[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shubai's novel, The Princess Royal]
[on Jinjiang Original Network]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 7]
Now that you have the chance to do it all over again,
would you still want Qin Zhenzhen to enter the palace?
You deliberately didn't let the Crown Prince come today
because you didn't want them to meet again, right?
That's good, Mr. Pei.
Make sure you seize this opportunity.
Can you stop making these kinds of jokes in the future?
I'm not joking.
Hopefully, as we wish,
Qin Lin will come out of seclusion early
and spare us from all those complications.
Excuse me, is anyone there?
You are...
I am Pei Wenxuan
and this is Princess Pingyue.
We are here under the order of the Crown Prince
to pay our respects to Young Master Qin.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Greetings, Young Master Pei.
But my young master has been in seclusion for a long time.
I wonder how the Crown Prince came to know about him.
The Young Master possesses the abilities of a war god.
Back in Pingqiu,
he led eight hundred light cavalry and defeated three thousand enemies,
displaying unmatched valor.
The Crown Prince is eager for talent
and has sent us to deliver a letter of invitation.
He will personally visit tomorrow
and hopes to meet Young Master Qin in person.
Did you write this?
Yes.
Given this handwriting,
I'll introduce you to my young master.
However, my young master has an eccentric temperament.
Even if the Crown Prince himself were to visit tomorrow,
he might still refuse to meet him.
It's no problem.
Talented people can afford to be a bit willful.
If someone possesses both talent and good looks,
then their willfulness is even more justified.
Your Highness truly has a great sense of humor.
It's getting late
and my humble abode is not suitable for accommodating guests.
Please, the two of you should return.
Goodbye.
Don't worry,
Qin Lin has always been this way.
He spent his childhood at the border until he was fifteen.
Only after his father died in battle,
did he leave the military camp
and return to Huajing,
retreating to Jiulu Mountain.
Back then, Chuan endured harsh conditions
and waited day and night
to finally persuade Qin Lin to come out.
I get it but...
And then there's Cui Qinghe who we just saw.
He is Qin Lin's close friend
and later became his military adviser.
Hopefully, he will speak well of us
based on my handwriting.
When Qin Lin left back then,
he said he wanted to be buried here.
I accompanied him up the mountain
and was utterly exhausted by the time we reached this point.
But now,
after all this walking,
I'm still feeling energetic.
Youth is truly wonderful.
Come back.
What is it?
Turn around.
Squat down.
Your Highness, your stamina is really lacking.
What are you doing?
Since your stamina is good, let's increase the difficulty.
Carry me down the mountain.
This isn't appropriate, Your Highness.
No one can see us here. Hurry up.
Besides, when have I ever cared about being appropriate?
Hurry.
Your Highness, you are totally bullying me.
You'd better walk faster.
It will be dark soon.
Your Highness,
have you been eating too much lately?
It's you whose stamina isn't up to par.
If Your Highness could be lighter,
my stamina would be sufficient.
You want me to be lighter?
Oh yes, you prefer a slimmer figure.
Were you a bit disappointed
that you didn't see Qin Zhenzhen just now?
Li Rong,
a woman like you
is truly awe-inspiring.
That's to be expected.
After all, there are very few
who are as outstanding as I am.
Young Master Pei, we've arrived.
On behalf of the Ministry of Justice,
I'm here to apprehend the suspect Pei Wenxuan.
Mr. Pei, please come with me.
I...
Mr. Li.
As the Bureau Director of the Inspectorate
in the Ministry of Justice,
I, Li Kui, greet Your Highness.
I wish Your Highness longevity and good health.
Spare the formalities.
May I ask the purpose
of this action, Mr. Li?
Your Highness,
This morning, a merchant reported to the Jingzhao Prefecture,
claiming that Mr. Pei murdered his master.
So I have been ordered
to ask Mr. Pei to assist with the investigation.
Mr. Li,
I can assure you
that I have never done anything illegal.
May I know who this merchant is?
Your Highness,
this person is a foreign merchant
named Tuoba Yan.
Is Tuoba Yan dead?
Your Highness, I am merely following orders.
I ask for Your Highness's understanding.
Your Highness,
I have never killed anyone. There is no need to worry.
I have heard
that the prisons of the Ministry of Justice
are very strict.
There won't be any cases of forced confessions, will there?
Rest assured, Your Highness.
Mr. Pei is an upright gentleman
and I trust him.
Besides, this is merely a procedural formality.
Mr. Pei will be fine.
Pei Wenxuan is now under my protection
and may continue to be in the future.
