THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 15: THE ULTIMATE PRICE OF BECOMING A HERO

 

In order to spare Shuozhou from plunging into the perils of war where the cost could mean the people will greatly suffer and many may die, Governor Gongsun Heng opted to secretly meet with Tegin Sun of Ashile tribe to forge an ultimate settlement for his people in Shuozhou. He promised Ashile Sun a bargain that will be acceptable especially to Great Khan in order to spare the people on the city of Shuozhou.

And on the eve of the supposedly execution of his plan to spare the people of Shuozhou from Ashile tribe, the Governor made his plan known to Commandant Li which he now addressed a Princess Yongning as the rightful representative of Tang as he paid his kowtow acknowledging her royal lineage even though he was a former Sui officer.  He also and entrusted his family, household and the city under her care.  

Although, Changge did not agree on the execution of the plan even begging the governor not to do such.  But Governor Gongsun Heng was resolved on rendering the ultimate price for his service to the people of Shuozhou.

Watch Episode 15 subtitled in English through the video below.

You can read about the next episode HERE.  

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 14: THE NEW HERO OF SHUOZHOU

The arrow that pierced Commandant Li's heart made her more determined to show Ashile tribe her desire to keep the people safe from the war and made her stood up to show her worth as  Ashile's tribe worst war enemy and the new hero of Shuozhou.

Tegin Tu Kashe was so pissed that he cursed Commndant Li to die in his hand.  He was so desperate in finding the best way to totally annihilate Shuozhou's  newest hero and saw an opportunity when his men captured Commandant Li's trusted confidante - A'Duo while scouting the riverbanks.  

But A'Duo managed to negotiate and tried hard to decoy them as he was held captive. And Tu Kashe bought and took his bait in order to bring him to Shuozhou where he can have that opportunity to warn Commandant Li and the Shuozhou army about their war plan.  Despite the risky plan,  A'Duo was determined to expose it and hopefully save his master Changge and Shuozhou from falling into Tu Kashe's hand.  Tu Kashe planned on bringing his new hostage once he return to attack again Shuozhou and coerce Commandant Li with him to surrender.

Changge was so devastated to see A'Duo became Tu Kashe's hostage to coerce her to surrender.  But A'Duo was so determined to sacrifice in order to serve his master and be of utmost service to the people of Shuozhou and Tang as a whole.  A'Duo was able to warn them to defend Shuozhou and that Ashile tribe lost Daizhou and that the army of Tu Kashe has no  reinforcements.  By doing such, A'Duo was killed by Tu Kashe's righthand, Ibukan for revealing their military secret.  Changge grabbed the opportunity and commanded the Shuozhou to annihilate Tu Kashe's army.  In revenge, she killed Ibukan with her sword during the battle.

After the enemy has fled from Shuozhou, Governor Heng and Commandant Li along with the Shuozhou paid tribute to their new young general and  fallen hero - General A'Duo who finally got his wish to die as general and even be Shuozhou's new hero.

Watch Episode 14 subtitled in English through the video below.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 13: ASHILE SUN'S ARROW SHOT OF LOVE

 

As Ashile tribe's Bear Division failed to break particularly unto Shuozhou' northern part due to the terrain strategies carried out by Commandant Li.  However, the Ashile's elite force the Eagle Division using the buoyant palochina to cross the waters that flooded away the vanguard Bear Division of the Ashile tribe managed to break into the East side of the city and burned the city's granary crippling the city's food supply.

After Mu Jin investigated and reported to Ashile Sun that Shuozhou's Commandant Li Shisi was no other than Changge, A'Zhun was determined to make her out of the battlefield and avoid encounter as soon as possible.  For he cares so much for her that he was willing to shot an arrow straight to her heart just to keep her safe and away from the battlefield.  Using masks to hide his identity and Mu Jin, A'Zhun planned to use his arrow shooting accumen to aim an arrow in the hope of crippling her with his arrow shot  that could at least restrain her and keep her safe away from the battle. 

But with Changge's determination and will to end the war to stop the suffering of the people, she stood up with all her strength to show Ashile tribe that she was an able and capable official of Tang that can drive away and defeat enemies.  Her determination earned admiration from the Shuozhou army and boosted their morale.  Amidst the loud cheering and clamor to fight,  Ashile Sun feigned retreat by ordering his army to withdraw and encamp outside the city walls.  The Shuozhou army was delighted to see their attackers retreats.

