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[The Promise of Chang'An]

[Episode 2]

Mingyu.

After you gave that fragrant satchet with Cat's Eyes to the Crown Prince of Xiqi,

he really believed he was infected by you.

I think he was frightened.

I can't imagine the look of his fearful face.

Are you all right?

I just realized that

you have been using me all this time

to break off your engagement.

Princess, do you agree with what I've said?

Ninth Prince, are you not a willing party?

I have never been to Yonglin. I heard it is very beautiful.

Princess, perhaps you could bring me there to take a look someday?

We are mere acquaintances, why should I invite you there?

My third brother married your older sister.

Does that not make us relatives (in-laws)?

Stop trying to gain benefits with family ties. It is better for us to go our own way and never meet again.

I'll leave the horse carriage for you. Zhen'er, let's go.

Princess, we had a good collaboration. Allow me to ask you a question before you go.

Are the girls at Yonglin as shrewd as you are?

You–

Mingyu has been gone for three days already. Why is there still no news from her?

Princess, please don't be anxious.

Princess Mingyu is smart and astute. She will definitely find a way to resolve the matter.

I just don't believe

that he would not revoke the engagement after seeing this face of mine.

Mingyu, what happened to your face?

Older Sister, don't hesitate anymore. We are running out of time.

If you really don't want to marry that Crown Prince of Xiqi,

this is our only way.

Let's quickly swap our clothings.

You just stay on in this tavern.

Three days later, go and meet me at the east of the forest.

At that time, I'll bring back the revocation of engagement letter.

We can go together to see Grandfather then.

Princess, look! There is a group of men and several horses coming from there.

Is that Mingyu?

No. It's a caravan of horses carrying Xiqi flags.

That's bad. If they see us, it will implicate Mingyu.

Hurry! Let's find a place to hide.

Prince, look!

If we can catch a white fox and give it to Royal Father, he would be very happy.

Princess, why are they heading in our direction?

Could they have seen us?

Princess, I will go over there to distract them.

You go hide over there.

We can't do that. It's too risky, Xiangqin.

Princess, you must be careful!

Prince Xiao, I think something has fallen into our trap.

Let's go! Let's catch it and present it to Royal Father as his birthday gift.

Prince Xiao, it's a lady.

We didn't catch any white fox. Instead, we've caught a foxy lady.

I want you to take her up here!

What do you want to do?

- Come here. - Let go of me!

Who's there?

Who are you? How dare you lay your hands on our Crown Prince of Xiqi?

You are indeed my target.

Your Majesty, you heard that Crown Prince of Xiqi would be out here hunting

and laid an ambush. What a great plan!

Bring that big mouth over here.

Let me go!

Convey my message to your King of Xiqi.

I will wait for him for twenty-four hours.

I'll exchange the young prince for an antidote.

He will understand what I mean.

Get lost.

Your Majesty, what about this lady?

Princess. Princess!

- Princess, are you all right? - Princess?

Which kingdom are you from?

Her Highness is Yonglin's Wan– No, I mean, Her Highness is Yonglin's Princess Mingyu.

Yonglin? This is such a coincidence.

Send two men to escort them back to Yonglin.

Thank you.

- Third Brother. - Third Brother.

What's–

What's happening?

This is the imperial physician that I just brought back from Xiqi.

He has already detoxicated our Royal Father.

Right now, our Imperial Physician Zuo is giving Royal Father some medical care.

Congratulations, Your Majesty. The poison in your body has been cleared.

Has been cleared?

- Congratulations, Your Majesty! - Congratulations, Your Majesty!

Good!

Haven't I already said

that Heaven is not ready to take me?

From this matter, I clearly understand

that among all my princes, Prince Chengxu is the most dependable one.

Is that right?

Mother, you haven't seen me for a long time,

did you miss me?

Chengxu, I have something to say to you.

You and your Third Brother are not brothers who share the same mother.

You can't tell what's in a person's mind.

You must be cautious with him

and not just share everything with him.

Mother, though Third Brother and I do not have the same mother,

since young, he was the one who taught me the martial arts skills I possess today.

We are just like biological brothers. Please don't let your imagination run wild.

