Original subtitles

♫ Those people, those affairs, those palace doors ♫

♫ One step into the commotions of this world ♫

♫ Listen to the wind, listen to the rain, listen to the endless ups and downs of life ♫

♫ Destiny indeed loves us ♫

♫ Look at the dreams sealed by the kiss of time ♫

♫ Remember half the life that's already been lived ♫

♫ In these red walls, remains one person ♫

♫ Wait for the dead of the night, wait for eternity ♫

♫ If the world is a storm, then everything in it must take refuge ♫

♫ I'll go with you ♫

♫ Traveling across thousands of mountains, don't be afraid of the wasteland ♫

♫ There'll be flowers on the side of the path ♫

♫ Love and hate are too messy; simply coming and going ♫

♫ The winds and clouds have not dissipated ♫

♫ Spring and fall are long; I can finally wander this mortal world with you ♫

[Rebel Princess]

[Episode 1]

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Emperor’s Conquests@ Viki

The king mustn't leave the palace. (T/N: She is reciting common Chinese chess strategies)

The guards, likewise, mustn't leave the palace.

Father is the bishop who must serve by Emperor Uncle's side. [South]

He is in the palace as well.

My little princess. [Empress Dowager Xiaomu]

Don't trip and fall, all right?

A'wu, where is the Imperial city of Jianning?

[Jianning]

Grandmother Empress Dowager, the imperial city is right beneath my feet.

Where is Huizhou?

The center that all roads cross and that once divided the world in two.

It's an important place for military affairs. We must not lose it.

Huizhou is right here.

Then... where is Ningshuo?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

In the north is Hulan and in the south is Liupan.

Every day, they must defend it with worries. [Ningshuo]

Ningshuo is right here.

- Excellent. - Grandmother Empress Dowager, was I right?

Yes. You are right.

Empress Dowager, Senior Maidservant Xu is here to relay a message from Grand Princess.

She said that the little princess has been staying here in the palace for over twenty days now.

If she still doesn't go back to her residence, she fears that the little princess will forget about her parents and older brother.

I'm not going back, I'm not going back! Last time I returned,

I accidentally set fire to the small kitchen.

Father wanted to discipline me but I ran back to the palace overnight.

All right, all right. You won't go back! You won't go back!

Relay a message to Grand Princess Jinmin.

Just tell her that I can't bear to see her leave.

She will stay here for a few more days.

Yes.

I also feel that Princess Shangyang is a daughter of the palace.

Fengchi Palace is her true home.

Wow, so much snow!

I'm Wang Xuan, the daughter of the Wang Clan of Langya.

Mother is the only younger sister of the current emperor.

She is Empress Dowager's most beloved Grand Princess Jinmin.

Father is the Prime Minister of the Imperial Court.

Once I was born, I grew up by my maternal grandmother's side

in the Ciqin Hall of Fengchi Palace.

I grew up being endlessly pampered.

At any time, I could directly enter the palace

to play freely in the imperial garden.

I played and studied with the three princes.

Crown Prince Zilong was stubborn and mischievous.

Second Prince Zilu was weak in health, always sick, and rarely spoke.

He was always bullied by the crown prince due to his mother's concubine status.

As for Third Prince Zitan, he always gazed at me tenderly.

In my eyes, Older Brother Zitan was always the best.

Older Brother Crown Prince, come here quickly!

There's a snake in here! Older Brother Crown Prince, come quickly!

- He's coming! He's coming. - Stop running. Where's the snake?

Who told you to bully people again.

Let's run, quick.

Paternal Aunt entered the palace to be the "Mother of the world."

She became the twelfth empress from the Wang Clan.

I was then conferred as Princess Shangyang.

My status is more respectable than my older brother's, who is my blood-related sibling.

Only those who are close to me may call me by my given name.

- Little Princess. - A'wu. - Slowly, slowly.

Don't trip and fall.

Stop running! Stop running!

Emperor Uncle, hurry and hide me.

Come under here and hide.

Come here. A'wu, what trouble did you cause once again?

The imperial garden is frozen and cold.

I merely wanted to trip a snow rabbit for fun.

I didn't mean to trip the crown prince.

