ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
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.
EIGHT PAGODA
YOUNG HUA CHUNRAN
YOUNG HUANG CHAO
YOUNG FENG XIYUN
Buddy,
do you know where Huang Crown is?
I get it now!
You are playing statues.
The first to move loses.
Am I right?
All right, stop poking me.
All right, I lost.
I shouldn't have played this game with you.
Why do you ask about the crown?
My father says this is the Eight Pagoda.
Lady Feng's ceremonial crown is kept inside this pagoda.
Emperor Weilie named it himself.
The Huang Crown is more distinguished than the Feng Crown.
I want that crown.
Lady Feng only had one crown.
When Lady Feng passed away,
the body was buried inside the Eight Pagoda.
She had returned to heaven and the crown must never be worn again.
Not even Lord Qing who succeeded Lord Feng could wear it,
let alone you.
I like the crown.
I want to wear it.
I'm done with the game.
You should be more attentive to ladies.
Hush, don't cry.
The crown has been kept there for centuries.
It's old and ruined by now.
You were born a beauty.
Only Feng Crown is worthy of you.
Isn't that right, Xiyun?
I don't know about that,
but I do know that you lost.
Five silver leaves from each of you.
All you ever care about is money.
What do you even need the money for?
For delicious snacks.
One silver leaf is enough for a dozen drumsticks.
Let's go.
Is Feng Crown pretty?
Of course.
An empress shows love for her subjects.
That makes the empress the most beautiful woman.
So you should wear the Feng Crown meant for the empress,
not Lady Feng's Huang Crown.
Very well.
I don't want Huang Crown anymore.
I want to be the most beautiful woman
and wear the beautiful Feng Crown.
I wonder who will be the one
to put the crown on me?
Hua Chunran?
The Divine Fairy of Dadong?
That sounds interesting.
Hua Chunran is very witty.
There were rumors before New Year
that the greatest beauty of Youzhou was looking for a husband.
With the Divine Fairy,
all the men will want to try their luck.
Moreover,
if she was only the greatest beauty of Youzhou,
she'll only be an heir's consort
no matter who she marries.
But now, she is the Divine Fairy.
Even if she married you or Huang Chao,
her status in the marriage wouldn't be beneath you.
We share the same thoughts on the matter.
What's wrong?
News from the Royal Palace of Youzhou
is only passed among the royal families.
How did you know all this?
This is huge.
It's already made a wave.
Everyone is talking about it.
By the way,
what is your thought
on Youzhou's greatest beauty?
There are talented minds everywhere.
She is nothing to be surprised at.
Hua Chunran may be smart,
but she is still inferior
to Princess Xiyun.
When you reunite with Princess Xiyun,
your jaw will drop so hard.
She's not who you think she is.
Xiyun had made a name for herself long ago.
Do you think Hua Chunran can outmatch her?
Of course not. I--
I'm done with you. I'm going out.
But…
Your Highness,
is Ms. Feng
jealous of her?
Jealous?
That is a good sign.
It means she cares about me.
That's how it goes in the novels.
Your Highness, you need to read the whole story.
There is more after that.
-Don't you remember? -There's more?
You must figure out a way to cheer Ms. Feng up.
A jealous girl is an essential element
of the story.
It could take the guy around a week
to cheer her up.
In the worst cases, jealousy turns into hatred.
It could be the man's demise.
By the way,
how is the camp in Qingzhou?
They are preparing for war.
They will close in on Liang City in a few days.
Your Highness, what should we do?
War
seems inevitable.
The better plan
is to have a truce treaty
and avoid casualties.
But it seems His Lordship
wants to wage war on Qingzhou.
Your Highness, how do we counter this?
People come first.
While the general is away, he must learn to improvise.
Our top priority is to contact Xieyue
and learn about his plan.
If our opinions align,
that's for the best.
Yes, consider it done.
But what if he disagrees with us?
We have a contingency plan.
We must stay alert.
Order the Moyu Cavalry to stand by.
Have you
learned anything new about the water canals of Liang City?
My men have found the original blueprints.
They are compiling them.
MAIN CAMP OF QINGZHOU ARMY
Generals.
