Original subtitles

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

[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 20]

Never mind, I won't ask.

Anyway, such an important, secret thing is probably not something you would know.

Asking would make no difference. I will not bother you.

I don't know?

I was the one who found out about this,

how would I not know?

Let me tell you.

Telling you would make no difference.

Isn't it because

of the Imperial jade seal of succession?

Imperial jade seal of succession?

Imperial jade seal of succession.

That thing was discovered by me.

Your Highness, the Imperial jade seal of succession. And then what?

Your Highness?

The imperial jade seal of succession?

It's all my fault. I gave him too much wine.

His Highness hadn't finished talking but had already collapsed drunk.

Within this, there are so much more inside information that I didn't get answers to yet,

but tomorrow, when His Highness wakes up, he'll have to go back to the military camp.

I will not have another opportunity to ask.

It's all my fault. I'm so useless.

To be able to get him to say this much is already quite an accomplishment.

In the past, I heard Grandfather say

the imperial jade seal of succession, after some twists and turns,

It ended up in the hands of Xi Qi's Situ Yan.

Could Chengxu have taken

the Imperial jade seal of succession from out of Xi Qi's hands?

But how could such a big thing

seem to have no impact?

Xi Qi...

Chengxu...

His Majesty...

A crime punishable by killing the whole family...

Zhen'er, go ask around and find out when Chengxu is coming back.

Also, which day is His Majesty going to welcome him outside the city?

The night before the welcome, Chengxu would definitely be outside the city.

You must find a way to leave the Palace and send him a letter.

What thing is so important?

You don't need to know that much.

But if I know nothing, how could I help you investigate?

Zhen'er, I cannot explain this matter clearly right now.

The point is, you need to find a method to leave the Palace

and bring Chengxu the letter.

Ok.

The Princess says that this matter is quite important

and that it would be better if I didn't know, so she only wanted me to bring the letter.

The Princess also said

that it would be better if you could not understand this letter.

What if I do understand it?

If you can understand it,

then please, please do not do anything without a clear head.

I have been here too long. I must leave now.

Zhen'er, please wait.

I have a letter I need you to give to Mingyu.

Prince of Su.

If you do not have anything urgent, please come tomorrow.

I only came because I had an urgent matter.

Your Highness.

Get out of the way.

Your Highness.

Get out of the way!

Ninth Uncle, tomorrow at the welcome ceremony,

you and I only lead one team of soldiers to go, let the main troops follow behind.

This is...?

This is a maidservant who is sent by my household to inquire about my well being.

What's wrong?

Woman?

The things Yuying told me, I already understand.

I will go back safely.

This is my letter for her.

Keep it safe.

- Yan Hai. - Here.

- Escort her out. - Yes.

I've always heard that Little Auntie is fierce and watches Ninth Uncle closely.

It really is true.

You haven't even reached home, and you're already being watched.

No women are allowed in the military.

On this matter, I'll remember it for Ninth Uncle.

Get to the important things.

We've already talked about the important things. The Secretary of the Ministry of Rites transmitted a decree.

For tomorrow's welcome ceremony, leave the main troops in the rear.

You and I only need to lead a team of soldiers.

Fine. You can leave then.

The matter of your jade has been known.

It's not too late to mend a broken fence.

Once snared by a misstep, return is impossible.

It was so dangerous at that time. Fortunately I hit upon an idea and got out under the disguise

so that Prince of Su didn't discover my identity.

Otherwise, who knows what could've happened?

Mingyu, what's wrong?

How come after reading the letter, you've been rendered speechless?

Chengxu found Su Qiu.

Then...

The Ninth Prince is so clever, didn't he guess what was happening immediately?

I really hope that after reading my letter,

Chengxu will understand everything

and end the plan.

[Sheng]

Your Majesty, everything has been prepared.

The signal will be when I thrown down the wine cup.

I will obey.

- Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

You may rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

It's been hard for all of you.

This victory is especially meaningful to our Great Sheng.

Prince of Yan made a high achievement with hard work.

This is Heaven's blessing

and Your Majesty's great fortune to make the enemy surrender without a battle.

Great.

Good.