I'm afraid of being scolded by Auntie and Older Brother Crown Prince.

Hence, I can only hide here with you Emperor Uncle.

Rabbit?

Would there be any rabbits in the palace? [Ma Yao - Emperor of Great Cheng]

If you harm Empress Dowager or the empress,

it is of no use hiding here.

The empress has arrived!

Hurry and hide.

Don't let the empress find you.

Your Majesty.

A'wu already told me. They are just children fooling around.

Crown Prince is the older brother so he should, naturally, yield to her.

Just forget about this incident.

Look at what you are saying. [Empress Wang - Crown Prince's birth mother]

A'wu is also my older brother's only daughter.

I cannot cherish her enough.

How could I possibly punish her for such a trivial matter?

From when I was a child to when I became a young lady,

I was like a flower caged in by a canopy,

beloved by all.

But I didn't know that,

beyond the canopy, are the nine provinces of our world.

The family and empire that I was once proud of

had been utterly decadent since long ago leading to uprisings everywhere.

In the eighth month of the 15th year of the Yuanxi era,

countless generals in the far west

resisted all enemies outside Hulan and the important land of Ningshuo.

There were bloodbaths, sorrows, and heroism.

At the same time, my beautiful coming-of-age ceremony (T/N: Time when a girl reaches the age of 15)

was being held in the Taiji Hall in the imperial city of Jianning.

It would lead to another wave of bloodbaths and smoke.

Perhaps, everything changed starting from that moment.

No... Nothing has ever changed.

It's just that the carefree princess grew up

and was finally being dragged into a tragic chess game.

Princess Shangyang's coming-of-age!

Begin the ceremony!

Grand Princess Jinmin, please.

[Ma Jinruo - Grand Princess Jinmin]

My little A'wu has finally grown up.

At this auspicious time, dressed in adult clothing,

one must begin to act respectfully,

virtuously, and benevolently as a lady should.

Wishing you longevity

and endless blessings.

General Wang, the princess has come of age and should be married.

Both the crown prince and third prince have shown interest.

I wonder what the wishes of those above are.

[Gu Yong - Grand Tutor] [Wang Xu - Commander of the Imperial Guards]

Grand Tutor Gu, this is my Wang Clan's family matter.

My older brother has his own plans.

Empress, if you please.

From this auspicious moment, you will begin to wear adult clothes

and abandon your childhood aspirations.

- Princess Shangyang is definitely extraordinary. - Be benevolent and moral

- It's just a pity that her surname is Wang. - and shall be respected and receive blessings.

The Wang Clan has already produced twelve empresses, [Wen Zongshen - Advisor] [Xie Yuan - Marquis of Anming]

yet they still think that's not enough?

Among the clans of the world, Wang and Xie are the most respected.

Marquis Xie, if you don't give your approval,

it will be very hard for the Wang Clan to succeed.

The ceremony is complete!

Congratulations, Princess Shangyang for coming of age!

Urgent! Idle people, out of the way!

Urgent! Idle people, out of the way!

Your Majesty, when a girl comes of age, she should get married.

Since the founding of Great Cheng,

the Imperial family and the Wang Clan of Langya

have had generations of marriages, mixing our blood together.

Princess Shangyang, as the only daughter of the Wang Clan of Langya,

should conform to the familial and empire's tradition,

by marrying a descendant of the imperial family.

Today is Princess Shangyang's grand coming-of-age ceremony.

Your Majesty, why not add more joy to this already joyous event

and arrange Princess Shangyang's marriage right now?

Your Majesty, please arrange Princess Shangyang's marriage.

Your Majesty, since the founding of Great Cheng,

the Langya Wang clan has produced twelve empresses.

Princess Shangyang should undertake her clan's honor

and marry Crown Prince.

Your Majesty...Third Prince is gentle, kind,

talented, and virtuous.

He also has mutual affection and an agreement with Princess Shangyang.

Your Majesty, why not grant this pair their wish?

Your Majesty, daughters of Langya Wang clan are to be empresses.

This has never changed.

- Your Majesty— - Your Majesty!

The love of a person is pure and true. [Wang Xuan - Princess Shangyang]

Marriage should be left to one's wishes.

