ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
I know that I'm not capable enough to be selected,
Your Lordship.
Hence, I shall give up.
Please take into account of my gracious act, misters.
If you can do business with me,
I'll be more than grateful.
I shall leave first.
Mr. Shan is purposeful indeed.
Prince Huang.
What do you think?
As I see it,
the Six States
emphasize the vision.
Those who prioritize a city
survive on the city.
Those who prioritize a state
are able to sense evolution.
And those who prioritize the world
can bless and rule the world.
This person must possess the character of a king
who is true to his words.
Prince Huang, you're indeed remarkable.
Please have a seat.
What about Prince Lanxi?
In my humble opinion,
the world
is still about fate.
Fate?
Are you saying
everything is arranged by heaven?
A nation's fate concerns
the people's livelihood, the people's opinion,
and the emperor's capability.
Fate is found
among the officials and the people.
Whether it's a person,
a city, a state,
or a nation,
it requires the people who form the base
and the emperor's capability.
Fate, it is.
What kind of fate
would you think that be?
Peace for all ages.
Peace for all ages?
Prince Lanxi.
It would be interesting
for the people then.
I wonder
what Your Lordship thinks?
You're all especially privileged people.
In the future, the state affairs of the world
will naturally be closely related to you.
My question happens
to be related to the people.
Gentlemen,
come with me.
Isn't this Cangmang Endgame?
Indeed.
Ten years ago,
Old Taiyin and Old Tianji
left this Cangmang Endgame
in Mount Cangmang of Youzhou.
It was said that their predictions
about the world are hidden
within this game of chess.
So I'm planning to use this game of chess
to test four of you.
The final winner
will be my son-in-law.
My father has been to Mount Wu
to search for Old Taiyin's legacy.
But he didn't even get to meet Old Taiyin.
While I'm no match for my father,
how can I compete with Prince Lanxi
and Prince Huang Chao?
I thought today's liberal arts test
was about text or poem writing.
I didn't expect it to be a game of chess.
I could take the challenge if it were poems or lyrics.
But…
Your Lordship, it looks like
I'm not fated to marry the princess.
I'll forfeit my rights.
Your Lordship, I'll forfeit my rights too.
Gentlemen,
please go ahead.
Prince Huang Chao and Prince Lanxi.
Are you confident in ending this game?
Prince Lanxi,
are you willing to play with me?
Of course.
Prince Lanxi.
Let's decide who starts first.
Prince Huang, you're in a high position
while I'm only a marquis.
Since you're ahead in the world,
it's natural for you to make a move first.
It's mealtime.
Mealtime.
An agreement has been reached.
We'll take action tonight.
Please make your preparation.
I've made arrangements at the dungeon.
After you have rescued the Tianshuang Sect,
someone will come to your aid.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Yes, Your Highness.
Disguise as Marquis Yongping's men
and wait for the arrival of the Royal Army there.
You must not let any disciples of the Tianshuang Sect escape.
You must let the Royal Army witness them as proof.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Yes, Your Highness.
You'll be handsomely rewarded.
-Thank you, Your Highness. -Go now.
When His Lordship is in rage,
the Tianshuang Sect will lose their heads.
His relationship with Prince Lanxi will be irreconcilable then.
When that happens,
Prince Lanxi will no longer have power.
I guess Lanxi will regret trying to marry the princess.
But I don't think
I'll be able to see how he reacts.
After all, we're not certain
if he can return to Yongzhou safely.
Chunran.
Why are Mr. Huang Chao and Mr. Lanxi
still not making their move until now?
Father,
I think wise men think a lot,
unlike foolish men.
I'm afraid they've played
no less than 100 games in their head.
Prince Lanxi, I'll make the first move then.
Master Bai, we're here to rescue you.
Hurry!
-Hurry up. -Let me help you.
-Quickly now. -There are too many of us.
We must split ways.
-You go first. -It's too dangerous.
-Let's go together. -I'll cover all of you.
-Father! -Go now!
-Come on, let's go. -Father.
Hurry.
Are you going to stay?
I'm just a jade carver.
I have offended the Lord,
but it wasn't grievous enough to be put to death.
But if I escape the dungeon with you,
the crime would be even greater.
Master Bai, let's go.
Let's go.
I must not take Feng Lanxi lightly.
He could actually see through my deception
and not fall for it.
Huang Chao indeed has the capability to rule the world.
Not only does he have high political ideals,
but there are also indistinguishable schemes.
Over there!
Hurry! Go that way!
