Original subtitles

Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com

[The Princess Royal]

[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel, "The Princess Royal"]

[Episode 23]

Young Master Lin.

Miss Shangguan.

Have you talked to the guards who will be escorting him?

Yes. They can't uncuff him now since they're still in the city,

but once they're out of Huajing, they will do so right away.

Her Highness said that they would give you some decency.

Don't expect the Seven-star Sect to send people to rescue you.

If they do so, given His Majesty's temper,

and the fact that your sect is involved both in killing and abduction, he will not spare you.

So, you're here today just to tell me that?

Her Highness has an offer for you.

It has to do with killing and fighting, like what you've been doing.

Would you like to utilize your talents on the battlefield instead?

So?

You will be banished to an army post.

It's different from exile itself.

You will be sent off to a distant land, but those who are exiled have no future.

As for being banished to an army post, if you can get military merit,

you may atone for your sin, and even occupy an important position.

Young Master Lin, if you are willing, Her Highness can work with you.

Once you earn military merit, she will request His Majesty to add your name to the Xie Family's pedigree,

so that you will become a good citizen instead of a criminal.

By then, you can build a military career.

Do you prefer wandering around, hiding from everyone,

or becoming an accredited member of the Xie Family, and having a successful career?

Young Master Lin, give it some thought.

Does Her Highness trust me?

Whether she trusts you or not, that is up to her consideration.

Young Master Lin, you were bound by your mother's last wishes in the past.

But now, you can make a better choice.

By the way... Her Highness wants me to return this to you.

Miss Shangguan, please tell Her Highness that I will accept her offer.

Miss Shangguan, he needs to leave now.

Perhaps you can continue this conversation someday.

The Southwest is far and remote. Take care of yourself.

Miss Shangguan, don't worry.

With your wooden cards, I'll never feel bored.

Young Master Lin, it's a misunderstanding.

The wooden cards aren't for you.

Her Highness was there that day and I couldn't take them with me,

so I gave them to you for safekeeping.

Can you return them now?

Miss Shangguan, didn't you say that life in the southwestern borders would be boring?

I'll keep them for now.

Don't worry. I'll keep these wooden cards safe.

Set off!

Off we go!

Second Young Master Su.

Princess Huayue.

You're always busy with work, but I heard you're taking the day off, so I came to meet you.

You won't be angry at me, will you?

Of course not.

I'm resting today so it's good to take a stroll.

I find the spring scenery pleasant and comfortable.

I also need to practice playing some scores, so I asked someone to prepare a guqin here.

But I just can't seem to get it right.

I've heard that you're good at playing the guqin, so I'd like to get some guidance from you.

I'm flattered. I just have a slight knowledge of playing the guqin.

Don't be modest, Second Young Master Su.

No wonder you find it hard to play these scores.

Why do you say so?

These scores are mostly describing the overwhelming atmosphere of a war.

If you want to play these scores well, you need to immerse yourself in the real situation.

Your Highness, you're an innocent lady who has never experienced a war.

It's hard for you to imagine such a scene.

What I meant was that you've always been well-protected.

You can cry and laugh whenever you feel like it.

You can be who you truly are.

It's fortunate for you to have such a genuine disposition.

You can do so as well, Second Young Master Su.

You look exceptionally good when you smile, but I rarely see you smile.

I'll ask my father to reduce your workload.

Your Highness, you have a kind heart.

You're so pure like a blank paper.

That's why you have a bright smile.

I hope you can always lead a simple life.

I hope you can always enjoy such simple bliss.

I'm honored to receive your blessing myself.

Besides...

I do think that you're a really good man.

If you have time, I hope to learn more from you,

so I won't be like a blank paper.

There's nothing wrong with being a blank paper.

Many people spend their lives longing for the innocence they once had.

That's right, you should smile more.

The weather is beautiful today.

Let's not waste such good time. Let's begin.

Young Master! We're almost done decorating, look.

Pei Wenxuan! Look at what these are.

Dumplings?

I made them myself.

Listen, this is my first time making dumplings.

They look good, don't they?

They do.

Look at you. You're getting flour all over your face, you little kitten.

Who's going to get me?

Slowly, Douya. Don't make your sister trip and fall!

Time for dinner!

Mother, stop busying yourself. Come and enjoy the reunion dinner.

Coming.

- You've worked hard, my wife. - Not at all.

Here.

Come on, Father and Mother.

- Happy Spring Festival. - Happy Spring Festival.

Here's a toast to both of you.

Wish you a long life and a happy marriage!

- Very well. - Very well.

