1
00:00:07,600 --> 00:00:08,920
SAY NO TO PIRACY,
SUPPORT ORIGINAL WORKS
2
00:01:37,160 --> 00:01:42,120
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL EMPRESS CHU
BY XI XING, AVAILABLE ON QIDIAN.COM
3
00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:47,920
BAMBOO INK AND SLABS
4
00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:49,000
BROCARD AND SILK
5
00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:51,000
In life before,
6
00:01:51,080 --> 00:01:53,480
the Anping Rebellion
erupted 25 days later,
7
00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:55,680
same day
of my wedding the following month.
8
00:01:56,280 --> 00:01:58,880
If this marriage had never taken place,
9
00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:03,000
the two princes
Could they have survived?
10
00:02:03,080 --> 00:02:05,000
Could the rebellion have been avoided?
11
00:02:06,600 --> 00:02:07,560
Following.
12
00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:09,400
Sir, I only have herbs.
13
00:02:09,479 --> 00:02:10,639
Keep the rhythm in mind.
14
00:02:10,720 --> 00:02:11,840
- Like that.
- Quickly.
15
00:02:17,920 --> 00:02:19,000
It’s him.
16
00:02:23,200 --> 00:02:24,040
Fu Jiu.
17
00:02:26,360 --> 00:02:27,400
Aren't you in Yunzhong?
18
00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:32,360
I act under orders
of the general to escort your dowry.
19
00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:34,520
I will leave after the wedding.
20
00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:37,120
Can you take me away from here?
21
00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:40,360
NOW.
22
00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:46,200
I only obey the general's orders.
23
00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:01,880
Are you in trouble?
24
00:03:13,280 --> 00:03:14,440
No.
25
00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:33,560
I'm staying at the hostel.
26
00:03:33,640 --> 00:03:36,440
If you need
anything, tell me.
27
00:03:41,920 --> 00:03:44,520
Miss, what is happening to you?
28
00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:46,080
His Highness cherishes you so much.
29
00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:47,280
The gifts are piling up.
30
00:03:47,360 --> 00:03:48,600
The wedding is coming.
31
00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:49,760
Why this change?
32
00:03:49,840 --> 00:03:52,240
If you miss the general,
we can write to him.
33
00:03:52,320 --> 00:03:53,400
I have to go back.
34
00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:59,320
I have to see my father.
35
00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:03,040
I am surrounded by Xiao Xun's spies.
36
00:04:03,560 --> 00:04:05,680
I have to find a way to escape.
37
00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:08,080
Never again
38
00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:11,000
I will not let history repeat itself.
39
00:04:11,080 --> 00:04:14,760
GAOYANG COUNTY
40
00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:28,120
Xie Yanlai, under the name Fu Jiu,
41
00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:31,360
is now in the Capital
as Chu Ling's right-hand man.
42
00:04:31,440 --> 00:04:34,000
My dear brother is truly remarkable,
43
00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:36,280
worthy of the general's trust
44
00:04:36,880 --> 00:04:39,000
to the point of escorting
the dowry of his beloved daughter.
45
00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:40,800
What about Chu Ling?
46
00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:43,280
Facing a lineage
century old like the Xie clan,
47
00:04:43,360 --> 00:04:44,960
he is just a simple general.
48
00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:48,440
Your older sister is a princess
heiress, with a son destined for the throne.
49
00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:51,080
- Your influence at court…
- Watch your tongue.
50
00:04:51,160 --> 00:04:54,320
XIE YANFANG, PREMIER OF CHU
51
00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:59,080
Although my family
had several great chancellors,
52
00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:02,080
we remained strangers
to the nobility of the Capital.
53
00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,800
Five years ago,
I claimed declining health
54
00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:06,400
to return to Gaoyang,
55
00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:09,400
all this to reassure His Majesty.
56
00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:11,400
However, you
57
00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:13,840
after all this time by my side,
58
00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:15,640
you still don't know how to keep quiet.
59
00:05:16,840 --> 00:05:18,320
My apologies, sir.
60
00:05:18,400 --> 00:05:19,560
I beg your pardon.
61
00:05:20,880 --> 00:05:25,080
I fear
that by dint of frequenting Chu Ling,
62
00:05:25,640 --> 00:05:27,880
his loyalty has not wavered.
63
00:05:28,840 --> 00:05:30,920
Five years without firm authority,
64
00:05:31,440 --> 00:05:33,960
and even the most obedient
end up forgetting each other.
65
00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:37,040
When he returns,
66
00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:39,680
I will break his fangs
and cut off its wings.
67
00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:41,760
He will learn.
68
00:05:43,840 --> 00:05:45,240
My dog never bites
69
00:05:46,560 --> 00:05:48,040
the hand that raised him.
70
00:05:48,120 --> 00:05:50,240
As for Xiao Xun…
71
00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:53,000
Her marriage approaching,
72
00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:55,800
so let's have a toast.
