1
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[The Princess Royal]

2
00:01:25,930 --> 00:01:28,850
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]

3
00:01:28,850 --> 00:01:29,920
[This is a work of fiction.]

4
00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:32,920
[Episode 1]

5
00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:44,640
- We wish to see His Majesty.
- We wish to see His Majesty.

6
00:01:45,320 --> 00:01:47,200
I am the Empress

7
00:01:47,280 --> 00:01:48,480
and the biological mother
of the Crown Prince.

8
00:01:48,680 --> 00:01:50,200
Why does His Majesty refuse to see me?

9
00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:53,120
Your Majesty, please forgive me.

10
00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,240
Grand Chancellor Pei has given an order
that no one is allowed

11
00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:57,920
to step into Hanqiu Palace
before he arrives.

12
00:01:58,000 --> 00:01:58,680
Unit Zhun,

13
00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:00,560
no matter what happens in Huajing,

14
00:02:00,960 --> 00:02:02,160
no one can leave work
without permission.

15
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Unit Kun,

16
00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:04,360
from this moment on,

17
00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:06,000
no one may enter
or leave the Imperial Palace.

18
00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:08,280
Those who disobey will be executed.

19
00:02:09,520 --> 00:02:10,160
Unit Meng,

20
00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:12,280
come with me to Hanqiu Palace.

21
00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:15,920
Grand Chancellor Pei has arrived.

22
00:02:25,240 --> 00:02:25,640
[Pei Wenxuan]

23
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[The Senior Grand Secretary
of the Great Xia]

24
00:02:57,360 --> 00:02:58,000
Grand Chancellor Pei.

25
00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:04,000
Your Majesty, you came to Hanqiu Palace

26
00:03:04,920 --> 00:03:06,600
in the middle of the night
with these ministers.

27
00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:08,800
Do you intend to force an abdication?

28
00:03:08,840 --> 00:03:10,240
[Shangguan Ya, Empress of the Great Xia]

29
00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:10,920
Grand Chancellor Pei,

30
00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:12,600
His Majesty has been waiting for you.

31
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Please.

32
00:03:15,480 --> 00:03:16,440
You may all leave now.

33
00:03:20,210 --> 00:03:22,360
[Hanqiu Palace]

34
00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:24,240
Send a message
to Second Young Master immediately.

35
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Tell him to stay on standby.

36
00:03:26,600 --> 00:03:27,280
Yes, Your Majesty.

37
00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:56,880
You are awake, Your Highness.

38
00:03:58,000 --> 00:04:00,920
This is freshly brewed pear soup.

39
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[Second Young Master Su]
Take a sip to wet your whistle.

40
00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:03,760
[Vice Minister of Justice]

41
00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:06,400
[Li Rong, Princess Royal]

42
00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:07,040
Okay.

43
00:04:19,080 --> 00:04:20,040
You are here.

44
00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:24,520
[Li Chuan, Emperor]

45
00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:25,880
Your Majesty,

46
00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:28,400
do you want to leave a message?

47
00:04:28,960 --> 00:04:30,440
Depose Crown Prince Li Xin

48
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and let the Eldest Prince Li Ping
inherit the throne.

49
00:04:34,840 --> 00:04:36,280
I have already prepared everything

50
00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:38,760
on my way here.

51
00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:45,120
[Depose him
from the position of Crown Prince]

52
00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:49,680
Since the founding of the Xia,

53
00:04:50,040 --> 00:04:52,760
power has always been in the hands
of the noble families.

54
00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:56,360
Although my Li Family is royalty,

55
00:04:57,280 --> 00:04:59,480
we are merely puppets
of the noble families.

56
00:04:59,960 --> 00:05:01,840
It is only when facing death

57
00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:04,520
that I realize my eldest sister,

58
00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:08,840
Princess Royal Li Rong,

59
00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:12,640
is the most powerful one
among all the noble families.

60
00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:16,160
After my demise,

61
00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:19,720
if the Princess Royal plots a rebellion,

62
00:05:20,840 --> 00:05:23,720
how should you, her nominal husband

63
00:05:24,280 --> 00:05:27,520
and the representative of people
from humble backgrounds, respond,

64
00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:32,960
Grand Chancellor Pei?

65
00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:35,040
The nation belongs to the people.

66
00:05:35,760 --> 00:05:37,320
As long as I am here,

67
00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:38,920
people from humble backgrounds

68
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will not fall into decline.

69
00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:46,760
What is the situation
with the Crown Prince's succession?

70
00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:49,600
Grand Chancellor Pei refuses to relent

71
00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:52,520
and insists on following
His Majesty's wishes

72
00:05:52,920 --> 00:05:54,600
to appoint the Eldest Prince Li Ping
as the Crown Prince.

