ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
What's your relationship with Yu family?
Yu family?
The Yu family of the Imperial City
requested me to make this jade pendant
long ago.
However, the people of the Empyrean Yu family
all have short lives.
I don't know
if they're still alive by now.
Are you sure about this?
Naturally.
I am the only person
who knows how to do such engravings.
The Yu family of the Imperial City
and the Empyrean Yu family?
Could it be him?
PHOENIX PALACE, YONGZHOU
Now that Feng Lanxi has left for Youzhou,
I'm sure you know what this means.
Yes, I do.
Although Feng Lanxi's fall from grace
is quite set in stone,
matters can change suddenly.
It's best if you secure
the heir title as soon as possible.
However, Father is still mad
at Feng Lanxi.
How should I…
Your father's birthday is in two months.
I see.
His birthday is my opportunity.
We are being tailed.
Why don't we get rid of them?
My father won't just send officials to monitor me.
They are the real agents
sent to monitor my movement.
They will follow us for the whole trip
and report to my father what we do
in Youzhou.
Only that can put my father's mind to rest.
Let them tail us.
What is your plan?
Enter the Royal Palace of Youzhou.
Now? We still have ten days
until the day of the marriage proposal.
Fountain Abode got this intel.
It's the list of suitors for the proposal
and its rules.
Putting myself in my father's shoes,
he doesn't want me to marry Princess of Youzhou.
If I have Youzhou's support,
I will have the necessary force for a comeback.
But he doesn't want me to lose badly
to bring shame to Yongzhou either.
Meanwhile,
he also wants to see
how useful I can be without my martial arts.
Most importantly,
he wants to know
if I can read his mind.
I was sent to Youzhou
to ask for the princess's hand.
But in fact, it's a trial from my father.
A trial
of loyalty.
Only by proving my ability and loyalty
will my father be satisfied.
Master Bai and others
will be released then.
Everyone in politics
has their own agenda.
A marriage proposal
can put these many things
at stake.
I have read through it.
The greatest beauty of Dadong indeed.
The suitors are important and powerful figures.
However, the first stage is a spar.
If you had your martial arts,
you would blaze through it.
But now, we need to play it smart.
I suppose what you're trying to do
is to enter the Royal Palace and approach Hua Chunran.
Yes.
I even prepared
a huge gift for her.
Catch the ringleader first.
You're smart.
However, she isn't just Dadong's greatest beauty.
I heard she also has some power
over Youzhou's royal court.
Knowing that,
if we befriend her,
she can help us out.
The spar will be a non-issue.
Her delivering the Sarira also shows
that she is very smart.
Gaining her trust
will not be easy.
She is not only smart
but also vigilant.
After she delivered the Sarira,
many went after her head.
However, she predicted that
and managed to escape each time.
So someone like her
is very vigilant.
-Unless-- -Unless there is someone
with no conflict of interest with her.
And that someone has to be amicable,
get along with her well,
retain her interest,
and is a woman, preferably.
Like…
me.
Only you can do that.
You're bold,
which is a rare sight in this world.
If Feng Qiwu finds you interesting,
Hua Chunran will too.
I know you're worried about the safety
of Master Bai and the Tianshuang Sect.
I won't force you.
Before I came to Youzhou,
Master already told me
to follow my heart.
Do not be consumed by grief.
I mulled it over during our trip.
My master and others are in the capital of Yongzhou.
They are safe at the moment.
Besides, Qiwu and others are looking after them.
As this is how things have turned out,
why not get back on my feet,
move on, and help you?
That way, they will be freed sooner.
Look at you, Your Highness.
The greatest beauty of Dadong is an understatement.
In my opinion, you are the greatest beauty
in the world.
Of course she is.
I heard all inns are fully booked
because Her Highness is looking for a suitor.
I even heard that several gentlemen fought.
All officials are even busier than before.
Who can resist the charm of Her Highness?
Your Highness, do tell us.
Is there someone that tickles your fancy?
I heard the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao, is a fine man.
He is the most popular one among the suitors who arrived.
As for the newly-arrived Prince Yongping of Yongzhou,
I heard he's also elegant and charismatic.
Feng Lanxi is here?
He just arrived.
Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi
are two of the Four Gentlemen.
His Lordship wishes to dine with you in Xiaoyun Pavilion today.
All right.
I'll head to Mingse Garden first.
That Snowy Ink plant was budding yesterday.
It might bloom today.
No need to follow me.
Yes, Your Highness.
