Original subtitles

1

Subtitles and Timings By The Qing Hair and Those Who Dare Team @ Viki.com

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♫The sounds from the sheng and xiao die away in the distance, in the sparse, declining light ♫

(T/N reed instrument made of vertical pipes; end-blown flute)

3

♫ Memories of my past, my companions in youth. ♫

4

♫ Over boundless years, old affairs have become difficult to recall. ♫

5

♫ I’ve used a lifetime of truth to put up a pretense. ♫

6

♫ Parting without opening these cupped hands full of tears. ♫

7

♫ Clears my vision and permits me to resist ♫

8

♫ Perhaps when targeted by love it is not wise to separate ♫

9

♫ The morning wind can not dispel the aftermath. ♫

10

♫ Whose hidden tears made the blooming flowers blush, ♫

11

♫ And in the desolate and dreary torrential storms to painfully droop low, ♫

12

♫ Unwilling to blossom again alone? ♫

13

♫ The coming day belongs to the young. ♫

14

♫ As the glimmer of dawn becomes again the setting sun. ♫

15

♫ Who is this person who does not sleep soundly in the middle of the night? ♫

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♫Sitting and watching the autumn wind puff out and penetrate the palace curtains. ♫

17

♫One strand held in remembrance, shackling sentiment and concern. ♫

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♫ Always submerged in the fragrant incense of fleeting time ♫

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Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

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Episode 42

21

Indeed you speak as a Ula-Nara. No holes.

22

Compared to your aunt in her time, you're much improved.

23

No wonder your aunt was willing to spare herself to preserve you.

24

Aunt passed away a long time ago. If I have show any progress, it is due to your teaching, Empress Dowager.

25

I can't teach you like your aunt can, and make you an empress.

26

My aunt did indeed tell me I must become the empress.

27

To extend Ula-Nara's glory.

28

But I am incompetent and ignorant.

29

I thought for so many years and I still haven't understood.

30

Why should one extend one's clan's glory by being central palace only?

31

Back then your aunt got herself confined to death from that intention.

32

Thinking about it, I was never an empress.

33

But today I sit here nice and sound.

34

In the future, it's also me who will be buried with Late Emperor.

35

And think about your aunt and her resolution. Isn't it so laughable?

36

Empress Dowager is right.

37

My aunt died in despair and I can only ache for her.

38

But also, I thought, what if I were an empress like her?

39

Life is like a spring silkworm. You make your own silk in your own cocoon.

40

You think it through yourself.

41

Whether you will bind yourself to your cocoon like your aunt.

42

I shall mark your teachings to heart.

43

Perfect thickness. You drew them well.

44

Fujia, change me.

45

Yes.

46

I shall take my leave.

47

Sister. I heard Empress Dowager summoned you urgently to Cining Palace. Is something the matter?

48

Nothing.

49

If nothing, then Empress Dowager wouldn't have summoned you especially.

50

Did she ask about 1st and 3rd Prince?

51

I will go to Empress Dowager and make it clear it was me and nothing to do with you.

52

This matter ends here. It's done and let's not mention again.

53

Sister.

54

I already told you. There's no different you did or I did.

55

Sister. I thought you didn't like hardened measure and you would never heed me attention again.

56

I understand your actions were all for my sake.

57

Just that a matter like this can never be repeated a second time.

58

Even if it can evade Empress Dowager's sharp claws, it cannot escape from our own guilt.

59

Noble Consort Chun's been ill for so long. Has the emperor gone to see her?

60

What she has is an illness of the heart and it's useless if I go.

61

Illness of the heart needs medicine of the heart to heal. Her medicine to the illness rests with you.

62

If I want to treat her illness of the heart, it would mean I need to take back my words of that day.

63

To tell her, Yonghuang and Yongzhang can still have the possibility of ascending to crown prince.

64

Royal Mother, those children held intentions they shouldn't have and I couldn't bear it.

65

Careful of choking.

66

Here, have some soup and moisturize.

67

I understand. Kids disappointed you. But once children are grown, they don't obey their parents.

68

It's possible that it's not all Noble Consort Chun's fault.

