Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles by 👸🏻 You rule my Heart 💖 Team @viki.com

♫ Half a lifetime of glamour is nothing more than a hand full of quicksand ♫

♫ A deep love is hidden in the shadow of an umbrella ♫

♫ The endless moonlight is so close, yet worlds apart ♫

♫ To be next to you is a place I can’t reach ♫

♫ The sound of pipa playing outside the window ♫

♫ Who’s on the boat with lantern lights rippling on the water? ♫

♫ Even half of Heaven falls short of this moment ♫

♫ I’ve seen the dust from the bustling city, but I only want to grow old together with you ♫

♫ Holding hands and watching water flow on the small bridge, I wonder if you’re mine ♫

♫ I've gone through stages of youth as I await for my life to begin, what's the harm if the world is foolish? ♫

♫ I want to enjoy the picturesque country with you ♫

[Ye Cheng]

[Episode 09]

The chamberlain sent word that the Crown Princess was already ordered to discipline her.

The Crown Princess, Wei Xin?

Oh no. Mother, could you please enter the palace?

With the Crown Princess' character, she might really kill Shu Cheng.

Your Grace.

I'm a prisoner now.

Don't call me that.

What brings you here?

I had the dinner here and I was sure you'd hate it, so I came to send you something to eat.

You didn't have to come yourself.

For the same reason, nobody knows here better than I do.

Since I had nothing else to do, I came to accompany you.

Anyway, you're impressive, no matter how angry you were, you shouldn't have rejected the edict openly.

Come and eat.

Here.

Actually, I wasn't angry.

I see, you did it to protect him, right?

If my mother says she will kill him, she will definitely find a way to do it.

So my way was to keep him out of our gate.

Your affection is visible.

Even so, you shouldn't have challenged the Empress openly.

That much confidence, I did have. She won't make things hard for me.

At the very least, she won't hurt me.

Maybe right now she's trying to think of an excuse to let me go,

so she may keep her dignity, too.

Could it be that my mother is being held in such contempt by you?

Greetings, Your Highness.

I wish you longevity.

Shu Cheng.

My mother sent me to discuss your marriage with Su Rongqing.

I've already said what I wanted to say very clearly at the court.

I gave you the chance already.

Your Highness, please have mercy.

Your Highness.

Please calm down.

Do you still remember who's your master?

I do.

You really want to beat me?

You really think your family is so powerful that even my family can do nothing to you?

Today, I want you to understand who is the master and who is the subordinate.

Let me ask you one last time, will you marry Su Rongqing?

I will not.

Good. I was hoping you would say that.

Guards. Drag her out for 50 strokes.

Beat her to a wreck if you can.

Please spare her.

Please spare her. Please spare her.

I'll punish you with her.

Mother. Any news?

The major chamberlain said the Empress was too tired to see anyone.

Wei Xin hates Shu Cheng, she won't be soft on her.

I'm afraid Shu Cheng is in danger.

Would the Empress allow Wei Xin to do that?

She wouldn't give the order to let Wei Xin do it,

but Wei Xin would do it first and she'd ask for pardon since she is the Crown Princess.

She may even kill Wei Xin afterward to apologize for Shu Cheng's death.

I'll go to the Supreme Court.

I taught Wei Xin, too.

Maybe she'll show me some respect.

Mother, I'm afraid for this matter, she won't.

Any news of the Shus?

Shu Rou informed the Ministry of War that she'd inspect the Capital Garrison.

At this moment?

Does she want to besiege the capital?

The Empress sees nobody at this time...

because she wants to lay in wait before striking.

And at the same time think of a plan to fall back on.

For the sake of the fact we once studied together, I would advise you to obey the Empress.

Have you ever seen a Shu lower their head?

I knew you wouldn't, so I won't bother to persuade you.

You can't punish a royal member without the Empress' order.

Besides, she's Shu Cheng.

What a loyal servant, you're speaking up for your master when you can't even protect yourself.

She's my friend, not a servant.

Whatever.

Murong Wanqing, even the academy master said you were smart,

can't you see that I'm taking this chance to kill Shu Cheng?

You're the Crown Princess. Aren't you afraid the Empress will punish you for such behavior?