Watch Episode 13 subtitled in English through the video below.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 12: THE NEW REGISTRAR OF SHUOZHOU

During the siege of Ashile tribe in Shuozhou, military governor Sima Tu deliberately did not send any reinforcements to the city due to some political reason apparently  rooted due to him being a former Sui official and his keen skill on military strategies.   And just like in the past attacks, Shuozhou was left out again to fend off enemies based on their own effort.  In order to save from being attacked, Sima Tu planned to bribe Ashile instead and even ordered his men to barge into the governor's mansion to get his token while he was arrested and detained in the military mansion.  

With Senior Qin, Changge and the governor's household, the governor's mansion was spared from being ransacked by Sima Tu's men. And with the governor's trust in Changge's military ability he entrusted his army to her in order to ward off Ashile and protect the people from the  perils of war.  Registrar Li secretly met the generals of Shuozhou and devised an attack that will cripple their enemy and foiled their attack in the city.  

Tegin Tu Kashe of Ashile's Bear Division who was supposedly the ones to led the attack in Shuozhou was so devastated on how Shuozhou's retaliation attack on their camp that he was left with no choice but avoid his enemy.  The news on the war was relayed by Mu Jin to Ashile Sun who analyzed the defense as something done by another master hand other than Governor Gongsun Heng. Mu Jin investigated who could it be and reported to Ashile Sun that the strategies were carried out by the new registrar by the name of  Registrar Li, from the governor's mansion.

Watch Episode 12 subtitled in English through the video below.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 11: THE IMPREGNABLE CITY OF SHUOZHOU

Due to Governor Heng's ingenious military foresight, the attack of Ashile tribe's Bear Division led by Tegin Tu Kashe was foiled and Shuozhou remains impregnable and the people within was successfully secured.  

And although Changge panicked when the governor did not take her warning on the incoming attack, she later understood the governor's strategy when she questioned him about it.  Long before the current attacks on the city, the governor have already secured the city walls by constantly physically fortifying it from penetration from the enemies. A move that not only save and wearing of his men from constant battles but primarily secured the entire city from entry by the attackers. Thus, his strategies and military tactics work efficiently with the city's heavily secured walls. 

However, the governor this time sensed of a follow up attack thus he sent an advice letter to the military governor Sima Tu for reinforcements in case they need it.  He likewise welcome Changge's ideas as fresh in order to help secure the city.  And because of Changge's military strategies, he immediately promoted  her from being the city registrar to be Shuozhou's new military Commandant Li Shisi and lead the army to battle.

Watch Episode 11 subtitled in English through the video below.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 10: GONGSUN HENG'S LONG MARCH FOR THE PEOPLE OF SHUOZHOU

 

After leaving Youzhou, Changge continue her trek in the direction going to the Norther bordern city Shuozhou.  In the bustling city of Shuozhou, she noticed that many folks young and old alike were all praise for their governor - Gongsun Heng.   Although the man was a former Sui official, he continued his legendary service to the people as a Tang city official. That even the constant border wars seemed to have not affected his devotion for the people of Shuozhou.

She came across the wounded Ashile Sun in an abandoned hut in a dense forest.  After dressing the wound he got after his duel with Ashile Sher, Changge continued her journey.  A'Zhun warned her not to go to Shuozhou due to its proximity to its proximity to the  grasslands and that the war never stops in that area near the Ashile tribe border.  

Before leaving the hut, A'Zhun handed her some money for her to spend on a fairly good lodging and not unlike the shabby room where he found her staying before with her apprentice A'Dou.    After their talk, A'Zhun returns to his Eagle Division in the Ashile tribe.  In the grasslands, Tu Kashe visited Ashile Sun in his tent and inform him of Great Khan's instruction of sending him and his Bear Division along with the Eagle Division on assignment  to Shuozhou saying that it was decided in order to avoid future defeat.  The military order from Great khat also stated that it will be his Bear Division that will be in full charge of the mission.

In Shuozhou, Governor Gongsun Heng discussed with Sr. Qin the fortified defense system of the city reinforced with that from Daizhou and Bingzhou. When suddenly one of his man informed that bandits have attacked the carriage of his wife and daughter en route to the temple.  Luckily, it was Changge and A'Dou who have rescued his family while the two was on the road and encountered the abduction.  Posing as homeless and wanderer, Changge and A'Duo was graciously accommodated in the governor's mansion and was requested to stay.  The two experienced the kindness and compassion of the governor and his household.  The governor discovered Changge's innate ability and offered to be at first his registrar.  But upon knowing he acumen about military tactics and strategies, she later made her a military official and later be known as Commandant Li Shisi and fight along with him on battles in the city border.  Governor Gonsun Heng and  Commamndant Li became Shuozhou's heroes for the people.  Governor Gongsun Heng became even more legendary in the service with service spanning two dynasties, the Sui and Tang in his lifetime. His long march to serve the people has become Changge and now as Commandant Li Shisi's guiding light in her long ballad to march and erase the dark side that camouflaged her life in the past.

