Original subtitles

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

[The Promise of Chang'An]

[Episode 19]

Older Brother, if you didn't take the action to save her this time,

I'm afraid Sister Mingyu would have spilled her blood at the city gate.

I though Xiao Chengrui really liked Sister Mingyu.

But when he was faced with a choice, he abandoned her without any hesitation.

Third Brother is a nation's king.

He has to weigh the cost and benefits in doing anything.

I thought,

even though he had to consider the overall situation,

he would have still given some consideration for Mingyu,

but I didn't expect that, at the crucial moment,

he would actually

not only abandon Mingyu

but also cacluated her life and death

into the troops' success or loss.

He is a selfish hypocrite.

I think he made Mother Consort die in order to get the throne.

Enough.

Don't say that anymore.

But this matter is showing itself right in front of us. Why won't you believe it?

I'm also worried.

If something can be done the first time, there can be a second time.

He will definitely not treat Mingyu well in the future.

He will make Mingyu sad, but Chengxuan,

this matter is completely separate from Mother Consort's death. We cannot confuse the two.

Can't you trust me?

I will not forget Mother Consort's death even for a moment.

But, I don't have evidence now.

I can't determine someone's guilt just because of what I want.

Ultimately, you simply won't believe the fact that Xiao Chengrui cause Mother Consort's death.

Your Highness, your chess skill is getting better and better.

Your Highness!

Didn't I send you to escort that maid to Zhou country?

- Why are you back? - Your Highness, I did according to your instruction.

On the way to Zhou country,

but who could've expected that while I was not aware, she

left the sanctuary and jumped into the water!

I immediately dispatched men to search.

But even after two hours of search, they couldn't find any trace of Su Qiu.

I'm afraid she is already dead from drowning.

I'm incapable. Please punish me, Your Highness.

Useless thing!

So many people, and they can't even keep one woman under guard.

If you are the one who ruined me,

I'll skin your flesh with 1,000 slashes.

[Prince of Yan's Manor]

[Prince of Yan's Manor]

Miss, Miss, what's wrong?

I want to see the Prince of Yan.

Prince of Yan?

- Miss, Miss. - Miss.

Older Brother.

- Greetings, Your Highness. - How did Su Qiu get found?

She found her way to the Prince of Yan's Manor.

Su Qiu, let me ask you

Back when Royal Father died, and

When Mother Consort hanged herself, why did you suddenly leave?

Your Highness, I'm not someone who forgets her master's grace.

and would abandon Royal Consort, but I was in fear.

- What are you still afraid of? - Older Brother.

Su Qiu has already told me the truth.

Xiao Chengrui forced Consort Mother to die

and robbed the throne from you.

I've told you that he isn't a good person.

You just kept yourself in your illusions of him.

Do you understand now?

Su Qiu, you can leave first.

Yes.

Xiao Chengrui.

Why did it have to be you?

You've told me

that Mother Consort's death

had nothing to do with you.

If you suspect that I'm connected to your mother's death,

today, you can kill me with this dagger.

You said that yourself.

To ascend to the throne

wasn't what you had wanted.

All along,

it was just empty talk.

But I believed everything you said.

I hope it will accompany as you make a contribution

and protect the nation.

I started with drawing a small bow too.

Isn't that right?

When you draw the bow, straighten up your back first,

Raise your chest, pick it up.

Ninth Brother, among all my brothers, sons, and nephews,

you are the most outstanding.

You and I are king and subject, and also brother.

I will definitely hold your hand, just like when we were young,

take you to run forwarded and groom you into a really great hero.

MIngyu.

Sister Qi.

Zhen'er.

Princess. You're finally back.

Do you know how worried I've been?

Every day, I barely had an appetite and couldn't sleep well.

I was so scared. I was so scared that I'd never get to see you again.

Alright, alright.

Silly girl, don't you see I'm back now?

Don't cry anymore.

The letter said... The letter said that the your are safe and sound.

Is it true? I heard that you were captured by Situ Kun.

- Did he really not harm you? - No, no.

Situ Cheng took care of the situation and didn't let Situ Kun hurt me.

You don't need to worry anymore.

But... but you've gotten skinnier, my Princess.

As long as you keep giving her nice food and drink,

why would you be worried that she wouldn't get all the nutrition back?

Sister Qi, I've let you worry.

