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[The Promise of Chang'An]

[Episode 4]

Greetings, Your Highness.

Your Highness, what happened?

Why did Chengxu and Chengxuan–

- Have the princes arrived? - Reporting to Your Highness, they have arrived.

Pass my order. No one is allowed to come near.

Yes.

Yunqi, I don't have time to explain to you now.

I have to attend to an important matter. You may go on ahead to the palace for the mourning.

Your Highness!

- Third Brother. - Third Brother.

I've already sent men to suppress three of our battalions.

- Brothers– - Why are you suppressing our own army?

Once Royal Father's last will is announced to the public and Chengxu is enthroned,

think about it, how will our various battalions

accept Battalion Wolf and Battalion Eagle, which have no military merit,

as the fwo most important of the twelve battalions?

I'm afraid there are officers and soldiers in the battalions who think like this.

Royal Brother, are you not worried

that the twelve battalions will support their own leaders and begin to slaughter one another?

Of course, I'm worried!

I believe I have thought about it in more depth than you two.

Originally, for the future of Great Sheng,

I harbored too many hopes and expectations.

But Royal Father–

For the future of Great Sheng, we have no other option.

No way. Definitely not.

Definitely not.

We definitely cannot harm Chengxu and Chengxuan.

Third Brother dotes on Chengxu.

Even if you don't consider the power of the military,

you must not allow the twelve battalions to slaughter one another.

If that were to happen,

then the future of Great Sheng– - The future of Great Sheng is ruined!

Third Brother, what's making you hesitate?

If you still won't make a decision, it will become a big problem.

Then let me ask you two.

Have you two already decided that no matter what happens,

you will not support Xiao Chengxu?

Whatever happens, and with resolve, we won't!

- What if Second Brother is willing to? - We don't have to bother about him!

If he dares, we can have a battle with my Battalion Bear and Battalion Lion.

It's not that. Second Brother would not meddle with mundane matters.

You know that well, Third Brother. Let's all try to persuade and convince him.

That will not be a problem.

- All right then! - But I have to ensure Chengxu and Chengxuan will not be harmed.

Brothers, listen to me! We must send troops to suppress Battalion Wolf and Battalion Eagle.

Right now, about this matter, what I want most

is to minimize the harm to Great Sheng!

Understand?

In that case, I have one condition, too.

- How do we do that? - We already have a way.

Mingyu, I am very worried.

Something has already happened within the palace.

Chengxu, don't overthink. What could happen?

Third Brother asked me to stay here

and won't let me go out.

He also won't let me get in touch with my own troops.

All of this does not make sense.

Royal Father has just departed, could

- someone be rebelling already? - Chengxuan!

Don't talk nonsense.

Older Brother, are you not similarly worried as well?

It's just that you are not saying it out loud.

Sister Mingyu, you are not from this palace.

They will not stop you.

How about helping us to

check if our mother is still in her chambers examining Royal Father's possessions?

Jing'er, go to the inner palace first.

Then ask the Empress's people for information.

If anyone gives you a hard time,

tell them that I sent you to go see Yunqi.

Because you are new here and not familiar with the way, you got lost. Understand?

Understood. I'll do my best.

Jing'er, thank you.

Ninth Prince, you don't need to thank me.

I can't afford to bear this burden.

Chengxu, don't worry too much.

Believe me, nothing will happen.

Just wait patiently.

Second Prince, I've waited for you half a day and found out . . .

Are you sick?

Have a seat, Sister-in-law.

Your complexion looks . . .

it doesn't look like you are sick.

Sister-in-law, you're a knowledgeable person.

That's why I asked to see you.

That's right.

I pretended to be sick

because I didn't want to go over there

and see Third Prince and the others.

Second Prince,

is it due to Royal Father's will?

But Royal Father just left.

These two younger brothers, Chengxiu and Chengxuan are still too young.

They're so pitiful. You're the oldest.

You must think of something to help them.

Older Sister,

you must consider my plight too.

