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 43]

What does this mean?

Don’t tell me you’re going to tell His Majesty to revoke the imperial decree?

How can it be that easy?

An imperial decree cannot be violated.

I was just thinking about having to manage the flood crisis in Jiangnan.

It’s all right if I succeed.

But if I fail, then I’m afraid our Wang clan

will lose its foothold in Great Cheng.

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

“Dredge the river channel by following the hill’s course... (From the “Tribute of Yu,” a sectional chapter in the “Book of Documents”)

He determined

this reversal will form the Ni riverbanks before it enters the Bohai Sea...

However, it is difficult trying to get the manpower force–”

Stop reading.

I respected you deeply back then.

You were only a youngster,

but you gladly let go of your brocade garments and jade meals (Idiom – a life of luxury)

and willingly went to eat in the wind and sleep in the dew. (Idiom – to endure the hardships of arduous fieldwork)

You were willing to risk your life

because you wanted the people and our nation to be free from worry.

I remember

the day when you and Uncle returned home from Jiangnan.

Lanterns were lit up every night and you consumed volumes upon volumes of books.

And you also... left early but returned home late.

You went to inspect its hydrology and survey its geology

because you were researching about how to come up with a plan for regulating the rivers and water channels.

Are you saying that this Older Brother of today

is not worth your deep respect anymore?

That’s not it.

Older Brother,

I’ve always had confidence in you.

Mother as well.

I heard her say this with my own ears.

“My son will never fail in whatever he chooses to do,

as long as he is diligent.”

It does not matter how long you will be gone.

It could be a year or two years.

I will be here in the capital

waiting for your return

with a jug of excellent wine.

I promise you this.

Wait for me to return in triumph,

so we can drink the excellent wine you’ve prepared.

The meeting location has been changed to Prince Jiangxia’s manor.

Go to the kitchen and get me a bowl of bird’s nest soup.

Also, go and boil some hot water.

Miss will be taking a bath in a moment.

- Yes, Madam. - Yes, Madam.

Qian’er. Qian’er!

Mother?

Quickly, quickly.

Your opportunity has arrived.

Please make yourself clear, Mother.

Wang Xuan went out very early in the morning.

She’s gone back to Prince Jiangxia’s manor

and will not be back until after dinner.

You must conclude this business today.

Otherwise, His Majesty’s edict will soon be upon us

and what will you do then?

What if he refuses to take the bait again?

This time, we must break the cauldrons and sink the boats. (Idiom – to cut off one’s means of retreat)

He must not be allowed any way to escape.

Your Highness, we’d originally agreed on the deer park,

so why have you allowed that woman to lead you by the nose into changing the meeting place?

When has it been your job to meddle in my business?

I would not dare.

I didn’t expect the Prince of Hulan to be this early.

Excuse me for not coming out to meet you. Forgive me for my impropriety.

You are being overly courteous, Prince Jiangxia.

It is I who was impatient and arrived early.

Prince of Hulan, please have a seat

before you speak.

I seem to remember that Princess Consort Yuzhang was the one who suddenly changed the meeting location.

Is there anything you wish to tell me?

Since you have already come, then I will thank His Highness for his magnanimity.

It’s too soon to thank me.

I remember what I said was...

If Her Highness did her best to accomplish her duties as a hostess

to make me happy,

then perhaps... I might change my mind.

The view from Wuyi Alley is excellent.

The garden view in the Wang residence is renowned throughout the capital.

Not only is this garden well-known throughout the capital,

it is also uniquely famous for its fine liquor and beautiful women.

Your Highness certainly will not be disappointed.

I came here at Princess Consort Yuzhang’s invitation.

Your Highness, I wonder if you could take me for a stroll around the garden?

There’s no need to trouble her.

- I will personally take you– - It’d be best if I took him with me.

Come with me.

If your father and older brother were still here,

you wouldn’t have to suffer such indignity.

Mother, please do not be sad anymore.

At this point,

nothing is better

than being able to remain in the capital.

Since Prince Yuzhang is capable of poisoning even his own princess consort,

perhaps this indignity I’m to suffer won’t count as anything after all.

Were you certain I would come today?

No, I wasn’t.

Weren’t you worried?

Of course, I was.

So... you were taking a gamble?

Fixing this meeting with Your Highness was a gamble in and of itself.

I took a gamble on the mercy you might grant

and I took that gamble hoping for a fortunate outcome for Qian’er.

Then, do you know why I came?

