Original subtitles

Cui'er.

Did you pack the new riding outfits I made for Weiyoung?

All these three.

You worked day and night for it. How could I leave them out?

Don't worry. They are all packed.

Apart from the riding outfits,

makes sure more clothes are packed.

-Yes. -Seventh Concubine, rest assured.

Everything is ready.

There is enough for Lady Weiyoung to change daily.

Bring some desserts for the road.

Definitely.

Young Master Minde prepared a huge sack of desserts.

You're a skilled warrior.

Please look out for her during the hunting trip.

Don't let Weiyoung get hurt.

That's not necessary.

I'll look after Young Lady.

Jun Tao.

That's from my mother.

You should accept it.

Thank you, Warrior.

My name isn't Warrior. I'm Jun Tao.

Seventh Concubine.

Jun Tao might seem scary, but she is very nice.

You don't have to be scared of her.

What do you mean by scary?

No, you're not scary at all.

Jun Tao is actually quite pretty.

She is also very gentle.

Seventh Concubine, is that a compliment?

Yes.

Mother.

Are the people from Liang buried?

Yes, it's done.

They were buried according to the ritual of our people.

Unfortunately, we didn't manage to save them in the end.

Your Highness, you've done your best.

There is too much on my mind lately.

Your Highness.

Why don't I tell you something that will cheer you up?

What can cheer me up?

Lady Anping will join the royal hunt.

How is that?

Weiyoung is joining the hunt?

Yes.

I went to the Prime Minister's manor to ask about it.

What about Li Minde?

Will Li Minde be going?

Your Highness...

Why do you care if Royal Guard Li joins the hunt or not, Aunt Di?

Why are you so concerned?

How am I concerned about him?

You know that he is a royal guard.

I was just wondering.

As a royal guard, will he attend it?

I'm worried about security.

There are so many royal guards.

Why do you only ask about Royal Guard Li?

It's because...

I asked you a question.

Why didn't you answer?

Do you want to get killed?

Royal Guard Li is going.

I told you not to tell her.

Who exactly do you serve?

What is it?

Why am I always the one to get hurt?

JINGGONG GATE

Father.

Father.

Father.

Father.

How many times have I told you?

Stay calm and reserved.

Look at you right now.

Do you seem like a princess?

It's because you adore me.

I get to be who I truly am.

You're just good at coaxing me.

Say it.

What is it again?

When did I coax you?

I mean it.

Father.

Let me join the hunt.

No.

What is the hunting ground like?

There are beasts, blades, and arrows.

Those things can kill you.

It's too dangerous.

Why should any lady be there?

Aren't there other ladies attending?

Why do they get to attend it but I don't?

You're a princess.

How are you like them?

Father, please.

All right, that's enough.

Get going.

Father, you conquered lands.

You united the north.

You're so valiant and wise.

I'm your daughter as well as the Xianbei Tribe's.

Why does Father keep asking me to be a timid and cowardly person?

I refuse to give in to that.

I won't stop you from being a valiant daughter of the Xianbei.

Join the hunt if you wish.

However, if you get hurt or scared,

don't come to me crying.

Thank you, Father.

I'm a brave and mighty Xianbei.

I won't be so incompetent.

Father, I'll get going.

Here.

Let's drink this up.

-Here. -Here.

-Here. -Please.

Good.

My dear subjects.

You've all worked very hard in assisting me with state affairs.

Tomorrow onwards, it's a full two-day hunting trip.

I hope that all of you can make use of this hunting trip.

Go and have some fun.

Your Majesty.

Is there a prize at the end of this hunting trip?

Definitely.

The one who hunts the most prey

gets to make a request of me.

Any request will do.

I hope you'll cherish this opportunity.

Young Lady.

No one is allowed near His Majesty unless summoned.

All trespassers are to be killed.

Li Weiyoung.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Why are you leaving so soon?

Do you wish to avoid me so badly?

You think too much.

I just don't wish to disturb you.

What if...

I don't mind being disturbed by you?

I thought that you have already understood me.

I wouldn't dare to bother you.

I'll take my leave.

Do you know what is the most interesting about this hunting trip?

The winner with the most prey gets to ask a request of my father.

What do you think I would ask of him?

