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 39]

To others, the daughters of noble families seem to be aloof and remote,

but more often than not, they end up becoming pawns for their families’ gain.

It does not matter who you are.

You cannot escape from the plans fate has installed for you.

The journey to Hulan is far and the region is desolate.

Your Highness, I am so frightened.

I’m afraid that if I leave, I can never return.

Unfortunately, this path will lead to a rough life.

But the affairs of the world are inconstant.

It might not be as terrible as we are expecting them to be.

Caiwei, you must not be afraid.

You can only have hope if you face the situation bravely.

I understand.

Thank you very much, Your Highness.

- Greetings, Empress. - You may rise.

A’Wu, I haven’t seen you in such a long time.

That’s right. We haven’t seen each other in ages.

My health has been deficient and I have been unable to wait upon you. I have been recuperating outside the capital.

When I returned, I was not able to pay my respects to Your Majesty in time.

It’s the thought that counts.

A’Wu,

I thought you were distancing yourself from me.

I’ve been reminiscing about the past lately.

Those were some great times we spent together.

Now, we’ve both gotten married.

I’ve become the empress and you’ve become a princess consort.

But we must try to visit each other more often, all right?

Yes.

I will fix a date and come to pay my respects to Your Majesty at Zhaoyang Hall.

That’s all right.

Perhaps it’s due to my pregnancy,

but I’ve inevitably been feeling melancholy and moody lately.

You should head in quickly.

I’m afraid Helan Zhen’s motives for arriving in Great Cheng

are not as simple as they seem.

- A’Wu! - Older Brother.

Prince Yuzhang.

This is Minister Gu’s younger sister, Gu Caiwei.

It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Caiwei, you’d better head to the banquet now.

Mother, look.

She’s behaving in an amicable manner with an outsider. She’s pretending to be so refined.

I told you,

but it went in one ear and out the other.

Where did you go for so long?

I only went to change my clothes.

His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has arrived!

Emperor, Empress Dowager, Empress are entering!

We respectfully welcome His Imperial Majesty the Emperor!

Empress Dowager.

Everyone, you may now rise.

Thanking, Your Majesty.

Today is an auspicious occasion.

I have gathered

all my beloved subjects here.

In order to hold a welcome reception for the Prince of Hulan, our esteemed guest, who has traveled from afar.

In just a moment, I will be making a few important announcements.

You may consider it as two happy events occurring one after the other.

Here.

Ladies and gentlemen,

let us partake of this cup together first!

Your Imperial Majesty the Emperor, thank you for granting us this favor.

Emperor, It’s all prepared.

Today, all the daughters from the various noble families of Great Cheng are gathered here.

These beauties all excel in the Four Confucian Virtues. (Ethics, speech, comportment, and chastity before marriage)

They are willing to display their talents at this feast.

This will also allow the Prince of Hulan

to appreciate the talent of these noble ladies of Great Cheng.

Servant! Bring out the inscribed bamboo sticks. (Used for divination and random selections)

[Dance]

We request the presence of Wang Qian of the Wang Clan of Langya.

I, Wang Qian of the Wang Clan of Langya,

will perform a dance for His Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress.

This dance Qian’er performed

reminded me of Princess Consort Yuzhang’s posture and movement.

Qian’er’s charm and grace are quite similar to hers.

They say Princess Shangyang’s dance posture and movements are well-known throughout the realm.

Yet I, your husband, have never seen them.

We’ll just have to see how well-behaved you are, then.

If you’re able to catch me in a good mood one day, I just might dance to a tune for you.

[Paint]

Miss Caiwei from the Gu family. The theme is, “On the other side of the riverbank.” (Referring to a line from the poem “Rush Leaves”)

Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress.

I, Gu Caiwei from the Gu Family of the Wu Commandery, will present a painting to Your Majesties.

[On the Other Side of the Riverbank]

[On the Other Side of the Riverbank. Artist: Gu Caiwei.]

Beloved subjects, I have an important announcement to make

amidst this cheerful atmosphere.

This time, the Prince of Hulan is visiting Great Cheng

in the hopes that an alliance by marriage may be formed.

He has requested that a princess’s hand be given in marriage.

I have decided to confer–

Your Majesty.

Prince of Hulan, please speak.