You yourself said I'm the Crown Princess, the future Empress...

What does it matter if I kill one Shu Cheng?

Besides, I wanted to kill her long ago.

After killing her, I want to see who would dare to go against me.

I'm a member of the royal family, too.

If you want to build prestige, killing me is enough.

If you touch Shu Cheng, I'm afraid it will be too late for you to regret.

Step aside.

I'm fine.

My heart is ailing me.

As your study mate, I've gotten used to... used to protecting you.

Very well. Let me kill you two together...

How dare you break into the prison?

Shen Cong.

Shu Rou, what are you doing?

What a surprise. Now that she really wants to hurt us,

I naturally have to take some precaution.

We've weathered so many years of storms as if we were real sisters. How could she hurt you?

I'm afraid there's a misunderstanding.

Come with me, let's make it clear with Her Majesty.

Nonsense!

Didn't you mean to marry Su Rongqing into our family to be her spy?

Aren't you telling me to enter the palace now in order to make me fall into your trap?

You're suspecting me of setting you up?

- Guards! - Yes.

Will you join me to inspect the Capital Garrison?

No, Shu Rou.

If you mobilize the Garrison, it'll be considered as rebellion.

- You all leave. - Yes.

We've been friends for years, I won't hurt you.

Go back to tell her that I only want to save my daughter

and I won't do this extreme thing if she keeps my daughter safe.

Hurry.

The imperial guards are here. Take Wanqing away.

I would like to see where you will go.

Shu Rou really said that?

Your Majesty, exactly word for word.

Ning Yuan of the Supreme Court seeks an audience.

Let her in.

Your Majesty, the Crown Princess already severely punished Shu Cheng in the Supreme Court.

Shu Cheng will be in danger if you don't stop her now.

Is it true?

I dare not to lie.

Idiot.

How could I have such a stupid daughter?

She wants me to die with Shu Rou?

Servant! Immediately go and handle the situation.

Make sure to protect Shu Cheng's life.

Yes.

I'm taking my leave.

I'm afraid the brewing rebellion has already begun.

I met Shu Rou already.

She didn't have a choice.

She said she just wanted to save Shu Cheng.

Tell Shu Rou to come here, I'll explain it to her.

I didn't order her to do that.

I trust you certainly, but she went to the Capital Garrison.

Your Majesty, let me accompany you to meet her.

Naive.

If I go to meet her now,

won't I be at her mercy?

Since things have come to this point,

send the order to tell the imperial army to defend the city gates,

don't let even one soldier of the Garrison enter.

Send another order for each province to defend the army and protect the Empress.

Yes.

Shu Rou, though I couldn't kill you,

I won't spare you.

Your Majesty. Rongqing left already.

He asked me to deliver a message to you. He wants you to trust him.

He will keep you and the Great Chu safe.

Him?

Any sympathy you have for him will eventually become a sword... stabbed onto us.

If he's so persistent, I'll help him to leave and tell them that he dies of illness.

I'm sure everyone will believe it.

I canceled the engagement and rejected the edict.

I know. Leave with me.

We'll cut off all the ties from now on.

Get lost.

You mean it?

To cut off all the ties is something I really can't do. But as for getting lost...

Biyu.

Eldest Brother.

Me?

This is a new level of shamelessness.

You can still see someone getting lost. (T/N: Chinese word for "get lost" is the same as "to roll")

What a clown.

Shen Ye, Shen Cong, I heard about you before.

I always have a soft spot for the pretties,

you're free to go if you leave her here.

The way you look now... is it because of her?

Shen Ye, did you understand what I just said?

I did.

- Shen Ye, you... - Shen Ye.

Listen carefully, the reason I don't kill you today is because of her,

not because of who you are.

You...

Your Grace. Lord Shu ordered us to bring you to the Capital Garrison.

I see. You really want to rebel.

- If I really wanted to rebel, you would be the first person I killed. - You dare?

Here's the Empress' oral edict,

I'm concerned hearing Shu Cheng is injured, so I order her to recuperate in the palace.

Your Grace. Her Majesty was anxious hearing you were injured.

The physicians are waiting to treat you in the palace.

She wants to take me as a hostage to threaten my mother?

