Subtitles brought to you by The Scintillating Team @ Viki.com
~ Moonrise by Lu Hu & Huang Yali ~
♫ The moonlight shines brightly on the strings of the zither that night ♫
♫ You and I are teetering on the edge of loneliness ♫
♫ Softly reciting the bygone days we cannot return to ♫
♫ Also floating in the air is a kite with a string that has snapped ♫
♫ The yearning stirs my heartstrings that night ♫
♫ Love and hate whimper quietly and unrestrainedly ♫
♫ To meet or not to meet, both are similarly on the edge of pain ♫
♫ That umbrella that shielded me from the rain was badly damaged ♫
♫ At moonrise, I meet with you ♫
♫ At moonset, I could not see you anymore ♫
♫ At moonrise, I endlessly yearn for you ♫
♫ At moonset... at moonset... ♫
♫ A millennium passes by rapidly... ♫
The Legend of Hao Lan
Episode 31
Treasurer Lu.
Consort Han, are you waiting here specifically for me?
There's a matter that I don't understand.
I would like to consult you.
Please ask without any reservation.
It's very risky to scheme against Prince Jiao.
Even if you're successful,
the one who would benefit the most would be Prince Yu.
Why do you want to take such a huge risk?
Exactly why?
When I was on the journey as a Zhao Envoy, Prince Jiao tried to have me killed to silence me.
As a result, I lost my most beloved haplessly.
I hate him so deeply that I can't wait to eat his flesh and drink his blood.
Until death, this hatred will never cease.
Treasurer Lu, I can indeed understand your emotions.
But–
No one in this world could understand me.
No one.
Reporting!
What's the situation now?
Are the army provisions brought over here yet?
Reporting to General.
The King of Qin has ordered the full retreat of the entire army.
- What?! - What?!
Army to retreat?
Now is the time to follow up with an attack and advance toward victory by
attacking and destroying Handan, as well as cause the ruins of the Zhao State!
Why make the army retreat?
As a low level officer, I don't know.
General Shang, this must be the Crown Prince's idea.
My order is for us to continue to advance and attack.
In future, if His Majesty were to ask about it,
we'll just say that we didn't receive his order as we were a long distance away.
Advance and attack immediately?
Let me ask you...
In that case, where would we get the army provisions from?
We will attack Handan along the way,
and then use the resources seized through victory in the battle to support onward battle!
In order to use the resources seized through victory in the battle to support onward battle, there must still be a prosperous state and a strong people.
Now, with the ongoing battle at Changping,
Zhao State is already in a state of desolation riddled with injuries.
Even the people have to go without food and starve.
Where are you going to get the supplies to support them?
This battle has been waging for a very long time.
Looking ahead, Handan is right before our eyes.
Our victory is in sight!
If we were to retreat the army at this moment,
the prior efforts and sacrifices of a huge number of people would all have been in vain!
The one who is behind this...
What kind of unfathomable ulterior motive is he harboring?
Fan Ju...
Fan Ju.
You are looking at other people with the character of a despicable person.
Aren't you meddling in my great undertaking for the Great Qin?!
[ Rising Sun Palace ]
First, Royal Father has agreed to cede six bases in the city to the Qin State.
Next, he also ordered the recruitment of new soldiers throughout the whole nation.
And to transfer the entire military strength to the cities of Handan,
Jinyang, Daijun and so on.
The Qin army has already retreated, but he is still overly anxious and trying to put his military defense in order.
Mother, do you think Royal Father has been scared out of his wits?
You have never been able to understand your Royal Father.
You thought he has been like this all along since the beginning.
That he is a pleasure seeker and not a go-getter?
As a child and into adulthood, all that I have seen
is his philandering behavior where he embraces beauties in his arms.
I have never seen a secondary Royal Father.
All along, you have been saying you are a grown up.
In my opinion, you are more naive than anyone else.
Mother, you should not belittle me.
Who knows, perhaps one day, I could really make you have a new level of respect for me?
You... Still have a long way to go!
Feeling cold?
Are you feeling cold?
In that case, I will go and get your cloak.
Yiren, about the painting you did yesterday, His Majesty sent someone to take it for his appreciation.
Taken it away?
Yes.
How can you let them take the painting away?
What's in that painting?
I have looked at it. It's just a simple painting.
There's nothing in it.
Yiren.
What secret is actually contained in the painting?
Tell me honestly. Why can't it be discovered by His Majesty?
You, speak up!