73
00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:58,440
Your Highness,
74
00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:00,880
according to our spies,
Xie Yanfang prepares his carriage
75
00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:02,320
and seems to come out.
76
00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:07,400
He retired to Gaoyang
under the pretext of poor health
77
00:06:07,920 --> 00:06:09,000
five years ago,
78
00:06:09,600 --> 00:06:15,560
while remaining close to the Capital.
79
00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:17,960
When Chu Ling was exiled,
80
00:06:18,040 --> 00:06:19,680
the Xie family grabbed what they could,
81
00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:22,800
placing his men in ministries.
82
00:06:22,880 --> 00:06:25,920
NOW
that the two princes tear each other apart,
83
00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,960
Are they trying to intervene like us?
84
00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:29,960
Easier to say
85
00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:32,840
what to do.
86
00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:35,560
Tie Ying.
87
00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:39,520
There is something
which I don't understand.
88
00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:45,560
Why is Zhao suddenly so cold?
89
00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:49,480
Did anyone speak?
90
00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:52,760
Did anyone alert her?
91
00:06:54,360 --> 00:06:56,600
My loyalty to you is absolute.
92
00:07:01,080 --> 00:07:02,240
Enough.
93
00:07:03,200 --> 00:07:04,040
Get up.
94
00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:06,400
I know where you are standing.
95
00:07:07,560 --> 00:07:09,720
But given this turnaround,
96
00:07:10,360 --> 00:07:13,720
we can't wait any longer.
97
00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:17,840
We will use the third tomorrow
prince to eliminate the crown prince.
98
00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:20,800
His fall will push the other to rebel,
99
00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:23,640
and I will intervene to restore order.
100
00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,560
But Zhao is an unknown.
101
00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:29,640
The longer we wait,
the greater the risk.
102
00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:55,320
THE. What is happening?
103
00:07:55,920 --> 00:07:57,080
The third prince turned around
104
00:07:57,160 --> 00:07:58,720
against the crown prince. A coup d'état.
105
00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:02,200
It was supposed to happen
the wedding day, next month.
106
00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:04,320
Why so early?
107
00:08:09,160 --> 00:08:11,120
His Highness orders your protection.
108
00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:14,440
Please stay at Chu Manor
until further notice.
109
00:08:14,520 --> 00:08:16,360
ANPING REBELLION – PAST LIFE
110
00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:19,280
- Where is Xun?
- His Highness orders your protection.
111
00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:21,640
Please stay at Chu Manor.
112
00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:28,720
It starts exactly like the rebellion...
113
00:08:51,280 --> 00:08:54,760
His brother, Chu Lan, poisoned
the Emperor's eldest grandson
114
00:08:54,840 --> 00:08:56,240
the first year of Anping.
115
00:08:57,760 --> 00:08:59,400
Miss, what is it?
116
00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:00,800
Let's run away.
117
00:09:00,880 --> 00:09:03,480
Le, go pick up Fu Jiu from the inn.
118
00:09:03,560 --> 00:09:04,600
And you ?
119
00:09:04,680 --> 00:09:06,040
I save the imperial grandson.
120
00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:07,880
Miss, your life is priority.
121
00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:09,600
Why do you care about him?
122
00:09:09,680 --> 00:09:11,920
If he really dies
by the hand of my uncle,
123
00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:14,240
no member of my family
will then be spared.
124
00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:16,000
The, go ahead.
125
00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:17,840
- Quickly.
- Understood.
126
00:09:25,920 --> 00:09:29,560
If my uncle is really the culprit,
127
00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:33,040
then the imperial grandson is with him.
128
00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:46,120
CHU LAN, UNCLE OF CHU ZHAO
129
00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:50,600
So, it was him...
130
00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:54,040
He was working
for Xiao Xun from the beginning.
131
00:09:54,800 --> 00:09:57,960
The poisoning of the crown prince,
the capture of the third prince
132
00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:00,640
and the murder of the imperial grandson
were the work of Xiao Xun.
133
00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:04,360
He was
behind the rebellion from the start.
134
00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:12,680
IMPERIAL ANCESTRAL TEMPLE
135
00:10:12,760 --> 00:10:16,040
Your Highness,
the army is ready and waiting for your orders.
136
00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:18,320
Take your men
and massacre all the people
137
00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,320
of the crown prince's palace.
138
00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:23,360
Yes, Your Highness.
139
00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:26,080
Once the imperial palace was taken,
140
00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:28,720
the throne will have a new master.
141
00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,160
The third prince
poisoned the heir,
142
00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:34,120
massacred the Eastern Palace
143
00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:36,960
and started a rebellion.
144
00:10:37,040 --> 00:10:39,200
He deserves to die!
145
00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:42,960
Rest assured, Your Highness.
146
00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:47,680
I will hold the throne for you.
