that,
I shall bestow Prince Huang with the Imperial Sword
so he can carry out his investigation.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Chief Feng said she'll be careful.
Your Highness, an emergency message from the Imperial City.
Interesting.
They lost the Empyrean Token again.
This token was a fake one.
Even if Huang Chao returned it,
he wouldn't be able to explain himself.
It's better to lose it on his way there.
Do you mean it was only an act by Huang Chao?
I just fear that the Six States may not carry out
His Majesty's decree.
But with this decree,
Huang Chao could openly carry out his investigation in the Six States.
As to ordering the other lords, that will depend on his capabilities.
You can say Huang Chao has more strength
with Yu Wuyuan beside him.
Your Highness, I think Chief Feng is great too.
If she can…
It's not a bad idea
to ally with the Feng family.
I, General Lin Lancang, am at your service.
Please forgive me, Your Highness.
Rise.
You were only playing along with me.
Not only did you do no wrong, but you've also rendered merits.
When we return to Jizhou, I shall reward you handsomely.
Thank you, Your Highness.
I planned this out for you
to save Jizhou from disaster.
We've agreed to say that people of the martial arts world snatched it.
But why did you change the plan?
I understand what you want.
You don't want the Six States to be in chaos again
because of the Empyrean Token.
But we both know
that it's no longer possible.
Now,
I have the Emperor's decree.
It's more convenient for me to take action now.
If you think the Six States
can live in harmony together,
you might as well come with me.
It will depend on you
if we can fight through the Six States
and even the world with words.
So
even I was your pawn in your plan.
I'm giving you an opportunity.
If you succeed,
the world will be mine.
If you fail,
I'll dispatch my troops everywhere
to unite the Six States.
This world
will still be mine.
All right.
I can travel to the Six States with you.
But you're coming to a place with me.
Where?
Mount Wu.
How did my arrangement proceed?
It's all arranged.
I've prepared
a huge gift for Prince Yongping
in this royal examination.
Come in.
I, candidate Song Sihan, am here to pay my respects.
Greetings, Minister.
CANDIDATE, SONG SIHAN
EXAMINATION HALL, YONGZHOU
Candidate, Song Sihan.
Candidate, Xu Yuxin.
EXAMINATION HALL
Candidate, Wang Hui.
Wait.
Why is your inkstone so light?
I come from a poor family.
So I've been using it for a long time.
It becomes lighter after bumping it around.
Sir.
So that's the reason. Here, take it back.
-Sir, please have mercy! -Sir.
Sir, have mercy on me!
Sir, please spare me!
It's a serious offense to cheat in the Examination Hall.
-Take him away! -Yes, sir!
Sir, please spare me! Have mercy on me!
Sir, please spare me!
-Sir! -Dear candidates,
if you have notes with you,
you'd better destroy them now.
Don't risk your life over greed.
Let's continue!
Senior Secretary Pei,
this must be your tenth year presiding over the royal examination, right?
Now, we have a large number of talents in Yongzhou.
And you contributed
in every little way in this, Senior Secretary Pei.
Duke of Liang, you're flattering me.
As they say,
we have to share His Lordship's worries as his officials.
The royal examination
is a stepping stone for the candidates.
It concerns the fate of these individuals…
DUKE OF LIANG, YAN SHIZHANG
…and is also a rite for the nation to select talents.
It's an especially crucial matter.
As the chief examiner today,
I hope Duke of Liang and Minister Wang
to assist me.
Senior Secretary Pei, please rest assured.
I'll definitely do my best to assist you.
Official Pei, so will I.
You have my thanks.
Sirs,
we have finished inspecting all the candidates.
There were six candidates who tried to smuggle notes.
They've been sent to the Ministry of Justice.
The rest of the candidates have entered the hall.
All right. You can leave now.
SELECT TALENTS FOR THE STATE THROUGH SCRIPTURES.
THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF CHUNXI'S REIGN. ROYAL EXAMINATION
SELECT TALENTS FOR THE STATE THROUGH SCRIPTURES.
Sirs, please take a look at this. The seal is intact.
Let's remove the seal and start with the examination.
All right.
EXAMINATION HALL
NUMBER 10, CLASS A, NUMBER 11, CLASS A
Greetings, Father.
Greetings, Your Ladyship.
Lanxi,
Lady Baili has been busy because of me.
But she often worries about your health.
So she has been praying for you throughout the journey.
She didn't even rest after she arrived at the palace.
She kept herself busy making arrangements for you.
