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[The Princess Royal]

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

[Episode 28]

You're dressing in very plain clothing today, Your Highness.

You look amazing.

Please.

I'm being followed. Make it brief.

As for the case you mentioned to me previously,

is it a local squire who took your friend's examination candidature?

Yes.

Where did that happen?

Zhangping County. In Wangzhou.

Your hometown?

Yes.

You work for the Ministry of Rites, and you can't handle this small matter?

You must be jesting, Your Highness.

It's just a powerless position.

What can I do?

You have complaints?

Last time, you offered yourself as a nighttime companion.

What do you say?

Come here.

Are you doing this for your friend or yourself?

What do you mean?

Haven't you ever thought about making some achievements in court?

In the past, he was dissipated and unrestrained,

often lingered in brothels, and showed no interest in politics.

However, I've read his poems.

It is not something someone who is uninterested in politics would be able to write.

I know what you mean.

Filing a complaint is just an excuse.

Your real goal is a marriage of convenience.

You do that because you want a strong ally.

You've aroused my curiosity.

Since you want to find a strong ally, why did you wait so long?

Also...

why me?

It's no fun when you lay everything bare.

But yes, you're right.

I do want to pledge loyalty to you.

So I'm giving you this case as a gift.

A gift?

How so?

I know Consort Rou is your enemy.

The individual who took the candidature is Xiao Pingzhang, a relative of hers.

You jest, Official Cui.

What does Consort Rou have anything to do with me?

Right.

I know you're suspicious about me helping you.

You just need to know that I want to be your ally,

so I don't mind making minor sacrifices.

How can I trust you if you don't make everything clear?

If I tell you it's because you're very pretty, will it be enough?

So it's because of my beauty?

Yes.

Think about it.

My father was just a teacher, but I was able to become an official.

Why? Because when I first came to Huajing, my poetry was outstanding.

I was also appreciated by several noble people.

I'm poor and not very talented.

All I can rely on is my face.

If you don't want to tell me the truth, so be it.

It's because you handled the Qin Family's case.

It makes me think that you're someone who cares for people.

I knew you wouldn't believe that.

Who says I don't?

I understand now.

I shall be frank.

I will not take you under my wings.

But I can plant you around Consort Rou.

You want me to be your informant?

Yes or no? Answer me.

Yes, of course, since this is your wish.

To reassure me, you have to take this.

It's a chronic poison.

On this day every month, we will meet

and I'll give you the antidote that can temporarily suppress the toxicity.

Once Consort Rou is eliminated, I'll give you the antidote that can completely detoxify you.

Remember now. This is a test of your fidelity.

If you're truly capable,

regardless of your background or physical appearance,

you can even be the Secretariat Director.

As expected of women, you are skeptical.

If you need me, just come to my mansion.

Sure.

Well, Second Young Master Su, you and Chancellor Su have put me in a difficult situation.

The plan regarding the examinations seems simple enough.

But there are many hidden details to be taken care of.

His Majesty is supervising it, so I can't afford to make any mistakes.

- Here, Official Wang. - No. I can't drink anymore.

Official Wang, you will get much more benefits from this in the future.

They are poor scholars. They don't have money.

What can I get from them?

- Official Wang, don't... - Well, Second Young Master Su,

I have tried my best.

But I still need to hand over the rest to the others.

So I'm not failing the tasks that you and Chancellor Su asked me to do.

- What do you think, Second Young Master Su? - Listen to me, Official Wang.

You have to do this yourself.

I suddenly remember that I have yet to feed my birds.

It's an emergency.

Second Young Master Su, let's chat again next time.

Okay?

I'll take my leave.

No wonder you'll be kicked out soon.

Because you can't see the incoming change in this country.

Young Master. What are you doing here?

It's none of your business.

Tell me. How did Cui Yulang come here?

He rented a carriage.

The coachman told me that while he looked fancy,

he haggled with the coachman for more than an hour.

Official Cui sure is very frugal.

Frugal? He's not frugal. He's poor.

Right. Poor.

Leave two silver taels on his carriage. Then remove the wheels for me.

You want me to steal the wheels?

- You can't do it? - No. I can do that.

But it's not something a gentleman should do.

