1 00:00:07,080 --> 00:00:17,070 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 2 00:01:25,325 --> 00:01:27,765 [The Princess Royal] 3 00:01:27,765 --> 00:01:30,020 [Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel, "The Princess Royal"] 4 00:01:30,020 --> 00:01:33,020 [Episode 22] 5 00:01:37,080 --> 00:01:38,920 What are you doing? 6 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:41,300 Why are you scared? 7 00:01:42,100 --> 00:01:44,680 Don't you want to know the truth? 8 00:01:58,900 --> 00:02:02,420 Official Xie, do you recognize it? 9 00:02:04,860 --> 00:02:06,960 Where did you steal it from? 10 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:09,600 How did you get this? 11 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:18,520 I've seen this same pendant on a young lady from the Xie Family. 12 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:21,240 How did she know about this? 13 00:02:24,160 --> 00:02:28,440 Imperial Father, with this pendant and the resemblance between the two of them, 14 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:32,420 as well as the red ink, I started getting suspicious. 15 00:02:32,420 --> 00:02:37,220 So I sent someone to look into Official Xie's past. Then something surprising was discovered. 16 00:02:37,220 --> 00:02:43,930 I found out that Official Xie had a love affair that was once the talk of the town. 17 00:02:43,930 --> 00:02:47,780 It's said that when Official Xie was young, he fell in love with a woman from the martial world. 18 00:02:47,780 --> 00:02:50,840 But they couldn't be together due to his family's objection. 19 00:02:50,840 --> 00:02:53,950 That woman left when she was pregnant, 20 00:02:53,950 --> 00:02:57,560 and gave birth to a child by herself, named Lin Feibai. 21 00:02:57,560 --> 00:03:00,180 Her Highness was able to investigate it clearly in such a short time. 22 00:03:00,180 --> 00:03:01,940 - And Official Xie... - Could it be that... 23 00:03:01,940 --> 00:03:03,940 went to that woman after he was married. 24 00:03:03,940 --> 00:03:05,920 But she didn't want to be his concubine 25 00:03:05,920 --> 00:03:08,560 and didn't want her child to return to the Xie Family. 26 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:12,000 For some reason, Official Xie agreed to this. 27 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:14,280 He provided her with protection, 28 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:17,380 and helped her found today's Seven-star Sect. 29 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:25,360 After listening to this story, 30 00:03:25,360 --> 00:03:29,360 do you think it is more likely that I was so insane 31 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:32,680 that I kept directing a man to kill his biological father? 32 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:37,340 Or is it more likely that the father and son conspired to falsely accuse me? 33 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:40,880 Nonsense. 34 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:45,460 Then we shall test your relationship with a drop of blood from both of you to see if I'm talking nonsense. 35 00:03:48,660 --> 00:03:52,100 - Imperial Father. - Get a bowl of water. 36 00:03:58,440 --> 00:04:00,220 Your Highness. 37 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:06,100 Official Xie, you're the Minister of Justice. 38 00:04:06,100 --> 00:04:10,020 You're familiar with testing a relationship with blood drops. Right? 39 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:15,730 She traveled thousands of li to Huajing, got pregnant out of wedlock but was abandoned, 40 00:04:15,730 --> 00:04:18,320 and then was alone ever since. 41 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:24,950 Young Master Lin, as a child, don't you feel sorry for your mother? 42 00:04:40,600 --> 00:04:42,320 Official Xie, you're not moving. 43 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:46,160 Is it because you're not feeling well or because you dare not do this? 44 00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:49,200 Official Xie. 45 00:04:49,200 --> 00:04:51,200 Xie Lanqing! 46 00:05:13,960 --> 00:05:15,900 Impossible. 47 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:19,600 This is impossible. 48 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:22,726 Your Majesty, someone's framing me. 49 00:05:22,726 --> 00:05:24,600 This result is false. 50 00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:28,440 It can't prove that this assassin and I are father and son. 51 00:05:28,440 --> 00:05:31,480 - I don't know him. - Official Xie. 52 00:05:32,020 --> 00:05:36,600 You tried to assassinate Her Highness and then colluded with your son to frame her. 53 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:39,800 And even now, you are still not willing to confess to your crimes 54 00:05:39,800 --> 00:05:42,200 to ask for forgiveness from His Majesty and Her Highness. 55 00:05:42,200 --> 00:05:44,840 Instead, you're still quibbling and resisting the law. 56 00:05:44,840 --> 00:05:48,780 I'd like to know how come you dare 57 00:05:48,780 --> 00:05:52,000 to disregard His Majesty, the law, 58 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:57,140 the principle of moral conduct, and the justice of the world. 59 00:05:57,140 --> 00:06:01,407 Pei Wenxuan, you're making irresponsible remarks. 60 00:06:01,407 --> 00:06:03,307 Your Majesty. 61 00:06:04,120 --> 00:06:06,600 I've been an official for 30 years. 62 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:09,040 I've spared no effort in the performance of my duty for you and the country. 