Yu Ming refuses to fight.
We can't afford to waste more time here.
If we don't alter the drainage in time,
Qingzhou will suffer great damage.
Therefore,
we will attack Liang City in two days.
Yu Ming specializes in defense.
What is the plan?
Liang City is the most fortified stronghold in Yongzhou.
But over the years,
Yu Ming has filled his pocket
by asking for funding
in the name of flood control.
To avoid inspections,
he built some water canals as his front.
These water canals
will be our opening.
-Therefore, we-- -Xieyue.
Xiyun, why are you here?
-Greetings, Your Highness. -Greetings, Your Highness.
At ease.
You're dismissed.
-Yes. -Yes.
I got your letter.
I knew you were stationed near Liang City, so I came right away.
-Did you come from Liang City? -Yes.
I'm not here to fight your war.
I'm here
because I want a truce.
Truce?
Perhaps you haven't heard.
Yu Ming is dead.
The person in charge of Liang City now
is Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou.
Mr. Lanxi, the Prince Yongping?
Is it him?
You have surrounded Liang City
to prevent a possible flood.
Feng Lanxi already has a plan to overcome that.
I think
you should have a word with him in person.
If war broke out,
it would only exert a great cost
on Yongzhou and Qingzhou.
How do you know he already has a plan?
I saw everything.
It's going to work.
Very well.
I will send my envoy
to Liang City.
In that case,
I should get going.
Stay here for the night.
I brought some wine.
I wouldn't mind that.
Your Highness!
Have you found her?
Our scouts are newly assigned.
They could only gather so much information.
They haven't heard anything about Ms. Feng.
Who would have thought?
She cares so deeply about me.
She got so jealous
over a mere name.
Do not blame yourself.
You should think about ways to cheer her up.
You are right.
Come, tell me
how they do it in the novels.
Well?
After trying all kinds of wines on my journey,
the best of them
is still the Clear Water Wine of Qingzhou.
Xieyue, you don't partake in alcohol.
Why did you bring the wine with you?
I always bring some with me
when I leave home.
Because I hope to meet you on your journey.
You are the best brother.
Has Father ever mentioned me?
Is he well?
Father is healthy and well.
He misses you.
Whenever he receives your letter,
he smiles with joy.
When he hears about your heroic feats,
he is proud yet worried about you.
If it wasn't for your secret identity,
I bet Father would have announced to the world
that the gallant and famous Bai Fengxi
is the Princess of Qingzhou, Feng Xiyun.
I am able to roam the land freely,
lead a life I want,
and do what I love
because I have a brother and a father who love me.
Well,
what is going on between you and Feng Lanxi?
In your letter, you said
you'd spend the New Year in the capital.
But now,
it seems
there was a reason for that.
Honestly,
it's a long and complicated story.
I'm not in a hurry.
I'll listen.
Wine and stories.
How delightful.
I thought you were the only one who roamed so freely.
As it turns out,
Prince Lanxi is actually Hei Fengxi.
You two are meant for each other.
Does he know about your identity?
Not yet.
If you ever talk to him,
do not tell him my true identity.
Of course.
It should be a truce negotiation tomorrow.
But now,
it's the first meeting for two families.
I want to see if Feng Lanxi
is worthy of marrying my younger sister.
No one is marrying.
Nonsense.
When you told me the tales of you two,
the smile on your face was too obvious.
Do you think I can't tell?
I am your brother after all.
Tomorrow, I will find an opening
to give him a word of warning.
I want to make sure
that he knows someone has your back.
Xieyue, don't make it difficult for him.
You are obviously taking his side now.
What I mean is,
the fate of the two states is at stake.
Do not let my relationship get in the way of the greater good.
You are still just as witty with words.
Perhaps my worry is unnecessary.
No one alive is capable
of mistreating you.
I should consider
giving Feng Lanxi some tips to deal with you.
Otherwise, he might get mistreated.
How can you do that to your own sister?
Fine.
That's enough from me.
Cheers.
You're finally back.
You were gone the whole night.
I can explain why I was gone.
Last night, I…
I was only away for one night.