69

Emperor, you are someone who cherishes old relations, but the back palace cannot go on a day vacant of an owner.

70

When the empress seat is vacant people will have their hearts stirred and troubles can arise.

71

Royal Mother, Empress Xiaoxian just passed away. I have no intention to set an empress.

72

If I were to indeed, it has to be in two years, after fulfilling the mourning period.

73

You are loving but the affairs of the harem can't be without someone to manage.

74

Perhaps you can promote an imperial noble consort first.

75

Let her take control of the back palaces.

76

I think Noble Consort Chun has son and daughter both and makes an excellent choice.

77

If it's by children count, of course she has the most.

78

But by measure of one's ability to manage the harem affairs,

79

Noble Consort Xian has been managing them for years in proper order.

80

She is better suited as imperial noble consort.

81

Noble Consort Xian's birth clan. You know that. Ula-Nara has long been broken.

82

Noble Consort Xian is no assistance to you in the royal court.

83

Without family power is the best family power.

84

You're afraid someone will try to monopolize power?

85

Emperor, remember this.

86

In the palace, the descendants come first.

87

It's exactly because she has no children that Noble Consort Xian can have equal treatment.

88

Good. Good.

89

So you were so thorough in your plan.

90

It's this old hag that's over worried.

91

Royal Mother, you worrying for me, I understand.

92

But I am no longer an ignorant youth. In many things, I have my judgments.

93

You can be assured.

94

Royal Mother, there's another matter.

95

Major Jinchuan's Sha Luo Ben is giving us many repeated issues lately.

96

I sent forces to suppress, but regrettably the army morale is scattered and they are losing battles in succession.

97

I plan to order Narqin as commander.

98

Dispatch him to go and end the war.

99

Narqin is versed in military strategy but not in war tactics. He's not a talent for commander.

100

You should reconsider.

101

Narqin is your clansman and my great assistant.

102

I believe he will do his utmost for the court to set a merit.

103

Good then. You manage the court affairs.

104

But the harem, I will say one more thing.

105

An empress without clan power and without children will be a very difficult empress to be.

106

Royal Mother, if Noble Consort Xian can't overcome difficulty, then it's her incompetence.

107

Just like Narqin. If I give him the opportunity to set a merit and rise high, it's incompetence if he fails at it.

108

The court affairs are not finished. I will take my leave first.

109

Go and tend to work then.

110

Bidding Your Majesty wellness.

111

Emperor is no longer the newly reigning emperor indeed.

112

Yes. His Majesty is very confident.

113

If we can't grasp the new empress,

114

your position in the back palace, I fear, will not be so stable.

115

His Majesty said he won't set an empress.

116

Just an imperial noble consort.

117

Then I will wait and see first.

118

Kneel.

119

Announce.

120

Noble Consort Xian of Ula-Nara clan.

121

Nurtured in noble family. Refined in character. Granted marriage to the house of prince.

122

Blessed by Empress Dowager's mercy,

123

to be promoted as Imperial Noble Consort, and to act upon the affairs of the six palaces.

124

Consort Jia of Jin Clan promoted to Noble Consort Jia.

125

Assist with six palaces. First Class Attendant Qing of Lu clan, promoted as Noble Lady Qing.

126

First Class Attendant Wan of Chen Clan, promoted as Noble Lady Wan.

127

Second Class Attendant Xiu of Xu clan promoted to First Class Attendant Xiu.

128

Palace maid of Fang clan as Second Class Attendant Hui. Qian clan as Second Class Attendant Ping.

129

Admiration.

130

Retrieve the book.

131

Bow.

132

Thank you, Your Majesty for your grace.

133

Carry out the six honor, three kneel and three bow ceremony.

134

Ceremony complete.

135

Imperial Noble Consort, I shall leave first to receive His Majesty's order.

136

It's hot and I imagine everyone's tired.

137

Let's go inside and rest. I have prepared frozen almond jelly.

138

So she's an imperial noble consort and she's different now.

139

Everyone sit.

140

Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort.

141

Empress Xiaoxin's death. Jinchuan's war looming.

142

The court and the harem, no one is at peace.

143

So this promotion ceremony will be simpler.