Someone, come.

Chengxuan, if Father could see you now,

able to lead soldiers into war,

he would feel peace of mind.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for bestowing the wine.

Qihan, in the future, you need to seek more

education from your two uncles.

Yes.

Thank you, Royal Father, for bestowing the wine.

Chengxu.

My good brother.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for bestowing the wine.

Prince of Yan, is there anything else to report to me?

Your Majesty, please rest assured that everything is fine.

I have something to report to Your Majesty, please forgive me.

What is it? Get up and speak.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Please wait just a moment.

Reporting to Your Majesty,

Xi Qi has offered a treasure to show its sincerity in surrendering.

What is the treasure?

This is Great Xi kingdom's long missing imperial jade seal of succession!

Imperial jade seal of succession?

Why wasn't it mentioned in the victory report?

Not only that it wasn't mentioned in the victory report,

I've even hid from everyone in the troops.

Why?

The imperial jade seal of succession is such an important treasure.

If the messenger ran into any mishap on the way back,

this news would have leaked.

If anything bad happened, I wouldn't have known how to explain to Your Majesty.

Ninth Brother, you are thoughtful and careful. You didn't great on this matter!

I know that my responsibility is great.

I guarded the imperial jade seal of succession and never left it for a moment, and couldn't even eat or sleep without worries.

I only wanted to return soon to submit the jade seal to Your Majesty.

Finally today...

Ninth Brother, my good brother.

The imperial jade seal of succession that's passed from successive dynasty belongs to Great Sheng now!

His Majesty is designated by Heaven.

Your Majesty, please lead our Great Xiao Battalions' troops

to rise up and united the world.

Long live Your Majesty for 10,000 years and forever more!

Long live Your Majesty for 10,000 years and forever more!

All rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Ninth Brother, I will remember your contribution.

I don't dare to take any credit for the achievement.

I only hope that Your Majesty won't blame me for the crime of concealment.

How is this a crime?

It's Ninth Brother being mindful. I can't hurry fast enough to reward you.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.

Royal Father, I really didn't know.

Tell me, are you and Chengxu not friendly?

It's not that, just...

It's just that we aren't particularly close to each other.

By not being close, you mean you ignore him most of the time?

You are my eldest son. The people on the outside will naturally fawn over you.

When you're used to hearing compliments,

you will naturally forget to be humble

and actually become headstrong and obstinate on everything.

I've said that you have enough courage and strength

but lack enough wisdom.

I heard that you aren't convinced

and hold some resentment. Is that true?

I don't dare.

Your own mother said so to others.

Are you unjustly accused?

This...

From convincing Xi Qi to surrender to escorting the jade seal to return,

you've noticed Chengxu's abilities and intelligence now?

Yes.

You are my son. Don't I favor you?

I lecture you for your sake. Understand?

Royal Father is right to scold me. I will definitely be humble in learning from now on to become better.

Mingyu.

Mingyu, don't scare me.

Don't scare me.

It almost... almost...

It is definitely the word "seal."

It was a close call. Luckily you told me in advance.

When I heard Qihan relay the message that,

on the day of the welcome ceremony, leave the main troops in the rear

and only led us lead one team of soldiers to arrive at the ceremony's location first,

I knew the warning in the letter was accurate.

No matter how much planning we did before that,

it wouldn't have succeeded.

We can only preserve ourselves first,

reserve strength, wait for the right opportunity

on another day.

This time, it's lucky that we got this letter from Sister Mingyu.

Otherwise, we would have run into a great disaster.

Mingyu,

thank you for saving me.

Respectfully welcome His Majesty, the Emperor.

Turn.

Kneel.

From this day on,

Great Sheng will establish the Great Sheng dynasty. (It's a different Sheng in Chinese)

with the era's name as Xian De.

I will diligently

respect Heaven and follow the ancestors.

I hope the Great Xiao Battalions' troops will be united with the civilians in one will

to expand our Great Sheng's mighty prestige.

Long live our emperor for 10,000 years and forever more.

Bow.

Rise.

Long live our emperor for 10,000 years and forever more.

Bow.

All counselors, rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Prince of Yan, Xiao Chengxu, come for conferral.

