Original subtitles

Yurong.

Goodness,

why are you telling us

to pack up and go back to our hometown for no reason?

Just lay low for a while.

Tell people you're going back to manage the family estate.

Besides me,

don't have any contact with anyone.

Yurong, what exactly happened?

Just do as I say.

Our hometown is remote and poor.

We'll suffer by going back.

And you're not even telling us what's going on.

Do you look down on us and want to drive us away?

Do you want to know what's happening in the capital?

I'll dare to say it, but would you dare to listen?

Yurong, you...

Since you won't tell us, it's fine.

Your sister and I will pack our things now.

-Mother... -By the way,

be careful here.

Come on. Let's go.

Mother...

Hurry up.

So arrogant!

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

FROM ZHAO SHENG: I WISH TO PRESENT CAPTIVES FROM OUR RECENT VICTORY

Prince Cheng is bringing so many troops back to the capital.

Is he planning to rebel?

This memorial is well written.

He's using the captives offering ritual

to increase the number of troops escorting them.

It's reasonable.

Your Majesty must approve it.

But this doesn't seem like a plan

Prince Cheng and the Eldest Princess could come up with.

There's a mastermind behind them?

It's hard to say.

Whether I approve this or not is another matter.

According to the report,

Prince Cheng's troops are already on the way here.

Are we just letting them march back to the capital

and camp their troops outside the capital?

Should we strike first

and capture Prince Cheng during the grand worship ceremony?

We can't do that.

If we do,

His Majesty will be accused

of persecuting loyal officials and generals.

Prince Cheng's troops are just outside the capital.

When the time comes, the capital will be in chaos.

The Imperial Court might be in turmoil too.

Are we just going to stand by and do nothing?

FIVE DAYS LATER

Vice Director Ye,

please check

to see if we missed anything.

Thank you for your hard work.

The grand worship ceremony concerns the nation's fate.

It's quite challenging to take on this task for the first time.

Fortunately, I have your full support.

Before the ceremony tomorrow,

I will inspect each location again

to ensure everything is perfect.

We'll surely strive for excellence and leave no room for error.

All right.

OUTSKIRTS OF THE CAPITAL

Your Highness, someone from the capital requests an audience.

Let him in.

You may all go.

-Yes. -Yes.

Your earlier plan was excellent.

Now, with my army pressing in,

the capital is within our grasp.

No wonder Wanning is so fond of you.

Upon meeting today,

you are indeed extraordinarily talented.

Your Highness flatters me.

Now, Your Highness only lacks a just cause for launching the campaign.

Do you have any brilliant ideas?

That depends on how far Your Highness is willing to go.

The best justification for war

would be to kill the Princess and frame the Emperor.

Aren't you afraid

that I might kill you right now for proposing such a plan?

Your Highness has been stationed at the northern border for years.

Your success or failure depends on this step.

I trust that Your Highness

is not a softhearted person.

Wanning is, after all, my own sister.

I can't bear to exchange her life

for this.

However,

faking her death

might be acceptable.

So, Your Highness already has a plan?

With your brilliance,

the plan you propose is certainly more thorough than mine.

All right.

The moment we do this,

the Eldest Princess

won't be able to appear before the public.

But with her temperament,

she certainly wouldn't agree to this.

Therefore, I don't plan to inform her in advance.

When the time comes, I will have her take the potion to fake her death

and finish the act first.

Once it's done,

I ask that Your Highness intercede

in front of Eldest Princess for me.

My sister

would never agree to something

that would oppress her.

Very well.

If she blames you afterward,

I will plead your case.

Thank you, Your Highness.

However, to help Your Highness accomplish this,

I'm boldly requesting

one thing from you.

What is it that you want?

-Prince Cheng! -Prince Cheng!

-Prince Cheng! -Prince Cheng!

-Prince Cheng! -Prince Cheng!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Please rise.

There's no need for courtesy.

Your guarding of the north

ensures the security of Great Yan's border.

If Father knows about this in the afterlife,

he would be pleased to see Great Yan enjoying great stability.

Serving you and the nation

is my duty.

Your Majesty's benevolent rule

blesses the people.

Great Yan's prosperity today

is a result of Your Majesty's kindness and love for all beings.

