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 38]

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

Prince, I have something to ask.

Since Princess Consort’s medicine is almost finished

and her health is also almost recovered,

can we stop taking the medicine?

Senior Maidservant Xu is right!

The imperial physician said that you must take the medicine.

Usually, the prince loves the princess consort in every way.

Could it all be just a facade?

Why does he make the princess consort drink this medicine that prevents her from getting pregnant

and call it a tonic?

That’s right...

That prince still has his fears of the Wang Clan.

He’s unwilling to have a child with her.

Even if I die,

I won’t let him hurt Princess Consort even the tiniest bit.

What are you all doing?! You all are audacious!

I am an official of the Imperial Court! A member of the Empress’s Clan!

- You dare to detain me? - I’m acting in accordance with His Majesty’s order

to capture those guilty of corruption.

If you have something to say, say it in prison.

Look.

So heartless. Their hearts were eaten by dogs.

- Your Majesty, something serious has happened! - Why are you in a panic?

This person is Regional Minister Xie’s subordinate.

He said that just now Prince Yuzhang’s subordinates brought soldiers with them

to capture Regional Minister Xie and other members of the Xie Clan.

They said something about embezzling military funds for themselves.

- They’ve already been detained in the High Courts. - What?!

Prince Yuzhang, I advise you to not waste your efforts.

Don’t think that you can convict me

with just a ledger. What a joke.

Xie Shouzheng, we know you are from the Xie Clan.

However, the evidence and witnesses are gathered, so just admit to it already

to save you from suffering physical pains. You won’t be able to stand it.

Since you know that I’m a part of the Empress’s Clan,

you still dare to treat me like this?

Let me tell you. If you dare touch me in any way

and the empress finds out, you will not be spared.

Shut up!

Such an arrogant corrupt official!

Looks like you must suffer physical pains

or you won’t know what morals and justice are.

Where’s the Minister of High Courts? Why haven’t you begun the punishments yet?

You dare? I am an appointed minister of the Imperial Court.

You dare use corporal punishment on me?

The empress’s imperial edict has arrived.

Relaying the empress’s verbal order.

“Lord Xie Shouzheng and others of the Ministry of Revenue are members of the Xie Clan.

They have been honest and good for many generations.

Corporal punishments are not for nobles. The Minister of the High Courts shall interrogate carefully.

Corporal punishments are not allowed to be used.”

This is at least half of all the brown rice, Your Highness.

No wonder all the officials from the various departments said the grain tax was in short supply.

The army provisions are collected,

escorted to storage,

and then distributed to various troops.

This is not something that just Xie Shouzheng and his cronies can pull off.

- They have accomplices. - Then, Your Highness...

I...

What’s the matter? You’re stuttering.

Speak.

These army provisions were arranged by Huai’en and the Ministry of Revenue.

Huai’en has been cautious the whole time.

Why don’t I go ask him?

You just check and take account of all these grains.

I most certainly will not allow this batch of shoddy army provisions

be distributed to the various troops.

Yes, Your Highness.

I will take care of Huai’en.

Is this supposed to be rice?

There are stones and rice husks in there!

What is this?

It’s all gone moldy!

Let’s not even talk of going to war, can we give this to our soldiers to eat?

Is this even edible for humans?

Reporting to Your Majesty.

Lord Xie Shouzheng of the Ministry of Revenue engaged in corruption and resold army provisions for profit.

This person is guilty of heinous crimes

and should be beheaded in accordance with the law.

Your Majesty, please announce your decree.

Prince Yuzhang, you have worked hard.

The truth of this matter has already become clear with the investigation.

We must redeliver army provisions and remake winter clothes as quickly as possible.

We cannot disappoint frontline soldiers.

Your Majesty,

how should the main culprit be punished?

Your Majesty, Xie Shouzheng is guilty of an unpardonable crime.

However, I think...

we should take into account that he is a senior official of the court and a member of the Xie Clan.

