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[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 13]

I can't put all the rest of my soldiers here, can I?

Xiao Chengyao! You dare disobey His Majesty's order?

If Your Majesty is unhappy with me,

then you can punish me according to military law.

However, all of these soldiers in the room right now are watching,

If His Majesty punishes meritorious generals,

I'm afraid the officers and soldiers will feel bitterly disappointed.

Fifth Brother, let's go.

Two victories.

Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother must have gained a lot with their two battalions.

They probably don't want to keep fighting.

They just want to return to the capital with their spoils of war.

so that they can preserve their core strength.

If we miss this opportunity and let Xue Ji get breathing room,

he will definitely make a comeback in the future to threaten Great Sheng again.

Xiao Chengyao is ruining my overall plan.

Your Majesty, Xiao Chengyao can see that as of right now, you cannot hurt him,

and that's why he's so confident in himself.

But, Your Majesty need not worry.

If Xiao Chengyao doesn't want to fight,

we can force him to.

Fire! Put out the fire!

- Water! - Hurry, get water to douse the fire!

Hurry! Put out the fire!

Hurry up!

I already investigated this matter. This accident

was caused by the captured Liang soldiers who ran away and lit the fire.

Luckily no one was injured or killed.

- It's just... - Just what?

The booties that we won by risking our lives

have all been burned in the fire. What have we got to show our parents?

What? The booties are all burned?

- What exactly happened? - It's not only their booties,

yours and mine are all gone too.

I...

All soldiers, listen to me.

Great Liang invades our Great Sheng

and harms our people. Do they deserve to be hit?

Yes!

Liang soldiers lit the fire to burn our camps and ruined our booties.

Do they deserve to be killed?

Yes!

Right now, those damnable Liang soldiers

are inside Ning city. Soldiers,

do you have the bold courage to attack them with me?

Let's take down Ning city and capture Xue Ji alive!

Take down Ning city! Capture Xue Ji alive!

He is deceiving you with lies. Don't believe him!

Xiao Chengxu, you...

Take down Ning city! Capture Xue Ji alive!

Good! That's really good!

Take down Ning city and we'll capture our own booties.

However, our Great Xiao Balltions' prize

is the glorious military achievement,

bravery's honor, and the righteous blessing from the nation.

The Great Xiao Battalion's prize

is definitely not to disappoint the people's hardwork.

Nor is it the gold and silver that is looted and plundered.

Long live His Majesty! Long live the Great Xiao Battalions!

Long live His Majesty! Long live the Great Xiao Battalions! Long live His Majesty! Long live the Great Xiao Battalions!

Your Majesty, our troops have

tightly surrounded Ning city.

All four gates in the east, south, west, and north sides are heavily guarded.

Once Your Majesty issue the order,

we will break through the four gates, and the city will be conquered right away.

Good. Once we take the city,

we must capture Xue Ji alive. I really want to meet this Xue Ji who has been our constant opponent.

Let's see what he really looks like.

Prince of Han is guarding the south gate and can definitely block their exit

and capture Xue Ji alive.

Chengxu, your scheme really helped this time

to force him to send the troops.

I am just concerned that, if he finds out

you singlehandedly arranged the fire that was allegedly set by the captured soldiers.

He won't forgive you.

What is there to fear when I am just relieving Your Majesty's burden?

Good. I will not forget your achievement.

Your Majesty, something bad has happened!

What's wrong? Why are you so panicked?

Get up and speak.

Xue Ji led troops to break

out through the south gate and escaped.

Prince of Han didn't know that it's a trap and followed. He got ambushed

and is deeply trapped. We don't know if he is alive.

Xiao Chengrui definitely won't give up the two Great Xiao Battalions under Xiao Chengyao.

He will definitely deploy elite troops for the rescue.

At that time, we only need to set up traps along the way,

and we can eliminate more than half of the main force of the Sheng army.

Xiao Chengrui is very experienced on the battlefields.

I don't think he will easily fall for the trap.

Unless he doesn't want those two Great Xiao Battalions.

Prince of Han is stranded in the valley. He won't last much longer without sufficient provisions.

Our reinforcement troops must go through this mountain pass,

where it's most suitable for enemies to hide.

Xue Ji is an expert in warfare, and he won't want to miss this good opportunity.

This mountain pass is unique. If we aren't careful, we can lose an entire army.

My fear is that, if we can't save Fourth Brother,

we will also lose the reinforcement troops.