How about...

Why don't I ask Father to have us marry?

Your Highness, how do you know that you'll surely win?

I always get what I want.

I wonder

if you will still be so stubborn when you're standing before my father.

What does he mean by that?

The Prince of Wei is so shameless.

He is a very cunning man.

Whatever he might be up to,

it's best for us to take caution.

Li Minde, wait up.

Hey! I called you!

-Do you hear me? -Don't touch me.

Li Minde.

You broke your promise.

Didn't you say you won't avoid me again?

-Play with me. -Lower your voice.

Is this so hard for you?

If you keep this up, don't blame me for acting up.

Fine.

Your Highness, show me His Majesty's royal decree.

What royal decree?

As His Majesty's guard,

you need to have his decree if you want my company.

If not, please forgive me for being rude.

Li Minde, you...

I command you to stop right there!

Hey, you...

Who knew that the royal hunting ground was so big?

I can't even see the end of it.

Don't make such a fuss.

Speaking of which,

this is the first time we've met up since you returned to the manor.

I'm truly happy for you to have returned home.

Are you?

While I was away,

you've received so much attention as Lady Changru of the Li family.

Now that I've returned,

no one is interested in you anymore.

Shouldn't you wish for me to never come home again?

Changle, why would you say so?

I've been looking forward to having you home sooner.

By the way,

His Majesty made an exception this time.

He allowed officials to bring their families.

Everyone has selected their family members carefully.

You're quite well-informed.

I heard it from my mother.

Since Aunt Yi started managing the household,

you must have been very pleased.

What is there to be happy about?

Since my mother managed the household,

she has been working so hard all day.

I feel so bad for her.

I just hope that Aunt Rou can get better soon.

My mother can then relax a bit.

As if.

Have you heard?

Didn't Li Changle disappear for some time?

She tried to kill her father.

Prime Minister Li sent her away.

If General Chiyun hadn't fetched her home,

she might have never made it back.

Exactly.

She is always acting elegant.

Who knew she was such an immoral person?

What nonsense is that?

It isn't.

Everyone knows that you tried to kill your father.

Exactly.

Let's go.

Who is spreading such rumors behind my back?

Are you all right?

Stop pretending that you care.

Doesn't every one of you want me dead?

Changle, how can you say that about me?

How could I possibly hurt you?

Right.

It can't be you.

You don't have the guts.

Lady Changle,

The Crown Princess asked to see you.

Her Highness?

Please lead the way.

Young Lady, you're so smart.

Not only did you wreck Lady Changle's reputation,

but you also made her hate Lady Weiyoung even more.

I would like to see if the Crown Princess

still wants a daughter-in-law who tried to kill her own father.

Greetings, Prince Nan'an.

Drop the formalities.

Lady Changru, you're very witty.

I'm very impressed.

If it's true that Li Changle tried to kill her own father,

I won't let Jun marry such a woman,

however powerful the Chiyun family is.

It will ruin Jun's happiness.

Your Highness, Lady Changle is here.

Send her in.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Drop the formalities.

I haven't seen you for a while.

Here, let me take a good look at you.

You've lost so much weight.

You don't seem too well either.

Have you been feeling unwell lately?

Your Highness.

My mother fell ill some time ago.

In order to pray for my mother's well-being,

I stayed in the abbey for a while.

You went away to pray?

Why is it different from what I heard?

Your Highness, what did you hear?

I heard that you disrespected your father.

You attempted to kill him.

Prime Minister Li sent you to the country.

Li Changle.

Tell me the truth.

If you try to lie to me, I won't let you off lightly.

Your Highness.

I don't know who deliberately talked badly of me.

I might not be the most educated, but I learned the teachings of the saints.

How could I possibly commit such an immoral sin?

I've been so wrongly accused.

I might as well be dead.

Were you really away at the abbey praying for your mother?

If you don't believe me, you can have it investigated.

If I told so much as a lie,

I should be struck by lightning.

I was just asking.

Why do you have to make such a grave oath?

-Qiu Yi, help Changle up. -Yes, Your Highness.

Lady Changle.

By the way,

you just spoke of your mother's illness.

Is she feeling better?

It's all my fault.

It's all because of me that my mother fell ill.