147
00:10:54,640 --> 00:10:57,600
Don't be afraid. I am Chu Zhao,
daughter of General Chu Ling.
148
00:10:57,680 --> 00:10:58,520
Follow me.
149
00:10:58,600 --> 00:10:59,920
Silence.
150
00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,880
Xiao Xun massacred the Eastern Palace.
151
00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:04,600
As his fiancée,
you are complicit.
152
00:11:04,680 --> 00:11:06,160
Don't play savior!
153
00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:09,400
I am linked to him,
but my family serves the Crown.
154
00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:12,840
You came to Chu Manor
because you know it.
155
00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:13,760
Isn't it?
156
00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:19,080
His Majesty entrusted me
the guard of His Highness
157
00:11:19,600 --> 00:11:22,240
and the mission to find
Chu Lan in case of danger.
158
00:11:22,320 --> 00:11:24,680
But where is he?
159
00:11:24,760 --> 00:11:25,920
My uncle got sick.
160
00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:27,640
I need to get you out before I leave.
161
00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:32,720
My father has
the absolute confidence of the Emperor.
162
00:11:33,320 --> 00:11:37,400
Xiao Xun's men
are approaching, and we are defenseless.
163
00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:40,200
To wait is to surrender.
164
00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:43,440
Our only chance is to escape now.
165
00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:47,720
If it's not safe here,
166
00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:49,680
so where to go?
167
00:11:50,720 --> 00:11:53,560
What can you do?
168
00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:01,040
We are going to Yunzhong.
169
00:12:02,640 --> 00:12:06,600
See my father.
General of the Guard, Chu Ling.
170
00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:24,040
Mr. Fu.
171
00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:26,200
Mr. Fu.
172
00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:29,320
Where is Chu Zhao?
173
00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:32,640
She had to save
the imperial grandson but has disappeared.
174
00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:34,000
She had to flee.
175
00:12:35,720 --> 00:12:37,400
Everyone, let's go find Chu Zhao.
176
00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:38,640
I'm coming too.
177
00:12:39,160 --> 00:12:41,920
Stay here. You will slow me down.
178
00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:44,720
CHU MANOR
179
00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:47,200
CHU MANOR
180
00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:52,560
The Flame Decree.
181
00:12:56,120 --> 00:12:58,800
Have it triggered in an hour.
182
00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:00,720
Let's go.
183
00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:09,160
EASTERN PALACE
184
00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:17,880
Your Highness, we have searched everything.
185
00:13:17,960 --> 00:13:19,240
No survivors.
186
00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,560
How is Zhao? What about Chu Manor?
187
00:13:22,640 --> 00:13:24,360
We have men on site.
188
00:13:28,560 --> 00:13:30,000
Your Highness,
189
00:13:31,040 --> 00:13:35,600
I hope you and Yu
will soon be reunited
190
00:13:36,280 --> 00:13:38,040
with the crown prince.
191
00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:47,960
It's not Xiao Yu.
192
00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:11,160
Rest assured.
193
00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:13,440
My father sent an escort with the dowry.
194
00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:15,240
They must come and get us.
195
00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:17,760
- All right.
- Check there!
196
00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:21,560
Le, find Jiu, please.
197
00:14:22,160 --> 00:14:23,520
At the time,
198
00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:27,280
Chu Ling had trained
for me the Longwei army,
199
00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:29,480
with fire as a signal.
200
00:14:30,320 --> 00:14:34,160
Only the Flame Decree
could command their blades.
201
00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:40,120
He promised me
that as long as they existed,
202
00:14:41,120 --> 00:14:44,320
I would never be in danger.
203
00:14:44,920 --> 00:14:46,640
He broke his promise.
204
00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:52,560
He broke it.
205
00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:37,760
Your Highness,
you had to stay safe.
206
00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:48,040
With all this chaos, I was terrified
207
00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:50,320
and I was looking for Xun
208
00:15:50,400 --> 00:15:52,640
when I came across His Highness.
209
00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:54,880
Tie Ying, that’s good.
210
00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:58,520
Help me escort him to the palace.
211
00:15:58,600 --> 00:15:59,880
I see.
212
00:16:00,480 --> 00:16:02,880
I will do it
take you back to the mansion.
213
00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:05,280
Entrust it to me.
214
00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:11,040
He's too upset to leave me.
215
00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:13,720
Where is Xun?
216
00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:19,360
Maybe we can wait for him here.
217
00:16:19,440 --> 00:16:21,360
I must insist.
218
00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:33,360
Return it to me immediately.
219
00:17:52,680 --> 00:17:54,400
Why did it take you so long?
220
00:18:03,800 --> 00:18:07,560
Chu Zhao, I'm taking you to Yunzhong.
221
00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:10,240
- Fall back.
- Wait.
222
00:18:14,120 --> 00:18:16,360
My orders allow no delay.
223
00:18:16,880 --> 00:18:22,200
The general's orders
are to bring you back alive.