73
00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:56,520
Pei Wenxuan intends to make Li Ping
the Crown Prince.

74
00:05:58,280 --> 00:06:00,960
We, the noble families,
are their biggest obstacle.

75
00:06:02,280 --> 00:06:04,160
Therefore, before he makes a move...

76
00:06:06,840 --> 00:06:08,320
Before Pei Wenxuan makes a move...

77
00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:09,280
Your Highness, rest assured.

78
00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:13,400
Everything has been taken care of.

79
00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:16,520
That's good to know.

80
00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:20,520
If I die,

81
00:06:21,920 --> 00:06:23,600
Pei Wenxuan will have absolute authority.

82
00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:25,360
If you die,

83
00:06:27,280 --> 00:06:28,400
he won't live on either.

84
00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:30,760
I'll kill him

85
00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:33,640
to let him be buried with you.

86
00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:48,840
I never realized

87
00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:52,120
that our Young Master Su,
so elegant and composed,

88
00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:54,880
could also get angry.

89
00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:57,240
There are lots of things
that can make me angry,

90
00:06:58,400 --> 00:06:59,200
for example...

91
00:06:59,800 --> 00:07:02,320
Your Highness, Grand Chancellor Pei
requests an audience.

92
00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:07,600
If Your Highness prefers not to see him,

93
00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:10,000
I'll go and send him away.

94
00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:12,040
After all, we are husband and wife,

95
00:07:13,160 --> 00:07:14,880
and we haven't divorced yet.

96
00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:18,600
I shall go and see him.

97
00:07:19,760 --> 00:07:20,560
Probably,

98
00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:23,000
this will be our final meeting.

99
00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:30,400
You may leave now.

100
00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:38,000
Tell him to leave.

101
00:07:56,000 --> 00:07:56,640
Rongqing.

102
00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:01,920
Could you get me a cup of tea, please?

103
00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:10,040
Then please take care of yourself.

104
00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:11,880
I promise not to get angry.

105
00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:23,040
What do you come to see me for?

106
00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:26,400
I've come today

107
00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:28,680
to discuss the matter
of appointing the Crown Prince with you.

108
00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:32,800
Xin is the biological son
of Empress Shangguan Ya.

109
00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:35,240
He is modest, respectful,
and utterly worthy of the position.

110
00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:37,520
What's there to discuss?

111
00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:43,440
Third Prince Li Xin
is arrogant and unruly,

112
00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:45,480
which makes him unsuitable
for the position of Crown Prince.

113
00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:48,640
His mother, Shangguan,
holds too much power.

114
00:08:49,320 --> 00:08:50,960
If something were to happen
to you and me in the future...

115
00:08:51,120 --> 00:08:52,800
Why is he also wearing a sachet?

116
00:08:54,160 --> 00:08:55,720
And the fragrance is so strong.

117
00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:01,120
You're saying high-sounding words.

118
00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:02,600
But you know exactly

119
00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:03,960
what your true purpose is.

120
00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:08,320
Do you insist on letting Li Xin
ascend the throne?

121
00:09:08,320 --> 00:09:10,000
Xin is the biological son
of the Empress.

122
00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:12,120
Are we really
going to let a concubine's son

123
00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:13,600
ascend the throne instead?

124
00:09:13,600 --> 00:09:15,080
Are you still holding a grudge
against Zhenzhen?

125
00:09:18,280 --> 00:09:20,280
Can you please address her
as Noble Consort Qin?

126
00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:24,320
How can you call her Zhenzhen?

127
00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:26,800
Don't forget

128
00:09:27,120 --> 00:09:28,600
that the Qin Zhenzhen you adore

129
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is my younger brother,

130
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the current emperor Li Chuan's
deceased consort.

131
00:09:32,800 --> 00:09:35,720
Her child Li Ping cannot
become the Crown Prince.

132
00:09:40,560 --> 00:09:42,160
You can still talk this much with me.

133
00:09:43,560 --> 00:09:44,920
It seems

134
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you are not as frail
as has been rumored.

135
00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:54,000
If you disagree, so be it.

136
00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:56,680
We'll each handle things
our own way later on.

137
00:09:57,520 --> 00:09:59,360
But don't blame me
for not reminding you.

138
00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:01,360
I'd like to know

139
00:10:02,640 --> 00:10:04,440
what your way will be.

140
00:10:04,560 --> 00:10:06,120
Whatever way you think it is.

141
00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:07,880
What? Are you going to kill me?

142
00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:09,440
Do you think I don't dare to do so?

