1
00:01:27,039 --> 00:01:29,600
ADAPTED FROM MO SHUBAI'S NOVEL,
THE GRAND PRINCESS ON JJWXC.NET

2
00:01:29,679 --> 00:01:30,920
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

3
00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:45,800
<span style="style.default_1">-We wish to see His Majesty.
-We wish to see His Majesty.</span>

4
00:01:46,360 --> 00:01:49,559
I am the Empress and the birth mother
of the Crown Prince.

5
00:01:49,640 --> 00:01:51,119
Why does His Majesty refuse to see me?

6
00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,160
Your Majesty, please forgive me.

7
00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:56,039
Grand Chancellor Pei has given an order

8
00:01:56,119 --> 00:01:58,679
that no one is allowed to step into
Hanqiu Palace before he arrives.

9
00:01:58,759 --> 00:02:00,039
Unit Zhun,

10
00:02:00,119 --> 00:02:01,720
no matter what happens in Huajing,

11
00:02:01,800 --> 00:02:03,759
<span style="style.default_1">no one can leave their position
without permission.</span>

12
00:02:03,839 --> 00:02:05,240
Unit Kun, from this moment on,

13
00:02:05,320 --> 00:02:07,360
<span style="style.default_1">no one may enter or leave
the Imperial Palace.</span>

14
00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:09,160
Those who disobey will be executed.

15
00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:11,680
Unit Meng,

16
00:02:11,760 --> 00:02:13,200
come with me to Hanqiu Palace.

17
00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:17,200
Grand Chancellor Pei has arrived.

18
00:02:26,359 --> 00:02:28,320
PEI WENXUAN
THE GRAND SECRETARY OF THE GREAT XIA

19
00:02:58,280 --> 00:02:59,320
Grand Chancellor Pei.

20
00:03:03,079 --> 00:03:04,920
Your Majesty, you came to Hanqiu Palace

21
00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:07,679
in the middle of the night
with these ministers.

22
00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:09,880
Do you intend to force an abdication?

23
00:03:09,959 --> 00:03:11,280
SHANGGUAN YA, EMPRESS OF THE GREAT XIA

24
00:03:11,359 --> 00:03:14,000
Grand Chancellor Pei,
His Majesty has been waiting for you.

25
00:03:14,079 --> 00:03:15,079
Please.

26
00:03:16,359 --> 00:03:17,399
You may all leave now.

27
00:03:20,840 --> 00:03:23,399
HANQIU PALACE

28
00:03:23,480 --> 00:03:25,399
Send a message
to Second Young Master immediately.

29
00:03:25,480 --> 00:03:27,280
Tell him to stay on standby.

30
00:03:27,359 --> 00:03:28,280
Yes, Your Majesty.

31
00:03:56,480 --> 00:03:57,760
You are awake, Your Highness.

32
00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:02,079
This is freshly brewed pear soup.

33
00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:04,280
Here, take a sip.

34
00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:07,239
LI RONG, PRINCESS ROYAL

35
00:04:07,320 --> 00:04:08,320
Okay.

36
00:04:19,880 --> 00:04:20,959
You are here.

37
00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:25,560
LI CHUAN, EMPEROR

38
00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:26,760
Your Majesty.

39
00:04:28,120 --> 00:04:29,599
Do you want to leave a message?

40
00:04:29,680 --> 00:04:31,360
Depose Crown Prince Li Xin

41
00:04:32,599 --> 00:04:35,440
and let the Eldest Prince Li Ping
inherit the throne.

42
00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:37,200
I have already prepared everything

43
00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:39,800
on my way here.

44
00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:46,159
DEPOSE HIM
FROM THE POSITION OF CROWN PRINCE

45
00:04:48,719 --> 00:04:50,719
Since the founding of Xia,

46
00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:53,680
power has always been
in the hands of the noble families.

47
00:04:55,360 --> 00:04:57,280
Although my Li family is royalty,

48
00:04:58,200 --> 00:05:00,360
we are merely puppets
of the noble families.

49
00:05:00,960 --> 00:05:02,760
It is only when facing death

50
00:05:03,719 --> 00:05:05,360
that I realize my eldest sister,

51
00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:09,760
Princess Royal Li Rong…

52
00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,560
is the most powerful one
among all the noble families.

53
00:05:16,039 --> 00:05:17,080
After my demise,

54
00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:20,640
if the Princess Royal plots a rebellion,

55
00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:24,640
how should you, her nominal husband

56
00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:28,440
and the representative of people
from humble backgrounds, respond,

57
00:05:32,280 --> 00:05:33,880
Grand Chancellor Pei?

