ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
Your Highness.
Why the ruckus?
A flock of ravens flew by.
The soldiers saw it
and thought it was a bad sign.
Ravens?
They prefer to dwell in the mountains or the woods.
The winter just ended, so they are looking for food.
There are a lot of leftovers
from the bonfire we had last night.
That's why they came.
But this will dampen our morale.
After all, ravens are a sign of bad luck.
Not necessarily.
What do you mean, Ms. Feng?
What you did yesterday won their heart,
but you have yet to command their respect.
Now is your chance.
To command their respect?
Even in the past, before we do anything,
we seek a good sign first.
Chen Sheng and Wu Guang hid notes in the fish.
Liu Bang slaughtered a white snake.
And now, you have a flock of ravens.
Isn't this a good opportunity?
Giving you the bed last night was worth it.
Shoo!
This is an omen.
Perhaps God wants us to avoid Liang City.
-This is very bad. -Don't spout nonsense.
This is God's will.
-Right. We shouldn't venture further. -That's right.
-No way. -Right.
Who said raven is a sign of bad luck?
When Emperor Wu of Zhou claimed the throne,
ravens gathered on top of the palace.
And then the Zhou dynasty prospered
and eliminated Emperor Zhou of Shang in one go.
Thus he began his centuries of legacy.
Your Highness, we're not as educated as you.
We don't know a thing about what you said.
But there is this cold breeze in the valley all of a sudden.
This is a bad sign.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Yes.
That is not a cold breeze.
It's an updraft.
Updraft lends its strength.
Ravens sing the song of war.
When the founding father of Han killed the white snake,
the Han dynasty prospered.
I shall do the same today.
Hear me, God from above!
If I, Feng Lanxi, am meant to conquer Liang City
and the world,
deliver your message unto this blade.
It worked!
-Yes! -Look!
It's an updraft.
Fellow fighters,
God has given us a good sign.
Going forward,
you will be called the Moyu Cavalry.
-Moyu Cavalry? -Moyu Cavalry?
Follow my lead and claim more land.
Let our names travel far and wide!
-Moyu Cavalry, the most fearsome cavalry! -Moyu Cavalry, the most fearsome cavalry!
Moyu Cavalry, our name will travel far and wide!
He sure gets it down very quickly.
Far and wide!
Moyu Cavalry, our name will travel far and wide!
LIANG CITY, YONGZHOU
Sir,
the Qingzhou Army came to provoke us again yesterday.
If this carries on…
We'll be seen as afraid of them
and our morale will be affected.
Exactly.
Qingzhou is just exerting pressure.
They won't invade us.
Sir, I don't understand.
If you're certain that Qingzhou will not invade,
why did you request backup?
That will only invite your enemies.
Invite my enemies?
Can't I use them to set an example?
His Lordship wants to rule the world,
so he wants Liang City to himself.
Even if I don't request it,
the backup will come on its own.
What an amazing foresight there.
However, I heard that Prince Yongping
is among the backups.
Even Lady Baili and Prince Ju failed to impede his rising power.
My fellow colleagues, don't you know
that even a dragon should be wary of a nested snake?
When he arrives in Liang City,
he'll be wise to stay still if he's a dragon.
If he's anything lesser than, he'll be wise to lay low.
Sir, Prince Yongping's army is ten li away from the city's main gate.
I see.
You're dismissed.
Yes, sir.
I thought this long journey
would take at least two weeks.
Prince Yongping is impatient,
isn't he?
Come with me, everyone.
-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.
LIANG CITY
Didn't they say they had 500 men?
There are barely 100 here.
It's misinformation, perhaps?
Impossible.
Our source did say 500 men.
Perhaps they are not the ones?
Stay alert.
Yes, sir.
Their horses and arms
will be kept in the western encampment.
Yes, sir.
I'm Yu Ming, the military commissioner of Liang City.
Is Prince Yongping in the wagon?
I'm Ren Chuanyun, General of Agile Cavalry.
Prince Yongping is seated in the wagon indeed.
I heard His Highness came with 500 men.
Why has your number dwindled so?
When we left, we had 500 men with us.
However, a flash flood occurred.
Many were wounded and died.
We only have these few men left.
How is His Highness?
His Highness caught a cold
and is feeling weak.
Apologies for this state of affairs.
Can we rest up somewhere?
Of course.