63 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:13,440 But now, I'm being framed by these two kids. 64 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:16,560 Your Majesty, I hope you investigate thoroughly. 65 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:18,720 Investigate thoroughly? 66 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:22,280 Xie Lanqing, as an official who has been working for the court for so many years, 67 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:24,400 I should have trusted your words. 68 00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:27,173 But now the solid evidence is here. 69 00:06:27,173 --> 00:06:29,813 How else do you want me to investigate thoroughly? 70 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:36,610 You said Pingyue framed you and set you up again and again. 71 00:06:36,610 --> 00:06:39,520 How can a young girl who's not even twenty years old 72 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:42,230 be able to set up a cunning man like you 73 00:06:42,230 --> 00:06:44,880 who has worked for the court for over 30 years? 74 00:06:44,886 --> 00:06:47,440 Please calm down, Your Majesty. 75 00:06:47,440 --> 00:06:49,140 This matter... 76 00:06:49,780 --> 00:06:52,800 - has too many misunderstandings, Your Majesty. - What misunderstandings? 77 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:54,720 In the past, there was no evidence. 78 00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:57,000 Now the evidence is solid. 79 00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:00,060 If there's any misunderstanding, you can talk about it in prison. 80 00:07:00,060 --> 00:07:02,560 - Your Majesty... - Someone, drag this traitorous minister out to the Censorate 81 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:05,920 for Pei Wenxuan to investigate and deal with accordingly. 82 00:07:05,920 --> 00:07:08,900 Please don't do this, Your Majesty! 83 00:07:08,900 --> 00:07:12,680 Your Majesty, Pei Wenxuan is the prince consort. 84 00:07:12,680 --> 00:07:15,760 It's hard to convince people without avoiding arousing suspicion. 85 00:07:15,760 --> 00:07:17,400 Even if he's the prince consort, so what? 86 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:20,100 When you work, you don't distinguish between public and private interests. 87 00:07:20,100 --> 00:07:22,800 But when it comes to me, I have to think about avoiding arousing suspicion? 88 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:26,447 It's decided. This case is assigned to Pei Wenxuan. 89 00:07:26,447 --> 00:07:30,360 Anyone who says another word will be put on trial, too. 90 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:40,100 Your Majesty, I think it's inappropriate for me to be the Chief Judge of this case. 91 00:07:40,100 --> 00:07:43,545 - It should be handed back to the Ministry of Justice. - Hand it back to the Ministry of Justice? 92 00:07:43,545 --> 00:07:46,300 Who in the Ministry of Justice would dare to interrogate him? 93 00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:53,273 - I'd like to recommend someone. - Who is it? 94 00:07:53,273 --> 00:07:56,200 Right Vice Minister of Justice, Pei Liming. 95 00:07:56,200 --> 00:07:58,040 He's my uncle. 96 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:01,640 He's a man of integrity and honesty. 97 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:05,120 He's been working at the Ministry of Justice for years, and he knows the law well. 98 00:08:05,120 --> 00:08:06,920 I raise the virtuous without avoiding relatives. 99 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:10,380 I would like to recommend this person to investigate this case. 100 00:08:12,720 --> 00:08:14,440 I second the recommendation. 101 00:08:14,440 --> 00:08:19,520 I also think that Vice Minister Pei is the most suitable candidate. 102 00:08:24,340 --> 00:08:30,460 Since Official Su also said so, just let Minister Pei investigate the case. 103 00:08:30,460 --> 00:08:32,180 Prepare the decree. 104 00:08:32,180 --> 00:08:34,360 I'd like to test our blood again. 105 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:36,200 - Get the water! - Take him away! 106 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:39,440 I'd like to test it again. Your Majesty! Please get the water! 107 00:08:39,440 --> 00:08:42,040 I'd like to test it again, Your Majesty! 108 00:08:42,040 --> 00:08:45,760 I'm innocent! Your Majesty! 109 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:48,720 I'd like to test it again! Just once! 110 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:50,470 I'm tired. 111 00:08:50,470 --> 00:08:52,700 You shall take your leave now. 112 00:08:52,700 --> 00:08:56,390 Pei Wenxuan, you may stay. I have something to talk to you about. 113 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:16,420 Your actions today have taken me by surprise. 114 00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:27,920 Official Su, your actions today have also greatly exceeded my expectations. 115 00:09:27,920 --> 00:09:30,153 What did you think I would do? 116 00:09:30,153 --> 00:09:33,880 I thought you wouldn't let go of Xie Lanqing's case. 117 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:35,880 He tried to assassinate you. 118 00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:38,660 Of course, I wouldn't cover up for him. 119 00:09:44,560 --> 00:09:46,620 However, Your Highness... 120 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:50,420 why must you establish the Inspectorate Office? 121 00:09:53,060 --> 00:09:55,130 For the country. 122 00:09:55,130 --> 00:09:57,120 For the people. 123 00:09:57,120 --> 00:09:59,680 Also for justice. 124 00:09:59,680 --> 00:10:01,880 Justice? 125 00:10:03,560 --> 00:10:09,320 Is it that in your mind, justice means making enemies with the noble families? 