Although Chengyao is despicable, but those two battalions' troops must be saved.

We must think of a good idea.

Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops to rescue Fourth Brother.

You have thought of an idea?

I've thought of an idea to solve the problem. Perhaps it's worth a try.

Older Brother, this mission is very dangerous.

I forbid you from going.

It's the king's order, I have to go.

But Xiao Chengyao wants to kill you.

Why do you want to save him?

I'm not doing it to save him,

it's for the several thousand troops in the Great Xiao Battalions.

If I abandon our countrymen, how am I different from Xiao Chengyao then?

I'll go with you!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, congratulations! Prince of Yan has outsmarted Xue Ji

and successfully rescued Prince of Han. He is leading the troops on the way back.

Good, I've got it.

Chengxu,

you disregarded personal safety and bravely resolved the dilemma. With this cup of wine,

I toast you on behalf of all the troops of the Great Xiao Battalions.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I am Great Sheng's soldier.

All of this is my duty.

Chengxu, that Xue Ji isn't an ordinary person.

If he had set up a trap, it must have been an unbreakable formation.

I'm very curious. How did you manage

to outsmart Xue Ji?

It's just a little trick. if I talk about it, I'm afraid Your Majesty will laugh at me.

How can you call it a little trick, Older Brother?

You're being too humble.

Your Majesty, I can explain this.

My older brother was truly smart and brave this time.

What exactly happened? Explain. Let us all hear about it.

Honestly, when my brother first arrived at Ningdong,

he already explored the mountain pass.

This time, he realized the sunlight inside the mountain pass

will look more brilliant than being outside.

Therefore, he told the soldiers to polish their armor and shields to be extra shining.

Just using the sunlight, the Liang soldiers got flustered.

He easily fought the way through the ambush and successfully rescued

Prince of Han.

Chengxu, you are indeed fierce and brave, and you are smart and resourceful.

It's all thanks to you this time that

the Tiger Xiao and Lion Xiao battalions were rescued.

Xiao Chengyao, shouldn't you come over and thank Xiao Chengxu

and toast him a cup of wine?

Why should I toast him? What is he?

He just made a small merit. What's so great about it?

I remember in those years when I fought everywhere by following the late king,

who knows where he was at that time?

Xiao Chengyao, what kind of attitude is this?

If you didn't arbitrarily took action this time and fell into a trap,

we wouldn't have missed a great opportunity and missed the final success.

And now, you don't even feel a little bit of remorse.

Aren't you afraid that I convict you of insubordination?

My life is right here.

If Your Majesty really wants it, just take it.

Xiao Chengxu.

Who do you think you are?

How dare you to be so arrogant in front of me. Let me show you how I'll deal with you.

Xiao Chengyao, you stupid b*stard.

Except for stabbing people in the back, what else do you know to do?

If I were you, I would immediately ram myself into a pillar to die

instead of getting embarrassed in front of everyone.

What are you doing?

Fourth Brother.

- I'm fine. - Xiao Chengxu, are you crazy?

He is your older brother.

Fifth Brother, let's go.

Xiao Chengxu, if you have any questions,

you can ask His Majesty anytime.

Let's go.

Great Sheng is actually pushing close to the capital. How could it be so fast?

What should I do?

Your Majesty, I've prepared for your escape from the capital. You don't need to be afraid.

Shut Up! What told you to prepare? Who said that I'm afraid?

Do I really want to give this great capital

to that Xiao Chengrui?

Reporting!

Your Majesty, good news. All the supporting troops have arrived.

General Xue has rushed here too!

He is currently stationed outside the capital with the troops and waiting to be summoned by Your Majesty.

Hurry, summon him to the court!

Yes.

My original plan was a diversion tactic using Chengxu and the others.

While fighting in Ningdong in a show of force,

also send elite troops to push toward the capital.

Who would have know that Xue Ji would actually give up Ningdong

and rush back to aid the capital city.

He even commanded all the troops that came from elsewhere

to block my offensive forces.

Truly fierce!

It appears that he is prolonging in a long-term fight.

Once he finds an opportunity to cut off our back-end support, we'll be in great danger.

Right now we are can't go forward nor retreat. I'm running out of ideas.

Other than withdrawal, there is no better solution.

If we don't remove Xue Ji, Great Sheng will not enjoy a day of ease.

We must think of a way to get rid of him!

Your Majesty, are you worried about something?

It's nothing.

Just some state affairs that give me a headache.