Gentleman?

I've been a gentleman for more than 20 years. Can't I be a despicable man for once?

When you say that, you truly look like a despicable man.

- Go now. - Yes.

Take care, Your Highness.

You should return too.

Your Highness.

Perhaps you can reconsider me?

You and the Prince Consort have already divorced.

When it comes to romance, I'm as good as him.

You shouldn't say that sentence again.

People will bear grudges against you.

It's worth it as long as I can get your attention and jealousy.

Enough with your flattery.

Let's go.

What are you doing?

You asked me to steal the wheels.

- Where should I hide them? - Why did you carry them here?

Put them back.

Wait...

Forget it. Put them back tomorrow.

Leave them an extra silver tael to compensate for their accommodation and time.

Young Master, why are you doing this to me?

Go now.

Sir, what should we do?

This is...

Do you have an extra carriage?

- No. At this time, they are all gone. - That's right.

Mister, can you help us?

Can you find me another carriage?

I have to attend the morning court tomorrow.

Even a donkey cart will do.

You're a court official, yet you spent such a long time haggling with me.

I hold a lowly position.

Can you please help me?

I can pay you double the price.

I walked around, and found nothing.

Perhaps you can try outside.

I'm so unlucky. I'll refund you the payment for the return journey.

Come on. Help me fix the cart.

I should have asked Her Highness to give me a lift.

Why am I so unlucky?

Young Master, Cui Yulang is there.

- Mister. - Hurry.

Mister. Mister.

Mister.

- Official Pei? - Sorry, Official Cui. I didn't see you.

I'm in a rush. See you.

Wait. Why did you pour water out?

To water the plants?

Wait for me! Wait for me!

Wait for me!

Today's tea is so good. It's delicious.

It's the tea we've been drinking for a long time. Besides, you didn't even take a sip.

Your Highness.

- What is it? - Someone in your family got into trouble.

He stole someone else's examination candidature.

The victim has been filing complaints from his hometown all the way to Huajing.

Sooner or later, they'll drag me down with them.

Perhaps you can ignore them, and cut ties with them.

My brother's soldiers in the Northwest still need their support.

I cannot cut them off now.

Oh, right. Has there been any news about Pingyue?

Anything unusual?

Not at the moment.

But Second Young Master Su is waiting for your reply, Your Highness.

I need a capable man like him.

But his previous failure made me doubt his fidelity.

We'll put that aside first.

You asked to see me later because of Cui Yulang.

And now, when you see me, you're like nothing has happened?

Li Rong. You are heartless.

Pei Wenxuan is so good at putting up an act.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Your first mission is to impeach the crown prince.

Isn't that too risky?

You're scared?

Forget about our alliance, then.

No...

Your Majesty, I'd like to report something.

What is it?

It's about the crown prince.

Official Cui, I remember you work for the Ministry of Rites.

Why are you doing the job of an official from the Censorate?

While I'm a powerless official in the Ministry of Rites,

the issue concerns the welfare of our country, so I must report it.

Did Cui Yulang actually obtain some solid evidence on Chuan'er?

He sounds so confident.

I don't think I have made any grave mistakes.

If the problem is that serious, pray tell, Official Cui.

Your Highness, our country has been suffering from natural disasters in recent years.

Let alone last year, this year, the blizzard made people suffer and they all complained about it.

I believe disasters befell us because...

because the Crown Prince has no morals.

Nonsense! What nonsense is that?

Are you implying that I've failed to raise my child properly, so I also have no morals?

Take him out and flog him.

The imperial court is no place for your superstition.

Your Majesty, during the autumn ritual we held last year,

His Highness sneezed during the procedure.

His action might have offended the heavens, which committed great irreverence.

What stupid accusation is that?

Your Majesty, His Highness caught a cold last year.

Nevertheless, he made sure he attended the ritual despite his frailty.

His devotion is palpable.

The benevolent higher beings will not punish the sagacious crown prince, for a mere sneeze.

While certain counties did suffer from natural disasters in recent years, it wasn't serious.

Our country spans a vast land.

It is normal that we have natural disasters every year.

It is far-fetched to regard it as some sort of divine retribution.

