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[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 22]

I happen to need a sachet to wear on me.

How about you give this to me?

How about I embroider a dragon riding a lucky cloud instead?

Firstly, it celebrates Your Majesty's enthronement. Secondly,

If Your Majesty chooses to carry it everywhere, it will complement your identity well.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Now, I finally understand

who her sometimes absentminded state,

sometimes sad look,

were for.

She never looked at me with those eyes.

Never once.

Do not forget

back then, you were the one who was determined to have her.

I also tried to persuade you,

but you wanted her desperately.

She and Chengxu were from the past,

but they fell in love first.

To tell it as it happened,

you're the one who separated them.

She didn't betray you.

But all these years,

I've exhausted all efforts on her,

but I could never make her forget her first love.

But Mingyu is unquestionably good toward you.

If she really didn't cared for you, how could she achieve this state?

Now that I've ascended the imperial throne,

the entire world belongs to me.

Within the four oceans, whatever I want, I can get.

But my most beloved woman,

in the deepest of her heart,

has a corner that doesn't belong to me.

It's a place that I can't enter.

I am not satisfied.

Your Majesty, excuse me for saying this.

Even though you are the emperor who owns the world,

but it doesn't mean that you can conquer every place in the world.

For example,

the human heart.

No.

Since she has married me, then her whole person

and her heart should all belong to me.

I really don't understand it.

Why are you always so demanding of Mingyu?

Because she is

a woman that I chose to cherish.

Mingyu, His Majesty hasn't come here for quite some time.

His Majesty is busy with state affairs. How does he have the time to always visit the harem?

I say, it's just fine that His Majesty doesn't come here.

When you are by yourself, it's actually more relaxed and carefree.

It's just that, Mingyu,

those servants in the harem

will invariably look down at us.

Besides, everyone of them is showing a snotty attitude.

- I'm just afraid— - I'm not worried about those things.

What are you worried about then?

I'm worried that perhaps His Majesty has found out about me and Chengxu.

If it's true...

Mingyu, you are thinking too much. You should quit thinking about it.

In a few more days, Young Prince and Princess Wanyin will be coming over.

You will have a reunion at that time.

Older Sister!

Older Sister, my wish to see you has finally come true.

Where is Older Brother?

When we passed by Huaixin Zhou, Older Brother said he wanted to meet an old friend.

So he will arrive two days later.

Alright.

Are you tired from the journey?

Let's hurry and go to the palace.

Prince Wanyin, you are finally here.

Knowing that you're arriving today, Princess Mingyu

prepared snacks in the morning so that you wouldn't starve.

There is also the Osmanthus tea that was always your favorite.

It's been prepared since this morning just waiting for you.

If Older Sister likes it,

I will let the imperial kitchen make it for you every day.

I just hope that Older Sister will stay here longer.

Isn't this the bow, arrow, and horse whip that you used when you were in Yonglin?

I remember, when you first learned horseback riding,

grandfather gave them to you.

And that wood carving... wasn't it carved by Royal Older Brother?

I really wanted one at that time,

but Royal Older Brother always declined with a reason.

To tell it honestly, he simply pampered you and not me.

How could that be?

Royal Older Brother probably thought

that Old Sister preferred a pretty jade hairpin.

You are wearing all the accessories you used to have in Yonglin.

So good. Not like me,

I left too much in a hurry back then.

I don't have any item that would bring back memories.

Princess, you didn't know this but all these items

were specially shipped over here from Yonglin on His Majesty's order.

It's to relieve Consort Xian's homesickness.

Not only those,

His Majesty is also raising a few treasured horses from Yonglin

for Consort Xian to enjoy.

You can ride horses in the palace?

This is a unique favor that His Majesty granted Consort Xian.

Enough, don't talk anymore.

Older Sister, let's chat over there.

Come, Older Sister, sit.

I really envy you.

You were always adorable and well liked everywhere you went.

Not like me, I have a bad fate.

No one cherishes me or cares for me in this whole lifetime.

Older Sister, don't say these negative talk.

You still have us.

Always look forward.

Forget about all those unpleasant things in the past.

Do you know the kind of life I endured in Xi Qi?

After being fooled by you, Situ Kun treated me

with all kinds of torment and denigration.

Whenever I closed my eyes,

I could see him draw his whip toward me.

