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[The Promise of Chang'An]

[Episode 3]

How can you be a gentlemen by hiding behind someone's back?

Why are you here?

I just thought of a few poetic lyrics.

Instead of staying with Great Sheng's people in the palace, what are you doing here?

I was taking a stroll out of the palace,

and saw a sneaky person from the palace. I follow to this place and that person disappeared.

Go.

That's a spy.

We'll outflank him from front and back.

Great Liang and Great Sheng like to use pigeons to send messages.

Only Xiqi and Yonglin excel in training the hawks. You are from Xiqi.

Only you Xiqi villains would do something so sneaky!

Stop!

Chengxu, there is a needle on your body.

I'm fine. That man is a Xiqi spy, we can't let him get away.

You are wounded. Why are you still chasing after a spy?

Let me see. Is the needle poisoned?

A man and a woman should keep their distance. I'm fine.

It's urgent time now. Why are you like a old lady?

Good, the blood is bright red. The needle isn't poisoned. You just need to put some medicine.

Thanks.

Why thank me. You saved me, I should be the one to thank you.

Wait here for me. I'll go get the horses.

Yes.

Your Majesty, you should rest.

Blood!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, what's wrong? Tell Eunuch Min to get the royal physician.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

After a lifetime of battles, I never thought

that it's even difficult to stand up.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, isn't the poison already detoxified from your body? Why is it getting more serious?

It's useless.

I probably can't survive today.

No. Come here.

Beloved Concubine.

When I was standing there, I thought about a lot of things.

It's about our Great Sheng's future.

Great Sheng's future relies on Your Majesty. You'll definitely recover.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Su Qiu! Su Qiu!

- Your Royal Highness. - Why isn't the royal physician here yet?

Don't worry. Eunuch Min has already gone to get him.

It's useless.

Listen to me.

I want to tell you everything that I'm thinking about.

The successor to the throne, I want him to be our son,

Ninth Prince, Xiao Chengxu.

Chengxu?

But I think he is still young, and he hasn't established any military victories.

With Chengli to assist him, these are not important.

But, I've always thought that Your Majesty had wanted Third Prince.

You are talking about Chengrui. I certainly

thought about him. Chengrui, that kid,

fought along with me in the battles fields, has outstanding military achievements.

If you just think about abilities, no one can match him.

Then, why does Your Majesty...

Chengrui wants Great Sheng to dominate the world.

I support him.

But he wants to change the legal system.

I cannot support him then.

It's because there'll only be two results.

Great success, or great failure.

Beloved Concubine, Great Sheng can't gamble on this.

Chengxu, that kid,

has been kind since childhood. He knows the etiquette and understands rules.

Do you know?

In him, I can see myself when I was young.

Therefore, I hope that one day

he will become Great Sheng's hero.

But, I'm afraid the four major princes

won't agree.

I've thought of it. I've send people to them,

and some high officials,

I want to tell them, right in front of them,

that this is my decision.

Beloved Concubine, I worry most about our descendants.

What I fear the most is internal strife.

[Last Will]

Beloved Concubine, I can't write now.

The four major princes haven't arrived yet.

If I die now,

you are the only person to have heard my last words.

And you'll be holding my last will.

It'll be a disaster for you.

This disaster

may let you and your son lose your lives.

I really wish I could take on your suffering for you.

Beloved Concubine, I fought in battles all my life, wanting to become a hero.

Heaven blessed me time and again.

I hope

I'm given one last chance,

just a little more time for them to arrive.

I want to write in front of them.

In this life, I've met many women,

but the one that stays in my heart, the one that's my most beloved,

is only you.

But the one I feel the most sorry to is always you.

If Your Majesty departs, I will definitely follow you.

Don't you worry.

I'll hold on,

for you, for our son.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty.

Get up.

Get up.

I am still King of Great Sheng.

You are Great Sheng's Royal Consort. Wipe off your tears.

Bring my clothes.

Help me to put on my crown.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty has passed!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Third Brother, you are finally back.

Third Brother, Royal Father

did not leave a decree of last will.

When he passed away, there was only Concubine Mu.

So, only Concubine Mu knows Royal Father's last words.

Regardless of what she says about the last words,

Fifth Brother and I will always support you.

Xiqi's Envoy greets King of Yonglin.

You may waive the formalities.

I have been commanded by my king

to come to Yonglin now to fulfill the marriage accord,

escort the Yonglin princess back to Xiqi to marry the prince.

Xiqi Envoy, this trip of yours is quite ludicrous.