I will visit the prison daily to see him.
So, do you understand
what I'm trying to say here, Mr. Li?
I do.
Please rest assured, Your Highness.
The Ministry of Justice will arrange a suitable room for Mr. Pei.
Mr. Pei, please.
[Jiulu Mountain]
[Top secret]
Give it to the Crown Prince.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness,
currently, Xiao Su
has firmly established himself in the Northwest.
Your Highness.
- You may all leave now. - You may all leave now.
- Yes, Your Highness. - Yes, Your Highness.
Get my carriage ready.
Tomorrow, I will go to the Huguo Temple to pray for my mother's well-being.
A simple carriage and a few servants will suffice.
Yes, Your Highness.
[The Ministry of Justice]
This is his cell, Your Highness.
You may leave now.
Yes, Your Highness.
What are you looking at?
After spending a night in the cell,
you seem surprisingly energetic Quite content, aren't you?
You bet I am.
While the accommodations outside
may offer luxurious beds and soft bedding,
the chaotic lifestyle makes it hard to have peace of mind.
Here, it's calm and quiet,
providing a chance for a good night's rest.
Then you should take the opportunity to stay here for a few more days.
I will come over in a few days as well.
Why are you coming here?
Have you become dumb after starting life anew?
After falsely accusing you of killing Tuoba Yan,
the Yang Family will surely have a follow-up.
We'll need to put on a show in court
to keep things in check.
When the time comes, I might end up in prison as well.
And we can accompany each other.
Once Chuan takes charge at the front lines
and assists Concubine Rou's brother Xiao Su
in stabilizing the borders,
we will be released.
You stay here for now
and find ways to settle in comfortably.
Share your experiences later.
I'm heading out.
Unfortunately,
my young master is not in a good mood today
and prefers not to see visitors.
Your Highness, please understand.
I'll wait until Young Master Qin's mood improves.
You wouldn't mind me waiting here,
right, Mr. Cui?
Your Highness, do you know how long you will be waiting here?
These foods should last me for a few days.
Please convey to Young Master Qin
that Jiulu Mountain is far from the hustle and bustle,
it's tranquil and beautiful,
perfect for nurturing the mind and improving one's mood.
I'm not in a hurry.
Your Highness, please feel free to do as you wish.
No wonder Rong kept reminding me
to be patient.
[Ministry of War]
Your Highness.
Please have some tea.
You arranged for me to inspect the accounts at the Ministry of War.
I appreciate it, Mr. Su.
This
is what I should do.
That day,
at Tuoba Yan's residence,
you happened to save me.
I'm wondering why the coincidence.
Your Highness,
there are no coincidences in this world.
There is only intention.
The one who tried to kill you
is Su Rongqing.
Being born into the royal family,
deceit is unavoidable.
However, you are a gentleman
as pure as the moonlight.
There's no need for you to get involved in such matters.
I'll get cracking now. Feel free to do whatever you want.
I'll take my leave.
♪Only if today were like the past with serene sunset♪
♪Spring flowers fall like snow♪
♪Who will notice the longing?♪
♪Love and hate are intertwined♪
♪Life and death are like mirages♪
♪I look into your eyes when thinking of where I belong in this life♪
♪Few lifetimes of encounters and reunions♪
♪Will your love be rekindled when you turn around?♪
♪Will we have a chance if I let go of all my fears?♪
♪You are the final sanctuary of my soul♪
♪I hold love in empty hands♪
♪In the rush of the wild wind♪
♪Even if it's rare in the world♪
♪My affection for you is yet to be expressed♪
♪I hold love, letting fate♪
♪Push me once again♪
♪Toward a dream with you in it♪
♪I fear I might let you down♪
♪I hold love♪
♪So what even if I miss it again?♪
♪For the deepest yearning♪
♪I endure the pain when brushing past you♪
♪I hold love with an oath♪
♪That's the only way to cross the years without you♪
♪In this world, I can't help but long for you♪
♪Yet I can only admire you from a distance♪
Shut up.
Come with us if you want to live.
Miss Jinglan,
has Her Highness not returned yet?
Not yet. I am planning to go and fetch Her Highness.
Quickly go and inform Her Highness
that there's news about Tuoba Yan.
It hurts. Who are you people?
Stop it.
Help him up.
I told you to rescue him,
not to hurt him.
Please forgive us, Your Highness.
Long time no see, Sixth Master.
I...
I thought you had left Huajing,
but it turns out you're still wandering nearby.
Who are you exactly?
I'm sure
you have already guessed who I am.
Now I just want to ask you for a favor.