A'wu.

Now that I have come of age, I am no longer a child.

What I say and do have been carefully thought about beforehand.

Red makeup and bright beautiful clothes are not what I love.

Prosperity and wealth are not what I seek.

My wish is to marry the person I love.

Your Majesty, in this great hall today,

- I want— - Your Majesty!

There's an urgent report from the border.

The King of Hulan personally led a hundred thousand soldiers and horses to attack our northwest border. [Wang Lin - Prime Minister]

Ningshuo is now in a state of emergency.

It's a military emergency; therefore, state affairs come first.

Let's discuss my daughter's marriage another time.

Father.

[Wang Su - Heir Apparent of the Duke of Zhenguo]

Heir Apparent, the princess is not willing to go to the worshipping ceremony.

Grand Princess wants you to go persuade her.

Look! Although she isn't very old, she's got quite a temper.

Your older brother and sister-in-law have specifically come to see you.

I'm just not happy. I want to be by myself.

Well, you still have to choose the right time for that.

Fine.

If you really want to get punished,

then your sister-in-law and I will stay and accompany you.

The princess, heir apparent, and the heir apparent's wife will all be punished together in the prime minister's manor.

That will be quite a spectacle.

A'wu, Mother and Father are waiting in the ancestral hall.

Let's quickly go now.

I'm not going.

[Memorial Tablets of the Family Ancestors]

- Quickly. - Take your place.

A'wu, hurry and come.

Kneel.

Recite the Langya Wang Clan teachings.

"A husband's words and deeds cannot be overridden; complete trust."

"Value morals and admit wrongdoings; utterly virtuous."

"Create good reputations for the family; absolute filial piety."

"Harmony amongst siblings creates a joyous family; love and respect elder siblings."

"When it comes to wealth, do not overly give way to it."

"These are the five fundamentals."

Once again, bow to the ancestors.

Wang Lin, have you forgotten the Langya Wang Clan's

hundred-year-old mission?

I, Wang Lin, dare not forget!

[Huan Mi - Duke of Zhenguo's Heir Apparent's Consort]

A'wu, eat.

- Father, yesterday in the great hall— - The Wang Clan rule

is no talking while eating and sleeping.

I'm going to speak anyway.

Yesterday, in the great hall,

why didn't you wait for me to chose the person whom I will marry?

I can wait for you

but can military affairs wait for you?

You just don't want me to marry Brother Zitan.

You are indeed not stupid.

Besides Older Brother Zitan, I won't marry anyone else.

A'wu, he who marries the daughter of the Langya Wang Clan will rule the world.

Father, naturally, has to consider it carefully. Let's eat first.

I don't believe in that.

I'll go reason with Emperor Uncle.

A'wu. A'wu!

Don't bother with her. Ningshuo is in a state of emergency.

His Majesty is currently troubled by it, how will he have time to care about her?

Eat.

Report!

General, the carriage of the King of Hulan has been found!

[Xiao Qi - General of Ningshuo]

Soldiers of Ningshuo!

- Present! - Present!

Today, we must have the courage to die,

but we must have even more determination to win!

For Great Cheng...

Fight! - Fight!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Brave soldiers of Hulan!

Present!

Kill them all!

Hulan! Hulan! Hulan!

What if Xiao Qi wins this battle against Hulan?

Three years ago, the imperial court announced that

whoever kills the King of Hulan will be conferred the title of "Prince," regardless of their family background.

A young lad from a poor family wants to be conferred as a prince?

Even Prime Minister Wang is just a duke.

If Xiao Qi were to be conferred as a prince,

then wouldn't he be the first prince to have a different surname?

War is a matter far from the ordinary.

It relates to the world's peace and a society's survival.

Otherwise... it would be a different matter.

Then again, there was an edict from the court previously.

If this Xiao Qi can really accomplish this unworldly merit,

then conferring him as a prince isn't impossible.

We cannot. We certainly cannot.

A man from a poor family being conferred as a prince

is a dishonor to the noble families of Great Cheng.

Dare I ask you, General Wang,

if we lose this battle in Ningshuo

and the King of Hulan leads his army south, down to here in Jianning,

do you have the ability to defend it against our enemy?

