1 00:00:07,060 --> 00:00:16,980 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 2 00:01:25,325 --> 00:01:27,872 [The Princess Royal] 3 00:01:27,872 --> 00:01:29,920 [Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel, The Princess Royal] 4 00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:33,420 [Episode 35] 5 00:01:33,420 --> 00:01:38,860 So, I've specially brought this person here. 6 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:43,420 Who is he? 7 00:02:28,240 --> 00:02:32,480 - You found us a substitute? - That's right. 8 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:35,240 One year ago, I had some drinks with Su Rongqing 9 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:38,560 and he inadvertently reminded me that His Majesty had two sons 10 00:02:38,560 --> 00:02:41,200 and we were banking on Cheng. 11 00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:45,480 If anything were to happen to Cheng, what would we do? 12 00:02:45,480 --> 00:02:49,120 It just so happened that Su Rongqing had a servant who resembled Cheng very much. 13 00:02:49,120 --> 00:02:51,440 So, I asked for the servant, 14 00:02:51,440 --> 00:02:53,672 and taught him about etiquette and how he should speak and act. 15 00:02:53,697 --> 00:02:57,717 Even his voice and the scars on his body are made exactly the same as Cheng's. 16 00:02:57,717 --> 00:03:00,337 When Cheng was injured that day, I came to visit him. 17 00:03:00,337 --> 00:03:03,497 I observed his wounds and fabricated the same ones on this boy. 18 00:03:04,497 --> 00:03:09,057 - Rou, if Cheng... - I understand. 19 00:03:10,957 --> 00:03:12,717 Leave him here. 20 00:03:12,717 --> 00:03:15,857 I will use him when I have to. 21 00:03:15,857 --> 00:03:21,340 Rou, if we use this substitute, we will be tied up with Su Rongqing. 22 00:03:21,340 --> 00:03:23,257 It will be a gamble we have to take. 23 00:03:24,217 --> 00:03:25,937 Su Rongqing has always been supporting Cheng wholeheartedly. 24 00:03:25,937 --> 00:03:29,637 Whatever he wants from us, just give him. 25 00:03:29,637 --> 00:03:33,697 Right now, as long as Cheng can ascend the throne and you can become the Empress Dowager, 26 00:03:33,697 --> 00:03:35,917 nothing else matters. 27 00:03:40,417 --> 00:03:42,097 I understand. 28 00:03:42,097 --> 00:03:45,697 Rou. I also want you to be frank with me. 29 00:03:45,697 --> 00:03:50,057 Do you need me to deal with Cheng? 30 00:03:50,597 --> 00:03:52,677 Deal with him? 31 00:03:52,677 --> 00:03:56,897 - How? - I will find a desolate place and burn his body. 32 00:03:56,897 --> 00:03:59,877 If you want, I can bring his ashes back. 33 00:03:59,877 --> 00:04:02,757 Burn him? 34 00:04:02,757 --> 00:04:05,457 He is Prince Su, a royal prince! 35 00:04:05,457 --> 00:04:09,477 - You're going to... - That boy lying there is not Cheng! 36 00:04:11,897 --> 00:04:13,597 This... 37 00:04:14,437 --> 00:04:17,537 This one is my son. 38 00:04:19,837 --> 00:04:22,720 Mother... Mother... 39 00:04:22,720 --> 00:04:25,370 Mother, I'm begging you. 40 00:04:25,377 --> 00:04:26,990 Cheng is over there. 41 00:04:26,990 --> 00:04:29,650 Cheng is over there, Mother. 42 00:04:29,657 --> 00:04:34,097 Even if you have to bury him somewhere desolate, at least keep his body intact. 43 00:04:34,097 --> 00:04:36,797 - Mother. - Huayue! 44 00:04:36,797 --> 00:04:40,377 Don't you understand? He's dead! 45 00:04:40,377 --> 00:04:44,017 If we keep his body intact, we may suffer a backlash from it someday. 46 00:04:44,017 --> 00:04:48,817 If anyone digs his body out and asks who he is, how are you going to answer? 47 00:04:48,817 --> 00:04:52,977 Mother, I'm begging you. That one lying there is our Cheng. 48 00:04:52,977 --> 00:04:56,257 Cheng. My poor brother. 49 00:04:56,257 --> 00:04:58,997 - Mother! - Huayue! 50 00:05:05,177 --> 00:05:08,657 Su. Do it now. 51 00:07:07,017 --> 00:07:08,957 Mr. Su, run. We're here to protect you. 52 00:07:08,957 --> 00:07:10,540 Who sent you here? 53 00:07:10,540 --> 00:07:12,410 Princess Pingyue. 54 00:07:14,377 --> 00:07:16,057 Run! 55 00:07:50,757 --> 00:07:53,577 Are you going back to the Ministry of Personnel later? 56 00:07:53,577 --> 00:07:55,497 No. 57 00:08:04,537 --> 00:08:07,517 But I will be going out soon to deal with other things. 58 00:08:08,857 --> 00:08:10,797 Just stay at home and recuperate. 59 00:08:10,797 --> 00:08:14,177 Your leg hasn't fully healed yet. Don't go out and start any trouble. 60 00:08:19,637 --> 00:08:23,337 What do you mean by "Don't go out and start any trouble?" 61 00:08:23,937 --> 00:08:27,137 I have nothing to do out there. Why should I go out? 62 00:08:31,997 --> 00:08:33,917 Very well, then I need to go now. 63 00:08:33,917 --> 00:08:36,517 - Take care of Her Highness. - Yes. 64 00:08:46,697 --> 00:08:48,817 Your Highness, we just received news that 65 00:08:48,817 --> 00:08:52,397 as soon as Mr. Su showed up, he was chased by the Prince Consort's men and fled into the woods. 