Original subtitles

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

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

I didn't tell you all this tonight

to seek a response.

I was hoping

to clear up our past misunderstandings,

so it could benefit…

our future cooperation.

About what happened tonight,

find a chance to explain it to Ms. Qin to prevent misunderstandings.

All right.

I want to apologize for my previous actions too.

I shouldn't have tried to set you up with Su Rongqing.

It won't happen again.

Actually, I never blamed you.

I just feel that

before it becomes a committed relationship,

I don't want to disturb others.

All right.

But we need to find a new way to get along.

We're not besties anymore?

From now on,

you manage your affairs

and you need to do as I say when it comes to mine.

I also have a request.

In the future, whenever something is troubling us,

we must express it.

Moreover, we've been given a second chance by Heaven.

Why suffer alone?

I…

I'll try my best.

Can I say something?

What is it?

Could you

stop bringing up separation so often?

I need some dignity too.

Sure.

Don't laugh.

TAIJI HALL

General Jianwu, Wang Jun.

General Jianwei, Wang Minghai.

This list of military achievements has been verified and has no errors.

We respectfully request Your Majesty's judgment.

We received good news today that the front line won a great victory.

General Xiao submitted a list of merits to the Ministry of War,

with a total of 17 military officers.

If you have no objections,

it should be approved.

Your Majesty,

General Xiao and his soldiers have worked hard,

which is undeniable.

However, the Crown Prince led the noble families' sons

to fight bravely in the initial phase.

We can't overlook that.

However, why is there no mention of them on the list?

Your Majesty,

military success is always rewarded based on merit.

The true victors were the Xiao Family's soldiers.

Why should noble families' sons vie for these military honors?

A true official should uphold integrity and fairness

without being biased.

Are you saying I'm biased?

Your Majesty,

I'm unjustly accused without any basis.

Please seek justice for me.

That's enough.

You're giving me a headache.

Crown Prince,

this matter involves you.

What do you think?

Father,

as the Crown Prince,

my duty on the front line was for the country and the people.

Since it was for the people, why should I seek military honor?

However, soldiers are different.

They either fight bravely or sacrifice for the country.

They should be rewarded based on merit without injustice.

Since opinions vary,

this matter should be thoroughly verified.

We shall discuss this another day.

You are dismissed.

-Farewell, Your Majesty. -Farewell, Your Majesty.

People inside said the Crown Prince was also inside

and the argument was heated.

What's going on?

Why are you quarreling again?

You still dare to mention this?

Kneel.

What's the matter, Mother?

Why are you so upset?

Between us,

do we still need to put on an act?

What were you trying to do yesterday?

Mother, I shall ask the same question.

What did you intend to do?

I wanted Shangguan Ya to become the Crown Princess.

Was I not clear enough?

Why did you meddle in this matter?

He's the Crown Prince and acts recklessly.

Are you going to mess around too?

This has nothing to do with Rong.

I already said it was I who asked Rong for help.

So please calm down, Mother.

Yesterday was such a great opportunity,

but you wasted it.

Are you mad or foolish?

Your father has been stopping you from marrying Ya.

Yesterday, everything was ready.

If you had chosen Ya's lily incense,

your uncle would have brought people out

and forced an imperial edict.

But why did you choose your sister's?

Do you know how hard it is

to get another opportunity like that?

It was my fault.

Please calm down

and punish me however you want.

How could you have such audacity?

Do you think I'm blind?

What were you thinking?

You refused to cooperate with the Yang Family.

Fine. I can ignore it.

But marriage alliance is such a significant matter.

If you don't marry Ya,

how will your uncle ever trust you?

Uncle Xu won't trust Chuan

just because he won't marry that woman?

What did Chuan do wrong?

The Shangguan Family has been in power for three reigns.

Do you still not understand where the conflict

between Father and us comes from?

Do you think Chuan still has a way out?

He carries the blood of the Shangguan Family,

he's destined to have no way out.

Since we're already so deeply tied,

we must rely on the Shangguan Family.

