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 3]

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

Third Prince, Nobel Consort has been waiting for a long time.

Tan'er.

Imperial Mother.

Is your injury better? Let me check.

It's much better. Stop worrying.

They only gave you a superficial wound. It will be your life next time.

It was so vicious and you still speak lightly of it.

How did Imperial Mother know it was the empress who did this?

Only you and the Xie family can threaten the power and position of the crown prince.

I was thinking... the matter between you and A’wu may have infuriated her.

I will be extra careful in the future.

I won't give them another opportunity to take advantage.

You have your imperial father's protection now.

But in the future, when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Wang Clan will monopolize power.

Will you still have a way to survive?

I have always led a simple life but this concerns your life.

No matter what, I must think on your behalf.

I wasn't filial. I've caused you to worry over this.

- Noble Consort. - What is it?

Grand Elder Princess has come to the palace.

- I will welcome her. - Yes.

Tan'er, it would be best if you are extra careful.

I will remember.

I'll take my leave.

Older Sister Wanru, how's Zitan?

He's much better after receiving your good medicine.

I really want to visit him,

- but Father and Imperial Aunt... - He will understand.

You both must have patience.

Everything will go according to your wishes.

Older Sister Wanru, you must see me off on my wedding day.

I'm a member of the Xie family. Zitan should be doing that instead.

I don't care.

I’ll just think of you as a relative of Mother's.

In the future, if Older Brother Zitan bullies me, you can't take his side.

Look at you. So impatient to marry him.

- Aren't you embarrassed? - I'm not.

- Embarrassed? - I'm not. - Embarrassed?

Older Sister, when you find your beloved one day,

you will know what embarrassment is.

What's wrong?

What's wrong!

I'm going to be married.

After learning that Princess Shangyang and my son were attacked,

I can't sleep at night.

Those people were so vicious.

I'm full of resentment.

Once I find out who directed this, I can't wait to cut them into pieces.

Grand Elder Princess, we know that our children have been in love for a long time.

But they have encountered a mishap again.

Their future path will be even more inextricably linked.

Noble Consort, what's the meaning of this?

This was not bestowed by the imperial family.

When I entered the palace, my mother personally handed this down to me.

I planned, a long time ago, to hand this down to Zitan's Princess Consort.

Grand Elder Princess, please bestow this on the princess on my behalf.

This...

Grand Elder Princess, you were born in the palace.

Extremely expensive treasures are common to you,

but the significance of this item is different.

I hope you won't decline it.

Grand Elder Princess, you also know that my Xie family's

eldest son and eldest grandson took only one wife for the whole of their lives.

If Zitan has the fortune to marry the princess,

he won't disappoint her.

Thank you for your reminiscence and love.

I empathize with you.

I intend to make the request of His Majesty this time.

If you don't mind,

I wish to go with you to help achieve this.

That is a good idea.

To be married?

You should be happy to be married.

Who are you marrying?

Xiao Qi.

A dignified daughter from the Xie family is marrying a humble person.

Older Sister, although Xiao Qi is from a humble background,

he's the "Hero of Great Cheng."

I think he's better than any of the sons from noble families in the capital.

Father also said that those same sons from noble families in the capital

may carry swords at their waists,

but they have never fought in a war.

It's even said that since Xiao Qi was young, he has been fighting on our battlefields.

He now controls the army.

Making an exception to confer him as a prince is already something distinguished.

Marquis Xie is right.

What use is it for him to say so many nice things about him?

I'm the one who will be marrying him.

I quarreled with my father several times,

but he's insisting that I marry him.

If I don't, he will tie me up and send me there.

Older Sister, have you seen him?

I heard he's a monster with three heads and six arms.

Don't scare me!

I'm teasing you. I have never seen him either.

Xiao Qi is entering the capital the day after tomorrow. His Majesty will personally welcome him.

Third Prince will be there, too.

- Really? - Yes.

- Should we go together and meet— - Fine.

But watching a ceremony at the gate to the city is not for us to attend.

Who says so? I have a solution.

So cheeky.

Wanru, why is it you?

Prince Wang.

Older Brother, the General of Ningshou is returning to the capital two days from now.

His Majesty will be rewarding the army.

Can you take us to the watchtower to observe the ceremony?