66 00:08:52,397 --> 00:08:54,477 They're still searching for him. 67 00:08:54,477 --> 00:08:59,237 Our men are asking if we should fight the Prince Consort's men directly. 68 00:09:02,297 --> 00:09:07,477 Your Highness, are you sure you don't want to tell the Prince Consort about this? 69 00:09:11,977 --> 00:09:13,557 I... 70 00:09:16,217 --> 00:09:17,857 I... 71 00:09:19,057 --> 00:09:21,737 I don't know how I should tell him. 72 00:09:25,297 --> 00:09:27,397 Prepare the carriage. I'm going out. 73 00:09:27,397 --> 00:09:30,737 - Your leg is still injured. - That's what the carriage is for. 74 00:09:31,577 --> 00:09:33,317 Go. 75 00:09:33,317 --> 00:09:35,097 Yes, Your Highness. 76 00:09:44,917 --> 00:09:47,377 Actually, Su Rongqing was right. 77 00:09:47,377 --> 00:09:49,757 Given Li Chuan's temperament, no matter how many times we travel back, 78 00:09:49,757 --> 00:09:53,597 as long as he becomes the Emperor, we are bound to come into conflict 79 00:09:53,597 --> 00:09:55,257 and fight each other till death. 80 00:09:55,257 --> 00:09:57,963 Why should I put my life on the line for him? 81 00:09:57,963 --> 00:10:02,297 The last time it happened, I was foolish enough to spend my whole life assisting him. 82 00:10:02,297 --> 00:10:07,500 This time, other than Pei Wenxuan, I cannot trust anyone. 83 00:10:12,377 --> 00:10:16,037 Your Highness, the weather is cold today. It's not a suitable day to go out. 84 00:10:16,037 --> 00:10:18,157 You should return to your room. 85 00:10:25,557 --> 00:10:29,197 Tell your men to bring him here. 86 00:10:29,197 --> 00:10:31,277 I want to meet him. 87 00:10:31,277 --> 00:10:35,997 As soon as we detected your men nearby, I already told my men to retreat. 88 00:10:35,997 --> 00:10:38,637 The Su Family has also sent their men to save him. 89 00:10:38,637 --> 00:10:42,877 You don't have to worry about his safety. 90 00:10:45,217 --> 00:10:47,277 I have something to tell him. 91 00:10:49,517 --> 00:10:52,417 Jinglan, take Her Highness back to her room. 92 00:10:53,617 --> 00:10:55,157 What's the meaning of this? 93 00:10:55,157 --> 00:10:57,797 You won't be meeting Su Rongqing today. 94 00:10:59,477 --> 00:11:03,997 Before the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you won't be meeting Su Rongqing. 95 00:11:03,997 --> 00:11:06,177 The Crown Prince ascends the throne? 96 00:11:12,490 --> 00:11:14,497 Fine. 97 00:11:14,497 --> 00:11:16,297 I'll go back to my room. 98 00:11:17,297 --> 00:11:19,897 You must have a lot of questions for me. 99 00:11:19,897 --> 00:11:21,597 I'm going back now. 100 00:11:32,137 --> 00:11:33,857 What do you want? 101 00:11:35,250 --> 00:11:38,697 I should be the one asking what you exactly want. 102 00:11:58,850 --> 00:12:01,417 I know you're Li Chuan's friend. 103 00:12:01,417 --> 00:12:03,297 You've always been his supporter. 104 00:12:03,297 --> 00:12:06,517 So, today, let's make everything clear. 105 00:12:08,170 --> 00:12:10,277 I'm not going to help him anymore. 106 00:12:12,290 --> 00:12:13,897 Li Chuan... 107 00:12:14,510 --> 00:12:17,017 He's a capable person. 108 00:12:17,017 --> 00:12:19,517 He has his own mind. 109 00:12:19,517 --> 00:12:25,037 If he ascends the throne, many unimaginable things may happen, 110 00:12:25,037 --> 00:12:27,337 so I won't help him anymore. 111 00:12:28,270 --> 00:12:30,297 Your Highness. 112 00:12:30,297 --> 00:12:34,797 Was all this told by Su Rongqing? 113 00:12:38,830 --> 00:12:43,937 Right now, instead of placing my bets on Li Chuan, 114 00:12:43,937 --> 00:12:46,063 I'd rather bet on Li Cheng. 115 00:12:46,063 --> 00:12:49,357 Li Cheng has to rely on someone else, but Li Chuan doesn't. 116 00:12:49,357 --> 00:12:53,217 As long as he gives up on me and the Shangguan Family, 117 00:12:53,217 --> 00:12:57,797 he will gain Father and the commoners' trust, and then ascend the throne. 118 00:12:59,630 --> 00:13:02,677 So, both he and I have choices to make now. 119 00:13:04,250 --> 00:13:06,897 He needs to choose whether he should give up on me, 120 00:13:06,897 --> 00:13:09,217 and I need to choose whether I should give up on him. 121 00:13:11,410 --> 00:13:16,637 But, Your Highness, you're choosing to give up on him even before he makes his choice. 122 00:13:17,330 --> 00:13:19,177 Can't I? 123 00:13:21,090 --> 00:13:22,917 Are you blaming me as well? 124 00:13:24,370 --> 00:13:26,377 Do you also think that I shouldn't... 125 00:13:26,377 --> 00:13:29,197 I shouldn't pursue the life I want, 126 00:13:30,290 --> 00:13:32,537 and I should risk my life, die for him, 127 00:13:32,537 --> 00:13:35,617 and sacrifice my everything for him without asking anything in return? 128 00:13:35,617 --> 00:13:37,557 But why? 129 00:13:39,010 --> 00:13:41,857 I married you, a man from a humble background, just to protect him back then. 130 00:13:41,857 --> 00:13:43,657 I spent 20 years doing everything I could for him. 131 00:13:43,657 --> 00:13:46,937 I devoted my whole life to him. But what did I get? 132 00:13:47,650 --> 00:13:51,277 This time, all I want is to live for myself. Can't I? 133 00:13:55,890 --> 00:13:57,597 Your Highness. 