What else does Uncle Xu worry about?

Why force them together?

What's the benefit of this?

Mother.

We all know

Uncle Xu doesn't just want a Crown Princess.

He wants the position of Empress

and each generation of the Li Family to flow

with the Shangguan Family's blood.

You represent the present Shangguan Family,

but Uncle Xu wants Chuan

to promise him the future.

However, this is ultimately the Li Family's empire,

not the Shangguan Family's.

The Shangguan Family should step back.

What did you say?

Say it again.

I said,

if the Shangguan Family wants to remain well,

he should step back.

When water overflows, it spills.

When prosperity reaches its peak, it falls.

Father won't tolerate the next emperor

having an empress from the Shangguan Family.

If you insist on forcing this union,

the future ruler of the nation

may not be Chuan.

Mother.

Have the Shangguan Family

withdraw from the capital.

It will be better for everyone.

Get up.

Let's go.

Li Chuan,

get up.

We'll take our leave.

Li Chuan!

Rong, you're amazing.

I can't believe I defied Mother with you just now

and did something I have always wanted to do.

Silly boy.

I'm serious.

I thought

you would think I was wrong

and help Mother persuade me.

Chuan.

I don't understand.

Even you're here to persuade me to marry Shangguan Ya.

The marriage alliance

between two noble families was always based on mutual ulterior motives.

If there are conflicting interests,

how can marrying a woman solve anything?

Besides, I don't even know Shangguan Ya

and I have never met those four secondary consorts.

I only want to marry someone who loves me back.

You need to understand

that in this royal city,

no one can do as they please.

Chuan,

everyone lives for others.

You can't be too selfish.

Just…

Just do it for me and Mother.

What do you say?

If one day I ascend the throne,

will you also pressure me like the noble families

pressuring Father?

Chuan.

If this is what you want,

then so be it.

I just think

no one will truly support you

because of a marriage.

In reality, it doesn't matter whether you marry a Shangguan.

As long as your core interests align,

they will always stand by your side.

Moreover, given the current situation,

marrying a Shangguan will only bring you harm and no benefits.

You have a point.

You truly are sharp-eyed.

Well, not really.

I…

I only saw things clearly

after a dream.

In the dream,

I was too immature.

You had such a dream?

Why do you believe everything I say?

Actually, I was just being too willful.

You didn't get to choose whom you married either,

so why should I have this privilege?

You're not willful.

You're just not strong enough.

People only have the right to choose

when they are strong enough.

If you want the right to choose,

I'll always support you.

But you need to have the ability.

Don't you agree?

So if I'm strong enough

and don't harm those who shouldn't be harmed,

you wouldn't think I'm wrong, right?

As long as you think you're not wrong, that's what matters.

It's not important whether I think you're wrong or not.

Besides, I'm not always right either.

What if

my thoughts are different from yours?

Chuan.

Even if one day,

your thoughts are completely different from mine,

you're still my brother.

I'll never give up on you.

Rong,

I think you're too kind.

Stop talking nonsense.

Your Majesty, don't be too upset.

The Princess and the Crown Prince

are in their youthful and spirited years.

Don't take it to heart.

They will understand your intentions in the future.

With Chuan like this,

what should I say to my elder brother?

It seems quite strange.

His Highness has always been obedient to you,

but now he seems to have changed completely.

He even dares

to defy this marriage.

You're right.

Why would Chuan refuse this marriage?

Could it be

that he has already fallen for someone?

His Highness isn't young anymore.

It's common to have some questionable people around

and it's possible

to be bewitched by someone.

Investigate any suspicious women

around the Crown Prince recently.

I want you to report everything to me,

including where he went, what he did,

and whom he met.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Young Master, we've received news from our spy.

Xiao Su's list of recommended military officers

for commendation is causing

a lot of controversy.

His Majesty replaced the generals before the Crown Prince's success

was to suppress the noble families.

But the Crown Prince's earlier successes

relied on the support of these noble families.

If they are not rewarded this time,

their previous efforts will be in vain.

How would they let it go easily?

