Original subtitles

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

[The Promise of Chang'an]

[Episode 55]

Ruoxuan, today the Empress Dowager specifically asked me to come here.

This jade bracelet was a gift from Empress Dowager Yuanzhen

to her when she was still young.

All these years have gone by, but the Empress Dowager could never bear to wear it.

Today she specially asked me to find it,

saying that this jade bracelet's color is tender. It suits you perfectly.

Here.

It looks great.

Auntie, I would pass a message to the Empress Dowager.

Just say that I thank her kindness.

I...

I do not even know what is appropriate to say.

You do not need to say a word.

Empress Dowager knows in her heart that it was you who persuaded His Majesty to go back

and make the situation become too messy to clean up.

The Empress Dowager feels thankful to you in her heart.

I do not dare to accept such a generosity.

There is a saying, "True heart is revealed over time."

You and Empress Dowager can definitely get along.

However, because of Xi Qi,

Empress Dowager can only treat you without affection on the surface.

On this, you must understand Empress Dowager.

Of course. I only wish to

share His Majesty's worries and help him fulfill his filial piety.

Empress Dowager must have her own difficulties.

She must not be concerned about me.

Greetings, Empress.

Sit.

Thank you, Empress.

Where is Imperial Noble Consort? Why isn't she here?

Empress, this morning a servant reported that Imperial Noble Consort suddenly fainted.

The imperial physician is treating her right now.

She simply doesn't respect me at all.

I'm going to teacher her what it means to have a high status and lowly status.

- Your Majesty. - Where is Ruoxuan? How is she?

The imperial physician is still diagnosing her. I don't know anything yet.

She is simply too exhausted.

I told her to rest, but she wouldn't listen.

I want to see if she has any respect for me as the empress.

Greetings, Empress.

Your Majesty.

Empress, why have you come?

What? Is Qing Zhi Hall

forbidden from me?

Imperial Noble Consort didn't come to greet me today. As the leader of the six palaces,

of course I have to come over to see what happened.

Imperial Noble Consort is sick.

Even if she is sick, shouldn't she have sent someone to inform me?

Please abate your anger, Empress. Chunyu must have been so scared

that she didn't get to inform you. Please don't blame her, Empress.

Empress, you forget that I already informed you this morning.

Who asked you to talk, you damnable slave!

You are always making trouble.

Your Majesty.

Empress Dowager is here.

- Greetings, Empress Dowager. - Mother Queen.

- All rise. - Thank you, Empress Dowager.

How is Imperial Noble Consort? I heard the imperial physician has been summoned.

Don't worry. Imperial Noble Consort is fine, she is just too tired.

It's a trivial matter. Mother Queen need not have bothered to come.

Greetings, Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, Empress.

How is Imperial Noble Consort? Anything serious?

Congratulations to Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort is pregnant.

Really? Are you sure?

I'm absolutely sure. The pulse is the lucky one.

This is wonderful.

Ruoxuan, did you hear what the imperial physician said?

We will have our own child.

We've been waiting a long time for this moment.

Your Majesty, you already have Eldest Prince.

Why are you so happy?

I don't know why. It feels like

I'm becoming a father for the first time.

Empress Dowager, I don't dare bother you to visit me personally.

Don't say this. Since you're pregnant, you must take good care.

That's right. Imperial Noble Consort is always taking care of other people.

Do you know how to take good care of yourself?

Chunyu, I will brew some nurturing soup to bring here in the following days.

Remember to serve Imperial Noble Consort a few more bowls.

Yes, I understand.

Ruoxuan, hurry and ask the baby in your belly.

Is it a little prince or a little princess?

I think it's a little prince.

A princess is good too. She'll be pretty like Ruoxuan.

Empress Dowager is right. A princess is good,

very caring and easy to take care of.

Ruoxuan, regardless of a son or a daughter,

I will like the child the same.

You should stay in bed good and well.

When you come out, what if you fall or hurt yourself?

You keep me inside the house,

I get bored after a while.

Besides, the weather is so good.