224
00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:25,640
Zhao, are you leaving?
225
00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:28,160
You don't take me
at my grandfather's?
226
00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:36,000
What is your relationship
with Xie Yanfang?
227
00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:39,760
Tell me.
228
00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:43,680
What…
229
00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:46,920
is your link?
230
00:18:50,280 --> 00:18:51,800
Why does this matter?
231
00:18:52,560 --> 00:18:54,000
This is Xiao Yu, son of the crown prince
232
00:18:54,600 --> 00:18:56,320
and sole heir to the throne.
233
00:18:58,360 --> 00:19:00,800
Fu Jiu, you must protect him.
234
00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:04,040
I follow military orders,
not yours.
235
00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:10,880
A force is approaching.
236
00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:15,480
- What are you doing ?
- I'm evacuating you.
237
00:19:16,080 --> 00:19:18,200
-No one else matters.
- And him?
238
00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:21,240
If it is destined to survive, it will survive.
239
00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:24,800
Otherwise, it is not worth
no point dying for him.
240
00:19:25,640 --> 00:19:27,840
- Stay here and protect him.
- Yes.
241
00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:30,960
Zhao!
242
00:19:36,520 --> 00:19:39,320
Back then, Jiu got me out of here
exactly like that.
243
00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:46,120
ANPING REBELLION – PAST LIFE
244
00:19:47,800 --> 00:19:49,680
Stop. Rest me.
245
00:19:49,760 --> 00:19:50,800
I have to find Xun.
246
00:19:50,880 --> 00:19:54,000
My mission is
to bring you back safely to Yunzhong.
247
00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:58,560
My mission is
to bring you back safely to Yunzhong.
248
00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:02,000
Xiao Xun will not ascend the throne.
249
00:20:11,040 --> 00:20:12,800
Chu Zhao, have you lost your mind?
250
00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:14,920
- I have to go back.
- No !
251
00:20:16,920 --> 00:20:17,760
Move.
252
00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:23,560
Fu Jiu, you have to keep me alive,
otherwise you will disobey orders.
253
00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:59,240
- This way, quickly!
- There !
254
00:21:00,640 --> 00:21:01,600
Zhao!
255
00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:47,040
NOBLE VIRTUE, ETERNAL GRACE
256
00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:53,360
Follow me and protect His Majesty!
257
00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:54,520
Yes !
258
00:22:04,360 --> 00:22:05,560
Others are still arriving.
259
00:22:06,080 --> 00:22:07,160
What do we do?
260
00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:08,640
No worries.
261
00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:11,600
I will die before you.
262
00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:46,640
He is there.
263
00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:50,320
By my order, search the city.
264
00:22:50,400 --> 00:22:53,520
Anyone who looks like
to the imperial grandson must be executed.
265
00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:56,760
The rest of you, follow me to the palace!
266
00:23:21,960 --> 00:23:23,040
Excuse me…
267
00:23:23,640 --> 00:23:25,040
Who triggered the Flame Decree?
268
00:23:25,120 --> 00:23:26,320
Me.
269
00:23:26,400 --> 00:23:30,520
The Longwei army exists
for more than ten years,
270
00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:32,640
but it is
the first time I see her.
271
00:23:33,720 --> 00:23:36,760
So my father orders
not only the border troops,
272
00:23:37,480 --> 00:23:39,320
but also this secret army.
273
00:23:41,600 --> 00:23:43,240
So it's the army
274
00:23:44,440 --> 00:23:45,360
that he was talking about.
275
00:23:50,640 --> 00:23:51,560
The Flame Decree.
276
00:23:51,640 --> 00:23:53,760
He commands a secret army.
277
00:23:53,840 --> 00:23:55,640
The late Emperor made me train them
278
00:23:55,720 --> 00:23:57,000
in secret for these moments.
279
00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:02,400
They will help you
to protect the Capital and Zhao.
280
00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:09,680
With them on our side,
281
00:24:10,400 --> 00:24:13,280
leave this place
becomes a little easier.
282
00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:16,480
Last time,
Xiao Xun marched on the palace
283
00:24:16,560 --> 00:24:18,240
and the decree was never triggered.
284
00:24:18,320 --> 00:24:20,520
The army remained unknown to everyone.
285
00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:25,880
But now she is
my trump card against his takeover.
286
00:24:25,960 --> 00:24:27,640
- Scouts.
- Yes !
287
00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:32,920
Go lead the way.
288
00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:34,440
Avoid Xiaonan's men.
289
00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:37,920
The rest of you, follow me
get out of town immediately!
290
00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:38,840
Yes !
291
00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:39,800
No, wait.
292
00:24:43,440 --> 00:24:46,640
With the army behind us,
there is no longer any need to flee.
293
00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:48,760
Where are you going ?
294
00:25:01,440 --> 00:25:02,920
At the palace.