I also wish you a long and healthy life,

wish our family to be blessed with prosperity, harmony, happiness, and peace.

- Very well. - There will be peace all year round.

So, I wish you to be healthy and stay young forever.

- Come on, Little Brother. - Come on, Elder Brother.

You should always listen to your mother.

- Sure. - Sure.

Both of you have grown to be benevolent and loyal.

As your mother, I'm proud of you.

But when it comes to your marriages,

I've surveyed the unmarried ladies from all noble families in the capital,

yet none caught your eye. Why is that?

That depends on my elder brother.

I can't get married before him, after all.

Why are you dragging me into this?

I should respect seniority.

- Oh my. - This kid...

Don't make me wait too long.

Come on, Father and Mother.

There will be many things worth celebrating in the new year.

Here's a toast to you again.

You'll be the next one to get killed.

Elder Brother.

Here's a toast to you two.

All of us must value the present moment,

and make each day count in the future.

Let's make every day a happy day!

- Happy Spring Festival! - Make every day a happy day!

For the sake of my family, I won't let Li Chuan ascend the throne and repeat the tragedy.

What a splendid dinner!

- Sit down. - Sit.

Skip the formalities today. Let's all sit together and eat.

We're having dumplings on this joyous day.

There are silver coins inside some of the dumplings.

Anyone who finds them will get a reward.

- A reward? - Really?

- Dig in. - Let's eat.

Which dumpling is made by me? This one.

Eat this.

- I want to eat the dumplings made by me. - I made this. Its stuffing tastes good.

- Really, try it. - Fine.

Let me guess.

- I'll have some beef. - Not mine.

Not this one.

Her Highness found one!

- Congratulations, Your Highness! - What does this mean?

It means Her Highness is blessed with luck, right?

- Yes. - Yes.

What's wrong?

- Give me some decency, please. - My teeth almost broke.

It's because you chomped down so hard.

And you even found the coin in the first dumpling you had.

Where's my reward?

Be patient.

Let's see what it is.

Let's see.

Prince Consort, you...

- That's so stingy. - Stingy.

See? Everyone's saying that you're so stingy, only putting this little money in it.

- You don't understand. - That's what they call fair and square.

That's how it is. Besides, it's not so little if you count the silver coin in your dumpling in. - Yeah.

Don't worry. How could I not prepare a proper gift for you?

This is an additional New Year gift for you.

- That's more like it. - Wait.

Since you're receiving a gift, you need to say something auspicious. Right?

- Yes. - Yes.

- What auspicious words? - Stop it.

Well, Young Master, this is not right.

You're not Her Highness's elder. You don't have to give her that.

- Come on, give it to me instead... - Are you saying that you are my elder?

- Well, I was just saying... - Eat your dumplings.

- Well... - Tong Ye is right.

You're not my elder. Why should I say any auspicious words?

Of course, you should. You're not my junior, yet you're my wife.

- There's nothing wrong with saying some auspicious words. Right? - Yes.

Your Highness, just say something.

Your Highness, don't be shy.

How about letting me teach you some?

Just repeat after me.

My dear Prince Consort, I love you so much.

- I want to spend every Spring Festival with you... - Enough.

- That's all you need to say. - Eat up.

Tong Ye has already taught you what to say.

Don't listen.

- Okay. - Okay.

I heard it! She said it!

That's enough. We have a lucky start for this year now.

Come on, raise your glasses. Let's celebrate.

All right! We wish for everyone in the Princess's Mansion to be able to enjoy a lucky new year and a healthy long life.

- Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy! - Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy!

- Come on. - Cheers.

- They're setting off fireworks outside. - Let's go and have a look.

It's snowing.

Come on!

Look! The fireworks look gorgeous in the snow!

They call this... What a heavy snow!

A fall of seasonable snow gives promise of a fruitful year. We are sure to have a lucky start this year.

That's what I was trying to say.

- So beautiful. - So beautiful.

Rong Rong, I will give you a home later.

It's not like the palace.

I will heal all the wounds in your heart.

From now on, no matter if you are the Princess or Li Rong, you will always have me with you.

Pei Wenxuan, I will try hard to protect this happiness forever.

♫ In all my extensive travels, I'm glad to have you ♫

♫ Walking by my side ♫

♫ Watching the bright moon rise and set together ♫

♫ Sharing the same fate ♫

Here you go.

Thank you.

Happy Spring Festival. See you.

Young Master.

It's the Spring Festival. Why are you walking around here alone?

I was with my family earlier, and I felt happy so I drank a few more glasses of liquor.

Perhaps I drank a little too much. That's why I'm taking a stroll to sober up.

You're a handsome man.