Xiqi's prince has already withdrawn the marriage offer, and our two kingdoms' marriage accord is broken.

Here is the marriage withdrawal letter as proof.

This matter is already clear and set.

Xiqi Envoy, why are you still here at Yonglin to raise a ruckus?

Are you afraid of being laughed at by all people in the world?

Xiqi's prince also marked his personal seal on the letter. How can you deny it?

It is precisely because the letter has his personal seal that it is invalid.

Third-sister-in-law.

Ninth Brother.

Third-sister-in-law, I heard that Third Brother has already gone home. How did he leave so suddenly?

He said there is some urgent military matter.

But he left in such a hurry that it left me feeling anxious.

Third-sister-in-law, you don't need to worry. With Third Brother's ability,

what can be too difficult for him?

I hope so.

Ninth Brother, is there anything you need?

There isn't anything important. It's just that I feel

that I've been feeling like I'm sick lately.

Sick? Is it serious?

Is it perhaps you are not accustomed to Yonglin's food?

- Let's call the royal physician to take a look. - No, no, no need.

I... I've just been thinking of a person.

It makes me feel a sense of anxiety.

I feel restless. But once I see that person,

I would then feel that I'm a different person.

It's so strange. It's such a strange feeling.

I think, it's a kind of heart sickness.

Heart sickness?

It's when the heart grows fonder, the feeling lingers with you, that kind of sickness.

A marriage accord is signed by two nations.

If Yonglin dares to openly disobey the accord and humiliates Xiqi,

Xiqi will definitely deploy our army to protect our kingdom's honor.

You...

This...

This Xiqi enjoy is simply too bullying.

How can such a hooligan behavior be credible?

Grandfather, don't be angry. Since they already know that

Yonglin and Great Sheng have already established an alliance, they wont' dare to invade.

That kind of talk is just bluffing.

Grandfather, I will discuss with Xiao Chengxu right now.

If Great Sheng will deploy their troops, Xiqi won't dare to invade.

Alright.

Reporting!

Why are you so panicked?

Reporting to Your Majesty, the king of Great Sheng has died.

Wanyin, don't worry. Grandfather has decided to form an alliance with Great Sheng.

The marriage with Xiqi won't happen.

His Majesty arrives.

Grandfather, have you sent away Xiqi's envoy?

I just heard the news that the king of Shengzhou has died.

What? Royal Father...

Grandfather, what about me?

Xiqi has a strong army with ferocious soldiers.

If Yonglin breaks off the marriage, then they will have a justification for cause.

Yonglin is in danger.

If Great Sheng deploys their troops, it would be a good match against them.

But, it's too bad that Great Sheng has a state funeral.

In a short term, it won't be able to take care of other matters.

Then, Grandfather, you mean...

The only way is to fulfill the marriage accord.

Grandfather, Xiqi just wants a Yonglin princess.

I am also a princess. Let me go.

Mingyu is still young. How can she marry afar?

This... This...

Wanyin, pack your things.

Go with the Xiqi enjoy.

Grandfather, that Situ Kun is an animal.

I won't marry. I won't marry.

Grandfather, let me go.

Older Sister has a gentle personality. She will definitely be bullied when she goes there.

I'm not the same. I will deal with him and let him get rid of the marriage idea.

In every dynasty and every era, there are always children of the royal family

asked to make contributions with their bodies.

Wanyi, this is your duty as a princess of Yonglin.

Grandfather. Grandfather!

Grandfather must have his reasons.

This is my fate.

I accept it.

Older Sister! Take care of yourself!

Mingyu.

I know you are very sad.

But all of us from Yonglin have our unshirkable responsibilities to bear.

No one can evade.

Please come with me. His Majesty's hearse is being delivered to the palace.

Let's quickly go and find Chengxu, and meet up with His Highness.

Royal Father!

I came late!

- I am sorry. - Chengxu.

Third Brother.

Second Brother, Third Brother.

I would like to stay here with Royal Father alone today.

Please go back.

Royal Father, may you rest in peace.

Please have a safe departure. In my next life,

I still want to be your son.

I will take your advice to heart.

I will be a great hero.

Royal Father, I will not let you down.

Xu'er, there's something on my mind.

It's a huge issue and I have no one to discuss it with.

Mother, what's on your mind? Please share with me.

I will share the burden with you for sure.

Xu'er, do you trust Mother?

I do.

Do you believe that everything I do

is for your good?

Of course, I believe.

Mother, in this world, you are the dearest person to me.

You must remember that.

Third Brother, do you think Concubine Mu said anything at all?