58
00:05:34,560 --> 00:05:35,960
The nation belongs to the people.

59
00:05:36,680 --> 00:05:38,240
As long as I am here,

60
00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:40,159
people from humble backgrounds

61
00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:43,120
will not fall into decline.

62
00:05:44,680 --> 00:05:47,680
What is the situation
with the Crown Prince's succession?

63
00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:50,520
Grand Chancellor Pei refuses to relent

64
00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:53,760
and insists on following
His Majesty's wishes

65
00:05:53,840 --> 00:05:55,640
to appoint Li Ping as the Crown Prince.

66
00:05:55,719 --> 00:05:57,760
Pei Wenxuan intends to make Li Ping
the Crown Prince.

67
00:05:59,200 --> 00:06:01,880
We, the noble families,
are their biggest obstacle.

68
00:06:03,200 --> 00:06:05,159
Therefore, before he makes a move…

69
00:06:07,680 --> 00:06:09,159
Before Pei Wenxuan makes a move--

70
00:06:09,240 --> 00:06:10,359
Your Highness, rest assured.

71
00:06:12,640 --> 00:06:14,359
Everything has been taken care of.

72
00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:17,440
That's good to know.

73
00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:21,440
If I die,

74
00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:24,520
Pei Wenxuan will have absolute authority.

75
00:06:25,200 --> 00:06:26,280
If you die,

76
00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:29,320
he won't live on either.

77
00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:31,680
I'll kill him

78
00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:34,640
to let him be buried with you.

79
00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:49,760
I never realized

80
00:06:51,039 --> 00:06:53,039
that our elegant and composed Mr. Su

81
00:06:54,159 --> 00:06:55,599
could also get angry.

82
00:06:56,080 --> 00:06:58,159
There are lots of things
that can make me angry.

83
00:06:59,320 --> 00:07:00,400
For example--

84
00:07:00,479 --> 00:07:03,039
Your Highness, Grand Chancellor Pei
requests an audience.

85
00:07:06,880 --> 00:07:08,520
If Your Highness prefers not to see him,

86
00:07:09,239 --> 00:07:11,000
I'll send him away.

87
00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:13,120
We are husband and wife after all

88
00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:15,919
and we haven't divorced yet.

89
00:07:18,359 --> 00:07:19,520
I shall go and see him.

90
00:07:20,680 --> 00:07:21,640
Perhaps,

91
00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:23,960
this will be our final meeting.

92
00:07:30,560 --> 00:07:31,560
You may leave now.

93
00:07:38,039 --> 00:07:39,080
Tell him to leave.

94
00:07:56,840 --> 00:07:57,719
Rongqing.

95
00:08:01,039 --> 00:08:02,840
Could you get me a cup of tea, please?

96
00:08:09,359 --> 00:08:10,719
Then please take care of yourself.

97
00:08:10,799 --> 00:08:12,679
I promise not to get worked up.

98
00:08:23,159 --> 00:08:24,440
What did you come for?

99
00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:27,520
I've come today

100
00:08:27,599 --> 00:08:30,000
to discuss the matter
of appointing the Crown Prince with you.

101
00:08:31,359 --> 00:08:34,079
Xin is the biological son
of Empress Shangguan Ya.

102
00:08:34,159 --> 00:08:36,159
He is modest, respectful,
and worthy of the position.

103
00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:38,439
What's there to discuss?

104
00:08:41,959 --> 00:08:44,520
Third Prince Li Xin
is arrogant and unruly,

105
00:08:44,600 --> 00:08:46,560
which makes him unsuitable
as the Crown Prince.

106
00:08:47,959 --> 00:08:49,959
His mother, Shangguan,
holds too much power.

107
00:08:50,040 --> 00:08:51,880
If something were to happen to you and me,

108
00:08:51,959 --> 00:08:54,959
-Why is he also wearing a sachet?
-our relatives won't be able to stop him.

109
00:08:55,040 --> 00:08:56,640
And the fragrance is so strong.

110
00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:02,040
You're saying high-sounding words.

111
00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:04,800
But you know exactly
what your true purpose is.

112
00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:08,959
Do you insist on letting Li Xin
ascend the throne?

113
00:09:09,040 --> 00:09:10,920
Xin is the biological son of the Empress.

114
00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:14,360
Will we let a concubine's son
ascend the throne instead?

115
00:09:14,439 --> 00:09:16,560
You still hold a grudge against Zhenzhen.

116
00:09:19,199 --> 00:09:21,319
Can you address her as Noble Consort Qin?

