Original subtitles

Timing and subtitles brought to you by Impossible Promises @ Viki.com

[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 8]

Your Highness, Ninth Prince has been here standing all day.

He swore that if he can't draw the bow, he wouldn't eat dinner. No one can persuade him."

My little brother's personality is quite like my own.

- Little Brother. - Third Brother.

Your size is small, but your ambition is big.

I made this smaller bow for you. Give it a try.

When I grow up, I'll be a great hero.

How can I possibly use such a small bow?

Let me ask you. In your mind, am I a great hero?

You're my idol. Of course, you are.

Well, I started using a small bow when I first learned archery. Want to give it a try?

When you pull the string, straighten up your back.

Open up your chest, and hold it up.

This is Ninth Brother's first bow.

I made it for him.

I wanted him to gain some merit on the battlefield.

I didn't want him to die.

I know how much you are hurting inside.

Your Majesty, could it be that what happened to Chengxu is really what Chengxuan suspects?

Fourth Brother really did it intentionally?

Chengyao sent someone to deliver good news.

He said that he confronted Xiqi's Main General and won the battle.

When he comes back from the war,

I will ask him in person.

King, I want to beg something of you.

Chengxuan and Chengxu have a deep brotherly relationship.

Chengxuan wanted to leave the battlefield because the situation--

As a battalion leader,

even if your hardships are as big as the sky, you still cannot abandon your soldiers.

Coming back to voice grievances is a crime.

He broke the rules. He will receive the punishment.

- But Chengxu has only this one little brother. - He's also my little brother!

I'll make a careful decision on this matter.

Mingyu. I heard that the Prince of Han has returned from his battle.

The King is preparing to welcome him.

Ge'er.

Don't let His Majesty find out. My life is in your hands.

Don't worry, Ge'er. No matter what happens, Princess won't let you get in trouble.

Half an hour. I'll unlock the door in half an hour.

Okay.

Zhen'er. Be careful not to make a mess.

Okay.

Keep watch out here. If it's nothing urgent, don't let anyone come in.

Okay.

Tell me. Just exactly what happened.

It was a battle. That's that.

Then what about Chengxu and Wolf Xiao Battalion?

Ninth Brother didn't have much experience. It was his first time on the battlefield.

Coincidentially, it was a tough battle. He was just unlucky.

He's our brother.

You just watched him sacrifice himself?

On the battlefield, it's not possible to save everyone. What methods could I possibly have used?

Then what about Xiao Chengxuan? Why would he report you upon his arrival?

He said that you knew Xiqi was planning to cause a diversion,

yet you didn't tell Chengxu or assign people to look at the circumstances.

You sent the Wolf Battalion off to their deaths!

He's talking nonsense!

Xiao Chengxuan was the one who abandoned his duty on the battlefield.

I still have to take it up with him.

Xiao Chengxuan disobeyed an order. That's a separate matter.

What I am asking you right now is for you to give me the truth!

Fine. Since you want the truth, I'll tell you.

I had figured it out long ago.

Xiao Chengxu looks very loyal on the surface,

but in his heart, he hated us all along.

What proof do you have?

Chengxu studied literature and military strategies all day, and was always obedient to me.

You were tricked by him. Don't you remember the old saying

that after you raise the eagle to adulthood,

it will definitely come back to kill you cattle and sheep?

When I reflect, I treated Xiao Chengxu fairly.

Furthermore, I planned to groom and develop him.

Have you even seen how Chengxuan treats me on a daily basis?

He's faking. He's pretending to be humble,

but he's the one who bears ill intent.

Xiao Chengxuan was spoiled by our father the King growing up.

You can't use his spoiled personality to speculate such things!

What if my speculations are true?

It's not just Chengtai and I who are on guard every day.

Even you, you're probably also sitting on pins and needles.

Even if you had suspicions in your heart, why didn't you talk them out with me first?

Who told you to act on your own will?

I did it on a whim.

Isn't there a saying? "When a general is fighting outside,

he can't always follow the monarch's order." - (from The Art of War)

Third Brother, listen to me.

Our Ninth and Tenth brothers are still young, and have not achieved military merits but each leads a battalion. We don't feel satisfied.

If you look at it that way, then the Wolf and Eagle battalions will be open to new leaders.

When you say "we" you mean yourself, don't you?

You have probably already thought about

who will take the leading positions for the Wolf and Eagle battalions.

Your Majesty, whatever do you mean?

You suspect me?

If you were innocent, I would never suspect you for no reason.

You know in your heart the reason for my suspicion.

Pretend to be asleep.

Mingyu.

Your Majesty.

