Original subtitles

[The Princess Royal]

[Adapted from Mo Shubai's novel, The Princess Royal]

[on Jinjiang Original Network]

[This is a work of fiction.]

[Episode 4]

Enough.

I can keep him alive,

but he can't escape his punishment.

Decree that Su Rongqing be subjected to castration.

What have I done

to deserve such protection from the Princess Royal?

Your great kindness

is beyond my ability to repay in this lifetime.

You don't have to feel like you owe me.

Rise.

Have you

thought about what you'll do next?

I...

am no longer a real man,

and I'm at a loss

about where to go from here.

Perhaps,

you can stay in my place.

Would you want that?

And think about it,

he didn't leave when you let him go.

Why did he want to stay by your side?

Li Rong,

are you okay?

I did think about the possibility

that he'd want revenge.

No one can forget such an annihilation,

especially not him, once the most eligible bachelor in Huajing.

I just didn't foresee

that even the deepest bonds

would be overshadowed by political strife.

I was too naive.

So

he made the first move

to administer the slow poison to me

and then took over the power I held

with the guise of eliminating you.

We can't be entirely sure, though.

Perhaps we're both wrong.

Enough said.

I've come to terms with it.

I was killed by Su Rongqing.

Satisfied now?

I warned you

to stay away from him, but you didn't listen.

See what happens?

You're suffering now.

Pleased to see me suffer, are you?

I didn't mean it like that.

Why must you always challenge me?

Indeed, it happens once in a lifetime

to see the Princess Royal suffer.

How could I not be pleased?

Then you're mistaken.

After all, he served me for seventeen years.

I willingly accepted death at his hands.

And you,

you're just a bystander caught in the fire.

What's there for you to gloat about?

Stop talking about it.

The grilled fish is almost ready. Let's eat.

Here.

Take it.

But let me remind you, Your Highness,

your previous entanglements with Su Rongqing

would only cause some physical punishments.

Now, if you keep this up,

you're risking your life.

Your Highness,

the flowers are particularly beautiful this year.

Meixiang,

do you know

which flowers bloom the brightest?

I do not, my lady.

It's not the phoenix flowers.

It's the thorny ones

that bloom the most brilliantly.

[Mingyue Palace]

Concubine Ning, why did you visit me

in the middle of the night?

It looks like a storm is brewing outside,

and yet you can sleep?

Just don't beat about the bush.

As you know,

I've always lived alone

in Mingyue Palace,

unconcerned with the outside conflicts.

Only you know

whether you're concerned or not.

My nocturnal visit

is to bring you a significant gift.

I'm not sure whether I can bear it.

Prince Su holds the Emperor's favor.

Even the Crown Prince can't rival him.

As Prince Su's mother,

born of humble origins,

have you ever considered

even if the Emperor intends to make him the Crown Prince,

how could your brother, Xiao Su,

with his mere 20,000 troops,

compete against the Crown Prince

and his mother's powerful

Shangguan family?

You must be kidding.

This whole world belongs to the Emperor.

If the Emperor wishes to promote my son,

there's no need for contention.

If not,

no one can usurp that position.

Is that so?

Even if Prince Su doesn't vie for power,

the Empress and her clan will certainly back the Crown Prince.

My family has commanded the northwestern front

for three generations,

holding significant military power.

With the support of my family's troops,

Prince Su's rise is inevitable.

You just came from the Empress, didn't you?

Your gift is too big

for me to accept it.

Just by visiting you,

the Empress will grow suspicious.

Given her nature,

she's bound to make a move.

So,

whether you believe me or not isn't that crucial anymore.

Concubine Rou,

I take my leave.

Are you cold?

It's so cold,

and you gave your coat to me.

How about...

Coming.

Why didn't you say it earlier?

Let me ask you,

have you thought about

seeking out Qin Zhenzhen?

We'll talk about that later.

I thought nothing had changed,

but on reflection,

before we were married,

you had nothing to do with Su Rongqing.

So,

there are still many unknowns.

We'll take it one step at a time.

I have a suggestion for you.

If you're going to intervene, do it early.

The palace isn't suitable for her.

Don't let her enter the palace.

I see.

But it's rare for you to say something nice.