To make such a blatant claim is to be deserving of punishment.

I agree with Minister Gu.

- I agree with Minister Gu. - I agree with Minister Gu.

While Official Cui's allegation might sound ridiculous,

it is not utterly baseless.

How about this?

I shall just withhold Cui Yulang's wage for two months.

Crown Prince, you will kneel at the ancestral shrine tonight

to apologize for your mistake in the previous autumn ritual.

Imperial Father is deliberately targeting Chuan'er.

Yes, Imperial Father.

Dismissed.

Court dismissed!

- Take care, Your Majesty. - Take care, Your Majesty.

Official Cui.

Your Highness.

You should proceed with caution in the imperial court.

You just assumed your office not long ago.

Make sure you consult with your seniors for anything regarding your work.

I appreciate your advice, Your Highness.

Cui Yulang. You sure picked a wonderful excuse.

But it's okay. Don't worry about it.

See you.

Your Highness, I'm even poorer now.

You're too soft-hearted.

How could you fail in such a simple matter?

How will your sister and I rely on you in the future?

If one Cui Yulang can make you get punished, what's going to happen in the future?

Will you just watch as more powerful ministers bully you?

What now?

Every time I come, I see Chuan'er being scolded by you.

You too.

Why didn't you discuss it with me before you got divorced?

And it took you this long to show up here.

Do you even care about my feelings?

Imperial Mother, Sister is also very upset.

- Don't scold her. - Silence! Reflect upon yourself.

Calm down, Imperial Mother. Or your health will be affected.

Let's speak calmly.

Why are you arguing?

I was told that Cui Yulang had complained about him.

I want him to teach Cui Yulang a lesson, but he doesn't want to do it.

Can't you see what your imperial father is doing?

Cui Yulang set up a precedence.

If Chuan'er doesn't retaliate, many more people will bully him.

Even though we both hold a high position, we're both women.

Our honor and pride are contingent upon Chuan'er.

If something happens to him, what do we do?

I'm doing this for his own good, but he won't listen.

He doesn't behave like a crown prince at all.

- If I had another son, I'd... - Imperial Mother.

Have some tea.

Chuan'er, stand up.

I came to talk about Cui Yulang.

Sister, even though Cui Yulang complained about me in court,

he didn't do anything wrong.

- No need to... - Cui Yulang works for me.

I asked him to complain about you.

Don't lay your fingers on him.

Rong'er, what are you...

Imperial Mother, Chuan'er is old enough now.

We can't sit around and do nothing as Consort Rou becomes more powerful. Right?

You want to remove her?

But what does Cui Yulang have anything to do with this?

Besides, your imperial father is very protective of her.

You want to get rid of her?

[Qianqiu Gate]

If I may have your time, Official Cui.

You are...

I am Consort Rou's maid.

How may I help you, miss?

Prince Su's art teacher cannot come here due to sickness.

Her Highness asked me to ask if you could tutor Prince Su

since it is said that you are an expert in painting.

Please ask for Her Highness's forgiveness.

I have made plans for today.

Think about it carefully, Official Cui.

It's Consort Rou and Prince Su who are inviting you.

I'll take my leave.

After arguing with Imperial Mother, you won't speak to me either?

No.

I'm just tired. I want to rest.

Imperial Mother said those words in the heat of the moment.

Don't take it to heart.

I'm fine.

Actually...

Imperial Mother was right.

If she had another son, perhaps all of us would be happy.

I wouldn't have to be the crown prince.

Imperial Mother wouldn't have to rely on me solely.

If you were a boy, I wouldn't be this exhausted either.

Chuan'er.

I know...

you won't be mad at me.

I'm just saying.

You and Imperial Mother have done many things for me.

As the receiver of this glory, I will not back out.

Don't worry, Sister.

Do you know why I'm supporting you unconditionally?

Because I hate to see you forcing yourself like this.

How am I now?

I might have found someone to rely on.

I have Pei Wenxuan now.

Once I resolve the conflict between the noble families

and the imperial family, I'll have power, love, and freedom.

But you would spend the rest of your life... in this palace.

As if you're caged here forever.

You work for Imperial Mother, for me,

for the Shangguan Family, for the people, for Great Xia,

but not for yourself.