I have no idea at all. However, that intelligent Consort in the Lingzi Palace
would be able to guess what you have painted. I'm going to ask her.
You can't!
Then, you tell me.
You...
It's just an ordinary painting. There's nothing in it.
Then, earlier, you said–
Yiren, you tricked me!
Haolan, don't be mad–
Brother Lu, why are you here?
Royal Descendant, I have a matter to discuss with you.
Haolan, it's all my fault.
I'm sorry.
You haven't said anything all day.
Can you say something, please?
You're really ignoring me?
Are you ignoring me from now on?
Yiren, what's wrong?
That centipede stung me.
Where? Where?
It's...it's...it's over there.
-Are you ok? - I...I...I'm okay.
It's...It's...It's over there.
Something's not right. I disinfected the room this morning.
How can there still be poisonous insects?
What are you doing?
Let me down! Let me down!
I said I'll give him three chances.
This time I won't give you back to him.
Haolan, would you be my wife?
If I'm not your wife,
then whose wife am I.
Why have you made me sleep on the floor for so long, then?
Aren't you the one who makes your bed everyday?
Yiren, listen carefully.
Since I stayed,
I already made up my mind to be your wife.
No regrets.
It's too late for you to regret anything anyways.
Lingxi Palace
Elder brother, that's a good hobby.
I've been accused of harassing our father's consort
and imprisoned here. What other hobbies could I have?
How could those tricks tear you down?
Father is very suspicious of others.
How could he let his son have eyes for his throne and consort?
The fact that he didn't kill me
means he was being merciful.
Consort Han obviously understands father's weaknesses.
She scored in one shot.
So, what are you going to do?
In time past, Zhuang Zhou dreamed of the butterfly.
I don't know if the butterfly was in Zhou's dream,
or Zhou was in the butterfly's dream.
Since life is like a dream,
then I should definitely make something of myself.
That way I won't waste a good dream.
I can help you.
Try this.
Brother, what kind of meat is this?
I only have mice to keep me company.
What do you think?
You can even handle this.
How are you suppose to help me?
My precious sister, you need to learn more.
What's this?
You can leave now.
I'll teach you what to do.
Your Majesty, Yan State has instigated the Wu Yuan command of Fu Bao.
It is now gathering its military forces in Wu Yuan, keeping its spear by the pillow and waiting for dawn (ready for battle).
How many people do they have.
400 thousand people
How is the new army organised?
Your Majesty, the main force of our army was nearly exhuasted
in the battle of Chang Ping. The total number of soldiers in the new army
Currently, we only have 100 thousand people and they're practicing day and night.
Who is willing to be the general?
Your majesty, I'm willing to fight.
If you go, who's going to defend Handan City.
Don't you understand that your role is important?
I forbid it.
Your Majesty—
Who's willing to be general?
Your Majesty, I have something I need to say.
Most of our healthy male citizens died in the Battle of Changping.
We only have widows and children left. It's not a good idea to fight.
If we really have to go to battle with the State of Yan, I'm scared—
We can't battle! Am I supposed to just watch Yan people take over our lands?!
We lost at Changping.
And the Yan people are taking advantage of us. If I back off now,
I'm telling everyone that the State of Zhao has collapsed
and they can divide our lands up.
At that point, every state will form an army to take over our lands.
The State of Zhao will be forced into a dead end. Even the widows and children
won't be able to live.
If anyone doesn't want to become food for the rest of the other counutries,
the only way is to fight in a battle. Die in the battle, battle to death!
Father, I have something to say.
Father
Why are you here?
Your Majesty, the Prince threatened us with his life. We dare not hold him back.
Brother, we're in a state emergency right now.
Instead of thinking about your mistakes, your causing more stress for father—
Father, I''ll lead the army to take back Wuyuan city.
Brother, do you really think we don't want to fight?
But Yan State is bearing down on us menacingly, with an army of four hundrend thousand strong.
If we hastily go to battle now, we might—
Disaster can never be greater than when we underestimate our enemy.
When we underestimate our enemy, we will lose our treasures.
When two opposing armies fight in a battle, the army burning with righteous indignation will surely win.
Although our army is newly formed,
the grief and indignation they feel will cause them to be victorious over the Yan army that came from far away.
Since the battle between the Qin army and our army is inevitable,
before this great battle is here,
we first sacrifice the people of Yan to the knife. If we are defeated,
I am also willing to sacrifice myself in the battlefield,
to sacrifice myself for our country.
I have looked at you wrongly.
I never imagined that you still have so much courage.
Good.