117
00:09:23,120 --> 00:09:25,240
How can you call her Zhenzhen?

118
00:09:26,680 --> 00:09:27,959
Don't forget.

119
00:09:28,040 --> 00:09:30,480
The Qin Zhenzhen you adore
is the deceased consort

120
00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:33,040
of my younger brother,
the current emperor Li Chuan.

121
00:09:33,720 --> 00:09:36,640
Her child, Li Ping,
cannot become the Crown Prince.

122
00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:43,079
You can still talk this much with me.

123
00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:45,839
It seems

124
00:09:46,520 --> 00:09:48,199
you are not as frail as rumored.

125
00:09:53,319 --> 00:09:54,920
If you disagree, so be it.

126
00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:57,680
We'll each handle things
our own way later on.

127
00:09:58,439 --> 00:10:00,199
But don't blame me for not reminding you.

128
00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:02,280
I'd like to know

129
00:10:03,560 --> 00:10:05,400
what your way will be.

130
00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:07,199
Whatever way you think it is.

131
00:10:07,280 --> 00:10:09,160
What? Are you going to kill me?

132
00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:10,839
Do you think I don't dare to do so?

133
00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:18,520
Pei Wenxuan.

134
00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:22,760
Do you really want to sacrifice
the well-being of the nation

135
00:10:22,839 --> 00:10:24,640
for your own selfish desires?

136
00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:26,640
What capabilities do I possess

137
00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:28,160
to influence the whole nation?

138
00:10:28,240 --> 00:10:30,319
However, the person favored
by Your Highness

139
00:10:30,400 --> 00:10:32,040
may not necessarily be of good character.

140
00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:35,120
What's the point of a castrated man
currying favor with you here?

141
00:10:35,199 --> 00:10:36,240
What did you say?

142
00:10:36,319 --> 00:10:37,760
Pei Wenxuan.

143
00:10:37,839 --> 00:10:40,439
Pei Wenxuan, I won't allow you
to slander Rongqing in the slightest!

144
00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:17,880
We agreed not to get angry,

145
00:11:17,959 --> 00:11:19,560
so why are you so worked up again?

146
00:11:20,319 --> 00:11:21,719
Fetch the medicine for Her Highness.

147
00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:22,719
-Yes.
-Yes.

148
00:11:22,800 --> 00:11:25,199
He's definitely up to no good
in coming to see you.

149
00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:27,600
You're still unwell,
so why bother seeing him?

150
00:11:27,680 --> 00:11:29,319
I'm fine.

151
00:11:54,079 --> 00:11:55,040
What's wrong?

152
00:11:59,160 --> 00:12:00,920
Get the Imperial Physician now!

153
00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:07,400
It's the Poison of the Fragrant Beauty.

154
00:12:20,959 --> 00:12:22,240
Pei Wenxuan.

155
00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:24,839
It's Pei Wenxuan.

156
00:12:26,480 --> 00:12:27,680
The sachet he was wearing…

157
00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:37,280
Rongrong, stop talking.

158
00:12:38,199 --> 00:12:39,319
Conserve your strength.

159
00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:42,439
I'm sorry.

160
00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:44,760
I failed to protect you.

161
00:12:45,439 --> 00:12:47,959
He finally made his move against me.

162
00:12:52,439 --> 00:12:53,360
Heed my order.

163
00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:56,599
If I die,

164
00:12:58,319 --> 00:12:59,240
Pei Wenxuan…

165
00:13:01,760 --> 00:13:02,719
cannot live.

166
00:13:16,199 --> 00:13:19,000
Sir, something's not right.

167
00:13:19,079 --> 00:13:22,240
Could it be that the Princess
has sent someone to follow us?

168
00:13:23,040 --> 00:13:24,040
Ignore them.

169
00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:25,520
How can we ignore them?

170
00:13:25,599 --> 00:13:27,280
She's just trying to scare me.

171
00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:28,560
She won't actually kill me.

172
00:15:02,439 --> 00:15:04,040
Whose order are you following?

173
00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:07,839
By order of the Princess Royal,

174
00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:09,240
you shall be killed without mercy.

175
00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:14,240
I never thought

176
00:15:16,079 --> 00:15:18,880
you would eventually try to kill me.

177
00:15:24,959 --> 00:15:27,599
You are the only weal and woe

178
00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:31,360
that I cannot avoid in my life.

179
00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:47,000
What's the situation with that person now?

180
00:15:47,079 --> 00:15:48,040
It's all sorted.