134 00:13:58,450 --> 00:14:01,217 Do you think that marrying me was a humiliation to you? 135 00:14:02,390 --> 00:14:07,497 Or, do you think that it was not worth devoting your whole life? 136 00:14:13,490 --> 00:14:14,937 Yes. 137 00:14:15,650 --> 00:14:17,457 But not because of you. 138 00:14:18,070 --> 00:14:20,137 It's because of them. 139 00:14:27,210 --> 00:14:28,777 Your Highness. 140 00:14:29,410 --> 00:14:32,777 How has the Crown Prince let you down? 141 00:14:34,130 --> 00:14:36,997 Is it just because he can't give you power now? 142 00:14:36,997 --> 00:14:39,417 Or is it because in his past life, he massacred Su Rongqing's whole family? 143 00:14:39,417 --> 00:14:41,137 He didn't just massacre Su Rongqing's whole family. 144 00:14:41,137 --> 00:14:43,257 Who else did he kill? 145 00:14:54,530 --> 00:14:56,037 Me. 146 00:15:01,450 --> 00:15:06,077 His own sister, the Regent Princess Royal, Li Rong. 147 00:15:09,210 --> 00:15:10,917 Happy now? 148 00:15:22,050 --> 00:15:24,057 I failed to see his true colors. 149 00:15:24,730 --> 00:15:28,177 I brought doom upon myself and led myself to be utterly isolated. 150 00:15:30,410 --> 00:15:32,817 Everyone I devoted myself to betrayed me. 151 00:15:32,817 --> 00:15:35,137 Everyone who I loved hated me. 152 00:15:35,137 --> 00:15:37,617 My life was a joke. 153 00:15:47,230 --> 00:15:48,937 Li Chuan... 154 00:15:49,810 --> 00:15:52,777 He was worried that I would harm him and his successor, 155 00:15:52,777 --> 00:15:55,417 so he applied poison to the weiqi pieces he played with me. 156 00:15:56,670 --> 00:16:00,100 Shangguan Ya had an illegitimate son with Su Ronghua, 157 00:16:00,100 --> 00:16:02,170 and they were scared I would find out, 158 00:16:02,177 --> 00:16:06,757 so they colluded with Su Rongqing to make sure I wouldn't find out I was poisoned. 159 00:16:07,970 --> 00:16:09,677 Su Rongqing... 160 00:16:10,610 --> 00:16:12,537 He allowed everything to happen. 161 00:16:12,537 --> 00:16:15,817 He stood by and watched me die in front of him. 162 00:16:19,810 --> 00:16:22,680 No one believed... 163 00:16:22,680 --> 00:16:25,360 that a princess royal cared about her loved ones. 164 00:16:26,170 --> 00:16:31,600 No one believed that I would spare their lives, so all of them ganged up... 165 00:16:32,537 --> 00:16:34,457 and killed me. 166 00:16:38,570 --> 00:16:40,177 Pei Wenxuan. 167 00:16:43,010 --> 00:16:48,217 I thought you were the only person who would trust me till the end. 168 00:16:56,770 --> 00:16:58,337 It's fine. 169 00:17:03,930 --> 00:17:08,297 If you believe Li Chuan is suitable for being an emperor, you can support him, 170 00:17:08,297 --> 00:17:10,517 but you don't have to discuss it with me anymore. 171 00:17:12,290 --> 00:17:13,897 I have neither friends nor family. 172 00:17:13,897 --> 00:17:17,297 I don't need anyone, including you. 173 00:17:17,297 --> 00:17:19,417 All I need is power. 174 00:17:22,590 --> 00:17:24,337 Leave. 175 00:17:24,337 --> 00:17:26,337 I don't want to see you now. 176 00:17:31,030 --> 00:17:37,817 ♫ If the past was caught in the turbulent waves of the storm ♫ 177 00:17:37,817 --> 00:17:42,937 ♫ Will there be arms to hold me in this lifetime? ♫ 178 00:17:42,937 --> 00:17:46,557 Well... I understand. 179 00:17:48,890 --> 00:17:51,197 What do you understand? 180 00:17:51,197 --> 00:17:54,697 ♫ Tossed about in the waves, unable to escape ♫ 181 00:17:54,697 --> 00:17:57,517 I have realized my mistake. 182 00:17:57,517 --> 00:18:00,177 ♫ Until a pair of hands ♫ 183 00:18:00,177 --> 00:18:04,437 ♫ Guides me through the worldly remnants of old dreams ♫ 184 00:18:04,437 --> 00:18:07,777 ♫ Wrapped in the wind's embrace ♫ 185 00:18:07,777 --> 00:18:10,080 I also understand... 186 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:15,110 that all you want is that I can stay by your side. 187 00:18:16,630 --> 00:18:18,417 I don't want that. 188 00:18:21,250 --> 00:18:24,417 Then, it's me who wants to stay by your side. 189 00:18:24,417 --> 00:18:26,980 I can't live without you. 190 00:18:26,980 --> 00:18:28,870 Is that alright? 191 00:18:28,870 --> 00:18:32,677 ♫ I'm fortunate to have met you ♫ 192 00:18:32,677 --> 00:18:35,617 ♫ It is your tenderness ♫ 193 00:18:37,210 --> 00:18:39,598 You don't have to remain in a lowly position. 194 00:18:41,690 --> 00:18:44,481 Do whatever you need to do. 195 00:18:45,070 --> 00:18:46,577 I'm the one who lost my composure. 196 00:18:46,577 --> 00:18:48,314 It has nothing to do with you. 197 00:18:49,190 --> 00:18:51,657 Of course, it concerns me. 198 00:18:55,510 --> 00:18:59,503 It's my fault that you feel aggrieved. 199 00:19:03,510 --> 00:19:05,148 However... 