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 2]

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

Jin'er?

I'm not playing anymore!

Can't even catch anyone after such a long time. Boring.

Older Sister Wanru, how come you're here?

Looks like you were playing just fine, why'd you get mad?

I'm almost bored to death in here.

I knew you would be really bored. I made you some osmanthus flower cakes.

You're the only one that cares about me.

Princess.

That many?

Haven't you been confined for a hundred days? [Xie Wanru - Lady of the Yifang Province]

I needed to prepare some extra for you.

Even you're teasing me.

I don't even have time to feel sorry for you.

I'd say since you got His Majesty's edict,

getting grounded is worth it.

I did get the edict but there's no trace of my beloved.

That's right. It's already been so long since the coming-of-age ceremony.

- Third Prince still hasn't come to see our princess. - That's right.

There are so many pairs of eyes in the capital.

If Zitan came, I'm afraid it'll only cause trouble.

Anyway, now I can choose my own husband.

When the time comes, I won't pick him. Let's see whether or not he'll regret it.

That's true. He'd definitely regret it to death.

Marrying you is Zitan's greatest desire.

- Did he tell you that? - This younger cousin of mine is just like his mother.

His heart is clean like a clear spring.

Anyone can tell very clearly.

Older Sister,

did he ask you to relay any messages to me?

How could an outsider deliver such intimate talk between the two of you?

The day after tomorrow is the Shangyuan Lantern Festival. The streets will be so pretty.

Let's go walk around together then.

Can't go out.

Did you forget when we were younger we would...

On the day of the Shangyuan Lantern Festival, I'll wait for you right outside the west wall.

The kite lantern will be our signal. (T/N: kite as in a small hawk)

General.

My master invites you, General Xiao, to the capital for a chat.

[General, I'd like to invite you to Qinghe Tavern for the Shangyuan Lantern Festival to appreciate the beauty of the capital.]

[Langya Wang Clan's Su]

A meeting at the Spring Lantern Festival.

General, we just arrived in the capital.

Could they be up to something?

In my current position,

even if something is up,

could I possibly not go?

Prime Minister, are you just going to accept Xiao Qi being conferred as a prince?

Presumably, His Majesty has already discussed this with Xie Yuan.

Even if I refuse to accept it, what can I do?

A poor lad being conferred as a prince shakes the basis of this empire.

I must do everything I can to persuade His Majesty from conferring him as a prince.

Grand Tutor Gu, you are too worried.

Although Xiao Qi has some merits from the battlefield, his standing in the imperial court is not stable.

He can't make any waves.

A poor humble family can't make waves?

It looks like your pride is causing you to misjudge.

Why did the Xie family speak up for Xiao Qi this time?

Su'er.

Father.

What do you think?

What your father is asking is,

why did the Xie family help Xiao Qi in being conferred as a prince?

As for that... if there's no benefit no one wakes up early.

I think they have an eye on the thing that Xiao Qi does have—

Military power.

These past few years, the Xie family has been controlling the money and grain from taxes.

But the Wang family controls half of the military power.

Money, grain, and military power are the foundations of a country.

The Wang and Xie families are split into two.

They are equals competing in the court.

His Majesty has used them to keep the court in check and balance for many years now.

This time, external forces were attracted that have broken this structure.

Without the Wang Clan,

could he possibly rule stably?

Princess.

Master and Madame are not at home. We can use the main entrance.

But Older Brother and Sister-in-Law are in the front courtyard.

If we pass them, we'll definitely get questioned.

Then am I going to be a stone block again?

Little stone block, I will remember your good traits.

- It's like this every time. - Quick, quick!

Be careful!

- Princess, don't trip and fall. - I know.

If anything happens to you, then I won't live as well.

- Your cloak, your cloak! - I don't want it anymore.

Careful.

Be more careful!

- Princess. - Go on ba—

Princess!

Older Brother Zitan? Why is it you?

It should've been me in the first place.

Older Sister Wanru... tricked me?

Why didn't you personally ask to meet me?

I wanted to give you a surprise.

In the end, you startled me.

[Ma Zitan, Third Prince]

In the past, I didn't come down like that.

Then, how did you get down?

You've already reached a marriageable age.

You're still so careless and haphazard.

With you here, how could I possibly get hurt from falling?

What if I wasn't here?

Not here? Where are you going?

You're not allowed to go anywhere!

