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 34]

You, oh, you. Which emperor didn’t have an abundance of concubines and consorts?

You have already ascended to the throne for some time now.

Once you’re done dealing with state affairs, you should consider the matter of taking new concubines.

Imperial Mother, I was thinking that Father’s funeral was not long ago

and the empress is newly pregnant,

so having a maiden selection at this time...

isn’t it a little inappropriate?

You just inherited the throne, so you’re resources are still sparse.

You just so happen to need the support of the aristocratic families to expand your reign.

Marriage alliances are the best way.

As for the empress, she should be the motherly model of the empire

and place a priority on matters related to the empire.

If she doesn’t understand that, she’s not qualified to reign over the harem.

I welcome Your Highness back to the manor.

Aren’t you going to invite His Highness in?

Please.

Is Older Brother here in the manor?

Heir Apparent had been called to the palace this morning by the empress dowager and has not returned yet.

Quickly go notify him.

I’ll take His Highness around the manor first.

Yes.

The luxury of this Prime Minister’s manor

is no less than the imperial palace.

Centennial noble families are all like this.

Marrying me has caused you to suffer.

Although I was born in a wealthy family,

I never cared about living in luxury.

In the days where I’m with you,

do you know how at ease my heart is?

This is my chamber.

During my childhood, when it was summer,

Older Brother, me, and Jin’er

liked to come here to play the most.

We caused water to get everywhere in the yard.

Father scolded us numerous times.

Who is being so presumptuous?!

Older Sister A’Wu.

Brother-in-Law, you’re so mean.

You are... Qian’er?

I am.

- Greetings, Prince and Princess Consort. - Greetings, Prince and Princess Consort.

Aunt, home isn’t the court.

There’s no need for such reverence.

Thank you, Princess Consort.

Qian’er.

[Wang Qian - Wang Xuan’s paternal younger cousin]

I remember how shy you were when you were little.

I never thought you would become such a pleasant young lady.

I almost didn’t recognize you.

Thank you for your praise, Older Sister A’Wu.

I have lived seclusively in the mountains

and neglected her education, so that’s why Qian’er was so impolite.

She has offended Your Highnesses. Please forgive us.

It’s fine.

Oh right! Come.

This is a gift from your relatives in Langya.

Here, accept it.

Thank you, Auntie.

Also, this is a gift from Pei’er.

Do you still remember Pei’er?

Pei’er’s birth mother died when she was young, so I raised her.

Recently, she was conferred as Princess of Xuanning

and married far away to the Imperial Advisor, Wu Jun.

The marriage is good, but Pei’er life is quite unfortunate.

She became pregnant soon after getting married,

but she miscarried before the third month.

Really, and less than a year later, she experienced it again.

- I— - Auntie,

His Highness still has court affairs to attend to.

Let him leave first.

It’s cold today and you just recovered.

Don’t catch a cold.

A’Wu, you have really married a good husband.

Empress Dowager really does have great judgment.

Aunt.

[Prince Manor]

Your Highness,

what do you think the king of Hulan is up to?

Do you still remember that I released a tiger back into the mountain forest?

You’re talking about Helan Zhen?

Lately, there have been much fewer disturbances coming from the northern border.

It’s clear that he is of use.

It’s just a pity that we cannot underestimate his intentions to invade the south.

Visting at this time, I’m afraid it’s just a temporizing measure.

How many times have this Helan Zhen fought against us?

Has he ever won? He is still the same.

He is a guest from far away.

Entertaining him with good food and wine is the true demeanor of a great empire.

Your Highness, when are we returning to Ningshuo?

Return to Ningshuo?

You’re sick of... the capital?

No!

I just think that if we continue to stay off the battlefield,

I won’t even remember how to use this sword anymore.

I’m also afraid.

I’m afraid that the soldiers are pampered

and will lose their fighting spirit staying here at the capital.

Us remaining here and protecting the heart of the empire

is the only way the common people can live peacefully.

[Duke of Zhenguo’s Manor]

Come to the palace with me in a few days.

Why?

Auntie and Qian’er have come to the capital.

It’s considered a great affair to the Wang Clan.

Empress Dowager has ordered a family banquet at Yong’an Palace

and wishes that everyone can get together.

I certainly know that you still resent her.

But no matter what, she’s still the empress dowager.

We are all members of the Wang Clan and we are bound together for good or ill.

Empress Dowager summoned them to the palace this time...

It’s to make early preparations for our Wang Clan.

All right. Quickly go.

I still have to go deal with those two troublesome people.

Your Majesty, what are you doing?