Oftentimes, I want to do something for you.

I know you worry about me as a younger brother, not as the crown prince.

Yes.

You're not just the crown prince.

You're Li Chuan, too.

He really said that?

Yes, word for word, Your Highness.

What if Cui Yulang is a useful pawn that will do your bidding?

Perhaps his open criticism of the crown prince

is just a way to attract attention.

We don't know what he wants yet.

I can't wait to see what he will do next.

And what Shangguan Yue will do, too.

Have our people keep an eye on Cui Yulang.

Knowing Shangguan Yue,

she'll either draw him over to her side, or find an excuse to get rid of him.

She is not dumb enough to kill him now that he just impeached the crown prince.

I guess they will want to draw him over to their side.

Let's observe for now.

Yes, Your Highness.

Miss, who are you?

Fengming, an imperial guard in the Eastern Palace.

The crown prince would like to invite you to tea.

Official Cui, if His Highness wanted you dead, he wouldn't have sent me here.

Please lead the way.

Your Highness, it's as you anticipated.

The crown prince met with Cui Yulang.

Go to see Cui Yulang and tell him that I want to meet him,

and that Prince Su will give him double what the crown prince offers.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Thank you. - You're welcome. Everyone will have some.

- Thank you, Young Master Su. - You're welcome.

- Thank you, sir. - Thank you, sir.

Let's find a place.

[Recruiting talents]

- Thank you, Young Master Su. - You're welcome.

Your Highness, why did you buy this all of a sudden?

He loves it. What if he comes over tonight?

My family is providing convenience for the scholars in the capital.

I look forward to your assistance.

Young Master Su.

Brother.

Come on.

Everyone will have some.

Not bad.

Wait for me at Su Family's Perfumery.

Who would've thought that I'd run into you here, Official Su?

My family has several establishments here

that accommodate exam candidates who can't afford a place to live.

Would you like to have a visit, Your Highness?

Sure.

This way, please, Your Highness.

Aren't you leading the way? Walk before me.

Your Highness, that is inappropriate.

You're leading the way. How is that inappropriate?

Besides, you're a young master of the Su Family, the Right Minister of Justice.

You're not a servant.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Don't you have something else to ask?

Don't you have something else to say?

I have no questions.

If I want to find the truth, I can investigate it.

It's not hard to deduce your goal either.

You're as candid as ever, Your Highness.

I might only ask you a question when that specific moment arrives.

It's when one of us is on the brink of death.

I won't visit your establishments.

Let's go, Jinglan.

Your Highness.

Take care.

Are you done gawking?

No.

I just ran into Su Rongqing.

He's giving accommodations to exam candidates in Huajing.

A few days ago, I heard that he's not just taking in candidates,

but also people who are trying to file complaints.

I don't know what he wants.

If he's taking care of exam candidates,

I can assume that he wants to get into their good graces.

But why people who want to file complaints?

What is going on with Cui Yulang?

What's the plan between Cui Yulang and you?

Why did he complain about His Highness in court?

If he did that, Consort Rou would come to him.

He comes from a humble background, which is the opposite of Su Rongqing's.

I'll just have to put up a few acts with him to earn Consort Rou's trust.

That way, the alliance between Consort Rou and Su Rongqing will fail.

What an ingenious plan.

Of course.

Without Su Rongqing, Consort Rou is barely a threat.

If Prince Su and she are gone,

Su Rongqing will never defeat His Highness on his own unless he's committing treason.

That's what I'm thinking.

All right. There are so many people here.

I should go. This is for you.

Rong Rong.

What?

Go.

All right.

Official Cui, Her Highness said Prince Su would give you double what the crown prince offered.

Please lead the way, Miss.

Consort Rou must be sitting behind him.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Long Live Your Highness.

You may rise.

Greetings, Your Highness.

You may rise, Official Cui.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I heard after the incident at the court today, the crown prince tried to recruit you.

Yes.

So, why are you here, Official Cui?

His Highness offered me a fifth-ranked position.

But your messenger told me that Prince Su would double the offer.

Therefore, I'm here.

Everyone wants power.

I like your honesty as well as the strategic alliance we share here.