143
00:10:16,560 --> 00:10:17,520
Pei Wenxuan,

144
00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:21,240
do you really want to sacrifice
the well-being of the nation

145
00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:23,560
for your own selfish desires?

146
00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:25,400
What capabilities do I possess

147
00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:27,120
to influence the whole nation?

148
00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:28,760
However, the person
favored by Your Highness

149
00:10:29,640 --> 00:10:31,160
may not necessarily
be of good character.

150
00:10:31,800 --> 00:10:33,040
What's the point of him,
a castrated man,

151
00:10:33,040 --> 00:10:34,520
currying favor with you here?

152
00:10:34,520 --> 00:10:35,360
What did you say?

153
00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:36,520
Pei Wenxuan.

154
00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:37,360
Pei Wenxuan,

155
00:10:37,360 --> 00:10:39,280
I won't allow you
to slander Rongqing in the slightest!

156
00:11:15,320 --> 00:11:16,680
We agreed not to get angry,

157
00:11:17,200 --> 00:11:18,800
so why are you
getting so worked up again?

158
00:11:19,560 --> 00:11:20,560
Go fetch the medicine for Her Highness.

159
00:11:20,800 --> 00:11:21,560
- Yes.
- Yes.

160
00:11:22,080 --> 00:11:23,840
He's definitely up to no good
coming to see you here.

161
00:11:24,440 --> 00:11:26,840
You're still unwell,
so why bother seeing him?

162
00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:27,960
I'm fine.

163
00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:53,960
What's wrong?

164
00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:00,200
Imperial Physician!
Get the Imperial Physician now!

165
00:12:04,680 --> 00:12:06,480
It's the Poison of the Fragrant Beauty.

166
00:12:20,480 --> 00:12:21,320
Pei Wenxuan.

167
00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:23,920
It's Pei Wenxuan.

168
00:12:25,560 --> 00:12:26,800
The sachet he was wearing...

169
00:12:33,960 --> 00:12:36,360
Rong, stop talking.

170
00:12:37,280 --> 00:12:38,400
Conserve your strength.

171
00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:41,360
I'm sorry.

172
00:12:42,480 --> 00:12:43,880
I failed to protect you.

173
00:12:44,760 --> 00:12:47,040
He finally made his move against me.

174
00:12:51,760 --> 00:12:52,480
Heed my order.

175
00:12:54,480 --> 00:12:55,680
If I die,

176
00:12:57,400 --> 00:12:58,320
Pei Wenxuan...

177
00:13:00,880 --> 00:13:01,920
cannot live.

178
00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:18,160
Young Master,
I feel something's not right.

179
00:13:18,160 --> 00:13:20,120
[Tong Ye, Pei Wenxuan's valet]
Could it be that the Princess

180
00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:20,960
has sent someone to follow us?

181
00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:23,160
Ignore them.

182
00:13:23,280 --> 00:13:24,880
How can we ignore them?

183
00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:26,440
She's just trying to scare me.

184
00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:27,880
She won't actually kill me.

185
00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:03,120
Whose order are you following?

186
00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:06,640
By order of the Princess Royal,

187
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you shall be killed without mercy.

188
00:15:12,080 --> 00:15:13,320
I never thought

189
00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:17,960
you would eventually try to kill me.

190
00:15:24,040 --> 00:15:26,680
You are the only weal and woe...

191
00:15:29,080 --> 00:15:30,480
that I cannot avoid in my life.

192
00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:45,720
What's the situation
with that person now?

193
00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:47,160
It's all sorted.

194
00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:53,480
For twenty years,

195
00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:58,160
I've been entangled with him.

196
00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:02,320
I've never expected it

197
00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:07,280
to end like this.

198
00:16:07,640 --> 00:16:10,760
It's all over between you and him.

199
00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:13,160
None of us

200
00:16:17,760 --> 00:16:19,240
are worthy of Your Highness.

201
00:16:29,560 --> 00:16:31,320
My greatest regret...

202
00:16:33,760 --> 00:16:36,120
in this lifetime...

203
00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:40,680
is...

204
00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:44,320
missing you.

205
00:16:47,360 --> 00:16:48,840
If only

206
00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:51,520
I could have a great dream

207
00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:54,160
and I could start...

208
00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:01,440
everything anew.

209
00:17:11,520 --> 00:17:15,440
The Princess Royal has passed away.

210
00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:30,520
Where am I?

211
00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:30,200
It's been a while,

212
00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:32,920
warm sunshine.

213
00:18:44,200 --> 00:18:46,360
Your Highness, you're awake.

214
00:18:47,600 --> 00:18:48,400
Jinglan?

215
00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:50,720
What's going on?

216
00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:52,720
How come she's not dead?

217
00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:56,280
Jinglan, aren't you...