295
00:25:08,120 --> 00:25:11,960
Your Majesty,
the two princes having fallen,
296
00:25:12,040 --> 00:25:15,200
the heir of the lord of Xiaonan
arrives to protect you.
297
00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:17,000
DENG YI, ASSISTANT CENSOR
298
00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:18,480
Your Majesty,
299
00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:20,920
you must act now.
300
00:25:21,000 --> 00:25:22,800
This brother of mine
301
00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:26,960
has always been patient.
302
00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:28,680
However,
303
00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:33,040
even he ended up breaking down.
304
00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:35,560
Tell me,
305
00:25:36,080 --> 00:25:41,200
who is truly worthy
to inherit my throne?
306
00:25:42,280 --> 00:25:44,800
Your Majesty, the one you are thinking of,
307
00:25:45,680 --> 00:25:46,920
is this the lord of Xiaonan
308
00:25:47,440 --> 00:25:49,040
or his son?
309
00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:00,960
After all these years,
310
00:26:01,560 --> 00:26:04,920
you are always the one
who understands me best.
311
00:26:06,760 --> 00:26:09,920
Go write the decree.
312
00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:12,840
Yes, Your Majesty.
313
00:26:34,760 --> 00:26:36,920
We escort His Highness to the palace.
314
00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:37,960
Open the doors!
315
00:26:38,680 --> 00:26:39,840
He's an imposter.
316
00:26:40,520 --> 00:26:41,680
His life is lost.
317
00:26:41,760 --> 00:26:44,000
At my command, bring him down!
318
00:27:02,520 --> 00:27:05,960
Your commander
betrayed and was executed!
319
00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:10,240
Redeem yourself now
and you will be forgiven.
320
00:27:10,840 --> 00:27:13,880
Those who resist will be killed!
321
00:27:40,200 --> 00:27:42,200
Can we win head on?
322
00:27:42,960 --> 00:27:44,600
The doors will give way.
323
00:27:45,200 --> 00:27:46,760
It's only a matter of time.
324
00:27:47,760 --> 00:27:51,160
As soon as Xiao Xun enters the city,
the first one he kills will be him.
325
00:27:51,920 --> 00:27:54,640
The second will be you.
326
00:27:59,400 --> 00:28:02,880
Did he really just charge?
327
00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:04,360
Break down the doors.
328
00:28:15,320 --> 00:28:16,160
Is it worth it?
329
00:28:18,320 --> 00:28:19,480
To try, yes.
330
00:28:22,520 --> 00:28:23,400
Alright.
331
00:28:24,640 --> 00:28:27,640
We will hold the gates as ordered,
332
00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:29,640
until death.
333
00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:39,320
Jiu.
334
00:28:40,200 --> 00:28:41,280
Take care of yourself.
335
00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:10,960
As the general said, if the doors
fall, we are no longer soldiers.
336
00:29:11,680 --> 00:29:15,200
If we have to die today,
let it be at these very doors!
337
00:29:15,280 --> 00:29:17,360
No retirement!
338
00:29:17,440 --> 00:29:19,080
No retirement!
339
00:29:19,160 --> 00:29:20,960
No retirement!
340
00:29:21,040 --> 00:29:23,400
No retirement!
341
00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:41,880
Xiao Xun is really ruthless.
342
00:29:41,960 --> 00:29:44,760
The entire Eastern Palace was massacred.
343
00:29:44,840 --> 00:29:46,400
Even the Crown Princess and her son…
344
00:29:50,560 --> 00:29:52,520
Nothing is real anymore
345
00:29:55,480 --> 00:29:57,400
than the blade and the blood.
346
00:29:59,680 --> 00:30:01,560
The Throne of the State of Chu
347
00:30:02,280 --> 00:30:06,200
will never belong to Xiao Xun.
348
00:30:11,160 --> 00:30:16,280
Du Qi, gather the troops
and marches towards the Capital.
349
00:30:22,440 --> 00:30:24,640
Your Highness, I have failed in my mission.
350
00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:29,200
I shouldn't have underestimated Chu Ling.
351
00:30:30,760 --> 00:30:33,520
The young lady
took the imperial grandson away.
352
00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:39,200
Zhao.
353
00:30:40,200 --> 00:30:42,080
You finally understood.
354
00:30:50,160 --> 00:30:53,080
Anyone who enters without permission will die.
355
00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:56,280
I am Chu Zhao, daughter of Chu Ling,
general of Yunzhong.
356
00:30:56,360 --> 00:30:59,040
I escorted His Highness
and I request an audience.
357
00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:12,120
TAIJI HALL
358
00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:34,520
Deng Yi?
359
00:31:36,120 --> 00:31:37,800
Do you know me?
360
00:31:37,880 --> 00:31:41,720
You were the Great Preceptor, man
whom Xiao Xun trusted the most.
361
00:31:42,320 --> 00:31:44,200
Of course I know you.