You're funny.

Don't you like hearing something nice from me?

I didn't say that.

I'm just not used to it.

I hadn't planned on saying so.

But I am

a reasonable person.

You came to rescue me, and even though it backfired,

I still appreciate your effort.

I've indeed made many mistakes,

and I take the blame.

Pei Wenxuan,

let's not discuss

the past anymore.

Can you promise me,

let's not be enemies anymore

right here?

Hurry!

We must evacuate before the Princess's reinforcements arrive.

Yes.

Your Highness, it's them.

They're the Yangs' men.

Hold them back!

Capture them!

Yes!

Your Highness,

we should focus on finding the Princess first.

What are your plans next?

I...

I haven't decided yet.

What about you? What are your plans?

I don't want to live like before,

constantly surrounded by endless suspicion,

witnessing the brutality of Chuan,

or seeing

Su Rongqing's family destroyed.

What about you?

Do you have any regrets from before?

Prince Consort,

you're finally here.

Though you and the Princess have been at odds for so long,

you both care for each other.

Just bow your head and apologize to her.

Make up with her, please.

She won't understand.

I don't think so.

The Princess is proud,

and there were reasons behind the scenes.

The matter with Concubine Qin,

though she stepped forward to take responsibility

and helped you out,

people outside are saying

she did it because she was betrayed by her husband

and had to make this move to save face.

Actually, she just needs a way out.

If it were that simple,

it'd be wonderful. However...

Prince Consort,

sometimes things are really that simple.

Or,

maybe I should go and tell the Princess

you're here to see her?

No need.

It's my fault for not handling things properly,

and I owe it to the Princess.

It's better

not to disturb her further.

Prince Consort,

there's trouble!

What's happened?

Following the Emperor's decree

to execute the entire Su family,

the Princess tried to save Young Master Su

by pleading in front of the Emperor

and accidentally spoke out of turn.

She's been sentenced to a caning.

I'm worried she won't endure it.

You must come to her rescue!

Hold it.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

Stop hitting her!

Your Highness, just apologize to His Majesty.

Give up on Young Master Su.

If you keep getting beaten, you'll lose your life.

Why put yourself through this, Li Rong?

Pei Wenxuan, Pei Wenxuan!

I must save Su Rongqing.

I've indeed

had regrets before.

I...

In my life,

I've been loyal to the court

and loyal to the people,

but I've only failed

the Princess Royal.

Your Majesty.

Speak up.

There's trouble with Princess Pingyue.

Pei Wenxuan,

why are you so nervous?

I'm not nervous.

I'm just trying to think of how to prove my innocence.

What innocence?

I'm thinking about how to tell you

that I did nothing last night.

I know.

If you really did something,

I'd definitely feel it.

Li Rong, you're a princess.

Can't you be

a bit more reserved?

Pretend to be pure at my age? Seriously?

Let's go.

Where are we going?

Not here.

Nothing is found here either.

What are you doing, Pei Wenxuan?

Slow down.

Come here.

Pei Wenxuan,

how did I never notice

you're like a rabbit?

Take this.

What for?

Cover yourself.

Wait.

Su...

What are you doing?!

Don't keep reminding me

that he once killed me.

Don't overthink it.

It's not the time yet.

Today's Su family is of noble status,

upright and honorable.

The current Su Rongqing is a gentleman

who never engages in factional disputes,

especially now that Yang Quan is the main schemer.

Su Rongqing

should pose no threat.

Young Master Su.

Haven't we already found her? Where is she?

Your Highness,

look here.

They should have stayed here overnight.

They should have just left recently.

Chuan.

Sister.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

But you,

why the rush?

I'm okay.

I heard you were kidnapped.

I searched all night and couldn't find you.

Sister,

you didn't...

Young Master, you...

Behave!

You scoundrel!

Your Highness!

I'm going to kill you today.

Calm down.

Let go. I'm going to kill him.

Seems I'm still too polite.

Bring me a sword.

Chuan,

you're the Crown Prince. Be modest.

Your Highness,

the Princess and I...

No explanations to me.

Take it up with Father and Mother back at the palace.

Let's go back.

Princess.

Scoundrel,

stay away from my sister.