126 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:13,920 Even if there are bad people in the noble families, 127 00:10:13,920 --> 00:10:16,600 it's still the foundation of the Great Xia. 128 00:10:16,600 --> 00:10:19,060 One should not demand absolute purity. 129 00:10:19,060 --> 00:10:22,360 For a few bad people, the very foundation of Great Xia will be affected. 130 00:10:22,360 --> 00:10:25,800 Then war will break out and the people will suffer. 131 00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:32,120 How can there be any justice and well-being that you mentioned for the country and the people? 132 00:10:36,020 --> 00:10:37,920 Let's drop the subject. 133 00:10:38,660 --> 00:10:40,260 Your Highness, 134 00:10:42,340 --> 00:10:44,810 how have you been... 135 00:10:45,960 --> 00:10:47,920 since you married Pei Wenxuan? 136 00:10:52,700 --> 00:10:54,260 Official Su, 137 00:10:55,880 --> 00:11:01,380 honestly, I really don't need you to worry so much about my relationship. 138 00:11:06,560 --> 00:11:08,260 Actually... 139 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:11,860 I have a small wish. 140 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:19,240 I hope that your relationship will not be related to power and politics. 141 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:21,320 I hope that it can be pure. 142 00:11:21,320 --> 00:11:23,180 And you'll have no regrets. 143 00:11:26,120 --> 00:11:27,860 Take care, Your Highness. 144 00:11:33,400 --> 00:11:36,680 I hope you will proceed with caution in the future. 145 00:11:36,680 --> 00:11:39,940 I shall take my leave now. 146 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:00,420 You two had a good time chatting, huh? 147 00:12:03,400 --> 00:12:05,500 What did Imperial Father say to you? 148 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:11,820 His Majesty asked me why I recommended Pei Liming. 149 00:12:11,820 --> 00:12:13,540 How did you answer? 150 00:12:14,340 --> 00:12:17,440 For others, this opportunity is the icing on the cake. 151 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:20,800 But for the Pei Family, it's offering timely help. 152 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:23,740 There will be a big difference in their mentality. 153 00:12:24,540 --> 00:12:26,680 Well said. 154 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:28,260 Oh, right. 155 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:31,480 What were you and Official Su talking about exactly? 156 00:12:31,480 --> 00:12:34,640 I think you were touched by his words. 157 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:36,460 Feeling moved? 158 00:12:38,940 --> 00:12:44,000 Yes. He just told me something very important that made me feel touched 159 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:46,340 and had even more feelings for him. 160 00:12:46,340 --> 00:12:50,220 Had even more feelings for him? Don't you have enough feelings for him? 161 00:12:50,220 --> 00:12:54,240 How much more do you want? Why not put him on the tip of your heart? 162 00:12:55,320 --> 00:12:58,620 It's just that it'll be hard for Official Su. 163 00:12:59,220 --> 00:13:03,660 Wait. Why is it hard for him? 164 00:13:03,660 --> 00:13:06,600 Your Highness, there's only a small spot on the tip of your heart. 165 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:09,540 If Official Su is going to stand on it, he'll have to stand on one leg. 166 00:13:09,540 --> 00:13:12,440 He will need to make a switch, and stand on different legs over and over again. 167 00:13:12,440 --> 00:13:14,660 Don't you think Official Su will be tired? 168 00:13:16,580 --> 00:13:18,920 Yes. He'll be exhausted. 169 00:13:18,920 --> 00:13:21,560 If so, I don't think you can do such a tiring job, so I'd better find someone else. 170 00:13:21,560 --> 00:13:24,900 Your Highness! That's not right. 171 00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:30,800 You don't know that my unique skill is standing on one foot. 172 00:13:30,800 --> 00:13:32,435 If you are willing, 173 00:13:32,435 --> 00:13:36,340 I'm willing to stand on one foot on the tip of your heart for the rest of my life. 174 00:13:50,480 --> 00:13:53,060 You weren't worried at all in there. 175 00:13:53,060 --> 00:13:57,280 Especially during the blood drop test for relationships, you looked confident. 176 00:13:57,280 --> 00:14:02,540 I worked on a shipwreck case before, and many people came to identify their families. 177 00:14:02,540 --> 00:14:05,780 The blood drop test for relationships was used. 178 00:14:06,480 --> 00:14:09,540 After using it many times, I found it strange. 179 00:14:09,540 --> 00:14:14,700 Later, I learned that the blood of any two people can be fused. 180 00:14:14,700 --> 00:14:18,580 There's no basis for the method of blood drop test for relationships. 181 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:29,700 In that case, does that mean that our blood drops can fuse, too? 182 00:14:33,300 --> 00:14:34,888 Li Rong, you're unbelievable. 183 00:14:34,888 --> 00:14:37,420 [Ministry of Justice] 184 00:14:40,240 --> 00:14:42,380 - Your Highness. - Uncle. 185 00:14:42,380 --> 00:14:44,500 Uncle, spare the formalities. 186 00:14:47,120 --> 00:14:49,840 Uncle, has Lin Feibai arrived at the Ministry of Justice? 187 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:51,140 Yes. 188 00:14:51,140 --> 00:14:54,360 Miss Shangguan has just sent him here. 189 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,420 I'll go and see him then. 190 00:14:56,960 --> 00:14:59,860 I'll be waiting for you here, Your Highness. 