What are you talking about? Her Majesty truly is concerned for you.

Besides, if you enter the palace, you may alleviate the situation.

Please tell Her Majesty that I am not willing to be the hostage,

nor will I go to the Garrison to embarrass her.

Guards. Send me back home.

Yes.

The troops of Yunzhou are the closest to here, [Capital Garrison]

their vanguard can arrive within three days, but it'll take Shu Huang's troops five days at least.

So there're two days apart.

Then we'll be between the troops of Yunzhou and the imperial army. That's...

If the Empress attacks,

I'm afraid we can't make it for two days.

So if you want to enter the capital to relieve the garrison, make it quick.

Yes, Lord.

It's been a day already, please make the decision quickly.

The Shus have been loyal for generations,

but the Empress wants to put my daughter to death regardless of right and wrong.

So I don't have a choice but to appeal by force,

It's not too late for you to quit now.

We will follow you to death.

- Lord Shu. - How's my daughter?

Is she taken hostage?

My Lord. She didn't enter the palace, but returned to home.

She didn't enter the palace, nor did she go to the Garrison, but at any rate, she still left the prison.

This way, Shu Rou had no reason to rebel and the Empress couldn't make a move rashly.

They are held in a deadlock.

It's hard to control such a situation.

You want to make a chain plan to let it end in a draw?

The chess shows one's thoughts.

I want it to end in a draw, but there's nothing I can do.

Shu Cheng is forcing them to do so.

Now it's her who left a way out for both sides.

Yes. Entering the palace would hinder Shu Rou, so Cheng couldn't do that.

If she decided to go to the Garrison, Shu Rou would be free from worry.

but she was afraid that the Empress would be forced to resist,

so going home was the best option, which also left both sides some face.

Cheng'er is smart and kind. She doesn't want to see war break out.

That's why I think she's the best candidate for the Empress.

The chain plan shows up, so it may end in a draw.

It still requires one thing to realize the plan.

The one who started it shall end it.

It's up to you two now.

My Lord. Eldest Brother.

The princess ordered this letter to be sent.

[Come to the Phoenix Hall to discuss some matters.]

I have business to do.

If you'll excuse me.

The game is not ended yet. Where are you going?

It seems she already has a solution.

[Shu Manor]

There aren't any serious issues, right?

I never had a peaceful day since you tried to degenerate into a good-for-nothing.

Every day, I was always being beaten by somebody.

What am I? A ball?

Does it hurt?

The physical wounds are no big deal, but here... has been hurting more and more.

My heart wasn't that great in the first place, unable to withstand overstimulation...

But now every day I have to worry about you. You didn't want the marriage, you refused to enter the palace...

So, Cheng'er, is rejecting the edict so funny that you're addicted to it?

Your whole face is swollen, but...

At least it's symmetrical. Doesn't look bad.

Stay away from me.

I just don't get it.

It was your business when you rejected the edict.

I can never understand why I was badly wounded each time you make some trouble.

I didn't expect it, either.

Cheng'er. I'm not that smart,

but there are some things that I can see clearly.

I actually don't feel that wronged,

but I'm really anxious for you.

I already said, this is something I didn't expect.

I didn't expect that my mother would kill Su Rongqing.

I didn't expect Su Rongqing is Shen Ye.

I thought my family's power has been growing greatly, so rejecting the edict wouldn't be that big of a deal.

To think it ended up like this.

I think you didn't expect it because there were many things you couldn't control.

I'm not saying you're useless.

But things just are the way they are.

Though you're the prime royal princess,

there are still many things...

Your Grace. Young Master Shen of the Phoenix Hall sent an invitation,

saying the Hall is about to reopen, hoping you could come to appreciate it.

What the heck? He reopens the Hall now with everything that's going on?

I let him do it. Come. We're going there now.

In the current situation, you're going there to have fun now?

Can I not go there?

It might not be proper to go out, why don't check the calendar?

Don't worry. It's all settled.

This time I'll do something I can control

Come. Cheng.

It's getting cool, why's brother still using a fan?

Maybe the fire in his heart is great.

I think he's nervous, very nervous.

Shen Cong. Look, why did the princess tell us to reopen the house?

She's probably not coming to drink and eat with Eldest Brother.