It's not that I imagine too much,

- I think your Royal Father– - All right. I will not talk about this further.

Third Brother is still waiting for me. I'll leave now.

Chengxu–

Listen to Mother.

Don't easily trust anyone.

Do you understand?

Go on.

[Rovocation of Marriage Letter]

This is the authentic seal of Situ Kun.

This is truly unexpected.

Mingyu, how did you manage to pull this off?

Your Highness, it's a long story.

In any case, Princess Mingyu knows that the Crown Prince of Xiqi is incompetent and indulges in debauchery.

Hence, when the King of Xiqi was out on inspection rounds,

we set up a plan to have the Crown Prince of Xiqi sign this Revocation of Marriage letter.

Kneel down!

- Grandfather. - Helan Mingyu.

Under normal circumstances, no matter how mischievous and reckless you are,

you are given a pass because of your young age

and have never been punished.

However, today you dared to deceive everyone,

privately swap your identity with Wanyin, and crashed into Xiqi.

You are so unrestrained and reckless, how can I let it slide again?

Grandfather, even though Mingyu concealed the matter from you,

she did bring back the Revocation of Marriage letter. This is considered to have saved Wanyin's happiness.

She is also considered to have redeemed herself with merit.

Redeemed herself with merit?

If your younger sister were to lose her life in Xiqi,

how could you redeem yourself with merit?

Grandfather, I have returned safe and sound.

I am blessed by the Goddess of the Moon. Of course, I will be fine.

Ling Zhen'er, back then, when Mingyu kneeled down and begged me to let you stay,

how did you make your promise to me?

Back then, my home state, Muqing State, was destroyed by Xiqi.

My father, the Prime Minister of Muqing, was brutally murdered by the army of Xiqi.

It was Princess Mingyu who rescued me from the road and prevented me from being taken away.

After that, she stayed by my side and helped me to overcome the pain of losing my family and seeing my state being ruined.

Younger Brother.

Younger Brother. Younger Brother!

Younger Brother!

The Muqing Royal Family has been annihilated.

My job is done.

Take her back! Let her be my reward for two days!

Yes!

- Go! - Let me go!

Let me go! Let me go!

Let me go!

- Who's that? - Who's that?

Over there! Chase!

- Chase! - Chase!

Lady, wake up! Lady!

I made a pledge to Heaven

that I will stay by Mingyu's side forever,

and I will protect her with my own life.

That's right.

From my observation, you appear to be reliable and steady,

that's why I kept you by Mingyu's side without any worries.

But what did you do?

You did not stop her, you joined her in behaving willfully instead.

I am truly disappointed in you!

I let you down, Your Majesty.

I was wrong. Your Majesty, please punish me.

Grandfather, Zhen'er tried to persuade me.

I refused to listen to her.

All of this was my idea.

Grandfather, if you want to punish anyone, please punish me alone.

Grandfather, they were trying to save Wanyin.

Please forgive them, Grandfather.

Get up.

- Thank you, Grandfather. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Grandfather, I am sorry.

I caused you to be worried about me.

I will never dare to behave that way again.

All right.

Then I will punish you with transcribing the Buddhist scripture for one hundred times.

Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywhere!

Grandfather.

This Buddhist scripture is so dreary.

I still have to transcribe it for one hundred times.

This is truly boring me to death!

Mingyu, just transcribe a few times for sake of appearance,

and I will take care of the rest.

After all, I can imitate your writing. Even His Majesty can't tell the difference.

Zhen'er, you are very bold.

You dare to commit the crime of deceiving His Majesty?

Older Sister.

- Greetings, Older Sister. - Mingyu, I 've heard it.

You suffered hardship to help me get out of this engagement.

What you did for me is equivalent to saving my life. I will be forever grateful to you.

We are biological sisters.

There is no need to speak that way.

Older Sister, by the way, I asked you two to wait for me in the forest.

Why did I not see you two there?

Princess Mingyu, Princess Wanyin originally waited for you at the designated place.

- However, something happened unexpectedly. - What happened?

Unexpectedly, Situ Cheng was hunting there.

It was very dangerous then.

If not for a benefactor who came to our rescue in the nick of time...

the outcome would have been unimaginable.