200 00:19:06,290 --> 00:19:08,656 you can't pin all the blame on me. 201 00:19:10,377 --> 00:19:14,437 My wife almost ran away with someone else. How could I not worry? 202 00:19:15,930 --> 00:19:19,377 Stop brushing me off with such trivial matters. 203 00:19:19,377 --> 00:19:22,917 You just want to bind me with Li Chuan forever so that you won't be put in a difficult situation. 204 00:19:22,917 --> 00:19:26,097 Why would I want to bind you with Li Chuan? 205 00:19:26,097 --> 00:19:28,317 He has nothing to do with me, but you're my wife. 206 00:19:28,317 --> 00:19:30,417 Then, why were you arguing with me earlier? 207 00:19:30,417 --> 00:19:32,337 You even told your men to point their swords at my people. 208 00:19:32,337 --> 00:19:36,777 I told you it was because I thought you and Su Rongqing had reached some kind of agreement 209 00:19:36,777 --> 00:19:39,217 and that you would run off with Su Rongqing. 210 00:19:54,950 --> 00:19:59,924 Actually, when I detected the smell of the sachet on Xie Chunhe, 211 00:19:59,924 --> 00:20:04,737 I already knew that it was not Su Rongqing who killed you. 212 00:20:05,530 --> 00:20:10,037 But before I could tell you, both of you had fallen off the cliff together. 213 00:20:11,950 --> 00:20:12,997 So what? 214 00:20:12,997 --> 00:20:15,817 Su Rongqing loves you deeply. 215 00:20:15,817 --> 00:20:19,257 When you fell off the cliff, he then jumped down without hesitation. 216 00:20:19,930 --> 00:20:23,597 Besides, you spent the night together. 217 00:20:24,770 --> 00:20:26,897 I... 218 00:20:26,897 --> 00:20:31,597 I just wanted an explanation, but you refused to tell me anything. 219 00:20:36,990 --> 00:20:41,560 What I mind the most is that as your husband, 220 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:45,310 I can't do anything when you're upset. 221 00:20:55,750 --> 00:20:58,290 - Forget it. - I'm sorry. 222 00:21:01,470 --> 00:21:03,217 It's my fault. 223 00:21:03,950 --> 00:21:06,497 I wasn't considerate enough. 224 00:21:08,690 --> 00:21:11,357 You've already done well. 225 00:21:11,357 --> 00:21:14,419 I was the one who wasn't considerate enough. 226 00:21:17,050 --> 00:21:23,837 ♫ I'll stay by your side till the end of time ♫ 227 00:21:23,837 --> 00:21:27,937 Then, can you tell me what you talked about in the cave that day? 228 00:21:27,937 --> 00:21:31,637 Let me analyze whether Su Rongqing was deceiving you. 229 00:21:33,890 --> 00:21:37,657 ♫ We will journey through life together until the very end ♫ 230 00:21:38,630 --> 00:21:41,077 I don't know whether he was deceiving me, 231 00:21:41,790 --> 00:21:45,660 but I do know... you deceived me. 232 00:21:50,510 --> 00:21:52,697 It was a white lie. 233 00:22:10,277 --> 00:22:13,337 Rongqing! 234 00:22:14,197 --> 00:22:16,497 Rongqing, are you alright? 235 00:22:24,257 --> 00:22:29,617 So, you think they were wrong, and you want to take your revenge? 236 00:22:30,797 --> 00:22:32,377 No. 237 00:22:33,477 --> 00:22:35,377 They did nothing wrong. 238 00:22:35,377 --> 00:22:37,297 I did. 239 00:22:38,717 --> 00:22:40,197 What wrong did you do? 240 00:22:40,197 --> 00:22:44,637 I was born into an imperial family and I craved power, 241 00:22:44,637 --> 00:22:46,737 yet I valued the bonds between people. 242 00:22:47,957 --> 00:22:51,737 I thought I was rational enough, but... 243 00:22:54,517 --> 00:22:56,437 That's what I did wrong. 244 00:22:57,197 --> 00:23:01,517 But in this life, I want to live for myself. 245 00:23:02,717 --> 00:23:04,737 I don't want to lose again. 246 00:23:09,957 --> 00:23:11,857 What do you want to say? 247 00:23:14,077 --> 00:23:20,477 I'm thinking whether the Empress is right. 248 00:23:20,477 --> 00:23:24,057 Is there really someone who only cares about power but cares for no one? 249 00:23:32,897 --> 00:23:35,097 I can try. 250 00:23:38,317 --> 00:23:42,897 Then, let me tell you what I know. 251 00:23:42,897 --> 00:23:46,317 Perhaps you may think differently, then. 252 00:23:50,697 --> 00:23:52,697 You may leave now. 253 00:23:54,777 --> 00:23:58,017 Ronghua, please have a seat. 254 00:24:04,920 --> 00:24:06,880 Feeling better? 255 00:24:09,714 --> 00:24:11,394 Much better. 256 00:24:20,194 --> 00:24:22,954 I have some questions for you. 257 00:24:23,794 --> 00:24:27,434 This attempted assassination of the Crown Prince, 258 00:24:27,434 --> 00:24:32,314 were you, Huayue, and Consort Rou behind it? 259 00:24:36,414 --> 00:24:37,954 Yes. 260 00:24:42,234 --> 00:24:45,894 Since when did you ally with Consort Rou? 261 00:24:48,594 --> 00:24:53,234 When Princess Pingyue founded the Inspectorate Office. 262 00:24:53,234 --> 00:24:57,814 That's why I assigned you a position there. 263 00:25:02,714 --> 00:25:04,890 Do you still remember the teachings 264 00:25:06,070 --> 00:25:08,030 from our ancestors? 265 00:25:11,714 --> 00:25:14,694 - Yes. - What's the first instruction? 266 00:25:15,354 --> 00:25:21,074 Anyone from the Su Family must not get involved in the imperial family's fight for the throne. 