Original subtitles

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin, by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 38]

[Tiande Hall]

Are you still the person I know?

How come you ended up like this?

I don't even know who you are now!

I've stayed the same.

You're the one who's changed.

My brother

would never hit me,

let alone poison me.

I no longer

have a brother

ever since you handed that teacup to me.

I regret it so much.

What do you regret?

Helping you seize the throne!

If not, Prince Xiang would be the Emperor by now.

All of this wouldn't have happened!

Have you truly lost your mind?

Do you know what you're saying?

I'm the Emperor of Zhou!

How dare you say that in front of me?

What are you trying to say?

I didn't mean anything.

From now on,

you're no longer the Emperor.

You're nothing.

Someone! Take him down!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Cao Yong.

I never expected you to be her accomplice.

Your Majesty, I cannot forgive you

for killing my son.

Do you think you can get away with this

just because you trapped me?

I'm getting away with this.

What can you do to me?

For tomorrow's morning court session,

I will announce to the world

that His Majesty is sick.

I shall rule the realm

as his regent.

[Tiande Hall]

Palace Attendant Liu.

Si?

Si!

My Lady!

You're awake.

Where are we?

Yu told us

to find a shelter in advance.

He said he could rescue you.

He wanted us to find a discreet place.

Where is he?

Si, don't worry.

He said he has a way to convince His Majesty

and deal with the Princess Royal.

Zhan, where's Father?

I heard from the Princess Royal

that Father went to the palace

to submit an official complaint.

What?

We have to think of a way

to rescue Father.

Si!

You're seriously wounded.

Don't move for now.

Yu will come later.

We'll think of a plan by then.

My Lady!

Where does it hurt?

What should we do?

My Lady, it's all my fault.

I failed to look after you.

Aman.

Let's get some hot water.

I'm fine.

How's Father?

Luckily, he stood up this time.

Father will punish the Princess Royal.

Finally, justice is served.

Rest and recuperate well.

Don't think about anything else.

I was just about to tell you this.

I have to head to Nanwu.

Look at the condition you're in.

How can you head there?

But I'm the Saintess.

Right now, Nanwu and Zhou

are on the verge of war.

I think

the only choice is for me to return to Nanwu,

find Grand Elder,

and persuade her to withdraw her troops.

Only then will the two realms

avoid war.

Only then will the people

be spared from this calamity.

Therefore...

I have to make this trip.

We have to risk it all

so that we can be together

for the rest of our lives.

If you head there,

we might not be able

to see each other again.

But

without trying this,

I'll be forced

to live like a wandering spirit,

conceal my name, go into hiding,

and cut ties with you

and my family.

How can I endure

such a life?

I'll join you.

You mustn't.

If you head there with me,

that would make you an accomplice without a doubt.

You have to head back.

That's the only way

you can clear yourself

of suspicion related to my escape.

A temporary parting

is necessary

for us to be together forever.

The imperial prison is heavily guarded,

yet she escaped?

What a bunch of useless fools.

Issue a wanted notice.

Announce to the world

that Princess Consort Yan, Jiang Si,

is the Nanwu Saintess.

She's a scourge to be eliminated by all.

A generous reward

awaits whoever captures her, dead or alive.

- Yes, Your Highness! - Yes, Your Highness!

Aman.

Miss Si is asking for you.

Yes, Your Highness.

Yu, how's Si?

She's better.

My Lady.

How is it? Are you feeling better?

I feel much better.

It must've hurt a lot.

Aman, listen.

Tomorrow, I'll head to Nanwu.

Nanwu?

Isn't she sending herself to the lion's den?

She has made up her mind.

Do you think I can convince her?

No. I'll talk to her.

Jiang Si knows the risks she'll face

better than us.

And, you know her character.

She won't change her mind.

The more of us there are, the bigger the target we become.

Therefore, you have to promise me this.

You need to return to the mansion

to look after Father

and the other family members.

But...

But My Lady, I've never caused you

any trouble.

I merely want to follow you wherever you go.

This time, it's different.

That's why you have to listen to me.

My Lady, I promise you.

I'll look after the family.

I'm unable to go with her.