Prince of Yan, Xiao Chengxu, led troops without killing,

persuaded Xi Qi to surrender,

successfully escorted the imperial jade seal of succession,

Hs contribution to the nation will produce benefits for a thousand years.

He is granted 5,000 tribute households,

1,000 taels of gold, as award of recognition.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous blessing.

I shall do my best to

pledge allegiance until my death in order to repay your grace.

Mingyu.

His Majesty prepared a congratulatory banquet for you.

How did you run out like this?

Thank you for saving me once again.

I only hate that I found out too late.

I've actually treated my enemy as my family.

I knew that's how you'd think.

That's why I worried.

Chengxu, right now you must

keep everything in your heart. Tell no one.

Chengxuan too. You must exercise caution

when you do everything. You must not be impulsive.

Don't worry.

I am no longer the silly boy from the past.

I will stay by his side

to slowly take over the decision-making power.

In the battle at Xi Qi,

you risked your life to rescue me.

I don't think I can ever repay you for this benevolence.

You risked your life to send a letter to me.

Why do you still have to say these self-deceiving words to deceive me?

My caring is real.

The worries are real too.

But, we now have different statures.

For you, for me,

for everyone at the Prince of Yan's manor,

for all the people in Yonglin,

I will keep to my proper position.

Alright.

You must take care.

You take care, too.

This is so great.

How did I make such good bets? I made good bets on two of His Majesty's favorite princes.

Yuying, Xiao Chengxu has just been rewarded.

Shouldn't you thank me properly?

It's good that Chengxu got rewarded.

Xiao Qihan also received rewards.

Doesn't this make me the same as younger cousin then?

I've never seen anyone like you who doesn't know to be content.

Take this time, while Xiao Chengxu was away,

you secretly tormented the manor's maidservant Kelan.

Do you think you can hide it from even the gods and spirits?

Let me tell you. Everyone with eyes and ears in this manor

is talking about it.

How did it get out?

What do they know?

Random gossips.

So did it happen or not?

She deserved it.

I really can't save you.

Yuying, you must not be so headstrong and competitive.

Be careful that Chengxu will oppose you.

This is my natural personality.

I can never learn what Auntie is teaching me.

I'll do what I want to do.

Besides, what's wrong with being competitive?

If I weren't competitive, how could I have become Prince of Yan's wife?

Auntie, I heard that, with His Majesty's enthronement,

he will appoint contributing officials in the court, and confer empress and consort in the palace.

If Auntie isn't competitive,

then don't dream of the seat over the six palaces. (Empress)

That mouth of yours...

The position of the Empress...

I can't reach it.

But now, I have two princes as support.

My own family in Mao Zhou is at least a match for Yonglin.

The position right after the Empress should be mine then.

Her Majesty the Empress arrives.

Sister Qi.

Mingyu, why did you leave the banquet so early yesterday?

Everyone was drinking, I felt a chest pain and came back early.

Sister Qi, are you looking for me for a reason?

Now that His Majesty has enthroned, the palace household must be re-established

so as to show the imperial family's prestige.

As for the inner palace, His Majesty wants to keep it simple.

He will only establish one empress and four consorts.

I, Mingyu, pay respect to Your Majesty the Empress.

His Majesty conferral of the Empress title to Sister Qi

has already spread throughout the palace.

His Majesty has a lot to consider to establish the five palaces.

Perhaps you will have to suffer some.

Sister Qi, don't say that.

Even if I don't head a palace, it's no bother.

I won't agree to that.

It's just that His Majesty said how to properly confer titles to the consorts

is just as difficult as appointing the ministers.

The ranking of the consorts

can't only be determined by whether she is favored by His Majesty.

The power behind her must also be considered.

Consort Hui comes from Qi Zhou Mao Zhou.

She is also related as in-law with Chengxu and Xiao Qihan.

Obviously she can't be overlooked.

Therefore, she is conferred as Consort Shu of Han De Hall.

That's as it should be.

Consort Lian has always been sickly and lives in seclusion in the temple to chant Buddhist scriptures and eat vegetarian food.

