ADAPTED FROM QING LINGYUE'S NOVEL OF THE SAME NAME
Feng Lanxi is here!
Your Highness,
our men are all exhausted from a day of the restless fight.
Moyu Cavalry came in full swing.
Our remaining soldiers do not stand a chance.
We should retreat
and strategize.
Listen up!
Retreat now!
They hurt my woman.
They'll pay the price.
Chuanyun, Chuanyu!
Protect the Lady of Qingzhou!
-Yes, Your Highness! -Yes, Your Highness!
Sacred Jade Moon?
How does he know this technique too?
Retreat first.
Wuyuan.
Greetings, Your Highness.
It seems like
we underestimated Feng Lanxi.
I didn't know he could amass an elite force
this swiftly.
They were very well-hidden.
Now, they have pulled the pincer maneuver on us.
We're at a disadvantage.
I firmly believe
the Wuhui Valley isn't where we should have our final battle.
This place
is not a suitable battlefield for the final battle.
Your Highness, Shangzhou has claimed four cities of Qiyun.
Like you said,
we can't have the battle here.
My prediction is correct.
We'll run into a stalemate in the Wuhui Valley.
A final battle here will cause great casualties to us.
The Lords of Shangzhou and Beizhou
will seize this opportunity
and conquer Qiyun.
And then their strength will increase.
They will no longer
fear you.
Even if we win the battle in the valley,
it doesn't mean we have tamed Qingzhou and Yongzhou.
Besides,
at the moment,
we don't have a sure-fire victory
against the army of Qingzhou and Yongzhou.
Both parties
stand a 50-50 chance to win the battle in the valley.
A temporary truce is preferred then.
When you're outnumbered,
just run.
Once Moyu Cavalry arrives,
we fight back.
That is better than injuring yourself.
No.
If we retreat, morale will be affected.
Also, the geographical formation will pose a challenge to our retaliation.
Besides,
I know you will arrive in time.
I found something peculiar just now.
I fought Yu Wuyuan
and he used Sacred Jade Moon.
How does he know that technique?
So it was him who attacked you in the alley that day?
It seems like the mastermind
of Yongzhou's unrest and Soultaker Sect is Yu Wuyuan.
The jade pendant, Sacred Jade Moon…
The Empyrean Yu family hides a lot of secrets.
Yu Wuyuan has been aiding Huang Chao.
Is Huang Chao part of it too?
I don't think Huang Chao is aware of his double identity.
Yu Wuyuan
had everyone fooled.
By the way,
Zhong Li just fetched news.
Shangzhou has claimed four cities of Qiyun.
Lord of Beizhou is also coming to the south.
At the moment,
Huang Chao has no reason to continue fighting.
Your Ladyship.
A truce was proposed by Lord of Youzhou.
During the war between Youzhou and Qingzhou,
the other states attacked other regions.
The war has already begun.
A truce proposal
is just a temporary strategy to buy more time.
Are you worried about Yu Wuyuan?
He was known to be a benevolent person.
Yet he devised so many nefarious schemes.
I'm worried
that he might sway the outcome.
We still haven't deciphered the secret behind the Empyrean Yu family.
There are still many factors affecting the current situation.
But no matter what,
I'll be by your side.
Qingzhou's crisis is over.
And now…
I'll go back to Yongzhou.
I can only inform my father
about my wish to marry the Lady of Qingzhou when I head back.
What gives you the confidence
that I'll say yes?
You are the one
who gave me the confidence.
I can be quite demanding.
When the Lady of Qingzhou arrives in Yongzhou,
she will be greeted with a ten-li sea of flowers.
YONGZHOU ROYAL PALACE
I know
what you have been up to lately.
I didn't expect
that the famous Bai Fengxi
was in fact the Princess Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou.
Truth be told, I was surprised.
Now that Qingzhou has won the battle.
Jizhou and Youzhou armies have retreated.
I will give my approval
to the marriage between Yongzhou and Qingzhou
that you proposed.
Thank you, Father.
However,
have you thought about the future?
Once you marry the Lady of Qingzhou,
will she come to Yongzhou and be the heir's consort
or will you go to Qingzhou
and be hers?
Neither.
An alliance is for politics.
Marriage
is for the celebration of love.
Love?
I see.
You have made up your mind.
However,
as an heir, your status might not match
that of a lady.
Their ministers or even their people
will lambast you.
That will bring dishonor to Yongzhou.
Father,
the Lady of Qingzhou and I have been through a lot.
She wouldn't mind.