Xiao Su is still on the front lines.

The noble families can't make a move.

Consort Rou is favored by His Majesty.

If they could act, they would have done so.

The noble families will look for an easier target.

However, His Majesty won't just stand by.

Inform Her Highness that she needs not worry.

Let His Majesty and the noble families fight it out.

If the noble families win,

they support the Crown Prince anyway,

so it won't matter.

If His Majesty wins,

some of the military officers on Xiao Su's list

are our people too.

We'll find another way for the rest.

Have the spy contact Qin Lin.

If he needs anything, just tell us.

In the court,

I'll have Tuoba Yan secretly assist the Qin Family.

However, this must remain a secret.

The relationship between the Princess,

the Crown Prince, and the Qin Family

must appear as strained as possible.

Yes, Young Master.

Your Highness.

Ms. Qin.

You just went through the consort selection process.

It's not appropriate to meet other women privately.

I invited you according to the customs of the martial world

to select a suitable sword

as a birthday gift for my friend in the army.

It's not a private meeting.

Just so you know,

swords made by Master Jiang

are unmatched and truly exceptional.

I waited a long time before he agreed.

Aren't you the Crown Prince?

How can I use my power to coerce someone for a gift?

This is the list of military merits that His Majesty approved today.

Please take a look.

Take it back to the palace.

I don't approve of it

nor will I take responsibility for it.

Grand Chancellor, aren't you afraid of angering His Majesty?

It's just an official hat.

I don't care if I lose it.

Ask His Majesty

if he also wants my head

for this list.

Mr. Shangguan,

do you think

the decree can't be issued

without you?

I wonder

how tall your friend is.

Just about your height.

Is he good at offense

or agility?

It seems the person is skilled in both.

Versatile indeed.

Wouldn't that make him the greatest martial artist?

Ms. Qin, which do you think you're good at?

Forgive my presumptuousness.

But you can be frank with me.

Is this sword

a gift for me?

I saw your natal chart when you had the incense-making contest,

so I know today is your birthday.

I prepared this hastily.

If it's not to your liking,

I'll spare no effort to obtain it if you say the word.

No,

I really like it.

It's just that

I grew up on the frontier.

My mother passed away early.

My father, my brothers, and I aren't the meticulous type.

We only know fighting and killing.

Have you never celebrated your birthday?

It's fine.

There's a first time for everything.

Birthday girl, pick a sword.

However,

I can't accept this for no reason.

If you don't choose one,

how will you defend

against Zhilan you gifted me in future battles?

Choose one, please.

All right.

Well…

This one.

This one?

Here you go.

Mr. Su,

His Majesty and the Central Secretariat have approved this list today.

Please take a look.

Sure.

Eunuch Fu,

you're not coming at a good time today.

You see.

The sun is already setting.

How about you come another day?

This way out, please.

Your Highness, you said one should receive gifts, eat longevity noodles,

and watch a play on his birthday.

Now, I've received the gift, watched the play, and had the noodles.

-Is there anything else? -There's one more thing.

Look.

Zhenzhen,

may you always be as carefree

and happy as you are now.

-Your Highness. -Ms. Qin.

I know you worry about the future,

but I want to say

that life is like a journey

and we are all travelers.

Let's live in the present

and not give up important things

for fear of future uncertainties.

Do you agree?

You don't have to answer right away.

Ms. Qin.

This sword hasn't been named yet.

If you've decided on a name,

write me a letter.

But the name I give might lack elegance.

Whatever you name it, it will always sound delightful.

I'll walk you home.

No need for that.

My grandfather said it's not peaceful in the capital lately,

so I'll stay at Qin's Mansion temporarily

instead of returning to Jiulu Mountain.

It may not be a good idea for you to come.

I see.

Farewell.

Ms. Qin.

Happy birthday.

I'll strive to become stronger

as my sister said

to protect you

and her.

Very well.

My decree unexpectedly can't even leave the palace.

Noble families are doomed without a doubt.

The Crown Prince's expedition

has cost the noble families a fortune.