I once heard from Empress Mother

that I was really naughty in her belly,

giving her a hard time.

I have something to tell our son now.

Son, listen. Don’t toss about in your Empress Mother’s belly.

Be good! Do you hear me?

Your Majesty, you treat me so well.

Your Majesty, there’s something I want to tell you.

My Empress, what have you heard?

The court officials created a big scene

in their request that Your Majesty takes a new consort.

If I said that I didn’t know, isn’t that too pretentious?

B-But why would you...

Your Majesty, to be honest,

I’m certainly unwilling to comply.

I’m not willing to share Your Majesty with other women.

But... I’m your empress.

I should be the motherly model of the empire.

I should act as an empress.

So, I thought it through.

Since I’m the head of the harem,

then I should do my best to be considerate of Your Majesty.

Wanru,

no matter who enters the palace in the future,

your place in my heart

can never be replaced by another.

Hearing Your Majesty’s words,

I feel very reassured.

You still need to be coaxed into taking your medicine.

Come on. Drink it.

No.

Drink it.

No.

Don’t drink?

You drink it.

Okay.

You’re shameless!

If you don’t take your medicine properly,

then I will be even more shameless.

How long have I been taking this medicine already?

You won’t let me stop taking it.

The imperial physician must have taken your bribe to purposely bully me.

Who would purposely bully you?

Last cup.

I must have owed you in my last life.

Maybe I’m the one who owed you.

- Mother! - Yes? - Mother!

Look at this outfit. Does it look nice?

My child is in the prime of her youth. Naturally, you’ll look good in whatever you wear.

- Here. - I don’t want to eat it.

You are humoring me again, Mother.

In Langya, everyone said that my beauty is unprecedented.

But after seeing Older Sister A’Wu today,

I discover that she is more beautiful than I.

Even if she’s more beautiful, she’s just like Pei’er—

You may leave.

She’s just like Pei’er; she’s unfortunate.

What do you mean, Mother?

I handed some more money to the servant

to inquire about information here in the manor.

A’Wu miscarried a few months ago

and almost died.

From what I see, her body is weak.

In the future, I’m afraid she will have a hard time giving birth.

She is indeed like Pei’er.

If she doesn’t bear children,

Prince Yuzhang’s affection for her now

will just be temporary.

Do you know why the empress dowager

sent people to bring us here to the capital?

She wants me to enter the palace.

So you must grasp onto this opportunity tightly.

Thank you so much for the reward, Empress Dowager Auntie.

I really like it!

It’s great that you like it.

Our Langya is indeed remarkable for fostering such outstanding people.

It produced such a bright and beautiful lady.

Thank you for the praise, Empress Dowager.

Mother, Empress Dowager Auntie treats me so well.

She’s like my biological auntie.

Empress Dowager has always been your biological aunt.

Empress Dowager Auntie, I have misspoken.

What I meant is...

I like Empress Dowager Auntie.

This young lady.

Your Majesty, Princess Consort Yuzhang has arrived.

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

- You may rise. - Thank you, Empress Dowager.

- Greetings, Princess Consort. - Older Sister A’Wu, you’re here?

Aunt. Qian’er.

All of you sit first.

Aunt, please sit.

A’Wu,

tonight’s family banquet just so happens to coincide with Qian’er’s and her mother’s arrival from afar.

Our Wang family should have some fun together.

I have also prepared for you

tianmizao that was brought from Langya. (Tiánmǐzāo (甜米糟) – a fermented sweet, glutinous rice dish)

I remember it was your favorite as a child.

Empress Dowager, thank you very much for your consideration.

Empress Dowager Auntie, you’re biased.

Qian’er.

Don’t worry. I like Qian’er’s temperament.

Your favorite food will certainly be at the banquet later.

Thank you very much, Empress Dowager Auntie.

Will my favorite foods be prepared as well?

Greetings, Your Majesty.

- Dispense with the formalities quickly. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

Since it is a family banquet,

A’Wu, there is no need to adhere so rigidly to the formalities.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

After I ascended to the throne, you and I have become more estranged.

Your Majesty the Emperor, you are the supreme ruler.

I... must remain respectful.

Is that so?

But I remember very clearly

that when you and the late emperor interacted, you two never abided by the etiquettes.

My Emperor.

Greetings, Empress Mother.

My Emperor, quickly meet your maternal aunt and younger cousin.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

This younger sister...

Empress Mother, all the women of our Langya Wang Clan

indeed look like A’Wu.

All of them are natural beauties.

Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty.

How could I possibly be as beautiful as Older Sister?

Indeed.

Your beauty is just short of hers.