Are you married?

But there should be someone you adore, right?

There is.

Fate brought us here to meet.

I'll give you a lantern.

I wonder what she is like.

She...

She's witty, cute, and nimble like a rabbit.

She's brave and persevering.

No matter what happens, she will always stay on her path.

Then, I'll give you a lantern with a rabbit pattern.

Here you go.

I hope that you and the lady you adore can get married soon.

That sounds like an impossible wish.

You can't say that.

If you're serious about her, you should fight for her.

When it comes to relationships, the result is indeed important, but more importantly, don't leave any regrets.

Am I right?

You're right.

I'm not going to let anyone, including myself, down.

That's right.

Thank you. Wishing you a happy, lucky, and safe year.

Happy Spring Festival.

How generous of you.

Small, small, small! [Jucai House]

Place your bets!

- Small, small, small! - Small!

It's small again.

Small, three...

Big, then small...

What are you...

Eldest Young Master Su, how did you sneak out today?

And how did you sneak out?

How did you know I was here?

I'll tell you when you win. Small, all in!

Let's see.

- Place your bets! - Look.

- Big, big! - Small, small!

- The Princess is here. - Let's go.

These scoundrels.

Just ignore them.

- Thank you for your hospitality. - No worries.

- Greetings, Your Highness. - Greetings, Your Highness.

His Majesty has arrived!

- Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

- Boundless fortune to Your Majesty. - Boundless fortune to Your Majesty.

- Long live Your Majesty! - Long live Your Majesty!

- Long live the Empress! - Long live the Empress!

You may rise, everyone.

- Thank you, Your Majesty! - Thank you, Your Majesty!

Do you know why I'm holding this banquet on the third day of the first month of each year?

The sage came up with the idea of the self-cultivation of a well-managed family,

the ability to administer the state, and to bring peace to the nation.

I believe that the highest form of governing a country is the co-construction of family and country.

That would dispel any selfish thoughts, which would unite everyone.

On this auspicious day, I wish everyone in the world a bountiful year.

I wish everyone to live and work in peace and contentment.

I wish peace could reign throughout our lands and borders.

May our country enjoy abundance and happiness!

- May our country enjoy abundance and happiness! - May our country enjoy abundance and happiness!

Start the banquet!

Your Majesty, Princess Huayue and Prince Su would like to perform a score for you.

Young people do like showing off.

The dancers may leave now.

Fulai, summon Huayue here.

Princess Huayue, His Majesty is summoning you.

Imperial Father.

I heard you've prepared a score to perform together with Prince Su

to wish all of us a happy new year.

For this occasion, I have specially prepared a performance featuring the long-lost Battle Song of Pingchuan

for you and the ministers of the court.

It was Brother Cheng's idea, too.

He said we should start the new year by performing a sword dance to celebrate

our last year's victories in the wars happened in the Northwest.

It can also showcase the manliness that the men of the Great Xia should have.

Great.

He's just 14 years old, and he already wants to be a man.

Imperial Father, my swordsmanship improved tremendously last year.

My master said that I might be young, but I wouldn't lose to a grown man.

Good.

So, do you think you can defeat your brother, the crown prince?

My elder brother is good at reading and studying.

I admit that I am no match for him in this regard.

But when it comes to martial arts, it's possible that I might win after all.

Did you hear that?

If you don't practice harder, your little brother is going to look down on you.

You're right, Imperial Father.

I'm sure that Cheng'er will grow up to be a formidable warrior

to guard our country's borders and dignity.

I will be playing the flute today.

This performance will be better with the accompaniment of the guqin.

Vice Minister Su, if you don't mind,

can you play the guqin to accompany my flute, and perform this score for my father?

What do you say, Official Su?

Vice Minister Su?

You don't have to bother Vice Minister Su, Little Sister.

- Li Rong. - Actually, the Battle Song of Pingchuan is not a long-lost score.

It's just that some renowned instructors may not be willing to teach it to most of their mediocre students.

I once learned this score.

If you need an accompaniment, I can help you with it.

Thank you, Elder Sister. Please then.

Little Sister, why don't you stand forward a little more?

Still, if you do, you might fall off the stage.

By then, I'd be performing alone.

I'm sorry. Let's start.

Now that Her Highness is on the stage, Huayue is going to embarrass herself.

The enemy is relentless. They've sworn to fight till the end.

It has been a long journey coming here.

Both sides have been at a standstill for half a month.

Our attacks have not been successful. The soldiers are getting exhausted.

What we need to do now is to raise the soldiers' morale.

Your Highness, I have an idea that can improve the soldiers' morale,

but that would require you to do something.