362
00:31:47,200 --> 00:31:48,480
It’s obvious
363
00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:51,720
that Deng Yi played
a role in the rebellion.
364
00:31:53,400 --> 00:31:58,400
We have met before.
365
00:32:15,800 --> 00:32:18,800
My respects, Your Highness.
366
00:32:23,640 --> 00:32:27,080
Her Majesty is unwell
and cannot receive you.
367
00:32:32,720 --> 00:32:35,560
You are making up a very twisted story.
368
00:32:36,440 --> 00:32:38,640
Should I accuse your clan of treason
369
00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:43,320
for this intrusion?
370
00:32:44,720 --> 00:32:46,440
What did Xiao Xun promise you?
371
00:32:47,120 --> 00:32:50,640
The Nine Distinctions or honors
for supporting his rise?
372
00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:54,280
The prince's heir is before you.
373
00:32:55,200 --> 00:33:00,280
What fact will leave
the best trace in history?
374
00:33:00,800 --> 00:33:04,320
Make a usurper king or guide
a young emperor on his way to glory?
375
00:33:06,880 --> 00:33:09,600
Do you really believe
that Xiao Xun, once on the throne,
376
00:33:09,680 --> 00:33:12,440
will spare a historian
who knows the truth
377
00:33:12,520 --> 00:33:13,800
on his rise?
378
00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:18,880
But if His Highness ascends the throne,
379
00:33:18,960 --> 00:33:20,960
you will become the founder of his reign,
380
00:33:21,040 --> 00:33:22,760
the first of ministers,
381
00:33:22,840 --> 00:33:26,120
master of history.
382
00:33:40,120 --> 00:33:41,320
Miss Chu,
383
00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:45,640
please escort
His Highness to the Emperor.
384
00:33:55,560 --> 00:33:58,440
TAIJI HALL
385
00:34:00,320 --> 00:34:02,520
- Your Highness.
- I'm Yu.
386
00:34:03,440 --> 00:34:04,280
Very good.
387
00:34:04,800 --> 00:34:07,840
Yu, from now on,
388
00:34:08,480 --> 00:34:12,159
our lives are linked.
389
00:34:13,960 --> 00:34:17,719
My father is the one
in whom Her Majesty trusted the most.
390
00:34:18,320 --> 00:34:22,360
And I want to be that person for you.
391
00:34:22,960 --> 00:34:24,800
I will always have more confidence in you.
392
00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:18,200
Your Majesty,
393
00:35:18,280 --> 00:35:22,000
Chu Zhao, daughter of Chu Ling,
brought back His Highness.
394
00:35:26,960 --> 00:35:29,480
I, daughter of Chu Ling,
general of the Yunzhong Guard,
395
00:35:29,560 --> 00:35:31,040
I offer you my respects.
396
00:35:37,320 --> 00:35:41,920
Like father, like daughter.
397
00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:46,800
Bold to the extreme
and without any restraint.
398
00:35:48,320 --> 00:35:52,120
Your Majesty,
this intrusion was not my intention.
399
00:35:52,720 --> 00:35:55,520
Mr. Qi led His Highness
home to take refuge,
400
00:35:55,600 --> 00:35:58,160
and my father's men
were in the Capital.
401
00:35:58,240 --> 00:35:59,080
In this situation,
402
00:35:59,160 --> 00:36:02,160
I mobilized
the Longwei army to protect the throne
403
00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:05,920
and ensure the return
safe from His Highness.
404
00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:10,280
Get up.
405
00:36:22,960 --> 00:36:24,400
Grandfather.
406
00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:40,840
I sent him away to protect him.
407
00:36:41,920 --> 00:36:46,280
And you bring him back
at the very heart of the danger.
408
00:36:46,360 --> 00:36:50,400
What is your intention?
409
00:36:51,120 --> 00:36:56,040
Your Majesty, Xiao Xun
plotted against princes,
410
00:36:56,120 --> 00:37:00,000
chased your grandson
and harbors treasonous intentions.
411
00:37:00,080 --> 00:37:02,880
Although I was promised to him,
412
00:37:02,960 --> 00:37:05,520
I won't stay and watch
a traitor acts with impunity.
413
00:37:08,400 --> 00:37:09,240
Imperial physician!
414
00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:16,800
Don't be afraid. He's going to get through this.
415
00:37:21,080 --> 00:37:23,400
If His Majesty were to die now,
416
00:37:23,480 --> 00:37:25,320
I would fail to stop Xiao Xun
417
00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:28,200
and he would accuse me of regicide.
418
00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:31,920
Everything for
I fought would be lost.
419
00:37:35,080 --> 00:37:36,280
We're going to let go soon!
420
00:37:36,360 --> 00:37:38,600
Get Miss Chu out of here!
421
00:37:38,680 --> 00:37:41,160
With this token,
They won't stop you!
422
00:37:42,720 --> 00:37:44,320
Hold fast !