I was so scared that I couldn't sleep.

For those five years,

it was like hell with deep water and hot flames.

How can I easily forget it?

I know that your experiences

are hardships that regular people cannot imagine.

Fortunately these things are all in the past now.

Older Sister is finally relieved.

Life will get better and better in the future.

No flower can bloom a hundred days.

I am a wilted flower. What better days can I expect?

Older Sister, don't say this. You are so innocent and beautiful,

there must be a good marriage waiting for you.

Anyway, it's all fate.

Fate always toys with people.

It's just like that year, I was the first to meet His Majesty.

But ultimately, the one who married him is you.

Do you mean

you still think about His Majesty?

I've already forgotten about it.

I'm just saying that you are lucky.

Yonglin's High Priest said that you will reign as queen.

Whether one is lucky in fate,

only that person really knows.

Nothing is as simple as it looks on the outside.

Older sister, you think that marrying the Emperor

means that everything will be perfectly satisfactory?

It's just that everything has its own difficulties that come with it.

How hard could your life be?

Luxurious clothing and sumptuous food, everything is available to you.

His Majesty also loves and adores you so much.

This is something so many people are jealous of but cannot have for themselves.

And I...

I just want to have someone to love, to never leave me.

Maybe I will even be disappointed by this.

Maybe in the future,

I will only live all alone for the rest of my life.

You don't understand how jealous I am of you.

Older sister, if I told you that everything I had right now

is not what I actually want, would you believe me?

Life is mostly full of dissatisfaction.

Even though we have many times where we feel unwilling or when things go against our wishes,

we still must learn to make happiness out of pain.

As long we continue on, we will find hope.

Is that not true?

Maybe it is.

Anyway, I am hoping that you will stay here longer.

Stay as long as you possibly can.

We will talk more

and make up for lost time.

There's something else.

No matter what reason, that year, His Majesty saved me.

I have been feeling gratitude even now.

It's been multiple years.

How hard would this be? When you recover your health,

I'll take you to see His Majesty.

If you need anything, tell me.

You can also ask Hui'er to do it.

Hui'er.

In the future, you will take care of my older sister.

Yes. I will accept.

Consort Xian gets exceptional treatment from His Majesty.

His Majesty should be coming to Yong Ning Hall often, right?

Of course. Consort Xian is so adored by His Majesty.

Then do you know what the thing His Majesty likes about Consort Xian is?

Princess, you are funny. How is one thing enough?

Consort Xian is so exquisite,

even if she had some little willfulness and little faults,

His Majesty still likes her very much.

Faults can become reason for him to like her?

Liking a person means liking every part of them.

Only dislike would make people picky.

I haven't come in a while. It seems like you have gotten much skinnier.

I eat and sleep well.

How could I have gotten skinner?

Really?

I haven't come to see you in a long time. You didn't get angry, did you?

Your Majesty has much to do every day, of course I wouldn't be angry.

Are you still stubborn?

Oh right, by the way.

You have not met my older sister yet, have you?

My older sister just arrived in Great Sheng. Her health is somewhat weak.

She has been staying in a side chamber.

Would it be better to invite her here?

There's no need. Since her health is not good,

she shouldn't run around back and forth.

If she needs the royal physician, go ahead and summon one.

She is the guest, don't neglect her.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for understanding.

I will take care of my sister well.

When her health gets better, let's invite her over to meet you.

She said that she must meet you personally

to express her gratitude.

You still can't admit that you lost.

As long as you tell me to stay, I will not leave.

Your Majesty has many national issues to see to.

I do not dare to keep you long.

Mingyu, why do this?

His Majesty treated you coldly

in hopes that you would lower your head and say a few nice words toward him.

If he treated me well,

of course I'll do what he says and respect him,

but by forcing me with this kind of method,

I am a person, not a mannequin with no self dignity.

Those were great verses.

Your Majesty.

Flowers are beautiful, your verses were beautiul,

but you are more beautiful than both.

You are...?

Helan Wanyin. Consort Xian's older sister.

I saw you from a distance in Yonglin.

Today, I could not recognize you.

How come Mingyu didn't assign anyone to walk with you?

Consort Xian is busy.

My living here is already a trouble.

I don't want to add more to it.

Besides, I'm not used to chatting with people.

