Original subtitles

♪Don't feel sad for the fallen flowers♪

♪Falling in the mortal world♪

♪Keep all the memories♪

♪Can't find any peace anymore♪

♪The storms can't kill my passion♪

♪But I need to endure♪

♪Be serious even though I'm naive♪

♪If this is the destined fate♪

♪Even if I'll be hurt♪

♪I'll protect the people♪

♪The mountains sun and moon can be my witnesses♪

♪Full of passion♪

♪Deep love and hatred♪

♪Melts in my heart along with the snow♪

=Royal Rumours=

=Episode 21=

(Ceremonial Hall)

Today,

you've been through a lot.

It's been a tough day for you.

We had expected the outcome,

but somehow,

it was still tough.

Indeed.

The Hua family is really outstanding

for defending the State of Jin

in battles.

Right now,

in this battle of wits,

it is still the Hua family that

contributed the most.

By the way,

Grand Preceptor Du presented

Emperor's Whip to me.

It is said to have been bestowed

by the late Emperor.

I've heard that since the late Emperor's times,

Grand Preceptor Du has been

bringing Emperor's Whip to the imperial court.

He would teach

corrupted officials

a tough lesson.

Now that

he has presented it to you,

it means that he backs you up

and has confidence in you.

I know.

I'm sure he wants the best for the State of Jin.

We've finally won.

The imperial examination results are released!

The imperial examination results are released!

I can't see anything.

Go!

I'm not going.

It's so crowded.

Why is it so crowded?

What shall we do?

(Noticeboard) How shall we get there?

I can't see it.

Brother.

(Examination Hall) Changkong.

Changkong.

Man up!

Go and check it!

No!

Liuli,

let's figure out a way.

Goodness me!

It seems we have to go to extremes.

The crown prince is here!

The crown prince is here!

That was smart of you!

That was really smart of you!

Hurry up!

Let's go! Hurry up!

Let's check it!

(Noticeboard) Father.

Come here.

Come and check it!

Where is your name?

(The First Place)

(Hua Changkong)

There!

There!

Changkong has got the first place!

Where is it?

The best scholar.

The first place!

You've got the first place, Changkong!

You're the best scholar!

My lad!

You've got the first place!

I've got the first place.

You've made it!

I've made it!

Excellent, brother!

I've made it!

I've made it!

(Examination Hall) You're the Hua family's pride and joy!

(Examination Hall) I've made it, mother!

(Examination Hall) Mother, I've made it!

Xiuying, you should go.

You should go.

Finish the medicine

and I shall go.

Go now.

I'll take care of myself.

Go. Hurry up.

What's the feast about?

You've splurged so much on it.

We're obviously celebrating

the successful negotiations

and the achievement of the Hua family's second son.

Well,

isn't this Hua Liuli's personal matter?

Why are you and Prince Ying

organising the feast?

Aren't the matters worth celebrating?

Yao Wenyin,

don't be narrow-minded, okay?

Okay.

Bottoms up!

(Stupid guy.)

(The only thing he cares about)

(is drinking.)

What's wrong?

Why are you suddenly upset?

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Changkong, on being the best scholar!

Thank you!

Guys, this way, please.

What's wrong?

Your Highness,

why didn't you accompany Princess Hua?

The honour is hers.

She deserves the people's

respect and admiration.

If I'm there,

they won't dare to show their respect.

Your Highness, you've become

considerate towards

other people.

I'm only considerate towards her.

I can smell jealousy.

Didn't you say

jealousy could prove one's feelings

for another person?

That's right.

Drink more and be more jealous.

I...

I think you've been increasingly

nosy when it comes to Hua Liuli.

Nonsense.

Eat.

(Where is Xiuying?)

I...

Xiuying.

Liuli,

why did you leave the feast?

It was too boring.

I needed some fresh air.

Xiuying, look.

The stars are beautiful.

Really?

Where

are the stars?

Liuli,

are we looking

at the same sky?

Xiuying,

do you want

to view the sky more clearly?

What do you mean?

Follow me.

Look, Xiuying.

Admiring the view on the rooftop

can cheer one up.

Let's go.

This is improper for the well-mannered.

Besides,

it's really high.

It's really improper.

Don't worry.

There's no one else here.

Besides,

I'll hold the ladder in place.

I'll ensure your safety.

Once you're up there,

I'll climb up.

Liuli,

you're still weak.

Don't exert yourself.

Don't worry.

Let me help you.

The rooftop offers

a panoramic view.

Give it a try.