Your Majesty, although Prince has lofty aspirations and great ideals, he is far too young.
Those one hundred people are also new conscripts.
I'm afraid he might not be able to command them.
Why don't we ask General Lian Po to be the deputy general?
He is a person of virtue and prestige, firm and steady in his actions.
He will surely be able to assist Prince to achieve immediate success.
Royal Father, General Lian Po is now undertaking the repairs of the Great Wall, if you take him away ...
He's right.
You have ambition
but you've never led an army before.
Let's do this. Let Lian Po train for another half month.
When you are familiar with military matters,
you can raise funds for the provisions.
Yes.
I believe in you. Don't let me down.
I swear to serve and die for Royal Father.
What a great Prince Jiao. He was clearly detained.
How could he have been so well-informed?
Yan's resentment of Zhao has existed for a long time.
At the war in Changping, Yan has been watching us with eyes of a tiger.
They will move their army sooner or later.
I'm not shocked that Prince Jiao seized this opportunity.
Why do you still let him lead the army?
Aren't you simply gifting him with the military power?
Treasurer Lu, you should also know that it wasn't easy for us to bring down Prince Jiao.
I thought he wouldn't be able to turn around again
but he has now taken advantage of the situation.
Didn't our hard work go down the drain?
Prince Jiao wants the military power.
It will depend on whether Lian Po agrees or not.
Lian Po led the army for many years and has extremely high prestige.
Including the war at Changping, he's full of anger.
Would he pay attention to Prince Jiao?
I fear that when Prince Jiao arrives at the military camp,
At the most, it's just for show.
That's right. Why didn't I think of this?
The battle field is dynamic. If he wants to come back alive,
it won't be that easy.
[ Gao Manor ]
Why is Uncle so depressed?
I wonder why you are here. What's the matter?
If I were to say that I would like to seek your help to obtain
the throne of Zhao state?
Prince, it's broad daylight and you dare to talk about rebellion.
Aren't you afraid that I will report you to His Majesty
and let you be beheaded?
Beheaded?
Beheaded? Why don't you go out and listen to the miserable wailing?!
When I rode back,
I passed the streets. Wherever I went,
there were grey-haired women crying
and calling their son's names.
There were also wives who just lost their husbands
and crying silently. There were children who didn't know what's going,
crying one after another.
It was snowy white everywhere in Handan city.
There were heartbreaks everywhere
but Royal Father couldn't see that.
He's still hugging that woman and reveling in wine and music.
There are singing and dancing in the palace daily.
General Gao, are you just going to watch this
and not do anything?!
What do you want to do?
What can I possibly do?
Let me tell you.
I'm going to trespass into the Royal Palace and force him to abdicate.
Prince, do you think with your ambition,
you can really resort to any means?
What if I say, my ambition
is to rebuild the elite corps in Zhao state,
and repay the blood debts for the brothers who died in Changping?
And regain the glory of the cavalry of Zhao state?
And not drinking here every day and tormenting yourself?
Don't say anymore!
General Gao, everyone says that I seek power
and am inhumane. That's right.
I have never denied that I'm ambitious
but as a prince, who doesn't want to be the king?
Who doesn't want power?
My Royal Father used his power
to send 450,000 soldiers to death,
and buried half of Zhao state.
Starting from today, don't even talk about resisting Qin state,
even the safeguarding of the state has turned into disappointment.
Hence, I want to take over his power
just like how my Grandfather
obtained Zhao state from his deceased father.
This is the only way to boost morale
and rebuild Zhao state.
But now, I need your help.
As for me, I will help you too.
What can you help me with?
From what I know, Old General Lian's biggest dream
is to fight with General Bai Qi.
He wants to leave a good reputation in history and let the world see,
between General Bai Qi's spear and General Lian Po's shield, who's better than the other.
If even Lian Po is like this, why would you care?
If you help me, the opportunity for the final battle
will be given to you. What do you think?
Fine. I agree.
Prince, take care.
I'm taking my leave.
Father, what is Prince Jiao here for?
He's here to tempt me to rebel.
You must not agree with him.
Look.
This pair of hands are full of calluses from holding the sword.
Now, they are only left with pale carrion.
Father, I know that you have aspiration you couldn't reach out to
but who is Prince Jiao? He's a rebel.
How could you be so enthusiastic
and place your trust in someone so ambitious like him?
But do you know,
Zhao state is already at the juncture of life and death?
The people are lamenting daily.
13 and 14 years old son were sent to the battle field.
They can't even hold their weapons!