423
00:37:44,400 --> 00:37:45,640
Don't give in!
424
00:37:50,520 --> 00:37:52,400
See?
425
00:37:53,640 --> 00:37:56,600
I'm poisoned
and will not see the dawn.
426
00:37:57,520 --> 00:38:01,600
The succession decree has already been drawn up.
427
00:38:02,160 --> 00:38:03,680
At dawn,
428
00:38:04,800 --> 00:38:07,720
Xiao Xun will be the new emperor.
429
00:38:09,720 --> 00:38:12,640
Deng Yi will escort you
both in a safe place.
430
00:38:15,200 --> 00:38:16,120
Your Majesty,
431
00:38:16,640 --> 00:38:19,800
you will entrust this kingdom
to the lord of Xiaonan and his son?
432
00:38:19,880 --> 00:38:23,920
A six year old child
can he carry the throne?
433
00:38:26,880 --> 00:38:27,720
That's how it is.
434
00:38:28,720 --> 00:38:30,920
Now that we are here,
435
00:38:31,520 --> 00:38:35,320
as long as a Xiao sits on the throne,
436
00:38:36,160 --> 00:38:42,120
I will be able to face my ancestors.
437
00:38:42,880 --> 00:38:44,200
But, Your Majesty,
438
00:38:44,280 --> 00:38:47,600
if His Highness leaves
at the border, what will my father do?
439
00:38:48,680 --> 00:38:52,600
Found your own territory
and challenge the new emperor
440
00:38:53,120 --> 00:38:54,960
just to protect him?
441
00:38:55,480 --> 00:39:00,080
Your father's troops
442
00:39:00,160 --> 00:39:01,720
do not have to be involved.
443
00:39:02,400 --> 00:39:03,840
The Longwei army,
444
00:39:03,920 --> 00:39:06,920
scattered across the country,
will be enough to protect him.
445
00:39:07,000 --> 00:39:07,960
Your Majesty,
446
00:39:08,720 --> 00:39:10,960
whether my father likes it or not,
447
00:39:11,040 --> 00:39:13,400
he will be seen as a threat
by the new emperor.
448
00:39:14,000 --> 00:39:15,680
If you trust him
449
00:39:15,760 --> 00:39:18,280
to protect
your grandson at the border,
450
00:39:18,880 --> 00:39:20,560
why not believe
451
00:39:20,640 --> 00:39:23,080
that he can protect
His Highness on the throne?
452
00:39:27,760 --> 00:39:31,120
The last thing your father would want
453
00:39:31,800 --> 00:39:35,120
would be to maintain this kingdom for me.
454
00:39:48,520 --> 00:39:52,560
You just reminded me of something.
455
00:39:53,080 --> 00:39:56,720
If Xiao Xun insists on marrying you,
456
00:39:56,800 --> 00:40:00,800
your father will not oppose him,
457
00:40:00,880 --> 00:40:05,440
and his troops will become a threat.
458
00:40:05,520 --> 00:40:06,800
And I can't
459
00:40:08,880 --> 00:40:09,880
let you go.
460
00:40:34,240 --> 00:40:37,320
According to my orders, whoever kills Chu Zhao
461
00:40:37,920 --> 00:40:39,400
will die by my hand.
462
00:40:41,440 --> 00:40:42,320
Insolence!
463
00:40:42,840 --> 00:40:46,120
You would risk
your entire clan for such betrayal?
464
00:40:48,280 --> 00:40:49,960
I accept it willingly.
465
00:41:05,800 --> 00:41:08,240
- Go ahead.
- So, let's die together!
466
00:41:08,320 --> 00:41:09,480
Jiu!
467
00:41:19,320 --> 00:41:22,280
Majesty, let me become
your grandson's older sister,
468
00:41:23,720 --> 00:41:24,960
the Great Princess
469
00:41:26,480 --> 00:41:28,440
from the State of Chu,
470
00:41:32,080 --> 00:41:33,960
and help him
471
00:41:35,200 --> 00:41:36,720
to hold the throne.
472
00:41:36,800 --> 00:41:37,960
What did you say?
473
00:41:38,040 --> 00:41:42,240
I know you
and my father were sworn brothers
474
00:41:42,320 --> 00:41:44,360
before your accession to the throne.
475
00:41:45,680 --> 00:41:49,720
My title of Grand Princess
would make my father a parent,
476
00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:51,320
not a subject of your grandson.
477
00:41:52,160 --> 00:41:56,120
And the border troops
as well as the Longwei army
478
00:41:56,920 --> 00:41:59,120
would become
both of our protectors.
479
00:42:02,400 --> 00:42:03,600
Thus,
480
00:42:04,800 --> 00:42:09,080
that would be the greatest asset
of His Highness to keep the throne.
481
00:42:10,640 --> 00:42:12,760
I may be dying,
482
00:42:12,840 --> 00:42:19,160
but I have enough breath left
to kill you and your father,
483
00:42:19,240 --> 00:42:22,280
scourges of this throne.