267 00:25:21,074 --> 00:25:23,374 You colluded with Consort Rou. 268 00:25:23,374 --> 00:25:27,214 Do you need me to tell you what you have to do? 269 00:25:37,194 --> 00:25:39,614 I will tell Father about this. 270 00:25:40,674 --> 00:25:42,574 Just wait for the results. 271 00:25:43,394 --> 00:25:44,974 Ronghua. 272 00:25:45,520 --> 00:25:48,440 Don't you want to know why I did so? 273 00:25:50,274 --> 00:25:54,834 What Consort Rou did has become something that can no longer be resolved by our family. 274 00:25:54,834 --> 00:25:57,834 Regardless of your reason, our family is now involved in this. 275 00:25:57,834 --> 00:26:01,874 I managed to protect you in Hongde's case, but how am I supposed to help you now? 276 00:26:01,874 --> 00:26:06,294 - But I have my reasons. - So does every other sinner in the world. 277 00:26:08,074 --> 00:26:10,214 Get some rest. 278 00:26:13,914 --> 00:26:15,614 Ronghua. 279 00:26:17,514 --> 00:26:19,914 Let me tell you a story. 280 00:26:22,314 --> 00:26:28,074 I had a dream about our family's future. 281 00:26:28,614 --> 00:26:30,674 You were in it too. 282 00:26:32,794 --> 00:26:34,934 Don't you want to listen to it? 283 00:26:47,914 --> 00:26:49,654 Ronghua. 284 00:26:50,794 --> 00:26:55,854 Please listen to my story before you make a decision. 285 00:26:59,554 --> 00:27:03,434 You seem to know many things that I don't. 286 00:27:05,274 --> 00:27:08,974 You probably have a rough idea of it. 287 00:27:09,594 --> 00:27:15,494 But you should know that knowing just the rough idea and knowing the exact details are two different things. 288 00:27:17,794 --> 00:27:19,441 Tell me, then. 289 00:27:19,441 --> 00:27:22,314 I spent five years investigating Su Ronghua 290 00:27:22,314 --> 00:27:25,274 before I learned about his past with Shangguan Ya. 291 00:27:25,274 --> 00:27:29,234 One day, you told me that you met a girl. 292 00:27:29,234 --> 00:27:32,954 She dressed up like a man to gamble in the gambling den. 293 00:27:32,954 --> 00:27:37,034 She played ten rounds with you, and proposed to gamble again someday, 294 00:27:37,034 --> 00:27:39,674 but she lost again. 295 00:27:39,674 --> 00:27:46,234 That day, you smiled happily, and said she was interesting. 296 00:27:46,234 --> 00:27:50,834 Then, you often mentioned her to me, and said that she refused to talk to you, 297 00:27:50,834 --> 00:27:53,034 but you still tried to tease her. 298 00:27:53,034 --> 00:27:57,014 To avoid you, she switched to one gambling den after another, 299 00:27:57,014 --> 00:28:00,334 but you would pursue her nonetheless. 300 00:28:00,334 --> 00:28:03,074 - What a nuisance. - Don't go. 301 00:28:03,074 --> 00:28:06,534 One day, on your way home... 302 00:28:09,074 --> 00:28:11,874 - Beat him up! - You can have all my money! Stop beating me! 303 00:28:11,874 --> 00:28:15,474 Feeling offended, you hatched a plan to retaliate. 304 00:28:15,474 --> 00:28:19,054 While she was on her way to bet on a cock fight... 305 00:28:19,754 --> 00:28:23,234 Who are you? What do you want? 306 00:28:23,234 --> 00:28:25,714 We're bandits. What else would we want? 307 00:28:25,714 --> 00:28:29,794 Listen, I'm Shangguan Ya, the young lady of the Shangguan Family. 308 00:28:29,794 --> 00:28:33,754 Release me now. I can give you as much money as you want. 309 00:28:33,754 --> 00:28:35,554 We... 310 00:28:35,554 --> 00:28:39,854 We don't want money. We only want you. 311 00:28:39,854 --> 00:28:41,594 You jerks. 312 00:28:44,714 --> 00:28:46,334 Stop it right there. 313 00:28:46,334 --> 00:28:51,254 A few thugs like you won't be hard to get rid of... 314 00:28:52,320 --> 00:28:55,254 - I guess. - Su Ronghua? 315 00:28:55,254 --> 00:28:58,074 - It's you? - Yes. 316 00:28:58,074 --> 00:29:00,874 Untie me now! 317 00:29:00,874 --> 00:29:04,134 I know I shouldn't have got you beaten up, but must you do this to me? 318 00:29:04,134 --> 00:29:08,234 It's not like I'd kill you. Run now. Leave them to me. 319 00:29:26,794 --> 00:29:30,634 - Stop! Stop fighting! Stop it! - Stop! 320 00:29:30,634 --> 00:29:34,474 Everyone. You're robbing him for money. 321 00:29:34,474 --> 00:29:36,634 We are from the Su Family in Huajing. 322 00:29:36,634 --> 00:29:40,414 If you hurt us, even if you have the money, 323 00:29:40,414 --> 00:29:45,074 the Su Family will do everything they can to eliminate you. 324 00:29:45,074 --> 00:29:49,854 You can take the money, but as for my man, give him back to me. 325 00:29:51,594 --> 00:29:55,394 One day, you came back home and told me seriously 326 00:29:55,394 --> 00:30:00,394 that you were in love with her and you had decided to marry her. 327 00:30:00,394 --> 00:30:03,674 But you knew that our family enjoyed a high social status. 328 00:30:03,674 --> 00:30:05,514 If you were to propose to her, 329 00:30:05,514 --> 00:30:08,834 that girl would be forced to say yes, whether she liked it or not. 330 00:30:08,834 --> 00:30:13,434 Later, you decided to ask her personally. 