See if which of you can join her.

I'll join her.

Me too.

And me.

It'll surely be a perilous trip.

Qi, we have to think of something.

[Tiande Hall]

My body is unwell, and my strength falters.

For the stability of the realm and the safety of the people,

Princess Royal Rong Yang

shall be the regent for the time being.

Dear subjects, please assist her

and create a prosperous era together.

The decree will be carried out.

A female ruler?

This is outrageous.

That's right. It's against the law.

Aunt, how come Father is sick?

Why did I have no idea about it at all?

You have to ask yourself

why His Majesty only sought my help

at such moments.

Your Highness,

what kind of illness has His Majesty been diagnosed with?

The Nanwu troops are pressuring our borders.

And, the Nanwu Saintess has disrupted the order of the court.

His Majesty was consumed by rage.

He fell ill due to his worries.

May I check the decree?

Such audacity!

How dare you doubt His Majesty?

This is a sudden event.

I need to confirm

His Majesty's will

before obeying his order.

Royal Guards!

I will obey His Majesty's decree

and assist Her Highness with everything I have.

The matter of appointing a regent is indeed of great importance.

His Majesty would only entrust it

to the one he trusts the most.

And that is Her Highness.

I shall comply with His Majesty's decree.

Zhang!

I shall submit to His Majesty's command.

I am dutifully bound to His Majesty's edict.

I shall adhere unwaveringly to His Majesty's orders.

I will faithfully conform to His Majesty's directive.

Your Majesty,

is Her Highness

trying to usurp the throne?

I don't think Rong Yang harbors such intentions.

But the Marquis of Changxing

has wild ambitions.

The tension will surely intensify.

If I keep the imperial jade seal with me,

the realm will fall

once they get their hands on it.

Therefore, instruct Xiaochengzi

to hand the real one

to Zhen Heng in secret.

I assume

Jin will receive the seal soon.

Your Majesty, do you trust

Prince Yan that much?

I

do not misjudge people.

Where's Prince Yan?

Your Highness,

Prince Yan isn't present today.

He has been absent for some time.

Seems like he has escaped Ling'an

together with Jiang Si.

Cao Yong, Marquis of Changxing, relay my order.

Yes, Your Highness.

Prince Yan

aided Jiang Si, the Nanwu Saintess, in escaping from prison.

He has fled from punishment. Arrest him immediately.

I will interrogate him myself.

Yes, Your Highness.

Aunt?

What crime have I committed?

Here you are.

Where's Jiang Si?

Isn't she in prison?

Prince Yan, since you're here,

it'll save me from making a trip.

Someone. Arrest Prince Yan.

How dare you!

Aunt,

he's going to commit insubordination

in front of your eyes.

Such audacity!

I understand now.

Aunt, you're acting as a regent.

But Cao Yong

intends

to kill your nephew.

I dare not do so!

No one dares to touch you

when I'm around.

As long as

you don't collude with the Nanwu Saintess,

no one will dare

to make things difficult for you.

Yes, Aunt.

[Tiande Hall]

Mr. Zhen, is that you?

Your Highness, it's me.

Mr. Zhen, Aunt...

The Princess Royal has rebelled.

A rebellion?

How is His Majesty, then?

I don't know.

The Gale Guards

have surrounded Father's palace.

The imperial palace is filled with troops.

The Imperial Insignia Guards are usually the ones on duty.

Why

are the Gale Guards on duty today?

[Funing Palace] Your Highness,

it was all arranged by His Majesty.

We were just following orders.

Is that so?

Your Highness!

Your Highness.

His Majesty has issued a decree.

He's not seeing anyone today.

Why can't we see His Majesty

if he's merely sick?

Even if the officials can't see him,

can't his sons

see him?

Father, I seek an audience with you.

I request an audience, Father.

Your Highness!

What's with the commotion out there?

I think I heard

Lang and Zhang.

Why are you putting us on the spot?

Seems like His Majesty is truly sick.

Mr. Han,

keep guard over here.

Do not let anyone

interrupt His Majesty's rest.

[Funing Palace]

Your Majesty,

they wish to see you.

But suddenly, there's no news of them.

