Original subtitles

[The Princess Royal]

[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel, The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]

[This is a work of fiction.]

[Episode 12]

I am not speaking to you tonight

to seek any response.

I was hoping

to resolve our past misunderstandings,

so it could benefit

our future cooperation.

About what happened tonight,

find a chance to explain things to Miss Qin

to prevent misunderstandings.

I know.

I want to apologize for my previous actions too.

I should not have tried to match you with Su Rongqing.

It won't happen again.

Actually, I never blamed you.

I just feel

that before a relationship is clear,

I don't want to disturb others.

All right.

But we need to find a new way to get along.

We're not just good friends anymore?

From now on,

you manage your affairs,

and I'll manage my own.

I also have a request.

In the future, whenever something is troubling us,

we must express it.

Moreover,

we've been given

a second chance by fate.

Why suffer alone?

I...

I'll try my best.

Can I say something?

What is it?

Can you stop mentioning separation so easily in the future?

I need some dignity too.

Sure.

Don't laugh.

[Taiji Hall] General Jianwu, Wang Jun.

General Jianwei, Wang Minghai.

This list of military achievements has been verified without errors.

We respectfully request the imperial judgment.

We received good news today

where the front line won a great victory.

General Xiao submitted a list of merits to the Ministry of War,

totaling 17 military officers.

If you have no objections,

it should be approved.

Your Majesty,

General Xiao and his soldiers have worked hard,

which is undeniable.

However, the Crown Prince led the noble families' sons

to fight bravely in the initial phase.

We cannot overlook that.

But why is there no mention of them in the list?

Your Majesty,

military success is always rewarded based on merit.

The true victors were the Xiao Family's soldiers.

Why should noble families' sons vie for these military honors?

A true servant should uphold integrity and fairness

without being biased.

You say I am biased?

Your Majesty,

I am unjustly accused without basis.

Please seek justice for me.

That's enough!

You're giving me a headache.

Crown Prince,

this matter involves you.

What do you think?

Father,

as the Crown Prince,

my duty on the front line was for the country and the people.

Since it was for the people,

why seek military honor?

Soldiers are different.

They either fight bravely

or sacrifice for the country.

We should reward

based on merit.

Since opinions vary,

this matter should be thoroughly verified.

We shall discuss this another day.

You are dismissed.

- Farewell, Your Majesty. - Farewell, Your Majesty.

People inside said the Crown Prince was also inside,

and the argument was heated.

What's going on?

Why are you fighting again?

You dare to mention this?

Kneel!

What's the matter, Mother?

Why are you so upset?

Between us both,

do we still need to put an act?

What did you mean yesterday?

Mother, I shall ask the same question.

What do you intend to do?

I want Shangguan Ya to become the Crown Princess.

Was I not clear enough?

Why did you meddle in this matter?

He is the Crown Prince and acts recklessly.

Do you follow him in his recklessness too?

This has nothing to do with Rong.

I already said

it was I who asked Rong for help.

So please calm down, Mother.

Yesterday was such a great opportunity.

But you wasted it.

Are you mad or foolish?

Your father has been suppressing

the marriage between you and Ya.

Yesterday, everything was ready.

If you had chosen Ya's lily palace incense,

your uncle would have brought people out

and forced an imperial edict.

But why did you choose your sister's?

Do you know how hard it is

to get another opportunity like that?

Forgive me.

Please calm down

and punish me however you want.

How could you have such audacity?

Do you think I'm blind?

What are you thinking?

You refused to cooperate with the Yang family,

so fine.

But marriage alliance is such a significant matter.

If you don't marry Ya,

how will your uncle ever trust you?

Uncle won't trust him

just because he won't marry a woman?

What did Chuan do wrong?

The Shangguan Family has been in power for three dynasties.

Do you still not understand

where the conflict between Father and us comes from?

Do you think Chuan still has a way out?

With the Shangguan Family blood in his veins,

he's destined to have no way out.

Since we're already so deeply tied,

we must rely on the Shangguan Family.

What else does Uncle have to worry about?

Why force them together?

What's the benefit of this?

Mother,

we all know

Uncle doesn't just want a Crown Princess.