I wonder if she'll smash or burn it.

I understand her since she was kept in the dark for so long.

But our effort will be in vain.

We managed to clean it up, who knows what it'll become?

I even warned the neighbors and tell them to avoid it, or half of the street would be ruined.

Why don't we take shelter too and let them talk with each other?

I'll go cook. You'll do the laundry.

Shen Cong, you go visit that Third Lady.

You can't make any sound. Whether you're here or not makes no difference.

He means he also wants to watch the fun at this big event.

That's true. I even prepared snacks.

How could we miss such a scene?

How could you guys do this?

Are you just going to let this guy laugh at our brother?

Leave then. The position of your seat is good.

No. I can watch it clearly

whether they'll quarrel or fight in this position.

- I'm not giving it away. - Hypocrite.

Shen Cong, what about you?

My spot is pretty good.

[Bet]

Why is it so deserted today?

Your Grace. The streets nearby have already been blocked off, so there are few people here.

We haven't seen anyone suspicious.

They predicted that you would come, so they didn't want to make a big ruckus.

If there won't be a big ruckus, then we came in vain.

What will you do this time?

Just wait here.

Brother predicted the princess would come, but he doesn't know what she will do.

I don't think they will quarrel, they'll just directly start fighting.

Why don't we bet on it? What do you think?

You're growing bolder and bolder.

Just say if you'll bet or not.

My bet is that Princess will fight.

I heard some movements outside.

What's the reward?

Greetings, Your Grace.

What should I call you?

Shen Ye, or

Young Master Su?

Whatever you like. If none of those names work, you can also call me Shu Shen.

I came here to tell you that our previous engagement will still continue.

You predicted that, didn't you?

I did, but it's not that simple, right?

Yes.

If it's that simple, it can't make everyone satisfied.

The princess is impressive, she doesn't quarrel, fight or be angry.

Completely unexpected.

Just now, who was it that said she would fight?

I'm sorry.

I got close to you as Shen Ye

because I thought you could accept Shen Ye, and I still was Shen Ye.

The priority is to

make a scene which may satisfy everyone here.

So it's settled. I invited some guests.

Do me a favor, Shu Shen.

Sorry.

This show should begin just like this.

Your hand hurts?

It does hurt a bit.

I'm sorry. My skin is a bit thick.

It's fine. I forgive you.

Thank you for your generosity.

Get prepared.

We're going out.

I need a little bit of your acting.

Then give me a bit of time for preparing my mood, or I couldn't perform in a fake mood.

Your face really is a bit brazen. (TN: Chinese phrase "having thick skin" can also mean being brazen)

She really is polite.

She invited us when it opened and invited us too when it reopened.

It was said to be an invitation, but she sent her soldiers to invite us.

It's kind of like kidnap.

She has just rejected the edict and Lord Shu is in the Capital Garrison, it's a complicated situation.

Are they going to take us hostage?

Hostage?

Cheng'er.

Greetings, Your Grace.

Thank you for coming.

You're welcome.

We're glad to have a drink here.

Sorry. I have some conflicts with the owner of the Phoenix Hall.

Your Grace.

I came here to make it clear that I'm going to marry Su Rongqing.

- Su Rongqing? - From now on, there's nothing between us.

So stop pestering me.

Look, she deserted me.

Kneel.

My neighbors, my distinguished guests, she deserted me.

Yell.

I'll yell for you.

Your Grace.

She's so heartless.

She'll cut off the ties with me when she marries Su Rongqing.

How could there be such an indifferent person?

My whole heart is dedicated to her.

I can even be your male concubine, why must you be so cruel?

So she rejected the edict in order to cut the ties with him first.

She has some hot blood.

Right. How could she give up Young Master Su for a call boy?

Yes.

Though we don't have a drink, it's good to watch a nice show.

How's my performance?

Let go of me.

It was amusing.

Yes.

Look at that.

She slapped him.

I mean it this time.

Even if you marry me as Su Rongqing, we'll be strangers.

Don't touch me again.

Cheng'er. Cheng'er!

At least we were able to see something.

Let's go.

Come on.

Eldest Brother.

Eldest Brother.

She says take care, Eldest brother.