We both
look beyond social statuses.
Imprudence!
You don't care,
but I do.
Do you know?
The day you marry her
will be the day of your ascension.
You will marry the Lady of Qingzhou as Lord of Yongzhou.
That's a match made in heaven,
a pairing of the century.
Father, do you mean…
It's time for me to retire.
When they were trying to impeach me,
you saved me.
You have my trust.
Now,
you have your Moyu Cavalry
and your political allies.
You are ready
and well-respected.
Why can't I entrust Yongzhou to you?
Also,
you will have another strong ally in the form of Qingzhou.
It seems like the world truly belongs to the young ones.
Thank you, Father.
I will not let you down
and make sure Yongzhou stays prosperous.
That's what I want to hear.
I'm old
and tired.
Those who passed away kept visiting me in my dreams.
The more coveted the throne is,
the lonelier I feel.
However,
after I made this decision,
I feel relieved.
You may go.
Yes, Father.
ONE YEAR LATER
QINGZHOU
MEMORIAL TABLETS OF QINGZHOU'S LORD AND LADY
Father, Mother.
I have told you everything
that happened last year.
Although Qingzhou
lost many of its soldiers in this war,
we didn't lose any land.
Li City is being rebuilt.
MEMORIAL TABLETS OF QINGZHOU'S LORD AND LADY
This year, I took good care of state affairs.
I promised you, Father,
that I would protect Qingzhou.
I did it.
I'm sure
I didn't let Father, Mother,
and even Xieyue down.
MEMORIAL TABLETS OF QINGZHOU'S LORD AND LADY
I also
have another important announcement.
I'm getting married.
He is a loving man
who puts me above all else.
MEMORIAL TABLETS OF QINGZHOU'S LORD AND LADY
I'm sure all of you must be very happy now.
MEMORIAL TABLETS OF QINGZHOU'S LORD AND LADY
Your Ladyship, Yongzhou's emissary is here.
I see.
-Long live the Lady. -Long live the Lady.
At ease.
-Thank you, Your Ladyship. -Thank you, Your Ladyship.
Qiwu?
How may I help,
dear emissary?
I am sent here
under the directive of the heir of Lord of Yongzhou, Feng Lanxi,
for a marriage proposal.
May I know who this lucky girl is?
You, Your Ladyship.
How dare he!
He's but an heir.
-He can't possibly marry our Lady! -Hear, hear.
What are they doing?
Why are they turning it down for me?
I told you to turn my story with Feng Lanxi
into novels and sell them.
-Have you done it? -Yes, Your Ladyship.
I also used the term Bai-Hei Fengxi
as you requested.
I have done everything.
Storytellers from all corners
are reciting this story.
I told you to brief the ministers first.
Have you done it?
Of course.
Then what is happening?
This is diplomacy, you see.
A well-timed hesitation and concession
can make it look like you're taking this matter seriously.
Just watch.
Yongzhou is a courteous state.
We will respect the rules, of course.
Lord of Yongzhou has announced
that should the Lady of Qingzhou marry his heir,
he will renounce the throne
and inaugurate the heir.
-Now that's better. -Indeed.
We appreciate Lord of Yongzhou's thoughtfulness.
However,
this is not enough for my Lady's hands.
-Don't you agree? -Yes.
-Hear, hear. -Exactly.
I understand.
Our heir also expressed
his wish to form a lasting friendship with Qingzhou
and is willing to share the world with you.
How is a simple promise,
a simple condition,
good enough to obtain my Lady's consent?
Let me finish, General.
After that,
Lord of Yongzhou and Lady of Qingzhou will have equal power.
Both Qingzhou and Yongzhou will have two rulers.
I also came with an abundance of bride prices.
The Court of State Ceremonial outside is checking it as we speak.
That's sincere enough.
What do you think, Your Ladyship?
A union
between these two states
will only bring blessings to our subjects.
I…
accept.
Stop spacing out.
Go.
Like I promised,
when you arrive,
you'll be greeted with a ten-li sea of flowers.
Your Ladyship,
your makeup is done.
Don't smudge it.
I will be careful.
We have also put on the gown and the headdresses for tomorrow.
Do you wish to alter anything?
I am content.
Just proceed as usual.
Noted. I will take my leave then, Your Ladyship.
Why are you here?
You must be knackered.
Who knows a marriage has these many rituals and customs?
Do you regret it now?
Never.
You, however, broke the rules.
No groom should visit the bride the night before the marriage.