He wants the Empress position.

Each generation of the Li Family flows

with the Shangguan Family's blood.

You represent the present Shangguan Family.

But Uncle wants Chuan

to promise the future.

But this is ultimately the Li Family's empire,

not the Shangguan Family's.

The Shangguan Family should step back.

What did you say?

Say it again.

I said,

if the Shangguan Family wants to remain well,

he should step back.

When water overflows, it spills.

When prosperity reaches its peak, it will fall.

Father won't tolerate the next emperor having

a Shangguan Empress.

If you insist on forcing this union,

the future ruler of the nine provinces

may not be Chuan.

Mother,

let the Shangguan Family withdraw from the capital.

It will be better for everyone.

Get up.

Let's go.

Li Chuan,

get up.

We will take our leave.

Li Chuan!

Rong, you're amazing.

I can't believe I defied Mother with you just now

and did something I have always wanted to do.

Silly boy.

I am serious.

I thought

you would think I was wrong

and help Mother persuade me.

Chuan.

I don't understand.

Even you are here to persuade me to marry Shangguan Ya.

The marriage alliance

between two noble families was always based on mutual ulterior motives.

If there are conflicting interests,

how can marrying a woman solve anything?

Besides, I am not even familiar with Shangguan Ya

and I have never met those four secondary consorts.

I only want to marry someone with mutual affection.

You need to understand

that in this royal city,

no one can do as they please.

Chuan,

everyone lives for others.

You can't be too selfish.

Just…

Just do it for me and Mother.

What do you say?

If one day I ascend the throne,

will you also pressure me

like the noble families pressure Father?

Chuan...

If this is what you want,

then so be it.

I just think

no one will truly support you

because of a marriage.

In reality, it doesn't matter whether you marry the Shangguans.

So long as your core interests align,

they will always stand by your side.

Moreover, given the current situation,

marrying the Shangguans

will only bring you harm and no benefits.

You have a point.

You truly have sharp eyes.

Well, not really.

I…

I only saw things clearly

after a dream.

In the dream,

I was too immature.

You had such a dream?

Why do you believe anything people say?

Actually, I was just being too willful.

You didn't get to choose whom you married either.

So why should I have this privilege?

You're not willful.

You're just not strong enough.

People only have the right to choose

when they are strong enough.

If you want the right to choose,

I will always support you.

But you need to have the ability.

Don't you agree?

So, if I am strong enough

and do not harm those who shouldn't be harmed,

you wouldn't think I'm wrong,

am I right?

As long as you think you're not wrong, that's what matters.

Whether I think you're wrong is not important.

Besides, I'm not always right either.

What if my thoughts are different from yours?

Chuan.

Even if one day

your thoughts are completely different from mine,

you are still my brother.

I will never give up on you.

Rong,

I think you are too kind.

Stop talking nonsense.

Your Majesty,

don't be too upset.

The Princess and the Crown Prince are

in their youthful and spirited years.

Don't take it to heart.

They will understand your intentions in the future.

With Chuan like this,

what should I say to my elder brother?

It seems quite strange.

The Crown Prince has always been obedient to you.

But now he seems to have changed completely.

He even dares

to defy this marriage.

You are right.

Why would Chuan defy this marriage?

Could there be someone in his heart?

His Highness is not young anymore.

It's common to have some questionable people around,

and it's possible

to be bewitched by someone.

Investigate any suspicious women

around the Crown Prince recently.

I want you to report everything

including where he went, what he did,

and whom he met.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Young Master Pei,

we've received news from our spy.

Xiao Su's list of recommended military officers

for commendation is causing

a lot of controversy.

His Majesty replaced the generals before the Crown Prince's success was

to suppress the noble families.

But the Crown Prince's earlier successes relied

on the support of these noble families.

If they are not rewarded this time,

their previous efforts will be in vain.

How would they let it go easily?

Xiao Su is still on the front lines.

The noble families can't make a move.

Consort Rou is favored by His Majesty.

If they could act, they would have done so already.

The noble families will look for an easier target.

But His Majesty won't just stand by.

Inform Her Highness

that she need not worry.

Let His Majesty and the noble families fight it out.