Let me guess. That benefactor must be

a brilliant and impressive young master, am I right?

This benefactor rescued Older Sister and also took good care of you,

as well as taking care of everything else, am I right?

What drivel are you saying? It was not like what you've said.

That means I guessed right.

Older Sister, to you, this young master...

did not just earn your gratitude, but also entered your heart and mind.

Silly girl! Don't talk nonsense!

I think you deserve a beating!

My sisters! Settle down for a while.

Older Sister Yunqi and the Prince of Sheng State, Xiao Chengrui, are coming

to Yonglin for a visit.

Older Sister Yunqi is coming home? That's great!

Ever since she was married, I haven't seen her.

I look forward to her return.

Yonglin is situated between Great Sheng and Xiqi,

and Great Liang is on its south.

It's strategic traffic passageway makes it easy to protect but difficult to attack.

Within its borders are copper mines, its natural resources.

Moreover, it has an abundance of excellent breeds of war horses.

Naturally, it is highly coveted.

The King of Yonglin knows that its territory is vast but sparsely populated.

As such, it has a shortage of soldiers.

Thus, they dare not compete with the other three parties.

Chengxu, as for our Great Sheng,

if we want to unify the north territory,

Yonglin is the vital factor.

Royal Father, do you mean...

Whoever gains Yonglin will gain the north territory as well.

Whoever can unify the north territory would be able to conquer the whole nation.

That's right. Do you have the confidence to conquer Yonglin

and help me solve this problem?

Royal Father, Third Brother had a marriage alliance with Yonglin.

If anyone were to conquer Yonglin, Third Brother would be the one who is most suitable to do it.

Chengxu.

The nation's matters are varied and complex. We cannot rely on Third Brother for everything.

Now that you have grown up,

it's time for you to show your gratitude and serve your nation,

as well as manifest your talent and personal ability.

It's not that I want to shirk my responsibilities.

It's just that on this matter, I feel that

Third Brother is the best choice.

You...

Chengxu.

Among all my princes,

do you know why I value you the most?

[Auspicious gifts for visitation]

[Helan Yunqi, Wife of Third Prince]

This is the gift I've specially prepared for Mingyu. Please don't forget it and leave it behind.

Yes.

Yunqi.

Your Highness.

Is everything ready?

Your Highness, do not worry. I believe Grandfather will be pleased.

You are the one who's taking care of everything. I am not worried.

You may leave.

Yunqi, I trust you the most.

I never hide anything that's in my mind.

You should be able to figure out that we are going to Yonglin this time

not just simply to pay a visit.

I understand.

Your Highness wants to persuade Grandfather to form an alliance with Great Sheng.

I will try my utmost

to help Your Highness fulfill your wish.

The greatest blessing in my life

is in marrying you.

Third Brother! Third Sister-in-law!

Brat.

What are you doing here?

Third Brother, I heard you are going to visit Yonglin with Third Sister-in-law.

- Yes. - I heard that Yonglin is vast and scenic.

It's unparalleled!

Your younger brother here is specially requesting Third Brother to bring me along to Yonglin.

You want to go to Yonglin?

How about it? Let me go with you.

If I don't agree, what will you do?

If that's the case, I will have no other option

but to shamelessly follow behind your carriage and entourage.

Third Brother, I don't think you will be so heartless as to chase me away.

Why would His Highness not allow you to come along? He was only joking.

Yes, you may go.

But let me be straight with you now. This time, if

you dare to act on your own and cause troubles–

Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law, please be rest assured.

I will not cause any trouble.

Get lost.

Thank you, Older Brother. Thank you, SIster-in-law.

Tell me how comes that Chengxu suddenly wants to come with us to Yonglin?

Is your Majesty suspicious about him also planning to start an alliance?

It's unlikely that he doesn't know what we want to achieve through this move.

But he insists on going, making me feel suspicious.

I think Ninth Brother has a sincere and candid nature.

It doesn't seem as if he is very observant. Perhaps he still has a child mind.

I hope that's the case.

A fated encounter? For what reason should I be excited about you?

It's best that we go our separate ways and never meet again.

Princess Ming Yu, I might ask for your hand!

Then let's see if you can overtake me!