Ever since you arrived in the capital of Yongzhou,
I can't sit still in my residence.
There were people around at 11 in the morning.
Otherwise, I would have already come.
I also prepared some dishes, snacks, and fruits.
Really?
There will be Prosperous Fish, Child-Wishing Delicacies,
and a Harmonious Marriage Platter.
Let's go.
Is it all right to head out now?
Since when are you a stickler for rules?
Come.
After you became the Lady of Qingzhou,
even your dining manner has become much more elegant.
I didn't ask for that.
But before I came out,
they told me not to smudge my makeup.
Otherwise, I wouldn't hold myself back.
Let me feed you.
This, please.
All right.
Show me.
Is it all smudged?
I don't care.
The dishes today are out of this world.
The merry hour is now!
May the bride and the groom enter the hall.
Thus begins the marriage ceremony.
First bow to Heaven and Earth.
Second bow to your parents.
Bow to your spouse.
Thus concludes the marriage ceremony.
God has willed such union
and may your love last for a century.
Now, a gift from His Lordship.
My son, Lanxi,
has the honor to marry the Lady of Qingzhou.
As such, I will offer you two
a pair of twin pearls.
May you two
support each other, love each other,
and grow old with each other.
I also hope
this marriage
is the beginning of the friendship between Yongzhou and Qingzhou.
Thank you, Father.
Thank you, Lord of Yongzhou.
Take them.
Lanxi,
I always knew
you have the talent of a ruler.
I shall entrust Yongzhou to you.
Lady of Qingzhou, I hope
you'll treat Yongzhou as your own too.
Worry not, Lord of Yongzhou.
You have my word.
Good.
I have another announcement.
Like I promised,
the day Lanxi gets married
is the day I retire from the throne.
And now, I officially announce
that my son, Feng Lanxi, will succeed me as the Lord of Yongzhou.
Yongzhou will continue to prosper!
This is truly…
A match made in heaven!
I have one final decree.
Feast to your heart's content!
-Yes, Your Lordship. -Yes, Your Lordship.
Are you not sick of me yet?
I'm the luckiest man to be able
to look at you like this for the rest of my life.
Of course I'm never sick of you.
This year's Lanruo liquor.
According to the marital custom,
the first cup should be drunk by the couple in a crossed-arm fashion.
What do you think? Is it sweet?
Mine is sweeter.
Why?
It comes from the same pot.
Why is yours sweeter?
Try it
and you'll know.
From now on,
we'll be drunk together.
Will you do me this honor?
If we can share this eternal bond,
then my love has not been let down.
FIVE YEARS LATER
As war ravages our land
and my people suffer in great agony,
for many nights sleep eludes me
and shame consumes my being.
After days of pondering,
I decide to stay in the Realm of the Kings with the Empyrean Token
and wait for its rightful owner to come.
You work hard, my Lady of Qingzhou.
Have a seat,
Lord of Yongzhou.
You're in a cheery mood today.
The war in Beizhou has concluded then?
Indeed.
Beizhou surrendered.
The world is now divided into Yongzhou and Jizhou.
The situation has stabilized.
Jing Yan made an announcement
to summon all rulers to the Imperial City.
I suppose your next move
is to station your troops in the Realm of the Kings?
Several days ago,
Jizhou sieged the capital of Shangzhou.
Lord of Shangzhou came out in plain clothing
and surrendered the Xuanshu Token, the emblem of the royal family.
He then said he would serve Huang Chao.
I believe
Huang Chao will head to the Realm of the Kings soon.
A war against him is inevitable.
Jing Yan's decision
is to buy himself more time,
and let Huang Chao and I fight among ourselves
while he reaps the benefit.
However, I can seize this chance to obtain the Dethronement Order.
Only by claiming the throne myself
that the world can be reunited once more.
There will be fewer wars.
My ascension
will also be a legit one.
Although Huang Chao is domineering,
he is a wise ruler.
He conquered Shangzhou
without hurting the innocent.
In fact, he even won the respect of the people.
He is not
an easy foe.
The battle between Huang Chao and me
is a battle of kingcraft.
To rule the world
is to place the safety of your people first.
However, I'm worried
about Yu Wuyuan.
After the battle in the Wuhui Valley,
he disappeared.
Most believe that the Finest Gentleman
retired to avoid imposing more hardships on this world.
But we both know
that he has another agenda.
The war will end soon.
He'll resurface sooner or later.
Greetings, Your Ladyship, Your Lordship.
Have a seat, Pu'er.
What brought you here?