218
00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:01,040
Watch out, Your Highness.

219
00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:07,760
Could it be

220
00:19:08,920 --> 00:19:10,440
that we're now meeting
in the underworld?

221
00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:16,200
Your Highness, it hurts.

222
00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:18,960
You really are alive.

223
00:19:19,720 --> 00:19:21,000
You are not dead.

224
00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:25,640
Your Highness,
why are you wishing me dead

225
00:19:25,840 --> 00:19:28,040
out of the blue?

226
00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:30,920
I don't know
whether the past was a dream

227
00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:33,840
or the present is a dream,

228
00:19:35,360 --> 00:19:38,560
but luckily, you're still alive.

229
00:19:39,840 --> 00:19:40,840
That's great.

230
00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:43,320
Your Highness, are you all right?

231
00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:45,520
It's already the hour of Si.
[*9 AM to 11 AM]

232
00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:47,080
His Majesty just finished
the morning audience.

233
00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:48,320
He has sent word for you

234
00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:50,720
to join him for lunch.

235
00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:52,880
I was just about to come and wake you.

236
00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:54,520
But you are already awake.

237
00:19:56,200 --> 00:19:57,600
You said His Majesty
had just finished the morning audience?

238
00:19:58,680 --> 00:19:59,600
That's great.

239
00:20:00,560 --> 00:20:03,280
The message from the palace
said his days were numbered.

240
00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:05,720
By the way,

241
00:20:06,440 --> 00:20:07,920
how about that rascal Pei Wenxuan?

242
00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:09,320
Has he died yet?

243
00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:12,480
Who is this Pei Wenxuan?

244
00:20:13,720 --> 00:20:15,440
Do you have a grudge against him?

245
00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:41,880
The Poison of the Fragrant Beauty

246
00:20:42,840 --> 00:20:44,200
not only failed to kill me

247
00:20:44,600 --> 00:20:46,720
but also had the miraculous effect
of rejuvenating me.

248
00:20:56,360 --> 00:20:57,160
Your Highness.

249
00:20:57,600 --> 00:20:58,920
This isn't the Princess Royal's Mansion,

250
00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:01,720
but the Changle Palace
where I lived before getting married.

251
00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:08,520
My body feels so light.

252
00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:26,680
Your Highness, where are you going?

253
00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:29,480
Please slow down.

254
00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:56,440
Your Highness.

255
00:21:58,120 --> 00:21:59,760
What's happening to you, Your Highness?

256
00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:04,160
Tell me

257
00:22:05,040 --> 00:22:06,640
what year it is now.

258
00:22:07,040 --> 00:22:07,960
It's...

259
00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:10,840
It's the twenty-fourth year
of the Yongning Era now.

260
00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:12,640
The twenty-fourth year
of the Yongning Era?

261
00:22:16,760 --> 00:22:17,720
This year,

262
00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:20,800
I am eighteen years old.

263
00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:24,200
I am not yet married,

264
00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:30,520
and neither you
nor Father have passed away.

265
00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:36,920
What on earth is going on?

266
00:22:40,280 --> 00:22:41,960
Could it be that even Heaven feels

267
00:22:42,080 --> 00:22:44,240
that the old me lived
too constrained a life?

268
00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:46,440
You are just like your mother,
wanting to control the royal family

269
00:22:46,640 --> 00:22:49,080
with the support
of the Shangguan Family.

270
00:22:49,080 --> 00:22:50,800
If one day I ascended the throne,

271
00:22:51,040 --> 00:22:53,600
would you also pressure me
like how the noble families

272
00:22:53,720 --> 00:22:54,640
pressured Father?

273
00:22:56,240 --> 00:22:57,720
What is your relationship with her?

274
00:22:58,160 --> 00:22:59,520
Childhood friends.

275
00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:06,840
I wonder

276
00:23:07,520 --> 00:23:09,400
how Rongqing is doing now.

277
00:23:10,640 --> 00:23:12,280
I must have been out of my mind

278
00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:14,360
to have chosen that rascal Pei Wenxuan.

279
00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:16,280
It brought me nothing but my own demise.

280
00:23:16,960 --> 00:23:19,240
This time, just you wait.

281
00:23:21,840 --> 00:23:22,600
Your Highness,

282
00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:25,800
we shall get going.

283
00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:27,880
We can't keep His Majesty waiting.

284
00:23:31,320 --> 00:23:32,240
Do you know

285
00:23:33,080 --> 00:23:36,200
why Father wants me
to have lunch with him?

286
00:23:36,680 --> 00:23:37,480
His Majesty

287
00:23:38,600 --> 00:23:40,360
wants to choose a prince consort for you.