It's peaceful here. That's good enough.

The two of you are siblings,

why keep calling her Consort Xian. It seems distant.

I will remember that now.

You like to admire flowers? How elegant.

I don't really understand how to admire flowers. I was only lamenting.

Oh? Will you please let me listen?

People are like flowers.

In the beginning, they are beautiful and sacred,

but they wilt easily.

It's too bad that time flies by

and will never return.

What's the point of having so many lamentations?

People should understand how to be happy.

I heard Mingyu say that your journey was very tiring.

Your health is not very good.

I bet that in Xi Qi, you suffered immensely.

Now, you have gotten to our Great Sheng and can recuperate well.

If you are missing anything or want anything,

speak up immediately. I will get someone to accommodate it to you.

I am not missing anything.

Thank you for your suggestion, Your Majesty.

Though you and Mingyu are sisters,

the two of you contrast very much.

Mingyu is bright and pretty.

You are gentle and delicate.

but your gentleness

can't be reached by Mingyu.

You like to admire flowers and recite poetry.

Manfu! Bring the fan!

Yes.

On the fan is the drawing based on the song of "butterfly chasing flowers."

It matches the scenery of "Spring in Jade Pavilion," the poem you were just reciting.

I will gift this to you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You must remember that though flowers wilt,

they will still bloom next year. When you stay here for a long time,

there will be flowers in all four seasons for you to enjoy.

Respectfully sending off Your Majesty.

Everyone follow up.

He said that I could stay for a long time?

What did His Majesty mean by that?

Mingyu's older sister lives in Yong Ning's side Hall.

Your Majesty, are you talking of Wanyin? My younger sister

married into Xi Qi and suffered lots.

Today, she has finally gotten out of it.

Ever since they will little, her relationship with Mingyu was the closest.

After coming to Sheng, Mingyu will be able to properly comfort her.

How does their sisterly relationship compare to your relationship with Mingyu?

The truth is that I'm a little bit older than the two of them.

Besides, Mingyu and Wanyin are blood siblings.

They grew up together.

Their elders always compared the two of them.

If I had to say, they both have their own strengths,

and they are both very outstanding.

Mingyu didn't care about much when she was younger,

but she cared very much for her sister.

Now that the two of them can live together, it is considered very good news.

It bit it.

Quickly, go. Go.

If I don't taunt you,

then how can I provoke out your fighting skills?

Is so happens that the drawing on this fan is about the song "Butterfly Chasing Flowers."

It matches well with the scenery in "Spring in Jade Pavilion," the poem you were just reciting.

Princess, look. His Majesty already gifted you a fan today.

It also has the drawing of "Buttery Chasing Flowers."

It clearly symbolizes admiration and longing.

Oh yes, Princess, here is a letter for you. It was just sent over from the front.

You saw it too.

Brother said it very clearly in the letter.

He is anxious to marry me off as the side consort of Huaixin Zhou's king.

Soon, he will come to Great Sheng and take me over.

What do I do?

I know this king.

I heard that this man is very polite

and well learned. This is good, Older Sister.

That doesn't change anything! I don't want to get married.

Whenever our Royal Brother meets a new king,

he just pushes me toward them. How much could he possibly wish for me to be gone?

Sister, don't think like that.

This king is a hereditary position, and it will be as his side consort.

If you are willing, this would be a good marriage.

A good marriage? To become a side consort

for some random king is considered a good marriage?

Am I, Helan Wanyi, only worth this much?

In the past, no one even asked me

and I was married off to Xi Qi for a marriage accord.

And now, he decides on his own to give me away to some king of Huaixin.

Our Royal Brother surely didn't mean that.

You definitely must have misunderstood.

In the past, when Yonglin married you off to Xi Qi,

that was because they were forced.

Forced?

If they were forced, then why does it always have to be me and not you?

If it were possible,

I would prefer that I was the one who faced all of this, not you.

No matter how nice it is, it's still an "if".

Saying it might feel relaxing,

but the event has already happened.

How could it possibly be changed?

From our childhood to now, the one who was adored, the lucky one, was always you.

You always got the best.

We're sisters,

but why is our treatment so different?

Sister.

The only person who would ever think for me was myself.

However, I want to tell you

that you're not the only one who can have the best! I also want the best!

Sister!