You, again!

Princess, we meet again!

I wouldn't have thought that your horse riding skill is that awesome!

You are not a part of the Yonglin clan. Leave!

I won't! I am not the only one! I will snatch the red flower away from you!

- How dare you! - But you think you'll win.

Get out of my way!

Leave!

How did you-

Give it back to me!

I grabbed it on my own skill. Why should I give it back to you?

You!

- Give it back to me! - I will never give it back to you again!

Give it back! Give it back to me!

Chase me!

- Give it back to me I said! - Come!

I tell you. Don't even imagine that I will reply to your marriage proposal!

What? Marriage proposal?

Who wants to propose to you?

So then why the hell did you steal my flowers?

So stealing the flowers means I want to propose to you...

What custom is this? I haven't heard of it.

Relax! I hope that my future wife

will be kind-hearted and virtous.

Here you go! Not like you, sly and unruly.

I cannot put up with that.

Xiao Chengxu! You've crossed the line!

This is-

This is a newly painted map from Great Sheng.

It's also a gift from me, your grand-son-in-law.

During such a short period of ten years

there arose such major changes.

Just as the King of Yonglin once said,

in the present, whether we talk about the Central Plains or the Northern borders

everywhere we can notice earth-shaking changes.

But I wonder what my esteemed grand-son-in-law

has any advice for Yonglin?

Due to the current chaotic situation

they have eventually unified their forces.

I don't know whether the King of Yonglin thought that Yonglin had the power to dominate the world.

Even though Yonglin territories are vast, it is short of people.

All these years, if we didn't make marriage alliances with other countries,

we wouldn't have even survived.

How can we even think of dominating the world?

When three kingdoms were all powerful,

of course Yonglin could use this method to survive.

But lately there have been some changes in the context of this matter.

If you don't consider making changes, I'm afraid disaster won't be far away.

Then, how should Yonglin change? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

It is natural to become an ally of the strong ones and to rely on eachother.

One should borrow power in order to build himself up so later he could disdain the rule of others.

Great Sheng is situated in a land of many wars.

That's how we have trained the valiant, battle-ready,

and mighty twelve Divine Roar Camps.

Additionally, we have a wise king and good ministers at the top, with a million powerful soldiers.

Even though there are many strong enemies surrounding us,

as long as we use appropriate strategies,

we can expect to rule the world in the near future.

Your Highness.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

Your Majesty, even though you have taken the antidote on time,

I still think that your body hasn't yet recovered.

I heard that spring water has beneficial effects on body recovery.

If Your Majesty can go to the side courtyard with me,

Try using some spring water to treat your disease.

Alright.

How comes Fu King's health condition hasn't improved even a bit?

- Older sister Qi! -Mingyu!

I have dreamed day and night and can finally see you, Sister Qi.

How comes that someone who has grown up so much is behaving like a kid?

Come! Let Older sister Qi take a look!

Our Mingyun has turned into a young lady.

Look at those cheeks. She is worth of being regarded as one of the beauties from Yonglin.

Older Sister Qi really knows how to entertain me.

What beauty? Only after I dress up I could pass for one.

Whether we talk about horse riding, archery, poetry or caligraphy, .

Mingyu's skills can't be worse that other people's.

I regard a woman's skills as more important than her appearance.

You're right!

Older Sister Qi, this is Sister Wanyi, she also thinks about you often.

I respect you and admire you a lot, Older Sister.

Wanyin, I recall you didn't like talking too much in the past.

Lately you have grown even prettier, more gentle and gracious.

Just as a cotton rose, refined and breathtaking.

The kind of person who pleases everyone with her appearance.

Thank you for your compliments, Older Sister.

Ge Er!

The Older Sister Qi has prepared a gift for us!

This is a gift I have specially chosen for you, back when I went to Shengzhou.

Take a look whether you like it or not!

The gift of the Third Wife of the Prince

seems of a much greater value than the gift of Princess Mingyu.

Therefore, it is obvious that the Third Wife of the Prince thinks highly of the Princess.

You don't understand. Even though the gift is of high value

it is just an ordinary gift.

But the one Mingyun's received is not the same.

Only her gift contains thoughts of care.