I received news from General Xu.
I wanted to come here to deliver the good news to you,
but I saw Mr. Feng here.
I then knew Fountain Abode
was once again one step ahead of me.
Why the defeated tone?
Yongzhou and Qingzhou are a family now.
If she's your sister, then I'm your brother.
There's no need for a pecking order.
Besides, you're now the supervisor of the Fengyun Cavalry,
General Han.
But this general hasn't been to war before.
I truly hope
that you never have to.
The war is nigh.
Why don't you follow me to the training ground?
It can lift morale.
All right.
As you wish.
HEAD TO THE IMPERIAL CITY
Your Lordship, news from Yongzhou.
Lord of Beizhou fled to the Realm of the Kings?
It seems like Feng Lanxi
will enter the realm soon too.
How should we proceed?
Whoever enters the realm first
will obtain the Dethronement Order
and can claim the throne.
People will not acknowledge you otherwise.
We have to be quicker than him.
I will assemble all three military branches right away.
You can assemble them, but morale is very important.
They spill their blood on the battlefield.
Treat them well.
I heard some people were embezzling their pay.
Identify the people
and punish them severely.
In addition, enforce the military disciplines strictly.
Youzhou's army has been incorporated.
Tell them
that I'm doing this
for world peace.
I will not hurt the innocent.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Your Lordship, Her Ladyship and Princess Yu seek an audience with you.
I shall take my leave now.
Huang Chao.
I know you're occupied
with military affairs lately.
I have brewed a nutritious broth for you, Your Lordship.
Please take good care of yourself.
With your meticulous care,
I am as healthy as a horse.
Huang Chao, Sister-in-law.
Your marriage
is a subject of envy.
You have
many admirers, you know.
There are many men in this world,
but none can compare with him.
Still no news about Wuyuan?
After the battle at Wuhui Valley,
he left ten silk pouches
and departed quietly.
I suppose
he doesn't have it in himself
to witness a bloodbath.
Huang Chao, I want to go to the Imperial City.
The Realm of the Kings is under siege.
Going to the Imperial City now is too dangerous.
The Tomb-Sweeping Festival is near.
Around this time every year,
Wuyuan will pay respect to his ancestors in Qionglin Park.
So
I want to see
if I can chance upon him there.
Go then.
But do
take care of yourself.
I pray for his immediate return too.
The situation now calls for a final battle.
I need him.
If you can locate him,
tell him
that I have never forgotten
my promise to him.
All right.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
You're here, General Dong Shufang. Get up now.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You came at the right time.
I'm bored lately,
so I'm amusing myself with drawing.
I have improved a lot.
Come have a look.
What do you think of my Moonlit Flower?
I am a soldier.
I do not have the delicateness
to appreciate
the beauty of your painting, Your Majesty.
I have tried imitating Moonlit Flower
by Mr. Xieyue more than ten times.
This is my finest attempt so far.
However,
something is amiss.
Mr. Xieyue's painting is so vivid.
You'll be transported to the scene when you look at his painting.
Marvelous.
Marvelous. Mighty marvelous.
No wonder he has the moniker, Gentleman of Moonlight.
I can't compare with him at all.
Your Majesty,
you are the Emperor.
You should focus on national affairs,
instead of
hobbies like these.
At the moment, Jizhou has conquered Youzhou and Shangzhou.
Yongzhou has conquered Qingzhou and Beizhou.
It's looking grim.
Please…
Discuss those
with Wuyuan.
Your Majesty,
Wuyuan asked you to summon all rulers
so that Yongzhou and Jizhou can fight among themselves.
But Your Majesty, we can't rely on him for everything.
We can't just wait for a free win to fall onto our laps.
I requested military dispatch several times,
but he turned it down.
I have reason to believe that he--
News!
Your Majesty, Mr. Yu is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
At ease.
Wuyuan, you came at the right time.
Explain to me.
Why did you decline General Dong's request to dispatch the army several times?
I declined them
because it was not the right timing.
Not the right timing?
I think you have an agenda of your own.
The land today
is now divided into Jizhou and Yongzhou,
with several hundred thousand soldiers each
while we only have a hundred thousand men in the realm.
What is the right timing you speak of?
Yes.
As they fight among themselves,
we can just reap the benefit.
That is the right timing in my opinion.
Your Majesty, I…
Enough.
Both of you
are my right-hand men.
I'm sure you two can help me.
I'm tired now.
I will get some rest.
Discuss among yourselves.
Your Majesty!
General,
come with me.