Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM MO SHUBAI'S NOVEL, THE GRAND PRINCESS ON JJWXC.NET

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

What's the point of talking

to a dying man?

Only a dying person

will tell you why they are dying.

You will then know

how to avoid dying like that

and how to help others

avoid dying like that.

Don't you already know all that?

Did you live those 40 years for nothing?

Li Rong.

You always tell me

that people like you and Su Rongqing

have no true feelings, but only selfishness.

But not everyone in the court

is willing to take risks

out of a sense of compassion

to cover a condemned person's body.

So not everything that's said

is necessarily true.

Some words, even if they seem like jokes,

aren't always lies.

For example?

Another example,

even though I may seem like I'm joking,

I really do need some money.

Well…

I have to say,

you have no shame when it comes to asking for money.

I want to rebuild the secret intelligence network.

Whatever amount you give me now,

I'll repay you double in the future.

Do you want to make this deal or not?

If you need anything,

go straight to the housekeeper of the Princess' Mansion.

Just so you know,

I don't have much money right now.

My assets are limited, so don't ask for too much.

It seems that marrying the Princess isn't that good.

I wonder if the other princesses

might be wealthier.

Then go marry other princesses. Give it to me.

Give it back.

-I know I'm good-looking, -Give it.

-but don't take advantage of me. -Give it back.

You truly are shameless.

Haven't you known me long enough?

You scoundrel.

All right.

Your Highness, you don't need to see me off.

-I'm heading back. -Who said I was seeing you off?

If you spend even one copper coin, you must record it.

I'll check the accounts.

-Li Rong. -Speak.

If it happened again,

I'd still stand in front of you.

It's always good to have someone to protect you.

I'll take my leave now.

Your Highness.

Let's go. I want to see Father.

Yes, Your Highness.

Rong, you've lost weight.

How could I not lose weight in a place like that?

What? Are you still mad at me?

No,

I understand that you care a lot about me.

If you could help me, you would.

This time, it's the Yang Family who went too far.

You had no choice, Father.

You've grown up and become more sensible.

It's not hard to understand.

As soon as Pei Wenxuan explained it to me, I understood.

Were you two near to each other's cells?

Yes.

Fortunately, he was there. Otherwise, I would be so scared.

You've spent some time together now.

What do you think of him?

He…

is quite good,

just as you said before.

Today in the court,

I didn't announce your marriage with Pei Wenxuan

because I thought it was not auspicious after seeing someone die.

Later, I will have the decree of marriage sent to the Pei's Mansion.

When you establish your own household,

you'll have to make your own decisions in all matters.

So I can't live in the palace anymore?

No princess lives in the palace forever.

After you get married in the future, you must live your life.

I intend to set the wedding date for the third of next month.

What do you think?

I'll abide by your wishes, Father.

I'll ask the Ministry of Rites to make two new bridal gowns.

You can pick one later.

Yes.

Sir, be careful not to slip.

They just spilled some water here.

Careful.

-Mr. Pei. -Ms. Tong, why are you here?

Mr. Pei, I have been waiting for you for nearly two months.

Upon hearing of your return, I've been waiting here for you.

Just discuss it with me.

Sir, you may go back…

-Waiting for me? -Mr. Pei.

It has been two months since you rented that carriage.

The bill hasn't been settled yet.

I don't mean to trouble you, but rules are rules.

Why don't you settle the bill today?

-Okay. -I asked you to give us--

-How much is it? -Exactly 20 taels.

How much is it again?

Twenty taels?

Why did the price go up?

Well, my young master just came out of prison.

His monthly salary, minus necessary expenses,

leaves only two taels.

We eat--

-Enough. -If you don't have money,

then don't rent such a fancy carriage.

Why pretend to be wealthy?

Watch your words!

My young master is a wealthy man.

You're just a snob.

Who are you calling a snob?

-Don't rent a carriage then! -Just give her the money.

-I have no money. -Shameless!

-Why rent a carriage then? -You--

Mr. Pei, there's a decree.