So an otherworldly beauty like you
exists in this world.
They say the Chinese peony is the Monarch of Flowers.
But you are even more beautiful than that.
Beauty
has the appearance of a flower, the grace of the moon,
the demeanor of a willow, the resilience of jade,
the fairness of the snow, and the calmness of the autumn water.
You are the embodiment of them.
If I'm not mistaken,
you two must be the renowned Hei-Bai Fengxi.
You have keen observation, the beauty of Dadong.
You're in the palace mostly but know what's happening in the world.
I beg to differ.
The two of you are simply too famous,
especially the owner of Fountain Abode, Mr. Feng, Hei Fengxi.
Your reputation precedes you.
May I know
why this unannounced visit?
For the marriage proposal.
We're here for the fun.
However, upon our arrival,
all inns and relay stations were fully booked.
I don't like to leave without anything,
so I came here to find you.
In that case,
it is my fault then.
Your Highness, you have the generosity
to take the joke lightly instead of taking offense to it.
I admire your attitude.
You exaggerate.
If you don't mind,
you can stay in Luohua Palace.
I spend most of my time in the palace,
so I am curious about the martial arts world.
Your Highness, you do not speak from your high horse.
For that, I am thankful.
Here's a token of appreciation
from Fountain Abode.
A gift?
Are you waiting for two criminals to be delivered to you?
Someone tried to kill them
and I was there at the time.
I intervened.
They are now outside of the city.
This is the testimony they signed.
WE WERE ASKED TO DRUG THE DIVINE FAIRY AND KILL HER
Fountain Abode knows everything.
That isn't hearsay, I see.
You are even aware of the classified matters
on the heir of Lord of Youzhou.
What do you seek, Mr. Feng?
Don't get us wrong, Your Highness.
We just want to be your friends.
Take it as a small present.
Your Highness, you will be like this Chinese peony,
beautiful and regal.
I am willing to serve you
and help you ascend to the throne.
I appreciate
your proposition.
My father wishes to have lunch with me.
I shall take my leave now.
Follow this path to reach Luohua Palace.
I will return to be a gracious host later
and we will talk with candor.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Many thank you.
-Come. -Cheers.
Enjoy lunch, my children.
Come.
Chun'er.
You've been back for more than two weeks.
Are you feeling better now?
Father,
I am fine now.
It's just that
I went to Mingse Garden today
and those flowers in bloom
reminded me of Hong.
My heart aches.
She sacrificed herself to save her master.
I will make sure her family is handsomely rewarded.
Thank you, Father.
However, I want to take revenge.
A few days ago, I sent someone to De City
to capture the duo who killed Hong.
Good.
Behead them then.
I already did.
However…
I received a missive
filled with the signed testimonies
of those two criminals.
-They said… -What did they say?
They said they were sent by Chunyuan.
-Father! -Father.
Do not walk into their trap.
I already destroyed the missive.
Besides, Chunyuan has been nothing but kind to me.
He wouldn't do something like that.
I'm sure those two criminals framed him
out of desperation.
Father, I did no such thing.
It's all my fault.
Sorry for making you worry, Father.
It's all right.
I will definitely investigate
the assassination attempt on you.
Don't worry. Enjoy the meal.
Chunyuan.
You should be kinder to your sister.
Otherwise, these rumors
will affect my impression of you.
Being my heir
is not easy.
Of course, Father.
Here.
-Thank you, Father. -Enjoy.
Here.
Have some.
She didn't use the letter you gave her.
She did
but in a better way.
She will put the heir of Lord of Youzhou in a difficult spot
and reinforce her image
as a vulnerable and innocent victim.
So manipulative.
That's the beauty.
She's a clever woman
who can play her feminine cards well.
She's tougher to crack than imagined.
You…
Don't worry about me.
Those who keep to themselves a lot
will feel lonely.
And those who feel lonely want to make friends.
And I am good at making friends.
What is your plan?
I'll try to get to know her.
I'll start with her maids.
Right.
I'm sure
you can get along with them very soon.
I will also find ways
to approach her.
Hei-Bai Fengxi
seem to keep
a low profile.
I'm sure they have a backup plan.
Maybe Youzhou
is their backup plan.
What about others?
They are not my concern.
My only opponent is him.
The clairvoyant, Yue Qingyan, once commented
on the Four Gentlemen.
Pacifist Yu, Graceful Lan,
Arrogant Huang, Hidden Xi.
Pacifist Yu and Arrogant Huang are easy to understand.