In addition, this matter has implicated numerous others.

Once this matter gets out, not only will the various noble families lose face,

but I’m afraid that the trust in the imperial family will also be damaged.

Therefore, in my opinion,

Xie Shouzheng can be spared the death penalty,

but not other hardships as punishment.

He should be removed from his position and be sent back to his hometown

to serve as an example to others.

- Your Majesty– - Xie Shouzheng is the empress’ relative.

This incident implicates many members of the Xie Clan. We cannot ruthlessly eliminate them all.

I think he shall be removed from his position, his property shall be confiscated, and he shall never be used in court again.

What do you think?

I think... not.

Your Majesty, the witness testimonies and physical evidence are all present.

Its effects are extremely horrible.

Your Majesty has just ascended the throne

and Xie Shouzheng is guilty of the most atrocious crimes.

If this person is not executed, the peoples’ resentment will not be pacified.

If he is not executed, where is the justice in this imperial court?

Prince Yuzhang,

you are too serious.

Your Majesty, if Xie Shouzheng is exempted from death

just because he is from a noble family,

then I’m afraid the tragedy of the late emperor

being poisoned and forced to abdicate

will replay itself!

Prince Yuzhang, how could you bring up the late emperor in front of His Majesty again?

Your Majesty!

I have my own difficulties as well.

Your Majesty!

Are you forcing my hand here?

- Dismiss the court. - Court is dismissed!

Your Majesty, we hereby see you off respectfully.

The empress has arrived!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Empress...

How could you run about like this?

What would we do if the child is disturbed to a miscarriage?

How could I keep still

after what happened within the Xie Clan?

Empress... what Xiao Qi says is not irrational.

Xie Shouzheng has indeed incurred widespread indignation and discontent among the people.

Even I cannot save him.

Your Majesty, you are the emperor!

How could you be coerced into submission by a subject?

But Xiao Qi has accomplished meritorious service, saving me many times. He is a loyal and devoted subject.

Great Cheng cannot do without Xiao Qi.

You’re wrong, what Great Cheng cannot be without is Your Majesty.

Now, the nation is already at peace.

It’s time to appropriately appraise the situation and make plans for the future.

Your Highness.

You’re here?

I came late.

The distribution of those supplies is just too complicated.

What—

- It’s not easy. - Indeed.

Let’s not talk about that.

I asked you here to ask about Miss Yuxiu.

How are the wedding preparations going?

Pretty well.

I already told A’Wu

that you are like me, having spent many years in the military.

We soldiers are not fated to be wealthy since birth.

I told her to prepare a large sum of money,

so that your wedding is sure to be done in a grand manner.

Thank you, Your Highness, and I thank Princess Consort.

I have also saved up during these years.

I will surely marry Miss Yuxiu in a grandiose manner.

The wedding will not be inferior to those of the nobles and royalty.

It certainly will not be inferior to those of the nobles and royalty?

I have given you a reason to laugh at me.

“Water that is too clear has very little fish.” (One cannot expect everyone to be squeaky clean so one cannot be too picky in one’s choice of friends.)

I understand that principle.

Administration is a large operation.

If one is willing to use one’s brains,

it is not difficult to take some money.

Your Highness, why do you mean by those words?

Who is Xie Shouzheng?

He is an official from the Ministry of Revenue.

I have had prior dealings with this person. He’s an extremely slippery character.

Tell me.

This person is the empress’s relative.

He’s in charge of supplies and military provisions.

This person is very fond of fraternizing with imperial and noble families.

He even used my birthday as an opportunity to give me gifts,

but I refused and returned them all.

What did he gift you?

I do not know.

You don’t know?

When he sent me the gifts, I was not there.

The servants received them.

When I returned the next day and found out, I immediately returned everything.

You returned everything?

I returned everything.

Those despicable bastards who bite the hands that feed them.

Someone must have stuffed their pockets.

I will go back and ask who did such a thing.

I will go now.

Huai’en...