Mr. Shangguan,

surely you're not thinking of dismissing us like this?

Mr. Su,

we have known each other for many years.

Don't you understand my character by now?

When Fu Lai came to me,

I naturally refused this list.

However, he later pressured Mr. Du

into approving it.

Today, I promise

to give the Su Family an explanation.

I'm not questioning you.

However, initially at the time of the selection of Crown Princess,

Consort Rou intervened repeatedly,

causing much trouble.

Now, under the guise of rewarding border soldiers,

they are suppressing noble families

and cultivating their own supporters.

The intent to replace us is clear.

I find it unsettling.

We must set an example

to deter others.

There's a member of the Qin Family here,

a prime target.

The Qin Family is from humble origins.

They have never drawn attention until now.

Mr. Chen.

QIN'S MANSION

What brings you here?

Mr. Qin,

by the order of Mr. Cui Shuyun, we are here for an investigation.

The Qin Family is involved in embezzling military funds

and collaborating with the enemy.

The evidence is clear.

Mr. Chen,

this is no joke.

Once we investigate, the truth will be clear, Mr. Qin.

If there's no wrongdoing, you can clear the name of your family.

Grandfather.

Since that's the case,

go and investigate.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, there's trouble!

The officials have surrounded the Qin Family.

What did you say?

They have surrounded the Qin Family.

This is bad.

Hurry and send some men with me.

Your Highness, if you go there,

it will expose

Qin Family's relationships with you

and the Crown Prince.

The noble families are targeting the Qin Family.

There's no time to worry about being exposed.

Where's Pei Wenxuan?

Notify him immediately.

Also,

hurry to the palace and inform Father.

-Yes, Your Highness. -Help me get changed.

Mr. Chen, we found a letter.

It's from the Yang Family to the Qin Family.

It says if the Qin Family feigns defeat,

they will promise a thousand taels of gold.

You must find those taels of gold.

Sir, we found them in the backyard.

The evidence is conclusive.

Take all the members of the Qin Family away!

Wait!

This must be a setup.

It's intolerable!

Arrest them!

Kill those who resist!

How can you handle the case this way?

Grandfather.

Arrest them all!

Get Zhenzhen out of here.

Zhenzhen, leave now.

-Grandfather. -Keep this safe.

Let's leave together.

No, go now.

-Hurry! -Grandfather.

-Grandfather! -Leave now!

-I'm not leaving. -Leave now!

-Is anyone there? -Help us!

Help!

-They're killing people! -Stop them.

Is anyone there?

-Help! -Help us!

Who are you?

Please save the Qin Family!

What's the situation with the Qin Family?

How did you get out?

They have killed so many people.

We took advantage of the chaos to escape.

Please save our young lady.

Qin Zhenzhen?

Where is she?

She escaped in that direction.

Please save her.

Yuan Feiyu, settle these ladies down

and have the area nearby searched.

Save anyone from the Qin Family.

You'll follow me to find Qin Zhenzhen.

Yes, Your Highness.

Keep them safe.

Follow me.

Outrageous.

How many lives do they have?

Do they think I'm dead?

Your Majesty, calm down.

Now is not the time to confront them.

Please issue orders immediately

to keep the Qin Family safe first.

The evidence currently held by the Ministry of Justice is solid.

Their actions are in line with our laws.

Your Majesty,

this so-called evidence without verification

may just be the Ministry of Justice's word alone.

As you know, the Qin Family's case

is about the noble families purging dissenters.

It's a warning to you for favoring the humble classes

and their way to take military exploits from the border soldiers.

I know this too.

Tell me

what other options there are now.

Your Majesty,

why don't you appoint someone to represent you

in supervising the Ministry of Justice's investigation

to ensure the noble families don't practice favoritism?

Then take advantage of the situation and make good use of them.

Your Majesty,

-I'm willing-- -Fu Lai.

Summon Su Rongqing

and tell him to handle this matter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Let's split up and search.

Who's there?

Put down your swords.

I'm here to save you.

