♪The tempestuous northern wind, the tempestuous martial arts world♪
♪Blades and bows drawn♪
♪What is youth without bravado?♪
♪With a wave of my hands, the world flows through my fingertips♪
♪Traveling the world with a damsel♪
♪The wind blows, the moon's reflection on the water♪
♪The night has been cut short♪
♪Who there is hiding in the shadow?♪
♪Oh, the long journey. Fate wills if we live or die♪
♪But let's give our shot at this world♪
♪Fight together as two♪
♪Right or wrong, I'll brave the storm, watching as things rise and fall♪
♪Black and White, as the drum sounds, it's for passion and justice♪
♪The fury, the wavering blades♪
♪I catch a glimpse of the divine beauty♪
♪How can we determine if the soul is flawless?♪
♪Let's see who can rule the world♪
=Who Rules The World=
=Episode 29=
What's your relationship with the Yu family?
The 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.
Mister, 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 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.
Noted.
His birthday is my opportunity.
We are being tailed.
Why don't we get rid of them?
My father won't just send some officials
to monitor me.
They
are the real agents sent to monitor my movement.
They will follow us during 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 royal marriage proposal
and its rules.
Putting myself in my father's shoes,
he doesn't want me to marry the 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 to the Youzhou Princess
can put these many things
at stake.
I have read through it.
As expected from the greatest beauty of Dadong,
the candidates are all 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 the 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.
Not only is she smart,
but she is also vigilant.
After she delivered the sarira to the Imperial City,
many went after her head.
However, she predicted that
and managed to cheat death several times.
So someone like her
is very vigilant,
unless...
Unless she is with someone who doesn't have a conflict of interest with her.
And that someone has to be amicable,
has to get along with her well,
has to retain her interest,
and has to be 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 come 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 for the moment.
Besides,
Qiwu and others are looking after them.
Since this is how things 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 Gentry.
His Lordship wishes to dine with you in Xiaoyun Pavilion today.
Noted.
I'll head to Mingse Garden first.
That Snowy Ink plant was budding yesterday.
It might have bloomed 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 Flower.
But you are even more beautiful than it.
A 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.
Although you stay in the Royal Palace mostly,
you 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
are 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.
Since I spend most of my time within the Royal Palace,
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?
Your Highness, 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.
(A noble Mister with his two servants asked me and my son to drug Divine Fairy)
(and kill her on her way back to the capital of Youzhou.)
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.
Thanks, Your Highness.
Many thanks.
Come.
Cheers.
Enjoy the lunch, my children.
Come.
Chun,
you're 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.
Thanks, Father.
However, I want to take revenge.
A few days ago,
I sent someone to Decheng
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 a thing.
It's all my fault.
Sorry for making you worry, Father.
It's okay.
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.
Thanks, Father.
Enjoy.
Here.
Have some.
She didn't use the letter you gave her.
She did,
in a better way.
What she did
not only put the heir of Lord of Youzhou in a difficult spot
but also reinforced her image
as a vulnerable and innocent victim.
So manipulative.
That's the beauty, Princess Hua.
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 he has a backup plan.
Maybe Youzhou
is his backup plan.
What about others?
They are not my concerns.
My only opponent is him.
The clairvoyant, Yue Qingyan,
once commented on the Four Gentry.
Pacifist Yu, Graceful Lan,
Arrogant Huang, Hidden Xi.
Pacifist and Arrogant are easy to understand.
As for Hidden,
once I learn that Feng Lanxi is Hei Fengxi,
I get that too.
But Graceful 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 will never interfere in politics.
Whether he will
or not,
no one can stand in my way
to the Imperial City.
Oh.
Tomorrow,
Lord of Youzhou wants me in the Royal Palace.
All the best then.
Sir.
Feng Lanxi and Bai Fengxi
are in the Royal Palace.
Smart.
They take advantage of the princess.
Your Highness,
perhaps you could talk to Miss 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 Miss 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.
She would then tell you you're pretty.
As expected from Bai Fengxi.
I truly admire
Miss Feng's character.
If you have Miss Feng as your friend,
your life will be full of laughter.
Dismissed.
Miss Feng should be free in the palace.
Do not restrain her.
Noted.
You have...
So beautiful.
You have the face for plain makeup.
This eyebrow will suit you.
Gorgeous.
- Do I look good? - Here.
Yes.
Have a look.
Wow.
What technique is this, Miss Feng?
Caged Smoke Eyebrow.
Can you teach me, Miss 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 Miss 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 know.
I'll ask the Royal Kitchen
to give you more veggies tonight.
It's not about the veggies.
I want a fish.
Okay?
Noted.
Miss Feng,
I brewed this tea with the morning dews
I collected this morning.
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 something else, Miss Feng.
Me too.
Patience.
I'll teach all of you.
Okay.
However, I have to attend to something now.
Just wait for me. I'll teach you once I'm back.
Thanks, Miss Feng.
So pretty.
I know, right?
She's 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 Foxy
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?
A Foxy Bait.
I didn't know
you can play chess too, Miss Feng.
I can't play it.
I just know Black Foxy 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 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 leading 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.
Okay.
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, Your Highness.
The fish
is about to take the bait.
Greetings, Father.
May you live for a millennium.
At ease.
Thanks, 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, 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.
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,
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.
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.
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, fret not.
I will get to the bottom of this.
Come.
Sit down.
Chun,
when I tell the world you are looking for a suitor,
your admirers all come here.
Royal descendants and brave heroes walk among them.
Chun,
what kind of husband do you want?
What kind of son-in-law do you want, Father?
Not many merits
your status, Chun.
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?
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,
have you taken a liking
to Hei Fengxi?
What do you think, Father?
Chun!
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.
Miss 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 Foxy
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, Miss 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,
Miss Feng?
How can I help?
I quite fancy Mr. Feng
and I would like to have him as my husband.
Will you help me, Miss Feng?
Almost all handsome men
of Dadong
came here to ask for your hands,
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 interest first.
If I marry them,
I...
I just want to be happy and to be 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, Miss 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.
Miss Feng.
Is that a yes?
You truly believe
she's in love with me?
Compared with 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 the politics.
And that's the problem.
I'm also Feng Lanxi.
Your Highness,
do you think Miss Feng will help you?
She will.
Why are you so sure?
(Notes of Tan, First Tome) Hasn't she
(Notes of Tan, First Tome) 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 Miss Feng
claimed to be.
No, he's smart.
He knows to keep 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
(Notes of Tan, First Tome) 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 Miss 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 he's the easiest to be manipulated.
While he denies it,
I can tell he likes Miss 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 postscript.
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...
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.
♪Like the dissipating fog, you become clearer♪
♪Like the hawk that soars freely, you reject the shackles♪
♪Your white silk is as light as feather and yet it moves my heart♪
♪Ripples come at me but I don't want to dodge♪
♪Wind is just the outline of the cloud♪
♪Black is the lock of the White♪
♪Night is when the Day sleeps♪
♪You are a part of me♪
♪Right or wrong, don't worry about the why♪
♪Pain or joy, they are from our obsession♪
♪If some things cannot be taken apart♪
♪Then let's face the uncertainty together♪
♪Let tears run dry♪
♪Let's stop in another place♪
♪Let love sever all happiness and sadness♪
♪And pierce through the vicissitude of life♪
♪With a merry start, don't worry about a sorrowful end♪
♪A full moon will be more intertwined♪
♪If some things cannot be taken apart♪
♪Then let's face the uncertainty together♪