I dare not claim credit.

You don't claim credit or become complacent.

I will make sure to reward you generously.

Eunuch Su.

Edict!

"By imperial decree,

Prince Cheng Zhao Sheng guards the northern border.

He's loyal and diligent,

contributing to the nation.

He is rewarded a Seven-Star Longyuan Sword,

two chests of jewels,

two golden and jade Buddhas,

two Ancient Sea Night Pearls,

and a pair of iron decree.

That's all."

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You deserve all this.

I also found twenty chests of treasures in the north,

and I present them to Your Majesty.

I wish Your Majesty good health

and wish Great Yan long-lasting peace.

Excellent.

You're very thoughtful.

How about staying in the capital after tomorrow's ceremony?

If Father is looking at us from above,

he wouldn't want you to be away from home for long.

Honestly,

I plan to return to the north at once

after tomorrow's grand worship ceremony.

Although the border is peaceful now,

we must take the situation in the north seriously.

In my absence,

those from the Dai may cause trouble.

I ask for Your Majesty's understanding.

Great Yan is truly blessed to have you, Zhao Sheng.

This way, please.

Your Majesty, after you.

It has been a long time, Zhao Sheng.

You've lost weight.

It pains me to see you like this.

During your absence from the capital,

I've always been concerned about you.

But you always ignored me.

Don't you think that's out of line?

Wanning,

drop the act.

Zhao Sheng,

I've heard that His Majesty gave you many rewards.

Leave us.

I want to talk to the Eldest Princess alone.

Those worldly possessions

are just reminders of the Emperor's grace,

telling me not to act recklessly.

I've endured in the north for so many years.

I did not do it for those petty rewards.

Zhao Sheng,

are you planning to take action now?

You were easily deceived by a herb that could fake a pregnancy.

Did pregnancy make you foolish?

If we fail to maintain a good relationship with Li Zhongnan,

we can forget about our ambitions.

Zhao Sheng, you are heroic and exceptional now,

so you even dare to blame me.

It's as if you've forgotten

how you fled the city in disgrace back then.

If it weren't for Xiao Minghan's interference back then,

the one sitting on the throne today

wouldn't be Zhao Ye.

A remarkable figure like Xiao Minghan

surprisingly raised such a devoted son,

who only loves his beautiful women, but not power.

Let's go pay respect to Mother.

YONG'AN PAVILION

MEMORIAL TABLET OF NOBLE CONSORT LIU

Mother, wake up.

Mother, I will behave in the future.

Mother.

Mother, you'll be fine.

I don't come from a prestigious family,

nor am I your father's favorite consort.

Although I was given the title

of Noble Consort after giving birth to you,

I still have to be cautious

and vigilant all the time.

I fear that a single misstep

would lead to being plotted against.

In this palace,

I've seen coldness and malice

and how heartless people can be.

After I'm gone,

you must support each other

and take care of yourselves.

Understand?

Understood.

Sheng'er. Jing'er.

Remember.

It's about survival of the fittest in the palace.

Only by competing can you survive.

Only supreme imperial power

can truly help you protect yourselves.

Chancellor Li.

Prince Cheng,

Eldest Princess.

Tell me your plans.

The uprising will be at tomorrow's evening banquet.

We need to divide our forces into four.

IMPERIAL PALACE

You're wise, resourceful, and toiled to give valuable service.

I will definitely reward you generously.

It's all thanks to the Eldest Princess' strategic planning.

Chancellor Li, I know nothing about these things.

Zhao Sheng, let me introduce someone to you.

Do you have a military adviser?

Zhao Sheng,

this is Shen Yurong, whom I mentioned to you before.

Greetings, Prince Cheng.

Mr. Shen is wise and resourceful.

Which rank are you currently at?

Hanlin Academy scholar, fifth rank.

My younger brother really doesn't know how to judge people.

Rest assured.

After this is done, I will ensure your success.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Long live Your Majesty.

IMPERIAL PALACE

Is everything ready?

I've waited for eight years.

Finally, this day has come.

It feels somewhat surreal though.

Li,

do you remember the question you asked me

at the Court of Judicial Review's prison?

I didn't answer that day.

Now, ask me again.