I would like to request

for a daughter from the Wang Clan to conclude the marriage alliance between our two nations.

A daughter of the Wang Clan?

Your Majesty, unfortunately, there is only one other daughter from the Wang Clan present here,

apart from the Princess Consort Yuzhang.

My Emperor,

- this matter– - Your Majesty the Emperor.

On behalf of Hulan, I, Helan Zhen,

earnestly request His Majesty the Emperor of Great Cheng to confer the title of “Princess” upon the daughter of the Wang Clan,

so that a marriage alliance between our nations may take place.

As a token of his sincerity, the King of Hulan,

has promised to withdraw his troops 100 li back.

From today onward, there will be a ceasefire.

Your Majesty the Emperor, I entreat you to consider this matter very carefully.

Your request is granted!

Qian’er...

It won’t happen... Qian’er...

It won’t happen, Qian’er. It won’t happen...

Qian’er... I won’t let you go...

Such an unforeseen incident happened tonight.

Caiwei has just dodged a calamity;

however, Qian’er on the other hand... She’ll have to move away to Hulan now.

Helan Zhen has trapped the emperor into an unbreakable vow.

I’m afraid the outcome of this matter cannot be altered anymore.

Why do I have this feeling that Qian’er got implicated because of me?

Helan Zhen’s attack was supposed to be directed at me.

He’s clearly indicating he wants a daughter from the Wang Clan, but his intentions are unfathomable.

Your Wang Clan is the greatest and most noble family in all of Great Cheng.

It is only logical for Hulan to want a marriage alliance with a daughter from the Wang Clan.

Qian’er is defiant and unreasonable.

Unfortunately, even if she married into the palace, she would only inevitably stir up trouble.

Empress Dowager Aunt! It is I, Qian’er.

Please save me, Empress Dowager Aunt!

Empress Dowager Aunt! I do not wish to go to Hulan!

Miss Qian’er, i-it’s very late already. Empress Dowager has gone to bed.

You may return here tomorrow if you still wish to speak to her.

No. That won’t do!

- I must see Aunt tonight! - Qian’er.

- Miss... - Don’t hold me back!

I must see Aunt tonight! Don’t hold me back!

Let me enter!

All this noisy shouting is giving me a headache.

Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, what should we do about her?

What else can I do?

His Majesty has already given his verbal affirmation

in the Great Hall in front of everyone.

It’s not as if I can get in the way.

Forget it. If I have to part with her then I will.

Go outside and talk to them. Tell them to leave.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Senior Maidservant Xu, why have you come?

I came to see if the medicine has boiled yet.

It’ll boil soon. Don’t worry.

I’ve been keeping a constant watch over it.

These medicinal herbs are for the princess consort.

- You must store them properly. - Yes.

By the way, the prince and princess consort should be returning from the feast soon.

The weather is chilly at night and Her Highness has a weak constitution.

Go and take some clothes and wait by the main entrance.

I’ll keep an eye on the medicine.

All right, Senior Maidservant Xu.

You all missed the expression on Empress Dowager’s face!

I almost wanted to get the court painter to come and paint it for me.

This time, Empress Dowager has crushed her own foot while trying to maneuver a rock. (Idiom – going to the cliff edge to drop a rock on one’s enemy)

Precisely.

This Helan Zhen turned out to be my lucky star.

He only just arrived in the capital, yet he’s already helped me eradicate a possible terrible calamity.

Wang Qian may not be an outstanding person,

but I cannot endure the fact that she has Empress Dowager and the entire Wang Clan backing her.

Now, she has become some unknown and undescribable princess

and has to marry and go all the way to Hulan.

Empress Dowager went through so much trouble,

but she never thought she’d be the cat’s paw for Helan Zhen. (Idiom – do the dirty work of another )

How interesting.

This servant greets Your Majesty the Emperor.

You all can take your leave. It is sufficient with just me being here.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Empress Mother.

Empress Mother.

Empress Mother, things are already as they are.

Don’t be angry at me anymore.

You are already the Son of Heaven.

Your wings are full-fledged. (Grownup and independent)

You can make all decisions on your own.

You still care whether or not I’m angry?

Empress Mother...

Enough, enough. If anyone sees they will mock us.

How can the emperor do this kind of thing?

In front of Empress Mother, there is no emperor.