331 00:30:13,434 --> 00:30:16,434 That day, I chose a nice set of clothes for you 332 00:30:16,434 --> 00:30:19,514 and you forged a nice jade hairpin yourself. 333 00:30:19,514 --> 00:30:21,794 Then, you went to her with the hairpin. 334 00:30:23,234 --> 00:30:26,614 - Ronghua, you... - I'm fine. 335 00:30:31,994 --> 00:30:34,434 From that day onward, 336 00:30:34,434 --> 00:30:37,914 you never left the mansion until the imperial family held a banquet. 337 00:30:37,914 --> 00:30:41,754 As Prince Su's tutor, you were forced to attend it. 338 00:30:44,674 --> 00:30:49,074 During the banquet... Su Ronghua saw Shangguan Ya. 339 00:30:49,074 --> 00:30:50,754 A palace banquet? 340 00:30:58,834 --> 00:31:01,954 How could you refuse to marry Shangguan Ya? 341 00:31:04,794 --> 00:31:07,814 Chuan. You are the Crown Prince. 342 00:31:07,814 --> 00:31:09,694 You cannot afford to be willful. 343 00:31:09,694 --> 00:31:13,074 I am already stuck in the palace. 344 00:31:14,474 --> 00:31:17,260 Why would I want to drag someone innocent down? 345 00:31:17,754 --> 00:31:21,374 Your Highness, why don't you want to get married? 346 00:31:24,874 --> 00:31:30,874 I can tell that Ya doesn't like me, or life in the palace. 347 00:31:31,634 --> 00:31:34,194 I'm already miserable enough living in the palace. 348 00:31:34,194 --> 00:31:36,454 Why make her join me? 349 00:31:37,754 --> 00:31:42,754 Everyone says I'm the Crown Prince, a noble existence. 350 00:31:42,754 --> 00:31:46,674 But I have no control over anything. I don't get to choose anything. 351 00:31:49,094 --> 00:31:55,214 To be frank, I can't feel the noble perks of being the Crown Prince. 352 00:32:02,634 --> 00:32:04,334 Right now... 353 00:32:07,154 --> 00:32:09,314 I just want to escape from this. 354 00:32:09,314 --> 00:32:11,914 That was just him being childish. 355 00:32:11,914 --> 00:32:15,374 Shangguan Ya was much more mature than him. 356 00:32:16,174 --> 00:32:17,834 Yes. 357 00:32:17,834 --> 00:32:24,034 During the palace banquet, Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua didn't exchange a single word. 358 00:32:24,034 --> 00:32:29,434 But it was exactly this banquet that made Su Ronghua realize why Shangguan Ya rejected him. 359 00:32:29,434 --> 00:32:31,914 Naturally, he wouldn't simply give up. 360 00:32:31,914 --> 00:32:34,714 When you have a goal in mind, you'd want to try anyway. 361 00:32:34,714 --> 00:32:37,514 Father, I want to marry Shangguan Ya. 362 00:32:37,514 --> 00:32:39,114 Do you have a death wish? 363 00:32:39,114 --> 00:32:42,894 Everyone knows that Shangguan Ya will be the future Crown Princess. 364 00:32:42,894 --> 00:32:46,534 You're going to marry the future Crown Princess? How could we accept this? 365 00:32:46,534 --> 00:32:51,281 If this family cannot accept this, I ask to be expelled from this family, and propose to her. 366 00:32:51,281 --> 00:32:54,974 Whether I live or die, I will bear the consequences. 367 00:32:54,974 --> 00:32:56,374 - You... - Ronghua. 368 00:32:56,374 --> 00:32:59,954 Rongqing, don't persuade me otherwise. 369 00:33:02,040 --> 00:33:04,240 I shall have no regrets about it. 370 00:33:05,034 --> 00:33:08,354 Today, my son Su Ronghua, who's been harboring atrocious thoughts, 371 00:33:08,354 --> 00:33:10,154 has requested to be expelled from our family. 372 00:33:10,154 --> 00:33:16,014 According to our family rules, he shall be flogged and expelled from the Su Family. 373 00:33:19,054 --> 00:33:22,854 So, do you accept this punishment? 374 00:33:22,854 --> 00:33:25,234 Even if I die, I will never regret it. 375 00:33:26,154 --> 00:33:31,034 Ronghua, Do you not care about us anymore? 376 00:33:32,934 --> 00:33:35,274 I hope you can support my decision. 377 00:33:48,834 --> 00:33:51,254 Flog him. 378 00:34:03,694 --> 00:34:07,634 Well... That's what I was planning to do lately. 379 00:34:07,634 --> 00:34:09,554 What happened after that? 380 00:34:46,454 --> 00:34:48,414 Su Ronghua. 381 00:34:49,834 --> 00:34:52,294 Love is just nothing. 382 00:34:53,394 --> 00:34:55,894 So is fancying someone. 383 00:35:06,774 --> 00:35:08,980 Since we're alive... 384 00:35:10,440 --> 00:35:13,270 we have our responsibilities to fulfill. 385 00:35:16,374 --> 00:35:18,414 I will enter the palace. 386 00:35:22,374 --> 00:35:24,534 And I will become the Crown Princess. 387 00:35:26,494 --> 00:35:28,894 I will also be the future Empress. 388 00:35:30,374 --> 00:35:35,094 You won't like the way I'll be in the future. 389 00:35:39,014 --> 00:35:41,474 Just take it as if you've never met me before. 390 00:35:42,354 --> 00:35:44,534 Leave Huajing. 391 00:35:47,634 --> 00:35:50,794 Go as far as you can. 392 00:35:50,794 --> 00:35:53,614 Visit as many places as you can. 393 00:35:55,534 --> 00:36:01,094 Travel and see the world, for me, will you? 394 00:36:03,374 --> 00:36:08,014 Whatever makes you happy, please do it for me. 395 00:36:10,434 --> 00:36:12,854 If there comes a day... 396 00:36:16,574 --> 00:36:19,534 when you meet someone you fancy... 