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[The Princess Royal]

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

[Episode 34]

Since it was discovered back then, why wasn't I investigated at that time?

How could he investigate you?

You're the Princess Royal representing the noble families,

the powerful regent Princess Royal.

If he were to make a move against you openly, how certain could he be of success?

- So... - So...

he chose to poison you.

Later, you went to the palace once every seven days, and played weiqi with him.

The Poison of the Fragrant Beauty was on the weiqi pieces.

Over time, it penetrated your bones and organs.

After the eighteenth year of the Dexu Era, you started feeling unwell all the time.

That's the time you knew...

I was poisoned?

Yes.

I put the antidote in sachets and asked everyone to carry them to slow the poison's effect.

Why didn't you save me?

Why didn't you save me?

Tell me.

Tell me.

At this point, what else is there to hide?

Shangguan Ya... and I made the decision together.

We knew the noble families never mattered to you.

Whenever we had a conflict with Li Chuan, you would certainly switch sides immediately.

So we decided to wait and see.

With the antidote in my hand, I could cure you at any time.

Killing you...

was with no difficulty as well.

And then?

Who finally decided to kill me?

Later, as Li Chuan's illness worsened,

on the morning of your death...

- Your Majesty. - You're here.

Do you want to leave a message?

Depose the Crown Prince Li Xin, and let the Eldest Prince Li Ping inherit the throne.

I have already prepared everything on my way here.

[Depose him from the position of Crown Prince]

Since the founding of the Xia, power has always been in the hands of the noble families.

Although the Li Family is royalty, we are merely puppets of the noble families.

My father tried to break free from their control.

I've taken over his unfinished business and fought until now.

It is only when facing death that I realize

my eldest sister, Princess Royal Li Rong,

is the most powerful one among all the noble families.

After my demise, if the Princess Royal plots a rebellion,

how should you, her nominal husband,

and the representative of people from humble backgrounds, respond,

Grand Chancellor Pei?

Your Majesty.

The Princess Royal is your sister.

She will never do such a thing.

Keep going.

Fengming.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Poison...

Poison the Princess Royal to death.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is the situation in the palace?

He is dying.

Now is the best time to get rid of Li Rong.

You can take the chance to take control of the Princess's Mansion.

Otherwise, if Pei Wenxuan realizes what's going on, both you and I will die.

Is there no other way?

Then tell me.

How should I choose?

You had supported Pei Wenxuan wholeheartedly.

Pei Wenxuan and Qin Lin, one in civil and one in military,

opposed you, supporting the commoners.

Think about it, Your Highness.

If Li Chuan died, would this balance still hold?

Why not?

- Pei Wenxuan was the head of the commoners. - But what if you decided to kill him?

Your Highness.

For twenty years, what had Pei Wenxuan felt towards you?

When he told Li Chuan that

that you were Li Chuan's sister and that you would never rebel, you should know about his feelings.

He had disagreed with you on politics for so many years.

Yet, never did he think you would plot a rebellion.

Pei Wenxuan wouldn't kill you.

But Shangguan Ya and I were behind you.

If you wanted to kill him, it'd be so easy.

One weiqi piece against another.

In Li Chuan's mind, keeping you in check was never Pei Wenxuan's role.

It was his own role.

If he died yet you were still alive, the game would be imbalanced.

He left Pei Wenxuan and Qin Lin to support and assist Li Ping in opposing the noble families led by Li Xin.

Only through the bloodshed and struggle, could this weiqi game be balanced.

The next emperor wouldn't be hindered by any party as he was when he ascended the throne.

As long as you were alive, and as long as you ordered to kill Pei Wenxuan,

people from humble backgrounds would be unable to resist.

As the Princess Royal with a high position and great power,

the new emperor wouldn't tolerate you.

And you couldn't tolerate... a new emperor who would control you either.

So, Your Highness,

whether or not the alchemist existed back then,

there would be no peace between you and Li Chuan.

It was just a matter of time.

So,

you've returned, for revenge.

I just feel...

that even if everything starts over,

Li Chuan will repeat his mistakes.

He craves for greatness and success and is reckless and stubborn.

Were we unkind to Li Chuan in the past?

He was deposed by Li Ming, and became a miserable crown prince.

It was the combined effort of the noble families' military that placed him on the throne.

But what happened next?

He wanted to conquer the North the moment he ascended the throne. But the ministers disagreed.

He insisted, depleting the treasury.

The next year, the South was plagued by floods and the court could not offer any relief funds,

leading to famine and unrest across the land.

He blamed it all on the noble families, believing it was their fault.

He recklessly reformed the systems, leading to uprisings and wars everywhere.

