Original subtitles

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

[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 48]

What?

The Prince of Yu contracted smallpox?

To reply to Empress Dowager, this illness, in its nature, is dangerous.

If an emergency operation could save him,

it would still only be a fifty fifty chance to save him.

The Prince of Yu kept silent. He waited until the illness had already started to get serious to notify the imperial physicians facility.

It was too late.

Get every single imperial physician to go help.

I don't believe we can't find a way.

The imperial physicians have already tried.

We are unable to cure him.

There is nothing we can try.

How much more time does he have?

One or two days.

Alright.

You may go.

Yes.

Zhen 'er. Let's get ready to go to the Yu Mansion.

Mingyu. Mingyu, I know what you are thinking,

but this illness is contagious.

If anything were to happen to you,

everywhere inside and outside of the palace will fall into chaos.

It is because the illness is so severe and everyone is afraid of it.

Chengxu isn't in the city.

There's no one by Chengxuan's side.

So I have to go.

In the past, he always called me "Sister".

Now, because of my relationship with Chengxu,

he grew distant from me.

But in my heart,

he's always been one who lost his mother,

the pitiful little brother.

Let go of me! Mother!

I won't let him

be alone

to die by himself.

Then, Mingyu, how do we report this to His Highness, the regent?

We can't hide it from him.

Now, I was forced

to reject Chengxu.

During this time,

he is going to lose his most beloved younger brother.

He'll be hurting so bad.

Zhen'er. When you tell them to inform Chengxu,

you must wait until his temper has cooled.

He must not act too rashly.

Okay.

Looks like

he won't be able to make it back to see Chengxuan one last time.

I will stay with Chengxuan in his last moments.

If he knew,

then perhaps he would feel a bit better.

Empress Dowager Xianzhen has arrived.

Why are you all kneeling here? So far from His Highness?

We have all been waiting here.

If our master needed care, he would surely ask for us.

You're so far from him. If he needed anything, would you be able to hear him?

That is complete nonsense!

Forget it. They're just afraid.

It is a natural feeling.

No need to continue fussing about it.

Zhen 'er, you don't need to go in.

Wait here.

Be careful.

Mother.

Mother, you're here to see me?

Mother.

- Mother, I've missed you. - Chengxuan.

I am Sister Mingyu.

Sister Mingyu came to see you.

Sister Mingyu?

Did you forget?

When you were younger, you always liked to call me Sister Mingyu,

but that was too long ago.

You do not remember it much anymore.

Sister.

I remember.

I remember when we were younger,

besides my older brother, you were kindest to me.

I could never forget.

I just never thought

that now,

we would become so estranged.

Chengxuan. I know.

You are just afraid.

Afraid that someone

will harm you like they tried in the past.

So that is why you keep your guard up against everything.

I know.

I have never felt estranged from you,

and I never will.

All your life, you were always my good younger brother.

Sister Mingyu.

Chengxuan.

Come. Come.

Chengxuan. Sister is here.

I will protect you. Do not fear.

Sister Mingyu. I know

that I will not be able to hold on much longer.

From today on, my brother's

only close relative

will be you.

All his life,

he has been chasing your shadow.

All of the ambitions he has in his heart

could never compare to your importance to him.

My older brother, he...

He is too lonely.

I know.

He is so miserable.

We are all so miserable.

I know.

I am cold.

You are cold? Come. Come.

Chengxuan, do not be cold. Sister Mingyu is here.

Mother.

You will not be cold.

Mother...

I miss you.

Father.

Chengxuan misses you.

Chengxuan.

Chengxuan!

Chengxuan. My good little brother!

How can you leave like this?

How could I go on alone?

Has the new medicine proved useful?

To reply, the new medicine still cannot cure the plague.

The plague is spreading faster and faster.

Continue testing the medicine.

Investigate all sources of water.

Yes.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Earlier, news from the capital came.

They say that the Prince of Yu...

What happened to Chengxuan?

The Prince of Yu has died.

What did you just say?

The Prince of Yu contracted smallpox.

He has already died.

Your Highness. Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Chengxuan.

I have arrived too late.