What decree?

People from the palace came.

The entire family has gone to see them.

-Seems like something big is happening. -Sir.

Sir, everyone from the Pei Family is here now.

Please go ahead.

Pei Wenxuan, receive the decree.

Please kneel.

"Pei Wenxuan, the eldest son of the Pei Family,

is gentle and knowledgeable,

possessing great wisdom and deep righteousness.

I am pleased to hear of this.

Therefore, I shall betroth Princess Pingyue to him."

Mr. Pei, please take this decree.

I will now return to the palace to report to His Majesty.

Very good.

You've got His Majesty's marriage decree.

You're really lucky.

Take good care of the Princess in the future

and uphold the propriety of the Pei Family.

Understand?

You may all leave now.

This is great.

Wenxuan, come with me.

Did you know about His Majesty's decree of marriage beforehand?

Yes.

Being a prince consort isn't easy.

Have some tea.

Have some tea first.

Mother, as for this matter,

it's my voluntary choice.

I asked for her hand myself.

You asked for her hand?

Why seek a princess

to be your wife for no reason?

She's really a good person.

You'll know when you meet her.

Stop comforting me.

You are just like your father.

How could it be possible for you to fall for someone so easily?

Do you think I don't know what's on your mind?

I couldn't stop your second uncle from talking nonsense at Qin's residence,

causing them to cancel the engagement.

It's all my fault.

Now you're even comforting me.

Mother, I am not just comforting you.

Every word I say is true.

I really put in a lot of effort to marry this girl.

You…

You aren't lying to me?

Why would I lie to you?

It's true that I've never seen you write a letter to Qin Zhenzhen

because you missed her.

You always behaved properly in front of her.

You acted exactly the same in front of her and others.

Did you truly fancy her?

So according to you,

I have to find someone I like to tease because that shows I do fancy her.

I don't know if you'd tease her.

But in front of your beloved,

you'll always be

like a child.

Sir, Ms. Tong is still waiting for you.

Ms. Tong.

I'll get the money for your carriage in a couple of days.

Your Highness, I'm here to apologize to you.

I failed to recognize who you are

and hope you can forgive me.

You don't need to pay for the carriage.

Ms. Tong, please get up.

Rest assured. My young master has said that he'd give you the money.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You are welcome. Right, Your Highness?

Speed up.

-Hang things properly. -You're already living off her.

You are…

TOKEN

Since it's Her Highness' order,

please come in with me to get the money.

-Go. -Please.

Right on my way.

Sir, now you feel embarrassed, huh?

-Okay, I'm going. -Mr. Pei.

Her Highness asked me to give this to you.

Your Majesty.

I made some pear soup. Please have a taste.

That's very thoughtful of you.

No need for that.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, congratulations on getting rid of a big concern.

I have already ordered your brother to replace Li Chuan

and take command of the Northwest.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

My brother will surely give his all to repay your grace.

This time, your brother has made great contributions.

If you want anything, just let me know.

Your Majesty, I do have a request.

You have appointed the eldest son of the Su Family

as Cheng's tutor,

But I have heard

that he has been a good-for-nothing since childhood.

Therefore, if I may be so bold,

could the eldest son of the Su Family be replaced with the second son?

This matter still requires the opinion of the Su Family.

Your Majesty, there is no need to worry.

If it is difficult, then just forget it.

However, you do have a point.

It's just that matters of the court…

are not that simple.

Father.

Why are you sighing?

Your brother has caused trouble again.

What trouble?

Today, His Majesty asked someone to send me a message

saying he wants to replace the tutor of Prince Su

with you.

Did they mention the reason for this?

No.

But you are worried

that this is a move by Consort Rou to win us over,

as our Su Family has always remained neutral.

Father.

I think

those are just rumors from others.

As long as we don't act in such a way,

what do we have to fear?

So you agree to this?

I can't think of any reason to refuse.

I know you've never quite approved of Consort Rou.