I have prepared accommodations for His Highness.
Come with me.
As for the soldiers, you will not enter the city
lest you disrupt the harmony within.
Please come with me to the western encampment.
Pardon me.
They are actually His Highness' servants.
His everyday routine,
from his voyage to his ablution,
is taken care of by different servants.
His Highness is used to this way of living,
so they had to disguise themselves as soldiers.
They are actually servants.
If they are His Highness' servants,
they are allowed to go in.
The rest can go to the western encampment.
Yes, sir.
Thank you, Official Yu.
Come with me.
Official Yu,
His Lordship has asked me to present your remuneration.
Thirty boxes of silver leaves.
Where should I deliver them to?
To my residence of course.
Do show me the way.
Here, please.
Your Highness,
the remuneration has been delivered.
Moyu guards are stationed outside.
You can relax now.
Understood.
Good job.
I already said there are only our people here.
Can't you get out of character?
I have to play my part properly.
His Highness knows Yu Ming is a careful person.
So he spread the Moyu Cavalry.
Most are stationed outside the city
and only a small amount entered.
He even made the soldiers feign exhaustion
to fool everyone.
We diverted Yu Ming's attention, thanks to his greed.
However, we still have to be careful.
Are we being watched?
Yes.
Good thing His Highness entered the city first.
Otherwise, it will be difficult to leave this place.
Why are there so many people hiking today?
There is a temple on this mountain
called Hongluo Temple.
Hongluo Temple?
Which deity does it worship?
I've never heard of a deity called Hongluo.
From Nu River to Liang City
lies the Hongluo River.
A long time ago,
a scholar
found a red sea snail in the river.
He brought it back home.
The sea snail turned into a lady.
They lived happily.
Then he built
this Hongluo Temple on the mountain.
So it's a temple for relationships and romance.
What do you want from it?
What I want
is a full view of Liang City's water canals.
They are disorganized.
Do you know about canal management?
They look like they extend in all directions,
but in reality, they are intertwined and can't prevent floods at all.
Why are you looking at me?
You
always surprise me.
At this rate,
directing the canals to Qingzhou will not do anything.
During the spring flood,
many villagers will suffer from it.
Corrupted government officials
don't care about the lives of their subjects.
Right.
Take this.
A protective charm.
Liang City isn't safe.
DEITY OF ROMANCE
Even the deity of romance hands out protection too?
BUN
Why is everything in Liang City
more expensive than the ones in the capital?
A sesame ball
costs three wen in the capital.
But here, it costs five wen for one.
Everyone believes that in a barren land,
everything will be cheaper.
It is a misconception.
Liang City is close to the border.
There aren't enough crops.
Local agriculture cannot satisfy the market's demand.
They have to import many things from other cities.
Liang City isn't very populated as well,
so their importation isn't very high.
They can only import in small batches.
That drives the price up.
I see.
In addition,
the human labor here is unorganized.
The trading market isn't developed.
That is the root of the issues.
Come.
Mister, please.
Life here is very hard.
Almost unbearable.
Quick.
Hurry up!
Come.
Do not dally.
Do not give them more trouble.
Move!
Now!
Hurry up.
Move! Stop dallying.
Mister.
Who are they?
I can tell both of you are not from here.
They are forced to build the canals.
Why are they forced
to build the canals?
The government has money,
so everyone should be more than happy to work for it.
The money the government sent in
will not fall into our hands.
To build the dam,
all able men who can lift
will be forcefully enlisted.
They work days and nights.
-Move! -Poor souls.
-Enjoy. -Thank you.
If one day,
you want to kill those evil officials,
I'll help you.
Look how feeble Prince Yongping is.
I don't think it's an act.
A flash flood did occur during their trip.
It's not uncommon for posts to be abandoned
given the circumstances.
I don't think we should be worried.
Their people even came
to ask if we have more medicine.
I concur.
Prince Yongping's army and servants
are barely 100 men in total.
They can't do anything at all.
Give it a test
and we'll know if it's all an act.
Retrieve the supplements from the storeroom.
I will
deliver the medicine to him.
Thank you for delivering the medicine in person.
No need.
His Highness has had a long trip.
He ought to get some rest.
May I know what sickness His Highness has?
Emphysema.
I used to study medicine.
Perhaps I can have a look at His Highness?
No need for the hassle.
It's no bother at all, General Ren.