You always missed Younger Brother and Mother.

Now have you reunited with them?

Are they doing well?

If you see them,

help me ask them.

In this lifetime,

what exactly did I do wrong

to deserve to be tortured like this?

To be punished?

All these years,

you always fought alongside me. But in the end,

we never got a single day of peace.

I did not help you gain anything.

I am not a good older brother.

You fought the war. You were the one who won Great Sheng's lands!

These merits are absolutely unparalleled!

If you do not sit on the throne, who would be happy?

How could I break any promises

I once made Mingyu?

I am so sorry to you.

I really am so sorry.

Chengxuan. Did he die peacefully?

To reply to Your Highness, Empress Dowager Xianzhen walked into the manor and stayed with him in his last moments.

His Highness died in the embrace of Empress Dowager Xianzhen.

He died peacefully.

Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness!

Hurry, summon the imperial physicians!

- Yes! - Hurry!

You need to protect yourself, Your Highness.

Out of all of his relatives in this world,

he only has you left.

Out of all of his ambitions,

in the end, none of them could compare to you.

Mingyu.

This morning, His Majesty went to the Prince of Yu's manor.

He paid his respects to the Prince of Yu.

It is just that he did not tell you.

That is his Royal Uncle.

Paying his respects is his duty.

Chengxu. Is he back yet?

I heard that last night, he rode all night to rush here.

Today is his birthday.

Yet he lost his most beloved younger brother.

In his heart,

how much pain could he be suffering?

Every year on this day, you would go to the Temple of Blessings

and ask for blessings of peace for the regent.

Twenty years passed by so quickly.

I ask for blessings every year

to ask for his safety and wellbeing.

It has become a habit.

Mingyu, these shoes...

you still plan to put them away?

Store them away.

Let me.

Mingyu.

There has always been something I did not know whether or not to say to you.

Between the two of us, is there really anything we cannot say?

You made so many shoes. Would it not be better to be with him?

Zhen'er, you...

I know that you are miserable, but His Highness is not happy either.

Princess Consort Mu, you, the throne,

now even his precious younger brother.

In His Highness's life, he has gotten nothing.

Now all of the power he has, as well as his status,

are things that he exchanged with his blood, his sweat, his life.

Now you are asking him to let go.

How could he be willing?

So, we must at least give him the thing that his most precious to him,

the thing that he cares about most, in exchange.

I understand

what you mean to say.

You want me to be with Chengxu.

To leave with him.

You just have too many concerns.

A person's life is unpredictable.

Look at the Prince of Yu. In normal days, his body was so strong.

It was because of smallpox that his life ended early.

Mingyu, I do not hope that you will have regrets at the end of your life.

You should live your life for yourself.

Besides, not only will that fulfill your own wishes,

but it also fulfills His Highness's. His Majesty would also become the sole ruler.

Would this not be a perfect option for all parties?

Empress Dowager, the regent's subordinate, He Shaoyong, has urgent business to discuss with you.

- I, He Shaoyong, greet the Empress Dowager— - No need for formalities. Did the regent send you?

No. It is I who acted upon my own will.

While the regent is in his coma, he keeps calling Your Highness's name.

I cannot bear it.

What did you just say? He is in a coma?

What do you mean?

I fear that the regent is in serious danger.

What?

I fear that the regent caught the plague while helping out in the affected areas.

He only bothered to help the commoners with the pandemic and never cared about his own health.

Because of the sudden death of the Prince of Yu, he feels deeply hurt.

He collapsed in front of the Prince of Yu's coffin.

The imperial physician Chen that has always attended him said

His Highness was hurt and does not have the will to live.

This time, the fear is that he will not make it.

Mingyu! Mingyu.

How could he?

He would not! He...

His Highness said that if he could not make it,

he wanted me to tell you something.

He wanted me to say that from now on, Your Highness

will not have to feel troubled again.

Where is he?

Empress Dowager.

If you would like to go in to see His Highness,

you must cover your mouth and nose. This illness is hard to cure.

Okay. Do not say so much. Let us go in.

Chengxu! Chengxu!

Chengxu! Chengxu!