His Majesty remembers that she was the first to enter his manor, and she is the daughter of an important minister.

Therefore, he conferred her as Consort De of Su An Hall.

You... are younger than all of them.

Therefore, you are conferred as Consort Xian, the lowest ranked of the four.

You get the disadvantage as the last in the sequence of order.

I don't feel disadvantaged at all.

Sister Qi knows that I don't like to compete with others.

His Majesty is concerned that you won't be pleased.

But I know that you are openhearted.

Actually, there is a position of imperial consort.

It's supposed to be reserved for someone who has born a prince.

Then that should be Xiao Qihan's birth mother.

She... doesn't know the big picture.

If she is conferred as the head of a palace, people won't be convinced.

What to do then?

His Majesty conferred Beauty Lan, Ji Guangge, as Zhaoyi Lan.

As for the vacant position of Imperial Consort,

His Majesty hasn't thought of anyone and is keeping it vacant for now.

We'll see who is lucky then.

His Majesty is bestowing to Consort Xian of Yong Ning Hall

with a pair of white jade bracelets,

a hairpin of flowing colored clouds,

a pair of shining purple earrings,

a fan of purple feathers,

a pair of pearls, a pair of carved incense stoves.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

This servant will leave.

Mingyu.

I cannot guarantee you anything

or promise anything.

Loving you and protecting you

has long become my habit after all these years.

If you really feel unsettled,

then please take this wallet

and finish the embroidery.

Mingyu, His Majesty bestowed so many things.

Don't you want to take a look?

Tell me, why don't I ever embroider the mandarin ducks properly?

Is that what you're bothered about?

Your horse-whip holding hand suddenly picks up an embroidery needle.

Of course you need to practice more.

Oh yes, all these things bestowed by His Majesty

give some to the other palaces.

Yes.

You don't even take a look at what I bestowed you.

What is it? You don't like them?

Greetings, Your Majesty.

- Hurry and rise. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

I always see you reading.

This is the first time that I see you do female crafts.

It's a pair of mandarin ducks. (The inseparable ducks symbolize lovers.)

I happen to need a sachet to use next to my body.

How about giving this to me?

I just learned how to embroider.

This is a practice for fun. It's not good enough for Your Majesty.

I like anything that you embroider.

How about I embroider one for Your Majesty that's a dragon riding a lucky cloud?

Firstly, it celebrates Your Majesty's enthronement.

Secondly, as it is worn by Your Majesty,

it can match Your Majesty's noble stature.

Good, I'll listen to your.

I'm tired. I'll stay here tonight then.

Your Majesty, Great Sheng has just established a new name.

I've been praying for blessing for the country

and made a wish to read scriptures and eat vegetarian for 81 days.

How about Your Majesty go to Sister Qi?

You don't even look at my bestowed gifts.

And now you want to push me away.

Consort Xian, ever since you returned from Xi Qi,

you've become a stranger to me.

Tell me, what are you hiding as a secret thought?

Your Majesty is being too serious. How can I dare to be a stranger with you?

Listen to that. Even when you talk, it doesn't sound as natural as before.

What is it? Are you upset with me about the consort conferral's matter?

Of course not. I am already very grateful for being conferred as Consort Xian.

These days I have been wholeheartedly praying for the good fortune of the country and the people.

It is good to be praying for your people and your country.

Apparently I have interfered in your personal affairs.

Mingyu, having a bad temper form time to time

could be appealing to me.

But you cannot live with the impression that I would overlook it over and over again.

Consort Xian, you saw how upset Zhaoyi Lan was.

She gave birth to the eldest son of the King.

But she couldn't even earn the Consort title.

She is so pitiful.

Fortunately His Majesty has given him the Price title. This is also a comfort.

Consort Shu, Consort Xian.

Forego the formalities!

We were just concerned about Zhaoyi Lan.

How come you have also come to see your mother?

My mother asked me to come. I assume she might not feel well.

I think she is very upset.

Therefore you should make sure to tell her not to bash her head against a brick wall.

We should leave now. You can catch up the chatting.

Yes.

Go outside.

Yes.

You haven't seen the satisfied look on the face of that woman form Han De Hall.