Duke Su,

is there anyone around you who died unjustly?

Yes.

My father led the Longwu Army all his life,

only to be abandoned outside the capital

by Prince Cheng for his own gain,

causing him to die at the border.

I also beat the Admonishment Drum outside the city gate for him.

But I was incapable of clearing his name at that time.

In the past eight years, I've been wondering.

what exactly my father was thinking

before his unjust death.

Did he regret believing

in such an ambitious and treacherous person?

My father also loved the people like his own children.

If General Xiao were still alive,

they would surely chat happily while drinking.

Xiao Heng,

you once told me

to return and find out what happened,

then move forward to seek justice.

I've done that.

The heavens is just, karma won't be good.

I believe in the heavens.

The late General Xiao will bless you from above.

You've never believed in the heavens.

You only believe

in yourself.

No.

I also believe in you.

Please believe in me too.

Prince Cheng framed loyal officials and generals for his own selfish gain.

Wanning tolerated corrupt officials

for power.

To them,

the nation isn't about the people,

but power.

Be it the heavens or the people, they won't be favored.

Also,

I won't abandon you

no matter what.

JIANG RESIDENCE

This morning, Ruoyao sent me a letter.

She said she's doing well in Yongzhou.

This child

also reminded me

not to overwork myself

and to delegate household matters to Li'er.

Seriously.

Mother,

I've been thinking a lot lately.

If I didn't accept the Chief Secretariat position

from the late Emperor back then,

would the Jiang family

be in a different situation now?

You are Ye'er's teacher.

All his knowledge comes from you.

His character can truly benefit the people.

Now,

I'm about to place him

in the most dangerous position.

As for your position,

I need

to consider it too.

I will follow your edict.

I will appoint you as the Chief Secretariat.

After my death,

make sure he grows up well

and help him

consolidate his imperial authority.

Your Majesty,

I actually...

Accept it.

Old man,

continue your loyalty to me

with him.

Thank you,

I will follow your command.

It's lonely at the top.

As the Chief Secretariat,

if I fail to protect the young emperor

and lead to a change in the throne,

it will bring death upon me.

If one becomes too domineering

and makes the monarch wary,

I will eventually die a terrible death too.

So, after His Majesty could handle the state affairs himself,

I deliberately loosened my grip,

and let Li Zhongnan and others have some power too.

We criticized each other,

but also covered for each other.

It was all to stand firm and safely

in this capital.

I'm not blind

to what was happening in the family.

I just lacked the ability

and time to deal with it.

Besides other things,

the younger generation at home

ending up hurt

or injured.

It's all my fault.

As long as you've realized it, it's fine.

However,

you suddenly brought up the matters of the Imperial Court.

Does Prince Cheng return to the capital

with ill intentions?

What would

you do

if he rebelled?

I have long made a choice.

The late Emperor entrusted me with his legacy before he died.

I won't let him down.

I came here today

to let you prepare in advance too.

If I...

If I become occupied,

please take care of the Jiang family for me.

With me here,

you can rest assured.

It has been hard on you

all these years.

Seeing you like this now,

I am reminded of someone.

Who's that?

My dear husband,

your son has finally inherited your spirit.

Are you sure you heard it right?

There's going to be a rebellion.

How could I have misheard?

Tell me,

if Prince Cheng rebels,

whose side should we be on?

Prince Cheng's military achievements in the north are illustrious

and he commands a strong army.

If a real conflict breaks out,

His Majesty stands no chance.

If His Majesty falls,

the first to suffer will be our Jiang family.

-This won't do. Quickly pack up. -What should we do?

-Let's go to your maiden home to hide. -He'd deal with the Jiang family?

Hey.

Start packing!

TAIJI HALL

Your Majesty,

Vice Director Ye has everything ready.

Tomorrow, Your Majesty will only need to wake at 11 p.m.,

depart from Taiji Hall at 3 a.m.,

perform sacrificial rites at 11:45 a.m.,

watch the military parade at 1 p.m.,

and return to the palace for the banquet at 7 p.m.

Eunuch Su,

how many years have you been with me?

Since you ascended the throne,

it has been over ten years.

After tomorrow night,

I will reward you handsomely

if I'm still sitting on this chair.