As for Hidden Xi,
once I learned that Feng Lanxi is Hei Fengxi,
I get that too.
But Graceful Lan is quite hard to decipher.
How can gracefulness
command reverence?
When Hidden and Graceful
are paired together,
it makes him more enigmatic.
I actually want to meet him.
But…
But for your ambition's sake,
it's best if he never interferes in politics.
Whether he will
or not,
no one can stand in my way
to the Imperial City.
Right.
Tomorrow,
Lord of Youzhou wants me in the palace.
All the best then.
Sir, Feng Lanxi and Bai Fengxi
are in the Royal Palace.
Smart.
They took advantage of the princess.
Your Highness,
perhaps you could talk to Ms. Feng?
Lately,
all she has been doing
is eating, playing, and sleeping.
She spends most of her days napping and eating,
and for the rest of her days,
she plays with the maids.
Do not talk behind Ms. Feng's back.
But she's like this.
Besides,
she keeps pulling pranks.
For example,
she would sneak up behind you and appear suddenly,
giving you a scare.
But then she would also
pull a beautiful flower out of nowhere and put it on you
and tell you you're pretty.
As expected from Bai Fengxi.
I truly admire
Ms. Feng's character.
If you have Ms. Feng as your friend,
your life will be full of laughter.
You're dismissed. Ms. Feng should be free in the palace.
Do not restrain her.
Yes, Your Highness.
-You have the face -So beautiful.
for plain makeup.
This eyebrow will suit you.
-Gorgeous. -Do I look good?
Yes. Have a look.
It's true.
-What technique is this, Ms. Feng? -Caged Smoke Eyebrow.
Can you teach me, Ms. Feng?
Several days ago, Xiangyun learned the Tear-shaped Contour from you.
It was so beautiful.
I asked her to teach me,
but she wouldn't.
I learned it from Ms. Feng.
Without her permission, I can't teach you.
Tear-shaped Contour will not look good on you.
Caged Smoke Eyebrow is a perfect fit.
If you want to learn it,
I can teach you.
However…
I know.
I'll ask the Royal Kitchen to give you more veggies tonight.
It's not about the veggies.
I want a fish, all right?
Got it.
Ms. Feng,
I brewed this tea with the morning dews.
Try it.
Thank you.
Well, can you tell me how my headdress looks like?
I want to learn makeup from you.
Also, I want to learn other things.
-Me too. -Patience.
-I'll teach all of you. -All right.
However, I have to go now.
Just wait for me. I'll teach you once I'm back.
-Thank you, Ms. Feng. -Thank you, Ms. Feng.
-So pretty. -I know, right?
She has only been here for a few days
and the entire Luohua Palace
forgot who they are supposed to be serving.
Princess Hua.
You should move it here.
Then Black Fox will place one here.
If you continue here,
he'll block your path.
And now, the final piece.
Do you know what this strategy is called? Fox Bait.
I didn't know
you could play chess too, Ms. Feng.
I can't play it.
I just know Black Fox very well.
They say the martial arts world is full of barbarians,
but I beg to differ.
Does everyone in the martial arts world
know poems, Six Arts,
literature, and weaponry
like you two?
In that case, the royal family does not hold a candle to you.
A question for you then, Princess Hua.
Are all princesses as bold as you
to accommodate two unknown strangers
from the martial arts world?
I took both of you in because I'm confident
that I did not misjudge your characters.
Both of you are very unique.
As someone who has spent her entire life in the Royal Palace,
this is the most outstanding memory yet.
I will
definitely miss it
and that's why I will cherish it.
Cherish it
because you can never have it.
Indeed.
Princess Hua.
You're confined to the palace every day.
Don't you want to venture out?
In the outside world,
the plants and the people are more interesting
than the ones in the palace.
Venture out?
It might feel refreshing at first,
but wherever people dwell,
things will always turn out the same.
I can't sew
nor can I cultivate crops,
not to mention lead a plain life.
How can I get accustomed
to a commoner's routine?
I only know some unimportant matters
and I only learn how to protect myself
within the palace.
Marvelous.
Well said, Princess Hua.
I thought you would be one of those noble ladies
who would
discard their wealth
for a life of freedom.
I didn't expect this perspective from you.
You're wise, Princess Hua.
You know others and yourself.
You want to see the world,
but the world is inside you.
Your Highness, His Lordship summons you.
Excuse me.
How likely are we
to convince her?
I think she puts her guard down against you.
It's time to tell her.
All right.
I'll hang out with her in a few days.