181
00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:54,360
For 20 years,

182
00:15:56,719 --> 00:15:59,079
I've been entangled with him.

183
00:16:01,959 --> 00:16:03,400
I never expected it

184
00:16:05,959 --> 00:16:08,280
to end like this.

185
00:16:08,359 --> 00:16:11,680
It's all over between you and him.

186
00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:14,079
None of us

187
00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:20,160
are worthy of Your Highness.

188
00:16:30,319 --> 00:16:32,240
My greatest regret

189
00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:37,040
in this lifetime

190
00:16:40,520 --> 00:16:41,599
is…

191
00:16:43,160 --> 00:16:45,199
missing out on you.

192
00:16:48,079 --> 00:16:49,760
If only

193
00:16:50,719 --> 00:16:52,439
I could have a great dream

194
00:16:54,079 --> 00:16:55,079
and start…

195
00:16:59,760 --> 00:17:02,359
everything anew.

196
00:17:12,520 --> 00:17:16,359
The Princess Royal has passed away.

197
00:17:30,360 --> 00:17:31,440
Where am I?

198
00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:31,200
It has been a while,

199
00:18:32,159 --> 00:18:33,840
warm sunshine.

200
00:18:45,120 --> 00:18:47,280
Your Highness, you're awake.

201
00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:49,399
Jinglan?

202
00:18:50,360 --> 00:18:51,520
What's going on?

203
00:18:52,480 --> 00:18:53,399
She's not dead.

204
00:18:53,480 --> 00:18:57,240
Jinglan, aren't you…

205
00:19:01,080 --> 00:19:02,240
Watch out, Your Highness!

206
00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:08,600
Could it be

207
00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:11,360
that we're now meeting in the underworld?

208
00:19:14,879 --> 00:19:17,120
Your Highness, it hurts.

209
00:19:18,679 --> 00:19:20,159
You really are alive.

210
00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:21,840
You are not dead.

211
00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:26,639
Your Highness, why are you wishing me dead

212
00:19:26,720 --> 00:19:28,960
out of the blue?

213
00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:31,840
I don't know whether the past was a dream

214
00:19:33,360 --> 00:19:34,760
or the present is a dream.

215
00:19:36,280 --> 00:19:39,480
But thank goodness, you're still alive.

216
00:19:40,760 --> 00:19:41,800
That's great.

217
00:19:41,879 --> 00:19:44,320
Your Highness, are you all right?

218
00:19:44,879 --> 00:19:46,600
It's already nine in the morning.

219
00:19:46,679 --> 00:19:49,280
His Majesty just finished
the morning audience

220
00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:51,639
and said that you join him for lunch.

221
00:19:52,120 --> 00:19:54,000
I was just about to come and wake you up.

222
00:19:54,080 --> 00:19:55,440
But you are already awake.

223
00:19:57,120 --> 00:19:59,320
His Majesty just finished
the morning audience?

224
00:19:59,399 --> 00:20:00,520
That's great.

225
00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:04,360
The message from the palace said
his days were numbered.

226
00:20:05,840 --> 00:20:07,080
By the way,

227
00:20:07,159 --> 00:20:09,240
how about that scoundrel Pei Wenxuan?

228
00:20:09,320 --> 00:20:10,360
Has he died yet?

229
00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:13,200
Who is this Pei Wenxuan?

230
00:20:14,480 --> 00:20:16,159
Do you have a grudge against him?

231
00:20:41,320 --> 00:20:42,840
The Poison of the Fragrant Beauty

232
00:20:43,760 --> 00:20:45,200
not only failed to kill me,

233
00:20:45,280 --> 00:20:47,639
but also had the miraculous effect
of rejuvenating me.

234
00:20:57,280 --> 00:20:58,440
Your Highness.

235
00:20:58,520 --> 00:21:00,440
This isn't the Princess Royal's Mansion,

236
00:21:00,520 --> 00:21:02,720
<span style="style.default_1">but the Changle Palace
where I lived before I got married.</span>

237
00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:09,440
My body feels so light.

238
00:21:25,120 --> 00:21:27,600
Your Highness, where are you going?

239
00:21:29,080 --> 00:21:30,360
Please slow down.

240
00:21:54,320 --> 00:21:57,360
Your Highness.

241
00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:00,679
What's happening to you, Your Highness?

242
00:22:04,080 --> 00:22:05,080
Tell me

243
00:22:05,960 --> 00:22:08,000
what year it is now.

244
00:22:08,080 --> 00:22:08,919
It's…

245
00:22:09,560 --> 00:22:11,639
It's the 24th year
of the Yongning Era now.