Those young and delicate hands are stained with fresh bloods
but their ruler is busy with his favored woman and amusing himself with song and dance.
His only concern is not losing his throne and power.
He didn't even think about their life and death!
Father, you can't just rebel because of this.
You are too clueless. I won't let you commit this mistake.
Shut up!
Father, you taught me that
as a man, it's his duty to protect the country
and engrave the word "loyalty" into my flesh and blood.
But now, have you forgotten about this?
I'm protecting the people, not Zhao Dan.
I'm loyal to the country, not the ruler.
Kneel down.
I told you to kneel down!
Let me tell you, I have already decided.
No one is allowed to ruin it.
Even if he's my son.
Swear to me that, regarding this matter,
you will not leak it out.
- Father... - Swear on it!
I swear, what Father said today,
I will never tell anyone about it.
If Father is willing, thousands of arrows will penetrate me
and not let me die of a natural death.
Rise.
Remember what you said today.
Leave now.
Cold?
Add more fire.
You have been inseparable for two months.
She just left a while ago and you miss her again?
I have been guarding this Royal Place every day and looking at how affectionate you both are.
I'm the lonely and pitiful one.
You are doing well. Why are you sighing?
I'm happy but you are envious.
I could only sigh to console you.
Royal Descendant, you are at fault.
Are you deliberately making me angry?
Enough, don't be angry.
Haolan went to get some new medicines for me. She will be back soon.
I will wait outside for her.
What's the matter?
Royal Descendant of Qin, Princess is asking to see you.
Tell Haolan that I will be back.
Let's go.
The medicine is ready.
Remember that it's twice a day. Brew it on time.
But what's wrong with Royal Descendant of Qin's knee?
I heard from General Gongsun that
every time when Zhao and Qin states talk about war,
the king of Zhao would change his methods of venting his anger at him.
At that time, he was just a 13 year old kid.
There was once, during a heavy snow, he was hung up overnight
but he has never spoken to me about these.
If I didn't see him massaging his leg during a chilly night,
I wouldn't have known about it.
Royal Descendant of Qin is very tough. No one can stop him.
Haolan, you really can't forget Lu Buwei?
I have always been worried whether you married the Royal Descendant of Qin just out of spite to him.
Xiaochun.
Royal Descendant of Qin is my husband.
Are you feeling unwell?
Haolan, could it be that you...
Don't let anyone know.
Why?
Royal Descendant of Qin should be the first one to know. Isn't that so?
Haolan, we are good friends
but I just realized now,
I don't understand you at all.
You are stronger than me. No matter who you marry,
you will always be happy. Isn't that so?
Princess, you instructed me to come here. What is it regarding?
It has been a long time and I didn't dare to see you.
Are you still angry with me?
I don't know what's wrong with me at that moment
and wanted you dead.
Thinking about it now, I'm full of regrets.
I have never blamed you.
- Really? - Yes.
You said that you have never blamed me.
Is it because I'm an irrelevant person?
Everything that I did, you didn't keep it in your heart.
Since this is the case,
I won't care about how you feel then.
Princess, what is your intention?
Princess wants to kill me?
No, I'm protecting you.
I personally made this for six months.
It wore out my hands till there are scars.
It hurt till I couldn't sleep at all.
Take a look. My hands
were originally softer than clouds.
They are full of calluses now.
- Do you like it? - What do you think?
If someone loves me that much, I will be extremely happy.
Of course, you like it.
Who told you that this is love?
When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother would always listen to politics.
She was compassionate with the people and governed with principles.
Hence, everyone praised her.
But do you know how my grandfather died?
How did he die?
At that time, my Grandfather favored Concubine Liu and wanted to abolish the Empress.
But once the Empress is abolished, the post of the Crown Prince couldn't be protected.
Grandmother waited till he was seriously ill and delivered a bowl of soup.
But in less than six months, Grandfather passed away.
Hence, Grandmother killed Grandfather,
just so that it wasn't a coup d'état.
Father acted tragically.
But from then on, Father has never spoken a single word to Grandmother again.
Yiren, I have a secret
which I have never told anyone.
If I tell you, don't ever tell anyone else.
What secret?
When I was young, I loved to play hide-and-seek.
That was once, I hid under the bed of Grandmother.
I found an earthen jar under her bed.
It was this big.
Guess what was in there?
What was it?
At that crucial moment, I couldn't open it. Grandmother came back
but I knew when my Grandfather was buried,
his head was missing.
Yiren, don't be afraid.
I won't kill you.
