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 19]

Just put the things over there later.

Tong.

Jinglan.

Have you noticed something?

Since the Prince Consort came back,

his relationship with Her Highness

has got much closer.

Of course.

You've noticed it too?

You bet.

Guess what, last night...

Ms. Xun Chuan.

Tong Ye, Jinglan,

I want to thank Her Highness in person.

Have you seen her?

Why are they so audacious?

It's because they know you will protect them.

That's why they dare to falsely accuse loyal ministers

and embezzle military provisions and funds.

If I don't protect them,

Your Highness, what worth do you think I have?

His Majesty has entrusted the Inspectorate Office to you.

What do you think is backing you up?

You and I are nothing.

Whether it's you or me,

we are just nonentities

under the power struggles of the noble families.

Ms. Xun Chuan.

Should I go and inform you

once the guests have left?

No need.

Thank you, Tong Ye.

You are welcome.

I'll take my leave now.

Take care.

You are a Grand Chancellor of the nation

and I am the Princess Royal.

Both of us have the ability to change these rules.

It's just you are unwilling to do that.

You are determined to maintain the current situation,

unwilling to upset this balance.

It's because you want to continue playing political games

against His Majesty.

But then what?

Are you happy to watch

the Shangguan Family decay day after day without taking action?

Since the founding of the Great Xia,

being ruled by four emperors,

the nation has been established for nearly a century.

The Northwest has been plagued by warfare and disturbances.

There have also been natural disasters from time to time within the nation.

It's no longer a nascent dynasty

that can take such turmoil caused by you.

I've never intended for the Shangguan Family

and myself to be against each other.

What I want is simple.

I want the Shangguan Family to be clean and innocent.

I want the Shangguan Family's master not to be the puppet of the noble families.

I want a Shangguan Family that won't hold Chuan back in the future

and won't overstep its bounds.

That's all I want.

Do you understand?

I understand what you're saying, Your Highness.

But it's simply beyond my ability.

If you can't do it...

what about others?

What about Shangguan Ya?

If the Shangguan Family

were entirely under your control,

could you manage it?

Rest assured, Your Highness, there's no need

for the Inspectorate Office to intervene in our family's matters.

When we go back today,

the entire Shangguan Family will conduct

a thorough self-inspection from Huajing to Youzhou.

If the self-inspection goes smoothly,

the Crown Prince will have no future troubles.

If it does not...

Father, you can punish me

to give an explanation to our clansmen.

You are still the master of the Shangguan Family.

Father, what do you think?

As expected of members of the Shangguan Family,

you are born with a desire

to gain power.

The future belongs to you young people.

I am indeed old.

I'm old.

Truly old.

[Inspectorate Office] In response to the will

of Heaven and time and blessed by His Majesty's grace,

we gather here today

to establish the Inspectorate Office,

abide by the principles and discipline of the state,

and uphold the laws and regulations.

The foundation of our office

lies in the principles of fairness and justice.

- Yes. - Yes.

No matter what kind of family are you from,

those who are capable

shall occupy positions in the Inspectorate Office.

Do you not feel oppressed?

Oppressed?

What do you mean by that?

With such a dominant wife,

do you not feel that you're under immense pressure?

I've heard people say

that men all fear such women.

They prefer someone who's gentle and soft,

ideally serving as a good wife

who stays at home and handles all the family affairs.

But now, Her Highness appears

to require you to play that role.

What's wrong with being the one

who stays at home and handles all the family affairs?

Are you not worried about being called spineless

or incapable?

Only the incompetent ones

need to use their wive's weaknesses

to prove themselves.

What I desire

is for my wife to achieve her aspirations.

From this day forth,

the Inspectorate Office is established

[Inspectorate] to guard the Great Xia

and protect its people.

If she desires the world,

I can give it to her.

If she wants to live a tranquil life,

I can provide that with her too.

- Guard the Great Xia - Guard the Great Xia

- and protect its people. - and protect its people.

Moreover, as her husband,

my love for my wife

is not about confining her in a gilded cage

but being able to offer her opportunities

to do whatever she desires without restraint.

Your words sound quite eloquent.

But aren't you two friends?