Imperial Physician, how is he?

Is this medicine not working either? Find a different plan.

We have prescribed every possible cure.

The only thing we can do it add to the dose and try again,

but there are some medicines with very strong effects.

His Highness's body may not be able to endure it.

Perhaps it might kill him.

Then should he take it or not?

I think...

Take it!

As long as there is a possibility, we must risk it. Bring in the medicine!

Yes.

Chengxu. You will be fine.

I once asked for blessings for you

in front of the Moon Goddess.

Your life will be peaceful.

You will get better.

Chengxu!

Chengxu!

Why are you here?

I was brought by He Shaoyong.

You are like this already. How could I dismiss you without a care?

- Hurry and leave. - No.

I know that you are afraid I will be infected with the plague.

Since I came, I will not be afraid.

If I do get the plague,

Then we will test out medicines together.

I cannot let you risk this.

If you truly do not want me to risk my life with you,

then you have to get better. As long as you do,

I will leave with you.

I will live with you for the rest of my life.

Otherwise,

I will follow you to death.

Anyway, whether it is life or death, I will follow you.

Is this true?

It is.

In this life, this is all the two of us have ever wanted.

You are correct.

We must make a bet. Otherwise, we really will not have an opportunity.

The day I was waiting for

finally arrived.

Originally, this was

what I was hoping for. Twenty years ago,

the person I wanted to spend my whole life with was you.

You will get better.

Let us go together. We will never be parted in this lifetime again.

Okay.

Chengxu. Chengxu! Chengxu!

Chengxu!

Imperial Physician! Someone, come!

Someone, come!

Chengxu!

You must hold on. I will stay by you.

Chengxu.

Chengxu. You woke?

That is great news.

Last night, after drinking the imperial physician's newly prescribed medicine,

you fussed all night.

You have finally gotten through.

The imperial physician said that the medicine worked.

The commoners now also have a cure.

Mingyu. Thank you.

Do not worry.

I have already arranged everything regarding the matter about Chengxuan.

It would be best if you considered it as him going to find your Royal Father and your mother.

In the future, we will also reunite with them.

Mingyu.

Last night, the things you said.

Are they still true?

What? Are you afraid that I would go back on my word?

Then have you thought about

where you would take me? I do not really like the south.

Let is go to the north, okay?

Just like Yonglin.

There are mountains and water and grassland.

Okay.

I will listen to you.

I will do my best to arrange the matter of the jade seal and stamp

as soon as possible.

However, the imperial physician said

that with this illness, you need to rest.

When your health finally gets better,

we can leave. Otherwise, you will suffer in old age.

What are you afraid of?

You said

that in this life, you will stay with me.

You will take care of me.

Then in my lifetime,

I am determined to rely on you.

You're teasing. I'm being serious.

We must wait until after your health improves that we leave.

Also, I need to think

about how to explain to Qiyuan.

Okay.

Then I want you to stay here and keep me company.

You mustn't go anywhere.

Okay.

I will stay here with you.

I will not leave for a second.

Try it. These are all things you like to eat.

What do you think?

It is so good! I never would have expected.

Yes.

We missed too much.

It is fine.

In the future, we can make up for all of it.

Tomorrow, I will go back to the palace to see Qiyuan.

After you give the jade seal to Qiyuan,

it will be time for his marriage.

I believe that with Sister Qi there, he will not be disobedient.

There is nothing else I need to care about.

We will just wait for Qiyuan to become a good emperor after he becomes the sole ruler.

You really

are willing to clearly explain this to Qiyuan?

I cannot.

His misunderstandings with you are too deep.

I do not want him to misunderstand you further.

No matter what, we are mother and son.

Even if he blames me and resents me,

there will be a day in which he understands me.

It is all a mess! It is a mess! It is such a mess out here.

Auntie Jiang, what is a mess?

We heard that Xi Yue rebelled against us!

Xi Yue's righteous king, Li Sitong

does not want Great Sheng to rule them! He wants to become King himself!

Xi Yue turned on us?

Yes. Xi Yue's spies already made their way into the capital.

They are making a mess in the capital's Temple of Blessings.