Out with it.

About your last slap, you mean it?

I have no idea.

You canceled the engagement to keep Shen Ye out of danger, to think it'd end up like this.

So you could only use Shen Ye as a call boy to perform, right?

If we couldn't go back,

I should squash the affair and turn it into a joke.

I canceled the engagement due to a love affair with a call boy.

I was muddled, stupid,

but I didn't disrespect the Empress.

Then the Empress could keep her dignity

and my mother can only withdraw. This inspection was just an inspection.

The whole thing will be finished after she scolds me.

All the people of the capital will know this thing tomorrow morning

since so many people witnessed it.

But what about Shen Ye?

If he marries me,

I can only hate him and stay away from him, then he'll give up.

That's the only way to relax my mother, so he could live longer.

Being a princess really isn't easy.

Early in the morning, the princess of the Shus sent an apology letter, did you read it?

Ministries of Ceremonies and Punishments, the Supreme Court, what do you think?

Shu Cheng explained it so clearly that she didn't mean to reject the edict,

but did it for a relation rashly.

I think she may be pardoned.

According to the law, she is accused of deceiving you, but the report shows her sincere regret.

So I think we can give her to Lord Shu Rou to discipline.

The princess went to the joy house and made it clear with that call boy.

I think she first wanted to break off ties with that call boy before honoring your kindness.

The children of the officials there could all be her witness.

Who didn't do something stupid when she was young?

As long as she didn't purposefully deceive me and reject the edict,

I won't be hard on her, not to mention the Shus.

I'm sure the Shus will be grateful to you for your generosity.

Su, it seems you and your son might be wronged.

Shu Cheng is my disciple, so I watched her grow up.

She might be a bit naughty, but she's kind in nature.

We won't mind.

Your Majesty, the Capital Garrison reports that Lord Shu has come back to the capital.

How many people did she bring?

Only a team of guards.

I presume she came back at night after inspecting the Garrison.

Will she enter the palace?

The soldiers already escorted her home.

Right.

Since it was just an ordinary inspection, just report any problems to the Ministry of Military.

As for this report of apology, let the Ministry of Ceremonies handle it.

You may all leave.

Yes.

Su.

Your Majesty.

It seems everything was but a trifle,

only the children's marriage is a big event.

Go back to get prepared.

I still want that drink for being the matchmaker.

Yes.

[Su Manor]

Greetings, Master.

It's good you came here.

Come follow me in.

Her Majesty and the Crown Princess arrived already.

As a courtier, I kept Her Majesty waiting,

please let me apologize to her face.

It was because Her Majesty arrived early.

She said today is a feast to thank the matchmaker. There are only friends here, no Empress or courtiers.

Be as comfortable as possible.

Where is that young man that you've raised so secretively?

It's time to let us meet him.

Not in a hurry.

It's too early.

There are many women here. It is unsuitable for my son to appear, please forgive me.

Your family discipline is so strict.

Don't you think so, Cheng'er?

Mother, Master.

I'd like to take a walk in the garden.

All right.

I'd like to talk to your master.

Go ahead.

Be polite if you meet Her Majesty and the others.

Yes.

Cheng'er.

There're words I couldn't tell you in front of Her Majesty.

Please advise me.

My son is a kind person, I wish you could treat him well.

Master, your son is a talented and resourceful man,

but I'm not that smart, please tell your son not to be hard on me.

Cheng'er.

How come you've gotten more and more impolite?

Leave now.

I was impolite. I will leave now.

Your Highness.

Her Majesty is listening to qin right now.

Nobody shall disturb her.

It's Su Rongqing who is playing the Qin for her.

Didn't he say it was inconvenient for him to appear because of the number of women?

Your fiance

isn't simple.

Wait.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

I want to say something to you.

To me?

By now you still wish we could be kind to your son?

Cheng'er is my disciple, and you and I have been friends for decades. That's the truth.

Take this as a favor.

Then let me say some truth as well. We've known each other since childhood,

but I haven't seen your son so far.

I initially thought he was ignorant of the world because of your strict discipline,

to think I'd be impressed by his talents.

There's no need to say taunting words.

I'm not taunting him. He really is talented.

The top entertainer this time should be him, right?