Later, to promote the commoners, he exclusively favored Consort Qin in the harem

and oppressed the ministers from the noble families in the court.

He wrongly accused of, and framed my Su Family.

In the end, he didn't even spare you, his own sister, just to gain power.

Your Highness.

How can he change?

I know...

Li Chuan isn't naturally cruel.

He's just ignorant, incompetent, arbitrary, and authoritarian.

In the past, you couldn't persuade him.

Now, how can you persuade him?

Since this ending is inevitable, how can I just watch him ascend the throne?

So, from the very beginning,

your return was to depose him.

I've wanted to depose him from the start.

I initially thought I wouldn't need to do anything, just like before.

After Li Chuan is deposed by Li Ming,

I'll prevent the noble families from letting Pei Wenxuan get into their heads.

I'll persuade Father to accept Li Cheng's ascension.

Li Cheng is only fifteen now.

Xiao Su is weak and incompetent. Consort Rou is greedy and short-sighted.

After Li Cheng ascends, we can override him as a puppet.

When he has an heir, we'll kill him, and support the young emperor.

By then, I'll have the power.

Then, we can get you back to the capital.

Since...

you knew all along that Li Chuan killed me,

and this time, you've decided to depose him, why didn't you tell me sooner?

Why admit it when I asked if you were the murderer?

Were you afraid of hurting my feelings?

You've only had Li Chuan as your family your whole life.

Whether I tell you or not, you will not turn against him for this reason.

If that's the case, why would I say more?

If I succeed, you can hate me all you want.

If I fail,

your sibling bond won't be harmed.

Your Highness.

Is there anything else you want to ask?

Li Chuan didn't trust me

because he thought I would kill him and his child, for the noble families.

But what about you and Shangguan Ya?

Why didn't you trust me?

Why?

Why did you watch me die, and then take away my power?

Do you really want to know the answer to that question?

Tell me.

Because Li Xin...

wasn't Li Chuan's child.

So...

So why did Su Ronghua kill Qin Zhenzhen?

Because he wanted to protect his child and Shangguan Ya.

Why did Li Chuan use castration to humiliate the Su Family?

Because he knew about Shangguan Ya's affair with Su Ronghua.

Why did you and Shangguan Ya finally form an alliance?

Because you wanted to protect your brother's lineage.

After Pei Wenxuan and I died, given your and Shangguan Ya's methods,

the throne would be almost within easy reach for Li Xin.

You...

You... All of you were really disgusting.

How evil.

Father and son weren't real father and son, siblings weren't real siblings,

couples weren't real couples, and friends weren't real friends.

Everything in the past was just a rotting swamp filled with disgusting pus.

Well.

Very well.

The ruler showed no mercy to his family.

The successor neglected ethical values.

The officials plotted a rebellion.

People's lives were just pawns.

Su Rongqing.

You people were willing to do whatever it took.

You outplayed everyone.

I'm impressed.

Since everything is clear now, may I dare ask you this?

You'd already sacrificed your whole life for Li Chuan.

Are you going to do the same in this life too?

You deserved to die.

I shouldn't have saved you back then.

You're right, Your Highness.

Back then, you shouldn't have saved me.

After I help you reach that high place,

then I will give my life...

back to you, Your Highness.

So, Your Highness...

How will you choose?

Rong! Rong!

Your Highness, you can take your time to think about it.

Whether to leave or stay,

you can go to the Su's Perfumery, and have someone inform me.

- I... - Since you have the upper hand,

why do you still give me a choice?

We've already come to this point,

so what's the point of asking about it?

Your Highness, take your time to think.

Farewell.

Rong.

You finally came.

The carriage is outside the cliff.

Let me carry you out, is that all right?

What's with your tone?

Do you think I'm a child?

I don't want you to act tough and be stubborn with me.

I'm not a fool.

Why make things difficult for myself when I can order you around?

All right.

Make sure you remember these words, and don't give the runaround ever again.

You little liar.

Get on my back.

I'll carry you.

Come on.

Be careful.

Don't you want to ask me anything?

You'll tell me when you want to.

I won't force you.

[Mingyue Palace]

You useless fools!

Mother...

It hurts.

- Cheng. - It hurts.

Hurry, go and bring your mother here.

Fulai, hurry.

Cheng. Cheng.

- Cheng, hang in there. - It hurts.

Your Highness, you've finally returned. Everyone was worried sick.

Come on, be careful.

Slowly.

Your Highness, you have no idea about it. The Crown Prince sent people to check on you several times.

Should I quickly inform him of this good news?

- Go. I'll be here. - Yes.

If you want to cry, cry it out.

I'm here.

I'm fine. I want to be alone for a while.

You don't need to accompany me. I can manage alone.