Sister, get on my horse.

Sure, who else's horse would I ride?

Your Highness, if you don't mind,

you can use my horse.

Alright, thanks.

Your Highness, are you alright?

The Su Rongqing of the past

never had such early dealings with me,

with Li Rong,

or even with Li Chuan.

He called me a scoundrel.

That's too far.

He's the Crown Prince.

Y-Young Master, are you alright?

Young Master Pei, please.

Let's go, Young Master.

Sister,

everyone in the court knows

Father dislikes me

and is always looking for a chance to depose me.

And yet he still tries to get close to me.

Do you think the Yangs are out of their minds?

They are not at all.

They're very clever.

Father wants to deal with the Yang family,

and our Shangguan family is the foremost noble family,

so of course, they'd try to get close to you.

Well, they could be a bit nicer.

How could they just kidnap directly?

I guess they didn't really want to kidnap me.

Probably just wanted to scare me,

then play the hero to rescue me.

How despicable.

Pei Wenxuan is even better than them.

By the way, Sister...

Did Pei Wenxuan...

Did he kiss you?

Pei Wenxuan

is a gentleman.

He wouldn't take advantage of me.

Sister,

you have to promise me one thing.

Go ahead.

Even if you get married,

I still have to be the most important man in your heart.

Your Majesty.

Get out!

She didn't want to see you when she was alive,

even less now that she's dead.

Your Majesty.

Scram!

What are you doing?

Your Majesty.

You served Concubine Qin today.

You deserve to die.

Your Majesty,

I have served Concubine Qin loyally

for many years.

Why is she dead,

and you are still alive?

Mercy, Your Majesty!

Li Chuan, what are you doing?

Have you lost your mind? You are the Emperor!

Mercy, Your Majesty!

Scram!

Get out of here!

Such a beautiful smile.

This is what I must protect in the future.

Sister,

what are you murmuring?

I'm saying you're foolish.

The Princess and the Crown Prince indeed share a deep sibling bond.

In the noble families,

such a close bond is rare.

They grew up together from childhood.

The Princess also values family ties.

By the way,

I heard that you and your brother also share a good relationship.

I misspoke.

This is just our second time

seeing each other.

Young Master Pei, how did you know?

It's no secret.

The Su family has been prestigious,

and brotherly respect is your family's instruction.

Of course, I know that.

By the way, Concubine Ning paid a visit

to Mingyue Palace and Qionghua Palace last night.

It seems

she was concerned bout the Princess's marriage.

Does the Crown Prince know?

Yes.

I have already informed the Crown Prince.

But I think

Young Master Pei should also be aware of this.

Young Master Su, why do you

help me like this?

Princess Pingyue is known for her virtues,

and I also wish her well.

If the Princess needs to choose

between Yang Quan and you,

then I would bet

on you.

Why does he speak so cryptically

Could it be that he also...

I'm so flattered.

The Princess's marriage

should be decided by herself.

I'm just a minor official.

I dare not aspire for more.

Greetings to the Crown Prince and Princess Pingyue.

Eunuch Shande,

weren't you supposed to be attending to the Empress?

What brings you here?

Her Majesty heard

that the Crown Prince and the Princess had returned,

and she sent me here specifically to wait for you.

Her Majesty said

Your Highness had a tiring night

and should go rest.

I will escort the Princess

and Young Master Pei

to meet Her Majesty in Qionghua Palace.

The Empress wants to see me?

Sister.

It's alright.

Your Highness, your palanquin is ready.

Let me escort you

to change into clean clothes

before meeting Her Majesty.

Your Highness, please step this way.

Young Master Pei, please.

Mr. Pei,

have you figured out those problems?

Not yet.

Well, you don't have much time left.

Just wait here.

Come inside when you're summoned.

Copy.

Greetings, Mother.

Long live, Mother.

I heard you spent a night

with Pei Wenxuan last night.

Yes.

How do you intend

to handle your marriage?

May I ask what Mother thinks

should be done?

You have your ideas in mind.

Don't you, Mother?

I...

I'd like to hear your thoughts first.

I wish to marry you to Yang Quan.

What has the Yang family promised you, Mother?

Military power.

You're pushing Chuan to his demise.