246
00:22:11,720 --> 00:22:13,560
The 24th year of the Yongning Era?

247
00:22:17,679 --> 00:22:18,639
This year,

248
00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:21,720
I am 18 years old.

249
00:22:23,760 --> 00:22:25,120
I am not yet married

250
00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:31,399
and neither you nor Father
have passed away.

251
00:22:35,919 --> 00:22:37,840
What on earth is going on?

252
00:22:41,200 --> 00:22:45,159
<span style="style.default_1">Could it be that even Heaven feels
the old me lived too constrained a life?</span>

253
00:22:45,760 --> 00:22:47,240
You are just like your mother,

254
00:22:47,320 --> 00:22:49,679
wanting to control the royal family
with the Shangguan family.

255
00:22:49,760 --> 00:22:51,679
If one day I ascended the throne,

256
00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:54,480
would you also pressure me
like how the noble families

257
00:22:54,560 --> 00:22:55,480
pressured Father?

258
00:22:57,240 --> 00:22:58,800
What is your relationship with her?

259
00:22:58,879 --> 00:23:00,439
Childhood friends.

260
00:23:06,919 --> 00:23:10,320
I wonder how Rongqing is doing now.

261
00:23:11,560 --> 00:23:13,679
I must have been out of my mind

262
00:23:13,760 --> 00:23:15,439
to have chosen that scoundrel Pei Wenxuan.

263
00:23:15,520 --> 00:23:17,200
It brought me nothing but my own demise.

264
00:23:17,879 --> 00:23:20,120
This time, just you wait.

265
00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:23,520
Your Highness.

266
00:23:25,439 --> 00:23:27,159
We shall get going.

267
00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:28,679
We can't keep His Majesty waiting.

268
00:23:32,240 --> 00:23:33,159
Do you know

269
00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:37,280
why Father wants me
to have lunch with him?

270
00:23:37,360 --> 00:23:38,639
His Majesty

271
00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:41,439
wants to choose a prince consort for you.

272
00:23:46,280 --> 00:23:48,200
Here I am, facing a meal
with a hidden agenda.

273
00:23:49,919 --> 00:23:52,679
<span style="style.default_1">It's such a coincidence
that I've come back to this day.</span>

274
00:23:53,360 --> 00:23:56,159
Since Heaven has given me another chance,

275
00:23:56,760 --> 00:23:58,560
I won't repeat my past mistakes.

276
00:23:59,200 --> 00:24:01,480
<span style="style.default_1">Pei Wenxuan,
you'd better not be on the list.</span>

277
00:24:03,919 --> 00:24:05,040
Help me get dressed.

278
00:24:45,360 --> 00:24:46,320
Your Highness.

279
00:25:19,560 --> 00:25:20,600
Pei Wenxuan.

280
00:25:22,919 --> 00:25:24,879
No matter why we ended up together,

281
00:25:25,560 --> 00:25:26,960
now that we're married,

282
00:25:28,480 --> 00:25:30,480
I'd like to live happily with you.

283
00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:34,639
I am deeply honored.

284
00:25:35,679 --> 00:25:37,960
I will be eternally grateful
and repay your favor.

285
00:25:38,520 --> 00:25:41,439
In that case,
our primary concern going forward

286
00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:44,240
will be honesty.

287
00:25:48,040 --> 00:25:49,320
Despite our initial vows,

288
00:25:50,199 --> 00:25:51,879
he, like everyone else in this palace,

289
00:25:52,720 --> 00:25:55,360
inevitably leaned towards power
and personal gain.

290
00:25:55,439 --> 00:25:57,800
HANQIU PALACE

291
00:26:10,360 --> 00:26:12,600
I haven't seen Father in over ten years.

292
00:26:12,679 --> 00:26:14,320
Has he already aged so much

293
00:26:14,399 --> 00:26:16,240
when I was 18?

294
00:26:16,320 --> 00:26:18,080
LI MING, EMPEROR

295
00:26:18,159 --> 00:26:19,399
Father.

296
00:26:20,040 --> 00:26:21,840
If everything were to start over,

297
00:26:21,919 --> 00:26:25,439
<span style="style.default_1">could we just be a common father
and daughter from an ordinary family?</span>

298
00:26:32,879 --> 00:26:34,320
Why are you standing at the doorway?

299
00:26:38,560 --> 00:26:39,439
I…

300
00:26:40,360 --> 00:26:43,120
I'm here to greet you, Father.

301
00:26:43,919 --> 00:26:44,960
You may rise.

302
00:26:46,120 --> 00:26:47,600
Come join me for the meal.