This way.
Prince Lanxi.
It was testing the water just now.
The real battle starts now.
Your attack is quick and forceful.
You march ahead boldly.
Don't tell me
this is your way of being an emperor?
Using the board as my world and the pieces as my people,
it will be a game of life and death between us.
Your Highness, the jailbreak went well.
Tianshuang Sect was rescued.
Well done!
Send someone to inform Zhang Zhongge to capture them.
Yes, Your Highness.
Young man,
we're done changing our clothes.
The rest are still waiting for us.
Can we leave the city now?
His Highness said someone would escort us.
Let's wait for a while.
Take him away.
Prince Chang,
what's wrong?
You were tricked.
He's from Feng Ju's fraction
to set Lanxi up
by abducting all of you.
What should we do now?
What about Jiurong, Lu Shi, Langhua?
I've rescued them.
I hope you can bear with it and return to the dungeon.
Lanxi will return soon.
When that time comes, you will be released.
We were careless
to fall for the enemy's trick.
We'll wait for Prince Lanxi to come back.
Thank you, Prince Chang.
Lanxi never fails to plan ahead.
He knew Feng Ju was up to no good.
So he asked for my help.
Yet Feng Ju doesn't know
that there's a trap waiting for him.
This time,
he'll have to admit defeat.
Your Highness is a kind person for helping others in distress.
I'll make sure to convey this to Prince Lanxi.
No need.
I didn't do much to help anyway.
If you want to tell him,
just deliver a message to him.
Tell him
that I'm waiting for him to come back
for a game of chess.
Yes, Your Highness.
Cangyi, be quick.
Fly to Youzhou quickly
to tell His Highness this piece of news!
Prince Lanxi.
How can you defeat me
if you only defend?
One needs to fight to take control of the world
instead of defending it.
Is that so?
Do you really think
you can turn the table like this?
Before the time is up,
it's hard to tell who's the victor.
You shall see
how I slay the dragon with this move.
My men have been arrested?
Yes, Your Highness.
They were Prince Chang's men.
I'm afraid Feng Lanxi was behind this again.
It looks like Feng Lanxi had a backup plan.
Are those who have been captured reliable?
Yes.
Prepare to leave the capital.
Prince Huang.
Defending is to find a way to attack.
I kept defending
for the sake of stabilizing the situation.
You failed to slay the dragon.
How can you defeat me
after you have lost your drive and ambition?
You strive for the world
with your unswerving spirit.
I strive for the world
by making good use of everyone.
The pieces that seemed insignificant
which you abandoned
can even change the situation
at a critical moment.
I've learned a lot
from playing with you.
It doesn't matter who wins or loses in this game.
What you taught me today
gave me a higher chance of conquering the world
in the future.
A board is a board after all.
The world belongs to the people.
This is the intention of our predecessors, Old Taiyin and Old Tianji.
If you can understand this,
the people
will not suffer
if either of us leads the world.
I understand that now.
However,
I still want to end this game with you.
Please.
I lost this round.
In that case,
Prince Huang Chao has won today.
Thank you, Lord of Youzhou.
In that case,
are those from the Tianshuang Sect
in the dungeon?
According to my secret observation,
they don't seem keen on escaping.
We must investigate those black-clothed men
who wanted to break them out.
But it seems that Lanxi knows where the line is.
Next,
we shall see his choice in Youzhou.
It has all ended?
Yes.
What about Master?
I'm sure Father will release them
after knowing today's result.
Zhong Li will escort them back
to Tianshuang Sect.
Thank you.
I've been thinking
about something for a very long time.
But I've never spoken of it.
Today,
I don't want to miss out on this chance again.
I can finally finish what I wanted to tell you
during the Lantern Festival.
This time,
nothing can stop me,
even if the world falls apart.
I seek only to have your heart.
We will never be apart.
This is what I've always wanted to tell you
which I should've told you earlier.
They always say
to love until the ocean and earth run dry.
We both know
that these are just false promises.
To me,
I only want to hold your hand
until the end of life.
You've said all the sweetest things.
Don't tell me
you didn't prepare any love tokens like those written in the stories?
I'm not merely saying sweet things.
Sir, we have news from the capital of Yongzhou.
Feng Ju's plan has failed.
Feng Lanxi had a backup plan.
Feng Ju is useless now.
And Feng Lanxi gave up on the princess
to return to the capital.
Lord of Yongzhou
may not let him have a good time.
That's strange.
Without Yongzhou,
how is he going to conquer the world?