Prime Minister.

Let's hear His Majesty's views on this.

- A'wu. - Emperor Uncle.

Are you playing chess by yourself again?

Isn't that boring?

- I'll join you. - All right.

But... I have a request.

If I win, I want a reward.

Sure.

You haven't even asked me what I want.

As long as you win against me, I shall grant you anything.

- You promise? - A monarch never goes back on his word.

There's actually nothing wrong with this chess game,

so why are you troubled, Emperor Uncle?

What troubles me is the chess game in the imperial court.

Right now, the outcome of the battle in Ningshuo is uncertain.

It will affect the survival of Great Cheng.

Those old geezers are not worried about the hardships of the empire

but, instead, are causing a scene over whether Xiao Qi should be conferred as a prince or not

if he were to win.

In these past years, Hulan has become more domineering, repeatedly attacking our borders.

If he really wins,

then that is an extremely great meritorious service.

Such a great meritorious service deserves an equally great reward.

Emperor Uncle, you are the monarch. You cannot be stingy.

It's not that I'm stingy.

Xiao Qi is from a low-class family.

According to the court's rules,

conferring him as the General of Ningshuo is already the greatest grace I can give.

If I were to confer him as a prince, the noble families would be displeased.

However, I issued an edict three years ago

and said what I said.

This makes me...

Whoever is displeased should be sent to protect Ningshuo.

Your words would definitely quell those old court officials.

However, since the founding of Great Cheng

there has never been a prince with a different surname.

That's because our Great Cheng has never had

a general who has achieved such an extraordinary achievement.

Just confer him as a prince, what is there to stop you?

Whether that Xiao Qi is a prince or a general,

isn't he just a chess piece in your hand, Emperor Uncle?

I won.

- I won! - Oh, no!

- I was careless, I was careless! - Hey, you can't act so shamelessly!

You can't move the chess pieces back! Emperor Uncle.

Before we started playing, you promised me.

If I won, I will get a reward.

Once you've spoken,

you cannot go back on your word to the world. More importantly, you cannot go back on your word to me.

My little A'wu.

The empress and I dote on you so much.

Everything in this world is yours.

What else do you want as a reward?

I... don't want to be Crown Prince's consort.

A'wu wants Your Majesty to promise me

to allow me to choose my own marriage partner.

- Xue Dao'an. - Here.

Remember this for me.

In the future, I must never play chess with Princess Shangyang.

Losing a game is worse than losing a city.

Yes.

- Emperor Uncle, does that mean you agree to it? - Yes.

Receive my kowtow as gratitude, Your Majesty!

They all say Princess Shangyang is beautiful and dignified, unlike any other person in the world.

I really want everyone to take a look right now.

At what a fool you are right now.

Thinking about the A'wu from back then,

I was really just as Emperor Uncle said I was:

a fool.

It really did seem like one sentence

could determine my lifetime's happiness.

It's a pity though. A'wu is so good and clever

but her surname is Wang.

Your Majesty, your medicine is here.

Your Majesty, allowing Princess Shangyang the freedom to choose her marriage partner,

I'm afraid that the empress and the prime minister...

Are they still arguing about Xiao Qi?

The officials are still arguing passionately.

What about the prime minister? What is his attitude?

As for the prime minster... he hasn't said anything.

Gugu Liao.

- What is it? - An De was in the imperial study just now and overheard a big piece of news.

What is the big news that you need to interrupt my prayers?

Your Majesty, An De said

that His Majesty has granted Princess Shangyang the freedom to choose her marriage partner.

What did you just say?

Say it one more time.

An De said that His Majesty lost a game of chess,

so he granted Princess Shangyang the freedom to choose her own marriage partner.

What freedom in marriage?

Princess Shangyang's beloved is only the crown prince.

It can only be the crown prince.

Nonsense. One game of chess

and she wants to break the hold the Langya Wang Clan has had on the throne for over a hundred years?

What a joke.

Where is Princess Shangyang? Tell her to come and see me immediately.

The princess has already left the palace.

This girl seems to be in a good mood.

- Older Brother. - Who is it?