It is my honor to serve His Highness.
Official Yu…
Do you dare to stop me?
Don't be rude to Official Yu.
-Your Highness. -Your Highness.
Official Yu is merely concerned about my health.
Why did you stop him? Go.
Take ten lashes.
Yes.
Apologies, Your Highness.
Your Highness, your emphysema is quite serious.
I've had it since I was little.
And the journey to Liang City was a rocky one.
There were storms and winds.
Fret not.
I have brought with me excellent medicinal herbs.
They are good for your lungs.
Rest well for a few days
and you'll be fully recovered.
Thank you, Official Yu.
Since His Lordship sent you here,
the commander's tally and military seal of Liang City's army
will be given to you.
No need.
I am still unwell.
Please handle Liang City and its 16 military branches
for me, Official Yu.
I…
Do not worry.
Father sent me here
to support Liang City.
You're still the Southern Military Commissioner.
Well…
As you wish, Your Highness.
I shall take my leave now.
He is cunning as a fox.
He used this petty excuse to test Your Highness.
Fortunately, you came back in time.
Otherwise, this plan will fail.
Yu Ming.
Liang City.
Proceed with the plan.
Send all the secret agents out.
Dissect Liang City's defense
as soon as possible.
Yes, Your Highness.
Congratulations, sir.
This Prince Yongping is dumb enough
to turn down the tally and military seal.
No, it's just too foolish a move
and that's why it's suspicious.
I have met people from all walks of life.
But no dog will refuse
when it's presented
with a steamy meat bun.
Either
this dog is insane
or this dog doesn't want the bun,
but the feeder.
The intel we have right now
is far from enough.
Ask them to continue investigating.
Yes, sir.
Father, Master Wang Shuilong wishes to see you.
Let him in.
Yes, Father.
Master Bai.
I have bad news.
Zeng Jiuhai is dead.
So my hypothesis is right.
The one who forged the Empyrean Token
is among the Token Keepers.
Zeng Jiuhai must have found something
and was promptly silenced.
After I found out that Zeng Jiuhai was killed,
I returned to the inn.
However, I noticed that Zeng Jiuhai had reserved a room.
I was worried that the culprits
would trace back to the inn,
so I left the Imperial City overnight.
Did Zeng Jiuhai
leave any clue?
I found Zeng Jiuhai's luggage in his room.
A spectacular Han White Jade.
Only an important figure
in the Imperial City
can wear it.
It seems
we have to visit the Imperial City.
GRAND TUTOR RAN'S MEN PLAN TO REVOLT WITH YAN LING AS THE LEADER.
Jizhou is making a major move this time.
Sir, news from the Imperial City.
A swift investigation.
So the Token Keepers found out?
But my spy in the capital of Yongzhou has dealt with him.
I proposed this fake Empyrean Token ruse
to His Majesty.
However, Bai Fengxi came out of nowhere
and disrupted our plan.
There are three fake tokens.
One of them must have found its way to the Token Keepers,
so they found out this soon.
It doesn't matter anyway.
We just have to expedite the execution.
Give this to Huang Chao.
Yes, sir.
Sir, now that your blood curse is temporarily suppressed
and the Cricket is growing in number,
we can part with Huang Chao now.
Not yet.
The world is in a box now.
We need a key.
Huang Chao has talent and ambition.
He is the best key.
Once we help him unite Jizhou,
he'll set his eyes on the world
if everything goes well.
When the time comes,
no one can stop this war anymore.
But shouldn't you be worried
that Huang Chao might grow too strong to be manipulated?
The stronger he is, the more enemies he has.
My enemy's enemy is my ally.
Besides,
if he has the same talent as Cao Mengde,
I'll be his Sima Zhongda then.
But your ancestors' wish--
Who says
you can't rule the world
from beyond the throne?
Anything unusual
from Prince Yongping lately?
Our people have been watching him closely.
Their guards watch over the residence
in shifts too.
Nothing too unusual.
Nothing?
I think Prince Yongping
saw how united we are here in Liang City
and simply gave up.
After all, he's in Liang City now.
He can rack his brain,
but he still won't be able to touch you.
Too calm.
Too many concessions.
They are not good signs.
Sir, a letter from the capital.
I sent my people to investigate in the capital of Yongzhou
to find out who Prince Yongping is.