I only wish for Your Majesty's well-being.

-Your Majesty, Consort Li... -Your Majesty.

I insisted on coming back.

Eunuch Su, you may go first.

Your Majesty, don't hide anything from me.

Tomorrow, will Prince Cheng and the others...

Otherwise, why would you suddenly want me to leave the palace?

That's not true.

Listen to me. Go first.

I won't leave.

I won't feel at ease if you don't go.

If even I am gone,

won't Prince Cheng become suspicious?

I must stay.

Do you know

what it means to stay at tomorrow night's banquet?

It's precisely because I know

that I want to stay by Your Majesty's side

and face it with you together.

I won't allow that.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, if I fall into enemy hands,

I would rather die

than bring trouble to Your Majesty.

Dear.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

MEMORIAL TABLET OF EMPEROR LONGXIAO

MEMORIAL TABLET OF EMPEROR LONGXIAO

In January,

with solemn ceremonies,

we offer sacrifices and wine,

respectfully presenting offerings at the ancestral shrine

to express our admiration and longing.

Partake of this sacrifice. Get into position to worship.

Perform ablution, offer incense, and bow.

Since Father passed this throne to me,

no matter what,

I won't allow anyone

to take this position away from me.

You old man,

you must carefully watch

who the true owner of this nation is.

MEMORIAL TABLET OF EMPEROR LONGXIAO

It reads!

"The way of heaven is Yin and Yang.

The way of the earth is gentleness and firmness.

The teachings of saints and sages, reach heaven and earth.

A bright light in the long night, making day and night equal,

achieving harmony under the heavens."

You may all go.

Yes.

LATE EMPEROR

Father.

It's good

that you're back.

Are you comforting me

or comforting yourself?

Didn't you know what kind of life I would have

when you sent me to Dai

as a hostage?

I lived in a sheepfold every day,

enduring humiliation,

going hungry, barely clothed.

Jing'er?

A princess?

Father,

I wasn't even worthy of being a human.

I'm just some dirt in the sheepfold.

My Jing'er,

you've suffered a lot.

Truthfully, there was not a moment in Dai

when I was not missing you.

I fantasized daily that one day,

you would come to Dai to bring me home.

I fantasized every day

that you would love, cherish, and hold me

like you did when I was little.

Your daughter has returned.

Eldest Princess Wanning has returned.

I have

let you down.

Father, I also want to ask you this.

Aside from loving yourself

and your son,

-have you ever loved me? -Jing'er, stop.

When they made such demands back then,

they put me in a difficult position.

-I had no choice. -Father.

I asked

if you have ever loved me.

Father,

you should take your medicine.

After taking the medicine,

you will recover.

The pillow is dirty.

Let me change it for you.

Come on.

Jing'er.

Father.

you were the one who did me wrong first.

All of you owe me this.

I heard that your army in the north is incredibly brave

and renowned far and wide.

People lined the road in welcoming you into the capital.

With the army in the north, Great Yan can continue thriving for generations.

It's all thanks to Your Majesty's support.

We're one, be it the army in the north or the army in the Central Plains.

There is no distinction.

Zhao Sheng, go back and rest for a while.

Let's drink to our heart's content at the banquet tonight.

XUANWU GATE

Duke Su.

It has been almost nine years since we last met.

I can't believe you're this tall now.

I remember when I left the capital,

you were only this tall.

If your parents were still alive,

they would be glad to see

you how you'd turned out now.

My father had bad luck

and couldn't survive on the battlefield.

If he could see your achievements now,

he would also be very pleased.

I have to thank General Xiao.

If he hadn't come to my rescue from the south back then,

I wouldn't have been able to make amends

and reclaim lost territory.

It's a pity.

He died from multiple arrow wounds

in the valley.

I'm also

deeply saddened by it.

It's all history.

There's no need to bring it up.

Master wouldn't listen to advice.

I told him not to pursue a desperate foe.

He clearly had a chance to turn back.

But he insisted on going to the end.

It's truly regrettable.

I hope

you won't repeat

my master's mistakes.

I don't like taking risks.

Stability is the most important thing.

Why give yourself a hard time?

At the banquet,

I will humbly seek advice from you again.

I hope to see you again later.