191 00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:11,620 Why did you recommend me? 192 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:18,720 With your help, we'll be able to go to the prison as we want now. 193 00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:24,500 Although you recommended me, I still have something to say. 194 00:15:25,380 --> 00:15:29,400 You're being a little reckless. 195 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:33,680 You should have told me about this earlier. 196 00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:36,720 I didn't know this would happen today. 197 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:41,240 His Majesty needed someone on short notice, so I had to recommend you to help. 198 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:42,700 You call this help? 199 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:45,900 One dots, two dots, three dots. 200 00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:48,933 Where's the four dots card? 201 00:15:48,933 --> 00:15:51,113 Where is it? 202 00:15:52,460 --> 00:15:54,860 - Your Highness. - Why are you still here? 203 00:15:54,860 --> 00:15:56,260 I... 204 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:02,520 I guessed you would come to interrogate him, so I waited here. 205 00:16:02,520 --> 00:16:05,840 Your Highness, I'm so curious. 206 00:16:05,840 --> 00:16:07,980 Please enlighten me. 207 00:16:15,880 --> 00:16:20,080 Young Master Lin, you... 208 00:16:21,220 --> 00:16:23,300 Don't you have anything to say? 209 00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:26,300 My mother never told me about him. 210 00:16:26,300 --> 00:16:32,180 Two years ago, my mother held this jade pendant at the end of her life. 211 00:16:33,140 --> 00:16:36,020 She said she wanted to meet the owner of the pendant. 212 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:39,880 She told me to go to the mountain gateway and wait. 213 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:47,320 Because at the gate, I could see the incoming people on the trail right away. 214 00:16:47,320 --> 00:16:49,900 He'd be dressed in black. 215 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:54,940 It was snowing that day and he didn't come. 216 00:16:56,500 --> 00:17:01,400 When I arrived at my mother's side in the early hours of the next morning, 217 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:03,260 she was already dead. 218 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:08,040 My mother had made many requests for me before she died. 219 00:17:08,040 --> 00:17:14,440 One of them was that she owed Xie Lanqing three things, and asked me to help her. 220 00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:18,660 That's why when Xie Lanqing went to Qinqu Mountain to ask for help from the Seven-star Sect, 221 00:17:18,660 --> 00:17:23,480 I knew that getting involved in this would bring the Seven-star Sect to its doom, 222 00:17:23,480 --> 00:17:25,580 but I still did it. 223 00:17:28,040 --> 00:17:30,400 I just don't understand. 224 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:32,400 This man... 225 00:17:33,400 --> 00:17:37,260 failed her, humiliated her, 226 00:17:37,260 --> 00:17:40,080 and never even acknowledged her. 227 00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:44,420 She hated him so much. But why did she ask me to help him? 228 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:47,800 She didn't honestly speak her mind. 229 00:17:49,620 --> 00:17:51,840 Do you know why? 230 00:17:55,900 --> 00:18:01,320 All I know is that your mother wanted you to stay alive. 231 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:07,720 And I'm here today to give you a chance. 232 00:18:07,720 --> 00:18:09,406 What chance? 233 00:18:09,406 --> 00:18:11,720 A chance to live. 234 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:14,040 And a chance for revenge. 235 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:20,400 Now, Xie Lanqing is bound to step down from the position of the Minister of Justice. 236 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:23,400 Whoever takes over Xie Lanqing's case now 237 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:27,900 means to take over the position of Minister of Justice. 238 00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:31,360 You deserve to take this position. 239 00:18:31,360 --> 00:18:35,360 Then, we'll have to rely on you to help us from now on. 240 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:41,160 Your words are like a slap in my face. 241 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:43,000 No. 242 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:47,880 On the way here, I was thinking that in the past, 243 00:18:47,880 --> 00:18:51,800 I could have been nicer to you. 244 00:18:51,800 --> 00:18:55,486 - But I... - Uncle, let bygones be bygones. 245 00:18:55,486 --> 00:18:57,640 Let's move on. 246 00:18:57,640 --> 00:18:59,400 Okay. 247 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:01,380 What's the condition? 248 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:06,120 No conditions this time. 249 00:19:06,120 --> 00:19:08,480 All you have to do is tell the truth. 250 00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:13,000 Xie Lanqing will get whatever punishment he deserves. 251 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,080 As for your attempted assassination, 252 00:19:15,080 --> 00:19:18,206 I'll report to Imperial Father and ask him to absolve you of your crime 253 00:19:18,206 --> 00:19:21,160 for you making amends for your fault by good deeds. 254 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:24,740 Your Highness, you're not using me again, are you? 255 00:19:25,920 --> 00:19:30,580 But I'm willing... to identify Xie Lanqing. 