Su Rongqing must have said something to Her Highness.

I need to control Su Rongqing first, and prevent him from acting rashly.

You visited the palace once every seven days, and played weiqi with him.

The Poison of the Fragrant Beauty was on the weiqi pieces.

Cheng!

Cheng.

Cheng, how are you?

Mother.

I'm scared.

Cheng, don't be scared. I am here. I will be here for you.

Can you ask them all to leave?

I just want Mother to stay with me.

All right.

All of you, leave now.

You too!

Cheng, be strong.

I will find a way to save you.

Cheng.

Cheng, hold on.

Your Majesty, we will find a way to keep Prince Su alive.

But we can't delay it for long.

The Poison of the Fragrant Beauty is dangerous

because in normal times, it's colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Even a silver needle cannot detect it.

Only when it meets a specific catalyst, and the two herbs interact with one another, will the poison take effect.

This poisonous substance has always been strictly prohibited in the palace.

It seems the catalyst for the poison existed on the hunting ground today.

And it was a very big dose.

Prince Su is in critical condition now.

Send my secret decree to investigate who brought the catalyst to the hunting ground today.

This person must have the antidote.

Your Highness, Miss Shangguan is here.

How is Her Highness?

Miss Shangguan, you may go and keep Her Highness company.

I'll go to the imperial physicians to see what can be done.

Okay.

Mother.

- It's cold. - You're cold?

Cheng. I'll hold you tightly.

Does it make you feel a little better? Are you less cold now?

Is it less cold now?

Huayue! Huayue!

Mother.

From this moment on, no one is allowed to enter Mingyue Palace.

Also, send someone to see your uncle, and ask him to come to the capital immediately.

Mother, don't worry. I just received an urgent report that Uncle is already on his way back.

- He needs to be faster. - Yes, Mother.

Wait a moment.

Go find Su Rongqing.

He is Cheng's future grand chancellor. He might have a way.

Yes, Mother.

Make haste!

Cheng.

Cheng. Cheng, hang in there.

Hang in there, Cheng.

Cheng.

Cheng!

Your Highness, you really scared me this time.

Were you afraid I'd die?

At this time, you're still joking.

Your Highness, Mr. Cui Yulang requests an audience.

Your Highness.

I inquired with some acquaintances at Prince Su's Mansion.

Li Cheng is dying.

He has been poisoned by the Poison of the Fragrant Beauty.

The imperial physicians cannot find an effective way to cure him.

Father must have known about the situation at the time.

It's just unexpected that Father also doesn't trust Li Cheng.

The one who poisoned him must be Father.

In this way, the Crown Prince's position is secure.

However, on my way to your mansion,

I saw the Xiao Family's carriage heading to Prince Su's Mansion.

I suspect there might be a change of tide.

The person is already dead. What more changes could there be?

With Su Rongqing behind the scenes, Li Cheng won't die.

I understand.

You may go and rest.

You can't go to Prince Su's Mansion or return home now.

You come out at this time, which has definitely aroused Consort Rou's suspicion.

Just rest here.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness, with Li Cheng dead, His Majesty will have only one son, the Crown Prince, left.

No matter what, he won't depose the Crown Prince.

Your Highness, what's wrong?

You're right.

No matter what, the Crown Prince will ascend the throne.

If so, he no longer needs to be tied to the Shangguan Family.

Your Highness, what are you hesitating about?

Are you worried that the Crown Prince will burn bridges, and betray us?

Aren't you worried?

Do you think the Crown Prince will never betray the Shangguan Family?

But he's your biological brother.

He is my biological brother.

But he is also an unpredictable person.

Don't you think so?

Why are you suddenly saying this?

I just suddenly feel...

that from the past until now, I have never truly known him.

Then what do you intend to do, Your Highness?

The beast in Li Chuan's heart might be awakened at any time,

devouring the Great Xia, and the people I want to protect.

He is too dangerous.

Su Rongqing is right.

Chuan is not suitable to be an emperor.

At present, joining forces with Su Rongqing to support the prudent Prince Su

might be the wisest choice.

Tell me.

If the Crown Prince acts against the Shangguan Family, what will you do?

With your cautious nature,

you wouldn't tie the honor and disgrace of your family to the Crown Prince, would you?

I don't understand.

What are trying to say?

You may speak bluntly.

Why don't we join forces to put an obedient emperor on the throne?

What do you think?

Well, who do you plan to support?

Prince Su.

Li Cheng.

But the Prince Consort and the Princess have already got divorced.

I wonder how I should tell him about it.

I know.

- Mr. Wang. - Mr. Pei.

How is Her Highness's health?

Her Highness only has minor bruises.

It is nothing serious.