Watch Episode 10 subtitled in English through this  LINK.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 9: THE FACTS OF LIFE BEHIND THE BOOKS OF THE ROYAL COURT

Youzhuo's Governor Li and General Wang conspired with Ashile Sher and coveted the city's wealth and defense. Changge feared that Tang's northern defense will be put  at great risk and she therefore have no choice but to seek help for defense and ally in the governor of the nearby city next to Youzhuo help dispatch troops. As an urgent measure, the city's beacon must be initiated and lighted to serve and alarm other cities and hopefully the Chang'an court to dispatch troops about the impending  siege of the Ashile tribe.

As the city gates closed, Hao Du have no choice but to stop in am isolated inn outside the city to have Leyan rest before the long journey to Chang'an as he assessed what to do with Leyan's plea to go back to save Wei Shuyu and plan on how to handle Changge back to the royal court.

But during their stay in the inn, Leyan was abducted by refugee traffickers and brought her along the way.  Leyan was tied along with another female captive and drove away in a carriage to an undisclosed location.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 8: THE EXCHANGE - A PRINCESS FOR A FUGITIVE

 

In Youzhou,  Commander Hao came across with Changge as she was fleeing from the men of General Wang who wanted to have the crown prince seal in order to give it to She Er of the Ashile Tribe.  But little did they expect that Ashile Sun who also snuck into Youzhuo feeling Changge might be in danger after learning that She Er was conniving with General Wang for the  crown prince seal in exchange for some horses he needed for the planned take over of Youzhuo.

A'Zhun abducted Leyan whom he doesn't know was a princess of Tang from her carriage. With a hand knife on Leyan's neck followed Commander Hao who has Changge in an alley  and negotiate with him for Changge in exchange with Leyan.

As A'Zhun followed Changge, he learned from those pursuing her that she was the fugitive Princess Yongning who was wanted by the court for stealing the crowb prince seal. Later, Changge hand over the crown prince seal to Hao Du and give information as to where they can find and rescue Wei Shuyu.  Changge also instructed Hao Du to report to court about the connivance of the Governor Li Yuan and General Wang with the Ashile Tribe.  

But on the way back to Chang'gan, Leyan was abducted by refugee traffickers at the inn they have temporarily stayed with.  Leyan escaped from her captors and became one of the displaced refugees and wanders from place to place when the place was sieged by Ashile Tribe.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 7: ASHILE SUN'S EPIPHYLLUM & QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

 A'Zhun tried to know as much about his newfound friend Shisi as he tried to follow her around Youzhuo. But she find her so mysterious and weird for her acts and became even more and more obssessed and interested to know more about her. He defined Shisi as someone who fully knows the art of war, good in strategy and is not afraid to die.  

A'Zhun falls deeply for this mysterious person that he was not having second thoughts as to spend walks with her as and talk about their worries and woes.  He feels he can completely pour out himself on her especially on grim and starless nights without worrying anything.  A'Zhun found himself sharing woes to the Shisi he know.  And just like how an epiphyllum that blooms only in the night, Changge in his eyes was like that rare epiphyllum - a queen  in his heart that blossoms in the night.

The love spell brought by the moonlight that night seems to have spread across that even Leyan seems to have soften her feelings for Hao Du as she allow him to guard and watch her as she sleeps.

Back at the inn, A'Zhun was informed that his step brother She Er wanted to see and talk with him.  But just like how he was cold towards him, A'Zhun also have no interest talking to his step brother. She Er was in Youzhuo to seize the opportunity of grabbing the attention of their father, the Great Khan away from Ashile Sun. He was after the mission crown prince seal of Tang as aid to their plan in taking over Tang. He brought Great Khan's instruction to Ashile Sun to leave Youzhou and head over instead to Shuozhou.

She Er colluded with Wang Junkuo to trade the horses he wishes to have in order to kill Li Yuan and take over Youzhou. In return, She Er wanted the key of Youzhou Mansion. This was all  overheard by Changge who managed to follow General Wang and eavesdrop in their conversation.

Changge tried to warn his uncle, Li Yuan about the plot but General Wang's men have already surrounded the mansion.  But it seems even his uncle was part of the plan and have tried instead to let him hand over the seal she got so he could hand it over to She Er himself.