I was worried that you'd be put in a dilemma.

Rongqing.

You're more mature and exceptional

than I anticipated.

Each of these two wedding gowns has its own appeal,

making it difficult for me to choose.

Since we are about to be married,

why don't you help me pick one?

Tell the Ministry of Rites that I want the one with the phoenix pattern.

But didn't Mr. Pei choose the other one?

Actually, either one will do.

I'm just using the process of elimination.

At times like this,

the opposite of a man's choice is usually the right choice.

It's getting harder and harder for me

to understand you youngsters.

After all this trouble in the Northwest,

the Shangguan Family is seriously weakened

and Chuan hasn't gained any credit.

Yet you all are so happy.

I seriously doubt the side

your husband is taking.

Don't worry, Mother.

If you find it hard to understand,

so will Father,

which is a good thing.

Hide the blade until it's time to kill,

then one can strike to kill with one blow.

That's if you have a blade first.

While your uncle has helped us this time, he's also made a request.

He wants Ya to be Chuan's Crown Princess.

Do you remember Ya?

You met her when you were kids.

I do remember.

I thought she returned to Youzhou long ago.

She'll be back soon enough.

Chuan is no longer a kid.

I plan to select consorts for him next year.

Ya would definitely be the Crown Princess.

I want to get him another three secondary consorts.

Help me take a look.

It would be best if two of them were from military families.

Chuan doesn't hold military power,

which is always a weakness.

This one will do.

A princess' wedding is surrounded by cumbersome rules.

And the wedding is scheduled for tomorrow.

Pei Wenxuan…

is probably quite exhausted now.

-Mr. Pei. -Mr. Pei.

No, it's Prince Consort Pei now.

You are about to get married.

I wish the virtuous couple a harmonious union,

and a lifetime of happiness together.

Thank you for your kind words and support.

Congratulations.

-The wedding gift money. -Thank you.

-It's my hometown's tradition. -Thank you.

Here's some more for you too.

Thank you.

Mr. Su.

Mr. Pei.

Could it be that you don't want to give me this wedding gift money?

Not at all.

I just didn't expect

to see you here.

Aren't you working today?

I was just passing by and saw that everyone was here,

so I thought I'd join you.

Is the wedding gift money not enough?

As Prince Consort,

I will provide you with as much money as you want.

I wish you happiness together.

Thank you.

After getting married,

you must draw clear boundaries with other young ladies.

Don't disappoint the Princess.

This is a private family matter.

Mr. Su, you need not worry about it.

Certainly.

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Su.

May I ask you a question?

If your wife's stance conflicted

with that of your family,

whose side would you take?

Mr. Pei.

It sounds like you're seeking advice here.

If there's a conflict between the Princess and your family,

you must endure it.

Mr. Su.

What if the conflict can't be settled,

and it's an either-or situation?

I'll stand with whoever is in the right.

Shouldn't you prioritize your family?

In your heart,

is your wife not considered family?

You are right, Mr. Su.

My wife is my family.

I'll take my leave.

Your Highness, you've been traveling for so long.

Why not take a rest at the posthouse ahead?

Rong's wedding is approaching

and I must attend it.

Mr. Pei.

Jingmei? Why are you here?

Here's the message from Her Highness.

TO PEI WENXUAN, FROM LI RONG

Tomorrow's wedding rituals are complicated.

Don't embarrass me.

If you mess it up,

I won't even give you the chance to jump into the lake yourself.

I'll have you directly thrown in it.

If there's nothing else,

please go back and get prepared, Mr. Pei.

Jingmei.

Help me pass a message to Her Highness.

Tell her

that I have a gift for her,

which is probably something she has been eagerly anticipating.

When we meet tomorrow,

she mustn't overreact and be too grateful.

His words

give me a foreboding feeling.

Maybe you should look forward to it.

There might really be a surprise.

You should rest early today.

You'll find out at the wedding tomorrow.

Rong.

-Chuan. -I made it at last.

Let me take a look at you.

You're tanned.