If I compete with Chengxiu,

they will suspect that I'm coveting the post to help rule the state.

Besides, how can I fight with the three brothers singlehandlely?

It's just this word, "difficult".

It's really difficult.

Your Highness.

Have you instructed the servants

not to reveal that she came to visit?

Don't worry. I have already instructed them.

However, Third Prince sent his man here again

to invite you to the palace.

Didn't you tell him that I'm sick?

I did but his man said that,

if you still use the pretext of being sick,

Prince Han and Prince Wei will personally visit you.

They will sit and wait till you are showing to show up.

Forget it.

The trouble that should arrive,

I can't avoid it any further.

Hurry up!

Behave yourselves.

What should I do? Princess Consort was right.

This is a major change in politics.

Princess Consort, sorry.

Guard them carefully.

Yes.

Your Highnesses, this is...

Second Prince is leading us

and our brothers and relatives to see Consort Princess Mu.

Invite her to come out now.

No need.

So many of you here.

Did you all come to hear His Majesty's last will?

No, we're here to announce His Majesty's last will.

What did you say?

Mother Consort, don't you want to hear what was in Father's last will?

Where are my two sons? Chengxu and Chengxuan?

Chengxu and Chengxuan are still young.

What we will talk about with Mother Consort next,

it's not appropriate for the two brothers to be present.

Whatever you have to say,

come in and say it.

Accompany him in death?

I was the only one next to His Majesty when he died.

If he had such a wish, I was not aware.

But Fourth Prince, from afar,

you know it all too well.

Enough, Mother Consort.

Up to this point, you should know what this all means.

Of course, I do.

I know what you all want.

It's just that I had no idea you'd be so quick.

Ever since I married your father,

I've received his love and endearment.

Even if you didn't come up with this alleged last wish,

I would want to accompany him.

For over twenty years,

I've treated you all well.

And your mothers would have no regrets with me.

I beg you all, can you take care of my two sons?

Mother Consort, you have nothing to worry about.

we dare not disappoint Royal Father's grace.

- We'll definitely take good care - - I know you will!

Xiao Chengrui.

I want you to swear an oath.

From this day one,

Whoever ends up wearing the crown,

I hope you will protect Chengxu and Chengxuan.

I, Xiao Chengrui,

hereby swear

an oath to Heaven, Earth, and all ancestors.

After Mother Consort accompanies Royal Father in death,

I will take care of Chengxu and Chengxuan.

If I ever not care for nor teach them,

I shall not be tolerated by the ancestors, Heaven, and Earth!

I am not doing this to accompany His Majesty in death.

I am doing it for my two sons.

As long as they're safe,

all that I do

is worth it.

Jing'er.

What's the situation?

Jing'er.

Did something happen?

Say something.

Hurry and tell us! What's happening?

I hid outside the hall and heard them talk about a last decree.

The Empress,

she's going to accompany His Majesty in death.

No way. Father . . .

Father loved Mother so much.

Why?

Why would he leave such an order?

Making a living person to die by sacrificial burial, it's an old practice.

All the states and tribes have already abolished it.

Great Sheng still...

That's right. Sacrificial burial has been gone for a long time.

There's no way. There's absolutely no way.

But, Third Prince and other princes and nobles

are already waiting outside Concubine Mu's palace

to bid her farewell.

What?

Brother!

Mother.

Chengxu.

- Block them! - Move aside!

Chengxu.

After them!

Let's go.

Move aside!

Move it!

Mother!

Let's go!

Follow me!

All of you, move aside!

Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Chengxu!

Chengxu!

Chengxu! Be careful!

Be careful!

Your Highness be careful!

Whoever dares to come, I'll kill him!

Come!

Come!

Third Brother.

Chengxuan, Mother Consort couldn't bear to leave Father on his own.

Princess.

Everyone, take a step back.

Ninth Brother.

We also can't bear it.

But we...

I don't believe it.

I don't believe it!

- I don't believe it. - Chengxu.