Mingyu, I don't know why,

but you're like a pool of secluded water, quiet and deep.

Only when I'm with you,

can I forget my troubles.

Your Majesty, what troubles you?

Will you be able to tell me?

Even though I can't carry the burden with you,

but I can relieve your boredom.

Ok. Then you have to read military books.

Otherwise, you wouldn't understand what I was talking about.

I'm not thoroughly familiar with them, but I have read a few military books.

Yes, I almost forgot.

That year when you sneaked into the study to read military books,

I'm keeping it a secret for you.

However, you haven't thanked me yet.

Your Majesty, you made fun of me again.

It's another defeat by Xue Ji.

I'm still sulking.

Is it Prince of Yan's mistake this time?

Chengxu is very good.

It's sad that he had to battle Xue Ji.

The Prince of Yan is fighting Xue Ji?

Is Xue Ji capable?

He was able to protect the Ningdong area securely.

Sometimes, I can't help but admit

that he really is formidable.

If he weren't so loyal to Great Liang,

I would have wanted to recruit him for Great Sheng.

I heard Xue Ji was dismissed by the previous emperor of Liang?

Great Liang's new emperor, Ming De, really trusts him.

Even when he brought up the imperial sword to kill the prince who was guarding the city,

he didn't say anything either.

Isn't that kill first and report later?

Even though Emperor Ming De doesn't say it openly,

What would he think in his heart?

Emperor Ming De is so young. He previously finally got rid of the treacherous minister's rule.

Now he has just ascended to the throne and attracted Xue Ji's move.

I don't believe that he doesn't harbor any suspicion.

What you're saying is quite interesting.

Ever since he ascended the throne, the prime minister has been changed constantly.

It means that he is someone who has a suspicious nature.

Isn''t he just like the ancient Emperor Li then?

He promoted and dismissed a trusted minister three times.

Eventually, he couldn't overcome a rumor set by the enemy nation and executed the minister.

I have thought of a plan.

Mingyu, you really are my lucky star. Thank you.

Guards!

Summon Li Wencheng to meet me at the study.

Yes.

Could it be that His Majesty wants to use a tactic to sow discord?

Older Brother, a secret letter.

Come in.

Stop.

Where is the permit?

Stop him!

Search!

Hurry! Ride quickly to the palace.

Your Majesty, there's long be talks outside

that the capital city was almost plundered by war

because Xue Ji has colluded with Great Sheng

and allowed the enemy inside, in order to force Your Majesty to sign a humiliating treaty.

I'm ordering to find some unknown faces

to mix into Great Sheng's camps outside the city to get some information.

No matter what you hear, come report immediately!

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Prince of Yan, Prince of Yu.

These two were sneaking around near the camps.

There is probably something strange.

Who ordered you here?

My Lord, we're innocent.

We are just ordinary folks and wanted to get out of the city to visit family,

but we entered the camp by mistake.

Are you really ordinary folks?

- Yes, my lord. - Yes.

Since you are ordinary folks, I won't give you trouble.

This Great Liang's land will belong to Great Sheng sooner or later.

We should leave with the reputation of loving and caring of people.

- Older Brother. - It's fine.

- Drink. - Drink. Cheers.

Adjutant Yan.

Drink.

Go.

We heard that you two princes have just received the reply.

General Xue has agreed to negotiate peace.

Good.

Are the terms for surrender agreed upon?

Yes, already agreed. Our army will retreat five li to camp. General will propose a fake attack again.

- Good. You can leave. - Yes.

Go.

He is a respectable opponent.

If His Majesty hadn't insisted I shouldn't,

I would really want to fight with him

face to face.

Xue Ji!

His Majesty

His Majesty has arrived.

Mingyu!

Yunqi, you're here, too?

- My King. - Greetings, My King.

Stand up.

What happened to make you so happy?

Really? Did we win a battle?

It's even better than that. There was no bloody war. We didn't even have to do much.

Mingyu, you had a part in this.

In the past, I said that Emperor Ming De was a very suspicious man by nature.

You said he was like the ancient Emperor Li.

This brought Great Yong to victory.

I didn't expect it to really work.

Congratulations, My King.

Of course, Chengxu also made a contribution.

He carried out his orders smoothly.

So...

What, My King? Is there something else you're uncomfortable with?

Let me guess what is bothering you.

Go ahead. Take a guess.

Your Majesty must feel that it's a shame.

