ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
Now,
you are the only one who could be my heir.
In the past,
I wanted to have everything in my grasp.
But in the end,
everything slipped through my palms.
I have decided
to entrust my throne to you.
But do tell me,
what do you plan to do next?
What do you want me to do?
The Imperial Family's power is dwindling.
All other states have their eyes on the throne.
From the affair of Minister Wang,
you can tell how ambitious and cunning
Jizhou is.
At this rate,
what action Yongzhou should take
is
up to you now.
Once you assume the position,
whether it's your harem or politics,
you have to do it the proper way.
Don't meddle in the martial arts world anymore.
People will talk otherwise.
Right.
I will not forget your advice, Father.
As for your marriage,
find someone who will benefit Yongzhou.
Or you can decide.
Now that you're my heir,
I'm sure you will have
Yongzhou's interest in heart.
Right?
Of course.
Good.
Go now.
See you, Father.
Your Lordship.
Her Ladyship has been buried.
Prince Ju's mental state
has not seen any improvement.
The ruler is often lonely.
Such is the way of life.
I'm sure Lady Yige
would be proud of you when she knows
you have become the heir.
I want to thank you.
I met you when I just started
in the martial arts world.
And thanks to you,
I saw the kindness of the world.
And thanks to your company,
I know what true feelings mean.
It's all thanks to you
that I gave the world another chance.
As the Prince of Yongzhou, Feng Lanxi,
proved himself to be virtuous and revered,
moral and respectful,
loyal and patriotic,
wise and ambitious.
Hence,
Feng Lanxi will be bestowed the title
of the heir of Lord of Yongzhou.
Your Highness, come forth.
Your Lordship, now is the time for the seal transfer ceremony.
From now on,
you are my heir.
You will shoulder the duty
of developing Yongzhou
and protecting the citizens of Yongzhou.
The world counts on you,
so you should not disappoint our predecessors.
Your advice will forever be on my mind.
-Greetings, Your Highness. -Greetings, Your Highness.
Mother, I'm here to pay you a visit.
Those who brought harm to you
are to serve their sentence now.
May you rest in peace
in heaven.
MEMORIAL TABLET OF LADY SHENGCHUN
Mother.
I would like you to meet someone.
I wish to stay by her side all my life.
Her name is Bai Fengxi.
Lady Yige.
From now on,
I will do my best to protect Lanxi
and take care of him.
You don't need to worry.
MEMORIAL TABLET OF LADY SHENGCHUN
Everything in Yongzhou has concluded.
I should think
about my next step.
Next step?
To marry you, of course.
I brought you to see my mother
and told her everything.
That is the proof of my sincerity.
Why?
You don't want to?
-No. -That's a yes then.
-You're putting words in my mouth. -Bai Fengxi.
I'm serious.
Decide now.
Once you have made up your mind, don't regret it.
Yes.
-Greetings-- -At ease.
What happened to Qingzhou?
Xieyue told me that if it wasn't an emergency,
he wouldn't send you to me.
Your Highness,
Qingzhou is now facing an invasion from Youzhou.
His Highness is leading the army. Nothing too serious so far.
However, His Lordship is in great ailment.
His Highness wants me to bring you back.
Ailment?
A sudden one or…
Why was I never privy to this info?
His Lordship has been sick for a while.
His Highness did not want to worry you, so…
I see.
I will head back immediately.
Yes.
I have made some snacks.
Try them.
You must have worked
really hard recently.
Qiwu said
that you are the hope of the Yongzhou people.
I never thought it that way,
but now,
I can believe it.
When you have to answer to your nation and subjects,
your private matter just seems so inconsequential.
You're not the Black Fox anymore.
You're the heir who is responsible
for the entire Yongzhou.
Since the moon is bright and beautiful tonight,
I will give you my blessing.
May all your wishes come true and may your state be peaceful,
so that you can continue protecting Yongzhou.
You are different today.
Not only did you make some snacks for me,
but you also gave a peculiar speech.
I'm happy for you.
Do you know what was on my mind
when I was given the position today?
What?
I was thinking
how it is only perfect
if you are beside me.
The world or you.
