Legend of Fu Yao (扶摇)

Tang Bo Nian was initially just a commoner.

He's very prudent.

I don't think he will lead 50,000 soldiers up to the capital

just because of a letter.

He'll send out a letter to verify it.

If we want to rid him of his doubts

we'll need the Elder Statesman's confidant to tell him personally

that the letter is real.

That confidant will be you.

Young Master Yun.

This way, please.

- Young Master Yun. - General Tang.

Excuse my men for not recognizing you.

- Please head in. - After you.

Young Master Yun.

I haven't seen you in two years.

Young Master, you've grown even stronger and taller.

General Tang, you're still in such great spirits.

My godfather said that as long as you're here

a century of peace is guaranteed for the southern frontier.

I'm already old! I'm not as competent.

- Have a seat. - After you.

This small city is at least 300 miles from the capital.

If I had known that you were coming

I'd have sent someone to welcome you in.

My godfather sent me.

Before I set out, he particularly reminded me to arrive unnoticed.

I also just received a letter from Elder Statesman Qi.

He told me to head to the capital with my troops.

This is...

Is there a problem in the capital?

I've come exactly because of that.

There are some words my godfather felt uneasy putting down in writing.

So he's sent me here, riding at full speed

to clarify the situation for you.

What are Elder Statesman Qi's orders?

He said that we can now put what we've planned for years into action.

Are we rising in rebellion?

So General, you'll have to lead the army up north discreetly.

We'll strike unexpectedly.

According to Elder Statesman Qi's orders

General Tang, you'll lead 50,000 men up north first

the remaining 100,000 men will be the reinforcements.

The army will branch out into three.

We'll surround the capital from three directions.

General, Jing Province is 30 miles ahead.

Should we march on or...

The messenger I sent to Zhi Rong has yet to return.

As for the current situation in the capital...

I really have no idea.

Didn't Elder Statesman Qi say in the letter that everything was ready?

We should wait awhile.

My father had this confidential letter sent to me two days ago.

He said that Elder Statesman Qi ordered him to lead 50,000 men here.

But my father is worried that something may go wrong

so he asked me for information.

Oh?

Do you know what it means when a general stationed at the frontier

leads his army to the capital unauthorized?

Treason.

It's good that you're well aware of it.

My King, I know that it would condemn my entire clan to death!

My father may have acted foolishly

but as his daughter, I mustn't act just as foolishly!

My King, as for replying to this letter, please...

Please advise!

What a smart woman.

Unfortunately, you were born in the wrong family.

I know Tang Bo Nian's every move like the back of my hand.

As for you, you're really sensible.

But now you're implicated in this treason case.

What a pity.

My King...

My King!

I've already thought it through.

I was married off from Tang family.

I'm no longer a member of the Tang family.

Right now, your safety is as good as mine.

Your enemy is my enemy!

I... For the sake of my loyalty

please spare my life!

I don't want to die!

Why are you crying?

Your father's army consists of the royal court's elite soldiers.

If I can overtake them without shedding a drop of blood

and clip off one of Qi Zhen's wings

I shall reward you handsomely.

My King, you mean...

What do you think?

I will inform my father...

I'll tell him that Elder Statesman Qi has... everything arranged.

And that he can set his mind at ease and come up to the capital.

The daughter need not pay for her father's sins.

Zhi Rong, I'm well aware of what you've decided to do.

I have also made my own arrangements.

Thank you, My King.

The Consort of Prestige

Tang Zhi Rong, is now conferred as the Lady of Yongjia Hall!

The royal wedding shall be scheduled for the auspicious day, October 19.

She is to be conferred the title of Queen Zhaoyuan!

She shall be respected throughout Taiyuan Kingdom!

Father...

Don't blame me.

You've been brilliant your whole life, but you chose the wrong master.

Whether or not your master succeeds, your death is inevitable.

As for me, I just want to live honorably.

It's an ambush!

- Retreat quickly! - It's an ambush!

Retreat!

Young Master, why haven't you been to visit Miss Fu Yao these days?

Why have you become so nosy?

Why do I have to see her every day?

Young Master, are you still mad at Miss Fu Yao?

I'm mad at her?

Am I someone who throws tantrum that easily?

Young Master, you've always had a plan in mind.

Everything was under your control.

I've never seen you behave like this.

But ever since Miss Fu Yao appeared, you do seem more human.

Are you saying that I was deprived of humanity before?

I wouldn't dare say so.

That lass sure is stubborn.

She reprimanded me that day, and I do feel quite uneasy.

Tell me. Am I someone who manipulates others and makes use of their trust?

That's what makes you brilliant.

But I refuse to use her.

That's why you made such an effort to get Tang Zhi Rong anointed as the queen.

Young Master, you actually feel bad for Miss Fu Yao.

You're worried that she'll be implicated in Taiyuan Kingdom's misfortune.

Have I been too nice to you lately?

Why do you have so much to say?

I'll head to the Inner Court to be punished.

Godfather, the rumor is true.

Tang Bo Nian did lead 50,000 soldiers up to the capital.

He prepared his own rations and marched overnight.

He even avoided the official route and took to the mountain path.

Tang Bo Nian...

He's going against me.

I've already contacted the informants we planted in his army.

However...

Speak!

None of them replied.

I'm afraid... they might've been taken out already.

It seems that he's been preparing for this day.

I've sent someone to search for him in secret.

Yet even now, his whereabouts are unknown.

Could there be some secret behind it?

Secret?

The secret is that he colluded with Xuanyuan Min through his daughter

and betrayed me long ago!

No wonder, out of so many consorts

he only favored Tang Zhi Rong.

Yesterday, he even unexpectedly anointed her as the queen.

I'm afraid that Tang's 50,000 men have already defected to Xuanyuan Min.

What should we do?

Without those 50,000 men, wouldn't your plan be--

Yun Hen.

Like an arrow on a bowstring, there's no point of return.

I can only depend on you.

Don't worry, Godfather.

Hold on.

Let me think this through.

You can step out now.

Yes.

After you return to the manor

stay by Qi Zhen's side as you always do.

Qi Zhen isn't just going to pay for his sins with his life.

On the ninth, three quarters past seven in the evening.

I'll await Elder Statesman Qi's arrival at the skew bridge of Changyuan.

With a conspiracy, how could I possibly put everything at stake on one man?

My King.

What is it? Speak.

Well...

My King, why don't I take my leave?

It doesn't matter.

Just say it.

Zhi Rong is one of us.

Yes.

General of Pacifying Faraway Lands, Tang Bo Nian led his army to the capital.

I already know about it.

But on his way here, the army suddenly--

vanished.

Oh?

Zhi Rong, what's the matter?

I'm just...

I'm just... worried for you.

I am indeed worried.

Why would an army just disappear?

Could it be that Elder Statesman Qi--

Qi Zhen also sent out many of his men to search for them?

It's just that they're nowhere to be found.

Where is Tang Bo Nian now?

He's locked up.

Skilled warriors were sent to handle it.

No traces were found.

Qi Zhen's men won't be able to find General Tang.

Guard him carefully.

Yes.

Do you know why I locked Tang Bo Nian up?

My father...