303
00:26:57,720 --> 00:26:59,000
Father.

304
00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:00,919
This is your favorite chestnut cake

305
00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:03,679
that I brought for you
from Changle Palace. Try it.

306
00:27:03,760 --> 00:27:06,040
Eunuch Fu, this is inappropriate.

307
00:27:06,120 --> 00:27:07,000
Quiet.

308
00:27:08,320 --> 00:27:10,280
These are snacks brought by Her Highness.

309
00:27:10,360 --> 00:27:12,040
FU LAI, CHIEF EUNUCH

310
00:27:24,399 --> 00:27:26,120
Your Highness, please forgive him.

311
00:27:26,199 --> 00:27:27,879
The newcomer doesn't understand the rules.

312
00:27:29,120 --> 00:27:30,399
Leave now.

313
00:27:34,480 --> 00:27:36,760
It's really good. Father, have a taste.

314
00:27:36,840 --> 00:27:39,080
Okay, I'll have a taste.

315
00:27:51,639 --> 00:27:52,800
That's very thoughtful of you.

316
00:27:54,480 --> 00:27:56,960
Father, why are you inviting me

317
00:27:57,040 --> 00:27:58,560
to have a meal with you today?

318
00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:00,720
-Fulai.
-Come forward.

319
00:28:01,280 --> 00:28:02,720
Your Highness, please take a look.

320
00:28:02,800 --> 00:28:06,240
The first one is Lu Yu,
the son of Marquis Ningguo, Lu Tingwei.

321
00:28:06,320 --> 00:28:10,080
He was granted the title
of hereditary marquis by royal decree.

322
00:28:10,879 --> 00:28:11,919
The second one

323
00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:15,520
is Yang Quan, the second son
of Grand Marshal, Yang Ye.

324
00:28:15,600 --> 00:28:17,960
He was granted the title
of first-class major general

325
00:28:18,040 --> 00:28:19,240
by royal decree.

326
00:28:19,320 --> 00:28:20,919
The third one

327
00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:23,760
is the newly acclaimed scholar,
Cui Yulang.

328
00:28:24,360 --> 00:28:26,320
It's exactly the same as before.

329
00:28:26,399 --> 00:28:27,600
The fourth one is Pei Wenxuan,

330
00:28:27,679 --> 00:28:30,199
the son of the former
Vice Minister of Rites, Pei Lizhi.

331
00:28:30,280 --> 00:28:32,199
He was the top candidate recommended

332
00:28:32,280 --> 00:28:34,560
in the 22nd year of the Yongning Era.

333
00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:42,679
What is meant to come has come.

334
00:28:42,760 --> 00:28:44,199
There's no escaping it in the end.

335
00:28:49,760 --> 00:28:50,760
Father.

336
00:28:51,959 --> 00:28:54,959
Recently, everyone in the court
has been talking about your marriage.

337
00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:57,879
I was thinking it was about time
for you to get married,

338
00:28:57,959 --> 00:28:59,360
so I called you over to see

339
00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:03,480
if any of these four young men
catch your eye.

340
00:29:16,840 --> 00:29:17,679
What's the matter?

341
00:29:17,760 --> 00:29:19,159
None of them attract you?

342
00:29:20,959 --> 00:29:23,360
I've carefully selected them for you.

343
00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:26,639
Just pick one that you find agreeable

344
00:29:26,720 --> 00:29:29,040
and I will take care of the rest.

345
00:29:29,120 --> 00:29:30,320
Everything is just as before.

346
00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:32,639
I am merely a pawn for Father

347
00:29:32,720 --> 00:29:34,840
to keep the noble families in check.

348
00:29:35,840 --> 00:29:39,159
It's not that I don't find
any of them appealing.

349
00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:40,919
It's just that

350
00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:43,280
they all look so handsome.

351
00:29:43,360 --> 00:29:44,399
I want them all.

352
00:29:44,480 --> 00:29:45,480
Don't be ridiculous.

353
00:29:47,159 --> 00:29:48,040
All of you, leave.

354
00:29:48,800 --> 00:29:50,159
I'll take my leave, Your Highness.

355
00:29:53,040 --> 00:29:54,760
If I did allow you to do that,

356
00:29:54,840 --> 00:29:57,800
then I might receive countless memorials
from the ministers

357
00:29:57,879 --> 00:29:59,040
complaining about you.

358
00:30:00,760 --> 00:30:03,879
Father, I was just joking.

359
00:30:04,600 --> 00:30:07,040
Isn't one's moral quality
the most important thing

360
00:30:07,120 --> 00:30:09,159
when it comes to choosing a partner,
not appearance?