288
00:23:45,360 --> 00:23:47,280
So here I am, facing another meal
with a hidden agenda.

289
00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:50,000
It's such a coincidence

290
00:23:50,520 --> 00:23:51,760
that I've come back to this day.

291
00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:54,160
Since Heaven has given me

292
00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:55,240
another chance,

293
00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:57,640
I won't repeat my past mistakes.

294
00:23:58,280 --> 00:24:00,560
Pei Wenxuan, you'd better
not be on the list.

295
00:24:03,120 --> 00:24:03,800
Help me get dressed.

296
00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:45,360
Your Highness.

297
00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:19,480
Pei Wenxuan,

298
00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:23,960
no matter why we end up together,

299
00:25:24,840 --> 00:25:26,040
now that we're married,

300
00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:29,720
I'd like to live happily with you.

301
00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:33,720
I am deeply honored

302
00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:36,600
and will be eternally grateful
and repay your favor.

303
00:25:37,440 --> 00:25:40,520
In that case,
our primary concern going forward

304
00:25:41,080 --> 00:25:43,240
will be honesty.

305
00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:48,400
Despite our initial vows,

306
00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:50,960
he, like everyone else in this palace,

307
00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:54,320
inevitably leaned towards power
and personal gain.

308
00:25:54,360 --> 00:25:56,690
[Hanqiu Palace]

309
00:26:09,680 --> 00:26:11,320
I haven't seen Father in over ten years.

310
00:26:11,760 --> 00:26:13,440
Has he already aged so much

311
00:26:13,560 --> 00:26:15,240
[Li Ming, Emperor]
since I was eighteen?

312
00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:18,320
Father,

313
00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:20,400
if everything were to start over,

314
00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:24,520
could we just be a common father
and daughter from an ordinary family?

315
00:26:31,960 --> 00:26:33,400
Why are you standing at the doorway?

316
00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:38,360
I...

317
00:26:39,680 --> 00:26:42,200
I'm here to greet you, Father.

318
00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:43,800
You may rise.

319
00:26:45,200 --> 00:26:46,760
Come join me for the meal.

320
00:26:56,800 --> 00:26:57,520
Father,

321
00:26:58,240 --> 00:26:59,880
this is the chestnut cake
that I brought for you

322
00:27:00,080 --> 00:27:01,880
from the Changle Palace.
It's your favorite.

323
00:27:01,880 --> 00:27:02,600
Please try it.

324
00:27:02,840 --> 00:27:05,040
Eunuch Fu, this is inappropriate.

325
00:27:05,280 --> 00:27:05,880
Shush.

326
00:27:07,240 --> 00:27:07,400
[Fulai]

327
00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:08,420
[Chief Eunuch]
These are snacks

328
00:27:08,420 --> 00:27:09,200
brought by Her Highness.

329
00:27:23,560 --> 00:27:24,480
Your Highness, please forgive him.

330
00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:27,280
The newcomer
doesn't understand the rules.

331
00:27:28,720 --> 00:27:29,320
Leave now.

332
00:27:33,600 --> 00:27:34,280
It's really good.

333
00:27:34,520 --> 00:27:35,480
Father, have a taste.

334
00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:37,960
Okay, I'll have a taste.

335
00:27:50,720 --> 00:27:51,760
That's very thoughtful of you, Rong.

336
00:27:53,560 --> 00:27:55,960
Father, why are you inviting me

337
00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:57,600
to have a meal with you today?

338
00:27:58,200 --> 00:27:58,800
Fulai.

339
00:27:58,800 --> 00:27:59,480
Someone.

340
00:28:00,360 --> 00:28:01,440
Your Highness, please take a look.

341
00:28:02,080 --> 00:28:05,160
The first one is Lu Yu,
the son of Marquis Ningguo, Lu Tingwei.

342
00:28:05,640 --> 00:28:09,160
He was granted the title
of hereditary marquis by royal decree.

343
00:28:09,960 --> 00:28:10,600
The second one is Yang Quan,

344
00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:14,520
the second son of Grand Marshal,
Yang Ye.

345
00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:17,150
He was granted the title
of first-class major general

346
00:28:17,150 --> 00:28:17,880
by royal decree.

347
00:28:18,640 --> 00:28:19,680
The third one

348
00:28:20,160 --> 00:28:22,840
is the newly acclaimed scholar,
Cui Yulang.

349
00:28:23,680 --> 00:28:25,720
It's exactly the same as before.

350
00:28:25,720 --> 00:28:26,600
The fourth one is Pei Wenxuan,

351
00:28:26,600 --> 00:28:29,320
the son of the former Vice Minister
of Rites, Pei Lizhi,

352
00:28:29,440 --> 00:28:31,370
He was the top candidate recommended

353
00:28:31,370 --> 00:28:33,520
in the twenty-second year
of the Yongning Era.