There is no need to restrain me.
Feng Lanxi, don't overdo it.
It's not like I'm afraid to fight you.
Your Highness.
To cheer a girl up,
the first step
is to calm her down.
Don't provoke her.
Stop her from being jealous.
Otherwise, the situation will only get worse.
It could escalate
into a worse argument.
The best way
to calm her down
is to show her you are caring and gentle.
Let her feel your love
once again.
Admit your mistake
and she will forgive you.
It's quite a lot of work.
You were away the whole night. Are you hungry?
Did you catch a cold? Did you sleep well?
This Black Fox is acting like a different person.
Is he hallucinating?
I prepared breakfast.
This is your favorite snack
and your favorite porridge.
Kindness purposefully shown comes with ill intent.
Here.
I feel a little dizzy.
I should get some rest.
Now that you're back,
your whereabouts last night don't matter.
I'm so glad
you decided to come back.
I understand your concern.
You are concerned
about Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou.
He knows who I really am?
Forget it.
I guess I have no choice now.
-Since you know-- -I will not mention her name again.
I will never mention
Feng Xiyun again.
My heart belongs
to the heroic Bai Fengxi of the martial arts world.
Feng Xiyun doesn't hold a place in my heart anymore.
Is he telling me he won't expose my identity?
But why would he do that?
No, I must think it through carefully.
I understand what you mean.
Thank you.
I knew it.
He wouldn't let it go easily.
Your Highness.
A messenger from Qingzhou's camp sent a letter.
A letter?
Prince Xieyue negotiates a truce.
The meeting is tomorrow.
Prince Xieyue will be here personally.
Summon everyone for a meeting.
Yes.
I'm sure all of you are aware
why we are holding this meeting.
What are your thoughts on the situation?
I think Prince Xieyue already knows
you've taken over Liang City.
His visit must be to test you.
I suggest
we use this opportunity to show our strength
to deter the enemies.
If Prince Xieyue fears you,
war can be prevented.
I have a different idea.
Their army has surrounded Liang City for half a month.
The timing of this negotiation is suspicious.
Prince Xieyue must be up to no good.
I suspect this is part of their plan
to lead troops into the city.
With his men on the inside, they will attack us.
We should proceed with caution.
Your concerns and suggestions are justified.
Prince Xieyue's sudden visit
is rather suspicious.
If we overreacted before we learned their intention,
it could cause contention.
From what I see,
if he is here for a truce,
I should discuss it with him.
If we come to an agreement,
the people of Liang City will be safe.
However, a contingency plan is needed.
Chuanyun, Chuanyu.
Assign the guards of Liang City to the Moyu Cavalry.
Secure the city gate to prevent an assault from the enemy.
I want another group hidden
and standing by around the Protectorate.
If Prince Xieyue does anything suspicious,
lock him inside that building.
-Yes. -Yes.
My soldiers and I will do our best to assist the two generals.
Fear not,
the Moyu Cavalry is my personal troop.
When you join the Moyu Cavalry,
you become one of us.
Is Your Highness going to station troops in Liang City?
Indeed.
Yu Ming was notorious for building his own army here.
But we are different.
I am royalty.
Even if I mass troops here,
you are still my father's subjects.
You still serve the court of Yongzhou.
You may have lived in Liang City,
but I'm sure you know
what your priorities are on the court.
I will not let Your Highness down.
-We will not fail you. -We will not fail you.
I understand your concern.
You are concerned
about Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou.
I will never mention
Feng Xiyun again.
How did he know about my identity?
Come in.
I didn't finish our conversation.
Is this about Princess Xiyun?
So you know.
Yes.
You've made it very obvious.
Of course I know.
I made it obvious?
Tell me, what gave me away?
You were gone last night.
And just now, you barely looked at me.
Isn't that obvious enough?
I know.
You're jealous.
When I talked about Hua Chunran and Princess Xiyun,
I didn't--
I know what you mean.
I'm not jealous of them.
So why have you been so cold to me?
My heart belongs
to the heroic Bai Fengxi of the martial arts world.
Feng Xiyun doesn't hold a place in my heart anymore.