A walk is also good for the child.

Alright.

When you want to come out again, just tell me. I'll come with you.

Also, you don't need to visit Mother Queen every day.

Just pay enough respect.

I'm not tired. I'm just a little afraid.

What is to be afraid of? Mother Queen won't fault you.

This is not about the empress dowager.

I've been having the same dream lately.

I dream that I'm standing at a height.

Many vicious eyes are staring at me.

I get chilled all over.

It's just a dream.

You are about to become a mother.

How can you be afraid of a dream?

I'm afraid that I won't have enough courage.

I won't be able to protect all the love you have for me.

Silly. Am I not always by your side?

I am the emperor.

Are you afraid that I won't be able to protect you?

And protect the child?

Don't worry. Let's go.

Push! Push!

Exert more force.

Exert more force.

Push harder.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, congratulations. It's a prince.

Imperial Noble Consort and son are both safe and sound.

Congratulations, Your Majesty, for begetting another prince.

Thank you, Ancestors, thank you.

My first prince is finally born.

Mingyu! Mingyu!

It's born. It's born.

It's a little prince.

Good, good.

Ridiculous. Does His Majesty want to abolish me as empress?

Don't be angry, Empress.

It's just rumors in the palace. Listen and ignore.

For that woman, is there anything His Majesty won't do?

That's not necessarily so.

Unless... you have an idea?

Empress, don't forget that

His Majesty is new to governing the court by himself.

Many affairs in the court

still rely on the cooperation of the ministers and nobles to discuss together.

I almost forgot.

Sister Consort Shu's uncle is Eight Prince.

Does His Highness Prince of Cheng have some thoughts?

His Majesty solely favors Imperial Noble Consort.

Some of his decisions in court

have already caused uncle's resentment. They've been wanting to speak up to the empress dowager.

It so happens there is the rumor to proclaim the second prince as crown prince.

Uncle will definitely express his attitude.

Prince of Cheng really understands what justice is.

Greetings, Mother Queen.

No need for formalities.

Prince of Cheng, if there is anything the matter, we can discuss in the court.

You are out of bounds by raising a rucks with Mother Queen.

Please abate your anger, Your Majesty. All the ministers are upset and nominated me to come to the palace.

We just want to get an idea,

and ask Empress Dowager to assess for us.

Empress Dowager, the second prince has just been born and hasn't established any achievement,

but he is conferred as Prince of Hui.

Not only that, but there is also nationwide amnesty for blessing.

I heard that His Majesty has already told the Ministry of Rites

to select an auspicious date to proclaim as Crown Prince. Isn't this ridiculous?

Prince of Cheng is correct. The Crown Prince

is a concern for Great Sheng's image and future.

Furthermore, Great Sheng's custom is to establish a crown prince by noble stature.

Imperial Noble Consort's son is not born by an official wife.

If His Majesty proclaims the second prince as crown prince, it would be highly improper.

The harem will find it unconvincing too.

I am not born by the first wife either.

According to the empress,

am I also an emperor who is highly improper?

That's not what I meant.

Enough.

Regardless of which consort's children,

ultimately, they are all my children.

As long as I teach them thoroughly, they will be the best.

If Your Majesty wants to say it like this,

Your Majesty, do you never consider the foundation established by Great Sheng's ancestors?

You keep talking about the foundation established by Great Sheng's ancestors.

- Other than opposing me, what else have you done? - You...

Enough.

Prince of Cheng, about the opinion from the nobles and ministers,

His Majesty and I both understand.

Then, please assess it wisely, Empress Dowager.

The matter regarding proclaiming the crown prince must be postponed.

Even when proclaim the crown prince in the future, all 12 Great Xiao Battalions must be gathered

with all nobles and ministers to discuss together.

Because this is our ancestors' rule and the law.

If you break the rules,

three battalions

will oppose to it until the end.

Alright, this matter will be discussed on another day.

Zhen'er, see Prince of Cheng off.

Yes.

Thank you, Empress Dowager, for listening. I shall take my leave then.