144

You managed this and it's already not easy.

145

Imperial Noble Consort, you toiled.

146

We didn't actually congratulate you officially.

147

Noble Consort Jia is about to give birth. Let's forgo.

148

Thank you then, Imperial Noble Consort.

149

Congratulations for your blessing, Imperial Noble Consort.

150

Everyone here serves His Majesty. Let us not allow our titles get in the way of our bond. Everyone, get up.

151

Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort.

152

The war conflicts keep His Majesty weary.

153

So we've invited Master Anji from the south to the palace to lead the prayers. He will be here in a few days.

154

At the time, we can pray for the war and Great Qing's glory.

155

I heard Master Anji has thick cultivation and respected everywhere.

156

I heard he was also young and skilled and handsome.

157

Makes people smitten by him at first sight.

158

Noble Lady Qing. That's surely not something us royal wives should say.

159

Yes.

160

Imperial Noble Consort, my labor is happening at any day soon and I will be unavailable and putting my duty as assistant to you in vain.

161

I can't help with anything and I do feel bad.

162

Don't worry about that. You just need to manage your health and safely birth the royal heir and that's the priority.

163

Yes.

164

Royal Physician said I should be pregnant with another boy again.

165

I will surely birth another son for His Majesty safe and sound.

166

Lixin, you go first.

167

What is it?

168

I heard news that the old lord has passed away and Crown Prince ascended the seat without cause and he's the new king of your maiden clan.

169

I heard the new king needs to come to the capital to greet His Majesty when they ascend.

170

All these years. Maybe I can see him once more.

171

Yes. You surely can.

172

This time, you are the noble consort and the new king would be happy certainly when he hears of it.

173

It's a pity that Noble Lady Chun has fallen.

174

And it was Ula-Nara that got promoted as Imperial Noble Consort. She got a cheap deal.

175

By the order of the prince seniority though, it should be our Yongcheng's turn.

176

Ula-Nara has no children and she's just become the imperial noble consort and she's not standing straight yet.

177

She can easily fall if someone gives her a push.

178

If Imperial Noble Consort falls, it's only you in the palace.

179

When the new king comes, I must tell him this great news.

180

You finished reading the petitions?

181

Yes. Narqin went to the army and put a three day limit to getting Sha Luo Ben captured.

182

If anyone should disobey, they will be served the military law and all soldiers are on guard.

183

It seems he's resolute in winning this time.

184

Zhang Guangsi had a great general and Narqin is your able subject.

185

If you can synergize, you will win victoriously.

186

I hope for good news too.

187

This orchid is light in posture.

188

But the brush strokes should be set free and charismatic.

189

I am not versed at painting to start out with. Noble Lady Wan is the one who's an elegant painter.

190

Noble Lady Wan does paint well indeed.

191

But every time she sees me, she's always so cautious.

192

She's beautiful but lacking in emotion.

193

This painting is no longer fun, hence.

194

You weren't talking about painting though. You were judging the person clearly.

195

Your Majesty, news from Yu clan.

196

The crown prince became king but is in discord with the queen.

197

The queen was furious she committed suicide.

198

I remember this newly enthroned king of Yu.

199

His queen is his legal wife.

200

It's because that this newly enthroned Yu king angered his wife to death that he's now the subject of objections.

201

How can this be?

202

If he can't be good to his wife, then he's heartless.

203

To force his wife to commit suicide is unfitting as human.

204

Have him detained and escorted to the capital for me to interrogate personally.

205

Yes.

206

Also, this matter, don't let Noble Consort Jia know. Let her have a smooth delivery.

207

Yes.

208

How can that be?

209

[ Qixiang Palace ]

210

What brings you here, Noble Lady Ling?

211

I came to visit Noble Lady Jia.

212

Mistress is fatigue in pregnancy and resting. May you go back.

213

Alright. These humble gifts.

214

Please send them to her on my behalf.

215

Qixiang Palace isn't lacking in these miscellaneous items. You are too cordial.

216

Noble Lady, was there anything else?

217

Don't need to waste words with Noble Lady Ling should she come again in the future.

218

She was only a servant at Qixiang Palace before. Why bother bowing to her?