Why can't I have both?
Can I give you
an explanation in the future?
Black Fox,
I need to leave Yongzhou for a while.
I will go to Qingzhou with you.
You knew?
I thought my identity was mysterious enough,
but yours is a cut above.
I'm surprised, truth be told.
Like I said,
we will face everything together,
no matter what it is.
Now that I am aware
of Qingzhou's predicament,
I can't possibly let you face it alone.
You were with me for my affair in Yongzhou.
How can I let you deal with Qingzhou
without any help?
-But-- -I said we will face everything together,
no matter what it is.
I am your Black Fox now,
not the heir of Lord of Yongzhou, Feng Lanxi.
How can you leave me out of it?
Let's leave now.
Sure.
QINGZHOU
Xiyun, you're finally back.
Why didn't you tell me earlier, Xieyue?
Father didn't want you to worry.
He didn't allow me to tell you.
He came with you?
He's worried about me, so he came with me.
He's now in the side hall.
I'm glad he took good care of you.
That reassures me.
I can make sure
you're always in good company.
Everything will be all right.
Father.
I am a bad daughter.
I didn't know you were--
I am as healthy as a horse.
Besides,
when I see you,
all my ailments disappear.
Get up now, my child.
Get up.
Here, have a seat.
My child.
You're finally back.
Wonderful.
I'm over the moon.
I have heard
a lot about you.
Your tales and your legacy.
I am proud of you.
My daughter is smart,
beautiful,
educated, and skilled.
Not many men are worthy of you.
You see, at the moment,
Youzhou and Jizhou
are invading Qingzhou together.
Xieyue has to manage
politics alone.
He has too much on his plate to lead the army.
Jizhou and Youzhou came in full swing.
They were well-prepared
and we quickly lost our edge.
I'm worried
that Xieyue can't stand toe to toe with Huang Chao.
Father.
I'm back.
I will help Xieyue
and defend Qingzhou.
Good.
Great.
Upon closer inspection,
you bear the visage
of your mother,
yet your personality is so different from hers.
You are prideful.
I'm happy.
Your mother and I were childhood friends
and we were deeply in love.
She gave birth to Xieyue and you,
a wonderful pair of children.
I
can leave this world in content.
How is Father?
He's asleep.
I checked his health.
He won't last long.
How long has he been sick?
His health started
to deteriorate a year ago.
A year ago?
During this year, I traveled and wandered around.
I ignored Father's old age
and was absent when he needed me the most.
It's not your fault.
Father knows his condition.
He doesn't want to upset you.
However, we have a crisis now.
I need to discuss something with you.
About the frontline?
Father has told me.
Xieyue,
I'm willing to lead the army.
No, you should stay in Qingzhou
and handle state affairs.
But you have been managing it on Father's behalf.
You are more familiar in that regard.
Xieyue,
let me lead the army.
At the moment, Youzhou's Golden Armor Cavalry has arrived.
Lang City is in another battle.
I am the heir, so I should set an example for others.
Besides, no brother
will send his dear sister to the battlefield.
But…
This is not negotiable.
Don't worry.
Xu Yuan and the Fengyun Cavalry are there.
I will return safely.
It's just that with the death of Emperor Chunxi,
a war among the Six States is inevitable.
If we lose Lang City,
Qingzhou will just be a piece of meat
in everyone's eyes.
We have to win this war.
Stay in the palace and take care of Father.
I will report a victory
to reassure Father.
All right.
I will take care of the state affairs
and wait for your return.
All right.
MEMORIAL TABLET OF LADY OF QINGZHOU
Mother.
I'm back.
Qingzhou is in a crisis.
Father is gravely ill.
Xieyue is leading the army.
Yet I can't do anything to help.
Everyone has been protecting and pampering me.
That's why I could do whatever I wanted.
I am never afraid when I'm in the martial arts world.
But now,
I fear the passing of Father
and the harm coming to Xieyue's way.
Mother.
MEMORIAL TABLET OF LADY OF QINGZHOU
What should I do?
Whenever I return,
I'll keep you abreast with recent news.
Lanxi returned with me this time.