Royal Mother, I don't believe it!

Tenth Brother.

Chengxu, Chengxu.

Chengxu, don't be like this.

Royal Mother.

Chengxu, calm down.

I don't believe Royal Father would issue such an order.

Third Brother!

Chengxu.

I beg you.

Third Brother, let go of me.

Chengxu.

Princess, be careful.

Chengxu.

Royal Mother, why have you abandoned me.

Who would have known that the king has just died, and now Concubine Mu has followed him.

Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince are too pitiful.

Sacrificial burial?

There hasn't been such a practice for many years.

Why would it happen to Chengxu's mother?

That's right. Tenth Prince also just said

Great Sheng had already abolished such an old practice.

Is it because His Majesty couldn't bear to be without Concubine Mu?

Zhen'er, when you were in the palace,

what did you hear?

When I was there...

Oh yes, before that, Third Prince swore an oath to Concubine Mu.

He said something like he would be good to Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince.

Swore an oath?

That's right, there was something else that's particularly strange.

Concubine Mu said that she was dying for her own sons.

As long as the two princes would be safe and sound,

it was worth it to her to do anything.

Since the sacrificial burial is in accordance to the emperor's last will,

why would it be for Chengxu and Chengxuan?

Could it be...

When His Majesty died, only Concubine Mu was with him. Could it be that—

Could it be what? Mingyu, are you suspecting something?

Before he died, His Majesty had not selected a crown prince.

Before he died, only Concubine Mu was with him.

It's very likely that

His Majesty

told Concubine Mu the name of the new king.

You mean,

Third Prince and Fourth Prince

do not support the new king selected by His Majesty.

In that case, the new king selected by His Majesty is

Ninth Prince?

Zhen'er, you must not mention

our speculation to Chengxu and Chengxuan. Understand?

Yes, I understand. Any speculation without evidence

will only add trouble to the two princes. I won't talk about it.

It's just that, if the speculation is wrong,

with such a thought in mind,

it will unavoidably affect the feelings between the brothers.

If the speculation is correct,

and if Chengxu and Chengxuan find out,

who knows what more trouble lies ahead?

Now that Concubine Mu is gone, they have even less support.

How can they fight against those powerful older brothers?

They are just like the fish meat on a chopping board.

Royal Mother, I miss you.

I really miss you.

Older Brother! Older Brother?

What is it, Chengxuan?

Those people are spreading rumors outside,

- defaming Royal Mother. - What's the rumor?

They said that, even though Royal Mother was beautiful,

she was treacherous.

Royal Father already saw through her.

To prevent her from disrupting the court,

that's why he decreed for mother to die with him.

I don't believe it. They are spewing nonsense!

Older Brother, lets capture them.

We have two battalions of soldiers.

We'll capture all those people and punish them.

Chengxuan, don't be impulsive.

Right now, we don't know who spread this talk.

If we recklessly capture people,

we're the ones who would be condemned.

What should we do then?

So we'll just let them say whatever slander against Royal Mother?

Calm down. Don't be so sad.

Listen to me, those people who are spreading rumors

are deliberately making waves.

The more that they do this,

the more that we should stay calm.

Understand?

- Greetings, both Your Highness. - Eunuch Min?

Why are you...

No.

You've already served by Royal Father's side.

Why haven't we seen you before this?

I should die. His Majesty has died.

Concubine Mu has followed him in death.

Now, Third Prince has ordered that

anyone who has served His Majesty and Concubine Mu must be buried alive.

But, I still have my mother who is old at hom.

All to be buried alive?

Third Brother,

why are you issuing such a cruel order?

Forget it. I won't make it difficult for you.

But as it is, why haven't you already left the palace?

Your Highness,

when His Majesty was about to die, he asked me to do something.

No matter what, I must complete his order.

His Majesty wanted me to safeguard this item.

Originally, it was supposed to be give to Your Highness

upon your 20th birthday.

Now, I am conveying His Majesty's heartfelt token to you,

so that His Majesty can feel gratified

in the netherworld.