What's there to see if you go?

Tell me truthfully. Do you want to see the General of Ningshuo

or are you there to see someone else?

Of course, I’ll be there for the Ningshuo General.

“Golden spears and armored horses" are things men should do.

Won't you see him at the court's dinner banquet?

What's so good about seeing him then? The court's dinner banquet...

Even though the Nishuo General has killed countless people, he still wears a mask.

Then, what does A’wu really want to see?

- Father. - Uncle Xiang.

Father.

Your daughter wants to see what the difference is between a general who has killed countless enemies

and a general who has never been to war.

Then, what do you think will be different about them?

All sons of the noble class in the capital wear a sword around their waists,

but they might never be on a battlefield even when they are old.

But that Xiao Qi, he is still young and he has been on the battlefield many times.

I just want to see what type of person this general is.

The good daughter of the Wang family

really surpasses the curiosity of a normal boy.

Then, does Father agree?

Just go with your older brother.

Go meet him and see the military power of Lord Yuzhang.

Many thanks, Father.

The daughter of the Wang family has high aspirations

but you, son, just want to show off literary skills all day long.

Do you think you can bring glory to the family by doing this?

You may leave.

Come...

Draw a good portrait of your father.

Come on.

Do you think you can switch with A’wu?

Then at that time, I’ll be more at ease.

Older Brother...

Is what you said the wish of A'wu?

Your Majesty, you watched them grow up.

How can you not know what A’wu wants in her heart?

What Noble Consort said is correct.

What A’wu thinks about all the time is that she

just wants to marry her Older Brother Zitan.

I only have this one daughter. I just want her to be able to get her wish.

If this is A’wu’s wish

and the hope of you, my noble consort, and my imperial sister

then... I will ensure that it happens.

I am very grateful for this, Your Majesty.

My child and I are thankful for Your Majesty's approval.

Good. Rise now.

Noble Consort, you should return first.

I have some things I wish to tell my imperial younger sister.

Then I will leave first.

Jinrou,

when imperial mother forced you to marry into the Wang family all those years ago,

you suffered many grievances.

What imperial brother says is exaggerated.

At that time, I was very young.

It was the order of our mother, Empress Dowager.

I was also willing.

These past few years, people have seen you as the Grand Elder Princess.

The wife of the prime minister, a noble among nobles.

Only I know that imperial mother and I owe you a lot.

With both a daughter and son, as long as they are happy,

then I am satisfied.

Let me ask you.

You have been with Wang Lin for over ten years,

do you understand him well enough?

We are strange bedfellows. (Share the same bed but different mindsets.)

The Wang family has great power and high status.

These last few years,

Wang Lin’s influence on the politics of this world is becoming greater and greater.

I need to think about that and beware of him.

I want to ask...

Is the present Jinrou, my younger sister

or the prime minister's wife?

You are saying that Grand Elder Princess and Noble Consort Xie

went to see His Majesty, together?

Yes. Many people around the palace all saw it.

They also say, the whole way, Noble Consort Xie and Grand Elder Princess

were talking about something quite happily.

It’s nothing.

The more they think that they have gotten nine out of ten things handled, the more it will hurt when they lose.

I will... just wait.

Wait?

Imperial Mother! Your son cannot wait any longer!

If I wait, A’wu and Zitan...

I...

What do you want?

Imperial Mother, I want A’wu.

I want to go find her.

I want to tell her that

I am definitely the best person for her in this world.

Will A’wu believe you?

Then, what do I do?

Look at how happy you are. Isn’t it just a bracelet?

Do you not have bracelets in this Prime Minister Manor?

Then, how are they the same?

Didn’t Mother also say

that this bracelet is the family heirloom of Noble Consort?

It was left for... the consort of Older Brother Zitan.

As the saying goes, a grown daughter cannot be kept at home. You are not married yet but

you're already thinking your future mother-in-law is even better than your actual mother.

Mother!

You will always be the person in A’wu's heart.

The person I love the most.

You are also the person who loves me the most, right?

From so far away, I could already hear you two laughing.

What is there to be this happy about?

What are you holding?

Mother, this is a secret between us two.

You cannot tell Father.

My A’wu.

In not too long, you will be marrying into someone else’s family.

Father! I’m not talking to you anymore.