We have known each other for many years
and have been through ups and downs.
Yet he has never abandoned me.
He promised me
that he would help Qingzhou.
May we come out
of this crisis unscathed.
Don't worry, Mother.
I'm all grown up now.
I will take up my responsibility.
I promise you
that I will protect the people of Qingzhou.
MEMORIAL TABLET OF LADY OF QINGZHOU
Report! Xieyue is here. Youzhou's lead infantry has been subdued.
-His Lordship is now retreating. -What?
-You're dismissed. -Yes, Your Highness.
Don't worry, Chunran.
The outcome of a war is only decided
at the very last moment.
Why did you suggest to my father
to pretend we're attacking Lang City?
Knowing the Golden Armor Cavalry,
they can raze Lang City to the ground.
It's not the right time yet.
If we raze Lang City to the ground now,
it will affect our ambush strategy.
Headbutting Qingzhou
will just be a tough fight.
We should lull our enemies
into a false sense of security.
So it's just a ruse?
Only when the enemies put their guard down
that the ruse can work.
Otherwise, it won't be easy for Youzhou
to conquer Qingzhou.
Also,
I heard that Feng Lanxi
became the heir of Lord of Yongzhou.
Are you scared of Yongzhou?
Better safe than sorry.
However, I'm waiting for an opportunity
to completely dismantle Qingzhou.
But Xieyue is here.
Doesn't that mean Lord of Qingzhou is fine?
What is this opportunity you speak of?
Qingzhou doesn't only have Xieyue.
Princess of Qingzhou,
Feng Xiyun, exists too.
Chunran, let's stop here today.
All right, I shall take my leave.
However, we are married.
I do not want a husband who hides something from me.
Don't you worry.
Xieyue is here.
Should the Skyrider Cavalry make their entrance now?
It's just Xieyue.
We don't need to mobilize the entire cavalry.
Besides,
you know my plan, don't you?
At the moment,
Youzhou will suffer a huge loss.
You can usurp Youzhou, but it won't benefit you.
Youzhou has a backup plan.
Lord of Youzhou still hasn't shown his cards.
Then this is the best way to minimize casualties.
I can conceal my true power
while avoiding unnecessary death.
Two birds, one stone.
QINGZHOU
Your Lordship,
Prince Feng is here.
You're dismissed.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Greetings, Lord of Qingzhou.
Long live Your Lordship.
At ease.
Thank you, Your Lordship.
Come, have a seat.
Bai Fengxi, Feng Xiyun.
Hei Fengxi, Feng Lanxi.
You two are meant to be together.
May I know why you summoned me?
I summoned you to see
if my daughter has great taste or not.
What is your conclusion?
Not bad.
Quite good.
However,
I have heard
many things about you.
You're a bully, aren't you?
However,
you can never ever
bully my daughter.
I will always cherish her.
I believe you.
But life is long.
You will meet many problems and difficulties.
No matter what,
stay true to your heart
and treat each other with honesty.
While both of you belong to different states,
as long as you two remain on the same page,
then there's nothing you can't overcome.
Understood.
All my life,
politics and the royal court have been my preoccupations.
I hardly have time for my family.
I regret it.
Xiyun won't admit it,
but I know
that she resents me.
To my surprise,
she found
another politician to be her lover.
Destiny,
perhaps.
Your state is important.
But make some time
for your family too.
Otherwise,
you will die with regrets.
Take it as a piece of advice
from someone who has been through it.
I understand.
I believe in the choice
of my daughter.
QINGZHOU ENCAMPMENT
Although Lord of Youzhou lost their lead infantry,
their Golden Armor Cavalry is nowhere to be seen.
I believe
the final assault will take place in a few days.
In your opinion,
how likely are we to be victorious?
Without Huang Chao,
Youzhou will lose.
Alas,
Huang Chao and Wuyuan are within the Youzhou Encampment.
LANG CITY
Even if the Skyrider Cavalry is not deployed,
everything can change suddenly.
We won today.
We should continue while the morale is high
and show them what the Fengyun Cavalry can do.
Be prepared for war.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Yes, Your Highness.
Speak frankly, General Xu.