If the noble families win,

they support the Crown Prince anyway.

So it won't matter.

If His Majesty wins,

some of the military officers on Xiao Su's list are

our people too.

We'll find another way for the rest.

Have the spy contact Qin Lin.

If he needs anything, he should say so.

In the court,

I'll have Tuoba Yan secretly assist the Qin Family.

But this must remain a secret.

The relationship between the Princess,

the Crown Prince,

and the Qin Family must appear

as distant as possible.

Yes, Young Master.

Your Highness.

Miss Qin.

You just went through the consort selection process.

It's not appropriate to meet other women privately.

I invited Miss Qin according to the customs of the martial world

to select a suitable sword

as a birthday gift for my friend in the army.

So it is not considered a private meeting.

Just so you know,

swords made by Master Jiang

[Yixiang Blacksmith] are unmatched, truly exceptional.

I waited a long time before he softened his heart.

Aren't you the Crown Prince?

How can you use your power

to coerce someone for a gift?

This is the list of military merits that His Majesty approved today.

Grand Chancellor, please take a look.

Take it back to the palace.

I do not approve of it,

nor will I take responsibility for it.

Grand Chancellor, aren't you afraid

of angering His Majesty?

It's just an official hat.

I don't care if I lose it.

Ask His Majesty

if he also wants my head

for this list.

Official Shangguan,

do you think

the decree cannot be issued

without you?

I wonder

how tall your friend is.

She is about your height.

Is he good at offense

or agility?

It seems she is skilled in both.

Versatile indeed.

Wouldn't that make him the greatest martial artist?

Miss Qin, which do you think you are good at?

Forgive my presumptuousness.

But you can be frank with me.

Is this sword a gift for me?

I saw your natal chart on the day of the incense ceremony.

So I know today is your birthday.

I prepared this hastily.

If it doesn't meet your liking,

I will spare no effort

to obtain it

if you say the word.

No,

I really like it.

It's just that I grew up on the frontier.

My mother passed early

and my father and brothers were all rough men.

They only know fighting and killing.

Have you never celebrated your birthday?

No matter.

There's a first time for everything.

Birthday girl, pick a sword.

But

I cannot accept this for no reason.

If you don't choose one,

how will you defend

against Zhilan you gifted me in future battles?

Choose one, please.

All right.

Then

this one.

This one?

Here you go.

Official Su,

His Majesty and the Secretariat have approved this list today.

Take a look.

Sure...

Eunuch Fu,

your timing today is indeed unfortunate.

You see,

the sun is already setting.

How about you come another day?

This way out, please.

Your Highness,

you said celebrating birthdays is to receive birthday gifts,

eat longevity noodles, and watch a play.

Now, I've received the gift,

watched the play, and eaten the noodles.

Is there anything else?

There is one more thing.

Look.

Zhenzhen,

may you always be as carefree

and happy as you are now.

Your Highness.

Miss Qin,

I know you worry about the future.

But I want to say

that life is like a journey,

and we are all travelers.

Let's live in the present

and not give up important things

for fear of future uncertainties.

How about that?

♪If the past was caught in the turbulent waves of the storm♪

♪Will there be arms to hold me in this lifetime?♪

You don't have to answer right away.

♪Memories flash back...♪

Miss Qin.

♪I am that solitary boat♪

♪Tossed about in the waves, unable to escape♪

This sword hasn't been named yet.

If you think of a name,

write me a letter.

♪Guides me through the worldly remnants of old dreams...♪

But the name I give lacks elegance.

♪Wrapped in the wind's embrace♪

Whatever you name it,

it will always sound delightful.

I will send you back.

No need for that.

♪No need to imprison myself in longing...♪

My grandfather said it's not peaceful in the capital lately.

So I'll stay at Qin's Mansion temporarily

instead of returning to Jiulu Mountain.

It's inconvenient for you to come.

♪Allowing you and me to dock safely♪

Very well.

Farewell.

♪In this long and arduous journey♪

Miss Qin,

♪I'm fortunate to have met you♪

happy birthday.

♪It is your tenderness♪

♪That makes me willing to set aside my pride♪

I'll strive to become stronger

as my sister said,

♪Let time slip by♪

to protect you

and her.