I want to overthrow the powerful and wealthy families,
but just relying on account books is not enough.
Sixth Master,
could you be a witness for me?
Your Highness, since you were able to find me,
you should know that in our line of work,
one's life can be forfeited,
but the rules must never be broken.
You're afraid that if you betray the Yang Family,
other families will definitely join forces to kill you,
right?
But you should know
that one must be alive first
to have a chance of being killed.
And now,
I'm in your hands, isn't it the same?
I just saved you, didn't I?
Is that how you save someone?
That's how you save a person?
So, if I don't agree with you,
do I have to die
in this courtyard today,
Your Highness?
Sixth Master, you jest.
Why would I kill you?
I heard
that your wife is working as an embroidery lady
in the Qingshui Town of Luzhou.
Your son has also reached the age to begin learning.
I heard you arranged an identity for him,
planning for him to enter Fengshan Academy next year.
Isn't that right?
People shouldn't be too fixated on certain things.
Don't you think so?
You're not in a good mood,
and neither am I.
Who's there?
Where did you pop up from?
[Qin Zhenzhen] I thought you were a wild animal.
[Eldest daughter of the Qin Family]
You playboy, how dare you hold me like that!
I saved you.
How can you treat me like that?
It's clear you're a bookworm at first glance.
Why would I need you to save me?
Take this!
Miss,
why did you shoot an arrow at me just now?
If I really wanted to harm you,
why would I only aim at the place near you?
If you can scare away my prey,
why can't I scare you a little?
I'm sorry.
But I didn't mean to...
No need to explain.
Your Majesty.
Has Concubine Ning started causing trouble again?
It's not Her Highness causing trouble,
it's the border.
General Xiao has taken over the Yang Family's military power,
but his subordinates are not cooperating.
The enemy has been making threats for three days straight,
but the defending troops remains steadfast in avoiding battle.
General Xiao dares not execute any more soldiers.
They are threatening me!
Your Majesty, don't be angry and risk harming your health.
The Yang Family's arrogance
and collusion with the enemy are outrageous.
They should have been executed as a warning to others,
but given
the current dire situation...
I can offer some solace for the moment.
Send word to Xiao Su
to guard the border at all costs.
I'll send reinforcements promptly.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Also,
go notify Pingyue
to endure it for the time being.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Brother,
today, His Majesty decreed
to have Pingyue detained in the Ministry of Justice
pending trial.
From my understanding of both of them,
Pingyue might indeed have obtained
evidence of the Yang Family embezzling military funds.
Even so,
the Shangguan Family cannot take the lead
in opposing the Noble Houses.
Do we really have to stand by and watch as these pieces of evidence
end up in His Majesty's hands,
rather than benefiting the Crown Prince?
I'm afraid the two siblings
are not aligned with us.
So you are the Crown Prince?
Yes.
Your intentions are good,
but you are a bit reckless.
Miss, your criticism is valid.
I was blind to your true abilities
and underestimated you.
That was my first mistake.
Then, I rashly held a lady,
tainting her reputation.
That was my second mistake.
If that's the case,
then there's a third mistake.
You've been here for three days in a row,
disturbing my peace.
That's your third mistake.
Miss, you are...
I'm the sister of the person you want to see.
I'm Qin Zhenzhen.
I'm wondering though, Your Highness, on what basis do you believe
my brother will help you?
So you are Miss Qin.
I have heard that your father, General Qin, was skilled in warfare
but weary of it.
Sadly, he fell in battle a few years ago,
leaving his ambitions unfulfilled.
My desire is also to find
a capable general
to help end the war and conflicts
and bring peace to the land.
These nuts are a token of my sincerity.
I hope you will accept them.
Thank you then.
Did you all hear what the Crown Prince said outside?
He's actually quite kind,
thinking of saving me
even though I don't need his help.
You are kind and innocent,
have you considered that he may have ulterior motives?
But at that time, he didn't even know who I was.
Lin, shouldn't you be very happy?
There's someone who fully understands your aspirations
and has both the ability and sincerity
to help you achieve them.
Mr. Li,
can I choose my cell?
Of course, Your Highness.
Which room caught your eye?
I'll take the cell next to Mr. Pei's.
It's comforting
to have a familiar presence nearby.
Your Highness is right.
Please come this way, Your Highness.
Your Highness,
Her Highness and Mr. Pei have been framed
and imprisoned one after another.
She must have her own arrangements regarding this matter.
Right now, the priority is to get General Qin's help
as soon as possible.
Who's this wild creature
that's following me so closely?