Yes, Your Highness.
Now that the Emperor has passed away,
all Six States are up in arms.
Youzhou is invading Qingzhou.
Shangzhou and Beizhou are amassing military power.
Jizhou even backs up Youzhou.
I worry
about Qingzhou's future.
I only came to Lang City
because Xiyun is back.
-Princess Xiyun is back! -Xiyun and I
will defend Qingzhou's future.
It will take a great deal of trouble off us
with her as our support.
However, other states are coveting us.
What is your plan, Your Highness?
How do we get out of this?
I know what's in your mind, General Xu.
Qingzhou has always been a peaceful country.
What we have always defended is our national security.
If all states are united,
another empire will rise.
And then,
if the Emperor is a wise one,
Qingzhou will be cooperative.
However,
if anyone wants to claim Qingzhou at this moment,
we will fight back.
-I see. -News!
Youzhou Army is approaching.
They are half a mile away from the gate!
They are swifter than anticipated
and choose to attack tonight.
Listen to me now.
-Use everything to defend. -Yes, Your Highness.
General Xu, I need you
to escort the citizens to Li City.
I will face the Youzhou Army myself.
Your Highness,
I am willing to go on your behalf.
The livelihood of our people is as important.
I will face the enemies.
But Your Highness, the blades of war do not discriminate.
The future of Qingzhou relies on your personal safety.
Please think twice.
General Xu, this is a monumental battle.
If I lead the army myself,
it will boost the army morale.
I will protect myself.
As for the innocent,
I count on you, General.
Yes, Your Highness.
I will return as soon as possible.
News! Around 20,000 men are invading.
The frontline needs support to hold them off.
Follow my lead
and defend our state!
-Charge! -Charge!
Qingzhou is now at war.
Get ready now.
Make sure Xieyue dies.
Yes.
Retreat!
Sir, Xieyue is dead.
Have you sent out the news?
Everyone will know in a few days
that Youzhou killed Xieyue.
Our objective has been accomplished.
Due to the passing of Xieyue,
Jizhou and Youzhou will be Qingzhou's sworn enemies.
The world is about to break down.
Yes, sir.
The Cricket army is fully mature,
but it's not time to release them yet.
Wait for the right timing.
Yes, sir.
At this rate,
Feng Xiyun has no choice but to join in.
Your Highness, someone from the Fengyun Cavalry returned.
He wants to see you.
-Show him in immediately. -Yes, Your Highness.
Greetings, Your Highness.
I…
Lang City is gone?
Yes.
Youzhou's army invaded Lang City last night.
His Highness led the army himself
and was shot
by a poisonous arrow.
He has passed away.
Where is he now?
Outside the gate.
Didn't you say
you would spare father the worry?
Didn't you say
you would return safely?
Why?
Look how well I managed state affairs.
Open your eyes and look at me.
Open your eyes.
Open your eyes!
Your Highness.
Prince Xieyue sacrificed his life to protect the citizens.
Before our enemies invaded,
His Highness asked General Xu
to evacuate the people to Li City.
All who survived the war in Lang City
retreated to Li City too.
Pardon our incompetence.
We failed to protect Lang City.
We failed to protect His Highness.
Please punish us, Your Highness.
-Please punish us! -Please punish us!
Our people are safe.
Please get up, my generals.
You risked your life to protect us.
You did nothing wrong.
Father.
Last night,
Xieyue came.
He came to see me.
You already knew, Father?
He…
He stood there
and smiled at me.
He said
he didn't bring shame to Qingzhou.
Until the moment he drew his last breath,
he was protecting the people of Qingzhou.
He said
he worried about me
and you the most.
He also said
he missed your mother.
My son
faced death dauntlessly.
As his father,
shouldn't I at least do the same?
Sorry, my child.
Do you know?
The first ruler of Qingzhou,
Feng Duying,
was a female,
but she was a venerable general.
She followed Emperor Weilie to conquer the world
and left one legacy after another.
That's why she was given the title of the Lord.
The only female ruler
Dadong Empire ever has.
After
I pass away,
the throne will be yours.
You will be the second female ruler
within the Dadong Empire.