I shall take my leave then.

Please, Prince of Cheng.

Empress, you can leave too.

- Empress Dowager, I— - Enough.

You should not talk about it anymore.

Mother Queen, look at that. Not caring about the code of conduct,

does she still look like an empress?

I'm not in the mood to be upset with her now.

I want to discuss a little with you.

Mother Queen, I'm the emperor.

I want to proclaim the crown prince. What right do they say anything about it?

Your Majesty, our ancestors' family law

are exactly what they are talking about.

Your father also broke the rule

when he passed the throne to you.

It almost caused a turbulence.

If your Royal Ninth Uncle didn't safeguard the situation, you would not have easily

ascended to the throne.

That's right.

But it's a different time now. We can't continue to follow old rules.

Besides, some of the ancestors' family law

is already out of date. It should have been reformed.

Even if you can change it,

you must do it slowly. It needs time.

Didn't you see how Prince of Cheng's

attitude when he spoke? Every sentence was a threat.

If they align and

dissent it will be very dangerous for you.

Your Majesty, you must have patience.

They keep talking about the ancestors' family law,

they are actually pursuing for their personal gains.

What you say makes sense, of course.

But the ancestors' family law

isn't so easy to change.

"If it's urgent, then alleviate it. Once it's relieved, then perfect it."

You must understand this wisdom.

If you don't want to be controlled by others, then you must carefully plan.

You can't rush for short-term gains.

Yes.

What is the matter?

I just saw the empress run outside in anger.

Auntie Ling, you didn't see how overbearing the empress was.

Does even Mother Queen have to endure her bullying too?

- Mother! - Empress Dowager!

Auntie, what's the matter with Mother Queen?

Empress Dowager hasn't been sleeping well lately.

I'm afraid her body has been chilled from the early cold weather.

Mother Queen, you must take care of your health.

If you think it's too cold in the palace,

then you can recuperate in the vacation palace.

There is a hot spring there, and it's also warmer than here.

You can also avoid these trivial matters from the court,

and those people won't keep bothering you.

Alright.

Alright.

Baby, are you having fun?

Good baby.

Imperial Noble Consort, I heard that Empress Dowager is ill.

- Ill? - It's pretty serious.

His Majesty is even planning to go to the Temple of Blessing to pray for Empress Dowager.

Why is she so ill? What exactly happened?

The imperial physician said that Empress Dowager has accumulated discontent for a long time.

It hurts the liver, but she's always just suppressed it.

Recently she got upset over the annoying matter of proclaiming the crown prince,

and the illness couldn't be controlled.

Chunyu, hurry to the department of administration and prepare a carriage. I want to visit the travel palace.

You can't do this. If you don't recover fully during the postpartum month,

your health will be damaged for the future.

I can't worry about that. Empress Dowager is so ill,

it's too much for Auntie Ling to take care of her all by herself.

Help me take care of Second Prince and I will leave right now.

I'll be back very soon. Wait for me.

Imperial Noble Consort.

Imperial Noble Consort.

- Your Majesty. - Please rise, Auntie.

How is Mother Queen?

Empress Dowager appears to be having a nightmare.

She has a high fever.

But, she would wake up intermittently.

I've been burning the night calming incense as suggested by the imperial physician,

but she doesn't seem to get better.

Auntie, you should rest.

I want to stay with Mother Queen for a while.

Alright, then I will go brew some medicine.

Chengxu...

Mother.

Chengxu.

I didn't know that you were so deeply in love with Ninth Royal Uncle.

Mother, in the past, I didn't understand the feelings between you and Ninth Royal Uncle.

It's only until I met Ruoxuan

that I finally understood

how true love in the palace

is so precious but also so difficult.

I am unfilial.

In the past, I was reckless, rude,

and I was not considerate of you.

Mother, don't blame me.