Your Highness, this is the Battle Song of Pingchuan.

It is a famous ancient score that can uplift the listeners' spirits.

If you can perform the score personally, you'd be able to boost the soldiers' morale.

Let's begin.

Soldiers!

Princess Royal Pingyue is here!

She's here with a message from your families, your wives, and children!

Our brave warriors will enter this battle, defeat the enemy,

fight till the end and return with honor!

Fight till the end! Return with honor!

- Fight till the end! Return with honor! - Fight till the end! Return with honor!

Your Highness,

you still remember the times when we were together after all.

Fortunately, this jealous scoundrel didn't get the suona.

Official Gu, as the Minister of Rites,

do you know whether the Battle Song of Pingchuan is meant to be played like this?

Replying to Your Majesty. The original score is not played in such a way.

The earlier ensemble with Princess Pingyue on the guqin,

Princess Huayue on the flute, and Vice Minister Su on the drums is the traditional and proper way.

Now that the Prince Consort Pei is joining with the erhu, this is an innovative performance.

It doesn't sound bad though.

The addition of the erhu gives the score an exotic feel.

Brilliant.

Official Su, Wenxuan's erhu performance was truly amazing.

Indeed. But Rongqing's drum performance was awesome, too.

Princess Pingyue's guqin skills have greatly improved.

The Prince Consort Pei's erhu accompaniment was fantastic.

You played the flute well, Huayue.

That was a splendid guqin performance.

It was obvious that you really wanted to show off.

So did you.

Had the musician not held his suona tightly, we might have been playing funeral music.

If I do get a suona, I would play a score to celebrate a happy marriage.

Brilliant!

Today, we have witnessed a marvelous performance of the guqin, the flute, and the drums.

As for the erhu, it was exceptionally wonderful.

However, what delighted me the most was Prince Su's sword dance.

He looked like a true warrior.

This is how our country's men should be.

What do you think, everyone?

Crown Prince.

Today, your siblings played music and danced to celebrate the new year.

As the crown prince, what do you have to say?

Unlike them, I am not well-versed in performing arts.

All I can do is to focus on the state's affairs

to share your burden and improve the people's welfare.

How pleasing to the ears. Sweet words indeed.

You may leave.

Yes, Your Highness.

Why are you sitting here all alone?

What brings you here, Elder Sister?

It's getting stuffy in the hall. I need some fresh air.

Did they pour you too much liquor? Let me peel a tangerine for you.

Of course, they didn't. No one would dare to make me drunk if I didn't feel like it.

I just didn't feel like staying there.

Chuan'er,

no matter what you do, you have my support.

Don't make yourself upset.

Sister, tell me the truth.

Am I really unlikable?

It's the Spring Festival, and he kept embarrassing me in front of the ministers.

Sister, is this fair?

It's not.

Sister, honestly, I've considered giving up on being the crown prince.

But since the Qin Family's decline, I began to regret it.

You were right.

I need to be strong to have the right to choose.

Don't worry, Sister.

The embarrassment I had today won't stop me from growing stronger.

Rest assured, I know what to do.

Don't let anyone know we've been talking here for so long. I will leave first.

This is the price of growing up.

Official Su, I may need your help in the future, so I would like to thank you in advance.

- Official Su. - We'll take our leave, Official Su.

We'll take our leave.

- Official Su, here's a toast to you. - Here's a toast to you, Official Su.

That's enough for today, or else I'd get drunk.

Leave it till some other day.

- All right, I'll take my leave. - I'll take my leave.

Official Su.

Aren't you going to have another cup of liquor?

Official Pei, I've had enough liquor.

I have other things to attend to.

Official Su,

it's rather inappropriate to covet my wife in front of everyone.

We're of the same age. It's time for you to get married.

Besides, we're sworn brothers.

You helped me fetch the bride at my wedding back then.

I have never forgotten your kindness.

How about letting me find you a suitable lady?

Pei Wenxuan.

Your Highness, what took you so long?

I'm getting sleepy.

Let's go.

- Your Highness... - Official Su.

If you really have something important to say, we can talk some other day.

My wife and I have other things to do at home.

Your Highness, you suffered so much when you were with Pei Wenxuan back then.

Do you really want to suffer it again?

Why did you join the Inspectorate Office?

My little brother wanted me to come, so here I am.

But personally, I'd love to see what Her Highness and you are up to.

Everyone is busy fighting and struggling in the palace.

I hate those hypocrites.

But you and Her Highness are unlike them.

You're the rare kind of people who'd go against the flow.

That's why I want to see what the Inspectorate Office is doing.