Is this the daughter of Marquis Qi, wife of Marquis Wei, and the younger sister of Crown Prince? (Stating how complicated and multi-layered nobility statuses are)

- Let go! - Even when you are angry, you're beautiful.

You!

You!

Who is our A'wu's "Marquis Wei"? (T/N: husband)

Where is there a "Marquis Wei"? You only know how to spout nonsense!

Everyone knows that our three cousins from the palace all want to be your "Marquis Wei."

Are you going to keep saying that?

- Jing'er, come and help me! - I'm coming!

I will have Father slap your mouth. Comparing me to anyone else is far better.

Yet you had to compare me to a person with such a hard life.

Zhuangjiang was a beautiful girl with an unfortunate life.

Forgive me, forgive me.

I had a divination done especially for you.

The divination said that A'wu will meet her beloved.

Look, as expected,

you put on a great show in the imperial study room.

You have come of age, so being married away is very normal.

However, if Father finds out about this,

your backside cannot avoid a thrashing at tonight's dinner.

Then, what should I do?

I've already thought about it for you.

- Jin'er, put this over your bottom. - What?

- Hurry up and put it on! Hurry. - Yes.

Turn around.

Did it hurt?

It does not hurt.

Did it hurt?

What do you think? Here, you give it a try.

If that's the case, how about I just not attend dinner?

That's right!

[Zhaoyang Hall]

A'wu is mine. No one can take her from me!

Imperial Mother, I will say it again. [Ma Zilong - Crown Prince]

My consort must be A'wu. It can only be A'Wu!

If even you cannot make this decision,

then I... I can only take her personally!

You dare?

You are getting muddled. You are my own flesh and blood.

No matter how close I am to A'wu, she's still only my niece.

How would I not know who is more important?

Everything I have done is for your own good.

Did you not see that during A'wu's coming-of-age ceremony,

she and Zitan, they—

I am the crown prince! I'm the crown prince!

As the crown prince, I can't even secure my own woman.

She is about to be stolen by someone else. Won't I become a laughing stock?

So what if you get laughed at?

The thing you should be most afraid of right now,

is that your imperial father has promised A'wu the freedom to choose her own marriage partner

and has thoughts of replacing the crown prince.

Replacing the crown prince?

In your eyes, in Emperor Father's, in Uncle's,

in everyone's eyes, everything I do is not right!

No matter what I do, it is wrong!

Since that is how it is,

what's the use of being crown prince?

If he wants to replace me then let him go ahead. I don't care for it.

- You! - I don't care for it!

You—

You horrible son!

Where is A'wu?

Why isn't she here for dinner?

- Go call her. - It's like this, Father.

A'wu has an upset stomach and cannot get out of bed.

I've already instructed the smaller kitchen to make some rice porridge and bring it to her room.

Since she's sick, I'll go take a look at her right now.

You're not allowed to go.

At home, she puts on the air of a princess.

Isn't she full of high spirits when she's in the palace?

It is not A'wu's fault in this matter.

When A'wu returned from the palace, she—

A'wu?

Father, I accidentally won a game of chess against Emperor Uncle.

I was also granted the reward of freedom to choose my own marriage.

I know that Auntie will surely give you trouble.

I feel guilty.

However, Emperor Uncle's imperial mouth has spoken.

There is also no reason for this reward to be taken back.

So, I thought about it for half a day.

I have decided to do as those from ancient times did and ask to be punished.

To allow you to take your anger out on me, Father. Please punish me, Father.

Did His Majesty agree right away

or did he think about it first and then agree?

At first, Emperor Uncle didn't agree.

Then after he thought about it, he agreed.

Hold out your hand.

- Father. - Father, weren't you going to hit her backside?

Be quiet.

Hold out your hand.

Husband.

Open it.

Put your hand out.

This stick has thorns on it. It'll leave scars.

Replace it with a ruler so I can give 50 strokes to the palm of her hand.

Wang'an... you do it.

Remember, if anyone interferes, I'll add another 100 raps!

Carry it out after dinner.

Also, starting from today, you're not allowed to leave the house for 100 days!

Time for dinner.

Your Majesty.

Beloved Consort, I've kept you waiting.

A'wu, that child, is quite bold.

Zitan's affection for her is not in vain.