But I've also grown stronger.

Rong.

I can protect you from now on.

What's wrong?

My dearest sister is marrying Pei Wenxuan.

That scoundrel really hit the jackpot.

After going through all this,

you should have faith in his strategy.

Among all the women in the Great Xia,

I must be the only woman

to marry the same man twice.

Here's the decree of His Majesty.

"Princess Pingyue embodies kindness and purity,

and are adorned with grace.

Pei Wenxuan is a man of virtue,

exemplifying amicability and benevolence,

endowed with exceptional talents.

Today, Princess Pingyue is married to the Young Master of the Pei Family.

All officials celebrate it and the entire nation hears of it.

This is presented to the heavens and announced to the gods."

A perfect couple ordained by fate is to be wedded.

We are here to witness the Princess wed the talented young gentleman.

At the banquet,

they have the nuptial ceremony and play with parrots.

On the platform, they play the xiao, attracting the phoenix.

They are a true match made in heaven.

Their love will be everlasting and they shall be blessed with myriad progeny.

Greetings, Father and Mother.

Since the beginning of time,

the union of husband and wife has marked the genesis of humanity's bond.

According to the folksong, marriage is the origin of royalty.

On this auspicious day, may you and Pei Wenxuan

always respect each other

and form a harmonious union.

Thank you, Father.

Now that you are married,

give offerings to your husband's ancestors and serve your parents-in-law.

You must be meticulous and fair and fulfill your duties.

I hope you and Pei Wenxuan will grow old together,

enjoy lifelong harmony, have a prosperous life,

give birth to a son soon, and be surrounded by your offspring.

Thank you for your advice, Mother.

The wedding ceremony is over.

Thank you, Mother.

Rong, promise me

that you will lead a good life.

Mother, please don't worry.

In the future, I will come back often to visit you in the palace,

just as before.

Please don't be too sad

and lose your composure.

Huayue,

in the future, you will definitely marry the most outstanding man in Huajing.

Thank you, Cheng.

I'm very happy to hear that.

-Do you like it? -Yes.

I like everything you give me.

Rong,

I'll clear the road for you today.

Clearing the way is the duty of the street patrol soldiers.

-You are the Crown Prince-- -With me leading the way,

the Pei Family and everyone else in the nation

will not dare to look down on you.

I am the Princess Royal.

Who dares to look down on me?

I don't care.

Please, Rong.

-The Crown Prince! -The Crown Prince!

-Your Highness! -Your Highness!

Princess Pingyue is married to Mr. Pei.

I'll celebrate it with you all.

Princess Pingyue is married to Mr. Pei.

I'll celebrate it with you all.

I heard the sons of the Pei Family have always had conflicts.

Do you know who is going to fetch the bride later?

I heard it'd be the Prince Consort himself.

It's always the groom's brothers who fetch the bride.

Won't it be embarrassing if he fetches me?

I think it's okay.

Such situations, though rare, do happen.

Jingmei.

Who did Pei Wenxuan arrange to come and fetch me?

I haven't heard about it.

Why does it feel like he's going to do something unconventional?

Your Highness.

I, Su Rongqing,

on behalf of my sworn brother, Pei Wenxuan,

am here to welcome Princess Pingyue.

"Admiring the grace of Heaven and earth,

how divine is the imperial princess."

"Exuding the charm of an unmarried lady,

what a perfect beauty."

"I, Pei Wenxuan, am fortunate to have met you

and form this romantic bond with you."

"Enthralled by your grace and charm,

I can't help but to fall for you."

"My longing is so deep that it never ceases

throughout days and nights."

"I wish to see you, hopefully,

during the peach blossom season next year."

That's very nice.

Did you just write this? What is it called?

My longing is so deep that it never ceases

throughout days and nights.

I wish to see you, hopefully,

during the peach blossom season next year.

I'll just call it "The Longing of Peach Blossoms."

You've been on a Southern tour for many days.

I have been missing you madly, counting the days

by counting peach blossoms.