Were they stopped by the guards?

Your Majesty.

Do you want me

to deliver a secret message to the princes?

Do you think Rong Yang

is that easy to deal with?

I'm afraid that you might be gone

before the letter is delivered.

Zhang, I wonder

when you've established an alliance with the Princess Royal.

Now, you're even disregarding

Father's life.

I assume

Aunt has promised you considerable benefits.

For example, helping you to ascend the throne.

Such words are sheer treason.

Your Highness,

you should stop saying things like that.

Zhang.

Father's current predicament

won't do us any good.

The best solution is for us

to join hands

and rescue Father.

Father said he was sick.

Aunt has devoted herself to serving the realm.

She's even more dutiful than us

even though we're Father's sons.

But Your Highness,

you suspect Aunt for harboring an ulterior motive.

Please pardon me as I cannot agree with you.

So, Prince Qi joined Aunt

long ago.

If that's the case,

I won't be soft-hearted.

The Crown Prince tried to persuade Prince Qi

to deal with you together.

But Prince Qi rejected him

and supported your role as a regent.

He was always great at assessing situations.

He and His Majesty

only had a superficial connection.

To protect himself,

he'd never risk himself for the Emperor.

But it's different for the Crown Prince.

Guess what he'll do.

Tell him to come

and have a meal with me tomorrow.

I want to see

how long he can struggle.

Chuchu, you and Si should leave first.

Du'er and I will guard the rear.

We'll split up

and meet at the Southern Frontier.

Don't worry.

We'll be leaving now.

Let's go.

Zhan.

Take care.

Let's go.

How's Father's condition?

Princess Fuqing said

His Majesty has been detained.

Right now, the most important thing

is

to come up with a way to rescue His Majesty.

Now, the Imperial Insignia Guards

have been swapped out.

Only the Royal Guards, the Gale Guards,

and the Marquis of Changxing's troops are inside the palace.

We're outnumbered.

If we barge in recklessly,

not only will we not be able to rescue His Majesty,

but it might also backfire on us.

You're right.

No one in Ling'an City

dares oppose the Princess Royal now.

I received an urgent message from the front.

Nanwu has invaded Zhou.

Many cities

were already under their attack.

This is my first time acting as a regent.

At such critical moments.

Perhaps this is the time

for me to establish my authority.

Marquis, do you have any great solutions?

Your Highness.

According to my knowledge,

they're attacking us

because of the Saintess.

If we're able to capture her,

we'll be able

to deal with the invasion of Nanwu.

Notify all keeps

to strictly inspect all personnel.

We must find her as soon as possible.

If anyone can still topple the Marquis of Changxing,

and turn the tide,

it rests with one person alone.

Cui Xu?

That's right.

But Mr. Cui

is the Princess Royal's husband.

Will he help us out?

Mr. Cui

is a loyal subject of the realm.

He would never join

the corrupt ranks of her.

Where is he housing his troops?

Yanxi Military Camp.

Deliver a message to the Red Plume Cavalry.

Ask them to receive us.

We'll head for Mr. Cui's main camp.

Yes, sir!

You all have to be careful too.

If we can come up with this idea,

I'm sure the Marquis of Changxing

and the Princess Royal can too.

Once they discover

your tracks,

they'll send their men after you.

The Princess Royal wants to establish her authority now.

She'll target the ministers.

You're in a lot of danger now.

Why don't you come with me?

The imperial palace is filled with troops.

I'm scared.

Your Highness, don't be scared.

I'll come up with a solution.

If anything happens in the palace,

you can fly the kite.

If I see it,

I'll come and find you.

You must be careful.

Your Highness,

I'll remain in Ling'an.

Her Majesty and Princess Fuqing

are still in the palace.

Someone has to deal with Princess Royal.

It's also more convenient for me to receive you

when you return.

All right.

Take care.

If possible,

try and probe

the Crown Prince and Prince Qi's stance.

We might be able

to get another ally against this formidable foe.

Go.

Zhan, what should we do?

Don't fall behind.

She's suspicious.

Stop her!

That's the Nanwu Saintess!

Hurry and go after her!

Give chase! Quickly!