256 00:19:32,120 --> 00:19:34,040 That's good then. 257 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:37,500 I wish you can get out soon, Young Master Lin. 258 00:19:47,280 --> 00:19:52,540 Young Master Lin, don't be too sad. The days go by fast when you're playing cards. 259 00:19:52,540 --> 00:19:56,900 There are plenty of things that can bring you joy in this world. 260 00:19:56,900 --> 00:20:00,380 I'll leave the cards here for you. I'm leaving now. 261 00:20:01,520 --> 00:20:03,020 Let's go. 262 00:20:12,360 --> 00:20:16,360 Your Highness, why do you think Lin Feibai's mother had such contradictory feelings? 263 00:20:16,360 --> 00:20:19,360 She had been teaching Lin Feibai to hate Xie Lanqing her whole life, 264 00:20:19,360 --> 00:20:22,360 but she asked him to help Xie Lanqing at the end of her life. 265 00:20:22,360 --> 00:20:24,700 What did she want? 266 00:20:26,800 --> 00:20:29,680 Do you know what it feels like when you're dying? 267 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:31,960 Of course, I don't know. I've never died. 268 00:20:31,960 --> 00:20:34,040 Do you know? 269 00:20:39,760 --> 00:20:43,840 I guess it's true that Lin Xia had hated Xie Lanqing all her life. 270 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:46,360 But hatred comes from love. 271 00:20:46,360 --> 00:20:50,040 That's why she waited for him when she was dying. 272 00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:54,560 But it didn't really matter if Xie Lanqing came or not. 273 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:59,840 When someone is dying, what they think about is not only regret, 274 00:20:59,840 --> 00:21:04,180 but also the wonderful things in their lives. 275 00:21:04,900 --> 00:21:08,660 Why does it sound like you've died before? 276 00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:13,520 But Lin Feibai is really pitiful. 277 00:21:14,520 --> 00:21:17,080 There are a lot of pitiful people. 278 00:21:17,080 --> 00:21:19,340 He's not that pitiful. 279 00:21:20,520 --> 00:21:24,860 That's true. The greatest sorrow in the world is poverty. 280 00:21:24,860 --> 00:21:27,200 Birth, aging, illness, and death are the order of nature. 281 00:21:27,200 --> 00:21:30,606 Only poverty always makes you doubt yourself. 282 00:21:30,606 --> 00:21:34,000 It's like being stuck in a spider's web 283 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:39,000 and wondering if you're not trying hard enough to break free. 284 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:44,820 All right. Your Highnesses, I shall leave now. 285 00:21:44,820 --> 00:21:46,600 Take care. 286 00:21:48,580 --> 00:21:53,980 Your Highness, I wonder what you saw in your past life 287 00:21:53,980 --> 00:21:56,120 when you were dying. 288 00:21:58,180 --> 00:21:59,380 What about you? 289 00:21:59,380 --> 00:22:02,100 What did you see when you were dying? 290 00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:03,700 Me? 291 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:09,620 The Spring Festival. 292 00:22:09,620 --> 00:22:12,140 That was the first time we spent the Spring Festival together. 293 00:22:12,140 --> 00:22:14,140 There was a fireworks show. 294 00:22:15,140 --> 00:22:17,240 It was right here on this street. 295 00:22:17,240 --> 00:22:22,580 ♫ A dream, like a trance, takes me through the seasons ♫ 296 00:22:22,580 --> 00:22:24,250 There are no fireworks here. 297 00:22:24,250 --> 00:22:26,140 They're on the right. 298 00:22:26,780 --> 00:22:28,592 On the right. 299 00:22:33,160 --> 00:22:38,920 ♫ A little later, you'll wave at me ♫ 300 00:22:38,920 --> 00:22:40,893 ♫ Following the cool breeze ♫ 301 00:22:40,893 --> 00:22:44,813 ♫ I enter your line of sight ♫ 302 00:22:46,300 --> 00:22:48,160 ♫ A phoenix tree stands tall in the courtyard ♫ 303 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:49,920 ♫ With a brush, painting the beautiful scenery ♫ 304 00:22:49,920 --> 00:22:52,740 ♫ Lightheartedly chatting about the vast world ♫ 305 00:22:52,740 --> 00:22:57,220 ♫ In all my extensive travels, I'm glad to have you ♫ 306 00:22:57,220 --> 00:23:01,320 ♫ Walking by my side ♫ 307 00:23:01,320 --> 00:23:04,980 ♫ Watching the bright moon rise and set together ♫ 308 00:23:05,020 --> 00:23:07,380 ♫ Sharing the same fate ♫ 309 00:23:07,380 --> 00:23:13,780 Can you promise me that you'll watch fireworks with me every Spring Festival? 310 00:23:14,700 --> 00:23:15,940 Sure. 311 00:23:15,940 --> 00:23:19,400 ♫ The years spin and twist ♫ 312 00:23:19,400 --> 00:23:22,780 ♫ Or our mistakes repeat ♫ 313 00:23:22,780 --> 00:23:25,060 ♫ I know you will be with me ♫ 314 00:23:25,060 --> 00:23:26,940 I envy you. 315 00:23:26,940 --> 00:23:31,001 I didn't expect you to think of something so wonderful when you were dying. 316 00:23:32,060 --> 00:23:36,030 But then, you broke the promise. 317 00:23:40,380 --> 00:23:42,620 Then, we'll watch it again this year. 318 00:23:43,420 --> 00:23:46,360 I'll watch the fireworks with you again. 319 00:23:46,360 --> 00:23:49,020 ♫ To gain your companionship ♫ 320 00:23:50,820 --> 00:23:52,700 Promise me one more thing. 321 00:23:52,700 --> 00:23:54,190 What is it? 322 00:23:57,000 --> 00:24:03,700 This time, we'll either not say our promises out loud to each other, 323 00:24:03,700 --> 00:24:07,120 or... we'll keep our promises till the end of our lives. 324 00:24:09,300 --> 00:24:10,740 Okay. 325 00:24:13,420 --> 00:24:17,037 Neither of us can break the promise. 326 00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:23,600 In that case, let's make a pinky promise. 327 00:24:28,860 --> 00:24:34,040 - One hundred years. - No change in lifetimes. 