Come out.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Why were you inside?

I came to look for a book.

What book?

Qi Liang's Book of War.

A military book?

I heard that there were many military strategies in that book,

so I wanted to look for it in secret.

Why would you be interested in a book about military strategies and war?

I'm just not convinced. Why are men the only ones allowed to go to war?

Women should also be allowed to look at war strategies.

If you were looking for a book, why wouldn't you tell your Sister Qi?

I worried that Sister Qi would laugh at me.

Look, even you're laughing at me.

That's why I didn't tell Yunqi about this.

When did you come here?

We snuck in here while Ge'er was cleaning.

We were planning to leave as soon as we found the book, but there are too many books here.

We looked for it everywhere. We couldn't find it.

Then we heard Ge'er lock the door.

We didn't want to shout out.

At the time, we were tired and locked in, so we just slept.

Ge'er. Ge'er!

Your Majesty, please don't punish Ge'er.

If you have to punish her,

then everyone in the palace will know about this.

They'll use it as a reason to laugh at me.

Then, I'll be embarrassed.

Fine. I won't punish Ge'er.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I'll just take it as is, that the two of you fell asleep.

We really did fall asleep.

In here, it was dark and cold.

At the time, we were both tired and hungry. It would've been impossible to not fall asleep.

- I hope that you'll pretend you never heard the conversation between Prince of Han and myself. - Huh?

Prince of Han was also here?

Hasn't he still not yet returned?

Zhen'er, did you see Prince of Han?

Princess, you know that once I'm asleep, nothing can wake me up.

I dreamt of a whole, roasted lamb.

It was so good.

Ok, seeing as the two of you really are starving, you can go rest.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Oh, yeah. Please don't tell Yunqi about this.

Otherwise, she'll be upset with us.

Okay. I'll keep your secret.

And I hope that you can keep my secret.

Mingyu, that was so dangerous.

Mingyu. Minguy, are you okay?

Mingyu, sit. Sit.

Feeling better?

It's true.

Chengxu died because of them.

His death really was an injustice.

Xiao Chengyao is too cruel.

Zhen'er, you were right.

I must live

and avenge Chengxu.

Mingyu, you saw it too.

The Prince of Han even dares to contradict the King.

Mingyu, promise me you won't do anything impulsive.

I won't let him harm Chengxuan.

I absolutely won't.

His Majesty is here.

Your Majesty.

Have you spoken with Prince of Han?

It's true?

Prince of Han really did it intentionally?

He has no respect for me.

What is it?

Your Majesty.

I've always thought that some part of you has changed.

But I'm not sure what.

Yunqi, do you think it's easy to be King?

Since I was a child, I wanted to compete on how tall I was with the sky,

compete on skills with heroes in the world.

So, to me, the throne

It's not only a throne, not only vanity,

but also an opportunity to get revenge.

A starting point to think of the whole world.

In order to wager my ambition,

I must also wager my wisdom.

I must do everything in my power

to use strategies, use tactics, and anything to reach my goal.

From today on, if I really have changed,

I had no choice.

You are the person I trust the most. Only in front of you,

do I dare to say the words in my heart without fear.

Yunqi, no matter how I change,

my feelings for you will never change.

Do you dare to believe in and forgive me?

Of course I will believe in and forgive you.

You are my husband. On this Earth,

you are the person I am closest with, the person I love the most.

Zhen'er, how is it? Did you find someone to send the medicine inside?

It's sent, but Prince of Yu would not eat all day.

He said, even if he dies. he will continue to cry out to get justice for Prince of Yan.

His illness appears to be getting worse and probably can't last too much longer.

Besides, I also heard that the Prince of Han accused the Prince of Yu in court today,

saying that Prince of Yu abandoned the soldiers in the front line,

leaving his duty without permission, and running away from the battle. He wants him convicted of death.

The Prince of Han also drew in many important nobles

to point to the military law.

The Prince of Yu most likely will not be able to avoid death!

Sister Qi.

Mingyu. What happened? Get up.

Sister Qi, I...

You can all leave.

Yes.

Yunqi, I beg you to save Chengxuan.

Chengxu is gone.

It's the last thing I can do for him.

It's not that I don't want to save Chengxuan.

It's not that I haven't begged the King,

but this situation directly involves the court and the war.

The King can't just use favoritism to get him out of trouble.

Is the king really going to punish him with death?

It's not the King that wants him dead. As a Prince,

the Prince of Yu set such a bad example. If the King doesn't punish him,

then the generals and soldiers will not be satisfied.

But the only reason Chengxuan committed this wrongdoing

is because Chengxu's death was an injustice.