Why is Father looking for me?
I asked the messenger.
Apparently, it has something to do with the two guests you took in.
The fish
is about to take the bait.
Greetings, Father.
Long live Father.
At ease.
Thank you, Father.
I heard--
Father, have you heard of Hei-Bai Fengxi?
Of course.
They are the two strongest fighters at the moment.
But Chunran,
why did you mention them?
I just want to tell you
that they are visiting me as guests.
Chun'er.
You're a princess.
You shouldn't mingle with the people from the martial arts world.
Besides, Hei Fengxi is a man.
If he stays in your palace
and the world catches wind of it,
your reputation will be ruined.
Father,
Hei-Bai Fengxi are a man and a woman.
Both of them are staying together.
Besides, there are hundreds of maids and servants here.
I have nothing to hide so I have nothing to be afraid of.
Father, you once told me
that many interesting individuals dwell in the martial arts world.
After talking to Hei-Bai Fengxi,
I can confirm
that they are rare talents.
If you can get their support,
our nation will prosper.
Youzhou will then no longer be inferior
to Yongzhou and Jizhou.
Do you want me to hire them?
Yes.
They managed to sneak past the guards
into the Royal Palace.
That is already the proof of their competence.
I took them in and talked to them
because I want to keep them here
so that they can serve you.
Perhaps
they can help you conquer the world.
Chun'er.
You have always been a clever girl.
Only you
can get what I'm thinking.
Come, take a seat.
Have a seat.
Father.
Will you meet them?
Not at the moment.
The people in the martial arts world can be treacherous.
I will wait and see.
They have stayed with you for five days now.
You're a princess.
You shouldn't mingle with uncivilized people like them.
Please ask them to find accommodation elsewhere.
So you already knew they stayed with me, Father.
Were you spying on me?
You don't trust me?
Not at all, Chun'er.
I didn't have anyone spy on you.
Your brother was worried about you,
so he let me know.
Chunyuan?
In that case,
I am terrified.
If Chunyuan knows what happens in my palace,
then my journey back from the Imperial City…
Also, the two criminals who claimed he hired them…
I…
Chun'er, fret not.
I will get to the bottom of this.
Come.
Sit down.
Chun'er.
When I told the world you were looking for a suitor,
your admirers all came here.
Royal descendants and brave heroes walk among them.
Chun'er.
What kind of husband do you want?
What kind of son-in-law do you want, Father?
Not many merits your status,
Chun'er.
Considering their statuses, talents, and appearance,
only two
are worthy of you.
One is Prince Lanxi of Yongzhou.
The other
is the heir of Lord of Jizhou, Huang Chao.
What do you think, Father?
Prince Huang Chao has arrived here.
I met him this morning.
Indeed, he is both handsome and capable.
As for Prince Lanxi,
he did write to me,
citing his volition to marry you.
What do you think, Chun'er?
If
my husband isn't someone from a royal bloodline
like Prince Lanxi
or Prince Huang Chao,
but a very talented commoner,
not only can he help you, Father,
but he also wouldn't have the mind to usurp Youzhou.
Chun'er.
Have you taken a liking
to Hei Fengxi?
What do you think, Father?
Chun'er!
Hei Fengxi is a lowly fighter from the martial arts world.
He doesn't deserve my daughter.
But in your announcement,
you said that I get to select my husband,
regardless of his social class.
That was just for show.
Why would a princess
marry a commoner?
When I said the social class didn't matter,
it was to appease the public.
Knowing your talent and your beauty,
you should be the emperor's consort.
Nice drawing, Princess Hua.
Ms. Feng.
You flatter him in your drawing.
What you have here is a head-turner.
Does it not look like him?
Not at all.
Let me show you.
Watch me, Princess Hua.
Black Fox
has a long face,
like a goose egg.
His eyebrows stretch out like this.
It points upward here.
He also has
a seductive pair of eyes.
When he glances at you,
it almost feels coquettish.
His best feature
is his nose.
It leads you to think that he's a virtuous man,
yet he's anything but that.
Princess Hua, have you heard of this saying?
Thin lips, cold heart.
He has thin lips.
He looks like a trustworthy person,
but in fact, he is the opposite.
You have to be careful.
What do you think?
I can truly see him in your drawing, Ms. Feng.
You must have known him very well
to capture all the details like these.
I have known him for many years.
Can you help me then,
Ms. Feng?
How can I help?
I quite fancy Mr. Feng
and would like to have him as my husband.
Will you help me, Ms. Feng?
