Shadow (影)

May I speak with you, Sire.

Sire!

Sire.

Commander...

Him again.

What now?

He visited Jing City yesterday.

What?

He went to Jing.

For what?

To give Yang a birthday greeting.

He went yesterday

and you only tell me now?

Lu.

My most trusted minister.

This is how you serve me?

Has he returned?

Not yet.

Go, wait for him.

The minute he returns

bring him to me right away.

Yes, Sire.

"COMMANDER'S RESIDENCE"

What does it say?

This reading is about masculine power.

No place for women here.

Qian, the male, origin of all things

shall rule the world.

This reading

is "Qian".

This is Heaven's will.

Brother.

There's been talk of this in the Palace.

The reading's also a positive sign.

When will the battle begin?

Summer, or autumn?

The reading says...

Our time will come in seven days.

Seven days?

After seven days of rain

we'll win when the waters rise.

The Commander enters!

Our brave lone hero has returned!

Sister.

Reporting.

Sire.

Sire...

I've heard

you went to celebrate Yang's birthday.

Yes!

I'm sure you gave a lovely speech.

I went to Jing to claim one thing.

The city YAN Kingdom has occupied for 20 years.

Is he willing to return it?

No.

So you declared war?

Yang and I have agreed

in a few days, under the City Pass

to duel one-on-one and see who wins.

Our two nations are allies.

A duel between our chief commanders

means war.

Don't you understand this?

He agreed to it.

Alright then.

Tell me.

Are you sure you can beat him?

Yes or no?

What are your odds?

3 out of 10 at best.

Absurd.

Were it not for our Peace Treaty.

Pei would have been lost long ago.

Great work.

You've ruined everything.

Jing City still belongs to Pei.

It's under YAN Kingdom's occupation.

Every righteous man of Pei

longs to win it back.

No ruler can oppose his people's will.

If Jing isn't reclaimed.

Pei will perish under your reign.

Commander.

How dare you say that?

I'd rather never take Jing back

than destroy the Alliance.

On your behalf I've told them otherwise.

And would you also be King on my behalf?

What's done is done.

And my punishment?

Alright.

Let's not argue.

Father died too early.

My sister and I had only each other.

It was thanks to you, Commander

that I finally gained the throne.

Let's drop the subject.

Sire is right.

Let's just enjoy this rare gathering

I've long heard that

you and your wife play the most exquisite duets

I've always wanted to hear you.

So...

Will you play for me?

Sire...

Our Kingdom is in distress

I'm... not in the mood.

Commander.

Don't disappoint the King.

Yes, please.

We'll all enjoy your music.

Come.

Bring the zithers.

Come.

Come.

Come.

Please.

What?

I, your King.

Can't get you to play for me?

Commander.

Sire I am guilty.

You haven't started yet.

What could you be guilty of?

I will not distract my husband

with beautiful sights and sounds

I've sworn to Heaven

that until the day Jing's reclaimed

I'll not play a note of music.

Otherwise.

Otherwise what?

I'll cut off my finger

to prove my resolve.

An impressive vow to Heaven.

But I am the Heaven of Pei

I've asked you to play.

Will you not obey me?

Fine then.

Don't play today.

Take them away.

Come.

No.

They will play.

Then I won't listen.

Commander.

Madam is ready for you.

Madam's vow

is mine as well

I'll cut my hair

to beg Heaven's forgiveness.

Commander, don't.

Commander, don't.

Don't do this.

Alright, don't play then.

No need to make a scene.

We'll take our leave.

Sire, why did you insist that Commander play?

I was just trying to deflate his arrogance

I'll have to clean up his mess.

There's only one option left.

Yang's son, Ping

has not yet married, right?

Sire means to say...

Marry off my wild sister.

Shouldn't we ask if she's willing?

I'm her elder brother.

No need to ask.

You must make Yang understand:

Commander doesn't represent me.

We don't intend to take back Jing.

Much less start a war.

My proposal

will show my sincerity.

All right I'll choose a good day

to go make the proposal.

You may leave.

Yes, Sire.

To play as one.

Two hearts must beat as one.

As is the case with you and Madam

I haven't even dared to practice.

I deserve to die.

Had you been exposed.

You would indeed deserve to die.

We'd both deserve to die.

You must master the zither

and suffer this cut.

Commander.

Please proceed.

These herbs are harsh.

In an hour.

The wound will rot and look just like mine.

Whatever you're holding in...

let it out, you'll feel better.

Let it out!

When I was 8 I strayed from my mother

and drifted, lost, through Jing City.

I passed out from hunger.

Your uncle happened to pass by

I'll never forget that bowl of rice...