What do you mean by that?

Since my sister, Weiyoung, was conferred as Lady Anping,

she behaved arrogantly.

My mother tried to discipline her.

However, she...

She said that my mother isn't her birth mother.

I was too angry and ended up quarreling with her.

She has a maid who is trained in martial arts.

That maid came at me.

While we were in a fight,

I accidentally bumped into my father.

Could this be...

Is this how I was rumored to have wanted to kill my father?

I'm really innocent.

This is all my fault.

I shouldn't have fought with her.

If so, Mother wouldn't be worried about me.

Li Weiyoung?

Was she the one who spread the rumors that you tried to kill your father?

It can't be Weiyoung.

Although we've had arguments, we are sisters after all.

She won't hurt me.

You're still speaking up for her.

After so much that has happened, you must have had a hard time.

Why did you still attend the hunting trip?

You should get some rest at home.

My cousin has returned home.

I came here with my cousin.

The cousin you speak of, is it Great General Chiyun Nan?

Exactly.

Upon his return,

he has been complimenting Prince Gaoyang greatly.

He said that His Highness is compassionate and kind.

Just like the Crown Prince.

Did General Chiyun really say so?

I won't dare to lie to Your Highness.

I'm tired.

You can leave now.

I'll take my leave.

Qiu Yi.

What is your opinion?

I think that the attempted patricide is just a misunderstanding.

Should I look into it?

Don't bother.

Since she dares to say so, I believe it can't be false.

Changle is the eldest daughter.

She has also been pampered.

She could never do such a thing.

I think...

She must be set up by those with scheming minds.

Li Weiyoung...

Li Changru.

You're really bold.

You dare to play such tricks behind my back to deceive the Crown Princess.

Are you behaving like this now so I'll cover it up for you?

I don't need to do so.

It's because I believe Your Highness will cover it up for me.

Because...

It's because Your Highness understands.

My actions actually contribute to your advantage.

My advantage?

If the Crown Princess and the Chiyun family join forces,

the already favored Prince Gaoyang will only be reinforced.

If so,

will Your Highness still have a chance to fulfill your wish?

Do you know what I wish for?

Your Highness is extremely clever.

You plan every step.

Whatever it is you desire,

you have your reasons for seeking it.

I have long known

that Your Highness is the most capable among all the princes.

Only Your Highness is fit to take the throne.

I swear to serve Your Highness until death.

Your Highness, do you remember the story I told you about the strangler fig?

In fact, I'm just like Your Highness.

I've always lived in the shadows of others.

If I am to attain any success,

there is only one way to do so.

I have to take the place of another.

Your Highness.

You and I are both like the strangler fig.

I'm willing to pledge my life and my allegiance to Your Highness.

Everyone says that Li Weiyoung is extremely intelligent.

Since I ran into you at Qingfeng Abbey,

I knew that you had no lesser wit than Li Weiyoung.

However, I have now realized that I...

I still did underestimate you.

Lady Changru.

You played the game best by concealing your true colors

for the past ten years.

You had everyone fooled.

Such tolerance...

That is no ordinary feat.

I know what Chiyun Rou is like.

If I allowed myself to stand out even just a bit,

she would have me trampled mercilessly.

In order to protect myself, I allowed my enemies to belittle me.

When someone who has always been undermined strikes out,

the opponent will be caught off guard.

You just read my mind.

I was just babbling.

Your Highness must find me absurd.

I like it very much.

Lady Changle.

-Greetings, Your Highness. -That's fine.

It has been months.

Lady Changle's body seems to be weaker.

Were you mistreated?

Who else can it be?

Your Highness.

Li Weiyoung has been bullying my lady.

You have to stand up for her.

It's Li Weiyoung again.

I already find her an eyesore.

However,

if I do stand up for Lady Changle,

how will you repay me?

I'll surely keep your kindness in mind.

Lady Changle,

I have long admired you.

How about this? After the hunting trip,

I'll ask Prime Minister Li for your hand.

How does that sound?

This...

What is it?

You don't want to?

It's not like that, Your Highness.

Your Highness is of noble blood.

I wouldn't dare to marry out of my league.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

I'll take my leave.

How dare you reject me?

But I like that.