Nowadays, there are many eyes watching us closely.

I understand.

I will keep that in mind at all times.

All right!

You put more focus on Miss Yuxiu

and marry her as soon as possible.

Do you hear me?

Yes.

Prince, someone from the Xie family just came to relay a message saying that someone wants to pay you a visit.

Xie family...

Xie family?

Prince of Anping wants to see me?

The Xie family that is his backing also wants to see me?

Ever since Xie Yuan passed away, the Xie family’s influence in the Imperial Court of the Cheng Empire is not like before.

It is all right for Your Highness to not see them.

The enemies of Xiao Qi are our allies.

The Wang and Xie families are both noble families of the Central Plains.

The Xie family may have fallen from their grace, but its foundation still remains.

It’s fine, I might as well see them.

I understood.

Get rid of it. Be very careful.

Yes, General. Please rest assured.

Speak.

Your Highness.

Helan Zhen has been at the brothel these past few days.

He has not gone anywhere else nor seen anyone.

He’s pretending to have a fondness for wine and women?

All right. Continue keeping watch over him.

Yes.

Careful.

Master, come with me.

Pang Gui, I want to know

if you are loyal to Princess Consort as I am.

I ceased being the Wang Clan’s covert guard the day I decided to follow Her Highness.

I am the covert guard of only Her Highness.

Then that’s good.

I hope that I am not seeing or reading this wrong.

This matter concerns Her Highness’s future fate.

I dare not be wrong and I cannot be wrong.

Senior Maidservant Xu, what do you mean by that?

Could it be that someone is trying to harm Princess Consort?

But Her Highness has His Highness protecting her.

Who would be so bold?

What if I say it is HIs Highness himself?

His Highness? How could that be?

Everyone can see how well His Highness treats Her Highness, myself included.

He’s certainly not pretending, so why would he?

Senior Maidservant Xu, is there some kind of misunderstanding?

Misunderstanding? Let me ask you.

If a man truly loves his wife,

would he continuously give her medicine that prevents her from conceiving?

Would he have disguised it under the glorified pretense of medicinal tonics?

Master, please come with me.

Master, please come with me.

Master, I have already done as you ordered one year ago.

I have used another identity to buy this funeral hall.

Using reconstruction as an excuse, underpasses and secret rooms were created.

Other than me, no one knows.

You have suffered here in such an unvirtuous place.

After this is finished,

I will use Hulan’s most esteemed ceremony reserved to receive a goddess

to welcome you home.

Thank you, Master.

I am willing to risk any danger to do my duty.

Let’s go.

Greetings, Master. I have already prepared the carriage.

Please, Master.

You have done well.

Go on back.

Thank you, Master.

What? You are saying...?

This is the medicine that Prince makes Princess Consort drink every day.

I had served the Grand Elder Princess in the palace since I was young.

I went with her as she was married off. I know about everything.

I was educated in many areas in the palace.

At the imperial physician hall, I have also learned a lot.

There is a herb in this medicine that is rare.

I also only smelled it

a few times many years ago.

It was a long time ago,

so I was careless.

I can’t believe I let Princess Consort take this for months.

I have also been educated in many areas since I was young.

The medicinal and poisonous herbs are mixed together here.

I am also an outstanding talent of all trades,

but I indeed cannot sense anything strange about this medicine.

Exactly.

The person who prescribed this medicine is very careful.

The amount used is very little.

I also had to mix ten days worth of medicine

and ask a famous physician to investigate the medicine

to prove my speculations.

If this medicine is taken for a long period of time,

even a little becomes a lot over the days.

It will for sure cause harm to Princess Consort’s health.

I am afraid it’ll be hard for her to conceive.

So cruel.

To women, not having children

makes their lives hard in their home.

Even if it is Princess Consort, she is not exempt.

This matter involves Prince.

As you said,

he has always been seemingly affectionate towards Her Highness.

At this moment, I cannot determine how much he knows of this matter.