Let's go.

Hold it tightly.

Step up on your right foot.

Stand firmly.

That's right.

You can do it.

Here.

Watch out.

Don't be afraid, Xiuying.

Look.

Those are the stars, right?

If you think they are,

they are.

Liuli,

sometimes,

I envy you.

I was weak when I was little.

My brothers would secretly carry me

to the rooftop

just to see the world beyond the courtyard.

Then,

I learnt to climb the wall.

Whenever my family

fought in a battle,

I would sit on the rooftop

or stand on the city wall to wait for them.

Watch out.

Miss.

Miss, come down.

Watch out, Miss.

(Qinghan Prefecture)

(Qinghan Prefecture) Watch out.

(Qinghan Prefecture) Come down, please.

Watch out.

When I heard the horses,

I knew

they returned in triumph.

Everyone behaves the same way

towards his or her family.

We miss our families and feel reluctant to leave them.

This is human nature.

Liuli,

thanks for comforting me.

Xiuying,

you're welcome.

I just hope that you'll cry

and laugh

whenever you want.

Strong people express themselves well.

Weak people wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Don't wear your heart on your sleeve.

I understand.

Great-grandfather,

I want to accompany you forever.

I know that

you're filial.

For hundreds of years,

the State of Jin experienced lots of misery.

People were oppressed and robbed.

After all the hardship,

we've achieved prosperity.

You

should not be confined here.

Explore the world outside.

Explore it on my behalf.

From now on,

I'll be my great-grandfather's explorer.

I want to observe more

for him

and tell him

how well the State of Jin is

and how well the princes are getting along.

My great-grandfather will be very happy to hear that.

Your Highness.

Qi and Ba.

- Yes, Your Highness. - Yes, Your Highness.

Send two imperial physicians

to Grand Preceptor Mansion tomorrow.

Provide him

with any kind of effective medicine.

Yes, Your Highness.

If there is no suitable medicine

in Imperial Academy of Medicine,

they should come to see me.

Yes, Your Highness.

Liuli,

I'm sorry for being overwhelmed.

Why are you apologising?

We are flesh and blood.

Like I said, cry when you want to.

Smile when you want to.

Then you will be happy.

It's a shame that

as time goes by,

sometimes, we

can't live the life we want.

Liuli,

you're more insightful than me.

No, I'm not.

We're good

at perceiving things that

happen to other people,

but if we were in their situation,

we might face a dilemma.

No one

can always live without doubt.

Wait a minute.

I think I heard

Hua Liuli's voice.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Hey.

Why did she climb

up the roof?

Could she be having

a secret rendezvous with someone?

However, the crown prince

was in the room just now.

I want to tip him off.

Then I shall do whatever I want,

like what you said, Liuli.

Otherwise,

I may regret it.

The person she's rendezvousing with is

- Xiuying? - Xiuying?

I'll go up to find out.

Watch out.

I'm fine.

However, you can't tell Jiamin

that I'm so timid.

Otherwise,

she will laugh at me.

Hua Liuli,

why did you bring

my cousin here?

- Watch out. - Jiamin?

Come here.

Watch out.

Help me.

Be careful.

Mind your step.

Wenyin, you're here, too.

Be careful.

Yes.

Xiuying,

why did you come up here

with Hua Liuli?

I did it of my own accord.

Also, Jiamin,

it's late now.

Lower your voice.

Don't end up scaring Princess Fushou.

Also,

you're a lady.

You should talk calmly.

There you go.

We've got another brainwashed person.

Since we're all here,

let's watch the stars together.

(Qunying Eatery)

Yuanhao,

what brought you here?

I'm looking for Princess Jiamin.

Princess Jiamin?

Prince Ying,

Princess Jiamin and Ms. Yao

are chatting on the rooftop.

What are they doing on the rooftop?

I'll find out.

Yuanhao,

maybe they are having

a heart-to-heart talk.

Let's not

disturb them.

You're right.

Since they are still chatting

on the rooftop,

I'll return first.

Okay.

Good night.

Oh right,

here.

Jiamin,

you copied me.

Do you want it? Return it if you don't.

I do!

However,

don't you want to keep one

for Prince Ying?

No, you say...

Calm down.

You have no idea.

Prince Ying only cared about drinking

and ended up neglecting her.

Why are you saying this?

So you were ignored.

You're lonely.

What are you saying?

Am I wrong?

Don't you

and Prince Ying

love each other

and want to get married?

Is it that obvious?

- It is obvious! - It is obvious!

Stop it!