♪For with you, each moment is timeless♪

That's it, huh?

My decree

unexpectedly can't even leave the palace.

Noble families are doomed without a doubt.

[Shangguan's Mansion] The Crown Prince's expedition has cost

the noble families a fortune.

Mr. Shangguan, surely you're not thinking

of dismissing us like this?

Mr. Su,

we have been acquainted for many years.

Don't you understand my character by now?

Fulai came to me,

so I naturally refused this list.

However, he later pressured Mr. Du

into approving it.

Today, I promise

to give the Su Family an explanation.

I am not questioning you.

But initially, Consort Rou has intervened repeatedly,

causing much trouble

regarding the Crown Princess selection.

Now, under the guise of rewarding border soldiers,

they are suppressing noble families

and cultivating their own supporters.

The intent to replace us is clear.

I find it unsettling.

We must set an example

to deter others.

[General Anbei, Qin Feng] There's a member of the Qin Family here,

a prime target.

The Qin Family is from humble origins.

They have never drawn attention until now.

Mr. Chen,

[Qin's Mansion]

what brings you here?

Mr. Qin,

under Mr. Cui Shuyun's orders, we are here for an investigation.

The Qin Family is involved in embezzling military funds

with the Yangs and collaborating with the enemy.

The evidence is clear.

Mr. Chen,

this is no joke.

Once we investigate, the truth will be clear.

Mr. Qin,

if there's no wrongdoing,

you can clear the name of your Qin Family.

Grandfather.

Since that's the case,

go and investigate.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, there's trouble!

The Ministry of Justice officials have surrounded the Qin Family.

What did you say?

The Ministry of Justice has surrounded the Qin Family.

This is bad.

Quickly, send some men with me.

Your Highness.

If you go,

it will expose

your relationship with the Qin Family

and the Crown Prince.

The noble families are targeting the Qin Family.

How can I worry about the matter being exposed?

Where's Pei Wenxuan?

Notify him immediately.

Also,

hurry to the palace and inform Father.

Yes, Your Highness.

Help me get changed.

Mr. Chen, we found a letter.

It's from the Yangs to the Qin Family.

It said

if the Qin Family feigns defeat,

they will promise a thousand tael of gold.

We must find that gold.

Sir,

we found gold in the backyard.

The evidence is conclusive.

Take all Qin Family members into custody!

Wait!

This must be a setup.

It's intolerable!

Arrest them!

Kill those who resist!

Why is the Ministry of Justice handling this case like this?

Grandfather.

Arrest them all!

Get Miss Qin out of here.

Zhenzhen, leave now.

Grandfather.

Keep this safe.

Grandfather, we must leave together.

No, go now.

Hurry!

Grandfather!

Leave now!

Grandfather, I'm not leaving.

I said, leave now!

Is anyone there? Help us!

Help! They're killing people!

Stop them!

Is anyone there?

- Help! - Help us!

Who are you?

Please save our Qin Family!

What's the situation with the Qin Family?

How did you get out?

They have killed so many people.

We escaped in the chaos.

Please save our young lady.

Qin Zhenzhen?

Where is she?

She escaped in that direction.

Please save her.

Yuan Feiyu, settle these ladies down

and have the area nearby searched.

Save anyone from the Qin Family.

You'll follow me to find Qin Zhenzhen.

Yes, Your Highness.

Keep them safe.

Follow me.

Outrageous.

How many lives do they have?

What do they take me for?

Your Majesty, calm down.

Now is not the time to confront them.

Please issue orders immediately

to keep the Qin Family safe first.

However, the evidence currently held by the Ministry of Justice is solid.

Their actions are in line with our laws.

Your Majesty,

this so-called evidence without verification

may just be the Ministry of Justice's word alone.

Your Majesty is also aware that the Qin's case is

the noble families purging dissenters.

It's a warning to Your Majesty who favors the lower classes

and competing military honors with the border soldiers.

I know all this too.

Tell me

what other options are there now.

Your Majesty,

why not appoint someone to represent you

in supervising the Ministry of Justice's investigation

to ensure the noble families do not act unfairly.