You’re dismissed.

The empress dowager summoned a young lady who looks exactly like Wang Xuan

and even arranged a family banquet at Yong’an Palace.

However, I think that things are not that simple.

Of course.

If she previously had the time,

the empress dowager would’ve taken care of me long ago.

Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne,

how could she allow the imperial authority to fall to another faction?

Your Majesty is saying that

the empress dowager is using the opportunity presented by the maiden selection to summon her into the palace?

No wonder all the ministers are advising the emperor to take in a consort.

It’s because she knows His Majesty has feelings for Wang Xuan,

so she found someone who looks like her.

She really spared no effort in this.

If the empress dowager really has that intention, then wouldn’t she be—

She is precisely targeting my empress position.

A’Wu!

Wait a moment.

Your Majesty the Emperor.

I want to speak to you about something.

- All of you, stop following me. - Yes.

A’Wu,

there are no outsiders here now.

Just call me “Older Brother Zilong” like before.

What do you say?

Our ancestral residence of Langya is far away.

I have not returned in many years.

I rather miss it.

Today, having the two of you enter the palace

has somewhat alleviated my feelings of homesickness.

It is rare for you two to enter the palace. Nanny Gui.

Present.

- Take them for a tour around the palace and for a stroll in the imperial gardens. - Yes.

Thank you very much, Empress Dowager.

We will not disturb you further, then.

I shall take my leave now.

Qian’er is such a foolish child.

I’d better not have chosen the wrong person.

Go and summon Prime Minister Wen for me.

Yes.

A’Wu, come here quickly, come here quickly.

Do you remember when we were young,

we would hide beneath that bridge in the summertime and catch fish?

Just over there!

You’d always call me, “Older Brother Zilong! Older Brother Zilong!”

because you were afraid I wouldn’t take you with me to play.

The years passed by in a flash.

Things remain the same, but the people have changed.

During these past few years,

Empress Mother has...

Now, I’ve already become the emperor.

But all of our close relatives and old friends

have either left or died one after the other.

A’Wu,

so many things have happened.

I’m sure the one who’s suffered the most is you.

Tell me. Is there hate in your heart?

Who should I hate?

I should thank you.

For what?

Thank you for giving my father a chance to live.

You don’t need to thank me.

If you want to thank someone, you should thank your husband.

My husband?

Your father threatened my life,

so, naturally, our ties were cut off.

I wasn’t going to show him mercy.

But I did not expect

Prince Yuzhang to kneel in front of the Imperial Study for an entire night.

He said that you’d already lost your mother and child.

At that moment, you couldn’t lose your father as well.

Hearing him say that,

I reluctantly agreed.

Didn’t he tell you?

A’Wu, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.

That day, you and Empress Mother...

My Imperial Father’s death... Did my Empress Mother have anything to do with it?

No?

She didn’t, right?

That’s good that she didn’t. That’s good that she didn’t.

That’s good that she didn’t.

Mother, this imperial palace is not as good as I imagined it to be.

Although Langya cannot compare to here,

our Wang manor is not inferior to this place in any respect. Right?

Keep your voice down.

This younger sister is right.

When it comes to exquisiteness and elegance,

the residence of the Wang Clan is certainly not inferior to the imperial palace.

Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress.

- I, from the Xue Clan, - I, Wang Qian,

- kowtow in greeting to the empress. - kowtow in greeting to the empress.

My young daughter is insolent.

She did not know Your Majesty had arrived and spoke offensively.

Your Majesty, in consideration that this is her first time in the palace

and that she is young,

please forgive her.

Reporting to Your Majesty. These are the empress dowager’s relatives from the Wang Clan.

Miss Qian’er is the emperor’s maternal younger cousin.

Quickly get up.

Thank you, Empress

Indeed.

They all say that a fairy-like younger sister has come to the palace today.

You actually do resemble Princess Consort Yuzhang quite a bit.

Seeing you now, they really weren’t lying.

Although I’ve been far away in Langya,

I have heard of the current empress’s incomparable talent and virtue.

Seeing you in person today, I realize that the rumors among the common folks are not accurate at all.

Not only does Your Majesty have incomparable talent and virtue,

but Your Majesty is exemplary in morals, speech, beauty, and embroidery.

You are a role model for all the women in the realm.

I was nearly stunned at seeing you.

Your little mouth seems to be coated in honey.

As this was an unscheduled encounter, I did not have time to prepare any gifts.

Consider this a gift from me to you on our first meeting.

Here.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I like it very much.

Younger Sister, when you come to the palace in the future, you are welcome anytime in Zhaoyang Hall.