Once I ask Prime Minister Li for your hand,

I'll see how you reject me.

Your Highness, I think

that Li Changru suits you better than Lady Anping.

We can never have enough pawns.

Li Changru.

She might be somewhat witty.

However, she is not good enough yet.

I won't change my mind easily about matters and the people I've chosen.

But don't you already suspect the identity of Lady Anping?

If such a person is...

If she can be of use to me,

who cares if the whole world stands against her?

As long as she is sensible and tactful,

I won't mistreat her.

If not...

Weiyoung.

It's so pretty.

Your Highness, what are you doing?

If anyone sees us, they will gossip again.

I'll take my leave.

What's the rush?

I just want to say it's dangerous on the hunting grounds.

Don't wander off.

I'm not some spoiled rich lady.

I know you're skilled.

But you should still be cautious.

All right.

Why are you so gentle today?

It's not what I'm used to.

Enough said. I have to go now.

By the way, it's dangerous around weapons.

You should also be more careful.

Weiyoung.

I know that deep down in your heart,

you have a soft spot for me.

Jun Tao.

Father.

Did the Princess notice?

She didn't think you would follow us here.

I'm worried that Her Highness will expose Chiyun Nan

by using that report to prove him of treason.

This is a perilous task.

Just one wrong step and she can get herself killed.

Her Highness is too kind.

She doesn't wish to implicate us.

How can we let Her Highness take such a risk alone?

I'll try to approach the Emperor of Wei soon.

As for you, you must keep an eye on the Princess.

You must not let her take any action in secret.

As the princess of Northern Liang,

I will have our reputation rectified.

I want my people to be freed from the misery of enslavement.

Young Lady.

Young Lady.

Young Lady.

She is from the Crown Prince's manor.

Lady Anping.

The Crown Princess has summoned you.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Drop the formalities.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I've always thought that since you could come up

with such a meticulous disaster relief plan,

your personality can't be too bad.

However,

I didn't expect to be wrong about you.

Why would you say so?

From what I know, you're an illegitimate daughter.

Your mother was a maid who washed feet.

Is that so?

Yes.

You must have made a huge effort

to get to where you are now, haven't you?

I didn't have to care about such matters.

However...

When I realize that Jun

is now also a part of your big picture,

I can't sit on the sidelines anymore.

Do you understand what I mean?

You've misunderstood me, Your Highness.

I...

There is nothing between me and the Prince.

His Highness is kind and benevolent.

He saved me in times of danger.

I'm grateful to His Highness.

That is all.

Is that all?

Then why does Jun still have you on his mind?

Don't tell me

that's just his wishful thinking.

Please judge sensibly.

I understand that I'm not the right match for His Highness.

Therefore, I never mean to marry beyond my league.

His Highness has saved me several times.

I'm deeply grateful to him.

How can I possibly get him into trouble?

In terms of this matter,

please trust me, Your Highness.

You are very clever.

You should know.

You can never

be Jun's consort.

I've never considered that either.

If you dare to lie to me,

I won't let you off.

-Are you all right, Young Lady? -I'm fine.

Weiyoung, what are you doing here?

Did you visit my mother?

What did she say to you?

Her Highness and I had a small talk.

I'll take my leave.

Weiyoung!

She was fine just now.

Could it be...

Mother, what did you say to Weiyoung?

You found out so soon.

Mother, Weiyoung didn't do anything wrong.

She made you behave out of the norm.

That's her fault.

-Mother. -Enough.

Whatever you say won't change my mind.

It will only make me dislike her even more.

Did you take a good look?

General.

He was the Liang slave who fled a few days ago.

I'm certain.

He also met up secretly with Lady Anping's maid.

-Lady Anping's maid? -Yes.

Did you hear what they said?

I didn't dare to get too close.

I only overheard them mention "princess."

"Princess"?

General.

Should I have them...

No.

We'll cast a longer line.

For a bigger fish.

Yes.

Weiyoung, I heard that you're also going hunting.

It's too dangerous. You shouldn't attend it.

I'm going to win the hunt to ask His Majesty for a favor.

You also want a favor from Grandfather?

What are you asking him for?

Weiyoung!

Weiyoung.