Why should I believe you?

Do you remember what you said to me while making incense?

Go and find Pei Wenxuan.

Tell him I've saved her.

Yes, Your Highness.

Allow no one

to reveal anything about what happened today.

Yes, Your Highness.

Come out.

-Mother! -Your Highness, you can't go in.

Mother!

-Your Highness, you… -Come out!

Do you have something to do with what happened to the Qin Family?

Do you like that Ms. Qin--

Mother,

answer me first.

Yes…

and no.

What do you mean?

Originally, the Qin Family was nothing to be concerned about.

If you like her,

you can just marry her.

It's not worth my effort to do anything.

However, she took Consort Rou's side

to oppose the noble families.

It's not just me

who wants to get rid of the Qin Family.

Tell me where Qin Zhenzhen is

or I'll kill Qin Yun.

Grandfather.

Don't mind me.

-Kill him! -Stop.

Your Majesty has decreed

that although there's evidence for the Qin Family's case,

considering their contributions to the wars in the Northwest,

the trial should be postponed.

Unauthorized punishment is not allowed.

-We thank His Majesty for his grace. -His Majesty for his grace.

His Highness has ordered

that we only need to find Ms. Qin.

There should be no further complications.

-Yes. -Yes.

PRINCESS'S MANSION

Chuan.

Rong,

have you seen Qin Zhenzhen at Qin's Mansion?

No.

We're still looking for her.

If you have any news, please inform me immediately.

Just calm down first.

Come here.

Tell me about the situation in the palace.

Father intends to review this case,

but…

can you be the chief judge of this case?

Me?

I can't really intervene now.

If I do,

the noble families will retaliate.

I'm concerned

they might even try to depose me as the Crown Prince.

The worse thing is that Father doesn't trust me now.

Regarding the noble families,

I can't be too forceful.

Are you planning

to take action against those involved in this case?

But they are all Uncle Xu's people.

Are you sure about this?

Yes.

Unless they dull their edges,

rebellious swords

should be discarded.

Did Mother say anything to you?

Mother secretly investigated me

and found out about my friendship with Ms. Qin.

She's worried

that Qin Zhenzhen might pose a threat to Shangguan Ya's position,

so she passed the information to Uncle Xu.

Recently, the humble classes led by Consort Rou

have been too aggressive.

Uncle Xu took the Qin Family as a warning to the rest.

The noble families aiming a person from humble backgrounds

is no surprise at all,

but I didn't expect they would resort to such drastic measures.

They even accused them of treason.

This serious crime is a warning

from the Shangguan Family to Father

and a warning to you

since you refused to accept the Crown Princess.

Rong,

one can only have choices

when one becomes powerful.

Today, I want to ask you a question.

Do you want this power or not?

If you do,

I'll support you with all my strength.

How would you support me?

Now, the Qin Family's case is a perfect opportunity.

Father currently lacks someone,

who's in a high enough position

that can naturally suppress others

and whom the noble families dare not or be able to harm,

to help him clean up the court.

This is your best opportunity.

Rong,

find a suitable reason

to pledge loyalty to Father.

Use this opportunity to establish your own squad of guards

under the pretext of thoroughly investigating this case.

It will be directly under Father's command

rather than under the jurisdiction of the Three Departments.

It would act independently without any supervision by the court

with the power over life and death.

I have just discussed this with Mr. Pei.

It can be named the Inspectorate Office.

Inspectorate Office?

Yes.

If you establish this office,

I can stop the noble families from giving you a hard time.

They won't dare to harm you.

Rong,

you are the best candidate to investigate the Qin Family's case.

You can speak to Father now.

He will agree to it.

However, in the future,

everyone will want to get rid of the office.

This matter…

is too sudden.

Indeed,

it's very risky.

I have to return to prepare for tomorrow's morning audience.

Rong, get some rest.

I'll take my leave now.

Chuan.

Why are you suddenly asking me

to establish this office?

I understand Father.

I know what he wants.

I've been striving

to become the Crown Prince

Mother and you want me to become.