Why does nobody consider my feelings?

We're all family.

Why is the difference between Mingyu and I so vast?

Princess. The old saying says it best. Everything depends on yourself.

Why would you be so angry?

To anger yourself into making yourself sick is not worth it.

I just can't swallow this breath.

Why am I never the lucky one?

How come I can't even be

lucky just once?

Once, when His Majesty went to Great Liang unannounced,

By the Tai Lake, he heard a Great Liang woman play and sing "Song of Longing."

After he got back, he would talk about it and bear it in mind constantly.

His Majesty told Consort Xian multiple times

but Consort Xian had no interest.

If you could play a piece for His Majesty,

then his eyes would surely light up.

Your Majesty.

Have I bothered your enjoyment?

I don't dare. I am the one who interrupted your quietude.

Were you just playing Great Liang's "Song of Longing"?

Yes.

I heard this piece in Great Liang once.

I could not forget it.

I never thought that I would be able to hear it again.

If Your Majesty likes it, then that is good.

That means that I didn't prepare all of this for nothing.

You were playing for me?

I'm staying at Yong Ning Hall as a guest

by Your Majesty's grace, but have no way to repay you.

Your Majesty is busy with affairs every day and must be very tired.

I heard that Your Majesty likes "Song of Longing,"

so I played it in the hope of winning a smile from Your Majesty.

I made an arbitrary decision, please don't fault me, Your Majesty.

It used to always be me coming up with all sorts of ways to make beautiful women smile,

but a beautiful woman has never, in order to see my smile,

worked hard.

It would be good to even have half of your clever understanding.

Your Majesty, I have something I'm not sure whether or not to say to you.

Go ahead.

I heard that Your Majesty has been finding company in Wanyin a lot recently,

is this true?

Can I take this to mean that you are jealous, my Empress,

or are you blaming me for not greeting you?

Everything under Heaven is yours.

If you wanted to adore a woman, how could I dare try to control you?

If you truly like Wanyin and want to treat her well,

then I will naturally feel happy.

But, if Your Majesty isn't really interested,

I'm afraid that you will break someone's heart.

You shouldn't continue to be stubborn with His Majesty.

He is the Emperor, after all.

In the end, you will still be the one who suffers.

Sister Qi, it's because he is the Emperor

that when he likes you, he countlessly calls you intelligent,

but when he doesn't, he says that you are too smart.

His Majesty himself is the one with a knot.

Whatever I do, it's wrong.

Compared to that, I'd rather just be myself.

Even though you're not wrong,

but one of you has to surrender first.

If you admit mistake, then everything will pass.

Sister Qi, look at this game of chess,

it's at a pivotal stage.

This piece that I'm holding, if I continue the attack,

both sides will be harmed and neither wins.

If I let go of this piece, then I will keep losing without a chance to the end.

How can you compare your relationship with His Majesty to a chess game?

The chess pieces are dead, people are living beings.

Just lower your head and let His Majesty win.

He is happy, and he will naturally treat you well.

He is the emperor, I'm a consort.

Why should I let him win this piece? He has already won.

Your Majesty, greetings.

I will summon Consort Xian now.

No need.

I'm here to visit Princess Wanyin.

- Respectfully send— - You may as well notify Consort Xian.

After all, her sister is sick, and she should visit her.

Your edict is obeyed.

His Majesty has arrived.

- Your Majesty. - Quickly. Don't move, don't move.

You got caught in the wind and got a cold. You should be lying down.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

It doesn't bother me.

Even if it's an external cold, you still need to recover well.

This is Fritillaries offered from Western Yue.

It's every effective in stopping the coughs and smoothing the lungs.

Take it to let the servants brew it following the medicinal recipe.

Your order is obeyed. I will be careful.

I will treat her well for sure.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Consort Xian has arrived.

Greetings, Consort Xian.

Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Majesty.

Sister.

Mingyu.

How come you're coughing again?

Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Take this here.

I will try it first.

Your Mastery, this is not appropriate.

It doesn't matter.

You can drink it now.

You are a sick person. You should be taken care of.

Drink it.

Be careful, it is a little bit hot and slightly bitter.

Since His Majesty is here to take care of you, I feel at ease.

I will take my leave.

Look at you. I was here taking good care of Wanyin,

but you suddenly came in and disturbed Wanyin.