It seems you still need to make more effort

to take your relationship to the next level.

That's not necessarily true.

Xun Chuan.

Yes, Your Highness.

From now on,

I appoint you as the Inspector General of the Inspectorate Office,

tasked with making inspection tours to the local governments

on behalf of our office.

Yes, Your Highness.

And if you don't mind,

we can invite you

to attend our wedding banquet again.

It won't take long.

I'll be waiting then.

To tell you the truth,

when I heard they wanted me

to enter the palace to be the Crown Princess,

I was terrified.

I thought to myself, "Oh no,

my future life will be hopeless."

Look at my aunt.

She's been the Empress her whole life.

That's so pitiful.

Even though she's powerful,

it's just meaningless to me.

I'd rather stay as the Shangguan Family's young lady,

enjoying all the delicacies

and fine liquor.

If I enter the palace,

I won't be able to hike mountains, fish,

or even play polo with my friends.

Tell me,

what's the point of me entering the palace?

Just to watch people kowtow in different ways?

Am I right?

That makes sense.

She's drunk.

Are you leaving soon?

I won't specifically come and bid a formal farewell to you again.

It's just that I don't know

when we'll meet again after you leave.

I will do my best

to serve you well while I'm away.

I'm not worried about that.

Just a reminder though,

don't be too straightforward when you're out on your own.

Your Highness, rest assured.

I'll proceed cautiously in any situation.

Actually...

Qin Zhenzhen's death

might not be a bad thing.

I've been quite happy...

following your lead these days.

Here's a toast to you, Your Highness.

Thanks for saving my life.

And this second toast is for recognizing my worth.

Meeting you made me realize...

that the world is vast

and that women can live a different life.

I understand

that you have a vision for the world.

That's also the world

I desire.

You should drink no more.

This third toast...

please don't laugh at me.

It is for my encounter with you and Ya.

I'm here.

Though our time together has been short,

in my heart,

I already consider both of you as good friends.

As we face the long journey ahead,

I hope we three can live up to this life.

Live up to this life.

Live up to this life.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Your Highness.

Did you see them out?

Yes.

You should get up. It's cold on the floor.

Feel it.

It's warm here now.

Come on. Sit here.

What's on your mind?

Xun Chuan is leaving tonight.

You are not the sentimental type.

Pei Wenxuan.

I have friends now.

I have friends and family.

I'm really happy in this life.

No matter what the future holds,

at least I have what I should have now.

Don't be upset with what I'm about to say.

I used to think

that Su Rongqing understood me better.

But in this life,

I've realized

that it's not true.

Thank you for understanding me.

You will always be

by my side,

right?

Su Ronghua.

Can you walk properly?

Why are you stumbling like that?

Oh my,

how much have you had to drink?

I'm not drunk.

Look, I can walk a straight line.

I'm fine.

Alright, you're not drunk.

You're perfectly sober.

But could you drink a bit less in the future?

My friend is leaving.

How can I not drink for such a big thing?

Come on.

Su Ronghua, you should hold on to me like this.

Miss Shangguan,

this isn't appropriate.

Are you afraid?

When have I ever been afraid?

You're afraid, aren't you?

Let me tell you.

The more afraid you are...

the less likely I'll let you go.

I'm going to ruin your reputation

and make everyone...

absolutely everyone, look down on you.

Shangguan Ya,

if you intend to tarnish my reputation,

I do have a way.

If you hold my hand and walk out with me,

then I will be yours.

And when you abandon me later,

my reputation will definitely be ruined.

That makes sense.

Where's your hand?

Are you taking it seriously?

Your hand.

I'm not drunk.

Su Ronghua.

You really don't know how to hold someone.

Slowly.

Mr. Su,

holding our young lady's hand like this might not be appropriate.

I...

Qian Ning,

it's okay.

It's all good.

All good.

Qian Ning, don't mention it to anyone else.

Yes.

Careful.

Su Ronghua.

Your reputation has already been ruined today.

Yes.

From now on,

I'm yours.

Take good care of your young lady.

Yes, sir.

Let's go.

Rongqing, why are you here?

I was afraid that you'd get drunk,

so I decided to come and pick you up.

I know my limits.