A’Wu. She has a mutual affection for Zitan.

She won’t marry anyone else apart from him.

Today, my imperial brother also agreed.

With Zitan?

Husband, what do you think?

Since it is the meaning of the heavens,

then as a father, whether or not I agree,

will it make a difference?

While I was investigating the other tribe, Gu Yong met the second prince in a brothel.

The second prince always indulges himself like that.

Master, Crown Prince and Second Prince are here.

Ask A’wu to come over.

The Duke of Zhenguo is the uncle of Second Prince

and since today, A’wu should be the betrothed of the crown prince, [Ma Zilu - Second Prince]

the Duke of Zhenguo will also be the father-in-law of the crown prince.

In the future, the crown prince will succeed the throne.

Duke of Zhenguo is both father-in-law and uncle.

Older Brother Zilu, you have talked so much,

did Uncle Emperor agree to it?

A’wu, the crown prince has sent over some gifts,

you haven’t thanked him yet.

Why should I be polite if there is nothing special?

Do not forget your good manners.

Younger Sister A’wu.

Younger Sister A’wu!

Do you want to have a look at what gifts I have sent to you?

Younger Sister A’wu, these few embroidered clothes were done by your Older Brother Zilong himself

and carefully sewn by experienced seamstresses in the palace.

Whether or not the measurements will be correct, he checked them himself.

They definitely will fit you.

You have already said they will fit me, why should I try them on?

Older Brother Zilong, it has already been so many years.

What A’wu likes now, you really do not know.

Since these don’t suit me, I will be leaving first.

What does A’wu like then?

Are you joking? Do not take her seriously.

How about this, give them to me. I will give them to A’wu.

Crown Prince.

- Do you like to hunt? - Yes, Uncle.

To hunt a tamed rabbit or a wild elk,

- which one is more interesting? - The latter of course.

Thank you, Uncle, for giving us direction.

My arms.

I got this ailment when I hugged A'wu that year.

Your Majesty the Empress.

Your Majesty, the crown prince has already come back.

- How is he? - It seems, it didn’t go well.

Forward my verbal order.

A'wu is to come here for Lord Xiao Qi's dinner banquet.

Yes.

A child from a poor family has entered the city

and I have to personally welcome him.

What a burning shame.

The low class was blocked for this lord to ride on the heads of the noble class.

Breaking rules that have been in existence for a hundred years.

After I die, I'll have no face to see my ancestors.

Sir, here's the tea.

Put it here.

There cannot be anyone over there anymore.

- Quickly go and get him to leave. - Okay.

Prime Minster. Prime Minister.

Prime Minister, you're here early.

Not as early as Marquis Xie.

I heard that Marquis Xie has found a good son-in-law. Congratulations!

As expected of the well-informed Prime Minster.

Including the affairs of the Xie family, you know it all.

The marriage alliance between Marquis Xie and the Great General.

The first person in Great Cheng with a surname other than Wang is going to become the son-in-law of the Xie family.

Is this still a family matter?

Prime Minster is right.

For the Wang and Xie families,

family and country have been important since a long time ago.

Princess, you're in a great mood today.

A very great mood today.

I wonder who you'll be going to meet later.

You little girl!

I should go tell my mother to marry you off.

That way I won't have to listen to all your nonsense.

Well, seeing that you will be going to meet the third prince today,

I'm feeling happy for you.

I'm always thinking about him.

I haven't seen him since he got injured.

Princess, you look very pretty today.

His Highness will definitely be happy when he sees you.

Older Brother, don't bother with people like him.

The dignified Xie Clan of Chen County,

taking a soldier as a son-in-law, what is there to be proud of?

You and Gu Yong are the same.

You're both so stupid.

Older Sister Wanru. Quick!

Do you think everyone is like you? Acting like a naughty monkey.

There are hundreds of steps. Which young lady from a noble family can climb them in one breath?

All right. All right! Don't chase after her. Let her run off by herself.

When Mother was pregnant with her, she was meant to be a boy.

Her gender changed, but her temperament remained the same.

Brother Su's jokes are not funny at all.

Why are you laughing then?

They'll be here soon.

A'wu, why are they not here yet?

Who did you really come here to see?

Xiao Qi.

I knew that your true intention wasn't just to accompany me.