So he doesn't know about my real identity.
Yes, I was jealous.
But I've forgiven you.
Don't take it to heart.
Really?
Do you forgive me?
I forgive you.
Rest well.
JIZHOU
What's the special occasion today?
Why are you in the mood for a game of chess, Father?
Do I need to pick a date to play chess with you?
That's not what I mean.
If you ever fancy a game of chess,
I'll gladly join you, Father.
Is that so?
You were obedient as a young boy.
Now that you're all grown up,
you have your hands full with work.
Perhaps
you've forgotten my advice.
Pardon me.
What have I done wrong?
Please tell me.
Forget it. Let's continue the game.
My treacherous son.
You're taking a step back for a better chance?
Not bad.
I do not understand.
How did Grand Tutor Ran die?
I am shocked
that you would do such a thing!
Father.
Grand Tutor Ran had conspired with the officers many times.
He slandered me.
He left me with no other choice.
You had no choice?
Do you know
how many have reported to me
about your violent behaviors
and your lack of mercy?
I covered up every accusation for you.
But from what I see now,
I've raised a monster.
Father.
Please hear me out.
Many nobles
are greedy and debauched.
My efforts
got in the way of their interest.
They see me as a threat.
That was why they spoke ill of me.
I only want what's good for Jizhou.
I have no personal agenda.
Father, please see the truth.
Are you giving me an order?
You've grown arrogant.
You've become heedless.
Are you satisfied
with only an obedient son
and not a loyal official?
You taught me
to know right from wrong
and that Jizhou comes first.
Insolence!
Are you saying I'm defending the traitors?
That is not what I mean.
I only hope
that you can trust your own son.
Father.
Father!
Help!
Father?
Wuyuan,
my father is saved
thanks to your medicine.
Don't mention it.
It's only right to help.
These people
are heartless and vile.
They would even
poison my father.
They made accusations against you,
but that didn't work.
So they went after your father.
Then they will brand you
a patricide.
When you're loathed by the people,
they will crown a new ruler.
The people would do anything
for their own selfish goals.
They want to bring me down.
I shall show them no mercy.
Guards.
Yes.
Send my words.
Muster the Skyrider Cavalry.
His Lordship has been harmed by traitors.
He was fortunate to have survived.
Today, we will pray for him
and prosperity for Jizhou.
The tributes will be the traitors' lives.
We'll cleanse them from the court.
Yes.
YONGZHOU
Your Lordship, Prince Ju wants to see you.
-Let him in. -Yes.
Greetings, Father.
Long live Your Lordship.
-At ease. -Thank you, Father.
Feng Ju.
Do you even know what time it is?
I do.
Then why have you come at this hour?
Father, I've made an important discovery.
It concerns the House of Jade.
The House of Jade?
I know.
The business started out in Yongzhou
and they now have branches across the land.
What about it?
Is something wrong?
I was investigating taxation at the Ministry of Revenue.
The House of Jade is guilty of tax evasion.
There's more.
The House of Jade is also involved in the illegal selling of salt
for a lucrative profit.
I suspect the House of Jade of treason.
They must be executed.
Please pass your judgment.
It's a business.
A businessman wants profit.
You can accuse him of being cunning and deceiving.
But treason?
Can you prove it?
If the House of Jade was a normal business,
I wouldn't connect it with the heinous crime of treason.
Based on my investigation,
the House of Jade belongs to an organization
known as the Fountain Abode.
The Fountain Abode
is known to have information about everything
and they sell intel.
After the group was formed,
we could see traces of it in many major incidents.
I am deeply concerned.
The Fountain Abode?
I've heard about them.
Their leader
is known as Hei Fengxi by the people.
He, Lanxi, Yu Wuyuan, and Huang Chao
are known as the Four Gentlemen.
Who would have thought?
He also founded the House of Jade.
Hei Fengxi is indeed
a force to be reckoned with.
A business with branches across the land
is working for an intelligence organization.
The leader is certainly capable
and even terrifying.
If he wants to start a rebellion,
he could be unstoppable.
If that's the case,
he is a loose cannon.
This is serious.
I'll think about it.