Move fast! Stop right there!

Jiang Si.

How are you feeling?

I'm fine.

We need to get there as soon as possible.

I'll get some water.

It doesn't look like them.

Forget it. Let's go.

Your Highness,

there are reports from the common folks.

They said

they saw someone resembling the Nanwu Saintess

heading to the South.

The Southern Frontier.

I'm sure they're heading there.

Prince Yan can mobilize the Red Plume Cavalry.

Cui Xu's army is there as well.

Jiang Si

can rally the Nanwu people too.

Do they think

they can win against me like this?

Shijiu, issue an imperial decree.

Order the Red Plume Cavalry and Cui Xu's army

to storm into Nanwu and fight to the death.

They shall not return

until Nanwu is eradicated.

His Majesty has issued a decree for my capture.

I wonder how my family

is doing.

Will they be implicated?

I don't know

if Zhan and the rest are doing well.

Will they be pursued?

No one is chasing us

along the way.

I don't think they'll meet any.

I hope so.

May all go well.

It will.

Yu Qi, how are you?

♪Writing tales of love for you♪

♪Fate has faded into the past, but home lies ahead♪

♪I wish to stay by your side and hold you close♪

♪Like a fleeting dream, where petals rest upon the page♪

♪Looking back, scene by scene♪

♪Entangled and obscure♪

♪Only to guard you with unwavering care♪

♪Like morning dew, fading too♪

♪Yet the sunrise stays true♪

♪My only wish is to embark on this life's journey with you♪

Chief,

we'll reach Yangui

after crossing the mountain ahead.

Can you still go on?

I'm fine.

We have no time to waste. Let's go.

[Crown Prince's Mansion]

Your Highness.

The Crown Princess and the young prince

have been sent to their hometown.

All of you

are elite suicide warriors chosen by me.

Tomorrow's our only chance.

We have to risk it all.

Enter the palace with me

under the guise of musicians.

- Yes, Your Highness! - Yes, Your Highness!

Your Highness,

we couldn't find Yu Jin.

If so,

send more men to achieve the task.

Find him

by hook or by crook.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness,

the Crown Prince seeks an audience.

Let him in.

Greetings, Aunt.

Your Highness,

what is this?

Aunt,

these are the musicians

I've gathered.

All of them are excellent professionals.

A few days ago,

I said something inappropriate

in court

because I was worried about Father.

Aunt, I realize I may have offended you.

I've come to offer my apologies.

Under your rule,

Zhou will

prosper.

You're sensible indeed.

Take your seat.

Lang.

What do you think about my role

as the state regent?

I wish

to hear your true opinion.

I disagreed

with the way you acted.

Logically speaking,

I should be the regent.

Are those your heartfelt words?

Aunt, please don't get me wrong.

I understood

your efforts soon after.

That's why I came here to apologize to you.

I knew that I wasn't capable enough.

If something happens,

Father will punish me.

Most importantly,

Aunt, you did so

for my own good.

I still have much to learn.

I'm glad you understand that.

Aunt, you've devoted yourself to the realm.

Let me offer you a toast.

Your Majesty.

Speak.

What's wrong?

Father is in danger.

You don't intend to help me ascend the throne.

And, you even killed my mother.

I'm going to avenge her!

The Princess Royal

has killed the Crown Prince!

Greetings, Your Highness.

I've canceled this morning's court session.

I heard

that someone gathered the officials

and impeached me together.

You've devoted yourself wholeheartedly to Zhou's well-being.

How could we let those fools

slander you?

Logically speaking,

you should wish for me

to retain power over the court

so that I can help you ascend the throne.

But now,

those old fools

are making my head hurt.

I need

a strong hand

to help me keep them under control.

Prince Qi, you're a prince.

It all falls on you

whether or not you're willing to do me this favor.

Aunt, it's only fitting and proper for you to act as regent.

I shall serve you with everything I have.

Very well.

Relay my message.

Last night, the Crown Prince suddenly rebelled.

I've already sentenced him to death.

He shall serve as my example.

I'll swear loyalty to you alone!

Zhang, you're a smart man.

You should know what to do.

I understand.