328 00:24:34,580 --> 00:24:37,200 ♫ Under the flourishing phoenix tree ♫ 329 00:24:37,200 --> 00:24:39,860 ♫ Waiting for you to turn around as if you could sense me ♫ 330 00:24:39,860 --> 00:24:43,302 Official Xie, do you plead guilty to the accusation 331 00:24:43,302 --> 00:24:47,760 of hiring someone to assassinate Princess Pingyue for you? 332 00:24:50,100 --> 00:24:52,720 Young Official Pei, 333 00:24:52,720 --> 00:24:56,520 didn't I teach you on the day you joined the Ministry of Justice 334 00:24:56,520 --> 00:24:59,900 that you need evidence when handling cases? 335 00:24:59,900 --> 00:25:04,940 Li Rong's assumptions alone won't convict me. 336 00:25:04,940 --> 00:25:06,980 I have evidence! 337 00:25:10,360 --> 00:25:14,420 The money Official Xie used to pay for the assassination is marked with the Xie Family's mark. 338 00:25:17,465 --> 00:25:20,480 [Taiji Hall] 339 00:25:20,480 --> 00:25:24,620 Your Majesty, the former Minister of Justice, Xie Lanqing, 340 00:25:24,620 --> 00:25:27,020 instructed an organization in the martial world, Seven-stars Sect, 341 00:25:27,020 --> 00:25:30,820 to assassinate Princess Pingyue and Prince Consort, Pei Wenxuan. 342 00:25:30,820 --> 00:25:32,380 The evidence is conclusive. 343 00:25:32,380 --> 00:25:33,820 According to the Great Xia's law, 344 00:25:33,820 --> 00:25:36,480 the crimes of committing rebellion and hiring someone to assassinate others 345 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:40,880 should be sentenced to death. 346 00:25:47,260 --> 00:25:51,020 But Xie Lanqing is a minister who's worked for both you and the late emperor, 347 00:25:51,020 --> 00:25:55,820 once made contributions to the nation, and served you with sincerity. 348 00:25:55,820 --> 00:25:59,300 So the Ministry of Justice suggests that the merits and demerits should offset each other 349 00:25:59,300 --> 00:26:02,180 and he should be sentenced to exile in the Northern desert. 350 00:26:03,660 --> 00:26:06,780 Any objections? 351 00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:20,680 Your Majesty, 352 00:26:21,500 --> 00:26:24,780 the Qin Family's case and the case of the embezzlement of military provisions and funds 353 00:26:24,780 --> 00:26:27,020 have been investigated by the Inspectorate Office for months, 354 00:26:27,020 --> 00:26:29,500 and have now come into clarity. 355 00:26:29,500 --> 00:26:31,980 I request to close the cases. 356 00:26:31,980 --> 00:26:33,460 Granted! 357 00:26:40,980 --> 00:26:42,500 Your Highness. 358 00:26:45,540 --> 00:26:46,860 Vice Minister Su. 359 00:26:46,860 --> 00:26:48,640 I wonder if you are available. 360 00:26:48,640 --> 00:26:50,820 Official Su, what's the matter? 361 00:26:50,820 --> 00:26:52,740 Now that the cases have been closed, 362 00:26:52,740 --> 00:26:57,020 there will be a break tomorrow to welcome the Spring Festival. 363 00:26:57,020 --> 00:27:02,500 If there's anything you want to discuss, why don't you wait until after the Spring Festival? 364 00:27:02,500 --> 00:27:05,740 Official Pei, don't be nervous. It's not about me. 365 00:27:05,740 --> 00:27:09,440 It's Official Xie. He wants to see you, Your Highness. 366 00:27:47,460 --> 00:27:50,320 Your Highness, have some tea. 367 00:27:57,100 --> 00:28:00,020 Official Su, have some tea, too. 368 00:28:03,160 --> 00:28:04,640 Thank you. 369 00:28:14,980 --> 00:28:17,180 Why don't you pour yourself one? 370 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:21,100 There is a chip in the cup. I can't use it. 371 00:28:23,260 --> 00:28:25,620 I'll just use yours. 372 00:28:28,300 --> 00:28:29,780 Official Su. 373 00:28:42,020 --> 00:28:44,980 Your Highness, do you still want some more? 374 00:28:47,160 --> 00:28:51,220 There's no way there's a chipped cup in my mansion. 375 00:28:51,220 --> 00:28:53,665 Just keep acting. 376 00:28:53,665 --> 00:28:55,340 [Ministry of Justice] 377 00:28:56,380 --> 00:28:58,460 Have you met her? 378 00:29:00,280 --> 00:29:02,080 Lin Xia. 379 00:29:03,980 --> 00:29:06,100 You've met her before, haven't you? 380 00:29:11,660 --> 00:29:13,260 I haven't. 381 00:29:14,100 --> 00:29:15,980 I've been in Huajing. 382 00:29:15,980 --> 00:29:19,660 And she died two years ago. 383 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,600 She died two years ago? 384 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:25,500 You didn't know? 385 00:29:29,380 --> 00:29:31,060 This is not surprising. 386 00:29:32,340 --> 00:29:34,620 Twenty years. 387 00:29:34,620 --> 00:29:37,360 You never went to see her in the past 20 years. 388 00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:41,060 Although I haven't met her, 389 00:29:41,060 --> 00:29:45,700 I may still know what you want to know. 390 00:29:46,380 --> 00:29:48,160 Xie Lanqing, that old man. 391 00:29:48,160 --> 00:29:50,840 His control over the Ministry of Justice has gone too far. 392 00:29:51,740 --> 00:29:55,680 Don't be angry. I've found Xie Lanqing's weakness. 393 00:29:57,880 --> 00:30:02,700 There's a swordswoman named Lin Xia, born into a famous martial family. 394 00:30:02,700 --> 00:30:04,440 When she was young, she came to Huajing accidentally. 395 00:30:04,440 --> 00:30:09,280 While she was in Huajing, she accidentally met Xie Lanqing, a young master back then. 396 00:30:09,280 --> 00:30:13,800 They had a child named Lin Feibai. 397 00:30:13,800 --> 00:30:15,700 Lin Feibai? 398 00:30:16,780 --> 00:30:19,760 - Go ahead and ask me anything you want. - Is Lin Feibai... 399 00:30:20,860 --> 00:30:22,980 really my child? 400 00:30:22,980 --> 00:30:25,106 Yes. 401 00:30:25,106 --> 00:30:30,220 You were in love with Lin Xia, but had to break up with her due to pressure from your family. 