♫ Fingers linger with peach blossom scent after it's given away ♫

♫ The autumn breeze is cool, the love is strong ♫

♫ A lifetime of love and hate woven together with no regrets ♫

♫ I will exchange everything for your honor ♫

♫ I will protect you until the end of time ♫

♫ Countless nights, yearning for dawn ♫

Chengxu, ♫ If us two are destined to meet but be separated in this life ♫

Is it really you? ♫ My hot tears would stream down ♫

♫ Couldn't wait for the wild wishes to come true, the heart aches ♫

♫ I just hate the absurb nights ♫

♫ Can't forget your gaze, so uncommon ♫

♫ People not coming home feel confused and sad ♫

Look at me, am I old?

But you are still so young. ♫ Superficial feelings, profound experiences ♫

♫ Depressed over memories that are hard to forget ♫

♫ This short life isn't in vain, love sickness lasts longer than dreams ♫

Do you know?

When I saw Qiyuan and Ruoxuan,

I thought of us when we were young.

To tell you the truth,

I really envy them.

They are so carefree.

And we...

made up.

We whipped horses when in Yonglin.

I let you wait...

and wait.

You waited a lifetime.

♫ If the Heaven has emotions, it would wither ♫

I am sorry.

I don't want us

to become the laughing stock of the Great Sheng.

I can only...

hide you in my heart.

I have turned my back to you...and to us.

Tell me...

have I not been courageous enough?

♫ This short life isn't in vain, love sickness lasts longer than dreams ♫

But in the end...

I am still not content with the Great Sheng.

Chengxu...

I am so tired.

For real...

So tired...

I am so tired... ♫ Couldn't wait for the wild wishes to come true, the heart aches ♫

♫ I just hate the absurb nights ♫

♫ Can't forget your gaze, so uncommon ♫

I am sorry, mother. I am sorry. ♫ Don't hestitate to return ♫

♫ Superficial feelings, profound experiences ♫

♫ Depressed over memories that are hard to forget ♫

♫ This short life isn't in vain, love sickness lasts longer than dreams ♫

Aunt, how much medicine do we have left?

Your Majesty, the medicine is almost ready.

Ruoxuan...why are you here?

Come in.

Your Majesty, I have heard that the Empress Dowager was not feeling well.

I came to attend her until she gets better.

To attend her?

Look at the way your hands are trembling. How could you look after her?

You also need someone to look after you. Listen to me and go back.

Me and aunt are here for her, that is enough.

Your Majesty, even though you are filial

you can't do your best to nurse her.

Imperial Noble Consort.

I am very grateful because you are concerned about Her Majesty's health.

But you have just given birth. You'd better rest well.

Otherwise, you would have a chronic illness.

That is right. Aunt, take a look at her.

She doesn't love herself.

Aunt, I am for real very concerned about the Empress Dowager.

Please let me stay.

Ruoxuan, how comes you have become more stubborn than me?

Enough, it is enough.

Your Majesty, the weather outside is cold.

You should let Ruoxuan stay here.

Please come in.

The medicine...we will also run of it soon.

Sorry for bothering you, Aunt.

What should I do? How comes there is no improvement?

Empress...you have to get well soon.

Only if you get well,

will our Great Sheng become better.

And His Majesty won't remember the past's sorrows.

Queen, you should go.

That b*tch Dong Ruoxuan. She really knows how to flatter others.

Nevertheless you should send someone to pay respects to her.

Even someone who is in the postpartum month has personally gone there.

If Your Majesty only asks someone to see how she is, wouldn't you look insincere?

As I see it, it's better to do nothing than something.

Exactly.

I am determined to pretend like I do not know.

Your Majesty, you have woken up.

You have finally woken up.

That's a release. Bless the Heavens!

Zhen'er, for how long have I remained unconscious?

A few days.

But it is alright, this is manageable.

You have taken a lot of trouble.

You should have been resting in the palace.

The Imperial Noble Consort has stayed here for a few days already.

She hasn't closed an eye, so she could nurse you back to health.

Sorry to bother you, child.

As long as Your Majesty is in good health, my efforts

do not count as much.

What about His Majesty?

His Majesty went to pray and ask for Heaven's blessing for you.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Forego the formalities.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Your Majesty, it is such a relief that you have woken up.