There are no other issues, right?

Also, Her Highness is...

pregnant.

Pregnant?

Yes.

Her Highness suffered severe jolting, causing fetal instability.

Her Highness needs to rest well and recuperate from pregnancy to avoid any mishaps.

Mr. Pei...

Do not spread this news. Do you understand?

- Yes. - Yes.

Is there anything I need to pay attention to?

She only has minor bruises. It is nothing serious.

Write a prescription for her, including the things she can't do

and the things that are beneficial for a pregnant woman.

The more detailed, the better.

Yes, I understand.

- You can leave now. - All right. Let's go.

Wait.

Is there really nothing I need to pay special attention to?

She only has minor bruises. It's nothing serious.

- Then you may leave now. - All right.

Are you mad?

Think carefully about what I said.

Everyone is here for their own interests.

No need to put on an act.

Li Rong, you're so disgusting.

I'm disgusting?

Aren't you disgusting as well?

Abandoning Li Chuan disgusts you, but abandoning Su Ronghua doesn't?

You assist Li Chuan because you want to gain power.

You approach me for power.

It's all for power.

What are you pretending to be innocent for?

Miss Shangguan, Her Highness is unwell today.

Please visit her another day.

You don't need to persuade me or ask me anything.

I don't want to talk about it now.

I wasn't trying to persuade you.

Sit down first. Sit down.

Eat something.

I don't want to eat.

I specifically asked someone to make red date and lotus seed congee.

You didn't eat anything last night. Just have some, all right?

Wait a moment.

Jinglan, take care of Her Highness here.

I'll go to the kitchen to see if the congee is ready.

Your Highness.

Send someone to go to Su Rongqing now and bring him here safely.

Don't alarm the Prince Consort.

Even though many things have changed since coming back,

I still met the people I should meet

and fell in love with the one I should fall in love with.

Could it be that my destiny is predetermined

and no matter how hard I try, I can't change it?

If the same thing happens again, what should I do?

No. I cannot place all my bets on Chuan.

From now on, you must oversee everything in the kitchen yourself.

Ask me about what can or cannot be eaten.

Never cook anything on this list.

You have to remember what I said.

These are foods to be avoided during pregnancy.

Do not tell anyone about this.

If you are unsure about anything, always ask me.

- Do not make any decisions on your own. - Yes.

Go now. Wait.

- You must remember what I said. - Yes.

- Do not tell anyone. - Yes.

Go now.

Are there any other things that cannot be eaten? Let me think.

Hurry!

Capture him alive.

Rongqing, you go first. Leave them to me.

These are people sent by Pei Wenxuan. Be careful.

Go!

Rong, take this medicine too.

Here.

One more sip.

Do you want to sleep for a while?

What about you?

I'll stay here with you.

Here. Be careful.

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

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

♫ Memories flash back ♫

Don't you want to ask me what I was arguing about with Shangguan Ya?

I don't pry into matters between you girls.

♫ Until a pair of hands ♫

♫ Guides me through the worldly remnants of old dreams ♫

Pei Wenxuan.

When everything is over,

let's go to Jiangnan for a rest...

and start a family.

I want to give you and him the best things in the world.

♫ ♫

He will be the happiest person in the world.

And his mother will be the strongest woman in the world.

Even if I lose everything,

I still have you two by my side.

♫ With the starry sky as our bed and our embraces as our quilt ♫

♫ Regardless of the seasons ♫

All right. Don't think too much. Sleep now.

♫ ♫

Put your hand under the quilt.

♫ For with you, each moment is timeless ♫

Mother.

- Have you found Su Rongqing? - Not yet.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Prince Su...

He is gone.

Cheng. Cheng.

Cheng, wake up.

Wake up.

Cheng.

Cheng. Wake up.

Wake up! Wake up! I said, wake up!

I want you to repeat what you said just now.

Prince Su is already gone.

Nonsense!

My son won't be dead.

Someone! Drag these quacks who are talking nonsense out, and behead them!

- Your Highness, please spare us! - Your Highness, please spare us!

Please spare me, Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Cheng.

Mother.

- Cheng. - Mother.

Mother, Cheng is dead.

What should we do?

Mother.

Mother, please say something. Please do something.

Shut up! You should have died in his place!

Li Chuan and Li Rong are still alive!

But my Cheng is...

He's dead.

Mother, are you blaming me?

You didn't even know it was Father who poisoned Cheng.

Yet, you're blaming me.

Huayue.

It... It was your father?

General Xiao has arrived.

Su, you're finally here.

Rou. I've heard Cheng is hanging by a thread.

I was worried something bad happened.

So I've specially brought this person here.

Who is he?

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

♫ 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 ♫