402 00:30:30,220 --> 00:30:33,260 She was pregnant with Lin Feibai at that time. 403 00:30:33,260 --> 00:30:35,020 But she didn't tell me. 404 00:30:35,020 --> 00:30:37,120 Why would she tell you? 405 00:30:37,120 --> 00:30:39,460 You couldn't marry her. 406 00:30:39,460 --> 00:30:43,100 And she had no intention of marrying anyone else. 407 00:30:43,100 --> 00:30:46,620 So this child was her only hope. 408 00:30:46,620 --> 00:30:50,340 Because of this child, she could not be accepted by her family and clan 409 00:30:50,340 --> 00:30:53,620 and had to follow her junior sister into hiding. 410 00:30:53,620 --> 00:30:58,640 Finally, she had no choice but to write to you and ask for money. 411 00:30:58,640 --> 00:31:02,120 You should have been relieved at the time, right? 412 00:31:02,120 --> 00:31:04,920 You felt you would no longer owe this woman. 413 00:31:05,600 --> 00:31:08,900 So you gave her Qinqu Mountain with a stroke of your pen. 414 00:31:08,900 --> 00:31:13,460 Later, she established the Seven-star Sect and was surrounded by her right and left guardians. 415 00:31:13,460 --> 00:31:16,660 Rumor in the martial world had it that she was having an affair 416 00:31:16,660 --> 00:31:20,020 with her right guardian, her senior brother, Lin Fei. 417 00:31:20,020 --> 00:31:24,260 So you thought Lin Feibai was Lin Fei's child. 418 00:31:25,960 --> 00:31:27,980 After all... 419 00:31:27,980 --> 00:31:32,240 Lin Feibai's existence was known to Xie Lanqing a year later. 420 00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:38,900 In other words, Lin Feibai's real age is not 20, but 21. 421 00:31:38,900 --> 00:31:41,860 Lin Xia hid the exact time she gave birth to her son. 422 00:31:41,860 --> 00:31:44,780 When Xie Lanqing found out, it was already a year later. 423 00:31:44,780 --> 00:31:48,620 So he never thought it would be his child. 424 00:31:48,620 --> 00:31:52,340 Lin Xia spent her whole life on Qinqu Mountain. 425 00:31:52,340 --> 00:31:56,260 Lin Xia spent her whole life on Qinqu Mountain, 426 00:31:56,260 --> 00:32:00,020 and even when she was dying, she thought of you and asked people to get to you. 427 00:32:01,000 --> 00:32:03,000 But you didn't want to go and see her. 428 00:32:03,600 --> 00:32:08,740 Your Highness, I'm sure you're back, too, aren't you? 429 00:32:08,740 --> 00:32:11,140 Official Xie, what else would you like to ask? 430 00:32:13,120 --> 00:32:16,980 If no, I'll be leaving. 431 00:32:19,620 --> 00:32:21,880 Did she hate me? 432 00:32:28,760 --> 00:32:32,720 I don't know... about this. 433 00:32:32,720 --> 00:32:36,820 But there's one thing I'm curious about. 434 00:32:38,260 --> 00:32:40,340 Did you ever love her? 435 00:32:44,780 --> 00:32:47,080 I dare not say it. 436 00:32:48,880 --> 00:32:53,600 Love is nothing to you. 437 00:32:54,740 --> 00:32:59,900 But I pity Lin Xia, for her life of wandering and loneliness, 438 00:32:59,900 --> 00:33:02,740 being trapped by a man like you. 439 00:33:02,740 --> 00:33:07,860 I wanted her to have a good life. 440 00:33:07,860 --> 00:33:10,600 I was young and ignorant. 441 00:33:10,600 --> 00:33:14,460 I thought if I risked my life, I could protect both of us. 442 00:33:14,460 --> 00:33:18,860 Only then did I realize that I was not qualified to talk about love 443 00:33:18,860 --> 00:33:21,460 when I was a member of my family. 444 00:33:21,460 --> 00:33:27,980 If I married her, my family's centuries-old reputation would become a laughingstock. 445 00:33:29,140 --> 00:33:32,280 My family couldn't tolerate me being with her. 446 00:33:32,280 --> 00:33:34,820 Death was nothing to me. 447 00:33:36,860 --> 00:33:39,200 But what about her? 448 00:33:40,460 --> 00:33:46,000 Why did a heavenly being... end up in the mortal world? 449 00:33:47,260 --> 00:33:50,740 Even though Lin Xia was a respectable swordswoman, 450 00:33:50,740 --> 00:33:56,020 she was also a foolish woman infatuated with her feelings. 451 00:33:56,020 --> 00:34:02,080 Why did a heavenly being end up in the mortal world? 452 00:34:13,140 --> 00:34:18,000 I let her go because I wanted her to live well. 453 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:20,640 I didn't go to see her 454 00:34:20,640 --> 00:34:26,880 because I knew it would be meaningless, so why make her become more heartbroken? 455 00:34:26,880 --> 00:34:28,900 It's not that I didn't love her. 456 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:33,220 It's just that I was not worthy of it, and I dared not love her. 457 00:34:33,220 --> 00:34:37,720 That's because of your status. 458 00:34:40,380 --> 00:34:45,740 I didn't expect you to understand so much at such a young age. 459 00:34:45,740 --> 00:34:49,760 But I've spent my whole life thinking these through. 460 00:34:49,760 --> 00:34:56,900 I want to protect my family, this noble name, and this noble lineage. 461 00:34:56,900 --> 00:35:02,860 You're a descendant of the royal family, but you married a man who's a commoner. 462 00:35:02,860 --> 00:35:07,660 It's fine that he's a commoner, but you listened to him 463 00:35:07,660 --> 00:35:10,820 and cut off the noble families from the crown prince. 464 00:35:13,260 --> 00:35:21,820 Your Highness, I'd like to ask you why you're doing all this. 465 00:35:23,260 --> 00:35:28,660 For the sake of making the son of that humble woman, Consort Rou, ascend the throne? 466 00:35:34,260 --> 00:35:37,130 All Her Highness has done 467 00:35:37,130 --> 00:35:43,300 is to stop people like you from asking why. 468 00:35:46,900 --> 00:35:51,480 What she seeks in the world is not for the family to be the most important 469 00:35:51,480 --> 00:35:56,780 but for all people to live a happy life with hope. 470 00:35:57,780 --> 00:35:59,520 It may not be realized today. 471 00:35:59,520 --> 00:36:02,620 It may not be realized in a hundred years or a thousand years. 472 00:36:02,620 --> 00:36:05,960 But Her Highness still hopes that one day, 473 00:36:05,960 --> 00:36:10,660 there will be no more people like you asking what you did wrong, 474 00:36:10,660 --> 00:36:17,520 and no more people like you accusing Her Highness of being a royal descendant married to a commoner. 