- What's a shame? - That a talented person like Xue Ji

couldn't be used by you.

Yes, clever girl.

You guessed correctly.

Then today, Xue Ji was wronged.

Maybe he will come to back to us.

Emperor Ming De was hasty to kill him.

Xue Ji has already been beheaded.

What?

I heard that the commoners in Great Liang said he betrayed the country.

That's so sad. They only suspected him.

They could have just banished him. Why...?

It looks like Your Majesty is the most wise after all.

I won't be struck dumb by Emperor Ming De.

It's just

that those who lose will always be wronged.

Mingyu.

I looked for you for so long. How come you're here?

I just have some feelings to sort out.

Is there anything worth living and dying for?

People who want power can declare war on a whim.

Those who suffer are the commoners.

Mingyu. You think like this,

but men don't think like this.

What plans do you have?

My offhanded comment

was what killed Xue Ji.

My heart cannot get over it.

Mingyu. If Xue Ji didn't die,

who knows how many more soldiers would have died on the battlefield?

It's his fault for being our enemy.

His Majesty says that a person who wants power, who wants the world,

Let's say if

the words we heard in the study were true,

and Chengyao and his three brothers caused the death of Consort Mu.

If Chengxu found out about this,

how would Chengxu be able to survive His Majesty's tricks?

Then come up with a plan

If the older brother thinks highly of his younger brother, and the younger brother is grateful of his older brother,

I don't think any kind of grace

will be able to keep the hate at bay.

Then don't let him know.

Maybe to him, this would be the best option.

I want to keep it a secret for them forever,

I'm afraid

of His Majesty's ambition,

and Chengxu's resentment,

If His Majesty is that type of person, then Chengxu will have to become like him

in order to be well matched and fight fairly.

But if Chengxu became a person like him...

He won't, Mingyu.

Don't think this kind of nonsense.

I believe that no matter what happens,

The Ninth Prince will never change.

Your Majesty is wise.

Your Majesty, these words you said were very good.

You, a gifted female scholar, also think it was good?

What do you mean, gifted female scholar? My King is making fun of me.

I just read books for a few days

Ok, ok, ok.

Tell me your plans.

I am afraid to give ideas on a whim.

Your Majesty, Great Sheng's commoners are having a better and better quality of life.

Great Liang's commoners would naturally feel jealous.

My King, if you had the hearts of the people, then you wouldn't have to fear not having the world.

My King. Did I say the wrong thing?

I will take my punishment.

Mingyu. You are full of surprises.

I didn't realize that as a woman, you could be so insightful.

Your insight can't even surpass a woman's!

Even though I explained so thoroughly, you still don't understand.

Your Majesty, please calm your anger.

It might be that our two younger brothers are still unable to change their minds.

Even if they can't, they still must!

I have decided to relax our standards

and allow more commoners to be able to escape their statuses as slaves

- and earn freedom. - Your Majesty, these are prisoners we took back with hard work.

Not only will you not allow them to be given to the rich, but you also want to promote them?

As long as you guys support this, who will dare to contradict?

No. I will not stand for this.

Because of these words, you will never be able to earn the hearts of the people!

The hearts of the people are indeed important,

but what about the lost profits? Who will compensate them?

The losses we suffer on the surface are temporary.

The strength of Great Sheng is forever.

Are your visions really so nearsighted?

Your Majesty, you do not need to worry just yet.

Besides, our two younger brothers' strengths

are taking soldiers to war.

Taking soldiers to war?

Xiao Chengyao, I heard that last time you went out,

A man who doesn't treat soldiers as people, who doesn't respect them,

Never mind. You guys wouldn't understand if I talked to you about this.

But we're anxious.

You're correct.

Stepmother, Xiao Chengxu is about to return.

Help me think of some methods

to create more opportunities to let us meet.

Stop bothering me.

I'm currently thinking up a way

to talk to Her Majesty

into granting your younger sister and Xiao Qihan marriage.

Why do you have to plan that?

- Just mention it to His Majesty. - That wouldn't work.

The King takes care of the country while Her Majesty deals with family matters.

An important marriage such as this,

if I don't start by asking Her Majesty and go straight to the King,

not only will I offend her,

but even His Majesty would blame me for not following rules.

I can't believe you grew up in the Palace. How do you not even know this?

- You're so stupid. - I don't care.

All you know is to plan for my younger sister. You never help me.

I think your younger sister's situation can be explained.

As for you... It's quite hard.