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 6: WANDERING HEARTS UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

Wei Shuyu received a decree read by Hao Du from the crown prince that he need not go back to Chang'gan but instead accompany him to Youzhou. Before they left, Leyan secretly warned her friend Shuyu about what she knew about the real conduct of Commander Hao Du being cold blooded and shrewed.  Shuyu assured her that he will be careful and be wary against him as they work together under orders from her father Prince Qin, the current crown prince.  Leyan was later discovered hiding in the wagon.

Without them knowing, Leyan suddenly snuck into the wagon carrying imperial goods instead of the horse carriage alloted for her.  Before setting off, Hao Du instructed his men that if they happen to encounter Princess Yongning  meeting Shuyu, they can kill her including Shuyu if he will try to protect Changge.

Dealing and bribing military officials in Youzhuo, Changge and Ashile Sun once again bumped into each other while scouting the governor's mansion. Their encounter made A'Zhun do things he never did much in the past as Yaro noticed how he now smiles and was always in daze.

Unknowingly, A'Zhun and Changge also found out that they were staying in the same inn.  It seems their wandering hearts brought them always together wherever they go even under the bright moonlight.   That night after spending time with A'Zhun viewing the moonlight atop the roof Changge created an edict that bears the crown prince seal and requested A'Dou that if anything happens to her, he must bring and give the seal to A'Zhun for safekeeping.

It seems Keming has such premonition and doubt about the safety of the seal that he voiced out to Prince Qin his worries of the missing crown prince seal which was stolen by Changge.  He was afraid that if the seal falls on someone unworthy might put them all in an unimaginable chaos.

Watch Episode 6 subtitled in English through this LINK

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 4: THE ARROW OF FREEDOM FOR A FRIEND

Even though Changge evaded her death when her family was massacred at the eastern palace, she kept on bumping and brushing with death as she hide and flee around the capital.  Many times did she encounter the dangers of being caught.  But for some unknown circumstances she managed to escape every obstacles she encounters as if favors for her were deliberately laid along the way.  

Until she and A'Dou part ways by the city gates.  She manage join the caravan of Ashile Sun by agreeing to exchange her precious dagger outside the city gates in exchange of hiding beneath the goods they were carrying out of the capital.  Even though Commander Hao joined the inspection of the caravan goods, she managed not to be seen by anybody.

Ashile Sun provided her with a horse after they cross the city gates as tokens for her not to retrieve the dagger from him and evade Changge's inquiry about his name and identity.  Changge agreed thinking that she needed most the horse.  But as she rode away, she told and shouted to Ashile that she will find him to retrieve her dagger.

Commander Hao accompanied by her friend Wei Shuyu continued to pursue the fleeing Changge outside the capital.  But Changge was cornered in pursuit near the dilapidated hanging bridge atop the raging deadly river below the valley.

As Commander Hao was about to shoot an arrow towards Changge.  Shuyu took the opportunity and shot Changge as she fell unto the raging river severely wounded.  Shuyu look down the river from the other end of the bridge and was so sad thinking he betrayed his friend Changge.  Commander Hao was quick to comment in jest telling Shuyu that he was indeed the friend of the princess and quickly left leaving the grieving Shuyu.

Watch Episode 1 subtitled in English through this LINK

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THE LONG BALLAD EPISODE 3: TEGIN ASHILE SUN

Changge felt cheated that those people she knew would protect their family would care less and even hurt and kill them.  She sneaked into Rongen temple by bribing the guards with food just to see for the last time the remains of her mother lying in her coffin.  Although she promised her mother not to hate and harm them, she still swore in her mother's remains that she will avenge her and the whole household that were butchered in the Eastern Palace. She took a pair of chopsticks from the offerings, broke it and struck it at the back of her palms as a seal to her promise to avenge them.

The rumor that the crown prince and Prince Qin have died reached the imperial palace and contingencies are placed in order to contain the damage to the morale of the soldiers.  Even Rongen Temple was heavily guarded to secure the place.  Commander Hao received the report that someone breaks in at the Rongen temple but the remains of the dead Lady Jin and everything inside were still intact.

After visiting the remains of her mother, Changge returned to A'Dou's place and have her wounds treated. But the pursuing soldiers continue to scout the area when suddenly a fire broke out in a nearby establishment.

Princess Leyan got sad after knowing that Changge has gone missing after the death of Lady Jin.  She fervently prayed to the gods for her safety as she hold the amulet she made for her.  She also learned that her father, Prince Qin became the crown prince after the death of Changge's father and former crown prince.  Leyan therefore ascends from a palace lady to now Princess Leyan after her father became the crown prince.