Feng Ming.
Your Highness.
Miss Qin,
would you be interested in another sparring match?
If I win,
could you help me persuade your brother a bit more?
What if you lose?
Then persuade him a bit less.
If you lose,
I'll advise him not to go.
How about that?
I won't go easy on you.
Feng Ming, step back.
Show me what you're made of.
Miss Qin,
the outcome between us is no longer important.
I trust that with your brother's aspirations
to save the world,
even without persuasion,
he will go.
I've only been here for a short while
and Your Highness has already come to join me.
You must have been eager to see me, huh?
It seems that you haven't learned much else in jail,
apart from getting more glib-tongued.
Not really.
Your Highness mentioned before
that you would visit me daily,
but I
haven't even seen you at all these past few days.
I've been thinking day and night, unable to sleep peacefully.
My heart is filled with countless thoughts and emotions.
If I have offended Your Highness in any way,
please forgive me.
I'll take my leave now.
Your Highness, if there is anything you need,
just let me know.
Thank you, Mr. Li.
Have you sorted out everything?
One of the two matters is sorted.
I'll tell you about it later.
How did you mess this up?
How come Tuoba Yan isn't dead?
The butler Wang Shun said
that Tuoba Yan was stabbed to death on the spot,
but it turned out to be a decoy.
It's all because of my negligence,
which has caused trouble for Your Highness.
I'm willing to accept your punishment, Your Highness.
What's the use of killing you?
Regardless,
you must find Tuoba Yan for me.
Otherwise,
your entire family
will meet their end with me.
That looks good.
Come and see me every day from morning
to noon and evening afterwards.
Yes, Your Highness.
You can go now.
Which matter have you sorted out?
You don't have to write it down. No one else is here.
I got the evidence.
What about Qin Lin? Is he on board with us now?
Do you think it's that easy to get Qin Lin on board?
I'm worried you might take it the wrong way,
but I have a solution.
What solution?
After all, he's Zhen's...
What Zhen?
He's Miss Qin's brother after all,
so he might do me a favor.
You were rejected for marriage.
Why would he do you a favor?
When was I rejected for marriage?
She simply had no choice.
Pei Wenxuan,
I've noticed something about you.
Your other abilities are average,
but your ability to deceive yourself is remarkable.
Previously, her love towards Chuan was so obvious.
And it was never about you.
Your logic is flawed.
She wasn't even acquainted with Li Chuan
when she called off the engagement.
It must have been pressure from her family.
You think the key point
is when she started having feelings for Li Chuan?
The key point is she might not have liked you at all.
From what I see,
calling off the engagement was entirely voluntary
and her own decision.
What's with the strong reaction today?
I thought we
had finished discussing this.
What? Did you resort to coercion
when interrogating the person?
Is it Tuoba Yan?
I knew it.
You tend to lose your composure when there's blood around.
I'll take care of these matters in the future.
No need, it's none of your concern.
Why wouldn't it concern me?
We are supposed to live together.
If you go out to interrogate people and come back in a bad mood,
then you will take it out on me.
Ultimately, isn't it me who will suffer from this?
I beg of you, please,
spare me the torture.
In the future, let me handle such matters for you.
Okay?
Alright, I agree.
I've got something for you.
[To Your Royal Highness]
[The peony's beauty is unmatched.]
[It's a spectacle that captivates the capital when it blooms.]
You actually had the time to write poems and paint, huh?
[Aged peony]
I'm just joking.
As they say, old wine gets better with time.
You're like a fine wine, getting better with age.
Peony is a symbol of your beauty.
So, "aged peony" is actually a compliment.
It's not meant to insult you.
Why would I insult you?
I'm not that kind of person.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince is here.
Rong.
Chuan.
Rong,
are you doing okay here?
I'm doing great, don't worry.
Everything is going as I expected.
So, how about it?
Were you able to persuade Qin Lin?
Not yet,
but soon.
Soon?
I persuaded her.
It's pretty much a sure thing now.
Long time no see, Pei.
Long time no see.
It's been about four years, hasn't it?
Indeed.
Oh, Rong,
Uncle asked me to check with you
if you could hand these pieces of evidence
over to the Shangguan Family.
What do you think?
Definitely not.
We can't be tied to the Shangguan Family any longer.
I'm glad you understand.
Why is she here?
Do you
know her?
This is someone I met outside Qin Lin's house.
It was a chance encounter.
She said she could help me persuade Qin Lin,
but the condition is that she wants to meet Pei Wenxuan.
I heard you were imprisoned
and I was truly worried.