According to the letter,
while Prince Yongping is an intelligent man,
his health is deteriorating.
In the capital,
he was set up by Lady Baili many times
and could barely get out alive.
Nothing out of the ordinary from the letter.
Everything aligns too perfectly.
That raises suspicion.
Didn't His Highness say
he was here to support Liang City?
Let's hold a feast to raise the army's morale.
He has to attend it
no matter what.
-Half a jin of rice, please. -Here.
Ten wen.
Rice! Top-quality rice!
Have a look!
Animal skin! Have a look.
-Mister, do you want some rice? -Give me some.
Sure.
Rice!
Top-quality rice!
Here, mister. Your rice.
Your Highness,
this is Liang City's defense plan we found recently.
They set up quite an expensive and elaborate defense.
As expected from Yu Ming who has governed Liang City for 20 years.
He put the people's riches into his own pocket.
That's a corrupted official.
Yu Ming is very careful and doesn't trust anyone easily.
That will be our chance. Look.
This is his weak spot.
Yes.
As long as we take over the defense,
Liang City's traffic will be paralyzed.
Any updates from the Moyu Cavalry?
All of them have entered the city.
Chuanyun has been setting everything up.
The entire cavalry is ready.
With one order from you,
they'll fight right away.
Now,
we just need an opening.
Right, Minister Feng sent us a letter.
Yu Ming sent someone to the capital to investigate you.
Fortunately, she had prepared for it
and synchronized everyone's testimony.
Synchronized?
It seems like Yu Ming is about to make a move.
I don't get it, Your Highness.
I…
Whenever you investigate someone,
different sources will give you different testimonies.
There will be contradictions.
However, a unanimous testimony
will only raise suspicion.
There you go.
Your Highness, Official Yu has left you a message.
He said that
the Qingzhou Army is on the move.
He plans to go on the offensive.
To raise the army's morale,
there will be a feast tonight in his residence.
He has extended his invitation to you.
Tell Official Yu
that I will be there tonight.
Will do.
A feast?
It's more like a trap.
It's a trap.
But for whom?
We shall see.
Just when I said I needed an opening,
it presented itself.
You mean…
Tell Chuanyun
to get ready.
Yes, Your Highness.
I'll come with you.
All right.
Sir,
everything is ready.
His Highness has arrived!
-Greetings, Your Highness. -Greetings, Your Highness.
Fellow officials.
You may get up.
-Thank you, Your Highness. -Thank you, Your Highness.
Are you still unwell, Your Highness?
I'm all right.
Please, Your Highness.
Have a seat.
Official Yu.
What's with the seat arrangement?
Insolence!
I am loyal to Yongzhou.
Are you questioning me, General Ren?
-You-- -When His Lordship
ascended to the throne,
he once came to Liang City.
Our seats were arranged like this.
Now that you make a fuss out of it,
aren't you trying to sow discord
between Liang City and His Highness?
Your Highness, a war is nigh.
He is destabilizing the military.
Please make a wise decision.
Ren Chuanyu.
How dare you!
-I-- -For your protection thus far,
get out of my sight!
Stop causing trouble here.
Yes, Your Highness.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Father sent me here to take over Liang City.
I'm new here, so I might not know everything.
I count on your assistance,
my dear officials.
Fret not, Your Highness.
Official Yu has defended the frontier for years.
He is one of the rare and capable ministers.
Under Official Yu's guidance,
Liang City will surely prosper.
Please have a seat.
-Thank you, Your Highness. -Thank you, Your Highness.
Official Yu.
Enjoy, Your Highness.
You too.
Don't go, General Ren.
Calm down.
There are tables ready by the side hall. Why don't we go there?
No, thank you. His Highness asked me to leave.
I don't have the cheekiness in me to stay.
Do you think you can leave?
-Wu. -Come with me, sir.
All right.
Liu.
Sir, we have complete control over the residence now.
In the outer parameter, General Chuanyun blocked all egresses.
They cannot escape.
Good. Move now.
Yes, sir.
Your Highness.
A toast.
Thank you, Official Yu.
-A toast to Your Highness. -A toast to Your Highness.
Sure.
Fill it up.
Cheers.
-A toast to Your Highness. -A toast to Your Highness.
-Fill it up again. -Your Highness.
Your health matters.
Drink in moderation.
Does this court lady come from the Royal Palace?
She's loyal and beautiful.