361
00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:11,280
I can't tell much just by looks alone.

362
00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:12,879
How about this?

363
00:30:13,439 --> 00:30:16,760
Let me dress up as an ordinary girl

364
00:30:16,840 --> 00:30:19,679
and then you tell these gentlemen
to meet and talk to me.

365
00:30:19,760 --> 00:30:21,199
We can build some early rapport.

366
00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:25,199
It would be great
if I could go out of the palace for a bit.

367
00:30:25,280 --> 00:30:27,800
I've heard that the roasted duck
at Linglong Pavilion is the best

368
00:30:27,879 --> 00:30:29,919
-and the peach blossoms at Huguo Temple--
-All right.

369
00:30:31,080 --> 00:30:33,679
Are you planning
to meet your future husband

370
00:30:33,760 --> 00:30:35,520
or just wanting to go out and have fun?

371
00:30:35,600 --> 00:30:36,639
Father.

372
00:30:37,919 --> 00:30:41,320
Father, please agree to my request.

373
00:30:41,399 --> 00:30:42,520
Father, please.

374
00:30:43,280 --> 00:30:45,159
The Spring Banquet
is around the corner anyway.

375
00:30:47,159 --> 00:30:49,439
Then use the Spring Banquet
as an opportunity to meet them.

376
00:30:50,919 --> 00:30:53,280
Invite these four young men over.

377
00:30:53,360 --> 00:30:55,800
You can meet them and have a chat.

378
00:31:00,879 --> 00:31:01,840
What is it?

379
00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:04,240
Do you have any other concerns?

380
00:31:04,320 --> 00:31:05,159
I think

381
00:31:05,840 --> 00:31:08,720
if we only invite those four,
it might be too obvious.

382
00:31:08,800 --> 00:31:11,199
Why not invite more young men
from the noble families?

383
00:31:12,439 --> 00:31:15,120
We will only know if a man is good
when there's a comparison.

384
00:31:15,199 --> 00:31:17,280
With so many young gentlemen
standing together,

385
00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:19,600
I'll be able to tell
who's good and who's bad at a glance.

386
00:31:20,439 --> 00:31:21,600
What do you think, Father?

387
00:31:22,439 --> 00:31:23,480
That's quite an idea.

388
00:31:26,080 --> 00:31:27,399
You do have a lot of clever ideas.

389
00:31:32,199 --> 00:31:33,240
Thank you, Father.

390
00:31:43,879 --> 00:31:45,280
PRINCESS ROYAL

391
00:31:45,360 --> 00:31:47,199
Sir.

392
00:31:50,760 --> 00:31:52,000
Sir.

393
00:31:52,080 --> 00:31:53,520
Great news.

394
00:31:53,600 --> 00:31:54,959
Incredibly great news.

395
00:31:55,040 --> 00:31:56,399
Tong Ye?

396
00:31:59,040 --> 00:32:01,159
Why do you look so young?

397
00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:05,159
I look young?

398
00:32:07,240 --> 00:32:08,439
Am I dreaming?

399
00:32:09,840 --> 00:32:11,959
Sir, are you all right?

400
00:32:12,040 --> 00:32:14,560
Are you upset about Ms. Qin
calling off the engagement?

401
00:32:15,399 --> 00:32:16,919
Don't take it to heart.

402
00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:18,840
Her calling off the engagement
is her loss.

403
00:32:18,919 --> 00:32:19,800
Hold on.

404
00:32:20,639 --> 00:32:22,840
What date is today?

405
00:32:23,679 --> 00:32:26,159
The first day of the third month,
24th year of the Yongning Era.

406
00:32:26,760 --> 00:32:29,120
Sir, please remember today.

407
00:32:29,199 --> 00:32:32,159
It's a hugely auspicious day.

408
00:32:32,240 --> 00:32:33,520
What auspicious day?

409
00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:34,760
I'll be brief.

410
00:32:37,679 --> 00:32:40,120
Things haven't been going well
for us lately, right?

411
00:32:40,199 --> 00:32:42,679
Ms. Qin called off the engagement.

412
00:32:42,760 --> 00:32:45,159
Ms. Tong is pressuring us
for debts every day.

413
00:32:45,679 --> 00:32:48,320
Your second uncle is holding onto
the family's money.

414
00:32:48,399 --> 00:32:50,240
Isn't this the time
when I was at my poorest?

415
00:32:50,879 --> 00:32:52,199
How could it be an auspicious day?