Fine, I won't go anywhere.

I'll protect you every day.

Let's go.

Jin'er, I'm fine! I'm leaving now!

Older Sister, wait for me!

Slow down!

Watch your step.

Look at that.

The Shangyuan Lantern Festival gets better every year.

That's right.

Princess.

Jin'er, why are you here?

Your Highness, Third Prince. [Su Jin'er, Wang Xuan's Personal Maidservant]

Princess, it's cold at night.

I was afraid you'd get cold.

- You're very considerate. - I thank you very much, Miss Jin'er.

Jin'er, hurry on back.

Princess, this city is full of people and complicated matters.

You need to be more careful.

Rest assured. Hurry and head back.

If Father finds out that I am not at the manor,

then I will be in trouble.

Hurry and go.

- Third Prince. - Greetings, Princess Shangyang.

Who am I?

You are a rabbit!

My idea is good, isn't it? We'll see who can still recognize us.

Yes, my A'Wu is the smartest.

Older Brother Zitan, in the future, can you always listen to me about everything?

Of course. I'll listen to everything you say.

Which way should we go?

- Rude! - It's fine, it's fine.

Don't cause trouble.

Doesn't even pay attention. [Qinghe Tavern]

He's also an alcoholic.

This place is not like the palace. There are all kinds of people here.

Don't bother with them. Let's go.

[Qinghe Tavern]

Let's go!

Hurry up.

General Xiao.

This time, His Majesty has announced

publicly that you shall be conferred as a prince yet his hidden intention is to reduce your powers.

Your reputation has been growing these past few years.

However, the military power you hold makes His Majesty worried.

What about you, Prime Minister? Are you also worried?

General Xiao is a wise man.

You should know that where there is bad fortune, there is good fortune.

The court may not be filled with weapons like the border,

but people are killed without any blood spilled. (T/N: people are killed by subtle means)

You are a fierce tiger.

Here in the capital, it'll be like you're trapped in an abyss.

To be honest, I appreciate you, General.

I value and love your talent.

I asked to meet you with the intention of forming an alliance.

Amazing.

Sir, what play is this?

General Xiao's great battle with the King of Hulan.

It is very good.

Great! Great!

Brother Zitan, why does this legendary General of Ningshuo

have thee heads and six arms？

You silly girl.

The commoners want to emphasize his capability,

so they made him have three heads and six arms.

Nice!

Great fight!

Hey. [Qinghe Tavern]

I did not understand. Is he trying to win us over or threaten us?

What he thinks does not matter.

What's important is what I think about this.

Let's... walk around.

We entered the capital secretly. There are many people and eyes here.

Are there many people from the capital... who have been to Ningshuo?

Great! Great!

I heard that Xiao Qi actually beheaded the King of Hulan.

Also, he even sent it to the palace; he kills without blinking.

Oh, right! Hearing you say that, I just recalled something.

Xiao Qi should be here within the next few days.

I should find a chance to meet this great general.

Great!

Everyone! I wonder how His Majesty will reward General Xiao when he comes to the capital this time.

Do you think they will reward him with a daughter from a noble family?

Nonsense.

When it comes to this one-of-a-kind great hero,

I think only Princess Shangyang is a good match for him.

Just listen to the play.

Why do you talk about Princess Shangyang?

That three-headed and six-armed Xiao Qi looks exactly like a carp fish's fin.

- Young lady, why do you say such unpleasant things? - That's right.

General Xiao is well known. How could you be so rude?

- What about it? - Don't speak rudely to her.

Even if General Xiao were here, I would say the same thing.

Who gave you the right to talk about Princess Shangyang?

Princess Shangyang's beauty can destroy empires. (T/N: Means she's devastatingly beautiful)

That's not something a normal person can imagine.

Even if she is to be matched, it must be

with the best man in this world.

Have you ever personally met Xiao Qi?

Of course.

It's that thing with the three heads and six arms.

What are you laughing at?

Fellows, my younger sister is stubborn and mischievous.

Please forgive her for her impropriety.

It's all right.

- Let's go. - I won't go.

- Let's go. - I still want to watch!

Those two do not seem to be siblings. More like a couple.

Say... How nice would it be if I actually had three heads and six arms.

What wish did you make?

I made a wish to the moon goddess. I can't tell you.

I wished...

that next year, you and I—

You can't say it.

Maternal Grandmother once told me that if you say your wish out loud, it won't come true.