This might be the last time I see you

before I leave Great Cheng.

Prince of Hulan, please conduct yourself with dignity.

I am the Princess Consort of Yuzhang.

All right, Princess Consort Yuzhang. Let me ask you this.

How well do you know your husband?

Has he ever spoken to you about his past?

I am the Princess Consort of Yuzhang.

Of course, I would know my husband’s past like the back of my hand.

I’m sorry you went through all that trouble.

Then it looks like I was the one who was being meddlesome.

- A’Wu, is this the place you grew up in? - “A’Wu”?

Prince of Hulan, unfortunately, you’ve forgotten what I’ve already told you before.

Allow me to rephrase the question.

Princess Consort Yuzhang, is this the place you grew up in?

Actually, Princess Consort, you need not overthink things unnecessarily.

I already told you.

All I want is to have a good talk with my dear friend for a day.

Half a day is acceptable as well.

Yes.

This manor and the imperial palace was where I used to live before I got married

and these places contain many beautiful memories of the past.

Beautiful memories of the past?

I have beautiful memories from the past as well.

See?

It’s a pity...

because this was all thanks to you and that husband of yours and I can’t return to my beautiful past anymore.

Princess Consort, do you like sky lanterns?

I was reminded of a sky lantern I released into the sky ages ago.

Your Highness is most certainly a sentimental person.

Could Your Highness have been reminded of the northern goshawk kite

from the first time we got to know each other in Huizhou at the Thousand Lantern Festival?

“Got to know each other”?

Prince of Hulan, I believe you are using the incorrect terms.

I am not a citizen of Great Cheng,

so I do not know how to express myself using your terms. Princess Consort, why don’t you teach me?

Princess Consort. Prince of Hulan. The feast has been prepared.

Please take your seats.

Prince of Hulan, please.

After you, Princess Consort Yuzhang.

Hurry, hurry.

There are two soldiers guarding the stairway.

Go and hide first.

I will lure them away, then you can slip inside quietly.

All right.

Go and hide first.

My leg! My leg!

Madam, this is a restricted area. What are you doing here?

I have no idea either. I’ve only been in the manor for a few days.

How would I know this was a restricted area?

This is a restricted area. Madam, you must leave immediately.

My leg hurts so much!

I can’t even stand up.

Why don’t the two of you help me return to my quarters?

Take me by the arms and assist me.

Help me up. Oh, my leg.

Prince of Hulan, this is a wine that has been aged for 18 years.

Let me give a toast to you.

The cup is too small. It would be meaningless to drink out of it.

Bottoms up, Prince Jiangxia.

Then I will use the jug as well.

Prince of Hulan, to be quite honest,

I have a favor to ask of you.

Qian’er is my younger cousin.

She’s been pampered and spoiled since childhood.

I’m afraid it’ll be difficult for her to adjust to life in Hulan.

Why would it be difficult for her to adjust to life there?

Is it because Hulan is dreadful? Or is it because you despise Hulan?

Prince of Hulan, you are overthinking it. I assure you, that is not what I mean.

Prince of Hulan, you’ve only been in the capital for a few days.

There are many beauties in the capital who are much more beautiful than Qian’er.

In my opinion, only one woman... is the most beautiful of all.

Fine. I’ll just be direct with you.

In any case, your imperial brother has never seen Qian’er before.

You can say the lady chosen is whoever you want her to be.

Can’t you choose another lady from the capital so that Qian’er doesn’t have to leave?

Don’t worry. If you help me with this matter, you will be generously rewarded expressing my thanks.

Wang’an.

Prince of Hulan, please take a look.

Well? Have any of them caught your eye?

I would like Princess Consort Yuzhang to dance for me.

Is that all right?

Helan Zhen!

Stop, all of you!

We, siblings, have treated you very well.

You have refused a toast only to drink a forfeit! (Idiom – to submit to another’s pressure after first turning down his request)

Wang’an, send the guests out!

This is not the way the Wang clan treats their guests.

Helan Zhen, if you truly treat me as your friend,

then you shouldn’t behave in such a disrespectful manner.

Why shouldn’t I?

In Hulan, dancing for one’s friend is a sign of friendship.

Since that is the case, please take your seat.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, you have returned.

Where is the princess consort?

The princess consort has gone to Prince JIangxia’s manor. She said she will return after dinner.

Your Highness, will you be taking your dinner soon?

- No. Where’s the imperial physician? - He has already arrived and has been waiting for a long time.

Please.

Madam.