I never would have thought that Li Sitong would actually turn on us.

That Li Sitong. Is he a very difficult person to counter?

He has miilitary strategies.

The people within the court who could retaliate against him...

Only you.

That is not necessarily true.

Ling Qi can also fight fair with him.

Besides, Great Sheng's frontier defenses and camps are all very strong. [T/N: Literal translation, "They are not vegans".]

Quickly enough, Xi Yue will be taken by us.

Mingyu. Great Sheng cannot never have issues.

In the court, there are many loyal ministers and generals.

Things will all become resolved in some way.

Because the two of us chose to let go,

we should rest at ease and be content with watching as things play out.

It's raining.

Chengxu, I have something to tell you.

I know.

What you want to say. The Great Sheng is not at peace.

How could we avoid problems by only walking away?

I know you cannot let go of it.

In fact, I am also the same as you.

I've been spending the whole night meditating.

Li Si Tong surrendered himself in my hands.

It was me who gave him my trust,

who gave him rights. I have to bear resposibility for this.

I also have to.

I cannot sit and watch how Qi Yuan is faced with such a chaotic situation

as he takes on the power.

Therefore, no matter what happens.

At least for now, we still have responsibilities.

Mingyu. Wait for me to settle down this matter

and afterwards, you can run away with me.

Alright.

I promise you.

After things calm down,

I will be able to leave away with you, without worrying about anything.

Mingyu! Mingyu!

Zhen' Er!

I fear the Empress cannot make it!

Sister Qi!

She can hardly sit on her feet. Her body is so sick. The candle and oil have already gone out.

The doctor feels helpless. Idiom: He has his hands tied up, without escape.

He says he is afraid she won't make it through the night.

Empress Yuan Zhen thought you were praying

and chanting sutras in the Hall, as I reported to her.

She told me to notify you. Probably she has some last words to remind you.

I did not dare to delay it not even a minute, I came as soon as I could to look for you.

Let's go together.

Sister Qi.

Sister Qi. Wake up!

Ming Yu...you came.

Don't be sad.

I will soon meet the previous Emperor.

In the end, my heart is happy.

Don't say these words and scare me.

Nothing will happen to you.

You will get well for sure.

Qi Yuan needs you. I also need you.

We all need you.

Ming Yu, is it possible

to promise me something?

Any word you'd utter, I will not disobey it.

Before the late Emperor died, he handed me over the Great Sheng

and asked me to look after His Majesty.

Now...

I can only entrust you.

Sister...

Just that...this responsibility is huge.

It could make you suffer and it could be a burden for you.

But you are the only one in this entire state

who could take on such an important task.

Me, your sister...has let you down.

Sister, please don't worry.

Mingyu will for sure not disappoint you.

Mingyu...

the biggest fortune I had during this whole lifetime

was having such a good sister like you.

Older Sister.

Having you as a sister

is my life's biggest blessing.

Chengxu...you are also here.

I have something to tell you.

Sister-in-law...don't hesitate to tell me.

At first, your Third Brother

indeed owed you so much.

I... will admit he wronged you on his behalf.

But many things...

are already done.

Your Third Brother... he in fact did not have many choices.

I am not trying to absolve him of guilt.

But...in this life and world...

what could not happen.

The past's matters and grudges

after a while you won't be able to figure them out.

Forget everything.

This hatred has taken your heart as a hostage

for more than twenty years.

There was not a moment you'd feel free or happy.

Why should it be like that?

Sister-in-Law...what you're saying is...

that I...

have already let it go.

Ming Yu...she is smart, sharp.

And moreover,

she respects the cardinal principles, she is considerate.

I know that you are not the same.

You are a temperamental person.

Like an eagle flying in the sky.

There is no one who could tie you up...

besides Ming Yu.

I...know it.

how many difficulties you've been through

on the path you are walking on.

Honestly, I out of everyone

wish you the most you two could find out happiness.

God has created people.

And in the end He let you walk this path together.

Chengxu...

Promise me...if you really have her in your heart

don't ever cause her trouble again.

Sister-in-law...I promise you...

[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 ♫