My good sister, you've suffered.

You've survived a calamity,

you'll definitely enjoy great blessings later.

Ever since Consort Li got in trouble,

Royal Consort chanted scriptures daily to pray to Buddha for blessing Consort Li.

Thank you, Sister Qi.

As long as you're back safely, everything is fine.

Even Heaven and Earth would be impressed.

You're back?

You've suffered.

In the early morning, you didn't even eat,

you come over to pay me respect and for my well being so early in the morning,

and with such a grand ceremony.

His Highness really favors you.

I can't deserve this.

I don't dare.

It's what I should do to pay respect to you, Princess Consort.

Why are you trembling then?

Maybe you're chilled?

Su Xi, bring a bowl of hot tea

to warm up Kelan.

Yes.

Her Highness bestowed this to you. Why don't you hurry and hold it well?

Spare me, Princess Consort. Spare me, Princess Consort.

Kelan, aren't you acting arrogant because you're favored

and deliberately show off to me

and being disrespectful to me?

I've heard that the women from Yonglin excel in singing and dancing.

Princess Consort has wanted to hear it.

Servants, bring the qin.

I will play an ancient tune from Yonglin for Princess Consort.

My only wish is that Princess Consort will be healthy and happy.

So many things happened after you were captured.

At that time, His Highness Prince of Yan send men to hurriedly bring me back to the palace.

Your outcome was unknown,

but I couldn't do anything.

Enough now.

Ultimately it was scary but not really dangerous.

Didn't Sister Qi say this,

when one survives a calamity, one will be blessed with great fortune.

But His Majesty... he always talks about how much he loves you.

When it was at the crucial moment, he heartlessly abandoned you.

If it weren't for Princess of Yan risking his life to rescue you,

I'm afraid... that I wouldn't haven seen you anymore.

His Majesty is a wise king,

naturally he needs to put more emphasis on the nation and not give in to personal love.

Even though he made this decision, I don't blame him.

It's just that, when I was stop the city gate,

as I look at His Majesty who was under the gate,

I knew that he was the king

and had to consider the overall situation,

but in my heart, I still held a sliver of hope

that the person who was my life partner

would not abandon me and leave me.

Princess, you still got heartbroken.

Previously, His Majesty cared about me in every little way,

I was really touched

and also wanted to let go of the past and love him.

But, he abandoned me and left me atop the city gate.

Even though I'm disappointed,

but I also understand that, as the king,

of course he has to consider the overall situation.

However, I still hope

that he can tell me a word of truth.

Even though this truth will hurt his dignity,

but if he is honest with me,

I would still repay him with a true heart.

Do you mean... His Majesty has deceived you?

From now on, I will not allow anyone

harbor any aggressive intention toward you.

But, His Majesty and I

are ultimately still separated by the heart.

In this world, the only person who can live and die with me

without abandoning or leaving me is Chengxu.

But I am fated to disappoint him in this whole lifetime.

We're in the hands of destiny.

Princess.

Don't you worry about me.

I know that I am Yonglin's daughter, King of Great Sheng's Consort Li.

This is an unchangeable fact.

So we have to be cautious and never make a mistake.

Uncle Ninth, we have finally fought to reach this place.

In front of us, it's where Situ Cheng and his troops have camped.

If we don't attack now, what are we waiting for?

I'm thinking, along the way here,

there have been quite a few of Situ Yin's concubines

and children that have surrendered to us.

Situ Cheng probably knows that there is no hope for him.

So, you mean that you want him to surrender by himself?

That's right.

Nan Zhu is here to respectfully greet Your Majesty.

Nan Zhu, you are related to Situ Cheng's maternal clan.

Am I right?

Y-Yes.

But I am definitely loyal to Great Sheng.

Don't be afraid.

Previously, I arranged you to be in the military cooks.

Even though you are overqualified, I see that

you've been working diligently

and staying calm and steadfast, I'm very satisfied.

- I have no more doubt about your allegiance. - Thank you, Your Highness.

Nan Zhu, there is a difficult mission now. I wonder if you dare to handle it?

I won't hesitate to go through fire and boiling water.

Good. Then I order you to coax

Situ Cheng to surrender using your connections with Situ Cheng's maternal clan.

Your order is obeyed.