Bastard.

- What are you trying to do? - Tie them together.

How dare they separate.

Look! The flower lights are coming back.

Amazing.

The Moon Goddess does not approve of your wish so she sent them back, wanting you to do it again.

I'm going to smack your mouth, spouting nonsense.

Hurry and run!

Brother Zitan!

This capital is so lively. Besides the battlefield of Ningshuo,

I have never seen so many people.

What is that noise?

Brother Zitan.

Let's go.

It's them?

It is you two?

Earlier at the street market.

I thank you for saving us today.

I still haven't asked what your names are.

- We are— - We are touring the city and happened to pass by here.

It was nothing worth mentioning.

Farewell.

Brother, if we get the chance to meet again,

give me a chance to repay you.

No need.

It's fine now.

Don't be scared. Don't be scared. It's fine now.

I'm sorry. I didn't protect you well.

Who'd be so bold as to dare and try to kill you?

Princes are always the center when it comes to fighting for the throne.

However, what I'm not willing to see

is you being dragged into it.

You are bleeding so much.

Does it hurt?

It hurts a lot. It really hurts a lot.

You.

It's fine now. All right?

Grand Princess, the bamboo divination slip from today,

even Master Guangci couldn't decipher it.

Back then, when A'wu was born, there were strange phenomena in the skies.

The fate of the Wang Clan's daughter is like no other.

A'wu even more so.

I'm just afraid it'll be too much.

Grand Princess, you are too worried.

The young princess has been doted on since she was a child but she has never been arrogant.

No matter what, she will definitely have a good life.

I, on the other hand, wish she was the daughter of an ordinary family.

You have grown up with me within the imperial palace.

You know that the imperial city is warm and cold, and lonely at the top.

Being the empress is a stunning glory for other women.

But to A'wu,

it may be a lifetime of shackles.

I originally wanted to take you to have fun yet so many things happened unexpectedly.

It's late, go back and rest early.

This is a hairpin that I personally made for you.

I was going to put this on you on the day of your coming-of-age ceremony

but, unfortunately, I didn't have the chance.

Does it look nice?

Very beautiful.

Then once you get back, go see the imperial physician as soon as possible.

- You lost so much blood— - I know.

It's late, go back.

Jin'er!

Imperial Aunt.

Imperial Aunt.

Imperial Aunt, why have you come?

I summoned you today.

Your mother sent someone with a reply, saying that you were sick.

I was worried

so I inconspicuously left the palace to come and visit.

I didn't think I would wait for a whole night.

Empress Auntie, I am all better now.

It's so late, yet you didn't even take a maidservant or guard with you.

Where did you go?

You better not tell my parents.

Could it be that you went out to cause trouble again?

Isn't it the Shangyuan Lantern Festival tonight? I snuck out.

You don't know just how lively it was.

It's much more fun than the banquets at the palace!

There were clay figurines, puppet shows, and riddles.

You really have guts.

You are a dignified princess. How is that appropriate?

Even ordinary girls wouldn't dare be like this.

A'wu, A'wu, if I continue to not strictly discipline you,

then you will really cause trouble.

Your Highness, the empress is here.

She's in the princess's room now and has ordered that I not allow anyone in.

Empress?

Why has she come?

- Where's Master? - He's not back yet.

I came because I have big news.

Go tell His Majesty

that you and the crown prince have mutual affections for each other

and that you willingly want to marry him.

As for the rest, your father and I will make the arrangements.

Let's grant our A'wu a grand wedding ceremony,

what do you think?

What?

Are you trying to disobey me?

Although we are aunt and niece,

you grew up in the palace.

I treat you like my own biological daughter.

I love and care for you.

Could it be...

that you don't want to be my daughter-in-law?

Imperial Aunt, in regards to the love and care you have for me,

I do know.

Also, Older Brother Crown Prince treats me very well.

However, in my heart, Older Brother Crown Prince is just my older brother.

There is no romantic love.

A'wu, you have caused big trouble this time.

I am trying to help you.

I'll be honest.

Whether you like it or not, or are willing or not,

you can only marry the crown prince.

Since the day we are born, we daughters of the Wang Clan

are the future "mothers of the world." (T/N: empress)

You and I as well as your grandmother and great-grandmother are all the same.

It is all fated.

We can only stand by the side of the emperor.

However, I only want to be with the person I love.