By the way,
your mother
has recently mentioned your marriage.
Any thoughts on this?
My marriage is for you two to decide.
I will follow whatever arrangement you make for me.
Very well.
You and Duke Liang's daughter
were childhood friends.
I'll order the Astronomy Officer
to determine the day of your wedding.
You will officially be betrothed to her.
Thank you, Father.
You may leave now.
Rest well.
I'll take my leave.
Yuan Lu.
Yes, Your Lordship?
I want Zhang Zhongge
to start investigating the House of Jade.
If we have evidence of their treason,
arrest the owner of House of Jade
immediately and secretly.
And…
What do we do with him?
It would be a shame
to destroy the Fountain Abode.
They will prove useful
under my command.
Understood.
Black Fox.
What brings you here?
I have some free time.
I'll wait with you.
Our discussion is about national affairs.
I thought you weren't interested.
I'm not interested,
but I don't mind being in an audience.
I can learn something.
Are you here
to meet Xieyue?
Yes. I heard he was a wise leader.
The people of Qingzhou adore him.
A wise leader
earns my admiration.
Very well.
You can wait with us.
Your Highness.
Prince Xieyue is heading for the Protectorate.
He will arrive shortly.
Did he bring soldiers?
He came alone.
Is Chuanyun
in the position?
They are standing by at the gate.
Scouts have left the city to monitor the enemy camp.
If Prince Xieyue comes alone,
someone is backing him.
I want to see
just who
is backing him.
Prince Xieyue arrives.
I am Feng Lanxi, Prince Yongping of Yongzhou.
Greetings, Prince Xieyue.
Greetings, Prince Lanxi.
I've heard great things about your talents and good looks.
Now that we meet,
the stories are true.
Graceful and gentle as the stillness of orchids.
I'm flattered.
I've heard stories
of your wise leadership.
You're adored by the people.
I looked forward to our meeting.
Welcome.
Let's set aside the formalities.
You're dismissed.
-Yes. -Yes.
Prince Xieyue.
Please.
Act like a proper court lady.
Mind the cover.
Stand by my side.
My father ordered me to lead the troops here
because there was no choice.
Just recently, I learned that you had come to Liang City
and taken over the city.
I know
that you are one of the Four Gentlemen.
You're cultured and knowledgeable.
You're different from Yu Ming.
I came to Liang City
to learn more about your plan.
If we can have peace,
our people will not suffer the cruelty of war.
That is for the best of all.
You care for people.
I'm impressed.
The tension and fighting
became an opportunity for others.
Before I came to Liang City,
I'd designed a flood control plan
based on the terrain.
I'd like to have your advice.
QINGZHOU, HONGLUO RIVER, YONGZHOU
If we can proceed with this plan,
this dam will benefit countless people,
including those from Qingzhou.
This dam will prevent the river from overflowing
and irrigate farmlands.
It will benefit us all.
Future generations
will be grateful for your efforts.
However,
I have some questions.
Speak away.
The freshet is coming.
How do you plan to complete the dam
before that?
Without war,
everyone in Liang City can participate in the construction.
Soldiers and common folks
will work as one.
We can complete the dam before the freshet.
What is your goal
in building this dam?
For the people,
this dam
will prevent Liang City from flooding.
It can be used for farming,
thus helping the farmlands.
It's killing two birds with one stone.
For the nation,
the completion of this dam
will be viewed as a defense.
It can defend us against Qingzhou
and tens of thousands of soldiers.
Well,
what about personal agenda?
I am of the royal bloodline.
Every trouble in the world is mine as well.
If the people thrive, so will the nation.
A thriving Yongzhou
is the best support I can have.
On top of that,
there is someone
I must protect.
Not bad.
You said I was a wise leader,
but I think you're even wiser.
You will be a great leader.
Don't worry,
my army will fall back tomorrow.
There is someone
I must protect as well.
The negotiation is successful.
Tonight, I will hold a banquet.
I hope you can attend.
Sure.
Zhong Li.
Show Prince Xieyue to his room.
Yes.
Come with me, Prince Xieyue.
Do you care for a stroll?
I'll pass.
I'll be in my room.