I’ll always be your son.

You...

You’re just a sweet talker. You know how to coax me into being happy.

Fine.

Tonight’s issue cannot be blamed on you.

It’s just a shame.

I sent someone all the way to Langya to pick an imperial consort for you.

I understand Empress Mother’s painstaking effort.

I thought Hulan was definitely going to choose Gu Caiwei from the Gu Clan.

Her behavior, appearance, and talent

are all highly refined.

But I never thought,

this Helan Zhen would actually openly request a marriage alliance with a daughter of the Wang Clan in the Great Hall.

However, if we can let go of an intended imperial consort from the Wang Clan

and give her to Hulan, we’d be beating swords into plowshares. (Ceasing hostilities to negotiate for peace)

You and I will just have to grin and bear it and give in on this matter.

Empress Mother is indeed still the brilliant one.

You understand my thoughts the best.

You have been diligently handling government matters these past few days

and have made much progress.

But there’s one thing

you must promise me in the end.

At present, the Wang Clan has become a tangled mess.

All I have to do is apply a little force from the sidelines,

and internal strife will be achieved.

That way, it will be of great benefit to

me and the Xie family.

If the late Noble Consort Xie had been as quick-witted as Your Majesty,

she and the Prince of Anping wouldn’t–

w-wouldn’t have landed in such a sorry state.

Zitan only has himself to blame for his own predicament.

Unfortunately, my aunt was sentimental and full of sorrow.

She lived in the palace for so long, yet she failed to understand this one fact.

No matter what position you hold in the harem,

only a tragic end

awaits those who fall in love.

Qian’er was not fated to be your imperial consort,

but I will continue to search for a suitable daughter

from the Wang Clan who is delicate and beautiful.

In the future, if Xie Wanru produces a princess then that’s fine, too.

But if she produces a prince, he must never be conferred as Crown Prince.

Empress Mother! Wanru is the empress after all!

My Emperor, you are only half right.

She is...

the empress for now.

- Heir Apparent. - What is going on? - You’ve finally returned.

Your cousin has been attempting suicide and says she is tired of living.

The maids and Madam Xue have prevented her from doing so multiple times already.

She cannot be let out of anyone’s sight.

Quickly, you should go and check on her.

Heir Apparent! Heir Apparent! Aren’t you going to look in on her?

What good will that do?

Back then, I wished with all my heart to change A’Wu’s fate.

But she still got married in the end, didn’t she?

Even I am not in control of my own destiny.

How am I qualified to save someone else?

Senior Maidservant Xu, His Highness has ordered me to send the medicine over.

It should be ready by now.

If it continues to boil, it will become burnt.

Don’t you think I’d know if the medicine was burnt?

How about this. You head over first.

I will deliver the medicine myself in a moment.

But...

Do you think I would dare harm Her Highness?

That’s not it, that’s not it. Senior Maidservant Xu, you are closest to Her Highness.

Since that is the case, I will go and report back to them first.

Even though I dislike Qian’er,

I still can’t bear to see her being married off in that way.

It felt like I had stepped through time and I was looking at my past self.

Are the daughters of the Wang Clan

only capable of being reduced to sacrificial lambs for the good of the realm?

But how can I help her?

Open the door! I want to see the princess consort!

I want to see the princess consort! Open the door!

Don’t hold me back! I will take responsibility for my actions! It’s a matter of life and death!

- If something happens to Qian’er, who is going to bear the blame? - Madam Xue. - Move aside.

- The princess consort is still sleeping, you cannot go in. - I want to see the princess consort!

- Madam Xue. - I want to see the princess consort! Move aside, all of you!

- I want to see the princess consort! - Madam Xue.

- I want to see the princess consort! - Her Highness is still sleeping!

- Don’t hold me back. - Madam Xue!

- Fine. - Please, wait.

I will speak right here then!

I believe... I believe she will be able to hear me.

Your husband is Prince Yuzhang.

The empress dowager and the emperor respect you and dote on you the most!

If Your Highness and Prince were to plead with the emperor,

I’m sure this situation could be turned around!

Your Highness! I’m begging you!

- Don’t say anymore. - Please be quieter.

Madam Xue, please do not continue.

Madam Xue, perhaps you could come another day– Madam Xue!