Did Royal Father leave any last will before his death?

Who will succeed this throne?

Mother, I understand all that you've said.

Royal Father did leave his last will.

However, Concubine Mu said to wait till we return to the capital

and she will announce it publicly in the presence of all officials.

After our return to the capital?

Even the four princes are not able to know it first.

What exactly is she up to?

Third Brother.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Chengrui, I have something to talk to you in private.

Your Highness, please just tell me what's on your mind.

All right.

I will be forthright with you.

Before His Majesty's death, he left his last will.

It is to pass the throne

to Chengxu

and let Chengli assist and support him.

Since it's Royal Father's last will,

and it concerns the new emperor of Sheng,

Your Highness could just announce it in public when we return to the capital.

This matter doesn't have to be done in that way.

If

you want to be the emperor, just tell me.

I will fullfill your wish.

Besides the two of us, His Majesty's last will

is known to no one else.

Your Highness, why would you do that?

I know that among the four princes,

though Chengli is the eldest,

you are the leader of them. That's why I came to you.

Chengxu is young. If he does not have the support of the four princes,

he would be of no match to all of you.

At worse, his life may even be at stake.

What do you take all four princes as?

No, I am referring to Chengyao.

He is rash and impetuous.

No one is able to subdue his bad temper.

Therefore, not only are you here

to test my attitude toward the new emperor,

you are also trying to coerce the four princes to pledge our allegiance to Chengxu. Am I right?

Everything I just said is heartfelt and sincere.

I deserve to die if I violate His Majesty's last will.

But I will do anything to protect Chengxu's life,

even if I have to descend to the underworld, I will willingly do so.

Does Chengxu have the same intent?

I will await your reply.

Before I get your reply,

I will not say a word to Chengxu.

Since young, you have doted on Chengxu.

You taught and counseled him well. Even if he cedes the throne to you,

- it would be something he ought to do. - It's enough!

Royal Father has just died (hardly cold in the hearse),

and here you are trying to alter his last will without authority.

Do you know how serious this crime is?

Chengrui.

Chengrui! Chengrui!

What happened?

I made a mistake.

I shouldn't have spoken to him in that way.

He is a very conceited man.

- Did Princess Mu say anything about Royal Father's last will? - Don't ask me now.

Let's go back first and discuss later.

Third Brother!

Looking at Third Brother's expression, Princess Mu must have said something important.

Everyone, leave!

A hundred thousand soliders cannot seize this small city?

Father, please quell your anger!

Chengrui, supposing that next year I won't be there anymore

I will hand over to you my glory and the future of Great Sheng.

I won't dissapoint my father!

Haven't you handed me over your glory and the future of Great Sheng?

But...for what reason

didn't you mention a single word about that in your last will?

Princess Mu is afraid that I would be heartless towards Chengxu

she continously disobeys your last will, trying to make me ascend to the throne.

Father, do you also think I covet the throne?

Therefore you have set me as far as possible from the throne.

My first memories are about following you on the battlefield, on expeditions. Going together through fire and water.

I was hell-bent on carrying negotiations and join alliances with Yonglin.

I tremendously got prepared for the war. I was preparing to take over Daliang in the upcoming year.

I know. You want to unify the country.

I do not dare to sack off.

For the sake of people of Great Sheng. For the sake of peace of common people.

But now?

Now you have handed over your vast territories to Chengxu who is only 17 years old.

My younger brother is so young. Without any military experience or merits.

How could he cope with such difficult situations?

Father...

Yet after so many years of hard work you let me endure all of this.

It's the first time you came to Shengzhou. You probably need some time to get used to this place.

Rest assured, Older Sister. We are very well looked after in here.

Then I am relieved. I initially wanted to take you out for a walk around this place so you'd get familiar to it.

But I haven't imagined that the King would suddenly pass away.

I am afraid that I can not take proper care of you during these days.

I am here to keep you company, Older Sister.

But I cannot distract you from these unhappy events which might make you feel at unease.

I could only hope that you would feel less grieved.

You don't have to take trouble for us.

Princess! I have been looking for you everywhere!

What happened?

I don't know for what reason the servants of the Third Prince are fighting outside.

They yell that they want to enter the palace and get to the coffin of the King.

What's the matter?

Go and find out, but don't cause any disturbance.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Their Majesties, The Princes Yongan and Yongkang.

Greetings,Your Majesties The Ninth and The Tenth Princes!

Greetings, Sister-in-law.

How comes you are here? Didn't you escort the coffin of the Emperor in the palace?

The Third Brother made us come here.