My good sister.

Of course, I'm here to accompany you and to see the Great General Xiao.

It's just that, I wanted to see Brother Zitan as well.

He was injured for several days. I was really worried about him.

It seems like "A'wu love"

is the best medicine for him.

Look at you. I really regret bringing you two along with me.

Look at Zitan.

I really envy you and Zitan.

Growing up together. You both knew each other and fell in love with each other.

Isn't that Little Sister A'wu?

I wonder what kind of person Xiao Qi is.

I heard that he an unconquerable hero.

If you marry him, in the future you will never be bullied.

I don't need him to protect me.

They're here! Quick!

[Xiao]

We just happened to pass through here on our tour of the capital.

This is a small matter, not something worth mentioning.

General Xiao, please rise.

He doesn’t even understand the basic etiquette of meeting the emperor.

He only knows how to fight and kill.

I can’t see clearly,

but I think this is what a hero looks like.

All soldiers, please rise.

General Xiao, please follow me and travel the city.

A child from the lower class

dares to walk beside Imperial Father.

Who is it?

Grand Tutor Gu.

Protect the Emperor!

Uncle Gu.

[The bastard will bring calamity to the country.]

That is saying Xiao Qi

is really being admonished with death.

You are a princess, yet you wanted to see some general enter the city.

In the end, you're so scared now.

I don't think you'll be making a fuss anymore.

Father, was it about conferring Xiao QI as a prince?

Is that why Uncle Gu...

A'wu, let me ask you.

Did you see Gu Yong jump?

No.

The two of us were just watching the troops from Ningshuo enter the city.

We did not pay attention to anything else.

A'wu is already scared like this.

Can you ask her about it some other day?

All right.

[The bastard will bring calamity to the country]

First, the prince was attacked.

A few days later,

a minister committed suicide in my presence.

Today... you must give me an explanation!

Your Majesty,

Gu Yong was the minister I recommended as the prince's teacher.

All these years, he had been devoted to the affairs of the nation.

I did not expect this tragedy.

I beg you to issue an edict. I will personally supervise the investigation.

Who else is there in his family?

Gu Yong's son died young.

There is a granddaughter named Gu Caiwei

and a grandson named Gu Minwen.

He works in the Zhoushu Ministry.

- Announce the imperial edict. - Yes.

Confer upon Gu Caiwei,

Princess of Yunyao.

Gu Minwen will take his grandfather's place.

He shall first escort Gu Yong's coffin back to his hometown for burial.

And after the mourning, return to the capital to resume official duties.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, I was puzzled and knew nothing.

Did Grand Tutor Gu

not like Xiao Qi that much

that he had to bleed on the very spot?

Duke Xie,

in the eyes of many officials,

Gu Yong risked his own life

to protect the honor of the noble class.

So foolish.

This is the residence I chose for you in the capital.

Originally, the emperor was to hold a banquet in your honor at the palace today

to welcome you, General.

We didn't expect Gu to do that.

It looks like the royal banquet has to be delayed a few days.

May I ask Marquis Xie,

this Grand Tutor Gu...

I guess, we have no precedent of a poor family being titled as nobility in any house.

So that is why many ministers are against making you a prince.

Especially, Grand Tutor Gu who died in front of His Majesty.

Unexpectedly today, he really...

But, General, don’t worry

about the prince title, as long as my Xie family are here.

That will never change.

You two should get out of the capital as soon as you can

and tell the soldiers that without my order

no one can take action.

No... General,

it is Hu Yao's and my first time in the capital.

We haven't even gone anywhere and you want us to leave?

We can come next time.

General, was this banquet to be a Hongmen banquet? (Legendary feast meant to be friendly but covered a deadly plot)

The capital really is unsafe.

How about you leave the capital with us?

With you all guarding outside the capital,

I will be safe inside the capital.

- Yes, Sir. - Yes, Sir.

Prime Minister. General.

Although there's a scar on his neck,

he was hanged in the city and

more than three hours have already passed.

These spots on Grand Tutor Gu's body have turned a deep red.

However, when we press these spots on his body, there is no discoloration.

That means all the blood in his body had already cooled down.

According to my calculations,

Lord Gu's death time should be

about four hours ago.

This is not just idle talk, right?

I don't dare.