354
00:28:40,160 --> 00:28:41,840
What is meant to come has come.

355
00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:43,120
There's no escaping it in the end.

356
00:28:48,840 --> 00:28:49,800
Father.

357
00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:54,040
Recently, everyone in the court
has been talking about your marriage.

358
00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:56,960
I was thinking it was about time
for you to get married,

359
00:28:57,280 --> 00:28:58,480
so I called you over to see

360
00:28:59,560 --> 00:29:00,720
if any of these four young men

361
00:29:01,120 --> 00:29:02,560
catch your eye.

362
00:29:16,080 --> 00:29:16,800
What's the matter?

363
00:29:16,960 --> 00:29:18,360
None of them attract you?

364
00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:22,440
I've carefully selected them for you.

365
00:29:24,080 --> 00:29:25,720
Just pick one that you find agreeable

366
00:29:26,040 --> 00:29:28,200
and I will take care of the rest.

367
00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:29,240
Everything is just as before.

368
00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:31,440
I am merely a pawn for Father

369
00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:33,920
to keep the noble families in check.

370
00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:38,040
It's not that I don't find
any of them appealing.

371
00:29:38,440 --> 00:29:40,000
It's just that they all look

372
00:29:41,160 --> 00:29:42,280
so handsome.

373
00:29:42,440 --> 00:29:43,360
I want them all.

374
00:29:43,880 --> 00:29:44,560
Don't be ridiculous.

375
00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:47,120
All of you, leave.

376
00:29:47,960 --> 00:29:49,080
I'll take my leave, Your Highness.

377
00:29:52,120 --> 00:29:53,520
If I did allow you to do that,

378
00:29:54,000 --> 00:29:56,600
then I might receive countless memorials
from the ministers

379
00:29:56,960 --> 00:29:58,360
complaining about you.

380
00:29:59,840 --> 00:30:02,960
Father, I was just joking.

381
00:30:03,680 --> 00:30:04,600
Isn't one's moral quality

382
00:30:04,680 --> 00:30:07,320
the most important thing
when it comes to choosing your partner

383
00:30:07,320 --> 00:30:08,240
rather than his appearance?

384
00:30:08,240 --> 00:30:10,440
I can't tell much just by looks alone.

385
00:30:11,080 --> 00:30:11,960
How about this?

386
00:30:12,520 --> 00:30:14,240
Let me dress up

387
00:30:14,240 --> 00:30:15,640
as an ordinary girl

388
00:30:15,920 --> 00:30:17,360
and then you tell these gentlemen

389
00:30:17,360 --> 00:30:18,680
to meet and talk to me.

390
00:30:18,880 --> 00:30:20,280
We can build some early rapport.

391
00:30:21,160 --> 00:30:21,920
It would be great

392
00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:24,120
if you could also allow me
to go out of the palace for a bit.

393
00:30:24,360 --> 00:30:25,320
I've heard

394
00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:27,120
that the roasted duck
at the Linglong Pavilion is the best

395
00:30:27,120 --> 00:30:28,080
and the peach blossoms
at the Huguo Temple are stunning.

396
00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:28,840
Alright, alright.

397
00:30:30,160 --> 00:30:32,480
Are you planning
to meet your future husband

398
00:30:32,880 --> 00:30:34,440
or just wanting to go out and have fun?

399
00:30:34,920 --> 00:30:35,720
Father.

400
00:30:37,000 --> 00:30:40,320
Father, please agree to my request.

401
00:30:40,440 --> 00:30:41,600
Father, please.

402
00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:44,240
The Spring Banquet
is right around the corner anyway.

403
00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:48,520
Then why not use the Spring Banquet
as an opportunity to meet them?

404
00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:52,120
Invite these four young men over.

405
00:30:52,480 --> 00:30:54,640
You can meet them and have a chat.

406
00:30:59,960 --> 00:31:00,680
What is it?

407
00:31:01,600 --> 00:31:03,160
Do you have any other concerns?

408
00:31:03,240 --> 00:31:04,240
I think

409
00:31:04,920 --> 00:31:06,280
if we only invite those four,

410
00:31:06,280 --> 00:31:07,640
it might be too obvious.

411
00:31:08,040 --> 00:31:10,280
Why not invite more young men
from the noble families?

412
00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:12,440
We will only know if a man is good

413
00:31:12,440 --> 00:31:13,920
when there's a comparison.