If he doesn’t know, then all right.

But if it was his decision, just think,

this Prince Yuzhang manor is just like a tiger’s den to Her Highness.

Then what if Princess Consort doesn’t know and continues to take this medicine?

Don’t worry.

I have already taken over the tasks of decocting and delivering the medicine every day.

I have changed the medicine.

So now Her Highness is really taking tonic medicine every day.

So that is the case.

Senior Maidservant Xu.

Coming to find me, what do you want me to do?

I want you to investigate His Highness.

[Huming Country Manor]

Please.

This way, please.

Who is it that wants to see me?

So mysterious.

Could it be...?

Empress.

Prince of Hulan really is not ordinary.

I thought that when you saw me, you would be at least a little surprised.

You are so unexpectedly calm.

Don’t make fun of me, Empress.

I have drunk too much alcohol lately.

My brain doesn’t work well.

Or else, I would have guessed long ago

that the person who asked me here is Your Majesty.

Frankly, in the Great Cheng of the past,

both the Wang and Xie families not only lived luxuriously but also met as equals.

But now,

I am afraid that the Xie family is no longer glorious.

Only Your Majesty is a match for the Wang family.

Inviting me to meet alone

here at this moment in time,

I’m afraid the only person who would dare do that

is only Your Majesty.

You flatter me, Prince of Hulan.

You and I have no need to be so polite.

Why have you asked me to come? Please speak frankly.

All right. Then I shall speak frankly.

Prince of Hulan,

haven’t you always wanted Xiao Qi’s head?

Everyone knows that.

What a coincidence.

What I want

is the same as you.

Speaking of that,

I remember something.

I don’t know if I should tell Princess Consort.

What is it?

The Prime Minister has passed away.

Master is dead?

Is this news true?

When was this?

In the end, Prime Minister is still the patriarch of the Wang Clan.

A few branches of Covert Guard from the Wang Clan secretly went to the northern border to protect him.

They sent the news from the northern border. There wouldn’t be any mistake.

I am sure the palace has already received this news.

I just don’t know why no one is talking about it.

I had wanted to tell Princess Consort but was stopped by His Highness.

Prince also knows of this.

No matter if Prince Yuzhang has selfish motives or not,

him stopping you was right.

During these past two years, there have been many changes.

Princess Consort lost her child and mother.

Her heart is very heavy.

She indeed can’t know of another death so close and dear to her.

Then it looks like Xiao Qi has also offended Your Majesty.

“A man’s wealth is his own ruin by causing other’s greed.”

You should already know that I’m pregnant with an imperial child.

My child will certainly inherit the throne.

Prince Yuzhang holds military power and governs in court.

He is a great threat to my child.

Not to mention, as you know,

my Xie family and the Wang family have never gotten along.

No matter what, Prince Yuzhang is the son-in-law of the Wang Clan.

With him, how will my Xie family rise again?

I’m afraid that is not the whole truth, right?

Why did I hear that the person who was supposed to marry Prince Yuzhang was Your Majesty?

What do you mean by that?

I came with sincerity.

If you don’t wish to join hands, then let’s part ways.

Empress, Empress.

I just heard some rumors and was curious, that’s all.

Why are you taking it so seriously?

In your Great Cheng, there is the saying,

“The enemy of one’s enemy is one’s ally.”

Now it looks like we can be considered friends.

Then what you mean is...

you agree to join hands?

It would be my pleasure.

Senior Maidservant Xu! Senior Maidservant Xu!

I think I have been here too long.

Princess Consort must be a bit anxious since she cannot find me.

I will be leaving now.

I hope you won’t betray my trust

and will investigate the truth.

If this Prince Yuzhang really wants to harm Princess Consort,

then I would rather sacrifice my life to drag him to death with me

than let anyone harm Her Highness.

Rest assured, Senior Maidservant Xu.

I want to protect Princess Consort as much as you.

Even if I must be torn to pieces, I won’t hesitate.