219

Yes.

220

Mistress Ling.

221

Greetings to Noble Lady Ling.

222

Please rise, Eunuch Jin Zhong.

223

It's hot out but you're looking pale.

224

Seeing your spirit, you got bullied by Qixiang Palace again.

225

I don't even get a chance to get on Noble Consort Jia's good side.

226

She's about to give birth again and you don't even have princess.

227

His Majesty is consumed by the war climate.

228

He won't even come over the door frame of Yongxuo Palace anymore. What can I do?

229

You ought to think of a way even when there isn't one.

230

I raised you up not to see your worried look though.

231

Look at that Noble Consort Chun and you will know.

232

Favors don't matter. It matters if you can birth.

233

But birthing a kid is up to you. You got to help yourself.

234

Birth a kid. Birth a kid!

235

Another matter that's urgent.

236

I just saw my teacher rushing to dispatch the new king of Yu clan coming into the capital.

237

What?

238

That's Noble Consort's maiden clan's king.

239

Yes. I looked into it in detail.

240

Yu clan's new king pushed his wife to commit suicide and His Majesty is furious.

241

But he's ordered it not to be told to Noble Consort Jia in order to keep the baby safe.

242

Oh, but this isn't a matter that can be hidden.

243

Indeed it cannot.

244

But Noble Consort Jia, if she were to find out right before labor, what do you think will happen?

245

Of course. If she were to find out after delivery of baby,

246

no matter how angry she gets, she won't harm her body.

247

I understand then.

248

This news, I shall keep well.

249

I need to deliver cakes.

250

Lancui. Go find a person for me.

251

Your Majesty, you are finally ready to flip a tag.

252

The mistresses of the six palaces are all waiting for you.

253

It's been half a month. You've kept all your mind on the Jinchuan war.

254

Xu An. Where was I going less frequent to?

255

Noble Consort Chun. Concubine Yu. Noble Lady Ling.

256

You didn't go to any of them often.

257

I see.

258

Noble Lady Ling comes to greet you often but she just never gets to see you.

259

Last time after the incident of bird's nest with noodle threads, she just seems coarse.

260

Forget it. Let's go with Concubine Shu still.

261

Yes. In three days,

262

I need to take all the wives above the imperial concubine ranking to Zhai Palace overnight for prayer.

263

To pray for the Jinchuan war.

264

Noble Consort Jia is about to deliver. Should she go too?

265

- Let her rest.

- I will go make the arrangements now.

266

Guard Zhao, I heard you were personally recommended by Sir Ling to come to Kuning Palace.

267

To take over his old post. Your future is unlimited!

268

Actually my brother Ling Yunche, there's nothing else to him except that he's loyal!

269

Sir Ling saved Empress Xiaoxian, and I'm sure he will put in words for us.

270

- To help us out.

- Give me silvers.

271

Don't worry. Here.

272

- Give me silver.

- Guard Zhao.

273

Someone is looking for you.

274

- Who?

- A woman.

275

- A woman?

- A woman?

276

I shall go see then. You play first.

277

You were looking for me?

278

You're Zhao Jiuxiao, Ling Yunche's buddy?

279

Yep. You are?

280

Noble Lady Ling has a task for you.

281

Change into this eunuch's clothing and come with me.

282

Where did this eunuch's clothing come from? Smells.

283

Shove the nonsense.

284

But that beard of yours.

285

Lower your head later and if someone asks you,

286

just say you're a newly arrived junior eunuch. Got it?

287

Come with me.

288

Guard Zhao, don't look around.

289

Mistress, Guard Zhao is here.

290

Greetings to Noble Lady Ling.

291

Don't be so cordial, Brother Zhao. Have a seat.

292

I am not sure why you wanted to see me, Noble Lady Ling.

293

Guard Zhao, please sit. Mistress has questions for you.

294

Thank you, Noble Lady Ling.

295

Brother Zhao, are you and Guard Ling seeing each other much?

296

We are like the old days still.

297

I grew up with Guard Ling and now we are aloof.

298

I think he must hate me to death.

299

Noble Lady serves the emperor.