414
00:31:14,280 --> 00:31:16,480
With so many young gentlemen
standing together,

415
00:31:16,480 --> 00:31:17,120
I'll be able to tell

416
00:31:17,120 --> 00:31:18,520
who's good and who's bad at a glance.

417
00:31:19,520 --> 00:31:20,480
What do you think, Father?

418
00:31:21,520 --> 00:31:22,560
That's quite an idea.

419
00:31:25,240 --> 00:31:26,400
You do have a lot of clever ideas.

420
00:31:31,360 --> 00:31:32,320
Thank you, Father.

421
00:31:44,360 --> 00:31:46,280
[Princess Royal]
Young Master.

422
00:31:49,920 --> 00:31:50,560
Young Master.

423
00:31:51,240 --> 00:31:52,280
Great news.

424
00:31:52,680 --> 00:31:54,160
Incredibly great news.

425
00:31:54,160 --> 00:31:54,960
Tong Ye?

426
00:31:58,120 --> 00:32:00,400
How come you look so young?

427
00:32:01,560 --> 00:32:04,360
I look young?

428
00:32:06,320 --> 00:32:07,520
Am I dreaming?

429
00:32:08,920 --> 00:32:09,960
Young Master, are you alright?

430
00:32:11,400 --> 00:32:13,440
Are you upset about Miss Qin
calling off the engagement?

431
00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:16,240
Don't take it to heart.

432
00:32:16,240 --> 00:32:18,080
Her calling off the engagement
is her loss.

433
00:32:18,080 --> 00:32:18,640
Hold on.

434
00:32:19,720 --> 00:32:21,920
What date is today?

435
00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:23,790
The first day of the third month

436
00:32:23,790 --> 00:32:24,880
in the twenty-fourth year
of the Yongning Era.

437
00:32:25,760 --> 00:32:28,040
Young Master, please remember today.

438
00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:31,120
It's a hugely auspicious day.

439
00:32:31,320 --> 00:32:32,280
What auspicious day?

440
00:32:32,600 --> 00:32:34,000
I'll be brief.

441
00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:38,720
Things haven't been going well
for us lately, right?

442
00:32:39,200 --> 00:32:41,600
Miss Qin called off the engagement,

443
00:32:41,840 --> 00:32:44,240
Ms. Tong is pressuring us
for debts every day,

444
00:32:44,760 --> 00:32:46,880
and your second uncle
is holding onto the family's money.

445
00:32:47,440 --> 00:32:49,320
Isn't this the time
when I was at my poorest?

446
00:32:49,960 --> 00:32:51,200
How could it be an auspicious day?

447
00:32:52,040 --> 00:32:53,080
Say, if...

448
00:32:53,080 --> 00:32:53,600
Enough.

449
00:32:54,560 --> 00:32:56,280
I thought you said you'd be brief.

450
00:32:56,560 --> 00:32:57,320
Okay.

451
00:32:58,120 --> 00:33:00,480
So I thought I should find a way
to turn things around for you.

452
00:33:01,120 --> 00:33:03,840
And I went to offer incense
to ancestors.

453
00:33:03,840 --> 00:33:04,880
Get to the point.

454
00:33:05,240 --> 00:33:06,280
Here comes the point.

455
00:33:06,840 --> 00:33:07,960
As soon as I made a wish

456
00:33:07,960 --> 00:33:09,440
for you to have a good marriage,

457
00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:11,200
Master seems to have blessed us.

458
00:33:11,480 --> 00:33:12,240
Do you know?

459
00:33:12,760 --> 00:33:14,840
Princess Pingyue sent her maid

460
00:33:14,920 --> 00:33:17,160
to deliver you an invitation

461
00:33:17,280 --> 00:33:19,000
asking you to attend the Spring Banquet.

462
00:33:19,240 --> 00:33:20,160
Princess Pingyue?

463
00:33:21,480 --> 00:33:22,200
You mean Li Rong?

464
00:33:22,920 --> 00:33:24,480
You can't just address the Princess
by her name.

465
00:33:24,480 --> 00:33:25,440
If they heard it

466
00:33:25,440 --> 00:33:27,280
and spread the word,
it could mean death.

467
00:33:30,080 --> 00:33:31,680
She's been waiting in the study for us
for quite a while.

468
00:33:32,040 --> 00:33:32,640
So...

469
00:33:36,760 --> 00:33:37,600
Let's think about it this way.

470
00:33:37,600 --> 00:33:39,320
There's a reason the Qin Family
called off the engagement.

471
00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:40,960
Ever since Master passed away,

472
00:33:40,960 --> 00:33:42,000
your second uncle
has been oppressing you.

473
00:33:42,280 --> 00:33:43,400
He doesn't give you the money
when you ask for it.