Then take advantage of the situation and make good use of them.

Your Majesty,

I'm willing...

Fulai.

Summon Su Rongqing

and have him handle this matter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let's split up and search.

Who's there?

Put down your swords.

I'm here to save you.

How can I believe you?

Do you remember what you said to me while blending scents?

Go and find Pei Wenxuan

and tell him I've found her.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let no one reveal anything

about today's events.

Yes, Your Highness.

Come out.

Mother!

Your Highness, you can't go in.

Mother!

Your Highness, you...

Come out!

Do you have something to do with the Qin Family incident?

Do you like the daughter of the Qin Family?

Mother,

answer me first.

Yes

and no.

What do you mean?

Originally, it was just a Qin Family.

If you like her,

you can just marry her.

It's not worth my effort to do anything.

But she insisted on standing with Consort Rou

to oppose noble families.

It's not just me who wants to get rid of the Qin Family.

Tell me where Qin Zhenzhen is,

or I'll kill Qin Yun!

Grandfather.

I don't mind dying.

Kill him!

Stop!

Your Majesty has decreed

that although there is evidence in the Qin case,

considering their contributions to the northwest war,

the Ministry of Justice will postpone the trial.

Private execution is not permitted.

- We thank Your Majesty for your grace. - We thank Your Majesty for your grace.

His Highness has ordered

that finding Miss Qin is enough.

There should be no further complications.

- Yes. - Yes.

[Princess's Mansion]

Chuan.

Rong,

have you seen Qin Zhenzhen at the Qin's Mansion?

No.

We're still searching.

If you have any news,

please inform me immediately.

Don't worry for now.

Come with me.

Tell me

about the situation in the palace.

Father intends to review this case.

But,

can you preside over the trial?

Me?

It's not convenient for me to act.

If I do,

the noble families will retaliate.

I'm concerned

they might even try to depose me as the Crown Prince,

especially since Father doesn't trust me.

Regarding the noble families,

I cannot be too forceful.

Are you planning

to take action against those involved in this case?

But they are all Uncle's people.

Are you sure about this?

Yes.

Unless they dull their edges,

rebellious swords

should be discarded.

Did Mother say anything to you?

Mother secretly investigated me

and found out about my friendship with Miss Qin.

She's worried

that Qin Zhenzhen might threaten Shangguan Ya's position.

So she passed the information to Uncle.

Recently, those from humble origins led by Consort Rou

have been aggressive.

Uncle took the Qin Family as a warning to the rest.

For the noble families to target a family of humble background,

I'm not surprised at all.

But I didn't expect they would resort to such drastic measures,

almost to the point of extermination.

They even accused them of treason.

This serious crime is a warning

from the Shangguan Family to Father

and a warning to you about refusing to accept the Crown Princess.

Rong,

one can only have choices when one becomes powerful.

Today, I want to ask you a question.

Do you want this power or not?

If you do,

I will support you with all my strength.

How would you support me?

Now, the Qin Family's case is a perfect opportunity.

Father currently lacks someone

who is in a high enough position

that can naturally suppress others

and whom the noble families dare not or be able to act against,

to help him clean up the court.

This is your best opportunity.

Rong,

find a suitable reason

to pledge loyalty to Father.

Use this opportunity to establish your own guards

under the pretext of thoroughly investigating this case

directly under Father's command,

not under the jurisdiction of the Three Departments.

It would act independently outside the court's influence,

with the power over life and death.

I have just discussed this with Mr. Pei.

You can call it the Inspectorate Office.

Inspectorate Office?

Yes.

If you establish this office,

I will protect you if the noble families cause trouble.

They won't dare to touch you.

Rong,

you are the best candidate to investigate Qin's case.

You can speak to Father now.

He will agree to it.

But in the future,

no one will tolerate the Inspectorate Office.

This matter is

too sudden.

Indeed,

it is very risky.

I have to return to prepare for tomorrow's court assembly.

Rong, get some rest.

I will take my leave now.

Chuan.

Why are you suddenly asking me

to establish this office?

I know Father.

I know what he wants.

I've been striving

to become the Crown Prince

you and Mother see in your hearts.