- Why? - Why?

Just think about the way Xiao Chengxu looks at you. Do you still have to ask why?

I...

Auntie, you think I don't know about

the things you think in your heart?

That's why you're trying to get my younger sister and Xiao Qihan together.

You just want to find a Prince to be your son-in-law, no?

- Keep talking. - Auntie.

Isn't Chengxu also a prince?

According to identity and status, he's much higher than Xiao Qihan.

If the two of us were together,

you'd have two princes to rely on in your palace.

In the future, you'd be afraid of no one.

Then I'll ask for Her Majesty's opinion.

However, Yuying, trying to attract the attention of Xiao Chengxu

is something you must do yourself.

I...

I don't know how.

You're so stupid.

You don't even know how to do this?

Originally, I thought to discuss goodnaturedly with them

It looks like we won't be able to rely on the three Qing Kings.

Instead of fruitlessly trying to talk to them, it's better to use my power

Yes. The young princes

They will surely be grateful.

Li Wencheng, many of the young princes

have been taught by you. In your opinion,

who do you think should take up training?

I am afraid to rashly advise you,

however, according to who has the most talent

and courage,

it would of course be the Ninth Prince.

Why did they get into such a long line?

Chengxu.

Everyone, stand up.

Thank you, Prince of Yan.

How is it? Are you happy?

You're so childish.

If other people found out about this, they would think I was arrogant.

People will talk about me.

In the future, don't do this again.

I have something else to show you.

I guarantee that when you see it, you'll be both filled with joy

and happy!

- Your Highness. Princess. - Your Highness. Princess.

Yuying. I'm very tired today. What kind of stunt have you pulled this time?

How did you know I pulled another stunt?

I just did a nice thing for you.

Look.

The horse stables are both ugly and dirty,

so I specifically found some people to clean it up.

I also designed a little bit of it myself.

Look, isn't it both clean and beautiful?

This way, when you come to the horse stables,

you'll think of me.

Don't thank me too hastily.

There's more!

I used a lot of resources

in order to get the prettiest one.

Look how majestic it looks.

This way, when you ride it, you'll think of me again.

Where's my horse?

Your horse? If you kept it, it would be a waste of space.

The horse looked very fierce and had a strong temper.

What if it accidentally kicked you one day?

See, this horse I got for you

looks much better than your old one, right?

A'Lai.

Your Highness. Princess.

People who were not involved were not allowed to touch Your Highness's horse.

But...

But the Princess said that if I didn't listen, she'd kill me.

You weren't afraid that I would kill you?

Your Highness, please have mercy.

Bring my horse back immediately.

If it has lost even a single hair, I will ask you about it.

Yes. Yes.

Brother Chengxu, you're unhappy?

Who dared to let my horse

be taken away?

My horse must fight in the war,

it's not a pretty toy.

I did it because I care about you!

I had to think so hard to come up with this idea!

You even blame me.

I didn't blame you, why are you angry?

I know. I'm the dumb one,

but what did I do wrong this time?

Ever since we were little, haven't I always been sincere to you?

I already said that I didn't blame you. You're still offended?

You wronged me greatly. Am I not allowed to feel offended?

If you aren't angry with me, then fine. You have to keep this horse,

and you have to take me out to walk the horses.

I'll take you right now.

- Really? - Yes.

Yuying. Yuying.

Wake up. If you don't wake up immediately, the Palace will lock its doors.

We won't be able to go back.

Why did you have to wake me?

I was having a great dream.

A great dream? What was it about?

I dreamed of you taking me out to catch crickets when we were young.

I also dreamed that

you stepped in front of me and protected me from a large dog.

Those were all memories from childhood.

Chengxu.

Can I

ask you a question?

Go ahead.

I was wondering, back then if you hadn't gone to Yonglin,

and Mingyu didn't come,

would you like me?

I'm begging you. Tell me.

It's getting late. Let's go back.

Chengxu.

The truth is, earlier, I also dreamed

that you married me.

Yuying. You can't say such things so rashly.

Helan Mingyu is already His Majesty's woman. No one can change that.

Why can't I marry you?

If you think my personality is bad and that I'm bad with words, I can change.

You don't need to change for me at all.

You're wonderful.

To me, you're a very good little sister.

Besides that, I have no other feelings for you.

You cannot change that. Understand?

I don't understand it, and I don't believe it.

Even if your heart is a rock, I will still be able to melt it.

[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 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 ♫