Mingyun has been carefree and openhanded ever since she was little.

Especially charming.

Meanwhile I...am not articulated. I get easily overlooked by people.

Then their eyes are so blinded they cannot see Your Majesty's qualities.

Your Majesty is kind-hearted and delicate. You can play the instruments as well as dance.

I believe that there must be a day when someone will acknowledge your inner precious essence.

Someone who will wholeheartedly treat the Princess well.

Will there be? Will there be someone like that?

Welcome your Highness!

- Did you see? -That is the husband of Princess Yuanqi!

The Third Prince of Great Sheng.

It's him...

Open the door!

Greetings, Fourth Prince.

Imperial Doctor, I am asking you.

The drug you have prescribed to my father, is it something wrong about it?

Or I should rather say you've played other tricks on him.

How comes that my father's condition doesn't improve at all?

It's impossible that-

Third Brother.

- Ninth Prince. - Ge'er.

Greetings, Third Sister-in-law.

My brother, where is he?

If you have any urgent matter I can deliever your words to him.

What urgent matter could I have? I only came to enjoy the scenery from the garden.

I'm not like Third Brother, who is also the official envoy from Great Sheng.

Third-sister-in-law, are you worrying about the alliance between Great Sheng and Yonglin?

How do you know about it?

It hasn't been a secret that Royal Father wants to establish an alliance with Yonglin.

Besides, this is probably Third Brother's primary reason for coming to visit the in-laws, right?

The way you look, does it mean that the alliance isn't going well?

The reason that Yonglin has survived to now

is because it's stayed a neutral course.

An alliance will completely change Yonglin's fate.

Whether the consequence is good or bad, however,

no one can predict it.

I can understand Grandfather's hesitation.

But I live in Great Sheng and have witnessed its thriving prosperity.

I'm only afraid that Grandfather will regret

out of a momentary confusion.

I think, Third-sister-in-law should talk to Grandfather.

You know your third brother's abilitllies.

Even he hasn't been able to persuade Grandfather.

What can I say to be effective?

Third Brother's intelligence and talent is incomparable.

But he cannot match Third-sister-in-law on one thing.

You look graceful, poised, and healthy.

So I can tell Chengrui treats you very well.

I don't have to worry then.

Not only that Chengru is good to me, His Majesty also takes good care of me.

When His Majesty heard that I am interested in Great Liang's talented scholar Wang Hui's poems,

he especially collected his poetry works to bestow to me.

His Majesty also said, even though Great Liang's emperor is a tyrant,

but the land of Southern Liang has a long history

and is full of many talents. One can choose from its strengths to mend one's own shortcomings.

That's why, of the many accomplished masters in various professions,

he has spared no expense to invite them to go to Shengzhou

and give them important positions.

Good, good.

I heard that the people of Great Sheng are prosperous.

The Great Sheng's Divine Roar Camp has a million soldiers.

Isn't the military expense a burden on the regular people?

Is Great Sheng's prosperity just a veneer?

Grandfather, you didn't know this, but for more than ten years, Great Sheng has been constructing waterways

to encourage developing barren lands, so that agriculture can flourish.

Besides the growth of agriculture, it also encourages trades.

That's why Great Sheng's people live in prosperity and comfort.

Great Sheng is also rich and strong,

with the ability to dominate the world.

Yunqi, what you say carries other meanings.

Even though I married into Great Sheng,

but my heart is with Yonglin and hope that Yonglin can continue to stay in peace.

I hope Grandfather can understand how I feel.

You don't need to say anymore. I understand.

I understand.

Older Sister.

Grandfather is feasting Older Sister Qi and Brother-in-law.

Why are you hiding here by yourself?

Older Sister, what's wrong?

I saw that young master who rescued me.

Really? You saw him?

Why are you so unhappy then?

Who is he?

He is Brother-in-law.

I've finally seen him after this wait,

but I had no idea that his is Older Sister Qi's husband.

Our Brother-in-law.

Don't feel sad. This is not your fault.

You have not done anything wrong.

You must not tell him, nor tell anyone else.

Just pretend that this incident

has never happened.

Yes.

Your Highness.

Come.

Congratulations, Your Highness, that Yonglin has agreed to the alliance.