Xi Qi's Empress Dowager Su Tai, Xi Qi's King Situ Cheng,

respectfully notify Great Sheng's leading general of the Great Xiao Battalions,

we are willing to lead all of XI Qi's people

to peacefully surrender to Great Sheng.

Please give the message to the Empress Dowager and her son,

His Majesty is kind and tolerante.

He has always been generous and kind to the surrendered royal families and people.

Please tell the Empress Dowager and her son to rest assured.

However, about the surrender,

it should be announced in front of everyone during the day.

Why have you waited until midnight?

Isn't it a bit to sneaky?

Your Highnesses, please be understanding.

We arrived this late at night because of this.

It's a treasure that is specially submitted from Empress Dowager and son

to show their sincerity for surrender.

What is it?

It is the imperial jade sea of China

that is used to command the country ever since the beginning of time.

Ever since the imperial seal was lost from the Great Xi Kingdom,

it foundered away and finally fell into our king's hands.

This treasure is coveted by all kingdoms.

I've come here, despite not knowing if this is an appropriate time,

to entrust it with Your Highness for safeguarding.

Please.

Ninth Uncle, who was it that just left the camp?

He looked like a Xi Qi person based on his clothing.

Could it be that Xi Qi has really sent someone to surrender?

Yes.

When you were on patrol Xi Qi's envoy came over

and submitted a letter of surrender.

- Also— - Also,

they are going to hold a feast to treat us tomorrow evening.

Really?

They surrendered so easily?

Easily?

Your ninth uncle's bravery and wisdom surpasses an army of 10,000 troops and horses

How could it be easy?

Please don't fault me, both uncles,

I am the one who misspoke.

I just thought that

even a surrender was done in the dark of night.

The XI Qi people are so strange.

Maybe it's a Xi Qi tradition.

They think it shows more sincerity to do it at night.

I understand that you've been gearing up for such a long time.

But, at this final pivotal moment,

we win without fighting a battle.

Do you feel a sense of loss?

That's right. That's what I feel.

His Majesty once said,

fighting a war is based on knowledge.

To force a defeat without fighting, it takes even greater knowledge.

You are a ferocious soldier,

you must remember what your Royal Father has said

and reflect on it more.

Ninth Uncle, you have taught me well.

Older Brother, this is the imperial jade seal for succession..

Right now,

it is in your hands.

Silly boy, how can it be this easy?

Even though I haven't studied a lot,

but I also know

that the imperial seal is the symbol of Heaven's will to the people.

Older Brother, how can you not know?

What do you mean?

When we arrive in the capital, we will bring the jade seal out.

While they are unprepared, we will fiercely launch an earthshaking change.

Xiao Chengrui has ascended the throne for many years,

and his foundation is solid.

Only based on this seal, it's very difficult to overthrow him.

Do you think I'm stupid? I've already thought of this.

Look, Older Brother. Our three battalions

are the the battle-hardened fierce troops.

Even though Xiao Chengrui has his three battalions in the capital,

as long as we attack him when he is off guard,

he definitely will not be prepared.

Additionally, with the seal as Heaven's will upon you

to shock all the princes into not daring to make arbitrary moves,

we will definitely have the opportunity to win.

Older Brother, this is our great chance to revenge.

Are you going to miss it?

Since this is Heaven's will,

then let us follow Heaven's path

to fight to the end in a bold battle,

to avenge our mother

who died of great injustice.

Your Highness, I have secretly bribed a servant of the Xi Qi envoy.

In addition to having the XI Qi envoy deliver a letter of surrender, Situ Cheng

also submitted a treasure to His Majesty.

A treasure?

What treasure?

How come I never heard Ninth Royal Uncle talk of it?

The specifics of what the treasure is are being held a secret by the Xi Qi messengers.

That person is in a lowly position, so he couldn't find anything about it.

But I can guess what Situ Cheng offered

must not be an ordinary treasure.

The thing that the Prince of Yu desperately wants to hide

must be this object.

What could the treasure possibly be

if the Tenth Prince will go through so much trouble to hide it.

Is it possible...

It's not good! I must go back in the middle of the night!

I'll report to Royal Father in person.

Mingyu!

Mingyu, good news.

Everyone outside is saying that the Ninth Prince defeated Xi Qi.

This is a truly tremendous achievement!

The news has gotten all over the Palace.

That's great!

The Prince of Zheng has arrived.

Second Royal Brother.