I merely want to tell you,
there are many ways to love.
Possession and plunder are just one of those methods.
I merely want to live truly for myself.
Enough, just stay in there.
I will get someone to deliver some books and a zither here.
Just play the zither and read some books
and this matter will end.
Princess Ya, release me!
Princess Ya!
Royal Descendant, don't worry. As long as you don't act rashly,
the princess won't kill Li Haolan.
Are you just going to let me sit here empty handed?
Bring the zither here.
Yes.
Madame Royal Descendant.
General Gongsun.
About this...
What's this qin (zither) tune that's playing...?
It seems to be coming from the North.
Magnificent Jade Palace?
It's that tune.
Which tune?
That year when Nie Zheng assassinated the puppet of Han,
Nei Zheng made painstaking efforts for ten years before he succeeded in the assassination.
The later generation composed this qin tune.
When I was detained at the prison,
he played this tune for me.
He used it to warn me that I was in danger.
This is the second time I'm hearing this tune.
You don't have to think further.
I'm going to the Magnificent Jade Palace to check. We'll know then.
Wait here.
General Gongsun. General Gongsun!
Stop playing!
Wasn't it your Mistress who wanted me to pass time at leisure?
The more I listen to this tune, the more frustrated I am.
Royal Descendant, change to another piece.
Forget it then.
After all, I'm not in the mood anymore.
What are you doing?
Who are you trying to scare? You are all dismissed!
Are you all waiting to be slayed? Is that it?!
One at a time?
Are there any unusual activities with Prince Jiao?
He leaves the place daily to visit the group of ministers to discuss the war with Yan state.
General Lian Po is also completing the training of his army.
The army is starting to set off in three days. There shouldn't be any problems.
I hope so.
Prince, His Majesty has ordered you to go to Red Sun Palace immediately.
He summoned me to Red Sun Palace at this time? Could it be that Yan state has made the move?
I'm going to take a look.
Slow down.
What's wrong?
Prince, don't you feel that
it's too peaceful tonight?
Peaceful?
It's now between 9 - 11pm.
I didn't hear the gong being sounded.
Speak.
Who sent you here?
Quick.
Brother Lu, there's an ambush.
Prince, it seems Prince Jiao will not be heading to the front line.
He's forcing entry into the palace.
Where did he get so many rebels from?
Gao Meng has only 20,000 soldiers.
Although Gao Fuyang is responsible for making the rounds in the palace but the four gates are individually guarded.
How could they be so bold?
Gather the army force and break through the palace gate. At the same time, to seize the transfer of throne imperial edict.
He has become the justifiable Crown Prince.
They tricked you into going to Red Sun Palace to kill you. I fear when that time comes,
I fear you will become the armed rebel.
As for Gao Meng, he becomes the hero for bringing in the imperial army.
Brother Lu, Brother Lu.
What should I do now?
You have trusted aides at the four gates.
Prince, at this moment,
are you still going to hide this from me?
The guards at White Tiger Gate are my friends who will live and die for me
but we are surrounded now. How will we escape?
Subtitles brought to you by The Scintillating Team @ Viki.com
~ Immortalization by Gao Yu'er ~
♫ Where have the surging clouds and the rising winds gone? ♫
♫ Do not grieve over the separation because of being forced to move and wander ♫
♫ In this lifetime, we will keep on seeking because of love ♫
♫ It’s difficult to reminisce about the splendid times that slipped away ♫
♫ In retrospection with a faint smile, that beautiful countenance caused the city's downfall ♫
♫ And a sweeping upheaval all across the vast nation ♫
♫ In a dimming dream of an illusionary bright moon ♫
♫ We have given our promises to each other in this lifetime ♫
♫ In the complete decline of prosperity, watching the passing of thousands of sails ♫
♫ With affection, perhaps we could wait to be connected again ♫
♫ Like the zither and the harp that play in perfect harmony, let’s grasp each other's hand to stay together ♫
♫ Wishing for you and me to be immortalized with the wind... ♫
♫ In retrospection with a faint smile, that beautiful countenance caused the city's downfall ♫
♫ And a sweeping upheaval all across the vast nation ♫
♫ In a dimming dream of an illusionary bright moon ♫
♫ We have given our promises to each other in this lifetime ♫
♫ In the complete decline of prosperity, watching the passing of thousands of sails ♫
♫ Like the zither and the harp that play in perfect harmony, ♫
♫ let’s grasp each other's hand to stay together ♫
♫ Wishing for you and me to be immortalized with the wind... ♫