Royal Father.

Both Your Highnesses, I hope you will take care.

Thank you, Eunuch Min.

Older Brother, this is the dragon pendant.

Do you remember when we were kids,

all of us brothers liked this dragon pendant the most.

They all wanted it.

Remember what Royal Father said at that time?

Royal Father said, he could't give it to us yet.

Whenever he chose the crown prince,

he would give him the dragon pendant.

That's right.

But Royal Father has given you this dragon pendant.

None of the other brothers have it.

Unless, unless Royal Father meant

to leave you the throne?

Chengxu, you must challenge yourself well.

Govern the nation by culture, keep the country safe with strength.

Don't let me down.

I won't disappoint Royal Father.

Actually, I've been meaning

to talk to you about a lot of things.

Be previously,

I always thought you were still young.

There was still time, no need to rush.

But lately,

I've suddenly felt old

and don't have enough energy.

I only hope that Heaven will grant me more time

to let me share my lifetime's experience

and lessons with you.

Royal Father, not only that you won't grow old,

you will also be a great hero.

Child,

there have been many great heros,

but they all have aged and passed away.

As long as Royal Father's heroic spirit

pass on in the soldiers' blood through the generations in the twelve Divine Roar camps,

then you won't ever get old, Royal Father.

- You will always rule the world. - Good.

When I reach the age to go to the battlefield,

I will become a great hero just like Royal Father.

Chengxu, are you in such a hurry to go to the battlefield?

Of course. To be a great hero, I have to fight in battles.

Come, let me tell you.

In one's lifetime, there are many battles to fight.

Although the battles in the battlefield are hard,

but the battles in one's heart are the most difficult

and the most cruel.

Remember my words.

You must conquer yourself first,

then maybe you can conquer your opponent.

After fighting a battle after another,

you will then achieve yourself

to be someone who can really deserve

to be this dragon pendant's owner.

Older Brother.

Older Brother, what were you thinking about?

I was thinking about what Royal Father and I talked about.

But, if Royal Father really meant to

if you

There is definitely a question about Royal Mother's sacrificial burial.

The truth isn't out,

we can't make wild guesses.

That day, we arrived at the palace late.

Zhen'er went first.

Maybe she knows something.

Let's go to her and find out more.

Two princes, is there something you need from me?

I need to rush the copied scriptures to Princess Consort as instructed by Her Highness.

Jing'er, I have something important to ask you.

Can you tell us the truth?

Tell us.

What did you see when you went into the inner palace?

That day, the inner and outer palace was heavily guarded.

I didn't see anything when I was there.

I merely hid in a corner and heard some conversations.

What conversations?

Did someone force our mother?

No, no!

When I got there, I heard Third Prince swear an oath to the Empress

that he would take good care of you two.

Ninth Prince, Eleventh Prince, don't get the wrong idea.

Why would Third Prince have to swear an oath?

Before Royal Mother died, what else did she say?

Nothing else.

- Really? - Yes, nothing more.

Two Princes, I still have work to do. I'll take my leave.

Jing'er, don't hide anything from me.

I only heard the Empress say

that she wasn't doing it to accompany His Majesty but for her two sons.

But I don't know what she meant by that.

I knew it. I knew there was something to it.

Otherwise, why would Mother say that?

- There's something. - because of the two of us?

I'll go ask them!

Your Highness! Your Highness!

- Chengxuan. - Mingyu.

Even if Princess Consort Mu said anything, so what?

It doesn't mean anything.

In old customs, death will bring blessings to the future generations.

Perhaps, what she meant, was that by doing this for His Majesty,

Heaven will protect you both.

Right. That's right.

If we base on these words,

it doesn't mean anything.

But if it's as you say,

that Mother was following Father's last will,

then why couldn't the two of us be present before she died?

Why did they keep us apart from the beginning?

It could be they thought it'd be too hard for the two of you.

Mingyu, you still don't know?