484
00:42:22,360 --> 00:42:26,640
So why not use it
to ensure the future of the kingdom?
485
00:42:27,720 --> 00:42:31,480
Xiao Xun's accession
would cause unrest and rebellion,
486
00:42:31,560 --> 00:42:34,000
and even an invasion of the northern desert.
487
00:42:35,240 --> 00:42:36,480
At that time,
488
00:42:37,080 --> 00:42:39,320
the people would fall
in endless wars
489
00:42:39,400 --> 00:42:41,600
and all would be lost.
490
00:42:42,560 --> 00:42:44,520
How could you then
491
00:42:44,600 --> 00:42:49,760
face your ancestors
a clear conscience?
492
00:43:02,480 --> 00:43:04,120
The Great Princess
493
00:43:05,720 --> 00:43:07,840
of the kingdom...
494
00:43:09,600 --> 00:43:10,880
Rest assured.
495
00:43:11,400 --> 00:43:15,440
This title starts with me
and ends with me.
496
00:43:16,080 --> 00:43:18,360
As long as I wear it,
497
00:43:18,440 --> 00:43:21,560
I won't take a husband
and I won't have children.
498
00:43:21,640 --> 00:43:24,760
I won't give up my power to anyone
499
00:43:24,840 --> 00:43:26,480
and my shadow will not protect anyone.
500
00:43:27,000 --> 00:43:31,440
If I break this oath,
I will be marked as a traitor,
501
00:43:31,520 --> 00:43:34,040
and everyone can execute me.
502
00:43:35,520 --> 00:43:38,080
I can raise the sword against the enemies
503
00:43:39,120 --> 00:43:42,720
and cut all the links
who covet the imperial seal.
504
00:43:44,080 --> 00:43:47,800
What I want is
that the annals of history record:
505
00:43:49,400 --> 00:43:51,960
“Chu Zhao,
Grand Princess of the State of Chu,
506
00:43:52,040 --> 00:43:53,600
"remained single all his life.
507
00:43:55,120 --> 00:43:59,480
"She rests alongside
of his father, Chu Ling, at the border."
508
00:44:05,560 --> 00:44:09,320
TAIJI HALL
509
00:44:22,280 --> 00:44:25,520
I, Xiao Xun,
heir to the lord of Xiaonan,
510
00:44:26,040 --> 00:44:27,760
request audience with His Majesty!
511
00:45:06,120 --> 00:45:09,680
"The third prince, Xiao Zhu,
betrayed, murdered his brother,
512
00:45:10,280 --> 00:45:12,480
"and massacred the Capital
in his quest for the throne.
513
00:45:12,560 --> 00:45:14,320
“This cannot go unpunished.
514
00:45:14,400 --> 00:45:16,760
"He is stripped of his title,
reduced to the rank of commoner,
515
00:45:16,840 --> 00:45:20,080
"and his maternal clan,
the Zhao clan, will be exterminated.
516
00:45:20,160 --> 00:45:23,720
"Xiao Xun, heir to the lord
of Xiaonan, defended the throne with merit
517
00:45:23,800 --> 00:45:25,920
"and honored the imperial lineage."
518
00:45:29,200 --> 00:45:30,480
Your Highness.
519
00:45:31,200 --> 00:45:32,480
Please receive the decree.
520
00:45:39,080 --> 00:45:43,760
We, the Xie clan, have come
lend you assistance, Your Majesty.
521
00:45:56,600 --> 00:45:57,560
It's him.
522
00:46:03,680 --> 00:46:07,200
"The stars announce bad
omens, and traitors sow chaos.
523
00:46:07,280 --> 00:46:08,560
“My two sons fell.
524
00:46:09,160 --> 00:46:11,560
"Thanks to the ingenuity
of Chu Zhao, daughter of Chu Ling,
525
00:46:11,640 --> 00:46:16,760
"who rode armed to lead
the imperial grandson in a safe place,
526
00:46:16,840 --> 00:46:20,400
“the Xiao lineage continues.
527
00:46:20,480 --> 00:46:22,920
“Chu Ling and I
we shared the tumult of combat
528
00:46:23,000 --> 00:46:26,040
"and took the oath of fraternity.
529
00:46:26,640 --> 00:46:28,720
"For the eternal stability of the kingdom,
530
00:46:28,800 --> 00:46:31,320
"I pass on the throne
531
00:46:35,040 --> 00:46:37,240
“to my eldest imperial grandson, Xiao Yu.
532
00:46:43,760 --> 00:46:47,640
"And I confer the title
from Grand Princess to Chu Zhao.
533
00:46:47,720 --> 00:46:51,560
"Her engagement to Xiao Xun
are hereby cancelled."
534
00:50:29,520 --> 00:50:31,520
Subtitles: Raphaël B