397 00:36:23,014 --> 00:36:28,074 and you marry her, that will be the best. 398 00:36:30,074 --> 00:36:31,940 Su Ronghua. 399 00:36:33,530 --> 00:36:35,510 Let me go. 400 00:36:36,574 --> 00:36:38,954 Let yourself go. 401 00:36:43,854 --> 00:36:45,734 Su Ronghua. 402 00:36:48,654 --> 00:36:50,734 Stop forcing me. 403 00:37:15,094 --> 00:37:17,934 You couldn't bear to force her. 404 00:37:17,934 --> 00:37:22,934 Why do I feel like you can foresee the future? 405 00:37:22,934 --> 00:37:28,454 What you described in the story matches my upcoming plans. 406 00:37:28,454 --> 00:37:29,870 But... 407 00:37:30,970 --> 00:37:33,890 But is that truly how things will end up? 408 00:37:38,334 --> 00:37:40,294 That was why you returned home. 409 00:37:40,294 --> 00:37:47,534 When Father saw you, he gave in eventually, and he forgave you. 410 00:37:48,854 --> 00:37:52,234 Our family and her family covered up this incident. 411 00:37:52,234 --> 00:37:56,794 Shangguan Ya entered the palace, and became the Crown Princess. 412 00:37:58,014 --> 00:38:03,294 As for you, you left Huajing and visited many places. 413 00:38:05,214 --> 00:38:06,614 And then? 414 00:38:06,614 --> 00:38:11,694 Then, as you had expected, since Li Chuan married someone from the Shangguan Family, 415 00:38:11,694 --> 00:38:14,854 it triggered His Majesty's deepest fears. 416 00:38:14,854 --> 00:38:17,214 His Majesty wanted to make Prince Su his successor instead, 417 00:38:17,214 --> 00:38:19,654 and deposed the Crown Prince. 418 00:38:19,654 --> 00:38:25,374 After it happened, Pei Wenxuan persuaded the noble families to deploy their armies 419 00:38:25,374 --> 00:38:29,134 and help Li Chuan regain his position. 420 00:38:29,134 --> 00:38:31,134 The noble families must have hesitated. 421 00:38:31,134 --> 00:38:34,534 By doing so, they would be declaring war against His Majesty. 422 00:38:34,534 --> 00:38:39,194 Actually, while the noble families were still hesitating, 423 00:38:39,194 --> 00:38:42,410 the first person to agree to the plan... 424 00:38:43,670 --> 00:38:45,690 was you. 425 00:38:46,660 --> 00:38:49,574 If we send our armies, there will be no turning back. 426 00:38:49,574 --> 00:38:52,334 That would mean we're siding with the Crown Prince. 427 00:38:52,334 --> 00:38:55,434 Our family will then be in great danger. 428 00:38:55,434 --> 00:38:59,014 Rongqing, do something. 429 00:38:59,014 --> 00:39:00,694 Father. 430 00:39:03,094 --> 00:39:05,954 I believe we can deploy our troops. 431 00:39:05,954 --> 00:39:08,294 - Why? - This time, it's the Crown Prince. 432 00:39:08,294 --> 00:39:11,454 Next time, they'll target the noble families. 433 00:39:11,454 --> 00:39:15,754 Once Li Cheng ascends the throne, he will not let the noble families off. 434 00:39:19,694 --> 00:39:22,574 But I knew that whatever your reasons were, 435 00:39:22,574 --> 00:39:26,534 they could never conceal your intentions that shouldn't have existed in the first place. 436 00:39:26,534 --> 00:39:30,174 You were actually worried about Shangguan Ya. 437 00:39:30,174 --> 00:39:34,514 I won't risk our family's future for a woman I love. 438 00:39:35,694 --> 00:39:37,614 You weren't taking a risk. 439 00:39:37,614 --> 00:39:41,434 It just so happened that it was a suitable decision. 440 00:39:41,434 --> 00:39:43,534 You made the right choice. 441 00:39:43,534 --> 00:39:49,574 Back then, it was actually obvious that our family should support Li Chuan. 442 00:39:49,574 --> 00:39:53,614 Li Chuan was known to be virtuous and he was a true born royal prince, 443 00:39:53,614 --> 00:39:56,774 making him the most legitimate successor to the throne. 444 00:39:56,774 --> 00:39:58,874 - Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty. 445 00:39:58,874 --> 00:40:02,334 - Long live Your Majesty! - Long live Your Majesty! 446 00:40:02,334 --> 00:40:03,694 You may rise. 447 00:40:03,694 --> 00:40:06,954 After Li Chuan ascended the throne, Shangguan Ya became the Empress. 448 00:40:06,954 --> 00:40:08,494 It was the first year of the Dexu Era. 449 00:40:08,494 --> 00:40:12,194 When Li Chuan just ascended the throne, war broke out in the North. 450 00:40:12,194 --> 00:40:14,054 The entire imperial court wanted to negotiate for peace, 451 00:40:14,054 --> 00:40:18,834 save for Pei Wenxuan, Qin Lin, and Li Chuan, who wanted to fight. 452 00:40:20,174 --> 00:40:25,214 In order to help Qin Lin establish a troop, Li Chuan and Pei Wenxuan did all they could 453 00:40:25,214 --> 00:40:28,414 to gather resources and money from everyone, and started a war forcefully. 454 00:40:28,414 --> 00:40:30,434 You vermin! 455 00:40:30,434 --> 00:40:32,554 You've never paid any taxes for your fiefs 456 00:40:32,554 --> 00:40:35,374 and you have all sorts of privileges that you refuse to give up! 457 00:40:35,374 --> 00:40:38,174 Here in the palace, you try to take advantage whenever possible. 