300

Yunche, though he's sad,

301

he's still worried about you.

302

He's already given up long ago. What worrying?

303

Those years of fondness. How can he not?

304

A few times he came to the cold palace looking for me.

305

I saw him in a daze and I knew he was thinking of old days.

306

That's what you say but he's never told you his resentment of me?

307

He never did for sure.

308

Yunche, he's honest. If he hates someone,

309

then he can't hide it.

310

Hearing you say that, I am assured.

311

We were friends once. I hope we won't be grudge bearers.

312

- Lancui.

- Yes.

313

Send Brother Zhao back.

314

Yes.

315

I take my leave.

316

Where is His Majesty?

317

His Majesty is preparing for tomorrow's prayer at Zhai Palace.

318

Everything that is needed has been prepared?

319

All prepared.

320

But Mistress. You've made up your mind.

321

Why bother asking a guy like him?

322

In order to get something done well, you got to be very sure.

323

Take this and go see Ling Yunche.

324

He will know it.

325

Yes.

326

This way. Straight and it's the long road.

327

Miss. Thank you for showing me the road earlier.

328

I didn't ask your name yet.

329

I'm just a servant.

330

Interesting.

331

It's so late. What does Noble Lady Ling want?

332

My mistress is being bullied by Noble Consort Jia again and again.

333

She just can't bear it and she's thinking of ending life.

334

I really don't know what to do so I wanted to see if you can persuade her.

335

Then how is Noble Lady Ling now?

336

She keeps on wanting to die. But it's fortunate that Lancui and I are watching her tightly.

337

But if this keeps up sooner or later something will happen.

338

You're the only one she trusts here in the palace. Please find a way.

339

Don't let the noble lady meet misfortune.

340

Yanwan's personality wouldn't be so feeble.

341

If this is truly like that, it has to be because Noble Consort Jia is pressuring her to it.

342

Yes. Mistress was never heavily favored.

343

And she can't escape Noble Lady Jia's harassing.

344

She's really living a living that's worse than death. Now all the consorts have gone to Zhai Place with His Majesty.

345

There's no need for you to safeguard Yangxin Palace.

346

Help me persuade my mistress.

347

Let's go.

348

You can't bring a sword into the palace.

349

Guard Ling, this way.

350

Please go before me, Chunchan.

351

Mistress isn't in fair mood and I don't dare to go in.

352

There will be someone to greet you inside.

353

Noble Lady Ling.

354

Noble Lady Ling.

355

He went in?

356

I don't know if that thing actually works.

357

That's a secret fragrant potion. A great item left by Emperor Zhengde.

358

Easy for him today. After the deed is done.

359

I will give him a pot of poisonous liquor to send him to next world.

360

Noble Lady Ling?

361

Noble Lady Ling?

362

What is this smell?

363

Noble Lady Ling, I should not stay here long.

364

I shall take my leave first.

365

Brother Yunche, what's the rush?

366

I am here.

367

Your subject Ling Yunche greets Noble Lady Ling.

368

Chunchan said you had intention to end your life and asked me to come talk to you.

369

Brother Yunche, before I thought it was fine without you.

370

But to really not have you,

371

my life is worse than death.

372

You have to live through it. You chose it.

373

I believed you were being bullied by Noble Lady Jia and couldn't think through.

374

But now, I think that's not the case.

375

I take my leave.

376

Brother Yunche, don't leave.

377

Can you be like before to me?

378

Even though His Majesty is by my side I think of you still.

379

Brother Yunche.

380

I know you're the only one who's nicest to me.

381

Noble Lady Ling, have self respect.

382

Noble Lady Ling? I'm your Yanwan.

383

No. Yanwan wouldn't be like this.

384

We should have done this long ago.

385

Brother Yunche.

386

I miss you so much.

387

Do you know?

388

What's going on inside?

389

Nothing could've happened, right?

390

Brother Yunche, isn't this what you've always wanted?

391

Noble Lady Ling. Noble Lady Ling!

392

No.

393

Brother Yunche.

394

Brother Yunche, what's wrong?

395

You've got someone else in your heart?

396

What did you do to me?

397

Brother Yunche. I don't want to be bullied anymore.