475 00:36:25,180 --> 00:36:31,660 Pei Wenxuan has already answered your question. 476 00:36:31,660 --> 00:36:35,800 You can leave in peace on your journey. 477 00:36:46,240 --> 00:36:47,900 Vice Minister Su. 478 00:36:48,940 --> 00:36:53,080 If there's nothing else, we'll be going. 479 00:36:53,080 --> 00:36:56,580 Your Highness, please. 480 00:37:09,100 --> 00:37:13,680 The biggest mistake in Official Xie's life 481 00:37:13,680 --> 00:37:19,000 is that he shouldn't have allowed himself to be carried away even if he was deeply in love. 482 00:37:22,180 --> 00:37:24,940 Are you the same, Vice Minister Su? 483 00:37:26,500 --> 00:37:32,920 In your world, you can even kill your beloved for the sake of your family? 484 00:37:38,520 --> 00:37:41,860 Why are you saying such an unfortunate thing out of the blue? 485 00:37:41,860 --> 00:37:43,480 I'm just asking. 486 00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:45,180 Vice Minister Su won't mind. 487 00:37:45,180 --> 00:37:47,120 I do mind. 488 00:37:48,380 --> 00:37:52,900 Official Pei, please don't make fun of my beloved. 489 00:37:56,180 --> 00:37:59,760 Vice Minister Su, do you have a beloved? 490 00:38:01,580 --> 00:38:05,906 ♫ It's like standing on the edge of a bottomless abyss ♫ 491 00:38:05,906 --> 00:38:08,546 Yes or no... 492 00:38:09,500 --> 00:38:13,210 it's not something you should make fun of, Official Pei. 493 00:38:17,400 --> 00:38:19,730 I'm sorry for speaking out of turn. 494 00:38:21,060 --> 00:38:26,770 But you haven't addressed me as Your Highness, have you? 495 00:38:26,770 --> 00:38:30,240 ♫ But the wind in the valley gently ceases ♫ 496 00:38:30,240 --> 00:38:35,420 Now, the prince consort's rank is higher than that of the investigating censor of the Censorate. 497 00:38:35,420 --> 00:38:39,320 You come from a prestigious family, so you should abide by the rules. 498 00:38:39,320 --> 00:38:43,080 Don't make that mistake again. 499 00:38:45,860 --> 00:38:47,460 Let's go, Your Highness. 500 00:38:48,340 --> 00:38:50,154 Your Highness. 501 00:38:51,160 --> 00:38:54,660 ♫ The moment I see the sunset ♫ 502 00:38:54,660 --> 00:38:56,300 As the Spring Festival is approaching, 503 00:38:56,300 --> 00:39:01,420 I would like to wish you a happy new year, and all the best early. 504 00:39:01,420 --> 00:39:05,380 ♫ The budding branches gradually collapse as spring doesn't understand summer ♫ 505 00:39:05,380 --> 00:39:10,280 Official Su, I also wish you a happy new year and a bright future. 506 00:39:12,860 --> 00:39:14,620 Thank you, Your Highness. 507 00:39:21,760 --> 00:39:27,540 ♫ Unable to bring myself to move forward ♫ 508 00:39:27,540 --> 00:39:29,740 What's on your mind? 509 00:39:29,750 --> 00:39:33,680 ♫ There's no need to be afraid ♫ 510 00:39:33,680 --> 00:39:38,220 I think... he's a bit familiar. 511 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:44,600 You mean... 512 00:39:45,463 --> 00:39:49,333 I think he's more like the old him now. 513 00:39:49,333 --> 00:39:55,760 ♫ You understand I only wish to pacify the chaos of the world for you ♫ 514 00:39:55,760 --> 00:39:57,960 ♫ The sound of rain ♫ 515 00:39:57,960 --> 00:40:00,264 I hope I'm overthinking this. 516 00:40:01,120 --> 00:40:03,100 Let's go. 517 00:40:06,040 --> 00:40:10,115 [Su Mansion] 518 00:40:12,020 --> 00:40:16,860 The conversation at the Ministry of Justice has proved that Her Highness is back. 519 00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:21,060 No wonder she treated me that way at the Spring Banquet. 520 00:40:21,060 --> 00:40:26,000 Her Highness must remember our time together at the Princess's Mansion. 521 00:40:28,260 --> 00:40:32,260 But last time, Her Highness and the prince consort ended so badly, 522 00:40:32,260 --> 00:40:37,320 why is she still with Pei Wenxuan this time? 523 00:40:39,260 --> 00:40:42,060 Is Pei Wenxuan back? 524 00:40:51,240 --> 00:40:58,020 This time, I have to protect both my family and Her Highness. 525 00:40:58,020 --> 00:41:01,260 Your Highness, wait for me. 526 00:41:02,990 --> 00:41:13,160 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 527 00:41:13,160 --> 00:41:16,600 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 528 00:41:16,600 --> 00:41:20,180 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 529 00:41:20,180 --> 00:41:23,520 ♫ In the night's piercing winds ♫ 530 00:41:23,520 --> 00:41:27,040 ♫ Why is she singing? ♫ 531 00:41:27,040 --> 00:41:30,480 ♫ The wind caresses the hills ♫ 532 00:41:30,480 --> 00:41:33,890 ♫ The wind causes ripples in the water ♫ 533 00:41:33,890 --> 00:41:40,560 ♫ Moonlight graces passing souls ♫ 534 00:42:08,700 --> 00:42:12,080 ♫ Her pace slows ♫ 535 00:42:12,080 --> 00:42:15,500 ♫ As she walks the long path ♫ 536 00:42:15,500 --> 00:42:19,026 ♫ Memories are forgotten and recall again ♫ 537 00:42:19,026 --> 00:42:22,467 ♫ Gazing idly as the clouds pass ♫ 538 00:42:22,467 --> 00:42:26,000 ♫ She holds a red candle ♫ 539 00:42:26,000 --> 00:42:29,346 ♫ Traversing the thick fog, unafraid ♫ 540 00:42:29,346 --> 00:42:32,900 ♫ Life can be bitter sometimes ♫ 541 00:42:32,900 --> 00:42:36,300 ♫ Experience it and carry on with grace ♫ 542 00:42:36,300 --> 00:42:39,833 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 543 00:42:39,833 --> 00:42:43,220 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 544 00:42:43,220 --> 00:42:49,190 ♫ Neither warmth nor cold will last ♫ 545 00:42:50,160 --> 00:42:53,660 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 546 00:42:53,660 --> 00:42:57,020 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 547 00:42:57,020 --> 00:43:03,780 ♫ The moonlight reflects in her eyes ♫ 548 00:43:31,660 --> 00:43:38,720 ♫ In her gaze, an unwavering faith remains ♫