If right now, you added to Wanyin's sickness,

then what would happen? I would feel sympathy for her.

It was all my fault.

I disturbed you and my sister.

I will accept my punishment.

From what I see,

I will punish you by making your sister

live in the Palace forever

and let her accompany me for my whole life!

Your Majesty, Mingyu and I are blood sisters.

I cannot live in her house and eat her food

owe her favors, and even take away her husband.

I would have the face to see anyone. I won't live!

- Just let me die! - Sister!

- Wanyin. - Sister, don't do this!

- Don't stop me, let me die! - Sister, sister, don't do this. Sister!

Wanyin. Wanyin. Listen to me speak.

If anyone was wrong, then it was me.

I was the one who fell for you and wanted to take care of you.

Mingyu, you have also seen.

I like Wanyin. Everything started with me.

Please do not blame Wanyin.

I congratulate you and my sister.

Imperial Consort, you are so beautiful. No one can compare with you.

What Imperial Consort? Don't say nonsense.

I wasn't spouting nonsense.

His Majesty has said it. He will confer you a title, and it will be the best.

Sooner or later you'll be called Imperial Consort.

I'm counting on you in the future.

Thank you, Imperial Consort.

I already said not to spout nonsense. Please get up.

Consort Xian has arrived.

Sister.

Mingyu. I...

I congratulate you.

You don't hate me?

I kept the fact that I gained His Majesty's affection from you.

Why would I hate you?

I just want you to be happy.

If I had known earlier that in your heart, you liked His Majesty,

then maybe I could've helped you earlier.

But now, finally lovers can become a couple.

Older Sister, you have fulfilled your wish.

However, I still want to advise you of something.

The life in the harem is not as easy as you imagine it to be.

It also isn't as free.

So you're here to tell me to leave?

I can see that you are still resentful toward me.

That was not what I meant.

I sincerely wish the best for you.

It's just that... with three thousand beautifies in the harem,

if one wants to seek one life, one generation, one couple,

then this path is too hard.

However, if it was your own choice, then I will support you for sure.

I just hope that if you feel any hardship later on,

you must tell me immediately.

Three palaces and six halls, the love is shared among them all. I understand what it means.

I never asked for His Majesty to only be mine,

but I just wanted the sincerity that belonged to me.

even if His Majesty could only give me a little bit.

As for the love he gives to you,

I will not try to take it from you. Rest assured.

Sister, you still misunderstood me.

Enough now. I'm tired and want to rest.

Hui'er, this courtyard is very large.

The road is so wide. Can't you watch where you're going?

I'm so sorry, Sister Zhen'er.

I really didn't do it on purpose.

It was because His Majesty came to see our Princess Wanyin,

and I wanted to bring some food, so I walked too hastily.

You still say you weren't deliberate? The dog is showing attitude because of the owner.

Hey! Who are you calling a dog?

What did I say? The dog is showing attitude because of the owner! The dog is showing attitude because of the owner.!

- You... You are the one who is the dog showing attitude. - Impertinent!

Making a ruckus in front of His Majesty. So improper!

What is wrong? Tell is clearly.

To reply to His Majesty and the princess, I accidentally collided with Sister Zhen'er earlier,

but Sister Zhen'er thought that I was doing it on purpose.

I really wasn't careful. It's my fault.

Your Majesty, Hui'er did it on purpose.

She purposefully ran over here to prove

that Your Majesty came here to see Princess Wanyin

and not to see Consort Xian.

Zhen'er.

Your Majesty.

Older Sister, Zhen'er is rude. I apologize for her.

How could I blame you?

It was just a misunderstanding. If you speak clearly, then everything will be fine.

Everyone, get up. What a small matter.

Don't make ado about nothing next time and lose propriety.

- Yes. - Yes.

Wanyin, letting you and Mingyu

stay in one hall truly is an inconvenience.

It has wronged you.

Your Majesty, if you think you have wronged my sister,

then I will move out.

Earlier, Sister Qi said that she enjoyed taking care of flowers,

and I want to find a closer courtyard

to learn some gardening skills.

I will give Sister Wanyin some more space and allow Your Majesty to come here easier.

If there's nothing else, I will take my leave.

[The Promise of Chang'an]

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

♫ 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 ♫