So you're really sure?

I have looked at dead bodies for 30 years.

This small problem, I can see clearly.

When you go out, don't say anything. You may leave.

Gu Yong was a fierce man by nature,

but he was always cautious.

He obviously knew,

even if he died,

it would be hard to stop the choice of emperor.

But if he really

got killed and was then pushed from the stairs,

then who do you think caused it?

Gu Yong recently investigated Zitan's case.

Unless...

he had found something.

This...

Since Gu Yong became a member of the Wang family many years ago.

he had been in charge of the whole Military Bureau.

With his death,

there will be changes in the control over the Military Bureau.

Recently a few strange things have happened in the palace.

But just then...

The emperor ordered Xiao Qi to come back to the capital from the north for the title of prince.

That probably wasn't just a coincidence.

But, Elder Brother, if this matter was caused for us Wangs,

should we make some early preparations on the side of the Imperial Guard?

Someone wants to borrow this chance for their own gain.

- So let's make plans earlier. - Yes.

Remember, don't spill this in front of the empress.

Yes.

What about Xiao Qi?

That is unless you want him to become the Xie family's son-in-law.

I have my own plans.

What?

I understand, but this is not a small matter.

I beg Your Majesty to reconsider.

So long-winded.

I ordered you to do something, yet you keep finding excuses.

Do you wish to make me unhappy?

I don't dare. I don't dare.

Get up.

I also don't wish to be like this.

But the crown prince is rushed and as a mother,

I can only help him to plan.

Don't worry.

It's just a personal matter for the Wang family.

Once it is revealed, I am still here to help.

Older Brother Zitan,

the world is changing.

Uncle Gu just came to visit two days ago.

Now we are enemies.

And it occurred right by our side.

Do you remember what I told you?

My A'wu should always be smiling.

With me, don't be frightened of anything.

Use your strength, pull tight on this side.

Pull tight on this side, use the rope to pull tight.

- Hurry up and chop! - Wang'an,

what are you doing?

Your Highness.

Why do you have to chop down this tree?

We are following the owner's orders. I also don't know.

- Father asked you to chop it down? - Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Continue. Hurry up and chop.

Father, on the west wall of the back courtyard...

Come back.

Yesterday, a thief visited our house. Did you know?

If you really wanted to protect us from thieves. Why not cut down all trees around the house?

Good idea, anyway our Wang family treasure

can't be stolen by outsiders.

Wang'an, bring out all the axes.

Father, even if I am made a princess by Xiao Qi being conferred as prince,

I am not willing to marry that wild mountain man!

Nonsense! Follow me to the main hall immediately.

Father, don't you care about your daughter at all?

That Xiao Qi holds strong military power.

If he can be used by our Xie family. Then he can protect the long-lasting fortune of our Xie family.

I am your daughter.

I'm not your chess piece.

XIe Wanru, let me tell you this!

You have to marry Xiao Qi!

Father... Father!

Jin'er, hurry up! It's already started.

- Faster. - All right.

The banquet has started.

Has Third Prince arrived?

He should be here by now.

Princess.

The empress is looking for you.

Imperial Aunt is looking for me?

Isn't Imperial Aunt at the banquet?

May I go after the Prince Conferment banquet ends?

Since the empress has already ordered—

It's better if you go now.

All right, then please guide us.

The empress has ordered the princess to go there by herself.

The Empress has something she wanted to say.

This way please.

Why hasn’t A'wu arrived yet?

Today is the day for a grand ceremony of the Cheng Empire.

Looking back,

when Emperor Jianing initially pacified the Northern territory,

he led soldiers to open up the wastelands at Beifu and stationed an army at Ningshuo.

It has been 20 years.

Who could expect

the small Ningshuo army of 20 years ago

would develop into a powerful army

that succeeds in all attacks and defeats all enemies.

General Xiao.

You are the third generation General of the NIngshuo Army.

It was you who led the 200,000 officers and soldiers of the Ningshuo Army,

that killed the King of Hulan

and protected the wonderful lands for me.

Order.

Ningshuo General Xiao Qi, come to receive the edict.

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

"Ningshuo General Xiao Qi having opened up and protected the land

and achieved a great achievement.

I confer on him the title of Prince Yuzhang."

♫ 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 ♫