I called you here
to relieve her concern for you
and also to give you a chance to thank her.
Thank you, Your Ladyship.
There are no outsiders here.
You can drop the formalities.
You may have suffered from nearly drowning.
But you look a lot better now.
I've managed to escape death. I suppose blessings will follow.
Since the drowning,
my health has been
better than ever.
I'm glad to hear that.
I can finally feel relieved on behalf of the late lady.
Now that you've been granted the title of Prince Yongping
and your health is better.
Shall we start preparing for the selection of your wife?
She has a point there.
You've reached marriageable age.
You can start considering marriage.
Your Lordship.
Speaking of this,
I do have a good choice in mind.
Several days ago, my niece, Jing'er, paid me a visit
to the palace.
She looks dignified, polite, and tactful.
She's indeed a nice girl.
It's natural for a man to marry.
Ladies from the Baili family are naturally good.
But
it hasn't been long since I was given this title
and I haven't contributed to the country yet.
If I marry in a rush,
the ministers may criticize me.
Could it be that you have someone in your heart?
Is it Minister Feng of the Feng family?
I do know Minister Feng in private.
But she's first
the minister of Yongzhou
and Feng Qiwu comes second to me.
I have no ulterior motives for making friends with her.
It's all for Yongzhou.
As for my marriage,
I'll let Father decide after I've accomplished some achievements.
I'm grateful for Your Ladyship's kind intention.
Xi'er has a point.
I'll think
about this matter.
Did His Highness really say that?
That's the news I got from the palace.
I'm only reporting it as it is to you.
His Lordship summoned His Highness this morning.
A family was having a conversation.
Yet this piece of news reached me
fairly quickly through you.
Tell me,
why do you think this happened?
Do you mean
these words are meant for you to know,
so it'll drive a wedge between you and His Highness?
Lady Baili is using me to test His Highness.
If His Highness didn't say that,
His Lordship would be suspicious.
Besides,
I'm His Highness's subject to begin with.
I turn to His Highness for help
for the sake of the Feng family.
You can leave now.
Is this how you truly feel, Prince Lanxi?
She has been pretending to be a loving mother for years.
It must be hard on her.
You've exposed yourself this time.
Lady Baili naturally knows that you're fighting to be the heir.
She can only show that she's the benevolent matriarch.
She can only hold you down
in terms of filial piety and customs.
You've gotten a lot smarter now.
After you fell into the water,
you've changed a lot.
You may treat us well as before,
but you've never treated me like this before.
I can feel
that Your Highness is kinder than before
and you smile more often now.
It's wonderful
to be happy.
Who's there?
Lu Shi.
Why did you answer them?
Fengxi has repeatedly told us to guard the door strictly.
But she didn't say we couldn't answer the door.
We've been making so much noise here.
Everybody knows there are people here.
Fengxi is sleeping inside. Go and inform her of this.
All right.
Who's there?
My Young Master is Ms. Feng's friend.
We are here to deliver something.
Which one?
It's…
My Young Master is also Xiaohei's friend.
Open the door.
Wait for a while.
Get someone to help out.
Hurry.
Come and help out.
Come on.
Here.
Here you go.
So much charcoal.
We can keep warm tonight.
It's delicious.
We've been taking vegetables. I've finally tasted meat.
These quilts are so soft.
Our Martial Sister sure is popular.
She has such loyal friends everywhere.
You're right.
Gu Yu, try this.
It's delicious.
-It's really good. -It's all right.
You can eat first.
It's really delicious.
-Fengxi. -Fengxi.
-Come and have something to eat. -Come here.
Ms. Feng.
Young Master is waiting for you at the alley's entrance.
Hey, look at this. It's very…
All right. Thank you.
Fengxi, try this.
Black Fox!
Why didn't you go in?
Because you're the main character
for today.
Me?
Several days ago,
didn't you tell me
it was hard to be the acting leader of the sect?
I told Zhong Li to send some things over
to do a favor for you to win their hearts.
So you're the main character,
not your friend.
No wonder you could manage Fountain Abode so well.
I'm impressed.
Fountain Abode had heard that Master Bai might have gone to Mount Wu.
I've sent some men to verify it.
I'm guessing that you'll be extending your stay here.
Yongzhou may be situated in the south,
but the winter here is extremely cold.
I've sent some quilts and charcoal.
It can help you go through the winter.
How did you manage to be so thorough?
You've done me so many favors.
How should I repay you?
It's only a small matter that's not worth mentioning.
For you to take it seriously,
I find you different from your usual self.