Now, the fight for the title of heir
has officially begun in Yongzhou.
He wouldn't have time to conquer the world.
Then I shall wait for Prince Huang to marry Hua Chunran.
Then we'll combine the army forces of Jizhou and Youzhou.
The Cricket army has expanded to 5,000 people.
It's still not enough.
With Huang Chao's capability,
he'll need five years the most to attack the Imperial City.
Before that, we must expand
the Cricket army to 20,000 people.
I understand.
Young Master,
while spying on the prison breakout,
I noticed
that the jade carver you've been searching for
is locked up in the dungeon too.
What?
But I don't think
he'll run into Bai Jiande
since the dungeon is huge.
Many things happen due to coincidence.
We must not be careless.
I want you
to go to Tianshuang Sect with me.
Yes.
Your Lordship,
a letter from Youzhou.
It says
Princess Chunran of Youzhou
has chosen Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou.
The wedding ceremony will be held in the near future.
Lanxi is willing to give up
on marrying the Princess of Youzhou.
It looks like it's very likely
that he established the Fountain Abode
to protect himself.
What do you think?
I think Prince Lanxi
values more of his relationship with you.
You have a point.
I want you to order Zhang Zhongge
to release
those from Tianshuang Sect.
There's no need to lock them up anymore.
Yes, Your Lordship.
His Highness sent for this letter.
He instructed me to deliver it to you.
What is this?
What nonsense is this?
Is His Highness really planning
to leave like this?
His Highness said
Chancellor Ren is already old
and an important minister to him.
Under such circumstances, he can only request Chancellor Ren
to disarm and retire.
His Highness feels guilty about this.
He hopes you can forgive him.
He also told me to let you know
that Liang City is a good place to go.
But
His Highness didn't marry Hua Chunran
and failed to get Youzhou as his support
to go against His Lordship.
If he returns to court, he won't have as much power.
Prince Chang has given up on being an heir.
But Prince Lanxi and Prince Ju's fight
has only started.
I suppose His Highness is giving up completely.
He went to Youzhou
because he had no choice
and also
because he wanted to leave completely.
His Highness said
the Feng family is deeply rooted in Yongzhou.
After this,
you don't have to worry.
His Lordship won't bother the Feng family.
The Feng family can use this chance to serve His Lordship.
As for the token of loyalty,
His Highness has prepared it for you.
With this list,
one can control the Fountain Abode
His Highness handed to His Lordship.
Yes. His Highness said
you're a heroic woman.
The power of Fountain Abode is huge.
His Lordship took it for himself.
Naturally, no one can control it.
Also, His Lordship is worried about letting someone else
manage such an organization.
So His Lordship only has two choices.
First, it's Yuan Lu, Eunuch Yuan.
Second, you.
I understand.
Chancellor Ren and Official Feng,
we'll only meet again in the martial arts world after tomorrow.
Do you really agree
with this matter?
His Highness
made the right move in this matter.
Wuyuan.
Are you leaving?
According to Lord of Youzhou,
the wedding ceremony will be in Youzhou.
I have something to take care of.
After you're married,
I'll definitely return.
Also, you should wait
if you intend to ask Youzhou to conquer Qingzhou.
What should I wait for?
An opportunity.
But it won't take too long.
I shall wait and see then.
TIANSHUANG SECT
Are you waiting for Fengxi and Mr. Feng?
Mr. Feng sent his hawk to deliver a message
and said they'll arrive soon.
Why are they still not here yet?
People forget to come home when they have too much fun.
I'm sure they wish they could come back later.
Did you forget to come home?
I thought only ignorant people do that.
You're too young to understand.
Fegnxi could come back with her eyes blindfolded.
Come on. Stop waiting here.
No, I want to wait for them here.
Pu'er! Langhua!
Fengxi!
Come here.
I guess only you care about me.
-Let me take a look at you. -I'd like
to thank you for your help, Mr. Feng.
Tianshuang Sect got into trouble because of me.
I was only making up for my mistake.
There's no need for you to thank me.
Then I'll thank you for taking care of naughty people.
Who is she talking about?
Who else?
You're one of them.
After returning, your courage has grown a lot.
Just a little.
Your Highness.
Thank you for your hard work.
I've been working for you since young.
You gave me a life.
So it's not hard at all.
By the way, Master Bai is waiting for you and Ms. Feng.
Let's go in then.
Pu'er, let's go first.
I didn't expect Lord of Yongzhou to keep his promise
and let us return.