416
00:32:52,959 --> 00:32:54,520
-Say, if--
-Enough.

417
00:32:55,480 --> 00:32:57,320
I thought you said you'd be brief.

418
00:32:57,399 --> 00:32:58,240
Okay.

419
00:32:59,040 --> 00:33:01,360
I thought I should find a way
to turn things around for you.

420
00:33:02,040 --> 00:33:04,919
And I went to offer incense
to the ancestors.

421
00:33:05,000 --> 00:33:05,959
Get to the point.

422
00:33:06,040 --> 00:33:07,199
Here comes the point.

423
00:33:07,760 --> 00:33:10,280
As soon as I made a wish
for you to have a good marriage,

424
00:33:10,360 --> 00:33:12,199
Master seems to have blessed us.

425
00:33:12,280 --> 00:33:13,639
Do you know?

426
00:33:13,719 --> 00:33:18,040
Princess Pingyue sent her maid
to deliver you an invitation

427
00:33:18,120 --> 00:33:19,760
asking you to attend the Spring Banquet.

428
00:33:19,840 --> 00:33:21,000
Princess Pingyue?

429
00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:23,120
You mean Li Rong?

430
00:33:23,760 --> 00:33:25,760
You can't address the Princess
by her name.

431
00:33:25,840 --> 00:33:28,199
If they heard it and spread the word,
it could mean death.

432
00:33:30,919 --> 00:33:32,879
She has been waiting in the study for us.

433
00:33:32,959 --> 00:33:33,840
So…

434
00:33:37,600 --> 00:33:38,439
Think about it.

435
00:33:38,520 --> 00:33:40,480
There's a reason why
the engagement is called off.

436
00:33:40,560 --> 00:33:43,120
Ever since Master passed away,
your uncle has been oppressing you.

437
00:33:43,199 --> 00:33:45,600
He doesn't give you
the money or the power.

438
00:33:45,679 --> 00:33:48,439
I'm telling you,
it's probably those scoundrels

439
00:33:48,520 --> 00:33:49,800
causing all this trouble.

440
00:33:49,879 --> 00:33:51,240
Can you be quiet for a moment?

441
00:33:53,240 --> 00:33:55,840
From now on,
don't ever mention this matter anymore.

442
00:33:55,919 --> 00:33:58,080
Yes. Then you should stop being sad.

443
00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:01,159
Is this my karma?

444
00:34:01,240 --> 00:34:03,439
I've returned to my most destitute time.

445
00:34:04,399 --> 00:34:06,000
The Qin family breaks off the engagement

446
00:34:06,679 --> 00:34:09,120
<span style="style.default_1">and soon after, Princess Pingyue
will be selecting a consort.</span>

447
00:34:18,080 --> 00:34:19,960
Mr. Pei, this is an invitation

448
00:34:20,040 --> 00:34:21,960
to the Spring Banquet
from Princess Pingyue.

449
00:34:22,040 --> 00:34:24,080
When he received the invitation,

450
00:34:24,159 --> 00:34:26,480
was he surprised and delighted?

451
00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:30,360
Did he ask you in astonishment,

452
00:34:32,839 --> 00:34:34,839
"I'm just a minor eighth-ranking official.

453
00:34:34,920 --> 00:34:37,600
Why would Princess Pingyue
send me an invitation?"

454
00:34:37,679 --> 00:34:39,719
Was he overjoyed?

455
00:34:40,279 --> 00:34:42,759
The situation at that time was…

456
00:34:42,839 --> 00:34:44,159
Ms. Jinglan.

457
00:34:45,239 --> 00:34:47,480
I just want to confirm again.

458
00:34:47,560 --> 00:34:51,199
Is this invitation meant
for our young master?

459
00:34:51,279 --> 00:34:52,839
He just got promoted to the eighth rank.

460
00:34:52,920 --> 00:34:54,360
The invitation is meant for me.

461
00:34:54,440 --> 00:34:56,360
It must be from Her Highness for me.

462
00:34:58,120 --> 00:34:59,200
Though I'm not that capable,

463
00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:02,759
I'm blessed with good looks.

464
00:35:06,240 --> 00:35:07,279
"Blessed with good looks?"

465
00:35:10,360 --> 00:35:11,880
He actually said that?

466
00:35:14,200 --> 00:35:15,440
In that case, I'll make sure

467
00:35:17,880 --> 00:35:19,880
that you suffer
because of your good looks.

468
00:35:20,880 --> 00:35:23,000
This is a dream of starting over,

469
00:35:23,759 --> 00:35:27,360
where everything begins anew.