Okay, okay. From now on, I have an older sister in the palace.

Prime Minister Wen, please.

This way, please.

I, Wen Zongshen, kowtow in greeting to you, Empress Dowager.

Get up. There’s no need for such formalities between us.

I wonder for what urgent matter Your Majesty has summoned me here.

I want to talk to you about the emperor.

Have a seat.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Prime Minister Wen, I heard you had objections to the emperor taking in consorts through the maiden selection.

If it is about that matter, I indeed disagree.

The imperial court and the harem are inextricably linked.

Prime Minister Wen, since you’ve been immersed in the court for many years now,

you must surely understand the underlying implications.

You are now insisting on opposing the matter.

Could it be you are dissatisfied with Zilong

and are not willing to assist him wholeheartedly?

Empress Dowager, I have always been loyal to the monarch.

I have never harbored any selfish motives nor personal considerations.

I objected to the emperor taking in consorts

only because the late emperor has just passed away.

This maneuver is inappropriate for the present.

It’s “inappropriate for the present?”

If you were truly thinking for the emperor and the empire,

then you should not confine yourself to such archaic conventions.

The state of affairs has just been settled.

Internal trouble is brewing and the foreign aggressors are clamoring.

The emperor’s ascension to the throne has not yet been fortified,

thus he needs valuable assistance from the aristocratic families more than ever.

Marriage alliance is the best strategy.

Since Your Majesty has already made a decision,

then what was the point in summoning me here?

Do you still remember

what you said to me back then?

Empress Dowager...

Older Brother had previously wanted to harm you,

but I would rather have a falling out with him in order to protect you.

That was because of the affection we had for each other.

I still remember you saying that

you would guard and protect me all your life.

If even you are not willing to help me...

Lord Wen... (T/N: wordplay - the character for lord also means “husband”)

Empress Dowager...

Empress Dowager. Rest assured, Your Majesty.

I, Wen Zongshen, will definitely do my utmost

to protect the emperor... to protect Your Majesty.

Weeds, twines, and pieces of wood.

In any case, there isn’t any cotton.

They want us to use these materials to get through the winter?

It looks like the weather is getting cooler by the day.

All of our soldiers are waiting for the cotton.

In the end, not only are there not enough,

but these winter clothes are made so roughly and carelessly. I...

Rumors have been floating around ever since the matter regarding Prince Jianning concluded.

It is said that the soldiers from the various towns in Jiangnan feel they are a cut below our Ningshuo Army.

Is that true?

You’ve even heard of that?

I also heard that the soldiers from the various towns in Jiangnan have initiated a mutiny.

They’re afraid of being implicated in Prince Jianning’s rebellion this whole time,

so they’re now using these winter clothes as an excuse to cause trouble.

That’s not strange at all.

Go take a look at how much extra money our Ningshuo Army has.

Bring it all out to urgently make a batch of winter clothes.

Your Highness, why should we spend our Ningshuo Army’s money?

The Ningshuo Army and the soldiers from the various towns of Jiangnan

are all soldiers of Great Cheng! What is the difference between the two?

Yes, Your Highness.

I will give you another task.

Go and investigate the origins of the materials for these winter clothes,

where these clothes were made,

the cost of each garment,

and through whose hands the money has passed.

Mother, look.

This is a bracelet that the empress has worn before.

It must be priceless.

There are also the rewards from Empress Dowager Auntie and the emperor.

This visit to the palace is really fruitful.

They just gave you a few fun things

and you’re this content?

You are a daughter of the Langya Wang Clan after all.

Why are you so short sighted?

Langya Wang Clan, Langya Wang Clan.

Mother, you’re the one to talk.

I thought Langya was wealthy,

but after coming here to the capital and comparing, I’ve become a daughter of a village family.

Let’s not talk about other things, but what happened today.

Everyone who saw me kept saying “A’Wu, A’Wu” and that I look like her.

Why don’t they say that she looks like me?

In Langya, who doesn’t fawn over me?

Here in the capital, I’ve become a contrast that makes another person seem more perfect.

Wang Xuan is the legitimate first daughter of the Wang Clan.

Naturally, she is extraordinary.

Legitimate?

Yes, she is extraordinary.

Elder Paternal Uncle is guilty and in exile. Whether he lives or dies is uncertain.

Even though she has Grand Elder Princess as her mother, didn’t her mother still end up dead?

Shut your mouth. Talking about it in private, fine.

Are you going to have such a big mouth in the palace as well?

You also know that this is the capital. It is not Langya.