It's your father who's driving us to our demise.

Do you know why he demolished the Yang family?

It was to elevate Prince Su's uncle

to the position of King in the Northwest.

He wants to grant military power to Prince Su.

Li Cheng's only fourteen,

and he's already appointed as a prince.

Now,

your father even plans to give this young boy military power.

Mother, please calm down.

I'm not sure what you've heard,

but as long as Chuan remains the Crown Prince

and Father doesn't catch him in any wrongdoing,

Father can't do anything to him

for the time being.

But you want to marry me to Yang Quan.

Father has long targeted the Yang family

and has likely already

held ample evidence against them.

When the time comes,

all those faults will fall upon Chuan.

If we gain military power,

what does it matter

if Chuan is at fault?

Mother,

have you considered me?

You keep talking about military power

and the position of the Crown Prince.

May I ask, Mother,

in this marriage,

have you ever thought, even for a moment,

about your daughter?

Given our status,

we don't have the freedom to choose.

But aren't we choosing now?

I've already spent a night with Pei Wenxuan.

You know,

I'm not without choices.

So,

you want to choose that pretty boy

who can offer you nothing?

It's not the case.

His status could bring me peace.

Father could lower his guard towards me.

He just can't

offer Mother,

no,

offer Your Majesty

military power like the Yang family can.

In your heart,

my marriage

is merely a bargaining chip,

and I

am just a pawn,

whose happiness,

preferences,

and well-being don't matter.

Since Your Majesty has always seen it this way,

why not make it clear?

I am not a daughter

but merely a weapon in your hand.

You!

How can you speak to me like this?

Do you not have a heart?

Just because I asked for your cooperation once,

you belittle me this way?

How about I ask for your cooperation this time?

What difficulties are you facing?

Tell me,

and I will solve them.

But this time,

you need to be my mother,

not the Empress.

You're blinded by jealousy now.

In time, you will understand

we must stay away from the Yang family.

Chuan should have military power,

but not from the Yangs.

I will make arrangements in the future.

While my marriage

can be a bargaining chip,

it should carry more value.

Mother,

you're not cut out to be a politician.

Leave these matters to me and Chuan.

As for you,

you only need to do one thing.

Do you even realize what you're saying?

I've thought this through.

All I need from you

is to truly be a mother.

I just want to survive,

and Chuan needs to survive.

What threat

have the Yangs posed?

If they rebel,

they would implicate Chuan as the mastermind.

Your father

has always been looking for something to use against Chuan and your uncle.

I see.

Don't worry. I'll handle it.

If Mother wants to summon Pei Wenxuan, go ahead.

I'm talking to Chuan now.

Your Highness,

do you think

our marriage should happen again?

Are you feeling sorry for me?

The side hall has been prepared.

You can have a good rest there later.

What's wrong?

Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness,

but I'm not worthy of it.

Rongqing,

don't degrade yourself like that.

Do you think

I am any different from you?

I once believed Father cherished me,

but in the end,

I was just a pawn he used to manipulate the noble families.

I thought Mother was wholly looking out for my best,

but compared to the interest of the Shangguan family,

I could be discarded at any time.

I believed that man

was sincerely devoted to me,

but his heart

was set on another woman.

I thought the brother I helped to rise

would respect and value me,

but to suppress the noble families,

he didn't hesitate to punish me.

I am alone

and live a life full of hardship

and exhaustion.

Your Highness, there are ways to help you out.

I don't need to feel sorry for you.

You may be different from the Princess

I used to know.

Starting over and knowing each other again

might not be a bad idea.

You do make a point.

Then let it be so.

I cannot tolerate Your Highness's guest.

Nor can I accept

Mr. Pei's beloved.

It seems we have reached an understanding.

Then, let's settle our marriage.

Let's endure each other.

After a couple of years, when you hold more power,

we can separate.

Then, we can seek revenge

and settle grievances.

What do you think, Your Highness?

Alright, let's make do for now.

But, if you want to marry me,

you'll have to prove your worth.

If Mr. Pei isn't capable,

I won't stoop to marry you.

Rest assured, Your Highness.

I will certainly ease your burden.

I'm expecting it.

Wait.

What now?