That's why I came here without notice.
Now that I know you're safe,
I feel relieved.
No need to worry.
I can handle everything here.
Are these two in a relationship,
Rong?
Just listen to what they have to say.
Also,
regarding the cancellation of the engagement...
Cancellation of the engagement?
Pei's engagement with this girl got...
I apologize for not being able to explain in person.
I hope you can forgive me.
It's alright.
This matter has nothing to do with you in the first place,
so there's no blame on you.
Please don't worry about it anymore.
You misunderstood.
The decision to cancel the engagement was my own choice.
There are no feelings between us,
yet we were forced to be together by our parents,
pretending to be a couple
and committing to a lifetime together.
What's the point of that?
I've heard
that you are an open-minded person,
so I believe you can understand.
I originally wanted to explain this to you in person,
but the elders kept preventing me from doing so.
I was at a loss as well.
I... I can totally understand.
I mean it.
That's great then.
I was worried you might think we ditched you
because of Uncle Pei's passing.
I've pushed them many times,
but it kept getting delayed,
so it's been weighing me down this whole time.
However, now that everything's clear,
I feel relieved.
Your Highness,
may I ask why you're laughing?
I'm laughing
at someone who read too much into things.
You two can continue. No need to mind me.
Actually, this matter isn't a big deal.
I know you and your brother well.
So no need to worry anymore.
It's not good to stay here for long.
You and the His Highness should leave first.
Tell your brother
that His Highness is very...
My brother is aware of this.
Don't worry.
He will go.
It's just that we have to wait a few more days.
Wait a moment.
You said your brother would go,
but then you mentioned helping me persuade him.
Did you lie to me?
He only decided to go because I persuaded him.
How is that a lie?
You...
Chuan, mind your manners.
Miss Qin,
if the Crown Prince is forced to be sent to the front lines,
can your brother ensure he will go?
Your Highness, rest assured.
My brother is just testing
His Highness's character by being difficult.
He had no intention to refuse.
I understand.
Pei, I will take my leave.
Chuan,
during the assembly tomorrow morning,
Father may appoint you to oversee military affairs
in the Northwest.
You mustn't agree directly.
Keep rejecting the offer.
After Qin Lin goes with you to the front lines,
you mustn't let anyone know he's associated with you.
Arrange for him to stay in the military camp secretly.
After planning for so long,
we can't let others benefit from our efforts.
Rong, don't worry. I'll handle it properly.
I'll go get prepared now.
Go ahead.
Chuan,
don't personally escort Miss Qin later.
Send someone else to do it.
You have more important matters to attend to.
Rong, why do you always treat me like a child?
You...
I know. I'm off.
Are you worried
that Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen will get together again?
Are you not worried?
They have indeed met earlier than expected
and it's uncertain what might happen next.
Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen
met a year later in the past.
When Her Majesty was selecting consorts for the Crown Prince,
Shangguan Ya was the primary consort
and Qin Zhenzhen was a secondary consort.
The other three
were selected from different families.
Yes.
Initially, Chuan was unwilling,
but after being scolded many times,
it was under my persuasion
that he agreed to the marriage.
However, it was from that time onward
that Chuan became less like a youth.
He became more reserved, calm,
and dignified in his demeanor when handling things.
It was only because Qin Lin had military power
that Mother placed Qin Zhenzhen in the Eastern Palace.
However, she came from a humble background,
so initially, she wasn't favored by the Crown Prince.
Additionally,
her stubborn nature
led her to face bullying in the Eastern Palace.
I heard that her servants withheld her winter coal allowance
and embezzled her monthly stipend,
but she never complained.
It wasn't until later,
when two concubines in the Eastern Palace
began to frame each other...
Your Highness,
the physicians have been warned
and are afraid to treat you.
Your health is so fragile,
why did you still jump into the lake to save someone?
Ling, don't worry.
I'm fine.
After that, her maid Ling came to see me.
Mr. Pei.
Please save my miss.
Get up first.
What happened to Zhen?
It's just some trivial jealousy and rivalry among the concubines.
No need for you to be involved...
How can you say it's just some trivial jealousy?
She nearly died.
Your Highness,
as a husband, even if you don't love her,
you should at least not treat her harshly.
Moreover,
Qin Lin is still risking his life on the front lines for you.
And please don't forget
that she nearly lost her life
to save your Crown Princess.
Alright.
I will go.
Pei Wenxuan,
it was you
who personally presented your beloved
to Chuan.
♪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 long 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♪
♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪
♪In her gaze, the unwavering faith remains♪