The person you love?

This is the token of love that Older Brother Zitan gifted me tonight.

In this life,

Older Brother Zitan and I will never be apart.

Absurd!

A'wu, do you know,

that if this is the case,

we will no longer be family

but enemies instead?

The Wang Clan has many empresses.

It makes no difference if I am not one.

Imperial Aunt, you know very well

how cold the emperor's bed is and how difficult the life of an empress is.

Why do you still want me to make the same mistake?

You are a daughter of the Wang Clan.

Throughout your body flows the blood of a powerful clan.

You can only be like me

and do what you should do.

Fighting for the empress position,

the crown prince, and imperial power?

I don't care about any of these.

You don't care?

Daughters of the Wang Clan bear the weight of the destiny of their family and empire.

Could it be that you want Zitan to replace Long'er,

for him to rule the world in the future

and have Noble Consort Xie replace me?

I have no such intention.

Imperial Aunt, as long as I can marry Zitan,

I would rather not be a daughter of the Wang Clan.

- Brat! - Your Majesty.

Mother!

Your Majesty, don't even mention beatings.

Since A'wu was a child, even my imperial brother and mother

have never scolded her.

What is this? Your Majesty, are you trying to hit my A'wu

in my own manor?

I'm the empress as well as A'wu's aunt.

Why can't I discipline my niece?

Your Majesty is saying that I do not discipline my daughter properly then.

Then, do you want to slap me as well?

Looks like I came here tonight in vain.

Older Brother.

Your Majesty left the palace this late at night.

Why have you failed to keep your composure?

Older Brother, how am I supposed to keep my composure?

If His Majesty agrees to let A'wu marry Zitan,

won't all these years of effort from us

become a wedding gift to the Xie family?

For the past few years, His Majesty and I haven't been at odds

because His Majesty has been on guard against our Wang family.

He seems to have forgotten that it was because I married him

he received the help of the Wang Clan to ascend the throne.

Now that he is sitting on the throne steadily,

he actually wants to abandon us after achieving his goal

and form an alliance with the Xie family to suppress our family.

Think about it.

If A'wu really marries the crown prince,

then our Wang Clan will dominate the imperial court and harem.

How would His Majesty sleep or rest peacefully?

Could it be that in order to dispel His Majesty's suspicions,

we're really going to let A'wu marry Zitan?

His Majesty is a master of Chinese chess.

He's well-versed in checks and balances,

yet he lost to A'wu.

Fine.

I will play a game of chess with him.

When the time comes, just move according to my instructions.

Someone actually dared to make a move against a prince.

Mother, who exactly wants to hurt Older Brother Zitan?

Besides the empress, who else could it be?

How is that possible?

The fight for the throne has always been dangerous.

But she should not have, no matter what,

actually dragged my daughter into it.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! I must see you about something!

- Who is screaming? Disturbing my meditation. - Your Majesty!

Reporting to Your Majesty. It is Noble Consort who is asking to see you.

Your Majesty!

What is this about?

Your Majesty, I was just told that [Noble Consort Xie - Third Prince's birth mother]

there was an assassin tonight who has injured Zitan.

Who can be so undaunted and reckless?

Your Majesty, you also know that

Zitan and I seek neither fame nor wealth.

We have never fought to rule this land.

I just want him to be a vassal prince and live peacefully and safely. (T/N: Prince who serves the ruler loyally and gets protected in return)

Your Majesty, you must protect our son.

A plot to assassinate a prince.

Besides a fight for the throne, what else could this be about?

I'm still here yet they dare to make a move against an heir.

Their wolfish ambition is obvious.

Beloved Consort, do not be afraid. I will seek justice for Zitan.

Princess.

Have you delivered the medicine?

I have delivered it.

Noble Consort wants me to express her thanks to you.

- How is his injury? - It is not serious now.

Noble Consort said that it will be all right after a few days of rest.

Under my rule, someone actually dared to try assassinating a prince.

Such arrogance. What is the use of having you as Commander of the Imperial Guards?

Your Majesty, I was fearful when I found out that the Third Prince was in danger last night.

I immediately sent people to track the assassins.

Have you found them?

Early this morning,

the soldiers in charge of patrolling the city fished two corpses from the east lake.

They were masked men in black clothes.

Third Prince has identified them as the assassins.

Dead? Being dead only means... they cannot provide evidence.

That...