I heard

that Prince Qi has joined the Princess Royal.

What about Jin?

Prince Yan

has left Ling'an overnight.

Seems like

there's only one man in the entire Zhou

who can stand against Rong Yang.

Your Majesty, are you referring to Mr. Cui?

Will Prince Yan and Mr. Cui

join hands and come to the court's aid?

[Yangui]

[Zhou]

Mr. Yu, welcome back.

All of you, rise.

Chief, what took you so long?

Are our brothers okay?

I gathered our brothers

upon receiving your letter.

We've been training every day.

[Leng Ying from Red Plume Cavalry] Our men are strong and ready to go.

We were just waiting for you.

How's the situation in Nanwu?

I'm afraid they're raring to act.

Dear!

Something cropped up in the palace.

Your Highness.

Mr. Zhen Heng seeks an audience.

Mr. Zhen, you're visiting me at this late hour.

What do you need?

Your Highness.

The Crown Prince

has already been killed by the Princess Royal.

I was one step too late.

For this reason, today,

I implore Your Highness

to help rescue His Majesty.

His Majesty only said he was sick.

Why do we need to save him?

Is His Majesty gravely ill?

Your Highness,

you may drop the pretense now.

I believe

you don't intend

to join the Princess Royal's corruption.

Or

to ascend the throne.

How dare you speculate on my intentions?

Your Highness, the realm can't exist without a ruler.

The Crown Prince is dead.

And Prince Qi

isn't entirely loyal or dependable.

Even if he has joined your side,

he still has a mother.

If you do help him ascend the throne,

it'll be difficult for you

to make him a figurehead

and pull the strings from behind.

Your Highness,

are you truly satisfied

with the power of a regent?

Please pardon me for being frank.

Your Highness, why don't you claim the throne for yourself?

If this drags on,

if the court officials turn against us

and force you to step down from the throne,

we'll be done for by then.

You're right.

I've already lost everything.

I can't just wait for my demise.

Why can't I

be a true ruler?

Rong Yang.

You said you did this

to avenge Mingyue.

Now, you just want

to steal my throne.

You can think whatever you like.

At this point,

you better sign this decree

and hand over the jade seal.

You do know

that my patience is limited.

I'll go to Mr. Cui later

and discuss the rescue plan for His Majesty.

You should rest here.

When I entered the city gate,

I realized that the Red Plume Cavalry

were all on high alert.

Moreover, there are traces

of Nanwu fire projectiles in the city.

I think the Nanwu people

are ready

to launch an invasion.

Under such circumstances,

Mr. Cui would never

give up on the frontiers

just to rescue His Majesty with you.

Our only hope is for Nanwu

to withdraw their troops.

No matter how difficult it is,

I still have to give it a try.

Jiang!

Jiang!

Chuchu!

Zhan?

Chuchu.

Jiang Zhan.

Zhan, hurry.

Have some water.

What happened?

Si...

It's all my fault.

I failed to save them.

Zhan, what are you saying?

What do you mean?

Aman and Du'er...

They're dead.

Aman?

How could that be?

Why would Aman

be together with you all?

Didn't I tell her to leave first?

Aman lied to you.

Let's proceed with the original plan.

We'll split up and rendezvous at the Southern Frontier.

Mr. Zhan!

Aman?

Didn't Si tell you to leave?

I'll leave with you.

Why are you wearing Si's outfit?

This is my idea.

This way,

Miss Si and the rest will be safe.

But Aman...

Mr. Zhan.

I've already made up my mind.

Mr. Zhan, what should we do?

Aman, don't fall behind.

Fire!

Watch out!

Run!

Run with him!

You'd better surrender!

Fire!

No!

Du'er!

Under Her Highness' order,

we are to capture the Saintess alive!

I would've starved to death on the streets

if it hadn't been for Miss Si.

Today,

I can finally repay her kindness.

I won't let you all capture me!

Jiang Si, pull yourself together.

Don't forget.

Now, you're the Nanwu Saintess.

They risked their lives

for you to get here.

Nanwu is right ahead.

Are you going to give up now?

[The End of Episode 38]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges, we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails, and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one, through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides, beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