What about you?

You've been flirting

with the crown prince.

You always give each other the eye.

Jiamin!

Stop that.

Have you been dating the crown prince?

Xiuying, are you serious?

Didn't you know?

What about you, Xiuying?

Is there anyone that

you like?

Look at her expression!

Who is he?

Who is he?

Tell us!

Wenyin,

Wenyin,

what about you?

Who is it?

Right.

All of you are in love

except me.

You've never found me a match.

Let me think.

Qi, Ba,

Jingua or Yingua?

Feel free to choose one.

No!

I want someone who is

like a character in a novella.

He must be talented

and handsome.

He must be like a character in a novella?

Look! It's a shooting star!

Make a wish!

Make a wish!

Are you okay, Xiuying?

I'm okay.

Crown Prince.

Go and talk to him.

We'll return first.

Go.

Let's go.

(Qunying Eatery)

Here I am.

Are you tired?

Yes.

I think

you're not so tired today.

You had time

comforting other girls.

I didn't.

I noticed how sad

Xiuying was.

Then,

Jiamin

and Wenyin joined us.

So I cheered them up, too.

However, you didn't really

talk to me tonight.

Let me talk to you now.

I have a lot to tell you.

Look.

You're so good at cheering people up.

By the way,

I'll take you somewhere tomorrow.

You're taking me

to Du Mansion.

Will it be appropriate?

Grand Preceptor Du has been through two dynasties.

Despite his

fussy attitude towards me

and stubbornness,

he has always been

loyal to the State of Jin.

He's badly ill.

He must be thinking

when I will get married.

Why is he so concerned

about your marriage?

Maybe it's because

I'm next in line to the throne.

If he knows I'm chosen

by the future emperor,

will he be angry?

Hasn't he presented

Emperor's Whip to you?

That's different.

He gave me Emperor's Whip

to support me in serving the state.

However,

if he knows that

I've won the heir's heart,

won't he scold us?

Liuli,

I'm not hiding this anymore.

I don't want him to depart this life without knowing about us.

(Grand Preceptor Mansion)

Miss.

The crown prince and Princess Fushou

have come to visit Grand Preceptor.

Grand Preceptor.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I've heard that

it's quite foggy today.

Was the journey

okay?

It was good.

Your Highness,

ruling the state is like walking through the fog.

If you know what you want,

you'll know how to overcome the obstacles.

If you're doubtful,

you'll hit a snag.

My days

are numbered.

I won't be able

to marvel at

the beautiful State of Jin.

I hope you'll protect the interests of the civilians

and rule the state virtuously.

Grand Preceptor,

please take good care of yourself.

I know that

you've been concerned about the State of Jin.

If I've done anything wrong,

please point it out.

Grand Preceptor,

I know that

you don't like me.

Princess Hua,

I used to be fussy

by challenging you.

In fact,

you've done very well

like His Highness.

I feel happy

that His Highness

is assisted

by you.

In the future,

the State of Jin will be your huge responsibility.

Grand Preceptor,

emissaries from different states are here.

The capital is very busy.

You can't visit it

because of your illness.

So, I had someone draw

the prosperous scene.

The State of Jin is thriving.

There are interstate meetings.

Emissaries and merchants

have been visiting us.

Jinque Street

is very busy.

♪Flowers fall gracefully♪

Let me have a look.

♪Swirling their way to the ground♪

♪Secure all memory♪

♪One can hardly find peaceful♪

♪And determined expression♪

♪On our faces♪

Greetings, Master Du.

Your Majesty.

Emperor's Whip was given to me by the late Emperor.

You can use it to

punish any corrupted official

and incapable emperor.

Your Majesty,

by the power of Emperor's Whip,

may I ask you

what the state means to you?

It refers to all the civilians

of every young

and old generation

living in every beautiful corner

of the State of Jin.

♪With all the passion♪

Great!

Great!

I was wrong.

Your Highness,

you are a capable crown prince.

My only hope

is that

the State of Jin

will always be a prosperous

and developed state.

Would you

promise me?

Woud you, Your Highness?

Of course.

Your Highness.

General A'Wa,

when you led the soldiers

to ambush Huzhou,

how many civilians and craftsmen

did you kidnap?

I think there were

over 10,000 of them.

The State of Jin has fertile lands.

The civilians living there

are determined.

They are forgiving

and vindictive at the same time.

50 years ago, a drought struck the State of Jin.

Gaochang state contributed food.

Political chaos happened in Gaochang 20 years ago.