Can't he receive a lighter punishment?

There's no evidence of Chengxu's death being foulplay,

but the rules that Chengxuan broke

were seen by everyone!

Is there really no other method left to save him?

To be honest, it's not completely impossible.

- Unless - Unless what?

Unless the King gets married and grants amnesty to the entire kingdom.

Chengxuan might be able to go free.

Get married?

Right now, the Fourth and Fifth Princes are pressuring the King,

making him unable to get out of the situation.

If he has no excuse,

he will not be able to save Chengxuan.

If you really want to save him,

this is the only way it could be done.

Fine.

I will marry.

As long as it saves Chengxuan,

I am willing to marry the King.

Mingyu, if you really don't want this marriage,

I will do my best to stall it for you.

If you agree,

then there is no room for you to be regretful of the decision.

I can wait. Chengxuan cannot.

Chengxuan is Chengxu's only younger brother.

I must save him.

I really don't want your marriage

to become a negotiation deal.

According to me,

the King is a kind,

noble man.

Later, if you obey him and follow his command,

he will not hurt you.

You will be happy.

Chengxu's already gone.

What kind of happiness could I possibly have?

Marrying anyone is the same.

As long as it saves Chengxuan, then everything will be worth it.

How come you're in the mood to admire flowers today?

It's clearly because I have some good news for you, my King.

Could it be...?

Yes.

That's wonderful. What did she say?

Mingyu said that she has always had deep respect for you

and is very pleased by this marriage.

That's great.

I never would've thought things would go so smoothly.

But the wedding

is supposed to be happy,

but...

What's wrong?

But right now, your two younger brothers.

One died on the battlefield, and the other has fallen sick in the prison.

My heart feels uneasy.

I heard that today, you went to court and

received multiple reports to kill Chengxuan.

What are you going to do about it?

I am also pondering this myself.

If I don't kill him, then he can't be used as an example.

If I kill him, my heart would not be able to take it.

King, I have a way of getting you out of this situation.

What are you thinking about? You're so deep in thought.

King. I see you.

The night is chilly.

Here, wear this.

We're about to get married. Why are you still so polite?

Thank you, King.

I never would have thought you were capable of having a shy side.

To be honest with you,

From the first time I saw you, I wanted to make you mine.

I didn't realize that we had the same thought.

I worried about it for nothing.

That night, you said that the person you liked was a real hero.

I didn't know that it was me you were talking about.

This is probably what people say about mutual admiration.

Don't worry.

I will never let you down.

I will give you a life of honor and adoration.

A life of honor and adoration?

Thank you, King.

The weather is so cold.

You should rest early.

I respectfully bid farewell, Your Majesty.

Alright, it's indeed very windy and damp here.

You should also rest early.

Seeing this Chengzhong Hall always makes me remember Father.

He sat there and dealt with the country's affairs.

Royal Father sat here to discuss military affairs and adjudicate disputes.

The events then are impossible to forget.

I trust that you will be a better King than our Father.

Second Brother, compared to our father, I am still much worse,

but since my shoulders are carrying this burden,

I will do my best.

Chengxuan, come here.

Prince of Yan, I investigated the matter, and the Prince of Han truly was careless.

He caused the Wolf Batallion to suffer great defeat.

However, the Prince of Han just made a mistake.

A mistake?

Why did Xi Qi's army only rushed toward the Wolf Xiao Battalion?

On the battlefield, it is impossible to not have sacrifice.

If the Prince of Han deliberately meant to harm his sibling,

wouldn't he even be worse than an animal?

Our Xiao family would never have such a person.

The Prince of Han had an equally balanced set of accomplishments and failures.

He will not be rewarded nor punished.

The Prince of Yu left the battlefield and therefore should be executed.

Considering this is your first offense, the punishment is by caning for 40 hits.

I don't believe it! That would mean my brother died for nothing!

What nonsense are you speaking? Sacrificing yourself for the country

is a great honor. How could you say he died for nothing?

But he died without peace. Your Majesty, you can't tell right from wrong.

Stop talking! Shut your mouth!

Chengxu was your brother. Are the King and the rest of us not also your brothers?

We are also very saddened by the news of Chengxu's death.

Apologize to the King!

Kill me!

Let me and my brother become vengeful ghosts in the netherworld.

Do you think that you deserve to live?

You left the battlefield and your troops, so our strong defense line

became a gap that caused many to die!

You should be punished with death!

If it weren't for my wedding,

and my forgiveness to all prisoners,

I would have decapitated you multiple times!

Looks like the punishment wasn't heavy enough.

Double it! If this happens again,

then we will do as the law says! No mercy!