474
00:33:43,400 --> 00:33:44,440
And he doesn't give you the power
when you need it.

475
00:33:44,760 --> 00:33:46,360
I'm telling you, it's probably

476
00:33:46,640 --> 00:33:47,960
those scoundrels

477
00:33:47,960 --> 00:33:48,880
causing all this trouble.

478
00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:50,320
Can you be quiet for a moment?

479
00:33:52,320 --> 00:33:54,840
From now on,
don't ever mention this matter anymore.

480
00:33:55,000 --> 00:33:57,160
Yes. Then you should stop being sad.

481
00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:00,120
Is this my karma?

482
00:34:00,400 --> 00:34:02,520
I've returned to my most destitute time.

483
00:34:03,640 --> 00:34:05,080
The Qin Family's young lady
broke off our engagement,

484
00:34:05,760 --> 00:34:08,040
and soon after, Princess Pingyue
would be selecting a consort.

485
00:34:17,160 --> 00:34:17,920
Young Master Pei,

486
00:34:18,160 --> 00:34:19,080
this is an invitation

487
00:34:19,120 --> 00:34:20,840
to the Spring Banquet
from Princess Pingyue.

488
00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:22,720
When he received the invitation,

489
00:34:23,240 --> 00:34:25,560
was he surprised and delighted?

490
00:34:27,680 --> 00:34:29,480
Did he ask you in astonishment,

491
00:34:31,920 --> 00:34:34,000
"I'm just a minor
eighth-ranking official,

492
00:34:34,120 --> 00:34:36,560
why would Princess Pingyue
send me an invitation?"

493
00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:38,840
Was he overjoyed?

494
00:34:39,360 --> 00:34:41,960
The situation at that time was...

495
00:34:42,320 --> 00:34:43,240
Miss Jinglan,

496
00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,480
I just want to confirm again.

497
00:34:46,640 --> 00:34:48,240
Is this invitation

498
00:34:48,240 --> 00:34:50,080
meant for our young master?

499
00:34:50,440 --> 00:34:52,120
He just got promoted to the eighth rank.

500
00:34:52,120 --> 00:34:53,160
The invitation is meant for me.

501
00:34:53,680 --> 00:34:55,480
It must be from Her Highness for me.

502
00:34:57,360 --> 00:34:58,280
Though I'm not that capable,

503
00:34:59,160 --> 00:35:01,640
I'm blessed with good looks.

504
00:35:05,400 --> 00:35:06,520
Blessed with good looks?

505
00:35:09,480 --> 00:35:11,000
He actually said that?

506
00:35:13,280 --> 00:35:14,560
In that case, I'll make sure

507
00:35:16,960 --> 00:35:18,960
that you suffer
because of your good looks.

508
00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:22,080
[Invitation]
This is a dream of starting over,

509
00:35:22,840 --> 00:35:26,480
where everything begins anew.

510
00:35:33,680 --> 00:35:37,360
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪

511
00:35:37,440 --> 00:35:40,840
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪

512
00:35:40,920 --> 00:35:44,240
♪In the night's chill breeze♪

513
00:35:44,360 --> 00:35:47,680
♪What is she singing for?♪

514
00:35:47,880 --> 00:35:51,160
♪The wind caresses the hills♪

515
00:35:51,320 --> 00:35:54,600
♪The wind causes ripples on calm water♪

516
00:35:54,720 --> 00:36:00,400
♪Moonlight graces passing souls♪

517
00:36:29,360 --> 00:36:32,520
♪Her steps get slower and slower♪

518
00:36:32,640 --> 00:36:35,920
♪She's trod a long path♪

519
00:36:36,160 --> 00:36:39,400
♪Memories lost then found♪

520
00:36:39,680 --> 00:36:42,800
♪Gazing idly as clouds roll by♪

521
00:36:43,120 --> 00:36:46,200
♪She holds a red candle♪

522
00:36:46,560 --> 00:36:49,840
♪To brave the thick fog♪

523
00:36:50,000 --> 00:36:53,280
♪Life can be bitter sometimes♪

524
00:36:53,560 --> 00:36:56,800
♪Experience it with grace♪

525
00:36:56,960 --> 00:37:00,240
♪Like a fleeting dream♪

526
00:37:00,400 --> 00:37:03,720
♪Like a fleeting dream♪

527
00:37:03,880 --> 00:37:09,800
♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪

528
00:37:10,920 --> 00:37:14,040
♪Like a fleeting dream♪

529
00:37:14,320 --> 00:37:17,560
♪Like a fleeting dream♪

530
00:37:17,680 --> 00:37:23,640
♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪

531
00:37:52,520 --> 00:37:58,480
♪In her gaze,
the unwavering faith remains♪