We wanted to come to the palace to help our mother put in place the coffin.

But on our way back to the palace

we met the Imperial Guards of the Third and the Fourth Brothers.

They did not want to let us enter the palace.

What is all of this for?

- Sister-in-law, I want to see my mother. Help us. - First calm down.

Where is the Third Prince now?

He hast just returned home from the palace.

Now he is discussing official business.He also stressed out that the palace is in disorder right now

Therefore he asked their Majesties

to stay in your chamber.

They cannot enter the palace.

- Is this really what he meant? - Yes, your Highness.

I don't believe it! My brother is the Commander of the Wolf regiment.

I am the Commander of the Eagle regiment.

The two Commanders from my regiments are here

how could The Third Brother dispatch a lower ranking regiment to keep an eye on us?

I am his Majesty's subordinate. I only listen to his orders.

I have nothing to do with other Commanders

especially with those who don't have military merits.

Say it again! Say it!

Chengxu!

He only follows orders. Don't get him in trouble.

Older Sister. Don't tell me that Chengxu and Chengxuan

shouldn't be allowed to keep vigil beside the coffin with their mother.

Have you forgotten what I have just told you?

Here it is not Yonglin. You have to listen more and speak out less.

Mingyun didn't say anything wrong.

This is also something I wanted to ask.

Why don't they allow us to see our mother?

I will go to clear things up.

Wait! I will go and ask.

You stay here and wait for me.

Alright.

- Have you heard that rumor? - I have heard it, but I do not believe.

Chengrui!

We heard the rumor about the Emperor writing down in his last will

that he wants Chengxun to ascend to the throne. The Second Prince should assist him.

- How do you know that? - Brother, do not tell us that you still do not know.

The rumor has already started to spread between the Wolf and Eagle regiments.

But we cannot let this happen!

Just that it is not a rumour. Princess Mu has told me that with her own mouth.

Go and get ready, the throne has already been decided. It is just the imperial edict yet to come.

In the future assist Chengxu in governing the state.

Brother! Do not tell me that you really want to welcome Chengxu.

Report!

Your Majesty, I have already droven out the Ninth and the Tenth Princes from the palace.

They are already in the mansion.

Well done!

Dean!

Who asked you to do that?

Brother, do not blame him! I asked him to do so.

Because of this situation we now have to separate the sons from the mother and have a discussion.

Dean! You are my subordinate.

How dare you not consult me before doing something?

I am your Highness' subordinate. I ought to follow your Highness' orders.

Not only me, but the whole Tiger regiment

has pledged loyality to your Highness.

If someone else wants to become King

we are ready to risk our lives for your Majesty. We cannot agree with that.

Enough, brother. Take into consideration Dean's loyality

and overlook this time his mistake of not complying with your orders.

Thank you, your Majesty. I am still awaiting your orders

about how I should handle the Ninth and the Tenth Princes.

Dean, look for someone who would closely observe them.

No matter what, they should not meet Princess Mu and ruin our plans.

Dispatched.

Stand there!

Brother, now is not the time to be soft-hearted.

Even though Chengxu and Chengxun were not born from the same mother

they have been raised by me!

Brother! The throne awaits in front of you!

The future of Great Sheng is in front of you!

Do not tell me that you have slacked off, handing over the throne to a small kid!

That's right, Brother. You cannot hesitate.

Let me think about it.

[The Promise of Chang'An]

credit

"Falling Fate" - Singer: Li Yugang

♫ Who is swaying at dusk on the riverbank by the gently fluttering willows? ♫

♫ That beauty dances between the clouds and the rippling moonglade ♫

♫ Dancing lightly like the startled birds and your graceful face is like delicate blooms ♫

♫ Longing in the wind, with glistening eyes looking toward the ripples ♫

♫ I could not take my eyes off such a sight to behold ♫

♫ It seems brief, my adoration for you has been for years ♫

♫ You come or go as you please, my soul is being led by dreams of you ♫

♫ These are foolish and infuriating times, I still wish we could be together forever ♫

♫ Destiny leads you into my life to make me whole ♫

♫ My love for you is like an ink-mark that never dries ♫

♫ As the snow scatters in the wind, as the clouds shield the moon ♫

♫ As I have to be drunk to sleep through the night ♫

♫ Like you, the paper I write on is full of melancholy ♫

♫ Destiny leads you into my life, times of great changes separate us ♫

♫ My tears fall and fill the curtained carriage along the way ♫

♫ This homeward journey, this boundless life ♫

♫ It is fleeting, and filled with joys and sorrows ♫