I'd like to ask Your Highness for a small favor.

Tell me.

Please prepare a lavish carriage for me.

Greetings, Your Majesty!

Long live, Your Majesty!

I summoned you to the side hall.

I assume you understand what this implies.

You seem somewhat weary,

and I have prepared fresh clothes for you.

You should return now.

Do you have any grievances?

Your Majesty, if I retreat,

what would become of the Princess?

That's not for you to worry about.

And if I wish to worry?

What are you implying?

Currently, the Yang family is like a fish out of water

and is merely struggling in vain.

But if the Crown Prince aligns with them,

it would drag him into trouble.

In your opinion,

what should be done now?

Your Majesty and the Crown Prince

only need to do one thing.

Once I leave Qionghua Palace,

seal off any information about my entrance to the palace

and my time with the Princess last night immediately.

I have already done so.

But why do you ask this

of me?

Your Majesty,

the Emperor has many eyes and ears in the palace.

Nothing you do can be hidden from him.

Now,

only if Your Majesty targets me,

can I gain the Emperor's trust.

You're just a minor eighth-rank official.

Why are you willing to be embroiled

in royal intrigues?

If not for ambitious dreams,

why not retire and return home?

Aren't all those in the court

striving for the same thing?

Then why choose the Crown Prince?

I...

cannot bear to see the Princess humiliated.

You care for my daughter?

I'm eager to assist and protect

Your Majesty and Her Highness.

Mr. Pei, please.

Ultimately,

we can't escape this siege.

Wait.

This isn't the way out of the palace

but towards the Emperor's Imperial Study.

I assume the Emperor

has already heard about what happened at Qionghua Palace

and is summoning me.

I am Fu Lai, an attendant by the Emperor's side.

His Majesty wants to meet Mr. Pei.

Please follow me.

Eunuch Fu,

do you know why His Majesty is summoning me?

Mr. Pei surely has an idea.

Please wait here for a moment.

Major General Yang?

I'm curious as to

why you are here today.

To seek a marriage alliance.

I'm afraid that might disappoint you.

This matter is likely already settled.

What do you mean?

Don't you know

why I turned back last night?

It... was you last night?

Exactly.

I was fortunate indeed.

Not only did I rescue the Princess

from your hands

but also spent the night alone with her.

You're asking for trouble.

Do you intend to resort to violence in front of His Majesty?

His Majesty is a wise ruler.

You have no reason to be resentful.

Perhaps you should return to the Northwest.

I hear the silk there

is particularly fine.

The silk is used for funerals in the Northwest.

You dare curse me?

Sorry to let you down.

But I was the designated Prince Consort candidate.

There was a hiccup last night,

and His Majesty commanded me to return immediately.

You're served as a stepping stone

to pave the way for me and the Princess.

Yang Quan, Pei Wenxuan, enter the hall now!

I, Pei Wenxuan.

I, Yang Quan.

Wish Your Majesty well.

Pei Wenxuan, rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I, Yang Quan, wish Your Majesty well.

What are you doing here?

Your Majesty,

I have come today to seek a marriage alliance.

Oh?

Whom do you wish to marry?

I am fond of Princess Pingyue.

Your Majesty, please grant your approval for our marriage.

Pingyue is my eldest daughter,

and her marriage is no trivial matter.

Let me give this further thought.

Pei Wenxuan,

come walk with me in the garden.

Yes.

Your Majesty,

Major General Yang is still kneeling.

Rise.

If you have nothing else to say, you may leave now.

♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪

♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪

♪In the night's chill breeze♪

♪What is she singing for?♪

♪The wind caresses the hills♪

♪The wind causes ripples on calm water♪

♪Moonlight graces passing souls♪

♪Her steps get slower and slower♪

♪She's trod a lengthy path♪

♪Memories lost then found♪

♪Gazing idly as clouds roll by♪

♪She holds a red candle♪

♪To brave the thick fog♪

♪Life can be bitter sometimes♪

♪Experience it with grace♪

♪Like a fleeting dream♪

♪Like a fleeting dream♪

♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪

♪Like a fleeting dream♪

♪Like a fleeting dream♪

♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪

♪In her gaze, the unwavering faith remains♪