Alright, let's go home.

I'm not drunk.

It's a beautiful full moon tonight.

Indeed.

[Princess's Mansion]

Greetings, General Qin.

Ms. Xun, are you planning to travel far?

I am going to make inspection tours to the local governments

on behalf of Her Highness.

Okay.

Have a safe journey.

General Qin.

You are going back to the Northwest, right?

Yes.

Then you have a safe journey too.

Please.

Zhenzhen.

I know it's you.

I only want to ask you one question.

Are you happy with the way things are now?

Lin.

Don't worry.

I'm doing well.

At least,

I won't be a woman who's going to be trapped in the palace.

I can also secretly protect the Qin Family.

Zhenzhen.

Let me take a look at you one more time.

Lin.

Remember.

Don't push yourself too hard.

I know.

You too.

Go now.

Someone's still waiting for you at the back door.

Okay.

Your Highness.

How's your injury?

It's healed.

Thank you for asking.

Are you leaving now?

Yes.

If there's nothing else,

I'll take my leave now.

Wait.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't protect you before.

It's alright.

Can you please not leave?

Give me another chance to protect you.

This time,

I... I won't ask you to enter the palace.

For the rest of our lives,

I want to create opportunities

to roam the world with you.

Your Highness.

Some things have already happened

and cannot be changed.

You have your mission.

And I have my responsibilities.

We...

Can you really not stay?

Yes.

Take care of yourself when you are in the Northwest.

Please remember

what I said.

You too.

Keep yourself safe.

[Inspectorate Office]

The evidence is conclusive in the case of embezzlement

of military provisions and funds in the Northwest.

Do you plead guilty?

- Yes, we do. - Yes, we do.

Someone.

Get their fingerprints.

Who would have thought that this case

would involve over seventy court officials?

Father, you've endured these people for a long time.

Why not take this opportunity to get rid of them completely?

Otherwise, it will be hard to find another chance.

For the sake of the nation,

maintaining stability is also very important.

Besides, if we investigate and deal with all these officials accordingly,

I'm afraid even more officials will come to impeach you.

What do I have to fear?

Your Majesty, I must report

that Princess Pingyue has broken into a house without permission.

Her Highness had a search warrant.

Princess Pingyue has abused her power

and covered up for the Shangguan Family.

The Shangguan Family has already punished themselves

by having seventeen people resign from their positions.

What?

Do you also want to do it, Mr. Xie?

Someone reported

that on the day the Inspectorate Office was established,

Princess Pingyue wore bright yellow accessories,

which was inappropriate.

That's because His Majesty dotes on Princess Pingyue.

He gave it to her.

Rong, though you are a princess,

many of these officials have served both His Majesty and the late Emperor,

so you should show them more respect.

It's interesting that you say so.

If these officials uphold integrity

and I disrespect them,

the populace will condemn me as harshly as they can.

Perhaps you should ask around at Caishikou.

Then you'll find out all these officials

are secretly cursed

by the common folk

for taking bribes and bending the law.

Rong, don't you think you're going too far?

You...

Enough.

As for the others involved,

we'll discuss it after Pingyue verifies everything.

It's just that the Qin Family is indeed wrongly accused.

The Qin Family has merits in guarding the border.

Qin Lin is promoted to General of Loyalty and Valor.

Qin Feng will be the Vice General,

and Xiao Su will be the Grand Marshal of the Northwest,

stationed in Chenzhou, commanding the Northwest Army.

Pingyue really is impressive.

She actually has managed

to keep those old ministers in line.

I'm very pleased.

Pingyue is indeed clever and capable.

But I think

it's because you have a keen eye for talent.

It allows you to utilize her abilities effectively.

Tong Ye.

Hurry up.

Coming.

Look at how impatient you are.

I need to get everything prepared, don't I?

Come on.

Be meticulous, okay?

I have something important to attend to later.

Don't worry. I'll put in extra effort.

Be gentle, alright? What are you doing?

You want me to be both meticulous and gentle.

What exactly do you want?

You're getting harder and harder to please.

This should make it easier.

How's that?

Not bad.

Once you are done here,

prepare a set of nicer-looking nightclothes for me.

Okay.