- Madam Xue! - Your Highness,

if you don’t agree to this, I will remain kneeling and never get up!

Madam Xue... Stand up and speak, Madam Xue.

Madam Xue!

Please, get up first. Madam Xue...

My husband has long left this earth.

My son died in battle.

My daughter Qian’er is all I have left.

If she were to meet with an unexpected death,

I wouldn’t want to live anymore!

I wouldn’t want to live anymore...

I’m begging you to save her on the dearly departed Elder Grand Princess’s account.

Take pity on me...

Take pity

on this lonely and helpless widow.

No one is allowed to snatch my daughter away,

or I will die before their very eyes!

[Taiji Hall]

What verdict did the High Court pass?

Xie Shouzheng knows someone is protecting him. He is secure in the knowledge that he has someone’s backing.

Then we’ll start turning our hands to those parasites who hang around the Xie clansmen.

I don’t believe they’re also made of iron!

Yes, Your Highness.

I want you to accompany me to the High Court again tomorrow.

They wailed like ghosts and howled like wolves for so long last night.

I kept having recurring nightmares the entire night.

If I don’t have a good rest, my headache comes back and I start feeling dizzy.

Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, please have your breakfast.

Forget it. I don’t have any appetite.

I’m not eating.

Someone from the prime minister’s manor came by in the morning and...

This servant has spoken out of turn. Someone from the Wang Manor came by and said that

Miss Qian’er made a huge racket all night long.

She kept crying and making a fuss.

She even said she wanted to hang herself.

First, she starts crying, then she makes a fuss, and now she threatens to hang herself?

She has none of the graceful bearings of a female from the Wang Clan.

Yes.

She’s as different from A’Wu as the earth is from the sky.

Princess Consort Yuzhang has been raised by you ever since she was a child.

Naturally, no one else compares to her phoenix-like appearance.

Initially, I hoped using Wang Qian would only be like drawing a tiger using a cat as a model. (Idiom – an uninspired imitation)

If she was half or even three-tenths of what A’Wu is, then perhaps she would pass muster,

but who could have foreseen such a misfortune as this?

As things stand, all I can do is push her way beyond her ability.

Your Majesty, I heard Princess Consort Yuzhang entered the palace this morning.

Even she cannot avoid it. I’m sure she’s here because of this matter.

How are the preparations going

in regards to conferring a daughter of the Langya Wang Clan as princess?

Your Majesty, the Board of Astronomy is choosing an auspicious date for the conferment as we speak.

The vehicles, horses, and dowry have already been prepared. It’s only...

Your Majesty, Princess Consort Yuzhang is requesting an audience.

- Have her come in. - Yes, Your Majesty.

A’Wu, have a seat.

I often feel you’re still that sparkling and quick-witted young girl

who followed us around every day and always had a crafty expression on her face.

You’d come to the imperial study often and we’d squabble back and forth.

And now, you and I are still seated here.

Our circumstances have changed drastically.

I know you’re here

because of Wang Qian’s marriage alliance.

You want to beg me to rescind my order.

Am I correct?

Older Brother Zilong, I know you won’t change your mind

even if I open my mouth.

You are right.

I cannot grant you your request in this matter.

You are becoming more and more like the Son of Heaven.

Is that so?

If this were the past, I would’ve definitely agreed

without hesitating one bit.

Because at the time, I was simply

a crown prince who behaved unscrupulously

and hid behind his parents’ backs.

But today, I am the Son of Heaven.

I made myself a vow the day I ascended the throne.

I told myself I must be a good emperor.

A’Wu,

if I go back on my word, at best, the contract of the alliance will become invalidated.

At worst, both of our nations will become hostile again toward each other

which will trigger an even more intense war.

A’Wu, this is why I will not agree to your request.

I understand.

You made the right decision.

Thank you.

Su Jin’er!

Someone wishes to see you.

Jin’er greets you, Empress.

- All of you may be dismissed first. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Su Jin’er.

You may rise.

Empress,

how is the Prince of Anping getting by at the Imperial Mausoleum?

Has he written at all?

He’s the stately Prince of Anping, yet he has to suffer and keep watch over the Imperial Mausoleum.

He’s not even allowed to remain in the capital.

How could you possibly think

that Zitan would be well?