What about His Majesty?

After His Majesty made sacrifices to the Heavens, he returned to the palace.

He returned to the palace?

In normal days, His Majesty

would return to the travel palace first. Why did he go back to the palace today?

Does he not know that the Empress Dowager has woken up?

What is going on? What happened?

This...this...

Are you mumbling in front of the Empress Dowager?

If you have something to say, say it.

I understand.

Second Prince isn't feeling well. His Majesty asked that Imperial Noble Consort to return to the palace immediately.

The Second Prince is sick?

Yes.

Just feeling a little unwell, why are you so nervous?

Ruoxuan,

the child is still young. He needs you. You should go take a look.

But you have just recovered.

I am fine.

Imperial Noble Consort, I will take care of the Empress Dowager.

You can go back with ease.

Go ahead.

I will also take my leave.

Wait a moment.

What else do you need, Empress Dowager?

Tell the truth. What happened to the Second Prince?

Won't you be honest?

Yes.

To reply, the Second Prince was infected with a wind chill yesterday.

Imperial Physician Zhang diagnosed him and gave a prescription.

Unexpectedly, he had a seizure last night, and even this morning

he was trembling all over and couldn't drink any water.

We fear...

We fear he will not make it!

Empress Dowager!

It is all my fault, Imperial Noble Consort! I have not taken care properly of the Second Prince!

I deserve the death penalty!

Chunyu!

Let me die! Everything is my fault!

Chunyu...

Don't behave like that!

The Second Prince is only sleeping.

Why...

Why is the Heaven like this with us?

Why are you the one

to bear all the pain?

My child,

Your human desires are so simple.

But this is not necessarily a good thing.

No need to bear this world's sufferings.

The kings' helplessness.

The torment of feeling love and hate.

From wherever you came,

now you return.

Ruoxuan...

Ruoxuan...don't act like this!

Ruoxuan...don't cry!

Imperial Noble Consort!

Imperial Noble Consort!

Ruoxuan, I won't allow you to read this form now on.

Didn't you like reading this in the past?

How comes you won't allow me to read it anymore?

You are sick, you have to rest.

There's no good in over reading.

The weather...got cold again.

Don't sit so close to the window. You will catch a cold.

Only if I sit by the window

can my heart feel some release.

Ruoxuan, seeing you like this

my heart is also hurt.

We are still young, we can still have many kids.

It's late autumn.

All leaves have falled down on the ground.

Ruoxuan, promise me

that for me

you will recover your forces.

I understood.

I am serious.

If something happened to you,

how would I be able to live on?

You are the emperor. The emperor cannot talk nonsense.

The emperor's words are serious.

If you talk like this again, I will force you to leave.

Alright, I won't say that again. I won't say that again.

I don't want to go anywhere else.

I only want to stay with you.

Ruoxuan, for me,

I beg you to take care of your body.

Your Majesty, don't worry.

I am fine.

Imperial Physician.

Your Majesty.

- Come with me. - Yes.

What exactly is Imperial Noble Consort's condition?

It's been over half a year, but it's not getting better.

Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort's six meridians are imbalanced from many years' frustrations—

- from many years' frustrations— - Enough!

I don't want to hear medical principles.

Tell me the truth, how is Imperial Noble Consort?

Your Majesty,

in my opinion, if Imperial Noble Consort can pull through this winter,

when it's the warm spring season and flowers bloom,

her condition will greatly improve.

I understand.

It's not much longer that I can serve His Majesty.

Imperial Noble Consort, don't say this.

Who doesn't get ill or run into a disaster?

You will definitely recover.

It's not an illness, nor a disaster

Just like the maples leaves in autumn,

they are splendid only for a while.

When winter comes,

they will fall.

It is fate.

Don't say such heart-wrenching words.

You will definitely get better in a few days.

You mean...

Imperial Noble Consort won't survive the winter?

Your Majesty is wise, I dare not speak nonsense.

Your Majesty.

[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 ♫