In Langya, Heaven is high and the emperor is far away, (T/N: free to act without much repercussion)

so you could be free and willful because you are from a branch of the Wang Clan.

But in the capital, we have to watch our every step as there is danger everywhere.

If you don’t exercise restraint and repent,

I’m afraid that in the future, you will be eaten up until not a bone is left.

I have Empress Dowager Aunt to look after me.

Who would dare?

She just praised you a little and now you have no sense of propriety?

Have you forgotten? You and Kai’er are one and the same.

She’s just a chess piece that will be used when planning strategies and marshaling soldiers during battles in the palace.

Back then, she disregarded my bitter pleas

and sent your older brother, my only son, to the army for experience.

He died of an illness before he could even return to the capital.

We, mother and son, could not even see each other for the last time.

However, what about Wang Su?

He led a life of luxury and debauchery in the capital all because he’s the eldest son of the eldest branch of the family.

He was even conferred an additional noble title that same year.

You must handle this matter properly.

Wang Su?

Quickly go and take care of it.

Older Brother Su is back?

He didn’t hear, did he?

Hurry.

Su’er.

Aunt.

Su’er, there’s something I need to tell you.

Aunt, go ahead.

Qian’er and I have traveled all the way from Langya and it is just the two of us.

Living here at Wang Manor is not really a viable long-term option.

I’ve already sent someone to search for a home in the capital for us to purchase.

Once we find a suitable one, Qian’er and I shall move there.

Were there any shortcomings in my accommodations for you?

Su’er, you’re overthinking things.

Mother, I do not want to leave Wang Manor.

The Wang Clan owns such an enormous manor.

Could it be that Elder Brother Su doesn’t even have room for me?

What do you understand?

Your Older Brother Su has long been married and has his own family now.

I’m sure he will be conferred the title of prince soon, too.

If we remain here for long, we’ll be bothering him.

Qian’er is right.

This is such a big estate, how could it not have room for you?

Besides, this is my Wang Clan’s manor in the capital.

Even if Father is no longer here...

That’s right, that’s right!

It’s all Mother’s fault. You’ve made Elder Brother Su sad.

Please listen to Qian’er and me.

Besides, Qian’er is intelligent and lively.

She is just like A’Wu before she was married.

Every time I see her, I always think of the past.

It counts as some sort of consolation.

Since that is the case, I will not stand on ceremony with you as we are from the same family.

Qian’er and I will continue to bother you all, then.

All right.

Reporting to Your Majesty the Empress.

Xie Shouzheng, Regional Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, seeks an audience with Your Majesty.

Come.

I, Xie Shouzheng, greet Your Majesty the Empress.

I should be calling you “Uncle” in accordance with seniority. (T/N: share the same grandfather or great grandfather)

Quickly get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress.

Regional Minister Xie, what is the meaning of this?

This is a jade qilin. (Qilin – a mythical chimerical creature with hooves)

I heard that Your Majesty is pregnant with the emperor’s child,

so I specifically went to the capital to look for the best craftsman to carve this qilin.

Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress.

May you be blessed with good health, good fortune, and long life.

- I will accept it. - Yes, Your Majesty.

This must have cost you quite a bit.

Not at all, Your Majesty.

I am where I am at today all thanks to Your Majesty’s patronage.

There’s no need to mention patronage of any sort.

Now that you’re holding a position in the Ministry of Revenue,

naturally, you must be aware that I was the one who recommended you to the emperor.

I understand.

I am willing to offer my life in sacrifice

and risk life and limb to assist you.

Your position is an important one;

therefore, you must be cautious at all times.

Don’t let those who are jealous of you catch ahold of any information that can be used against you.

Yes.

All right, I am tired now.

Regional Minister Xie, you may leave first.

Enough, stop splashing!

- You’re the one who splashed me first! - Don’t run!

That’s enough! Stop playing around, you two.

Miss A’Yue!

Miss A’Yue!

General Song.

What are you doing here?

I brought medicine for Miss Yu Xiu.

I’ll want to trouble you to pass it to her.

Thank you, General Song

Once Older Sister Yu Xiu gets this, she will be very happy.

Also, this flower,

I’ll want to trouble you–

This flower is for Older Sister Yu Xiu, too?

I didn’t expect our General Song to know to send flowers to girls.

Then I’ll take it to her now.

- Miss. - Yes?

- I’ll trouble you, then. - You’re being too courteous, General Song.

Miss! Those flowers were brought back from the imperial mausoleum.

Remember to place it in a sunny spot and to water it!

I got it!

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

♫ 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 change 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, I’ve lived a lifetime of prosperity♫

♫ 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 ♫