Of course.

Fate has never been kind to me since I was young.

As they say, surviving a great calamity brings great fortune.

I escaped death once before.

If there's good fortune to come,

please give that fortune to Xiao Heng.

DUKE SU'S MANSION

You guys, watch at the west courtyard. You guys, go to the east courtyard.

-Yes! -Yes!

Is something going to happen?

Why is the mansion heavily guarded?

Mr. Xue, please rest assured.

It's just a regular drill here

as a precaution.

Are my sister and the others all right?

Don't keep it from me.

With your actions, you can't fool me.

You only need to stay in the mansion.

We've made arrangements for Ms. Xue.

There are secret guards both in and out of the mansion.

Nothing will happen to you.

Let's go!

I'll be counting on you tonight.

Don't worry.

Duke Su already made arrangements.

Secret guards will guard outside Jiang Residence.

Mr. Jiang.

I was just looking for you. Zhao Ke.

I was away for a few days, right?

No one took care of the plants in the garden.

I noticed that one of them had some issues earlier.

Can you go over and take a look?

Old Madam called for me because she needed something.

I can't get you to do anything for me right now, can I?

I'll go with you.

Look at this.

A perfectly good plant wilted just like this.

It's such a shame.

This is the only memento my mother has for me.

You must help me save it.

I think I smell something rotten.

Are the roots rotting inside?

Take a sniff.

Based on its appearance,

it's probably been exposed to the sun for too long.

I'll move it to a shady spot,

water it regularly, and fertilize it.

It should revive in a few days.

No, that's not it.

The roots must be rotting. Come closer and smell.

Come over and smell it.

Mr. Jiang, Old Madam is still waiting for me.

I need to go now.

Zhao Ke!

My lady, here's a letter from the Duke's Mansion.

COME TO DUKE'S MANSION AT ONCE TO DISCUSS URGENT MATTERS

My lady, could something have happened?

Duke Su asked me to go to his mansion,

saying there are urgent matters to discuss.

Why is he asking to meet at this time?

Maybe you should go tomorrow instead.

At a moment like this,

he must have urgent matters

to discuss with me.

Baixue, leave for now.

Yes.

Accompany me to the Duke's Mansion.

Yes.

Could something have happened to my father and Xue Zhao?

Zhao Ke, how long until we arrive?

Ms. Jiang Li, we'll arrive in 15 minutes.

Ms. Jiang Li?

My lady, do you have any instructions?

My lady.

Could it be that this Zhao Ke...

Zhao Ke,

you usually deliver the letters from the Duke's Mansion.

Why did you give it to Baixue today?

I was tidying the garden in the afternoon.

Maybe the messenger couldn't find me.

He's indeed suspicious.

Stop the carriage.

Come on, watch your step.

Zhao Ke, wait here.

I'll go buy something.

It seems like you've seen through me.

Let me go! Help!

Save me!

Help!

Let me go!

Let me go!

How does it feel to be here again?

Who is he?

Nobody ever saw through

his voice mimicking and disguise before.

But you...

are pretty impressive.

Why did you capture me now?

To settle the score

of you faking my pregnancy, of course.

But I can wait until Xiao Heng arrives,

so he can watch with me how things end for you.

What do you think?

He even handed over the Longwu Army.

He's no longer a threat to all of you anymore.

Why can't you just leave him alone?

You're in a perilous situation yourself.

Yet you're still worried about him.

Your love for each other

really moves me.

Do you know what it's like to lose a baby?

Do you know how painful it is

to have one's hopes shattered?

I don't.

But I do know what it feels like to be buried alive by someone

I loved and trusted.

Xue Fangfei.

Sometimes, I quite like you.

If it weren't for Shen Yurong,

we really could have been friends.

I'll never be friends

with someone as disgusting as you.

I know you're trying to provoke me.

But before Xiao Heng arrives,

I won't lay a finger on you.

Because I want to see both of you suffer together.

Did you call me disgusting?

If you were in my shoes,

you might be even more ruthless.

You and Shen Yurong are truly a perfect match.

You use the same excuse to justify yourselves.

That's why I like him.

I finally dragged your once-clean husband

into the quagmire with me.

He's supposed to be like me to begin with.