The State of Jin helped to stabilise Gaochang

and supplied farming equipment,

craftsmen and artisans.

In recent years,

have you ever heard that

the State of Jin has wronged Gaochang?

The people of Jin

are vindictive,

but are generous, too.

Your Highness,

why are you talking

about the people of Jin?

I'm only expressing

my feelings about the State of Jin.

Your Highness,

are you okay?

Yes.

Why were we

born into different states?

Father,

I went to see Grand Preceptor Du

with the crown prince today.

I'm afraid that his days are numbered.

I've heard so.

I was thinking of

visiting him as soon as possible.

Father,

why do people say

that you always clash with Grand Preceptor Du?

You got the wrong idea.

It happened for the sake

of the State of Jin.

Do you remember the time

when we first met

Grand Preceptor Du?

Now that you've mentioned it,

I've started to recall it.

When he and I first met,

we didn't get along

because of different political views.

We had many arguments

in the imperial court meetings.

I think

that was during the late Emperor's reign.

However, Grand Preceptor Du

has done a lot for the civilians.

I respect him

a lot.

What happened?

You look unhappy.

Would you even keep anything from me?

Miss, actually

I've indeed been keeping

something from you for a long time.

The problem with General Hua's pants

was caused by Junior Secretary Pei.

I really don't understand.

He said we're friends,

but he cheated me.

In fact,

I had guessed correctly

that Pei Jihuai

had changed my father's pants.

Really?

It was an easy job

to change my father's pants.

Even I could do that.

Why did the crown prince

ask Junior Secretary Pei to do that?

That's because

even the crown prince knew

you liked Junior Secretary Pei.

However, I'm just

a servant.

He's an important aide to the crown prince.

He's Junior Secretary of Supreme Court.

What are you talking about?

You're my little sister.

You're a female general

with the title of a captain.

In Qinghan Prefecture,

you fought in a battle.

You deserve respect.

Really?

Whether the feelings are mutual,

it's easy to find out.

Just ask him.

If he likes you,

you must take action

to be with him.

If he doesn't like you,

you should also stop

feeling unhappy.

You're right, Miss.

If I see him next time,

I'll ask him.

Good.

Okay. Let's go.

Is my second brother still studying

after getting the first place?

We should drag him out.

Let's go.

The weather is hot and dry.

Watch out for a fire.

The weather is hot and dry.

Watch out for a fire.

(The crown prince even asked me)

(to sneak some medicine to you.)

(Yun Han,)

(don't)

(disappoint us.)

(Hua Mansion)

Princess Hua,

may I

have a word with you?

Princess Hua,

I've never wanted any battle.

Since I was a child, I don't care

which party

initiated the battle.

Both states have long been fighting.

So, there must be a winner.

If Jinpo wins,

what will happen to the State of Jin?

There will be political chaos and instability.

You seem to understand your state's strategy

very well.

What do you think

about the terms now?

Are they still unacceptable?

Yes, they are.

It seems what I told you

that day did not work at all.

Princess Hua,

I remember

when I first saw you,

you appeared amidst the sandy place.

You looked attractive...

Yes.

He Yuanting,

why are you talking

about the past?

After Jinpo's loss,

I was confined in seclusion.

I felt outraged.

I kept thinking about

what you had told me.

I was also thinking whether

a battle must happen

between the two states

to solve the issues.

The civilians want

a peaceful life.

In a vast state,

is it about the lands

or the civilians?

Some just want

to use their power

to achieve their ambition.

You're right.

I'm here

not to advocate

any battle.

Instead, I'm here to fight

for Jinpo.

However, you have not succeeded.

I just want to ask you a question.

(Hua Hao Yue Yuan) [*Love blossoms.]

After I return to Jinpo,

will you be willing to help me?

I promise you that

both states will be on friendly terms forever.

There will never be another battle.

You're

so cunning that

I can no longer trust you.

If you agree to it,

I'll tell you a secret

that has been hidden

in the State of Jin for years.

Okay.

I promise you.

You should remember

the Battle of Yuncang Ridge that happened ten years ago.

Both states saw losses and disasters.

Your parents almost died there.

A'Wa's father

died in the battle.

Someone in the State of Jin is overly ambitious.

He wants to benefit from our fights.

Did you find out the details?

By the time I met you

in the woods that day,

I had long been in the capital

to secretly investigate it.

The official responsible for

combat rations at the time, Lian Yue,

has become

Censorate Zhu

of the State of Jin.

(It's him!)

(However, I can't fully trust He Yuanting.)