Zitan is my younger cousin. And you... adore him with all your heart.

Amongst all the people in the capital and in the palace,

I’m afraid we’re the only ones who sincerely wish for his return.

As for that time when Zitan dashed ahead regardless of his safety

and risked his life to block a sword for that woman.

That same woman is now in another man’s arms; laughing with him and catering to him.

I’m rather looking forward to Zitan never returning to this place.

I am willing to pay any price as long as the Prince of Anping can return safely from the Imperial Mausoleum

and be restored to his former glory. I will risk life and limb for that to happen.

And what would I do with your life?

But if...

I were to ask for Wang Xuan’s life...

The princess consort’s life?

What’s the matter?

Look at how frightened you are.

I thought you said you were willing to pay any price.

Forget it. I was only testing your determination.

Who would actually want Wang Xuan’s death?

It seems to me your declaration of “risking life and limb” is but nothing at all.

You may return. I don’t need you anymore.

Empress, I have been an orphan since I was little.

The most important person in my entire existence is the Prince of Anping.

I am willing to give everything up for him...

Everything including Her Highness’s life.

Let’s hurry. We must take advantage of Mother’s absence and enter the palace.

Miss, you mustn’t be impulsive when you meet the empress dowager later.

The empress dowager?

If there was any use in going to the empress dowager for help, Older Brother wouldn’t have died at the frontier.

She tricked me into coming all the way here from Langya.

Never mind that I won’t become an imperial consort,

but I’m actually going to be dispatched to Hulan!

Miss, you mustn’t be overheard by others.

In any case, I’m going to have to get married in Hulan.

When that time comes, the empress dowager will be as far away as the sky and no one will be able to touch me. (One may do whatever one pleases without fear of interference)

Then... since we’re not pleading with the empress dowager for help, why are we entering the palace?

- We are going to visit the empress. - The empress?

The empress and I hit it off well and we became familiar at first sight.

She’s so much better than that clan older sister, Wang Xuan, and the empress dowager.

They say “pillow talk” is the most effective.

Besides, the empress is now pregnant and the emperor takes advice from her.

If she can help me out on account of our past friendship, that will be a very good outcome indeed.

Let’s hurry.

[Zhaoyang Hall]

If Su Jin’er had not said anything, I wouldn’t have thought of it by any other possible means.

I initially thought Wang Xuan was simply unfortunate and could not have any children,

but it turns out Prince Yuzhang has been poisoning his own princess consort day by day.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I never thought that was possible.

Prince Yuzhang is an extremely thorough and deep thinker.

He could not decide if marrying a daughter of the Wang Clan was a blessing or a misfortune,

so he decided to be on his guard instead. That is logical of him.

Who is outside weeping and wailing endlessly?

Replying to Your Majesty. It’s... Miss Qian’er. She requests an audience with Your Majesty.

Let her come in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

These people from the Wang family are so troublesome! And they keep causing trouble when we are busy.

- You are dismissed. - Yes, Your Majesty.

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

Empress, I beg you to think of a plan to save Qian’er.

Younger Sister, what happened to you? Quickly come. Come here, let Older Sister see.

Quick, come here. Let me take a look at you.

Younger Sister, I haven’t seen you in a few days. How come you are like this?

How did you become so haggard?

I never thought you’d be living such a tough life.

It pains me to see you like this.

Older Sister, since you feel sorry for me,

Please figure out a way to save me.

I do not wish to marry away to Hulan.

Good Younger Sister, don’t cry. Good Younger Sister.

Younger Sister, I tossed and turned in bed all night long and could not sleep.

It was because I was anxious for your sake.

I actually managed to think of a plan in the deep of the night.

What plan? Please tell me.

Are you saying Wang Qian entered the palace and did not go to Yong’an Palace,

but went directly to Zhaoyang Hall?

Replying to Empress Dowager. That is exactly what happened.

Good.

Very good.

She is impossibly stupid.

Did she actually believe that a Xie would sincerely help a daughter of the Wang Clan?

Empress Dowager, you are absolutely right.

Lady Xue is quite the schemer, it would seem. How could she have given birth to a daughter such as her?

Your Majesty is absolutely right.

Then... if Wang Qian comes to Yong’an Palace again...

Throw her out.

♫ 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 ♫