Tell me. What can you do for me?

How far will you go for me?

Since you're so candid, Your Highness, I shall be frank.

Your Highness, would you like to have the Inspectorate Office?

I know very well that you have many advisors by your side.

As such, I do not come empty-handed.

Complaining about the crown prince is just the stepping stone.

The Inspectorate Office will be my real gift, Your Highness.

Would you like to receive this gift, Your Highness?

I found out that since early this year,

Su Rongqing has been taking care of scholars who came to Huajing to attend the examination.

Ordinary candidates will stay at the yard you've seen.

Those who wish to remedy injustices will be given another yard.

Why is he... doing this?

I don't know yet.

Interestingly, Official Pei's men are among them.

Tell Cui Yulang to speed up the plan with Consort Rou.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

A scholar came to the office, and claimed that someone had taken his examination candidature.

I brought him here.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Are you Chen Houzhao?

Yes.

Do you have the written complaint?

I have written it.

I did go to the Su Family, but when I was there,

they tried... to buy me off.

What did they do?

They wanted to silence me.

Why did you come to me, then?

A friend of mine told me that you could be trusted.

You are willing to trust me?

Yes, I am.

Su Rongqing has taken in aggrieved individuals, but has forbidden them from filing complaints.

What is he trying to do?

Take the money and leave Huajing.

By Huajing Moat, there is an old man called Old Man San.

Board his boat and leave.

The boat will sink when approaching Zhang County.

You will swim to the shore with Old Man San. Someone will take you to safety.

Lay low for a while, and wait for my order.

Yes, Your Highness. Thank you.

Your Highness, what are you trying to do?

You will serve someone else soon. Get ready.

You're giving up on the Inspectorate Office for now?

[Mingyue Palace]

Your Highness. Prince Su. Please seek justice for me.

What is the problem? Tell us.

Your Highness, I have a friend from my hometown called Chen Houzhao.

A local squire took his candidature for the spring examination,

so he came to me in Huajing to seek help.

I redirected him to Princess Pingyue.

Just as I expected, after Her Highness received the written complaint,

she sent him out of Huajing.

But now, I can't even locate the boat they used to send him out.

Is this true?

Chen Houzhao left this written complaint to me.

Please take a look.

I believe you can summon Princess Pingyue here tomorrow

and show her the written complaint.

After that, we can expose this in court.

Your Highness, do you know why Princess Pingyue wanted to kill Chen Houzhao?

I'd like to hear your thoughts. Stand up and speak.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Xiao Pei, brew some tea for Mr. Cui.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness, Princess Pingyue is the crown prince's sister, after all.

While they are against the noble families on the surface, they are still one of them.

Thus, she could investigate the Qin Family's case and the military provisions and funds case,

but she cannot harm the foundation of the noble families.

His Majesty implemented the imperial examination to balance noble families.

There are so many people involved in this case, and she is in a precarious position.

Therefore, she dares not to take the case.

Not only will she reject it, but she also has to protect the position of noble families.

If those noble families fall, so will the crown prince.

Thus, she must kill Chen Houzhao.

You already knew that she'd kill Chen Houzhao before you sent him to her?

I said I'd give you and Prince Su the Inspectorate Office.

Did you think I was joking?

We lured her into killing Chen Houzhao.

With that, we have leverage over her.

Then, we can force her to take the wronged candidate case.

Since she doesn't want to handle the case

and we have leverage over her,

leaving the Inspectorate Office is her best option.

Once she's gone, someone has to run the office.

Whoever is willing to investigate this case will be the new leader of the Inspectorate Office.

Your Highness, His Majesty appreciates your background as a commoner.

That is Prince Su's foundation.

The harsher you are toward those noble families, the more His Majesty is fond of you.

Princess Pingyue was investigating the noble families.

Thus, she was allowed to establish the Inspectorate Office.

If you want to earn His Majesty's favor,

you'll have to be more ruthless than Princess Pingyue.

Your Highness.

I'm Consort Rou's maid.

Her Highness said that she hadn't seen you in a while, and would like to talk to you.

Sure. Lead the way.

Why is Consort Rou meeting with the princess?

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 ♫