Senior Maidservant Xu, where have you been?

I sent people to look for you everywhere.

It was cold in the afternoon so I drank some wine to warm up.

I did not think I would be asleep until now.

I also didn’t hear the maid’s calls.

I have worried you, Princess Consort.

Princess Consort, I have already finished decocting today’s medicine.

I will go bring it now.

Maidservant Xu,

we haven’t enjoyed a diversion in a long time.

Let’s have a walk in the garden.

Okay.

Okay.

Since we have already formed an alliance, then let’s feel free to reveal our plans to each other.

What plan do you have to bring Prince Yuzhang down?

Coming here this time, I am naturally prepared.

It’s just that it is not the right time, yet.

When the time has come, I will certainly make it clear to Your Majesty.

Right now, you only need to be clear of one thing.

You must not let the emperor send Xiao Qi to the frontier again.

If we want his head at that time, it’ll be hard.

Don’t worry Prince, let me take care of that.

The emperor has been a person with many suspicions to begin with.

I just need to have some more pillow talk with him

and he won’t let the tiger return to the mountain easily. (T/N: return to a territory one is very familiar with and has advantage in)

Also, I have hidden a spy at Prince Yuzhang’s manor

who has Princess Consort’s trust.

If you need anything, we can use that person at any time.

Your Majesty is formidable.

You and I joining hands will guarantee success.

I propose a toast to you.

I hope that you and I fulfill our wishes soon.

I heard someone say that our loved ones who have passed away will become stars.

From the sky, they will look over those they miss.

In this sky full of stars,

I wonder which would be Mother.

Princess Consort, I think the brightest one

must be Grand Elder Princess.

She must be watching over you at all times.

I have served by Grand Elder Princess’s side since I entered the palace at 12 years old.

I watched her, a young lady, become someone’s wife

and someone’s mother.

However, in the end, she...

Princess Consort, if Grand Elder Princess hadn’t told me many times

that you were the person she worried about most,

I may have gone with her

so she wouldn’t be alone in the netherworld.

Senior Maidservant Xu, I won’t allow you to say such outrageous things.

Mother has already passed away.

To me, you are a loved one, like a mother.

During this time, when you talk to me, you seem hesitant.

You have so much uneasiness and concerns.

I have noticed all that.

Princess Consort, I...

I am not hiding anything from you.

Please rest assured, Princess Consort.

As long as I’m here, I will protect you.

Princess Consort.

It is cold out here.

Let’s hurry inside, all right?

Buy lanterns!

Stop looking around. Let’s go.

What are you looking at?

Princess Consort.

Caiwei?

Greetings, Princess Consort Yuzhang and Prince Yuzhang.

I haven’t seen you in a long time.

I am fortunate to be remembered by Your Highness.

I will take my leave now.

The Gu family’s eldest daughter, Gu Caiwei;

is the person to whom the emperor is going to confer an imperial title.

Caiwei!

Hulan Envoy has arrived!

This Great Cheng really is filled with beauties.

Every single one of them is beautiful and full of life.

It really tickles one’s heart.

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

So suitable, as if it was made just for you.

Thank you Princess Consort for saving me from embarrassment.

Let’s go. It’s about to begin.

Your Highness!

I know.

Princess Consort, I have a question that I’m not sure if I can ask.

Come.

When you married Prince Yuzhang, were you ever forced?

Were you willing?

Of course I was not willing.

I am also very unwilling.

Women of the gentry seem to stand high above the masses,

but often become their family’s pawns.

No matter who, they cannot escape fate.

It will be a long journey through the wasteland to Hulan.

Princess Consort, I am really afraid.

I am afraid that I will not return after going there.

I’m afraid that there will be no shortages of bumps in the road.

But nothing in this world is permanent.

Maybe, it is not as bad as we think.

Caiwei, you cannot be afraid.

There is hope only if you face it courageously.

I understand now.

Thank you, Princess Consort.

♫ 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 ♫