458 00:40:38,174 --> 00:40:40,954 At the borders, you steal the military provisions and funds for your own gain! 459 00:40:40,954 --> 00:40:47,214 When the money comes into your mansion, you are just secretly pleased! 460 00:40:47,214 --> 00:40:51,214 Now, I need to wage war against our enemies in the North. 461 00:40:52,374 --> 00:40:56,534 Just when I need all of you to contribute in any way, 462 00:40:56,534 --> 00:40:59,394 you become cowards and refuse to react positively! 463 00:40:59,394 --> 00:41:03,954 Don't you think you failed our people? 464 00:41:03,954 --> 00:41:05,614 Don't you? 465 00:41:05,614 --> 00:41:09,021 Starting a war at this stage sounds like a bad idea. 466 00:41:09,021 --> 00:41:13,034 After the war began, they realized they were wrong. 467 00:41:13,034 --> 00:41:15,654 They knew all about strategies, but had zero battlefield experience. 468 00:41:15,654 --> 00:41:19,834 The funds they gathered weren't enough to sustain our troops in the North. 469 00:41:19,834 --> 00:41:22,114 So, they had to retreat. 470 00:41:22,114 --> 00:41:25,834 Then came the plague in the South. 471 00:41:25,834 --> 00:41:27,974 The national treasury was out of money. 472 00:41:27,974 --> 00:41:30,081 I tried to think of solutions. 473 00:41:30,081 --> 00:41:33,541 Li Chuan and I traveled south to support disaster relief. 474 00:41:33,541 --> 00:41:35,894 But when we reached there, we realized 475 00:41:35,894 --> 00:41:38,900 that the noble families had been hoarding food to sell at high prices. 476 00:41:38,900 --> 00:41:41,880 The disaster relief funds couldn't reach the people at all. 477 00:41:43,374 --> 00:41:48,494 Your Highness. You had never seen the country beyond Huajing. 478 00:41:49,614 --> 00:41:52,694 On the battlefield, dead bodies were strewn everywhere. 479 00:41:52,694 --> 00:41:55,454 In the disaster-ridden lands, there was nothing but pure misery. 480 00:41:55,454 --> 00:41:58,554 Only in Huajing could you see people indulging in festive celebrations. 481 00:41:58,554 --> 00:42:02,234 It was like heaven and hell. 482 00:42:06,654 --> 00:42:11,294 However, back then, we were childish and reckless. 483 00:42:11,294 --> 00:42:16,394 After we returned, we started drafting policies to aid the disaster relief efforts in the South. 484 00:42:16,394 --> 00:42:20,954 It was then that Li Chuan made his mind up. 485 00:42:20,954 --> 00:42:23,874 - What did he plan to do? - A radical reform of the system. 486 00:42:23,874 --> 00:42:27,834 The imperial examination would become the only channel to select officials. 487 00:42:27,834 --> 00:42:29,714 Taxes were imposed on noble families. 488 00:42:29,714 --> 00:42:33,994 A limit was set on the number of lands and servants they could own. 489 00:42:33,994 --> 00:42:36,034 A merit system was also introduced. 490 00:42:36,034 --> 00:42:39,794 When the Ministry of Personnel wanted to promote any official, it was done based on their merit scores. 491 00:42:39,794 --> 00:42:44,134 As for the grading process, ten marks would be deducted if the one was from a noble family 492 00:42:44,134 --> 00:42:47,414 and ten marks would be awarded if the one was a commoner. 493 00:42:47,430 --> 00:42:55,160 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 494 00:42:55,160 --> 00:42:58,640 ♫ Who gazes at the sky from afar? ♫ 495 00:42:58,657 --> 00:43:02,143 ♫ Who gazes at the sky from afar? ♫ 496 00:43:02,143 --> 00:43:05,577 ♫ In the night's chill breeze ♫ 497 00:43:05,577 --> 00:43:09,097 ♫ What is she singing for? ♫ 498 00:43:09,097 --> 00:43:12,437 ♫ The wind caresses the hills ♫ 499 00:43:12,437 --> 00:43:15,953 ♫ The wind causes ripples on calm water ♫ 500 00:43:15,953 --> 00:43:22,423 ♫ Moonlight graces passing souls ♫ 501 00:43:50,643 --> 00:43:54,023 ♫ Her steps get slower and slower ♫ 502 00:43:54,023 --> 00:43:57,443 ♫ She's trod a lengthy path ♫ 503 00:43:57,443 --> 00:44:00,963 ♫ Memories lost then found ♫ 504 00:44:00,963 --> 00:44:04,503 ♫ Gazing idly as clouds roll by ♫ 505 00:44:04,503 --> 00:44:07,943 ♫ She holds a red candle ♫ 506 00:44:07,943 --> 00:44:11,289 ♫ To brave the thick fog ♫ 507 00:44:11,289 --> 00:44:14,843 ♫ Life can be bitter sometimes ♫ 508 00:44:14,843 --> 00:44:18,256 ♫ Experience it with grace ♫ 509 00:44:18,256 --> 00:44:21,783 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 510 00:44:21,783 --> 00:44:25,263 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 511 00:44:25,263 --> 00:44:31,310 ♫ Neither warmth nor cold will last ♫ 512 00:44:32,203 --> 00:44:35,603 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 513 00:44:35,603 --> 00:44:39,063 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 514 00:44:39,063 --> 00:44:45,823 ♫ The moon is reflected in her eyes ♫ 515 00:45:13,700 --> 00:45:20,560 ♫ In her gaze, the unwavering faith remains ♫