WRITTEN BY HYUGA NATSU
THIS STORY IS A FICTION AND ALL NAMES OF FIGURES AND ORGANIZATIONS ARE FICTITIOUS.
MOREOVER, THE STORY HAS NO RELATION TO REAL-LIFE INCIDENTS AND EVENTS.
If you're going to dilute the bloodline at this point,
why not incorporate someone like her?
If you don't keep your favorites hidden,
someone will hide them from you.
Good morning, Lord Jinshi.
Are the preparations for tomorrow complete?
Yes, everything is in order.
Then, the only problem that remains is that girl.
If she is to accompany us on the expedition,
it will be difficult to keep it hidden from her.
I know.
I intend to tell the apothecary myself during this expedition.
The truth about my identity.
Maomao! You're being called.
Excuse me.
Lady Gyokuyou, is there something you need?
It's not me who needs something…
It's me.
And what would that be?
I would like you to "return" her to me for a few days.
Return?
Now that I think about it, I was only allowed to return to Jade Pavilion
as a special arrangement until Lady Gyokuyou's childbirth was over.
Well, that's troublesome.
Who will handle the poison tasting in the meantime?
I shall lend you one of my attendants.
-Can she be trusted? -Of course.
A few days, you say? Are you going somewhere?
I received an invitation to a hunt from someone I cannot refuse.
Someone you cannot refuse?
An invitation from Lord Shishou.
It must be tough, dealing with all these social obligations.
So, you're saying you want to "borrow" my Maomao?
Yes.
I was hoping you could "return" her to me.
Does it have to be Maomao?
I have plenty of other capable girls here.
No, as long as you return her, that will suffice.
Well… which girl are you referring to?
I mean… her.
You keep saying "her" and nothing else.
Is that a problem?
-Gaoshun. -Yes?
What do you call Maomao?
I call her Xiaomao.
And what do you call Maomao?
Oh… come to think of it, he's never called me by my name.
Not that I mind.
Why is Lord Jinshi acting so restless?
Lady Gyokuyou's approval was granted
30 minutes later.
LI
The country name "Li,"
that single character embodies the story of its founding.
There are three swords beneath the grass.
The "grass" represents "flower,"
referring to Empress Wang Mu, the ancestor of the Emperor.
And the three swords beneath it symbolize
the three warriors who aided the Empress Wang Mu.
The larger of the three swords, compared to the bottom two,
represents the northern lands of Shihoku Province.
The Shihoku region cultivates sorghum and barley.
And if you go further north, you'll find vast mountainous terrain…
Hey, are you listening?
My apologies, Lord Basen.
I'm explaining the place we're heading to, you know?
-It's in the north… -It's Shihoku Province!
The land governed by Lord Shishou's clan,
the very one who invited Lord Jinshi on this hunt.
So they called him over
under the pretext of a hunt, right into their own domain.
Though the Emperor himself didn't attend,
the guest list is still quite distinguished.
Why would my father choose a girl like this?
"Father," huh?
It seems Lord Basen is the son of Lord Gaoshun.
This time, he has been invited as a guest separate from Lord Jinshi
and is acting as an attendant in Lord Gaoshun's place.
Even if he's a eunuch, that doesn't mean he was always "without" it from birth.
Considering his age, it wouldn't be surprising if he had children…
We're almost there.
This high-altitude and cool climate land…
The previous Emperor used to visit
this place every year as a summer retreat.
Since the current emperor took the throne, no imperial family members have visited,
but it seems that Lord Shishou's clan manages it.
So we're staying here?
This room is oddly hot.
Still… just what is that relaxed posture?
He must be more exhausted than usual, but this is a bit too much.
Is that a mask?
Does he need a mask for long journeys
because he's so beautiful?
How should I address you here?
When we're indoors, address me as you usually do.
When we're outside, call me Kousen.
Understood, Lord Kousen.
Huh?
Something on your mind?
Well…
Lord Gaoshun has also been invited as a guest of honor, correct?
That's right.
In that case,
why were they placed in the same building?
Given their positions, there should be a greater distinction between them.
The Ma clan has,
for generations, served Lord Kousen's family.
Being in the same building is only natural!
I see…
So, Lord Jinshi really is from an esteemed background, after all.
Father, what does this mean?
Could this girl possibly…
Xiaomao knows nothing about that matter.
In time, Lord Jinshi will tell her personally.
Until then, do not mention it.
But still… Don't you think--
Ouch…
What are they doing?
For now, I should at least unpack my things.
If I don't do some work, Lady Suiren will scold me later.
Outside, the banquet is in full swing,
so why are we holed up in this closed-off room?
Excuse me,
wouldn't it be better to at least open a window?
No need to.
For now, try tasting the evening meal for poison.
You will know if you do.
Is this… soft-shelled turtle?
So it seems.
The aperitif tries to mask itself with the sweetness of the fruit juice,
but it's actually quite strong.
From the side dishes to the dessert…
How should I put it?
Everything seems to be food meant to boost stamina.
Now you understand, don't you?
Preserved food?
Aren't you going to eat?
There's no poison in it.
Even if there's no poison, it's not something I'd eat.
Then, since leaving it would be suspicious,
may I have it instead?
Do as you please.
-Is that stuff good? -It's delicious.
I think everything aside from the soft-shelled turtle is tasty too.
Are you sure you don't want any?
Can I eat it?
It was originally meant for you.
Are you really okay with it?
What's with him?
I'm fine. Basen, go ahead and eat.
Are you sure?
I insist.
Well then…
-It's delicious. -I'm glad.
-But… -But?
Why is this girl completely unfazed?!