However,

I find I can't do it.

I can't protect anyone.

It used to be you.

Now, it's Ms. Qin.

They've pushed me this far.

I can't bear it.

Qin Lin went to the front line at my invitation.

Ms. Qin and I are also close friends.

I've failed the entire Qin Family.

I'll personally

take revenge.

You're back.

They did meet again.

Their feelings for each other are strong

and they fell for each other earlier than we thought.

Your Highness.

Why did you come out?

I'm willing to go through all obstacles for you.

I beg you

to establish the Inspectorate Office.

You heard what Chuan said?

You said you'd go through all obstacles.

What can you do for me?

If you're willing,

Qin Zhenzhen can disappear from this world.

Qin Zhenzhen.

I won't make such a decision

for you alone.

Your Highness, you saved my life.

You can ignore this favor,

but I can't.

I'm willing to be your and His Highness's sword.

Wherever you point,

that's where I'll unsheathe my sword.

Get up first.

I'll think

about this matter again.

You should go and get more rest.

Your Highness.

Ms. Qin,

don't worry.

His Highness and Her Highness

will definitely seek justice for the Qin Family.

What were you talking about?

I was comforting Ms. Qin on your behalf.

All right. Let's talk about the matter at hand.

Why did you mention the Inspectorate Office to Chuan?

This darned organization

caused him so much trouble later on.

His deposition back then

was due to many cases uncovered by the office.

Why did you bring it up?

It's precisely because I know this that I brought it up.

Instead of letting His Majesty establish it

and we accept it passively,

why not take the initiative?

I'm giving you a chance to choose.

Is this really giving me a choice?

If you already said that, do I still have a choice?

Of course you do.

You can give up power and not set up the office.

You can even ignore His Highness.

This way, you'll still be my wife

and Princess Pingyue.

I find you won't be at a disadvantage anywhere.

You're planning everything perfectly.

Your Highness, you're flattering me.

Speaking of which,

if we have power,

we can protect people like the Qin Family

who are devoted to their country and have clean hands.

We can also protect His Highness.

However,

the Inspectorate Office is directly commanded by His Majesty.

Once established, it will offend the Chancellors and the Six Ministries.

What happened to the Qin Family today

could happen to you in the future.

Your Highness,

you need to think carefully about this.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

What did you say

about me having nothing again?

I'm still your wife?

Did I say that?

You will know when the time comes.

The cost is too high.

I think it's better to know nothing about it.

Are you going to attend the court soon?

Go and get changed.

I…

I need to think it over.

Your Highness.

As your husband,

no one can do anything to you

unless they step over my dead body.

As your ally,

I'll stand in front of you

even if everyone wants to kill you.

So…

whether we are a couple or allies,

our fates have long been tied together.

Just choose a path you like.

Whether we are a couple or allies,

our fates have long been tied together.

Just choose a path you like.

Are Pei Wenxuan and I

just using each other?

A person

doesn't change easily.

You should know this.

Those thoughts and those words

only represent him in the past.

Certain times

are simply not recoverable.

That may be true,

but he was so sincere back then.

What if he really has fallen in love with me?

It's not about whether he has fallen for you.

What matters is

if you want to live through it again.

Besides,

have you truly let go of Su Rongqing?

You'd lived together for nearly 20 years.

I've thought about this too.

However, now,

I find Su Rongqing

a person I feel sorry for.

Now, I'm here.

I'm just glad

to see him safe.

I…

don't feel uncomfortable or troubled by him.

Regarding my relationship with Pei Wenxuan,

when memories from two lifetimes overlap each other…

I suddenly don't know

how I should see him.

As a person who's in the palace,

when entangled in emotions,

the only one who gets hurt

is you.

Not crossing the line

would be the best protection for yourself.

Right.

Without power,

how can you protect yourself

and those around you?

Keep those thoughts to yourself.

Just be his ally and fight side by side.

Right now,

your top priority is to gain a foothold in the court.

Don't give others any chance to find any weaknesses to use against you.

It's better for both of you.