It's interesting that an entertainer will marry into our family.

He means no ill intentions to Cheng'er.

I don't know if that's true, but there is something deeper to him, right?

And from who does this deeper something come from,

you or Her Majesty?

I was scolded by mother when I told her to punish Shen Ye.

So all this time I didn't know what his background was,

until I saw Su Rongqing's face just now.

When I saw him for the first time, I was even more surprised than you.

Then what I'm going to say doesn't matter at all.

When looking at him, Mother's eyes are filled with tender love.

Besides him, she has never looked at anyone else that way.

No matter if he's Shen Ye or Su Rongqing, he must have a special tie with Mother.

Why're you telling me this?

Don't you mind? Don't you envy him?

I do.

Since he lied to you, too.

Why don't we find an excuse to kill him?

I do hate you, and hate the Shu family more,

but right now I hate him the most.

You've made real progressing on playing it which makes you more like your father.

You did it right.

I was a bit too impatient with the Shus and Shu Cheng.

You're the Empress, you needn't admit your mistake in front of me.

You're my son. You needn't feel constrained around family.

After managing the army for so many years, the Shus' power is complex.

You should crumble the Shus from the inside.

You seem to be Su Qi's son and are going to marry Shu Cheng,

even if the outsiders suspect you,

you are one of the Shus for sure in the eyes of those people.

Please enlighten me.

I'm giving you one year.

Within this year, I'll handle Shu Rou, and you must have a child with Shu Cheng.

After that, it doesn't matter how you do it, but Shu Cheng must die.

Then your child will be the only successor to the Shus.

We'll get rid of Shu Rou afterward

and you shall be the one in charge of the Shus.

That's a nice plan to kill Shu Rou and her daughter without killing the other Shus.

With you, we're not facing the power of the entire Shu family.

So I can handle it in any circumstance.

If you're uncomfortable with this,

I will deal with

Shu Cheng anyway.

What do you think?

As you wish.

All right, it's time to meet them.

After you, Your Majesty.

We will go together.

Greetings, Mother.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Since everyone is here, come with me to see the host.

Yes.

Yes.

Feeling jealous now?

You're so smart, can't you see his relation with my mother?

His business is not my concern.

I'm not smart, instead, I'm extremely dull.

It's a family feast, make yourselves at home.

Su. Shu.

You two have accompanied me since our childhood, and now your families will join through marriage,

I feel so glad for you.

A toast to you all.

Thank you.

Cheng'er.

Your Majesty.

It's the gift list made according to a royal princess.

No, that's overstepping our authority.

Please take back your generosity.

My mind is set. Say no more.

Cheng'er. I wish you could have a good life with...

with Rongqing after the wedding.

Rongqing.

Your Majesty.

Tell me one wish. I will try to fulfill it for you.

Thank you, but I told you my wish already.

I just want to have a good life with the princess.

Very well.

The kids think in the same way which like we do.

I feel so satisfied.

Tell the Ministry of Ceremonies to prepare for them now. So they could get married soon.

Thank you.

Timing and Subtitles by 👸🏻 You rule my Heart 💖 Team @viki.com

“Heart” - Ma Chenlong

♫ The more I think, the more my thoughts are of sorrows ♫

♫ If the autumn frost stops the butterflies from pairing ♫

♫ Last night was cold, and tonight I see the garden covered in silver frost ♫

♫ I'm sketching it on paper ♫

♫ Time has changed, but time still flows like the ocean waves ♫

♫ I can’t seem to express how I feel for you ♫

♫ The world's prosperity is but only a remnant of the past ♫

♫ I only have you in my heart ♫

♫ Your eyes glittering under the starry sky ♫

♫ Just like the brightness of the moon, I want to be with you in this life ♫

♫ I’m to blame to realized too late, I'm willing to falling into you ♫

♫ Let love fill this moment ♫

♫ I’ve no complaints about the twists and turns along the way, ♫ ♫ I’m in love with you ♫

♫ If I can fulfill my heart’s desire, I will be with you forever ♫

♫ I won’t hear the chaos in the world ♫ ♫ My heart will never change ♫

♫ Let love surround your heart ♫

♫ Let love surround your heart ♫