Almost all handsome men of Dadong
came here to ask for your hand,
including the heir of Lord of Jizhou
and the Prince of Yongzhou.
Among those obvious choices,
you pick someone lowly from the martial arts world.
Because among them,
my father only likes Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi.
Both of them are important to their own states.
They will prioritize their own interests first.
If I marry them, I…
I just want to be happy
and truthful to myself for the rest of my life.
I have already possessed
what a woman can ever ask for,
power and fame.
Whoever I marry and wherever I go,
I will remain affluent.
Do you believe me, Ms. Feng?
I do.
MAJESTIC MOON
I also know
I can never find someone like him anymore,
so I want to convince Mr. Feng
to stay here for me.
Beautiful,
smart,
and conniving.
You two are quite alike in certain areas.
Shrewd and calculative.
Comprehend the meaning of life,
yet obsessed with riches.
So many facets.
You're the first one who tells me that
without holding anything back.
You're right.
I am such a woman.
You can find any excuses for yourself.
Why did you tell me the truth?
Because I
have never had a true friend,
except you,
Bai Fengxi.
I hope you're my real friend.
We will treat each other with sincerity
without any ulterior motive.
That's because I'm from the martial arts world.
I do not pose a threat to you.
Yes.
Ms. Feng. Is that a yes?
You truly believe she's in love with me?
Compared to love,
she's more concerned about the future of Youzhou
and her power.
She picks me
because I'm Hei Fengxi.
I'm powerful in the martial arts world,
but all isolated
within politics.
And that's the problem.
I'm also Feng Lanxi.
Your Highness,
do you think Ms. Feng will help you?
She will.
Why are you so sure?
Hasn't she been trying to fish out info
about me from you?
There's only one explanation.
She's helping Hei Fengxi.
I'm just playing along.
So both of them came here for that?
So Mr. Feng is just as cunning as Ms. Feng
claimed to be.
No, he's smart.
He keeps his friends close and his enemies closer.
You think highly of him, Your Highness.
Mr. Feng is just perfect in your eyes.
Do you think
I'll be fettered by love?
Of course not.
You most definitely are not.
I gave up Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou for him.
On the day of the marriage proposal,
you will appear as Feng Lanxi of Yongzhou.
For others,
Feng Lanxi is Hei Fengxi.
There's nothing wrong with that.
For Hua Chunran,
this will be a surprise.
And then,
she won't marry you.
Exactly.
She came to me for help
because one, I'm from the martial arts world.
I do not pose a threat to her.
Two,
she wants to test our relationship.
She wants me to influence your decision
to her own end.
Yes.
Is there no sincerity left
in this world?
I told my father to choose him
because he has no background
but is very powerful.
With him, Youzhou can stand a chance to unite the Six States.
I told Ms. Feng that I'd choose him
because he would make me happy.
That was and wasn't
a lie.
Why Mr. Feng then?
Because he has desires
and is the easiest to be manipulated.
While he denies it,
I can tell he likes Ms. Feng.
Yet he came,
which means he also has ambition.
People like that
are the easiest to control.
What a foresight, Your Highness.
YONGZHOU ROYAL PALACE
Your Lordship,
letters from Youzhou.
Two letters.
One from the House of Jade in Youzhou.
Another is from the people
who follow Marquis Yongping.
Both letters
bear the same content.
But the one from House of Jade
has more details.
It even has
the info of all other suitors
who went to Youzhou.
I have been organizing
the intel Fountain Abode handed over.
Just the organization alone
took two weeks.
The intel
sheds light on the martial arts world,
the royal family of every state,
and even some confidential affairs.
Each intel comes with
its respective postscripts.
Truth be told,
I am impressed by Marquis Yongping's ability
to manage
such a vast intel network.
And if I let you manage Fountain Abode?
You flatter me, Your Lordship.
I'm afraid only Marquis Yongping
can manage such a huge intel network.
Marquis Yongping has relinquished all his martial techniques.
He has displayed his loyalty.
I think--
Do you think Lanxi
will be content
working backstage forever?
I believe
he went to Youzhou
with a backup plan.
Your Lordship.
Why do you distrust Marquis Yongping so?
Father knows best.
If he hides for another decade,
then I'll have no choice.
Your Lordship.
If the princess agrees to Prince Lanxi's proposal,
will he ally with Youzhou
to overthrow Yongzhou?
He is a smart man.
He knows if I allow him to go to Youzhou,
I must have a contingency plan.
Now, he has to choose wisely.