Chengxu, His Majesty is being exceptionally merciful.

You must deeply remember these lessons.

This is for your own good. Do you understand?

Come. Take him away.

Yes.

Second Brother, didn't you notice?

Chengxuan was too spoiled by our Father.

He has a very perverse personality. Even if you tried to persuade him,

it would be of no use.

You guys are my younger brothers.

Chengxu and Chengxuan are also my younger brothers. Are you guys saying I shouldn't try to persuade him?

Second brother, do you still see me as your brother?

You always help Chengxuan talk but never help me! You just favor him.

I was just about to scold you! Father was able to create Great Shang

because we were a family with one heart..

We have just made progress, and you would actually commit fratricide.

Tenth made a mistake. Why are you scolding me?

The King has also been speaking for him frequently.

I just wanted to ask you something.

Does this country rely on brotherly relationships or law?

Chengyao! You really have guts! You can't be unreasonable with the King!

What did I do wrong?

Whether or not I dealt with this matter fairly,

is something you already know in your heart.

You're just unfair.

Unfair?

I also think so.

I can't help but take your side.

Why do I take your side?

It's because you three princes

and I sit together to manage the court's affairs.

The Prince of Han is right. if it weren't for back then

when the three of you modestly allowed me and supported me,

I might not have become the king.

Fourth Brother, did you really talk like this to His Majesty?

You... You will sooner or late send us to death.

I was telling the truth.

Fourth Brother, even if it's true,

but some words must be kept in your heart and cannot be said out loud.

His Majesty has already been quite protective of you on this matter.

You have no idea, if he really followed through in investigating, the consequence you'll get?

As he wishes. It's already like this anyway.

Even if he kills me, Xiao Chengxu still can't be saved.

Fourth Brother!

On this bed,

there was originally a piece of fur.

Over here was a bunch of books given by Teacher Fan.

Mingyu, I think

it's best we don't live in this room.

No, it's good here.

Princess Mingyu, congratulations.

Princess Yuying, why are you here?

I came over to congratulate you.

I heard this is going to become Princess Mingyu's bridal suite.

I should salute you as Royal Concubine, right?

You...

How did you manage to forget?

Forget what?

Forget Chengxu!

Forget everything you had with him.

I heard they say in Yonglin that you are a lucky star sent from Heaven.

But, to Chengxu,

you are his disaster, his calamity.

Quit talking nonsense!

Princess Yuying, I know that.

You know? What do you know?

Xiao Chengxu is the only person in my heart.

My greatest wish in my whole life is to marry him.

But now,

he is gone. I've lost all my hope.

Chengxu, and his flesh and blood, are trampled by the horses hoofs into the dirt.

But you?

You are happily decorating your bridal room.

You've forgotten everything about Chengxu!

What do you know? The love between our princess and the Prince of Yan

is not anything you'd understand.

Even if the Prince of Yan were alive,

he still wouldn't take an extra glance at you. You'd never have an opportunity.

Zhen'er, shut up.

Ling Zhen'er,

keep talking.

Zhen'er, stop it.

If you continue, just go back to Yonglin tomorrow.

Princess Yuying, Royal Consort is looking for you and wants to bestow you something good.

Hurry and come with me.

Mingyu, I'm sorry.

Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?

Are you doubting me?

Without any good reason, why should I doubt you?

You know quite well what the reason is.

If you continue, just go back to Yonglin tomorrow.

Just leave, don't bother me.

Who is that?

Your Majesty, please excuse me.

What were you thinking so deeply?

You may rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You look like you've suffered indignities.

I've been suffering indignities so much, so I'm not afraid of complaining.

Ling Zhen'er, you are a female palace officer.

why are you so much like me, who is a king?

You are the king, I'm just a mere female palace officer.

One is in the sky, the other is on the ground.

How can you say this?

But we're both human beings.

Anyone who is a human being will suffer indignities.

Just like me, a king,

I still have to work hard but also can't complain.

I understand now.

If it's your duty, then it's not a suffering.

Well said.

Sit.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

It's in your duty to suffer.

I am so silly.

The indignities I've suffered can hardly compared to what my princess has to endure.

Mingyu, how is she? What indignities has she suffered?

No, what I mean is that Her Highness the Princess should be resting.

Without me to serve her, she must be suffering.

Go back then.

Yes.

"To tolerate what others cannot tolerate,

to endure what others cannot endure,

to stay where others cannot stay."

[The Promise of Chang'an]

Timing and subtitles brought to you by Impossible Promises @ Viki.com

"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 a delicate bloom ♫

♫ 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 ♫