I just fear that there are surviving assassins,

other than the ones, Commander, you mistakenly killed. Right?

Your Majesty, I wouldn't dare.

In regards to the attempted assassination on Third Prince, can your mere words that the assassins are dead

conceal it all?

- Gu Yong. - I am here.

This case is handed over to you for investigation.

You must give me an explanation.

I will obey.

Wang Xu, you failed to do your duty.

A year of salary will be deducted as punishment.

I thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

You may rise.

Where did you go last night?

I heard that A'wu was sick yesterday.

I was worried so I left the palace to visit her.

What a coincidence that Zitan met assassins outside the palace last night.

Someone actually wants to take his life.

I wonder if you know who would be so bold as to do this.

I'm not the Minister of the High Court.

How would I know?

Empress, do you really not know?

Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?

Are you suspicious of me?

Where there is a will to condemn, evidence will follow.

For the past few years, you have only favored Noble Consort Xie.

Never mind that the harem is not in harmony.

Now, because of her once again, you are cutting the means of survival for the crown prince and me.

Marquis of Anming, your Xie Clan is very good at scheming.

You have put on such a show, inflicting pain upon yourself to win the trust of the enemy to create disaster.

If you want to frame me, we still have to see if my Wang Clan is willing to let that happen or not.

I wouldn't dare.

His Majesty has already ordered Grand Tutor Gu to investigate this case.

I believe the truth will be revealed very soon.

Then let us all wait to see who is behind all this.

Other than the empress and the Wang Clan,

I really can't think of who else would dare to take the risk

to attempt to take Zitan's life.

Among my three sons, Zilu is submissive.

His mother had a low status and passed away early on.

He has no family backing.

Only Zitan inherited the merit of both Noble Consort and me.

He has made the most progress in his growth

and has the highest chance of competing with Crown Prince.

Looks like my consent to A'wu has caused someone to become anxious in their position.

By the way, in regards to what I spoke to you about the other day,

have you asked Wanru yet?

Your Majesty, I will ask her once I get back today.

Lord Gu, both of them seem to have had their throats slit with a swift sword.

It looks like the doing of a martial arts expert.

Killing to silence them.

What else resulted from the inspection?

From their appearance, they don't seem to be from the Central Plains.

They look to be from a different nation.

Different nation?

- Search! - Yes.

Everyone in here, listen carefully.

I have been ordered to investigate rigorously.

Detain all those who are from a different nation.

Military Official. Military Official, what's going on?

I heard there are people from different nations here.

Yes. Yes, there are foreign ladies.

They are still from a different nation.

I have been ordered to investigate rigorously.

Military Official. Military Official!

Come out! Everyone, come out!

Come out!

Everyone, come out!

- Sir. - Let's go.

That room. Why didn't anyone search it?

- You must not go in. - What are you doing?

Military Official, you must not go in.

- Move aside. - When I say you can't go in, you really can't.

I'm afraid that if I find anything, you won't be able to bear the consequences.

- Move aside! - You can't go in! You can't go in!

- Military Official, don't— - Move aside!

The more you don't want me to investigate,

the more determined I am on investigating.

Turn your face around.

What's wrong?

Must I take action?

Greetings, Your Highness Second Prince.

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

- Greetings, Father. - Get up, get up.

I want to get to know about your important matters.

What important matters would I have?

His Majesty mentioned your marriage today.

Do you have any plans?

In regards to the serious matter of marriage, I still don't want to consider it yet.

You should consider it.

Today, His Majesty mentioned someone to me.

I actually feel like he is a viable choice.

Who?

In a few days, do you know

who the person that's being conferred the title of prince is?

The General of Ningshuo, Xiao Qi?

Exactly.

You want your daughter to marry a poor, boorish man who kills?

You cannot utter such nonsense.

I won't marry him. I'll enter the palace tomorrow and ask Noble Consort to speak up on my behalf.

Wanru! His Majesty has already discussed this with Noble Consort.

She has also agreed to this matter.

Since you all have already discussed this,

why bother to ask me?

Father, you can just tie me up and deliver me to him and complete the marriage.

Wanru, you cannot throw a tantrum

and ruin this important matter for the Xie Clan.

What important matter would the Xie Clan have?

You are still young. There are certain matters that are not appropriate to tell you about in detail.

Fine. Then it's not too late for me to get married once I understand.

Wanru.

Wanru!

♫ 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 ♫