What a breathtaking beauty.
All officials here want to give me a toast.
If I don't take it,
will you?
I have long heard
that Prince Yongping is an elegant man.
Even your way of imbibing
is enviable.
This is our local fine brew.
We only serve it to the most esteemed of guests.
All right.
I shall savor it,
of course.
Divine.
Simply divine.
Of course.
Your Highness?
Your Highness.
Your Highness!
Don't move!
-Don't move! -Don't move!
What wine is this?
Thousand Days of Stupor.
How benevolent of you, Official Yu.
You would let me live.
You just want to control me with the devil's trumpet,
so that I can be your puppet.
That way, the Royal Court will not suspect anything.
Fortunately, I suppressed it with my inner force.
You think you won, Your Highness?
Official Yu.
Are you waiting for your soldiers?
What a pity.
Your Highness.
Moyu Cavalry has penetrated the city defense.
Liang City's army has surrendered their arms.
As expected of Prince Yongping.
I thought I was careful enough,
but I still walked into your trap.
However, I am very familiar with Liang City.
If you want to rule this city,
I can lend you my aid.
You said you were familiar with Liang City?
Do you mean
exploiting the commoners?
Your governance
is all built on lies.
People like you
deserve to die.
Your Highness!
I…
I was tasked with the governance of Liang City.
I'm new here, so I might not know everything.
I count on your assistance,
my dear officials.
-I swear absolute loyalty to you, -I swear absolute loyalty to you,
-Your Highness. -Your Highness.
DADONG
Look at the elaborate formation!
Who is that person?
I heard she's the Princess of Youzhou.
Princess of Youzhou?
Princess Chunran?
-Yes. -She's the prettiest lady in Youzhou!
Exactly.
Why is she escorted by so many guards?
Are they afraid of a pervert
who will kidnap her?
Princess Chunran came
to deliver the Sarira to His Majesty.
I heard the Sarira is the embodiment of good merits.
Though they lost their Empyrean Token, they received a Sarira.
It seems like the Imperial Family is in God's favor.
Dadong Empire will still be peaceful.
Indeed.
She's here!
Your Highness.
You're now in the Lotus Palace.
When Dadong Empire was first established,
devoted to Buddhism as he was,
our founding father invited a reverend to plant a lotus in the garden.
Hence, the name.
I see.
His Majesty opted to keep Sarira here
to complete this wonderful story.
Indeed.
His Majesty has arrived!
Princess Chunran, you're pious.
No wonder Sarira appeared in Youzhou.
I, Hua Chunran, was sent here by my father
to deliver the Sarira and pay respect to the Buddha.
Your Majesty, look!
The lotuses have bloomed!
A sacred maiden delivers the Sarira and lotuses bloom wherever she goes.
How blessed the Dadong Empire is!
Congratulations.
Felicitations.
May the Imperial Family prosper for eternity.
Under the blessing of Princess Chunran and Lord of Youzhou,
no harm will come to Dadong Empire.
It will prosper forever!
Announce
this merry news to everyone!
Besides,
Princess Chunran did a marvelous job in delivering the Sarira.
She will be given the title of the Divine Fairy of Dadong Empire.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
IMPERIAL PALACE OF DADONG EMPIRE
Congratulations, Your Highness.
The lotus and flowers were in full bloom.
You shot to fame with this feat.
It was nothing but some tricks.
I asked a eunuch
to heat the buds until they pried open.
Is everything done?
Don't worry, Your Highness.
He was handsomely rewarded.
The secret is safe.
But why must you go through all the trouble for this?
You didn't need to transport the Sarira on foot
all the way to the Imperial City.
That was the only way
to live up to the name of Divine Fairy of Dadong.
To earn that title,
I need more than just a rank given by His Majesty.
I need people to know the story.
They love to exaggerate stories.
When words start to spread among the people,
the story will be overly exaggerated.
My reputation as the Divine Fairy shall be known
by the entire Dadong Empire.
Only then will I truly live up to the title.
What we did today was a small price to pay.
You are already the greatest beauty alive.
When His Lordship wanted to get you a husband,
the other states responded quickly.
Even the most prestigious Prince Huang Chao responded.
Is it really necessary to earn the title of Divine Fairy?
I need the prestigious title
to stand on equal ground with them.
Only then can I have leverage.
Besides,
Huang Chao is not my concern.