Yes, for Zitan,

she doesn't even want the status of being the crown prince's consort.

They've all been playmates since they were little.

I have known about Zitan's feelings for A'wu since long ago.

However, A'wu is the only daughter of the Wang Clan.

Her marriage has long been tied to the throne of this empire.

Even though they have feelings for each other, their path will be difficult.

Yes, I also know that it'll be difficult.

Regarding this matter, the empress and the prime minister will certainly not let it go.

Then, why did Your Majesty still agree to it?

For A'wu's sake. For Zitan's sake.

Also, for your sake.

Great victory at Ningshuo! Great victory at Ningshuo!

General Xiao has won!

[Duke of Zhenguo's Manor]

He really won.

What did His Majesty say?

He only said one word.

Reward.

The capital will be lively now.

Reporting! The General of Ningshuo, Xiao Qi,

while skillfully fighting against the enemy,

achieved an outstanding meritorious military service

by killing the King of Hulan.

He has praise-worthy ambitions and merits.

He is therefore promoted to be the General of Zhengbei

to govern the military affairs of the provinces in the northwest.

He shall be conferred as prince.

Today, he shall return to the capital to be conferred.

[Imperial Edict announcing the promotion of General Xiao Qi]

General,

what does this mean?

Once you're conferred as a prince, then won't you be more powerful than those old geezers from noble families?

Of course!

Only the emperor is above a prince.

From now on, we soldiers of Ningshuo will finally feel proud!

Great!

Older Brother, why do I feel like

this conferment as prince is a bit abnormal?

[Hu Guanglie, Lieutenant General, Ningshuo Army] [Hu Yao, Lieutenant General, Ningshuo Army]

What's abnormal about it?

That old emperor already said

that whoever could kill the King of Hulan would be conferred as a prince.

Of course, you know he would.

It was a promise he made to the generals of the noble families years ago.

What is it about noble families? What's wrong with humble families?

Whoever has the ability should be conferred as a prince.

Huai’en, arrange 500 soldiers to accompany me to the capital tomorrow.

General, without an imperial order, [Song Huai'en - Lieutenant General of the Ningshuo Army] [Tang Jing- Lieutenant General of the Ningshuo Army]

local troops cannot be transferred away of their own will.

Then, who will you listen to?

- Yes! - Yes!

Xiao Qi is about to enter the capital, right?

You go personally and make the arrangements for the welcoming ceremony. I want to welcome him in person.

Your Majesty,

isn't this grace of yours too much?

He is the Hero of Great Cheng with great achievements.

How can I possibly not treat him well?

Your Majesty is benevolent.

I remember you have a daughter named Wan...

- Wanru. - Right.

You haven't arranged her marriage yet, right?

I have not.

That works perfectly.

I have thought... of a good marriage arrangement for her.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The Emperor’s Conquests@ Viki

Jin'er?

♫ The fear of rain and tears stain your plume ♫

♫ Time chases the distance of soldiers ♫

♫ There is still a limit to what you can miss ♫

♫ Why are there guests in this world? ♫

♫ Tears can be deceiving, love is hard to fake ♫

♫ I hear the wind withers and dies as if it's singing a thousand songs of sadness ♫

♫ In my dreams, I see you smiling like a painting ♫

♫ I'll be going to you on my horse ♫

♫ Return to your gentleness ♫

♫ I can't let go of my heart, I can't let go ♫

♫ Waiting for the sea to changed and wash away the burden ♫

♫ Spend time with you ♫

♫ Because of you, I've lived a lifetime of prosperity ♫

♫ Waiting for the sea clouds to fade away ♫

♫ Home at all corners of the earth ♫

♫ We will meet again in spring, autumn, winter, and summer ♫

♫ For us, the moment that we've met ♫

♫ With the pace of a lifetime ♫

♫ To struggle, to worry ♫

♫ I will leave the world for your promise ♫

♫ Waiting for the sea to wash away the lead ♫

♫ Spend time with you ♫

♫ Because of you in this life ♫

♫ When the sea has changed, the universe will already be changed ♫

♫ Home at all corners of the earth ♫

♫ We meet again in spring, autumn, winter, and summer ♫