As the fire gets near their place, Changge instucted A'Dou to run with and find another place safe.  A'Dou find it too easy for them to escape since it seems everything was there to make their escape easy.  Although puzzled too, Changge just told A'Dou that knowing too much won't do any good.  But A'Dou swore to follow her as his master no matter what even if the consequence of following her could lead to death.

Ashile Sun was upset that the supposedly effect of the rumor did not go as planned since Prince Qin was quick to act on suppressing and curbing it before it demoralized the soldiers at the border.  Thus,  Ashile Sun decided that to move his Eagle army to Youzhou instead in order to explore conquest alternatives expected by his father - the Khan and stop his brother from making a fuss about the failure of his mission in Chang'an.

Watch Episode 1 subt

itled in English through this LINK

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THE LONG BALLAD: EPISODE 2: THE FUGITIVE PRINCESS

 

The following morning she went with her sister Leyan to watch the ongoing cuju game at the stadium.

The kingdom's team was about to lose the game against Ashile tribe due to the injury of Wei Shuyu,

a key player of the kingdom's team.  In order to help the kingdom's team win, Changge disguised as

one of the player and lead their victory over Ashile tribe.

Among the prize for the victorious team was a fine ivory dagger and given to the player who led the

victorious team as a bonus.  But the Ashile envoy was most focused on the talks about marriage 

alliance and saw Princess Leyan from afar and inquired about her from the crown prince suggesting

and urging about the marriage alliance that was way halted over the years. 

Changge handed over the precious dagger to his second uncle, the Prince of Qin and never thought 

that it could make her father furious knowing she gave the treasure to her second uncle.

instead to him taking it as siding with his uncle and not his own father.  Due to such circumstance,

her father ordered her not to anymore mention her second uncle's Qin family.  Though shocked, 

Changge just keep it in her heart without even knowing the reason behind the emnity between 

her father and her second uncle.

Changge's mother scolded her upon knowing what she goes against her will not to stray while the envoys of Ashile tribe was in the palace. Even disguising herself and participated during the cuju game hosted by the palace.  Puzzled by her mother's reaction despite her making the palace team won and made her promise not to dwell on hate and vengeance.

For her actions, her mother told Changge to pack for she will be sent to Biyong hall  to repent urging her not to ever stray again. But that was the last time she will ever see her mother alive again.  Later she have witnessed the death of her loved ones in the Eastern palace including her mother through the sword of her ruthless second uncle.   

Dressed in peasant's clothes as disguise, Changge flee and roam around to assess the situation.  She came across the  homeless A'Dou who would become her servant and ally in her life as a fugitive princess from the palace away from the schemes and palace politics that killed her love ones.

In the mansion where the Ashile tribe envoys were staying, Tegin Sun was analyzing the happenings aroud the palace as he received reports of abnormal movements in the palace.  Sensing the strife between the crown prince and Prince Qin, Ashile Sun  wrote and initiate a rumor sent to the border soldiers that both the crown prince and Prince Qin are dead to demoralize palace soldiers so that their Khan can easily seize the situation in order to attack the borders.

Watch Episode 1 subtitled in English through this LINK

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THE LONG BALLAD: EPISODE 1: THE HEQIN

During the Tang dynasty, the kingdom continuously suffers from beig attacked by neighboring

regions in order to seize and expand dominations of tribes. In order to forge cordial relations among regions, one of the most effective ways in forging alliances among regions was arranging inter tribe marriages or heqin.  It involves setting unions of royalty members such as prince and princesses to solidify the alliance.  

In the palace, among those eligible for the heqin was Li Changge, an offspring of the first crown prince Li Chengqian and older brother of Li Shimin.  Although Changge was born as a princess she grows up having a  free spirit trait running wild and sneaking out of the palace in order to satisfy her curiosity.

There was that day, when the palace hosted a cuju game in order to entertain visitors from the neighboring Ashile tribe of the grasslands. Her mother who sensed that the game was just an excuse and prelude in order to forge an alliance summoned and carefully explained to Changge the happenings in the palace and ordered her not to stray away.  One of the reason of reason behind the heqin Lady Jin have told Changge was that since their kingdom was now strife with threats of invasion from Ashile tribe her grandfather, the king was considering heqin in order to quell the threat of invasion that could plunge the kingdom in chaos and sufferings of the people.

That night her mother thought of talking it out with her father, the crown prince to recosider Changge's plight in relation to the on going palace politics. But it seems it was beyond her father's control and her mother goes back to her chamber broken hearted. At her chamber she wrote back accounts of her thoughts and pour her heart out writing memoirs.

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