Tell me. Why did you join the Inspectorate Office?

Perhaps like what you said, I also want to live like a human.

I want to be useful.

I want to provide my family with some irreplaceable value.

A more important value than getting married for political gains.

This is the only way for me to remain as Shangguan Ya.

As a woman, your path is more difficult than mine.

Well, let's drop the subject.

Let's have a drink. Cheers.

Su Ronghua,

I went to you today not to rant and complain.

I just like gambling, drinking, and messing with you.

The fact that you want to gamble and drink with me shows that I've left a good impression on you.

Maybe it's because we're both a different breed.

A different breed? That makes you and me the same breed.

Who wants to be the same breed as you?

Come on.

We're going to drink to our hearts' content tonight!

I wonder which gentleman would marry a woman like you.

I wonder which lady would marry a man like you.

Let's make a pact, then.

If we can't find anyone compatible, let's just live together for the rest of our lives.

Good idea! Cheers!

- Live together. - Cheers!

Your Highness, why is there an influx of outsiders in the capital lately?

- Probably for the imperial examinations. - The imperial examinations?

But it'll be held in two months. Why do they come here so early?

You didn't know?

They don't just assess your essays at the time of examination.

You can also submit your essays to the examiner in advance.

If they like it, even if you don't perform well in your examinations,

you can advance to the final imperial examination with your submitted essays.

How do ordinary candidates make sure that the examiners get to read their essays?

By submitting them along with their examination scripts?

That's exactly why they're here in the capital so early.

The candidates will submit their essays to rich and powerful families who are interested in their work.

If they like the essays, they will recommend them to the examiner.

- I guess it's not easy being a commoner. - You think so too?

If you get a recommendation from those in power, the examiner might give you some extra points.

That makes it even harder for a commoner to become the top scorer.

The rich kids don't even need to take the examinations.

They already have their family's backing.

Take Su Rongqing as an example.

When he was 12 years old, he was already joining his grandfather in the imperial court.

However, commoners could only become officials through the imperial examinations.

Yet, they still have to contend with proud and rich ones from the noble families

who are backed by power and wealth.

With an unfair system like this, it'd be hard for the country to search for true talents.

Change is necessary.

Your Highness, it's not easy for commoners to become officials.

If we do encounter someone with talent, we must foster them as best as we can.

You've really grown up.

[Su Mansion]

[In search of talents]

Recruiting talents? [Recruiting talents]

Even Su Rongqing, the top talent, is recruiting talents?

Anyone who gets his recommendation is bound to become an official.

Hurry.

I also look forward to reading your essays.

My mansion always welcomes knowledgeable talents.

Everyone...

Today, we will be discussing the ability to appreciate a person's character and capability.

Feel free to give your opinions.

- Good topic. - Yes.

I believe that the one with the ability to appreciate a person's character and capability

is able to develop the talents to their full abilities and motivate people to do their best.

I think it's also important to be open-minded and win people by virtue.

Those who can appreciate talents are wise men themselves; but more importantly,

they should be able to accept those who are more talented than they are.

This is the true art of knowing people and making the best use of them.

[Tian Licun]

Well said.

Even I have learned a thing or two.

Father, you're here.

- It's Official Su. - It's Official Su.

Everyone, this is my father, the current Right Chancellor of the court.

- Right Chancellor. - Right Chancellor.

Good. Good.

We didn't expect to see you here, Official Su.

This shows that they are committed to recruiting talents with sincerity.

He's an important minister in court. Just seeing him in person is worth the trip.

If I fail, I can retake the examinations next year.

Can I report someone cheating?

Would we get sentenced for doing that?

Not at all.

I am entrusted by His Majesty and the people to ensure the system's impartiality.

The imperial examinations are to recruit talents for the country.

Of course, we do not tolerate cheating.

- Awesome! - Awesome!

- A true gentleman indeed! - Everyone,

if you have a case to plead, you may stay back after our discussion.

Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com

♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫

♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫

♫ In the night's piercing winds ♫

♫ Why is she singing? ♫

♫ The wind caresses the hills ♫

♫ The wind causes ripples in the water ♫

♫ Moonlight graces passing souls ♫

♫ Her pace slows ♫

♫ As she walks the long path ♫

♫ Memories are forgotten and recall again ♫

♫ Gazing idly as the clouds pass ♫

♫ She holds a red candle ♫

♫ Traversing the thick fog, unafraid ♫

♫ Life can be bitter sometimes ♫

♫ Experience it and carry on 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 moonlight reflects in her eyes ♫

♫ In her gaze, an unwavering faith remains ♫