Madam.

The servants are here to serve you dinner.

You may leave it over there.

Have the prince and princess consort returned to the manor yet?

Replying to Madam Xue. His Highness has just returned. Her Highness has not returned yet.

Where did His Highness go after his return?

Replying to Madam Xue. These days, His Highness heads straight to his study after returning home.

He is there in the night as well.

I understand. You are dismissed.

- Yes, Madam. - Yes, Madam.

Imperial Physician Shen.

This old and worthless one is present.

The princess consort has been taking her medicine for quite some time now. Is she getting better?

This...

Forgive this old and worthless one for being incompetent.

Your Highness is aware

that after the princess consort suffered the miscarriage, she also suffered a blood disorder and almost died.

Even though the physicians from Imperial Physician Hall used all their effort in treating her, she only survived through sheer luck.

Her Highness’s illness still isn’t completely cured.

If she were to become pregnant again, I’m afraid it will be impossible to keep the child.

If she were to suffer another miscarriage, that would be a fatal end for her.

Your Highness,

this old and worthless one has never met a man as good as yourself in my entire life.

You know full well how serious Her Highness’s medical condition is,

yet you proclaimed to the world that you would only have one wife in this lifetime.

Your Highness forces a smile every day

while coaxing Her Highness to drink the infertility tonic so she can stay alive.

Your Highness, are you truly going to keep this from Her Highness for the rest of your lives?

Even if Her Highness–

What else am I supposed to do?

I can’t possibly continue giving her this infertility concoction forever, can I?

You’re right, Your Highness.

Be rest assured, Your Highness.

This old and worthless one will do my utmost

to search for a prescription that will cure Her Highness.

I never thought...

I would have to deceive my own wife this greatly

in this lifetime.

Forget about it.

If she must hate me, then I will let her.

I must make sure she lives.

You are skilled in Hulan dancing?

Aren’t you also skilled in speaking the language of the Central Plains?

You seem very interested in Hulan.

Is Hulan sincere about this marriage alliance?

I have always been sincere about my feelings toward you.

Prince Jiangxia, thank you very much for your generous hospitality.

I will never let you down

as long as I, Helan Zhen, remain sincere.

Your Highness, do not worry.

I understand how Your Highness feels.

This old and worthless one will rack his brains and spare no effort

to look for a prescription that will cure Her Highness.

You may go.

This subject will take his leave now.

[Huixiang Park]

Your Highness, are you really going to swap princesses for the marriage alliance?

Why not?

I just feel Your Highness is particularly tenderhearted toward Princess Consort Yuzhang.

I am being sincere toward her.

From whence did these tenderhearted notions come from?

What about Prince Yuzhang?

He will have to die, of course.

That is why I feel obligated to help her.

You must not forget the agreement we made with the Prince of Anping.

Even if Prince Yuzhang dies, she will have to be offered to the Prince of Anping.

Your Highness, admittedly, Princess Consort Yuzhang is a rarity.

But she is still a woman, after all, when all has been said and done.

She means absolutely nothing, especially when compared to your greater cause.

I know that.

I know what I’m doing.

How were you so skilled at Hulan dancing?

I saw the ladies of Hulan dancing when I was in the grasslands.

He drank an entire jug’s worth of wine

that had been aged for 18 years.

My stomach feels terrible now.

Why did you stop me from giving him a thorough thrashing?

And how would we have concluded this dispute if Xiao Qi got wind of it?

Do you believe what that fellow said?

What if they were the words of a drunk man and he refuses to admit he said them the following day?

My hope is that he will admit to those words.

If he admits to them, then Qian’er may count herself fortunate.

I just don’t understand why you are helping Qian’er.

Didn’t she give Yuxiu a beating?

Don’t tell me it’s because she’s part of the Wang clan?

I can’t bear to watch as she becomes another pawn in this game.

I understand best what it’s like to be part of a marriage alliance.

Are you still brooding over Father’s decision to marry you off to Xiao Qi?

Didn’t you tell me that Xiao Qi treats you well? Unless...

Older Brother, you are being oversensitive.

He treats me extremely well.

It’s getting late. I should return.

Wang’an, quickly prepare the carriage for me.

- The carriage? - I’m going to Prince Yuzhang’s Manor.

Didn’t Her Highness just leave?

- Why do you have so much to ask? Just do as I say. - Yes, Master.

Call me when the carriage is ready.

Guards.

Your Highness, is something the matter?

Has the princess consort returned yet?