If you ask why…
It's just how my body is.
F… Forgive me. I'll return to my room…
Being young certainly comes with its challenges.
What should we do?
Let him sleep here. I'll sleep in his room.
I can carry him to his room.
But you must be exhausted.
If you say so…
The guards will use my room.
-So, Xiaomao, you can use this room. -Understood.
Being able to take a bath too. How luxurious…
Tomorrow is the hunt, huh?
Hopefully, everything goes smoothly.
Is this it? It's quite small.
It's the latest model.
Both range and accuracy have improved.
With this, you can aim even in the forest.
Here…
That person will die.
The hunt takes place on a high plateau, a 30-minute horseback ride from the lodge,
followed by an hour-long trek up the mountain.
It seems the nobles will have their prey cooked on-site.
There's nothing to do…
Maybe I'll take a walk.
This forest is quite nice.
It looks like a good place for medicinal herbs and mushrooms to grow…
Is there a large waterfall nearby?
You're such a good boy!
That is…
-Hello. -Hello?
Young lady!
What are you doing here?
-I was summoned for something. -I see.
Actually, me too. I was specifically assigned as a guard, but…
they told me to take care of the dog.
Lord Lihaku also received a special assignment,
but being from the countryside,
he was probably kicked out by the other,
more arrogant guards.
He seems to be rising in rank rapidly lately,
but that means he'll face more opposition.
You're bad at whistling.
Shut up.
It's fine. I've got this.
He's smart.
Right? Depending on the situation,
they can come running from miles away.
I see.
A dog petting another dog…
Even though this is a summer retreat,
the weather is nice, but it's sweltering hot today.
Staying comfortable is no easy task.
In this sweltering heat, he's keeping that mask on the whole time
and not even touching the food?
No matter how suspicious a masked person looks,
if they're seated at the highest position,
it means they're the most important guest here.
That's the father of Queen Loulan, Lord Shishou.
He's the ruler of Shihoku Province and the host of this hunt.
Did he offend Lord Jinshi?
Would that overly-courteous eunuch
really show such a blatant attitude?
Could it be… because of the heat?
Is he saying, "Don't do anything right now"?
-Xiaomao. -Yes?
-May I have this? -Ah, sure.
Jin…
Lord Kousen.
-It's you. -Please take this off.
No.
There's no one around.
Someone might come.
Ugh, how annoying!
If you're that worried about being seen,
why not go somewhere out of sight?
Excuse me, I'll wipe your face.
He's burning hot. He's overheated.
I need to give him the water I brought.
Apothecary…
There's something I need to tell you.
Right now?
I knew I had to say it someday.
I… the truth is…
What?
The smell of sulfur…?
Was that a gun?
-Sorry. -Huh?
This is going to be a bit of a scare.
A bit? Are you kidding me!
Should we look in the waterfall basin?
At this height, they wouldn't have survived anyway.
More importantly, hide the gun.
I didn't know you couldn't swim. I'm sorry.
How could I swim… in that?
There's no way.
Jumping off a nearly 50-meter cliff… What a reckless move.
I thought you had lost your mind.
The waterfall basin here is deep,
so if you jump properly, you won't die, unless you drown.
Yeah. Unless you drown.
-What are you--! -I apologize for my unsightly appearance.
But if I stay like this, I'll catch cold.
I suppose I shouldn't take off the apron and waistcloth.
Even if my ribs look pitiful, I'd rather cover up what I can.
I'll wring out yours as well, Lord Jinshi, so could you take them off?
I'll do it myself!
Give me yours too. I'm stronger than you.
I'm glad. He seems to be feeling better than before.
Though he seems to be in a bad mood.
The medicinal herbs are no longer usable.
Is there anything else I can use?
Lord Jinshi.
-What is it? -I apologize for offering you this.
But would you like to have some?
Is it some kind of medicine?
It's butterbur that was served in the morning meal.
I brought it as a snack,
but right now, you seem to be lacking salt.
Salt?
When I was chasing after you,
I brought water mixed with salt and sugar,
but I left it up by the waterfall.
Anyways, going out hunting with your face covered,
without eating or drinking anything, will take a toll on your body.
Weren't you having headaches
due to the heat and dehydration?
Your dizziness from overheating seems to have subsided,
but just in case, please take some salt.
If that's the case…
It's not as bad as I expected.
You eat some too.
Thank you, I will.
What on earth was that earlier?
-It was a gun. -Gun?
A weapon that uses gunpowder for warfare.
It requires preparation after each shot.
Yet, without pause,
two shots were fired.
Does that mean there were multiple shooters?
At least two. There may have been more.
Who on earth is holding a grudge against you and why?
Lord Jinshi, do you know a way out of here?
Besides swimming, that is.
There's a hole in the ceiling in the back.
Does Lord Gaoshun know about that?
He might not.
Basen does, but I'm not sure if he'll notice right away.
What if we shout for help towards the hole?
Unless someone is really close, they won't hear us.
If we shout all day long,
someone might eventually notice, but…
-What was that? -It's nothing…
It's high up, but if one of us acts as a foothold, maybe we can reach it.
If Lady Suiren finds out I used Lord Jinshi as a stepping stool…
-If you act as a foothold, you'll crumble. -But…
Get on me!
You should put on some weight.
Now is not the time for that.
It's slippery and damp,
but if I hook my fingers…
-I'm going to stand. -Alright!
What? A frog?
-Hey! -Whoa!
I'm not… hurt?
My apologies, Lord Jinshi!
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW
The next episode is "Ka Zuigetsu."
Subtitle translation by: Abhishek Chand Ramola …