398

I want to have a child.

399

To let my next half of life live in peace.

400

I want the child's father to be you.

401

So you tricked me to use me.

402

After you use me you will kill me.

403

It's not right. Go.

404

Hurry.

405

Let him go.

406

Hurry, go.

407

Go.

408

Mistress.

409

How come you let him go?

410

He won't talk about it, right?

411

We need to kill him.

412

He won't. He won't.

413

I trust him.

414

He treats me sincerely.

415

Brother Yunche.

416

What's wrong?

417

Do you have someone else in your heart?

418

This tummy just doesn't feel comfortable and my back is sore and can't seem to be straight.

419

It wasn't like this the last two pregnancies.

420

Every pregnancy is different.

421

This time the royal physician said especially to be calm.

422

Lightly.

423

Who is that? So clumsy?

424

Royal physician said so many times that mistress needs calm rest.

425

You're just a little maid from the ice bureau delivering ice.

426

- What if you disturb the fetus --

- Please forgive me.

427

I know my wrong.

428

I will never commit wrong again.

429

Shut up. Drag her out.

430

Tell the supervisor at ice bureau she will kneel under the sun with no food and no water.

431

Be merciful, Your Highness. I did wrong.

432

Your Highness, mercy.

433

Mistress. The master is coming today and you will need to welcome him at Anhua Hall.

434

I got it.

435

Should we pray also for fetal stability?

436

Alright. Let's change.

437

[ Grand Master Anji ]

438

Is that the master?

439

His cultivation is high and his aura is different.

440

Master.

441

[ Ice Bureau Palace Maid - Ai'er ]

[ Anji Disciple - Anduo ]

442

You toiled in traveling the distance, Grand Master Anji.

443

I've troubled you.

444

Greetings, Grand Master.

445

This is Noble Consort Jia.

446

Peace to you, Noble Consort Jia.

447

Jinchuan war is not ceased and the nation is unstable.

448

His Majesty is weary by it.

449

To have you in our palace to pray for the war is a great honor of Great Qing.

450

War harms harmony of the sky.

451

I will pray for peace for the souls of the fallen soldiers of war.

452

Starting today, Ghost Festival,

453

continue to pray and cultivate,

454

until August 15th, Mid-Autumn Festival.

455

Thank you, Grand Master.

456

Then may you and the disciples,

457

live in Anhua Temple for your cultivation and prayer.

458

Thank you, Imperial Noble Consort.

459

Subtitles and Timings By The Qing Hair and Those Who Dare Team @ Viki.com

460

♫Intoxicated by the falling flower petals in the plum garden♫

461

♫ as if this life were our first time we have met. ♫

462

♫ Black silken hair reflecting the frosty moonlight, ♫

463

♫ Hands joined together, for our innumerable mortal lives. ♫

464

♫ The burden of concern on my mind has paled rose-kissed cheeks, ♫

465

♫ Yearning now turns into confusion. ♫

466

♫ Glistening teardrops cover the pledge, ♫

467

♫ joining hands for a lifetime, when in the past did he change it? ♫

468

♫ Flowers start out blossoming in splendor, but are easily destroyed ♫

469

♫ Who is that plucking on qin (zither) strings? ♫

470

♫ When love becomes deep, people are prone to separate. ♫

471

♫ Alone, I sing the sad song of parting. ♫

472

♫ Twilight is tardy, spring is late. ♫

473

♫ With graceful reasoning, like it had been empty dream, with sighs. ♫

474

♫ Let it flow away with the river of time. ♫

475

♫ Vast years apart, with no clear date of return or hope, ♫

476

♫ Regretfully not admitting the care held deep within my heart. ♫

477

♫ Moonlight flows like water, washing away the pretentiousness of the past affairs. ♫

478

♫ Sincerity now is the only thing left to depend upon. ♫

479

♫ In the endless night, I cannot put down the gray hairs to pursue youth. ♫

480

♫ Nor dare to look at you quietly from afar. ♫

481

♫ If we can have another lifetime together, may we both be commoners. ♫

482

♫ Reunited, and again pledging faithfully to stand by each other. ♫