Also,

prepare a cloak.

Sure.

Her Highness will like the nice-looking nightclothes.

[Liquor] This Inspectorate Office

has just been established.

You must have been busy with official duties lately.

You've worked hard.

Well,

this time, I've also experienced

the life of being an official.

Cheers.

I just feel that in the past,

you were living

a carefree life.

Now suddenly taking on this position,

I'm worried

you might feel a bit restrained

or uncomfortable.

After all, it's His Majesty's decree,

so I can't refuse.

The Deputy Supervisor of the Inspectorate Office

is basically an overseer.

Among the noble families,

the Su Family member is the one who's most suitable for this position.

However,

there are some things

I haven't said before,

but I know it all in my heart.

The reason I was able

to live a carefree life before

was because of you.

You took on the burden

of being the young master of the Su Family for me.

Looking at it this way,

I feel that I'm somewhat incompetent.

What are you talking about, Ronghua?

I've never thought that way.

Since I was young, I've been used

to seeing your smiling face.

I also hope that in the future,

you'll have countless reasons

to laugh heartily every day.

Cheers.

Well, I also hope

that you can find at least one reason to be happy every day.

Speaking of which,

this job at the Inspectorate Office isn't bad at all.

Every day, I get to meet

a certain lovely lady.

Seeing her always makes me happy.

You should also make an effort.

It's colder today than usual.

Indeed.

That's why I specifically asked people to add extra charcoal.

You are not cold now, are you?

I'm not cold.

But I'm worried that you might feel cold.

Why are you wearing such thin clothes?

I'm strong and healthy.

Besides, I don't spend much time outdoors.

These clothes are enough for me.

Let's see how long you can keep up the act.

Let's eat.

Sure.

No cilantro.

Thinly sliced meat.

And extra green onions.

Pei Wenxuan has known my habits inside out

after living with me all those years.

With such a deep understanding of me,

poisoning me to death

would have been a piece of cake.

Luckily, he never had that intention back then.

Otherwise, I fear I would have died long ago

and Su Rongqing wouldn't even have had a chance to kill me.

Go ahead and eat.

This fish is very fresh.

Why don't you have some?

It will help keep you warm.

I'm not hungry.

I just enjoy watching you eat.

Okay.

The meat today is delicious.

Why are you laughing?

Didn't you say you were not cold?

Eat your food.

Let's take some charcoal out,

so we don't end up being sick for getting too hot.

I'm freezing to death here. Don't take the charcoal out.

Then why were you being stubborn?

Once the case is closed, it will be almost the Spring Festival.

The court will grant us a seven-day holiday.

Have you thought about how you will spend it?

I don't have time to think about it.

I'm busy with the matters of the Inspectorate Office every day.

Do you want to go flower viewing?

Flower viewing?

There are flowers all over my yard.

Why are you asking that?

Nothing, just asking casually.

Eat now.

Or else, the food will be frozen later.

Could you show it to me one more time?

Show you what?

Your Highness, I'm so tired.

How about you treat me to a gambling session tonight?

What about wooden cards?

[Stop]

Your Highness, I'll go have a look.

Wait.

Your Highness, they probably haven't gone far.

I can catch up with them.

Only desperate people like to purposely make a mystery of simple things.

There's a saying, "Do not pursue a desperate foe."

Let them go.

When we go back, bring more people.

We'll continue interrogating the rest.

The sooner we finish,

the sooner you can go out and play, right?

Let's go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Young Master, are we buying too much here?

We don't often get out like this.

It's a good opportunity to buy some new things for the mansion.

Besides,

Her Highness has been working hard on the case lately.

What's wrong with her eating a bit more to replenish her energy?

It could cause inner heat.

Just shut up.

Take a look at the top-tier rouge.

Take a look. Have a glance.

Take a look at the finest rouge.

It will beautify and nourish your skin.

Take a look at the top-tier rouge.

Sir, have a look.

This finest rouge beautifies and nourishes the skin.

Take a look. It will beautify and nourish your skin.

Everyone, feel free to take a look.

Are these the newest styles that haven't been seen before?

Of course, sir.

This is the best rouge ever known.

Buying one for your wife

will surely help you win her heart.