Let's go.

Your Highness, the Prince Consort managed to invite

the most renowned man in Huajing to fetch the bride.

This truly is a surprise.

You have indeed claimed the best men in Huajing,

Your Highness.

The Princess' procession has arrived.

Let's liven up the atmosphere!

Sir, Madam, they are here.

-He's so handsome. -He's so handsome.

Do you like the gift I prepared for you?

We'll talk about that later.

Why so thin-skinned in front of me?

Just admit that you like it.

One generation passes to the next, bringing joy to the parents-in-law.

From the first generation to the second,

may descendants flourish for thousands of generations.

From the second generation to the third,

may the couples be perfectly matched.

From the third generation to the fourth,

may the family be harmonious and filled with joy.

From the fourth generation to the fifth,

may the bond be strengthened and love flourish.

From the fifth generation to the sixth,

may there be enduring companionship and eternal unity

First, bow to Heaven and earth.

Second, bow to parents and elders.

Now, bow to each other.

It's okay.

I'll have to dodge that this time.

Don't move.

Your mother is watching.

-Enjoy yourselves. -Congratulations, Your Highness.

Congratulations, Your Highness.

Mr. Su.

Thank you for being my groomsman today.

I really appreciate it.

Go now. Don't fail the Princess.

Rest assured, I wouldn't have before, and I won't now.

Besides, I have no right to do that,

as the Princess deserves someone better.

Congratulations.

You'd better treat my sister well.

Otherwise, I'll make you pay the price.

I will heed your command, Your Highness.

Tong Ye.

-Take care of His Highness and Mr. Su. -Yes, sir.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

I'd like to have a few words with you.

Do you know

that Her Highness' loyalty to you is so unwavering

that she'd sacrifice her life for you

without hesitation?

She's my sister, so it's only natural.

I would also do the same for her.

So in the future, no matter when,

you will never be at odds with Her Highness, right?

What are you thinking?

I'll always be on my sister's side.

Be it within the palace walls of the imperial family

or within the noble families,

power struggles, constant strife,

internal disputes, and father-son conflicts

are all common occurrences.

I greatly admire the pure bond between you and Her Highness.

I simply don't wish to see it broken.

I've had too much to drink.

And I've spoken too much.

I'll take my leave now.

Why did he say those things to me?

My, getting married is so tiring.

-My. -Same here.

Why aren't they taking off the phoenix coronet and my gown for me?

How can I sleep like this?

You should be the one to do it for me, right?

Pei Wenxuan.

If you don't help me take them off,

I'll be in a bad mood.

If I'm in a bad mood,

I'll go to your mother's place and make a scene.

-If I make a scene there-- -Stop.

Can you come up with a new way to threaten me?

This one never fails.

Why should I change it?

Come here.

Fine, I'll take it off.

I'll help you take it off.

I'll do it.

It's so heavy.

How am I supposed to take this off?

Well…

-Just take out whatever you can take out. -Let me handle it. I got it.

Don't move.

-Can you manage? -Yes.

Rongqing.

SU RONGHUA, FIRST YOUNG MASTER SU

Rongqing.

I've been looking for you.

Turns out you're here.

WINE

I've had a bit too much to drink.

I walked over here, so I sat down.

Ronghua, why did you come here?

They all went to the Princess' Mansion to watch the ceremony.

There's nothing fun for me alone.

As for you,

you barely drink, let alone get drunk.

Do you think

that me sitting here in this drunken state

tarnishes the dignified image of our century-old noble family?

That's not it.

I feel you've been keeping something to yourself.

You've changed a lot in this past year.

People…

won't stay the same forever.

Ronghua, it's getting late.

You should head back soon. Don't worry about me.

Rongqing.

Tell me the truth.

Was it your own choice

to serve as a tutor to Prince Su?

Partly, I guess.

If you don't really want to do it,

don't force yourself.

I'll talk to Father about it.

Rongqing.

You do have feelings for Princess Pingyue, right?