I am here to congratulate Your Majesty.

What happened?

The Ministry of War has just received a congratulatory message from Xi Qi.

Chengxu sent the good news in a letter.

Under Your Majesty's blessing, that Situ Cheng

has already sent an envoy to offer a letter of surrender.

He is leading all of his people to submit to Great Sheng.

Great.

That's great!

Chengxu truly did not let us down.

Yes.

Your Majesty, Prince of Su is asking to see you.

Qihan?

Let him in.

Yes.

Come in, Prince of Su.

Greetings Royal Father. Greetings, Second Royal Uncle.

Get up.

Thank you, Father.

Quickly, tell me

how many battles were fought in the war against Xi Qi? And how were they fought?

What is the loss to our troops?

Royal Father, this time, our troops essentially did not see blood on the blades nor have a single hair inured.

Really? What happened?

Ninth Royal Uncle is truly quite capable.

He actually found Situ Cheng's maternal relative to coax them for a surrender.

Along with some threatening postures and persuasion for benefits,

the other side did not resist and surrendered.

Qihan, your Ninth Uncle is brave and experienced at war, and he is also intelligent and resourceful.

In the future, you need to learn from him properly.

Second Brother, order the Ministry of Rites to plan a welcome ceremony, the grander the better.

I will obey.

Father, don't do that!

Your Majesty, if there's nothing else,

I will take my leave.

Thanks to Royal Brother.

What did you mean just now?

You didn't stay in the military camp obediently and suddenly ran back here.

Did something happen at the military camp?

Royal Father, NInth Brother is probably going to rebel.

Please leave us.

Tell me.

I secretly sent someone to dig up information from the Xi Qi envoy's servant.

That person said that Xitu Cheng was willing to offer a treasure to show his sincerity,

but he didn't know what the treasure was. I suddenly thought of a folk legend.

It is said that when Great Xi perished,

the last emperor carried the imperial seal of succession to escape.

After 200 years of floundering and changes, it fell to Xitu Yin's hands.

I believe that the treasure offered by Situ Cheng

should be this object.

As designated by Heaven, (he who has it) will let the people live well and the nation prosper.

The imperial jade seal of succession is a national treasure.

Obtaining it symbolizes one is designated by Heaven.

Losing it symbolizes the end of one's era.

Such a heavenly treasure, who else other than Royal Father should own it?

But the two uncles have deliberately hidden the truth.

Clearly they want to take it for themselves to plot a rebellion.

I plead for Royal Father to take precautions

and plan ahead, just in case.

Zhen'er!

I bumped into you right after coming back. We're really fated.

Greetings, Your Highness.

No, no, it's ok. You don't have to be so polite with me.

Don't say that. Rules are rules. I am afraid to overstep.

By the way, I heard about Xi Qi's surrender.

Then, I will have to congratulate you, Your Highness.

This time, you have made a big contribution, Your Highness.

This isn't much.

In the future, I'll make even bigger contributions.

I will become Great Sheng's big hero that everyone talks about.

Yes, yes, yes. That day will definitely come.

Did you come back to report something?

Yes.

Then where is the Prince of Yan?

Is he back? How is he?

Has he been doing well recently?

I didn't hear you ask whether I was doing fine or whether I got hurt,

but with Xiao Chengxu, you're so caring.

Are you still not over him?

Your Highness, aren't you right in front of me?

Whether you're doing fine or not, I can see right away. Do I have to ask?

I just saw that the Prince of Yan wasn't here, so I asked some words out of care.

Your Highness, don't talk nonsense.

Losing your temper because you're embarrassed.

Don't think that I don't know what you're thinking in your heart,

if didn't love him, then why would you immediately ask for his news?

I advise you to forget about him.

Xiao Chengxu is about to get unlucky.

If you keep making illusions,

At that time, you'll get into trouble too.

Wait.

What do you mean? Talk clearly.

If you want to know, then observe slowly.

You... Your Highness!

Xiao Chengxu, if you dare to betray me,

then don't blame me for not caring about our brotherly relationship.

Zhen'er, Xiao Qihan really said so.

He said it with certainty. It doesn't seem as if he was trying to fool me.

Mingyu, did the Prince of Yan really have an accident?

Chengxu has a high rank.

If there really had happened an accident, it would be unlikely to not hear any rumor around the palace.