Reporting to Your Highness. Her Highness has not returned yet.

The housekeeper has already sent someone to fetch her. She should be on the way back now.

Su’er asked you if His Highness was treating you well.

Is it because he senses something is not right?

It’s not as if His Highness and I had a huge argument either.

Older Brother will be travelling to Jiangnan in a few days’ time.

What’s the point in telling him and making him worry?

We are returning home late today.

I’m afraid that Your Highness and His Highness might meet with another stumbling block.

Why has Her Highness not returned yet?

The one who went to fetch her hasn’t sent a message back either.

His Highness asks me the same question over and over.

Could Her Highness have gotten so angry that she decided to stay at her parental home and will not return?

It’s hard to tell.

You’re back.

Yes, I’m back.

Why did you take so long?

There was an obstacle on the road, I was delayed.

She’s coming. The princess consort is coming.

Your Highness, you’re back.

Double-crosser!

Quickly close the gate.

My Prince, did you miss me?

Yes, I did.

My Prince... My Prince.

My Prince.

You are not A’Wu.

- I am. - You are not A’Wu.

Yes, I am.

Your Highness... take me as your concubine.

I don’t want to go to Hulan.

Your Highness, I can give you a baby.

I can give you a lot of children even if you raise them as my sister’s children.

You two are from the same family.

That will never happen.

You and your mother,

will leave here tomorrow.

Leave the manor.

Don’t ever let me see you again.

No, no. Your Highness!

I don’t want to go to Hulan.

Your Highness, just take me, won’t you?

Your Highness, I beg you! Save me!

Your Highness... I don’t need status, I don’t need anything!

Your Highness...

Just in case, don’t blame me.

Don’t blame me.

Help! Help!

His Highness... Help!

Help!

Success?

Qian’er! Qian’er! Qian’er! Qian’er!

- Madam. - Quickly go see what’s going on with Qian’er.

Go.

This late, who could have come?

Miss Qian’er!

Miss Qian’er! Miss Qian’er!

I don’t want to live anymore!

Miss Qian’er!

Princess Consort... Princess Consort!

Senior Maidservant Xu.

Princess Consort, something big happened.

Princess Consort, come and see quickly.

Miss Qian’er jumped into the water.

[The Prince’s Manor]

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

Strange, why is no one opening the door?

Even if Prince Yuzhang and Princess Consort Yuzhang are asleep...

This... The doorkeeper should still be around.

- She’s been rescued... She’s been rescued. - How could she bear the icy cold water?

Quick, let me see.

- Qian’er! - Miss!

- Miss. Miss. - Daughter, are you all right?

Are you all right? Let me take a look at you.

- Are you well? - Mother.

What on earth has happened that’s making you take things to heart?

To the point where you wished to abandon me and leave?

No, I don’t want to live anymore.

My pitiful child.

What happened?

Madam, I just heard Miss crying and running out.

- I heard, “Prince, I don’t want to live anymore.” Then she jumped into the water

Impossible! That’s not possible!

It’s true, Madam. I wasn’t the only one who heard it.

They all heard it.

Qian’er! How could you have taken it to heart?

You still have me as your mother, no matter how hard life gets.

The princess consort, empress dowager, and the emperor will all seek justice for you!

Princess Consort is here.

Princess Consort arriving.

Qian’er, you have been conferred by His Majesty as Princess He Qin.

Prince Yuzhang is your brother-in-law. How could he do this?

How sinful!

Princess Consort.

- Auntie. - Princess Consort.

You must not only believe Qian’er’s side of the story.

You have to ask the prince.

What Senior Maidservant Xu said is right, this is not the prince’s doing.

You slut!

Then—

You are bearing a grudge because Qian’er once slapped you.

How dare you throw stones at someone who has fallen down a well! Let me tell you this, (Idiom – to kick a person who is down)

I will make sure you are buried next to Qian’er should any unexpected fortune befall her!

Auntie!

Haven’t you been humiliated enough already?

Princess Consort, you heard, didn’t you?

Qian’er has already met with such misfortune, but this despicable servant dares to sling mud on her!

Would it be possible for Qian’er to besmirch her own innocence in order to frame His Highness? I–

Enough!

Everyone, right now go back inside the manor.

Qian’er, you go back and change clothes.

Senior Maidservant Xu, summon the imperial physician over for a consultation. Notify His Highness.

Take Miss Qian there. I have questions to ask.

Yes.

Prince!... Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, what happened?

♫ 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 ♫