It makes me even more upset.

I knew that she had evil intentions when she offered herself to act as a matchmaker for you.

- Qi Han. - Yes.

In the future, you must not side with outsiders.

Abandon your birth mother to be filial to her.

Mother...you...

what...what should I say?

But Consort Xian knew what she should say. She comforted me.

She said that within the harem my son had the brightest future prospects.

You are a major prince. This eased my pain a little bit.

Everything Consort Xian said is true.

Therefore, no matter what happens, you still have me.

You should set your mind at rest. The health is the most important.

You are right. After all I still have hope.

What is a Consort title worth of?

I should live well.

And make that woman from the De Han Hall kneel before me into the future.

And make her call me Empress Dowager.

Mother...these words...

you shall never again say them.

Did I say anything wrong?

If His Majesty doesn't hand you over his title into the future, then to whom will he hand it over?

You are already talking about handing over titles,

and talk about how you will be the Empress Dowager. If someone overhears you saying that,

won't they say you are badmouthing the King?

If this gets to His Majesty's ears,

what will he think about it? Terrible!

I...

I am talking to you in private about it...

Who could hear it?

Spare me, please.

His Majesty lectured me two days ago. Wasn't it because you have a loose tongue?

Because of me?

Yes.

I heard that you don't want to accept it.

Your own mother told others. Are you unjustly accused?

I was very upset and I ranted about it to you.

How has it gotten to His Majesty's ears?

I...

I haven't talked with anyone...

Sure, sure!

I only ask of you to open your mouth less from now on.

If you gave me less trouble, it would be amazing.

I haven't given you any trouble!

You should be more of a rolemodel!

Don't let him lecture you again into the future about your shortcomings!

So in the end it's me who is not enough hard-working! I have only had bad luck lately.

I am always compared to my uncle.

Xiao Chengxu!

What's so great about this Xiao Chengxu?

I am also very mad about it! Especially regarding the latest event about the imperial jade seal.

His Majesty wasn't even on the field. He has no idea of the real circumstances!

But...

But, what?

Qi Han! Qi Han!

My fruits!

Your Highness! What are you doing?

Ling Zhen'er I have something important I must ask you!

Xian Consort is in her chamber waiting for me. If you don't have anything urgent, let me go.

During the battle with Xiqi why have you rushed into the camp at night?

Why were you looking for the Ninth Uncle?

What are you inquiring? I don't understand.

I recognise this bracelet!

That day, the maid wearing black was you. Am i right or not?

The Uncle said that woman was his maidservant.

What are you two plotting?

There are so many people who look alike in this world and even more bracelets which look alike!

You have just taken a look at it and you accuse me of this offense. I don't admit anything!

Have I not seen it clearly?

For sure I haven't!

It seems that the teatime of Consort Xian

will be enjoyable.

Your Majesty, I want to hang up your much cherished painting in this hall.

Which place do you think is more suitable?

This one!

Just as I was also thinking!

You may leave! Tomorrow come and hang it here.

Yes, Consort Shu.

Your Majesty, after you have confered the titles to your concubines, Consort Xian asked me to go and see Lan Zhaoyi.

Consort Xian indeed knows how to hande affairs and bring her help. She is very kind to others and amiable.

She is even kinder to her servants and has nothing to rebuke.

But...

But, what?

But she indeed connives in her servants' misconduct.

Therefore there were some rumors.

A few days ago I saw Qihan running into the Dongming garden.

He approached a maidservant and interogated her.

She was the maidservant of Consort Xian, Zhen'er.

He said something about the Prince of Yan fooling around with Zhen'er.

When Price of Yan was at war with Xiqi

That girl had the guts to leave the palace in secret.

She secretely sneaked into the camp at night, to have a rendezvous.

Qihan caught her red-handed.

Consort Xian really has to manage her servants.

Otherwise, in the end rumors will spread across the court.

When did she sneak out of the palace to have a secret meeting?

It should have been when Your Majesty went out of the palace to welcome Chengxu's victorious return.

You say you didn't see it clearly, but

how comes I have heard that you have already admitted that

that was the maidservant of Consort Xian?

[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 ♫