Eunuch Min who used to serve Royal Father secretly planned to send

older brother a gift for his birthday.

It's the dragon jade that Father always wore.

Doesn't this prove Royal Father's intention for his successor?

I don't care about Royal Father's intention for his successor

but my existence is now a threat to some people.

Mother.

Mother died because of me.

Just who was it? Who was it?!

Whoever wants to ascend the throne

is the one who forced Mother to her death.

Fine.

I'm going to confront them.

- Chengxuan. - Your Highness.

Chengxuan, before we clarify this, you can't be muddle-headed.

- Chengxuan! - Chengxuan.

If we find out who caused the death of Royal Mother,

even if we fight them till death,

I must avenge Royal Mother.

Chengxu, don't be impulsive. This is just your guess.

If this is not the case, you will offend your royal brothers for nothing.

How would you live the rest of your days in the palace?

If this is true and you take rash actions,

you will only alert the enemies.

You can't be acting like Chengxuan right now. You must think calmly.

No matter what, we have two battalions too.

If we mobilize them, we won't suffer any losses.

Chengxu, did you see that?

Chengxuan is calling to fight.

Do you want your royal parents to see the chaos among the twelve elite battalions?

Moreover, with just you and Chengxu alone, your power are not strong enough.

If you make the move now, you will only give them the advantage.

I know you are upset but you must keep calm.

Not only you can protect yourself,

you can take good care of your younger brother on behalf of your royal mother.

You can also make plans for the future.

Brother.

You're right.

If the situation is as you say it is,

then we have to watch our every step from now on

and be extra cautious.

Besides, you are mourning now. Don't wander anywhere.

Otherwise, in front of your mother's coffin,

without the both of you keeping vigil, she will feel lonely.

No matter what, go through the state mourning first.

It's still not too late to investigate in the future.

Brother.

Chengxuan.

We wait.

We wait.

[Prince Xiao Manor]

In a few days,

you will be the Empress of Great Sheng.

Then that means

you've accepted the crown?

And I thought -

That I didn't want to be Emperor?

When First Brother passed away, Second Brother became next in line.

Based on all aspects,

he's the only one who has the right to contend with me.

But based on his actions for the past few days,

he doesn't seem to have this ambition.

Then, other than Second Brother,

did anyone bring up Chengxu?

Chengxu, as the head of the battalion, doesn't has any military merits yet.

He alone does not hold any power. Who will support him?

Yunqi, come here.

I know what you're thinking.

You don't need to feel guilty.

I swore that I would be kind to Chengxuan and Chengxu.

As long as they don't have any intentions to rebel, I will keep my promise.

Talking about this, among all the brothers,

Chengxu is the most qualified.

I believe, with additional training,

in time, he can become my assistant.

I also look forward to his quick growth

and become the pillar of Great Sheng.

If that's the case, then it's all good.

Father and Mother will be at peace.

As for you, stay in the palace for the coming days

to help with the arrangements for the state funeral.

Brother-in-law, you're here.

Mingyu looks more charming

dressed in the clothes of Great Sheng.

Who says so? Brother-in-law, you are teasing me.

By the way, I wanted to send the scriptures that I copied for Princess Consort Mu to Your Highness.

But I didn't had the time as I was busy with the funeral.

I asked Mingyu to do it for me instead.

Is that so? Let me take a look.

I didn't expect Mingyu to have such nice handwriting.

My handwriting is shameful. I caused you to laugh at me again.

Your Highness, I undestimated Mingyu too.

Frankly, when we were at Yongling, Royal Father hired a professor from Great Liang to teach her.

Not only does she knows the writings of various states,

she studied history too.

So to say, not only is Mingyu a beauty,

she's also a talented woman.

I don't deserve this praise.

How could Mingyu not deserve this praise?

Your Highness, in another two years, we should choose a good husband for her.

Sister Qi.

[The Promise of Chang'An]

Timing and subtitles brought to you by _______ @ Viki.com

"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 ♫

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

♫ 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 ♫