Whatever you wish to ask for,

I'll do my very best to help you fulfill your wish.

May the hunting begin!

WEI

Lady Anping shoots well.

I'm not as skilled as Your Highness.

Watch out.

I saved your life.

It's dangerous out here.

You should be cautious.

Young Lady.

I had a hard time finding you.

It's too dangerous here. I'll escort you out.

Jun Tao, don't hold me back.

Young Lady, what do you want?

Tell me. I'll surely assist you.

You can't help me with this.

Young Lady.

Your Highness.

The arrows you asked for.

Your Highness.

Why do you only resort to such sneaky measures?

Is this sneaky?

You got me these.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, wait up.

Lady Changle.

What are you doing here?

Are you all right?

I'm sorry. I was too careless.

It's too dangerous here.

Lady Changle, you should leave quickly.

Your Highness.

I can't stand up.

Your Highness.

Can you give me a ride?

Your Highness, you're so skilled in archery.

You must have shot plenty.

Your Highness, I would like to return to the campsite.

Weiyoung!

-Your Highness. -Cheng De.

-Your Highness. -Send Lady Changle back.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Where are you going?

Are you going to look for Li Weiyoung?

Please don't leave me behind.

I'm already in love with someone else.

Your affection for me will never be reciprocated.

You've been so persistent.

What is the fun in it?

Is it Li Weiyoung?

It has nothing to do with Weiyoung.

This is all I have to say.

I hope Lady Changle will understand.

How outrageous.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Don't get worked up.

I know Weiyoung is perfect to you in every way.

But what about her affection for you?

Can it compare to mine?

Please conduct yourself with respect.

Lady Changle, I'll escort you back.

Weiyoung, hear me out.

There is nothing between me and Li Changle.

Why bother telling me that?

Please don't hinder me from hunting.

No, I nearly hit her by mistake.

That's why I agreed to escort her.

Please don't misunderstand.

Why should your relationship with her concern me?

Please don't disturb me, Your Highness.

I'm still far from winning the hunt.

But you're clearly mad at me.

I'm not.

-Let go. -I won't.

Why didn't you step aside?

Are you still mad at me?

Your Highness,

I'm afraid it's considered cheating if you hinder someone from hunting.

Your Majesty, are you tired today?

Who hunted the most prey today?

Your Majesty, it's Prince Nan'an.

We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

-Young Lady. -Young Lady, you've returned.

Why am I short of a quiver?

Go guard my door, quickly.

Yes.

Bai Zhi, I need to go somewhere.

I'll be right back.

Jun Tao.

Father.

How is it?

Did the Princess act out of the norm?

Not yet.

It can't be.

Her Highness will surely take action.

Any mistake can get her killed.

Her Highness has made up her mind.

We can't hold her back.

She wants Chiyun Nan dead.

As long as we kill Chiyun Nan,

Her Highness won't take any risk.

But Chiyun Nan is extremely skilled.

He also has skilled guards.

How can it be so easy for us to kill him?

Jun Tao.

You should head back quickly.

If not, Her Highness will notice.

Bear this in mind.

Whatever the consequences, you must protect the Princess.

I recognize you.

You're the Liang slave who fled from the mines.

You've come to seek your own death before I go looking for you.

I'll kill you today!

You still won't say a word?

You're indeed the secret guard of Northern Liang's royal family.

Speak.

Do you have Governor Ma's report with you?

What brings you here?

Are you conspiring with members of Northern Liang's royal family?

Why did you meet with Lady Anping's maid?

What is the relationship between you and Lady Anping?

Even if you won't talk, I know that

as the royal family's secret guard, you must be looking for your princess

since she had escaped.

You met with Lady Anping's maid.

It's because you've already found your princess.

It seems that I was right.

My aunt was right after all.

Lady Anping isn't who she really is.

She is an impostor.

Her true identity

is the princess of Northern Liang!

Speak!

Does Li Weiyoung have the report?

It's fine if you won't talk.

Hit him.

Hit him until he talks.

Let's see how long he can hold out.

Yes.

Li Weiyoung has the report.

She is sure to take action at the hunting ground.

Keep a close eye on Li Weiyoung.

Report to me if anything seems amiss.

Yes.

Subtitle translation by Carole Chen