We have successfully obtained the King of Yonglin's trust.

Yunqi, your contribution is indispensable.

It's my duty to do my best to help Your Highness.

It's thanks to Ninth Brother who found out your purpose for this trip in advance.

That's why he reminded me to influence Grandfather with family love and explain the benefits to him.

But he cannot match you on one thing.

What is that?

Family love.

If Third Brother talks to him, then the King of Yonglin

will definitely doubt his motivation.

But, if Third-sister-in-law talks to him?

Third-sister-in-law and King of Yonglin have a deep bond as grandfather and granddaughter.

You don't have to lecture any big ideas.

You only need to talk about what you saw in Great Sheng yourself,

and tell him truthfully.

The King of Yonglin will open his heart

and accept good advice.

Ninth Brother has always done something that surprises us.

Anyway, your contribution is the greatest.

How dare Yonglin! This is intolerable!

Royal Father, I will immediately lead troops to destroy Yonglin and rectify the humiliation.

Stop!

You are arrogant and stupid!

If you didn't make your own decision to withdraw the marriage with Yonglin,

how would Xiqi have become a laughingstock?

Royal Father, I was set up by Yonglin's princess' insidious scheme.

The secret report shows that

Yonglin wants to ally with Shengzhou.

If Xiqi deploys troops now, we will definitely attract Shengzhou to send reinforcement troops.

It will also speed up Yonglin becoming part of Shengzhou.

Do we simply let others arbitrarily humiliate Xiqi?

My son, if you can't tolerate the small matters, you will ruin the bigger plan.

The highest priority now is to break Yonglin and Shengzhou's alliance.

[Royal Father is getting weaker from the poisoning illness. Return immediately.]

What? How did it happen?

Fourth Prince has received a secret report from Xiqi. Even though His Majesty took the antidote,

but his wound has not healed, and the length of his poisoning took too long.

Even though he temporarily stayed alive, but his heart and organs are already damaged

and cannot fully recover.

His Majesty is at the end of his life now.

He probably has not many days left.

Fourth Prince is asking Third Prince what decisions to make at this time.

He hopes Third Prince will quickly decide.

Prepare the horses. We'll immediately return to Shengzhou.

Yes.

Your Highness, why are you in such a hurry to go back?

There is an urgent matter in the military, I need to go back to take care of it.

Yunqi, you haven't returned here for many years, so you don't need to rush to go back with me.

You can stay here with Chengxu for a while longer.

You must be careful then.

All these days, Older Sister has been hiding in her room and wouldn't come out.

This is not good.

They only met once.

She can't forget him?

Viewing the water from the river side, such a refined hobby.

You... How can you be a gentlemen by hiding behind someone's back?

What are you doing here?

I just thought of a few poetic lyrics.

Instead of staying with Great Sheng's people in the palace,

what are you doing here?

I was taking a stroll out of the palace.

I saw a sneaky person from the palace.

I follow to this place and that person disappeared.

[The Promise of Chang'An]

credit

"Falling Fate" - Singer: Li Yugang

♫ Who is swaying at dusk on the riverbank by the gently fluttering willows? ♫

♫ That beauty dances between the clouds and the rippling moonglade ♫

♫ Dancing lightly like the startled birds and your graceful face is like delicate blooms ♫

♫ Longing in the wind, with glistening eyes looking toward the ripples ♫

♫ I could not take my eyes off such a sight to behold ♫

♫ It seems brief, my adoration for you has been for years ♫

♫ You come or go as you please, my soul is being led by dreams of you ♫

♫ These are foolish and infuriating times, I still wish we could be together forever ♫

♫ Destiny leads you into my life to make me whole ♫

♫ My love for you is like an ink-mark that never dries ♫

♫ As the snow scatters in the wind, as the clouds shield the moon ♫

♫ As I have to be drunk to sleep through the night ♫

♫ Like you, the paper I write on is full of melancholy ♫

♫ Destiny leads you into my life, times of great changes separate us ♫

♫ My tears fall and fill the curtained carriage along the way ♫

♫ This homeward journey, this boundless life ♫

♫ It is fleeting, and filled with joys and sorrows ♫