Watch out, Young Master!

Wait.

He's just a child.

Sir, he's an assassin.

There's an organization

that likes to find such people and train them to become assassins.

They may look like children,

which easily lowers people's guard.

But in strength and skill,

they are fully capable adults.

They are so evil.

It might disturb Her Highness.

Hurry back to the Inspectorate Office and prepare for support.

Yes, sir.

Ya.

You need to pay close attention in the coming days.

They're sure to take further action.

Understood.

Your Highness.

Your Highness. Bad news.

The Prince Consort encountered an assassination attempt

on the way back to the mansion.

He encountered an assassination attempt?

Your Highness, please don't panic.

You may return to the mansion and take care of the Prince Consort.

I will go investigate who did this.

Use whatever means necessary to find them.

I'll execute them myself.

Since I've chosen this path,

I'm bound to experience such things.

Don't worry, I'll protect myself.

So,

I'll figure out who did this.

Let's eat.

Let me do it.

Let's start with soup.

You usually prefer to have soup before the meal,

don't you?

You might think I don't care about these things, right?

But I'm also learning to improve.

Here.

Alright, that's enough.

You should also have some.

I'll manage on my own.

Really, I can handle it myself.

How are you going to manage by yourself?

You couldn't even pick things up just now.

Don't starve yourself.

I'm fine.

Your Highness.

Miss Shangguan has arrived.

Go ahead and see her. I can manage on my own.

If I leave, how will you eat the food?

Don't be stubborn.

Ask Ya to wait a bit.

I'll go to see her after I finish eating.

Yes, Your Highness.

Open your mouth.

Actually, being injured like this could be quite good.

I mean, the dish tastes really good.

Try it.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, how's the Prince Consort?

Is he seriously injured?

Not that serious.

Why are you here so late then?

It's inconvenient for him to have soup on his own.

I'm getting

a bit jealous of him.

Let's get to the point.

Is the knife that injured the Prince Consort poisoned?

They just want to warn me

rather than completely ruin our relationship.

At this point,

all they're asking for is a way out.

They are already targeting the Prince Consort as a mere warning.

If they're serious,

then today, the Prince Consort might...

What are you trying to say?

Your Highness, I'm afraid being too rigid

will lead to a downfall.

Perhaps we should take a step back.

If they hadn't taken action,

I might have spared them.

But now...

unless I'm dead,

it will be them who die.

What do you plan to do?

They're in the dark while we're in the open.

We can't keep up like this.

You go investigate first.

If you can't find anything,

we'll lure the enemy in

and then trap them.

What will we use as bait?

Me.

Slowly.

I often wonder...

what you would be like as a wife.

You'd probably be a good wife and a loving mother.

Although you appear decisive on the surface,

you are also gentle.

Being taken care of by you for this while

makes me feel at home.

I might leave the capital...

for a trip in a few days.

Leave the capital?

There have been too many things going on

at the Inspectorate Office lately.

I need to get out and clear my mind.

You're going out without taking me with you?

You're injured. You should stay home and rest.

This injury is nothing.

No, you can't...

Where are you planning to go?

I haven't decided yet.

No worries. I'll help you think about it.

I need to find a place where it's easy to ambush them.

Young Master.

I found it.

Make some space.

What place is it?

Butterfly Gorge.

There is a river in the gorge and flowers on the shore.

I have inquired about it.

Many literati in Huajing

like to go there for an outing.

And they have organized many social activities there.

[Butterfly Gorge]

Sounds good.

Your Highness.

Take a look at this.

This scholar wants to confess his feelings to the girl he likes.

This is clearly a matter that could be resolved

with just a few words.

Why make such a big fuss about it?

Why are you so savorless?

What do you mean?

Let me ask you.

What does this scholar want to do

after confessing his feelings for the girl?

He wants to spend his life with her?

You're smart.

So, since it's such an important matter,

if he just confesses his feelings with a few words,

wouldn't it make the girl feel

that she's under-appreciated?

That's true.

It seems

that no one has sincerely confessed their feelings to you.

Aren't you the same?

Of course not.

Many people confessed their feelings to me before.

Who are you talking about? Su Rongqing?

♪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♪