I didn't marry the princess
and handed over Fountain Abode to him.
I no longer have anything that he wants.
So
I'm harmless to him now.
Moreover,
he doesn't want to provoke those from the martial arts world.
Since I've given him enough face,
he'd naturally go with the flow.
What's wrong?
In ancient stories,
Ne Zha carved his bones and flesh to repay his parents.
You're doing the same too.
There mustn't be any suspicions among the family
to have peace in a royal household.
It's exhausting.
Indeed it is.
But I'm fortunate to have met you
along the way.
Master.
You're back.
-Is everything all right? -All is good.
Master Bai,
I'm sorry about what you had to go through.
Mr. Feng, no need to feel guilty.
You took good care
of the Tianshuang Sect in the capital of Yongzhou.
I've also let those from Fountain Abode stay here.
Thank you, Master Bai.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I still have to return to Yongzhou.
It's my home after all.
Since Huang Chao is marrying Hua Chunran,
his world conquest will happen soon.
I hope
you can protect the people
when that happens.
I shall bear your teachings in mind.
Master,
rest assured.
If he disregards the people
to conquer the world,
I'll be the first to lecture him.
Gosh.
The happiest thing in my life
is to see both of you finally being together.
Mr. Feng,
I hope
you can take good care of my disciple.
I'll make sure she's well-fed.
You had a long journey. Get some rest.
Yes, Master.
I shall see you off with tea
instead of liquor.
After we go our separate ways,
I don't know when we'll meet again.
CANGYUN PAVILION
I have faith
that we won't have to wait too long
with His Highness' capability.
You should just wait in Liang City patiently.
His Highness
may need your help in the future.
Yes.
The Feng family and His Highness are one.
I shall take my leave now.
Official Ren, have a safe journey.
CANGYUN PAVILION
After being an official for decades,
he only leaves with a few packages.
This must be how helpless officials are.
Miss, it's time for us to leave too.
Let's head to the palace.
The palace?
His Lordship is waiting for me.
So is His Highness.
Do you really feel at ease in letting him go?
This rebellious son of mine
may cause me a lot of headaches,
but he has a big heart.
He has handed over everything now.
He's also frail from illness.
He said he wanted to travel the world.
So I let him go.
I heard
Feng Qiwu requested an audience with you.
She brought the list of Fountain Abode.
It's also a leeway Lanxi left for her.
Fountain Abode is very powerful.
None of my men can control it.
So she took the chance to discuss it with me.
Her objective was to protect the Feng family.
It looks like
Feng Lanxi is a sentimental person.
You're his father after all.
Even if he left Yongzhou,
he still thinks about his family.
Stop probing.
I already said
no one could run from their mistake.
I haven't forgiven him
for all the things he had done.
I'll just pretend I don't have a son like him.
He can never return
to Yongzhou.
I never intended to probe.
I know what you're thinking.
Feng Chang has no intention of seizing the throne.
Feng Lanxi has now left Yongzhou.
So Feng Ju
will be my only heir now.
Am I right?
But is Feng Ju completely innocent
in this matter?
He was the one who reported it
and sent people to break into the prison.
Do you think
I don't know that?
Feng Ju only wants to gain your trust.
He has no intention of being disloyal.
He did it for Yongzhou.
Please judge it fairly.
I know very well
of these little tricks.
But you were right.
He did it
for the sake of Yongzhou and me.
When I go back,
I'll educate Feng Ju properly,
so he'll be more cautious
and not let you worry.
Get up.
If he wants to be my heir,
he needs to prove his capabilities.
There are many rebels in the south.
If he manages to get rid of them,
he'll have the right
to be my heir.
Your Lordship,
the bandits in the south are fierce.
For Feng Ju, it would be…
Without experiencing any hardship,
how can he be the pillar of the state?
Lanxi may have left.
But he established Fountain Abode
with his own capabilities.
Are you saying
that I only have one capable son?
But it's your birthday
in a month.
All right.
I'll give him a month then.
What do you think?
Thank you, Your Lordship.
Aren't you staying here today?
Huang Chao of Jizhou
wants to marry the Princess of Youzhou.
After they get married,
the situation of the world will change.
I should think of a countermeasure.
Moreover,
didn't you already get what you wanted?
I shall see you off, Your Lordship.
I didn't expect you'd be here
after my retirement.
I happened to pass by.
So I came to visit you.
Well, you came at the right time.
Yes.
I must be fated to meet you.
Mr. Yu,
I got my hand on something many days ago.
I wonder if you know of its origin.