(I still need to)

(verify it.)

Thank you.

Your Highness,

why did you reveal so much?

It's because no one is

Jinpo's ally.

If they harm each other,

we'll have a chance to strike.

She's too smart.

So instead of lying to her,

why don't we tell her some truth?

Princess Hua.

Where is His Highness?

I've just heard that

His Majesty isn't feeling well.

So His Highness

quickly returned to the palace.

Before he left, he instructed me

to tell you

he's in Eastern Palace,

in case of an emergency.

It's all right.

I shall wait for him here.

Your Highness,

don't cry.

His Majesty will be fine.

Stop crying.

I'm fine.

If you leave me alone,

I may have a few more days to live.

You may return.

Excuse me, Your Majesty.

Hold on.

Don't tell anyone

what happened today.

Is that understood?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Father.

Your Highness.

Father,

are you okay?

Yes.

Consort Xian just

fell while walking.

You lunged forward

to hold her.

She's still young.

However, you've been unwell.

How could you impulsively do that?

I was worried that she'd get hurt.

Besides, Consort Xian is worried that Grand Preceptor Du

will depart this life soon.

She's worried that

I'll lose all the support I have.

So,

she's been anxious lately.

She's your wife,

yet

she doesn't understand you at all.

Father,

I have a question that

I've always wanted to ask you.

Go ahead.

As I observe,

Consort Xian is the one that

you truly care about.

You protect her. You pamper her.

You dote on her

despite all her

obvious mistakes.

I never understood why.

Since Liuli came into my life,

I've started to realise that

without love,

you wouldn't have done

so much for her.

However,

what about my mother?

Ten years ago,

my Empress conspired with her relatives to commit treason.

Your mother died of an illness

suddenly at the time.

I was always sceptical of why she died.

However, I couldn't find any proof.

Although the chaos was finally quashed,

I've always felt guilty

towards her.

You've answered my question.

Father,

rest well.

Yuansu,

here.

I've brought you

something nice.

Su'er.

Father.

Study hard.

I love you most dearly.

Do you like it?

Yes.

Good boy.

Let me read with you.

Your Highness,

you've always

had a place

in His Majesty's heart.

Besides,

His Majesty has always felt

guilty towards you.

Father.

(Ankang Garden)

Have some ginseng soup.

Do you want us

to send for His Highness?

That's not necessary.

His Majesty is ill.

Visiting His Majesty is

more important.

I don't have any urgent matter.

I shall return now.

(Ambitious)

You've been waiting for three days.

Go back and rest.

Song,

will my parents and eldest brother

come back?

I heard that

there was a problem on the way

with the combat rations.

The rations could not be sent in time.

Song,

has this

happened before?

(Hua Liuli,)

(what's holding you back?)

(For years, you've been thinking)

(about solving the mystery,)

(haven't you?)

(Pretentious Hour)

Changkong,

congratulations

on achieving

the first place.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Cheers.

Liuli has always loved

fun-filled events

since she was little.

When we were in Qinghan Prefecture,

she liked writing letters

to other royal members and officials.

Hold on.

So, I wasn't the only

recipient of her letters?

Only you?

How could that be?

Let me tell you.

I remember that

she wrote Prince Ying

and the Third Prince

some letters, too.

The third prince was still

a baby then.

She insisted on wishing him well in a letter.

She wanted him

to read it when he grew up.

She was so cute!

Let's drink!

I...

♪A new song is played by my fingers♪

♪I can't talk or sleep under the moon♪

♪I'm missing someone walking around the pavilion♪

♪I can hardly tell anyone♪

♪Who will be in this mortal♪

♪Know my heart and how I cry without showing anyone♪

♪The memory has gone♪

♪Whose face is showing in my dream♪

♪How many times do I need to go through this♪

♪Crying alone in front of the window♪

♪Hearing the rain last night♪

♪But my heart will not change♪

♪The clouds are being covered by the shadow of the moon♪

♪Who is rolling up the sleeve with the wind♪

♪Not worried about the grudges but for the ones not around♪

♪Telling my sorrowfulness in Fengyi Pavilion♪

♪But it's a shame a few autumns have passed♪

♪It's hard to balance between the world and the one we love♪

♪The clouds are being covered by the shadow of the moon♪

♪I'm waiting while turning back♪

♪I sighed as the old days are no longer here anymore♪

♪How many worries are there♪

♪How many of us can grow old together♪

♪I wish you can have the world and the one you love♪

♪I wish you can have the world and the one you love♪