Most probably, it's either the fact that Xiao Qihan stretched the truth-

either this matter is not yet out of control.

The King has arrived!

Greetings, Your Majesty!

- Stand up! - Thank you, Your Majesty!

I have heard that the Great Sheng has forced Xiqi to capitulate.

this happy event is as large as The Heavens.

For what reason is Your Majesty in low spirits?

There's no smiling expression on your face.

Compared to the great disaster which might arise in the future

the actual victory seems too insignificant to be brought up.

Great disaster?

Forcing Xiqi to capitulate is only one of the plans The Great Sheng has with regards to the kingdom unification.

The challenges our Great Sheng has to face into the future are many.

And by that I simply mean that we should get prepared for an upcoming storm.

My King, why have you been so down lately?

How comes you are in such low spirits?

There's nothing wrong. You shall eat first, I am not hungry, yet.

In the past, when you would encounter hardships you wouldn't look like this.

Is it so? Last time when King Han captured the city and massacred the inhabitants

His Majesty was also saddened and full of resentments just like now.

But this time it seems as if

he's more dejected and grieved.

But now everyone is overjoyed.

What is there that's not to your liking?

And this time Chengxu has achieved great merits.

He has become your right hand.

I am afraid that all the trouble I have taken is for nothing.

Who is His Majesty talking about?

Don't tell me he's talking about Chengxu.

[Document Writing Room]

If he comes from this side and we stand there, lying low.

In front...if the main armed forces come from this side

we dispatch the massive military forces for defense.

Your Majesty, Consort Li asks to see you.

If they move and come from this side, we block their way here.

In short, it doesn't matter from which way they come

we will dispatch the massive military forces anyhow.

This time, I am curious how would they escape.

Greetings, My King!

What brings you here?

I heard form Ge'er that you were discussing official business in the study room.

You must be starving!

I have brought your favourite pastry.

Have a taste.

You are very considerate. Since you have come here,

take a seat and enjoy the meal with me.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

The disaster His Majesty has talked about might have something to do with Chengxu.

Listening to the way His Majesty was talking

it seemed as if Chengxu did something which got him disappointed.

The map I have seen by accident

was out of the ordinary.

What could have happened that His Majesty got so cautious.

Prince Su must have a good knowledge of the internal affairs.

Let me find a way to pry.

Alright.

But this is an unusual task. You have to conduct yourself carefully.

Don't worry, Mingyu. I know what I should do.

Brother, the day after tomorrow we will arrive outside the city.

So what? Are you afraid?

How could I?

I have been waiting so long for this day.

Chengxuan, remember!

Great achievers should be unruffled and keep composure in front of high tides.

No matter how much anxiety, hatred and fear you harvest in your heart

you must not show it.

Otherwise it is already as if you lose the war.

Is it clear?

You have sent me a letter, sneaked out of the palace

all of that so you could prepare food for me?

I know that my words were inconsiderate and that I deserve Your Majesty's punishment.

Therefore I have specially prepared this meal.

It's to show my apology to you.

You've learned something.

Your message actually came just in time.

If it came a day later, I would have returned to the camp already.

Your Highness, this cup

is to thank you for your willingness to come.

Good.

Your Highness, eat more and see how good their culinary skill is.

Let's try their dishes.

- You should eat too, don't just drink. - Alright.

Your Highness, I'll give you another toast.

Good, good.

Allow me.

Here, I'll toast you this cup.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Good wine, good wine.

Here, Your Highness.

Zhen'er, I didn't expect that

your wine tolerance is so good.

Your Highness, do you think

Prince of Yan can still keep his position after getting into such trouble?

Him?

After he commits such trouble,

it's good if he doesn't get pulled apart by five horses. How can he still keep his current position?

Pulled apart by five horses? (a cruel ancient punishment in China)

Your Highness, you're fooling me.

Prince of Yan is a royal prince.

He is His Majesty's own brother, and your own uncle.

How is it possible to have him pulled apart by five horses?

Why would I fool you?

Even if it isn't pulling apart by five horses,

it will at least be confiscating his home and exiling him.

What has he done that it's so serious?

Him?

Why are you asking so much?

Forget it. I won't ask then.

Anyway, you probably don't know such classified secrets.

It's useless to ask. I won't make it difficult for Your Highness then.

I don't know?

[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 ♫

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

♫ 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 ♫