But I find I can't do it.

I can't protect anyone.

It used to be you.

Now, it's Miss Qin from the Qin Family.

They've pushed me this far.

I can't bear it.

Qin Lin went to the front line at the invitation of the court.

Miss Qin also has feelings for me.

I owe the entire Qin Family.

This revenge,

I must repay myself.

You've returned.

They did meet

again.

Their feelings for each other are developed deeply

and earlier than we know.

Your Highness.

Why did you come out?

I'm willing to go through all obstacles for Your Highness.

I beg Your Highness

to establish the Inspectorate Office.

You just heard what Chuan said.

You said you'd go through all obstacles.

What can you do for me?

If Your Highness is willing,

Miss Qin Zhenzhen can disappear from this world.

Qin Zhenzhen,

I won't make such a decision

for you alone.

Your Highness, you saved my life.

You can ignore this favor.

But I cannot.

I'm willing to be Your Highness and the Crown Prince's sword.

Wherever you point,

that's where I will unsheathe my sword.

Get up first.

I will think

about this matter again.

You should go and get more rest.

Your Highness.

Miss Qin,

don't worry.

The Crown Prince and Her Highness will definitely clear

the Qin Family's grievances.

What are you talking about?

I was comforting Miss Qin on your behalf.

All right. Let's talk about the matter at hand.

Why did you mention the Inspectorate Office to Chuan?

This ghostly organization caused him

so much trouble later on.

His deposition back then

was due to many cases uncovered by the Inspectorate Office.

Why did you bring it up?

It's precisely because I know this that I brought it up.

Instead of letting His Majesty establish it

and then having us accept it passively,

why not take the initiative?

I'm giving Your Highness a chance to choose.

Is this really giving me a choice?

If you already said that, do I still have a choice?

Of course you do.

You can give up power and not set up the Inspectorate Office.

You can even ignore the Crown Prince.

This way, you'll still be my wife

and Princess Pingyue.

I find you're not losing out on any side.

You're planning everything perfectly.

Your Highness, you're flattering me.

But speaking of which,

if we have power,

we can protect people like the Qin Family

who are devoted to their country and have clean hands.

We can also protect the Crown Prince.

But

the Inspectorate Office reports to His Majesty directly.

Once established, it will offend the Chancellors and the Six Ministries.

Today is the Qin Family,

tomorrow it could be Your Highness.

Your Highness,

you need to think carefully about this.

Your Highness.

Your Highness...

What did you say

about me having nothing again?

I am still going to be your wife?

Did I say that?

You will know when the time comes.

The cost is too high.

I think it's better to feign ignorance.

Are you going to the morning court soon?

Go and change your clothes.

I...

I need to think again.

Your Highness.

As your husband,

no one can touch you

unless

someone steps over my dead body.

As your ally,

I'll stand in front of you

even if you're cut to pieces.

So

whether we are husband and wife or allies,

our fates have long been tied together.

Just choose a path you like.

Whether we are husband and wife or allies,

our fates have long been tied together.

Just choose a path you like.

Are Pei Wenxuan and I

just using each other?

A person

doesn't change overnight.

You should know this.

Those thoughts and those words

only represent his past.

We can never return

to certain moments.

That may be true.

But he was so sincere back then.

What if he really fell in love with me?

It's not about whether he fell for you.

What matters is

if you want to live through it again?

And

have you truly let go of Su Rongqing?

After nearly twenty years together.

I've thought about this too.

But now

I find Su Rongqing

a person I feel sorry for.

Now, I've returned.

I'm glad

to see him safe.

I

don't feel uncomfortable or troubled by him.

But my relationship with Pei Wenxuan

overlaps memories from two lifetimes.

I suddenly do not know

how to interact with him.

When entangled in emotions within the palace walls,

the only one who gets hurt is you.

Not crossing the line is

the best protection for yourself.

Yes.

But without power,

how can you protect yourself

and those around you?

Keep those thoughts to yourself.

Just maintain a cooperative relationship

and fight side by side.

Right now,

standing firm in court is most important.

Don't let others find any weaknesses to use against you.

It's better for both him and you.

♪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♪